Submarine: Movie Review
Submarine
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Craig Roberts, Paddy Considine, Noah
Taylor, Gemma Chan, Yasmin Paige
Director: Richard Ayoade
Richard Ayoade aka Moss from The IT Crowd has a stunning directorial debut in
this coming of age tale set in Wales.
Craig Roberts is duffel-coated 15 year old Oliver Tate, a teen who's in love
with a schoolmate and whose obsession with the state of his parents' marriage
may end up sending him to an early grave.
Tate is an awkward kid -he reckons he's the bees' knees and is in denial with
the reality that he's uncool and socially backward. However, that doesn't stop
him from beginning a relationship with Yasmin Paige's Jordana.
Sally Hawkins is the mum, Noah Taylor the depressed dad and Paddy Considine,
a mulleted mystic and ex-flame who could cause the rift between Tate's parents
to grow.
Tate decides to try and get the family to rekindle their relationship and
love - with sometimes depressingly humorous consequences.
Moments of laugh out loud dry humour are interlaced with stylish and
stylistic film making, freeze frames and jump cuts as Ayoade shows he's a
serious talent to be reckoned with.
Deft,delightful and deliciously dark at times, this is a sensational debut
and one which showcases the very best of the international talent.
Submarine is a joy and a delight which cries for you to love it - perhaps a
little too hard at times, but it's difficult to resist its many charms.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
When A City Falls: Movie Review
When A City Falls: Movie Review
When A City Falls
Rating: 8/10
Cast: The people of Canterbury
Director: Gerard Smyth
Sometimes, a film makes itself.
So it is with When A City Falls, the documentary film about the series of earthquakes which rocked Canterbury this year and last, and changed our worlds as New Zealanders forever.
Christchurch resident Gerard Smyth really didn't have to do much when they hit - he simply picked up his camera and let the documentary make itself.
Basically made over an 12 month period and beginning with blue skies and daffodils on the Canterbury plains, Smyth follows the events which unfold in the Garden city and nearby. As Smyth's own voiceover at the start of the film intones: "This is a film I could never have planned to make".
But what emerges is a grippingly, emotional piece on the human condition and how we as human beings respond in times of tragedy and personal loss.
Also, what comes out is a deeply humbling study of what makes us Kiwis and showcases the very best of human nature.
Smyth's strength in this film is the people around him. He's smart enough to realise that this story is powerful enough to not need voiceover and limits it to simply asking questions.
These are images from the quake which have haunted (and continue to do so) many; but When A City Falls also benefits greatly from this approach by letting the people involved tell the story rather than a pompous voiceover. That works wonders by giving it a more original feel and an immediately identifiable stranglehold on your emotions
Plus when the footage of that fateful day on 22nd February is shown, the powerful ferocity of what unfolds is even more affecting because the screen simply shows what happened.
Countless faces are caught in crowds, moments framed by time and the film-makers; and the people Smyth uses are nameless but their stories are universal and instantly recognisable as well as heartbreaking, humbling and inspiring.
That's the thing with When A City Falls - there are a million stories to tell and a million voices to be heard with an event such as this. And it would've been easy to let it descend into doom and gloom.
But what's been done here ends up being uplifting in spirit and unique as we follow everyday people trying to live their lives and cope with what nature dealt to them thanks to help from strangers, their communities and from further afield. The fact Smyth's had unfettered access to what was going on means a lot of the footage is new to many of us but horribly recognisable in many ways.
Also, Smyth and his team choose to tackle some of the problems from the quake; be it the arguments over heritage buildings' destruction, people's shops torn down by accident and even heads to New Orleans and San Francisco to proffer up some help for the region.
When A City Falls won't be an easy watch for those involved in this - but I'd suggest it offers a little piece of healing up as it demonstrates quiet dignity and moments of resilience and pure humanity that will shine through.
Truly inspirational and utterly important, this doco demands to be seen and will ultimately stand as a testament to Cantabrians and this nation as a whole.
