The Artist: Movie Review

The Artist

Cast: Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, a cute dog (played by Uggie)

Director: Michel Hazanavicius

So, here it is then – the black and white silent film which has entranced the voters of the Academy and netted itself 10 Oscar nominations – which is no surprise given the production notes to said film describe it as: “ a heartfelt and entertaining valentine to classic American cinema.”

The year is 1927 and the place is Hollywoodland. Jean Dujardin (OSS 117) is the crème and toast of the town as silent actor and star of Kinograph Studios,  George Valentin, whose pencil thin moustache, general antics with his dog and derring do on the silent big screen regularly enthral audiences.

On the premiere of his latest film, Valentin meets Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) when she’s thrust onto the red carpet via a series of mishaps.

The next day Variety’s full of who that girl is next to it guy Valentin – and gradually with a little guidance from Dujardin (and also because of a little attraction), Peppy begins to get bigger parts.

However, the wind of change is blowing through the industry as the idea of the talkies begin to arrive on the screen – and before Valentin knows it, his Hollywood star is on the severe decline – while Peppy’s willingness to embrace the change means she’s on the up….

But will Valentin grasp the opportunity or slide into obscurity?

 

It’s easy to see why the Academy’s fallen for this nostalgic and charming piece – it’s a slice of old school film and something which doesn’t come around every day thanks to the world of CGI and effects.

At the heart of this though – and it’s a nagging thought many will have – is it worth 10 Oscar nominations?

There’s a lot of subtle and laugh out loud humour in this film – from cute dog antics to a slice of old school slapstick; and there’s certainly plenty of heart, pathos and sadness as Valentin begins his slide out of Hollywoodland’s favour.

Wonderfully shot, stunningly evocative of the era and a superb soundtrack (which all good silent films need) bring a real sense of old school Hollywood vividly to life, which is no bad thing at all.

Dujardin is great and captivating as he mugs his way through the role of a silent film actor (as they were wont to do in that era); and Bejo is certainly a beautifully attractive presence up on the screen and the duo have a great chemistry (as well as acting form in prior outings).

Sure, it’s a Hollywood piece celebrating Hollywood’s past (and that may be why Oscar’s come a-knocking and critics are loving it) but the Artist is old school cinematic joy for anyone who’s loved a moment out to the cinema. It doesn’t harm it that it’s lit up by two very impressive presences and a story which is engaging, charming and outright funny.

Don’t be put off by the plaudits and afraid of the fact it’s got Oscar buzz – experience it for yourself and see why this crowd pleaser is one of the unlikeliest winners of the year.

Rating: 

Brand new Amazing Spiderman trailer unveiled.

Holy webslingers, Spidy's back this year.

And a new extended trailer's dropped overnight for the flick starring Andrew Garfield and current it girl, Emma Stone.

Take a look below...



The Amazing Spiderman hits cinemas from July 4th...

Johnny English Reborn: Blu Ray Review

Rating: PG
Released by Universal Home Ent

Rowan Atkinson returns as the special agent Johnny English in the sequel to the 2003 flick which saw disaster given a new face of bumbling ineptitude.
When we first see English, he's in a Tibetan monastery trying to recover some sense of self worth after a disastrous mission he headed up in Mozambique ended up with the death of a president.

But when a plot to assassinate the Chinese premier is revealed, MI7, realizing their contact will only talk to English, is forced to recall him into service.

And so it appears Johnny English is the only person who can save the day - if he can pull his act together.

So a strong contender for one of the worst, most predictable films of the year emerges.

Johnny English Reborn feels like a throwback in so many ways; the gags are predictable and at times cringeworthy; in the monastery, English stands the opposite way to all the other monks during a work out; in an MI7 office, he falls off an inflatable back support ball and in a hidden base, he leaps around in a body bag only to jump into a wall. If you like that kind of humour, then this is the film for you.

Granted, these kinds of jokes were the sort of thing British film used to do some 20 years ago - and while nostalgia's a good thing, the relative lack of any kind of sophistication  here feels like an insult to today's audiences.

