Archive for April, 2008
Released on DVD and Blu-ray on 15th September 2008
——
————
If there is such a thing, then writer/star Jason Segel has successfully delivered it: a guy’s rom-com. It starts with the doomed relationship and the comical, drawn-out heartache that follows, but cleverly reverses the roles, and toys with one of Hollywood’s well-trodden genres. It’s Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) who possesses all the stereotypical male traits (lack of commitment, being unfaithful, sexually active etc) by dumping her loyal musician boyfriend Peter Bretter (Segel) when he becomes a burden on her flourishing celebrity career and lifestyle. Peter is an emotional wreck, sobs constantly, and relies on half brother Brian (Bill Hader) for a shoulder to cry on and some much needed advice. But this is a guy advice (or lack of it) that gets Peter nowhere he really wants to be — except in bed with a string of women in a flat full of Sarah Marshall memories. Cue Hawaii.
Released 18th April 2008
————–
You know when you’re onto a real winner when one of the opening lines rings true: “Didn’t know where the f**k Bruges was? …It’s in Belgium”. Martin McDonagh’s fantastic and deliciously devilish dark comedy is full of laugh-out-loud subtleties in a barrage of totally un-PC and coarse dialogue.
Out to own on DVD 15th September.
————
—————
This is one of those indie Brit films you’ll hear about first through word-of-mouth, purely because the plot sounds so incredible and tad controversial: A London tube driver who has had two ‘one-unders’ (fatal accidents) is trying to find a suicidal person to be the third so that he can get the ‘mystical’ huge pay off, and live happily ever in solitary bliss in the depths of the Scottish glens. At the screening, the makers and distributor were sensitive enough to include an ‘Issues raised’ claimer in the press pack that both London Underground and the Samaritans were included in the making of the film — before those of the public out there begin leaping on collective soapboxes to take issue! However, reports are already appearing in the local London press that certain transport members are less than impressed, particularly Tube unions who are failing to see the funny side of the whole film, which will only go to fuel intrigue further.
—-
Released on DVD on 28th July 2008
———–
————
THE most disturbing and brutal psychological thriller you are likely to see in 2008! It’s brutal because it makes for remarkably uncomfortable viewing throughout as an awkward and chilling situation grows into one of desperation and despair for both the captive family and the audience. The actual acts of violence are often not portrayed, just the aftermath that includes the pain and suffering. The moments of madness are depicted by a crazed thrash metal soundtrack that punctures the opening title sequence, signalling the start of an uncomfortable cinematic ride ahead. Normally, there is closure in the sense that someone lives to tell the tale and justice is done. In fact, in a clever twist, the moment that things begin to tilt in favour of the hostages and some scrap of hope is given, when one of the two demented kidnappers gets his just deserts, the film ‘rewinds’ in favour of the tormentors.