When A City Falls
Rating: 8/10
Cast: The people of Canterbury
Director: Gerard Smyth
Sometimes, a film makes itself.
So it is with When A City Falls, the documentary film about the series of earthquakes which rocked Canterbury this year and last, and changed our worlds as New Zealanders forever.
Christchurch resident Gerard Smyth really didn't have to do much when they hit - he simply picked up his camera and let the documentary make itself.
Basically made over an 12 month period and beginning with blue skies and daffodils on the Canterbury plains, Smyth follows the events which unfold in the Garden city and nearby. As Smyth's own voiceover at the start of the film intones: "This is a film I could never have planned to make".
But what emerges is a grippingly, emotional piece on the human condition and how we as human beings respond in times of tragedy and personal loss.
Also, what comes out is a deeply humbling study of what makes us Kiwis and showcases the very best of human nature.
Smyth's strength in this film is the people around him. He's smart enough to realise that this story is powerful enough to not need voiceover and limits it to simply asking questions.
These are images from the quake which have haunted (and continue to do so) many; but When A City Falls also benefits greatly from this approach by letting the people involved tell the story rather than a pompous voiceover. That works wonders by giving it a more original feel and an immediately identifiable stranglehold on your emotions
Plus when the footage of that fateful day on 22nd February is shown, the powerful ferocity of what unfolds is even more affecting because the screen simply shows what happened.
Countless faces are caught in crowds, moments framed by time and the film-makers; and the people Smyth uses are nameless but their stories are universal and instantly recognisable as well as heartbreaking, humbling and inspiring.
That's the thing with When A City Falls - there are a million stories to tell and a million voices to be heard with an event such as this. And it would've been easy to let it descend into doom and gloom.
But what's been done here ends up being uplifting in spirit and unique as we follow everyday people trying to live their lives and cope with what nature dealt to them thanks to help from strangers, their communities and from further afield. The fact Smyth's had unfettered access to what was going on means a lot of the footage is new to many of us but horribly recognisable in many ways.
Also, Smyth and his team choose to tackle some of the problems from the quake; be it the arguments over heritage buildings' destruction, people's shops torn down by accident and even heads to New Orleans and San Francisco to proffer up some help for the region.
When A City Falls won't be an easy watch for those involved in this - but I'd suggest it offers a little piece of healing up as it demonstrates quiet dignity and moments of resilience and pure humanity that will shine through.
Truly inspirational and utterly important, this doco demands to be seen and will ultimately stand as a testament to Cantabrians and this nation as a whole.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Game Review: Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Game Review: Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Released by THQ
Platform: PS3
Fighting games are pretty common these days with the likes of Street Fighter pretty much KOing the competition.
So the latest contender, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 emerges onto the scene and you'd think there was very little else to add to the genre. And to be fair, you'd have a point.
But this smack 'em up is a good solid entertaining fare with players being given the chance to play as the likes of She Hulk, Captain America et al from the Marvel universe as they take on each other in a fight to the death.
However, this time rather than being just one player against a horde of many, there's a chance to pick three fighters to form part of a tag team against three opponents. Sure the usual fights are there and the chance to punch all kinds of buttons to achieve all kinds of combos, but being part of the tag team means you're usually given a better chance to defeat the opposition. Add into that mix, aerial combos, moves you can bust out under an X factor move (a more powerful and longer burst of fighting goodness) and there's enough to keep you, your friends and the online community amused.
While graphically, the game is as good as ever, it's nice to see the comics of Marvel embraced in a very cool way into the gameplay. Characters come to life, cartoon style words are employed on screen and the whole thing starts with a comic flick book - it's a nice nod to the genre it's taking from and gives the game a feel of authenticity rather than a super quick cheap cash in.
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 won't redefine the wheel in many ways; however, what it will do is entertain you and keep you amused in equal measure - and wanting to kick your friends' asses in new and exciting ways.
Rating: 7/10
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Released by THQ
Platform: PS3
Fighting games are pretty common these days with the likes of Street Fighter pretty much KOing the competition.
So the latest contender, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 emerges onto the scene and you'd think there was very little else to add to the genre. And to be fair, you'd have a point.