In fairness, Atkinson, channeling his deadpan rubbery face, gives it his all and even manages a few laughs here and there - but even he can't save the averageness of the script from rising up and swamping everything on screen. However, I will concede there will be some who will enjoy this film - the awkwardness and deadpan is worked to maximum effect here but after a while, it starts to grate.
Extras: Deleted and extended scenes, gag reel,commentary

Rating:

Crazy, Stupid, Love: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by Warner Home Video

Prepare for a romcom with a slight twist.
Steve Carell is Cal Weaver, who's been married to Emily (Julianne Moore) for 25 years.
Over dinner one night, Emily announces she wants a divorce.

And that sends Cal's world spinning into a nosedive - from what he perceives a perfect life, Cal heads to a local bar repeatedly where he sees Jacob (Ryan Gosling) using his skills to pick up women on a nightly basis.

One night, without warning, Jacob asks over Cal and offers to spruce his image up and get him some success with the ladies.

However, Jacob's grooming turns the usually inept Cal into a womaniser....

At the same time, law student Hannah (Emma Stone) is questioning her life with her steady but slightly dim boyfriend - she heads to the same club where Jacob's practising his womanising ways and despite her initial refusal, ends up falling for him..
Crazy Stupid Love is a bit of a treat and a departure from the usual romcom formula.
There's a heart and humanity as well as a dose of bittersweet honest reality in this film; granted, Steve Carell once again goes for the forlorn approach and dials down his comic tendencies but thanks to a good strong script, some amusing set pieces and a twist (which you're either on board with or waving at the shark which just jumped past), this really does entertain.

It's probably because Carell and Moore create a convincing couple and convey the realities of being together for so long so well.

As for the rest of the ensemble, Marisa Tomei is simply unhinged as Kate who's Cal's first score; Kevin Bacon also plays it straight as the guy who breaks up the leading duo.

But it's Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling who impress most out of this ensemble. Stone once again demonstrates why she's heading for the stratosphere with perfect comic timing and a dash of heart; granted Gosling's smooth cad and roguish womaniser isn't much of a stretch for any actor but Gosling gives him a pinch of reality too.

Ultimately Crazy, Stupid Love is a welcome diversion from the usual sop and sappy romcoms - it's funny, fresh and real with a great cast.

Extras: One on ones with Ryan Gosling (easy ladies) and Steve Carell; deleted scenes and behind the scenes


Rating:

The Beaver: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by Warner Home Video

Cast: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence

So, it's a straight to DVD/ Blu Ray release for the film made by Jodie Foster and starring Mel Gibson as a depressed man who finds salvation in a beaver puppet.

Gibson is Mike, the depressed CEO of a toy company, whose life is falling apart. Kicked out of the family home and attempting suicide in the shower, Mike finds solace in a beaver puppet, tossed in a dumpster.

Through this puppet, Mike begins to communicate with his family and sees his life start to turn around as he's freed from the constraints which have been dragging him down.

But everyone around him begins to worry what will happen when the Beaver eventually comes off.

The Beaver is not your average film - nor is it jokey in many ways as you may expect from the premise of a man talking with a Cockney accent while operating a beaver puppet. It's actually a curiously affecting look at what mental illness does to some and those around who help support the sufferer.

Thanks to an all in performance by Mel Gibson, you can just about believe this film and what happens. A strong and solid supporting cast also give their all - and this dark tale is actually something a little different - even if it does feel a little unsuccessful at the end.

Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes, featurette

Rating:

Catwoman DLC: Arkham City: Game Review

Catwoman DLC: Arkham City: Game Review

Platform: PS3
Released by Rocksteady
It's a big year for the Bat and also the Cat.
With the final part of Christopher Nolan's take on the Batman franchise, The Dark Knight Rises, likely to chew up a huge chunk of box office glory, it's fair to say there's a lot of expectation on the Caped Crusaders cowl.
But it's also a big year for Catwoman with Anne Hathaway under pressure to deliver a memorable performance as Selina Kyle.
And she's got some big shoes to follow Eartha Kitt, Michelle Pfeiffer and the latest digital Catwoman in the downloadable content section of last year's smash hit game, Batman: Arkham City.
The slinky Cat makes some brief appearances during the main storyline of Arkham City but for those willing to splash out (and not wanting to complete the whole game), there's a chance to run riot as the cat suited Kyle, in a series of side adventures set within the same environment and skylines of Arkham.