But this smack 'em up is a good solid entertaining fare with players being given the chance to play as the likes of She Hulk, Captain America et al from the Marvel universe as they take on each other in a fight to the death.
However, this time rather than being just one player against a horde of many, there's a chance to pick three fighters to form part of a tag team against three opponents. Sure the usual fights are there and the chance to punch all kinds of buttons to achieve all kinds of combos, but being part of the tag team means you're usually given a better chance to defeat the opposition. Add into that mix, aerial combos, moves you can bust out under an X factor move (a more powerful and longer burst of fighting goodness) and there's enough to keep you, your friends and the online community amused.
While graphically, the game is as good as ever, it's nice to see the comics of Marvel embraced in a very cool way into the gameplay. Characters come to life, cartoon style words are employed on screen and the whole thing starts with a comic flick book - it's a nice nod to the genre it's taking from and gives the game a feel of authenticity rather than a super quick cheap cash in.
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 won't redefine the wheel in many ways; however, what it will do is entertain you and keep you amused in equal measure - and wanting to kick your friends' asses in new and exciting ways.
Rating: 7/10
Monday, 21 November 2011
Game Review - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Game Review - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Released by Sony Entertainment
Platform: PS3
It's been a strong end to the year on the gaming front, with the likes of Batman Arkham City redefining the third person adventure genre.
And now, into the fray comes Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception.
The latest from Naughty Dog is simply a cinematic wonder and a game to engross yourself in.
There's plenty of storyline here and to be honest, to reveal too much of it would really take some of the surprises away from you. It begins with Nathan Drake being caught in a bar brawl in England and it doesn't let up from there, taking in planes, deserts, and many more worldwide locations.
Throw in flashbacks and other bits and bobs, and there's plenty to absorb yourself in here.
But the thing is with Uncharted 3 is just how good it looks; every cut scene's been lovingly put together, with plenty of detail and plot worthy of a good cinema script. Add in some amazingly good graphic work and you can begin to see why this is such a visually impressive experience.
Gameplay wise, it's just as good - granted, there are a few frustrations as some missions give way to trying to work out exactly what you're doing, making it just that bit trickier to ascertain what's expected of you. But the challenge is certainly an enduring one and one which raises the bar for the Uncharted franchise. Regardless of whether you play a one person game or take the multiplayer option, there's certainly a lot to keep you entertained and challenged for hours.
I can't wait to see what they do next with this blend of Indiana Jones and console gaming - it's one hell of an experience, one hell of a game and one hell of a contender for game of the year.
Rating: 9/10
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Released by Sony Entertainment
Platform: PS3
It's been a strong end to the year on the gaming front, with the likes of Batman Arkham City redefining the third person adventure genre.
And now, into the fray comes Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception.
The latest from Naughty Dog is simply a cinematic wonder and a game to engross yourself in.
There's plenty of storyline here and to be honest, to reveal too much of it would really take some of the surprises away from you. It begins with Nathan Drake being caught in a bar brawl in England and it doesn't let up from there, taking in planes, deserts, and many more worldwide locations.
Throw in flashbacks and other bits and bobs, and there's plenty to absorb yourself in here.
But the thing is with Uncharted 3 is just how good it looks; every cut scene's been lovingly put together, with plenty of detail and plot worthy of a good cinema script. Add in some amazingly good graphic work and you can begin to see why this is such a visually impressive experience.
Gameplay wise, it's just as good - granted, there are a few frustrations as some missions give way to trying to work out exactly what you're doing, making it just that bit trickier to ascertain what's expected of you. But the challenge is certainly an enduring one and one which raises the bar for the Uncharted franchise. Regardless of whether you play a one person game or take the multiplayer option, there's certainly a lot to keep you entertained and challenged for hours.
I can't wait to see what they do next with this blend of Indiana Jones and console gaming - it's one hell of an experience, one hell of a game and one hell of a contender for game of the year.
Rating: 9/10
Game Review: Rayman Origins
Game Review: Rayman Origins
Rayman Origins
Released by Ubisoft
Platform: PS3
I've never encountered Rayman before - even though he appeared on the scene back in 1995.
However, if this latest platformer is anything to go by, I'll certainly be seeking out some of his former outings.
The side scrolling game, which can accommodate four players in total, sees Rayman having to fight off enemies in levels, gather up "Electoons" (a kind of emoticon but I'm guessing they couldn't use that exact name), Lums (a kind of firefly creature with a sunshiney glow) and free the Nymphs of the world after an Underworld granny is disturbed and unleashes her minions upon them.
And that description will tell you everything you need to know about Rayman - if you'd not met him before.
The cartoonish graphics are perhaps best described as demented and reminiscent in some ways of Ren and Stimpy; however, Rayman Origins is very, very playable and ever so slightly addictive in its madness. Whether it's bounding around collecting lums, blasting grannies or climbing on mosquitos and shooting through the skies, there's a collective lunacy to this French based game which is highly endearing and utterly addictive.
Each level has several aims within - you have to either collect a certain number of Lums, achieve a time goal or get through unscathed. It means each level rewards multi plays and if you're just short of a target number, you'll bound right back into it straight away.
Rayman Origins is at heart, a really good fun platformer - with the multi player options, different animation and ease of play, it's great fun right from the get go for gamers of any age - and for those who've never been part of the franchise, it's a great leaping in point.
Rating: 8/10
Rayman Origins
Released by Ubisoft
Platform: PS3
I've never encountered Rayman before - even though he appeared on the scene back in 1995.
However, if this latest platformer is anything to go by, I'll certainly be seeking out some of his former outings.
The side scrolling game, which can accommodate four players in total, sees Rayman having to fight off enemies in levels, gather up "Electoons" (a kind of emoticon but I'm guessing they couldn't use that exact name), Lums (a kind of firefly creature with a sunshiney glow) and free the Nymphs of the world after an Underworld granny is disturbed and unleashes her minions upon them.
And that description will tell you everything you need to know about Rayman - if you'd not met him before.
The cartoonish graphics are perhaps best described as demented and reminiscent in some ways of Ren and Stimpy; however, Rayman Origins is very, very playable and ever so slightly addictive in its madness. Whether it's bounding around collecting lums, blasting grannies or climbing on mosquitos and shooting through the skies, there's a collective lunacy to this French based game which is highly endearing and utterly addictive.
Each level has several aims within - you have to either collect a certain number of Lums, achieve a time goal or get through unscathed. It means each level rewards multi plays and if you're just short of a target number, you'll bound right back into it straight away.
Rayman Origins is at heart, a really good fun platformer - with the multi player options, different animation and ease of play, it's great fun right from the get go for gamers of any age - and for those who've never been part of the franchise, it's a great leaping in point.
Rating: 8/10
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Cars 2: Blu Ray Review
Cars 2: Blu Ray Review
Cars 2
Rating: PG
Released by Sony Home Ent and Disney
So, Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and his pal Mater (Larry The Cable Guy) return in this sequel to the 2006 smash about animated cars.
This time round, there's more racing mixed in with a heavy side of industrial espionage.
When McQueen's goaded into taking part in the World Grand Prix by the flashy racing car Francesco (John Turturro), he pulls together a team to help him win the day. On that team is hillbilly tow truck and long term friend Mater. But through a series of mix ups, Mater finds himself involved in Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and his quest to break an industrial spy ring
And that causes rifts between the two friends - can the rocky road to winning bring them back together in this global adventure?
There's nothing wrong with this sequel - it's bright, it's flashy and its animation is once again top notch (particularly the absolutely incredible global backgrounds which are brought to life)- and it's great entertainment for the young (and admittedly the young at heart.)
But I felt a little let down at the end of it - the adventures of Mater take top billing and sideline McQueen to the pitstop and I think in some ways, that's where it lacks a little heart and warmth as you'd come to expect from a Pixar flick. The film's very much a derring do tale of spies and espionage but it suffers a little from a lack of comedy as it treads the usual "embarassed by my buddy abroad" and "Culture clash" ground. There are laughs and some smart visual gags here and there, but I think this one's more aimed at the younger end (and the kids at the screening loved it) than the whole gamut as other Pixar films are wont to do.
Extras: Commentary, brilliant Toy Story short and little else
Rating: 6/10
Cars 2
Rating: PG
Released by Sony Home Ent and Disney
So, Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and his pal Mater (Larry The Cable Guy) return in this sequel to the 2006 smash about animated cars.
This time round, there's more racing mixed in with a heavy side of industrial espionage.
When McQueen's goaded into taking part in the World Grand Prix by the flashy racing car Francesco (John Turturro), he pulls together a team to help him win the day. On that team is hillbilly tow truck and long term friend Mater. But through a series of mix ups, Mater finds himself involved in Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and his quest to break an industrial spy ring
And that causes rifts between the two friends - can the rocky road to winning bring them back together in this global adventure?
There's nothing wrong with this sequel - it's bright, it's flashy and its animation is once again top notch (particularly the absolutely incredible global backgrounds which are brought to life)- and it's great entertainment for the young (and admittedly the young at heart.)
But I felt a little let down at the end of it - the adventures of Mater take top billing and sideline McQueen to the pitstop and I think in some ways, that's where it lacks a little heart and warmth as you'd come to expect from a Pixar flick. The film's very much a derring do tale of spies and espionage but it suffers a little from a lack of comedy as it treads the usual "embarassed by my buddy abroad" and "Culture clash" ground. There are laughs and some smart visual gags here and there, but I think this one's more aimed at the younger end (and the kids at the screening loved it) than the whole gamut as other Pixar films are wont to do.
Extras: Commentary, brilliant Toy Story short and little else
Rating: 6/10
Saturday, 19 November 2011
My Afternoons with Margueritte: DVD Review
My Afternoons with Margueritte: DVD Review
My Afternoons with Margueritte
Released by Warner Home Video
Gerard Depardieu stars in this gently Gallic rustic piece about friendship.
He plays Germain Chazes a man who starts the film kicking down a door after being ripped off for doing a job.
On a walk back home he meets Margueritte (Gisele Casadesus) a kindly old lady and a friendship is slowly born through a shared book and a love of stories, as well as feeding the local pigeons
My Afternoons with Margueritte is a gentle and pleasant piece which is as breezy as a summer cloud.
It's a sweet piece about the regrets of the past - Depardieu, looking incredibly portly and like Obelix from the French comics, is affable and loveable enough as he negotiates a monstrous mother who along with school has held him back for years as various flashbacks explain. Equally his friendship with Casadesus is easy and understandable as they continue to meet - it contrasts nicely with the harsh ribbing he takes from friends at a local cafe.
There's a sweet vibe to this film which wafts you along with it in a very simple way. It may not be the most memorable of pieces but it's certainly uplifting and heart warming as it plays out before you.
Rating: 6/10
My Afternoons with Margueritte
Released by Warner Home Video
Gerard Depardieu stars in this gently Gallic rustic piece about friendship.
He plays Germain Chazes a man who starts the film kicking down a door after being ripped off for doing a job.
On a walk back home he meets Margueritte (Gisele Casadesus) a kindly old lady and a friendship is slowly born through a shared book and a love of stories, as well as feeding the local pigeons
My Afternoons with Margueritte is a gentle and pleasant piece which is as breezy as a summer cloud.
It's a sweet piece about the regrets of the past - Depardieu, looking incredibly portly and like Obelix from the French comics, is affable and loveable enough as he negotiates a monstrous mother who along with school has held him back for years as various flashbacks explain. Equally his friendship with Casadesus is easy and understandable as they continue to meet - it contrasts nicely with the harsh ribbing he takes from friends at a local cafe.
There's a sweet vibe to this film which wafts you along with it in a very simple way. It may not be the most memorable of pieces but it's certainly uplifting and heart warming as it plays out before you.
Rating: 6/10
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