This consists of four chapters within a sub section of the game as well as the chance to unleash feline hell in the Riddler's challenge sections. Armed with whip, throwing balls and spiked caltrops - plus the chance to upgrade, this Cat's got a lot to play with.
The animators have gone to town on Cats - she's got quite the voluptuous form squeezed into (and occasionally bursting out of) a leather catsuit, whose design is very in keeping with the original look of the costume. But they've also given her one hell of a fluid feel when it comes to running, jumping and leaping through Arkham's skyline; it's thrilling to play and is such a different style to Batman himself that it makes it fun to do.
If you're thinking that Cats won't have as much to do as the Bat, well, you're sort of right but with red Riddler trophies scattered around, four mini episodes which pit her against the likes of Two Face, Poison Ivy and searching for thieves who've made off with her stolen loot, there's certainly enough to distract away from the main game for a while. Plus her smooth flowing combat moves are stunning to watch and completely different from Batman's rougher approach.
Throw in the chance to upgrade Catwoman's suits and weapons as well as Riddler's Revenge challenge maps, it's more than substantial enough content to warrant the download.
Batman: Arkham City continues to offer up hours of gameplay and entertainment, long after the main storyline's done and this download really does mean that it's a game which continues to build its own mythology and offer a lot to those willing to invest the time and a little money.

Rating: 8/10

Catwoman DLC: Arkham City review

Platform: PS3
Released by Rocksteady

It’s a big year for the Bat – and also the Cat.

With the final part of Christopher Nolan’s take on the Batman franchise, The Dark Knight Rises, likely to chew up a huge chunk of box office glory, it’s fair to say there’s a lot of expectation on the Caped Crusader’s cowl.

But it’s also a big year for Catwoman – with Anne Hathaway under pressure to deliver a memorable performance as Selina Kyle.

And she’s got some big shoes to follow – Eartha Kitt, Michelle Pfeiffer – and the latest digital Catwoman in the downloadable content section of last year’s smash hit game, Batman: Arkham City.

The slinky Cat makes some brief appearances during the main storyline of Arkham City but for those willing to splash out, there’s a chance to run riot as the cat suited Kyle, in a series of side adventures set within the same environment and skylines of Arkham.

This consists of four chapters within a sub section of the game – as well as the chance to unleash feline hell in the Riddler’s challenge sections. Armed with whip, throwing balls and spiked caltrops - plus the chance to upgrade, this Cat's got a lot to play with.

The animators have gone to town on Cats – she’s got quite the voluptuous form squeezed into (and occasionally bursting out of) a leather catsuit, whose design is very in keeping with the original look of the costume. But they’ve also given her one hell of a fluid feel when it comes to running, jumping and leaping through Arkham’s skyline; it’s thrilling to play and is such a different style to Batman himself that it makes it fun to do.

If you’re thinking that Cats won’t have as much to do as the Bat, well, you’re sort of right – but with red Riddler trophies scattered around, four mini episodes which pit her against the likes of Two Face, Poison Ivy and searching for thieves who’ve made off with her stolen loot, there’s certainly enough to distract away from the main game for a while. Plus her combat moves are stunning to watch and completely different from Batman’s rougher approach.

Throw in the chance to upgrade Catwoman’s suits and weapons as well as Riddler’s Revenge challenge maps, it’s more than substantial enough content to warrant the download.

Batman: Arkham City continues to offer up hours of gameplay and entertainment, long after the main storyline’s done – and this download really does mean that it’s a game which continues to build its own mythology and offer a lot to those willing to invest the time – and a little money.

Rating: