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A Serious Man

lkeddie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:43:34 +0000

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Released 20th November 2009

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This is a seriously smart and touching dark comedy with gloriously subtle, funny undertones, coupled with outrageous moments, from the seriously smart Academy Award-winning writer/directors Ethan and Joel Coen - even if it is slightly self-indulgent about their faith. That said the brothers really do deliver an absolute gem, here, taking an ordinary man, as usual, and thrusting him into a seemingly ordinary situation in a microcosm to see how he copes. This compelling human interest story set in 1967’s America, the land of opportunity but declining moral standards, follows timid and down-on-his-luck physics professor, Larry Gopnik, who is trying to find the meaning of life and his faith, Judaism, after his family life implodes around him because his wife decides to leave him for a rival in their religious community.

Twilight: New Moon

lkeddie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:53:27 +0000

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Released 20th November 2009

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Forks, Washington is back on the map this Friday 20th November, where all the feral action will be taking place. And if you don’t know what’s meant by the previous line, you aren’t a true ‘Twi-Hard’ - yet. The sequel to the smash-hit film, Twilight, last year’s adaptation of the first of Stephenie Meyer’s vampire books, is New Moon, where central characters Bella and Edward find even more trouble in store for their usual relationship, and a new love interest crops up for Bella that just complicates matters further. Considering the latest film has a new director, Chris Weitz (The Golden Compass), who replaces indie-visioned Catherine Hardwicke, the look, feel and style of the sequel is well-matched to the first.

The Informant!

lkeddie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:25:47 +0000

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Released 20th November 2009

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A film about a price-fixing conspiracy at a US agri-business giant sounds like the driest of plots in itself, but add a delusional nut job with an inner monologue of verbal diarrhoea in the shape of character Mark Whitacre, brilliantly played by a porkier and ‘uglified’ Matt Damon in 1970s attire, and the story begins to prick the interest. Throw in the illusive FBI, whom in other films comes across as ultra efficient but bungles its way through the current corporate investigation, and director Steven Soderbergh’s biopic crime comedy is on track to entertain in a deliciously deranged fashion.

Glorious 39

lkeddie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:56:53 +0000

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Released 20th November 2009

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Writer/director Stephen Poliakoff’s passion for all things theatrical and dark secrets hidden in families is given a cinematic setting with his first feature film, Glorious 39. Not only does the acclaimed playwright recreate some absorbing theatrics that we are used to seeing in his stage and TV work, in this chillingly original, if rather hysterical dramatisation, but he also explores another historical fascination of his: How Britain came close to doing a deal with Hitler, and staying out of the Second World War. The result is a genuinely eerie, almost Hitchockian suspense thriller, and a reasonably commendable, if indulgently lengthy big-screen debut that fuels interest in learning more about the shady goings-on of this time.

2012

lkeddie — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:21:46 +0000

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Released 13th November 2009

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What better a day than ’superstitious Friday 13th’ to release this effects wonder to the public that sees planet-altering tragedies unleashed on a (mainly) US population. Yes, we witness the rest of the world being equally affected, with token devastation scenes in India and trouble flaring at the 2012 London Olympics (highly prophetic, given the state of public transport). But in true chest-thumping, drum-pounding, patriotic pride, and with the might of the US military in tow, our ‘world saviour’ is good ol’ Uncle Sam once again, like in Independence Day, with the charge led by one reluctant hero.

Cold Souls

lkeddie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:53:46 +0000

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Released 13th November 2009

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It comes as no surprise that even the human soul is for sale - and this is not a reference to any deep Faustian tale, but a lighter one, Cold Souls, from debut feature-film writer/director Sophie Barthes that emphasises consumer dominance in our lives and swings between the spectrum of human emotions, perfectly playing humour and tragedy side by side.

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In the same quirky vein as Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind and Being John Malkovich - although not as gratifying as the latter, this story is still one of the curiously oddest, but sublimely eccentric offerings of this year that morphs into a kooky, sci-fi styled Eastern European thriller in the second half. It is probably one of the most difficult films to summarise, making it a stimulating gem to watch with a tailored part for its lead, Paul Giamatti.

Harry Brown

lkeddie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:10:54 +0000

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Released 11th November 2009

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Like a contemporary reality check of alarming proportions Gary Young’s screenplay, Harry Brown, directed by upcoming director Daniel Barber, is designed to strike at the core of decent folk’s souls, with its respectable figurehead, Sir Michael Caine, leading the charge against feral Britain that lurks in the shadows of our inner-city estates. This film is a tabloid newspaper’s wet dream, stoking up the flames in the ‘yoof’ debate, and justifying its rather shocking format by adding the human aspect and suffering through Caine’s character, pensioner and war hero Harry, in a rather questionable, but ultimately rallying tribute to all war heroes around Remembrance Day.

A Christmas Carol (3D & IMAX)

lkeddie — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:08:34 +0000

© Disney

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Released 6th November 2009

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With the nights growing longer and the shops shimmering with glitter, it’s hard not to get into the festive feeling, and be drawn to the nearest Christmas flick on offer. This year that would be Disney’s A Christmas Carol, all in 3D. Getting in early on the act - and even earlier if you count the glimpse at Cannes this year, and released on 6th November, is special effects guru Robert Zemeckis‘ version of Charles Dickens‘ 166-year-old novella of redemption, a stalwart classic that has been reinvented many times over the years for the silly season in both traditional and contemporary versions. What is surprising is that Zemeckis has not taken up the well-worn reigns before now and adapted it into his own zany, breathtaking 3D vision. The screenwriter/director has gone for the traditional plot, keeping it topical, heartfelt and immensely witty.

The Men Who Stare At Goats

lkeddie — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:34:37 +0000

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Released 6th November 2009

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Some stories seem dafter than fiction, even when they are based on fact, and this is one of them, inspired by Jon Ronson’s non-fiction best-seller of the same name. If we told you that the U.S. government trained a crack team to stare the hell out of animals to cause fatal coronaries (naturally, the next step being the enemy), or even walk through walls, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the writer was on a paranormal planet all of his own making. But the one thing this kooky, but real-life-based tale adapted by screenwriter Peter Straughan does is inspire “thinking outside of the box”, even for a couple of hours, because it is certifiably eccentric viewing with an undoubtedly fabulous cast to boot.

Bright Star

lkeddie — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:32:05 +0000

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Released 6th November 2009

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Secret love affairs set in another period have a special place in the British public’s heart, and Jane Campion’s latest ballad to Keats, Bright Star, is an exquisite example of the arousing, poetic and ultimately harrowing extremes of forbidden love in an age of social restrictions. Campion beautifully crafts another delicate tale, long after her laudable 1993 film, The Piano, which is set to thrill fans of romantic period drama.

Dead Man Running

rbaglin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:16:56 +0000

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Released 30th October 2009

What is it that Danny ‘one-take’ Dyer does best? You’ve guessed it: Playing the entertaining East-End light relief, with a tough-guy cockney accent in a drug-infused gangster movie. Director Alex De Rakoff (The Calcium Kid) seems to have discovered the elixir of eternal film magic; the return of the Danny Dyer and Tamer Hassan double act. Surely, any film with The Football Factory stars in, is an instant box office hit?

The Horseman

lkeddie — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:19:22 +0000

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Released 30th October 2009

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If debut writer/director Steven Kastrissios needed a forum to vent some deep-seated inner rage, he picked a challenging one in cinema. The revenge movie has been done and done to death may times before. Although The Horseman is raw and brutal, it is also quite a ballsy portrayal of pure and unadulterated revenge that challenges our preconceptions and ethics, rather than leading its avenger (and us) along a bloody road to near self-destruction, then salvation. It not only questions what would we do in such an emotive situation if the shoe was on the other foot, but it also attempts to show shades of grey in most of its scenarios and character representations, rather than displaying the standard black-and-white found in many revenge slashers of past. It is an Australian revenge movie with a heart - if such can co-exist?

An Education

rbaglin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:39:57 +0000

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Released 30th October 2009

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“Education, education, education!” is what the folks always stress, long before certain politicians adopted the saying. This wonderfully vibrant British coming-of-age tale by author Nick Hornby addresses the impact of education for young females in the 1960s, questioning its value in an age where female emancipation and dependence was only beginning to make any real ground in the sexual revolution.

9

lkeddie — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:01:58 +0000

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Released 28th October 2009

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Remember the joy that making a small rag doll brought as a kid and the need to love and care for it? This gothically charming and uniquely imaginative tale may deal with a post-apocalyptic fallout on the surface, with the end of the human race a sobering fact, but it actually explores the depth of the human soul that appears to translate into inanimate objects, bringing their very being and purpose alive. This intriguing concept comes with that telltale Tim Burton flare, complete with blade-styled limbs (as in Edward Scissorhands) and a looming, menacing danger to all characters involved.

Made in Jamaica

rbaglin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:07:31 +0000

Released 23rd October 2009

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Made in Jamaica is an extremely insightful, thought-provoking and honest look into the culture and history of Reggae and Dancehall music. Jam-packed with raw performances which, if you are a fan of the music, you will thoroughly enjoy and hearing these artists talk frankly from the heart is refreshing and something that needed to be done, for the younger generation if nothing else…

The film starts with the death of Kingston dancehall icon Bogle, his funeral is attended by a mix of ministers, gangsters and musicians the eulogist says: “We are a great people and we will be great again… Our music is what put Jamaica on the map. It will not come from killing each other.”

Fantastic Mr Fox

rbaglin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:43:03 +0000

Released 23rd October 2009

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There were raised eyebrows at Cannes this year when the festival opened with Disney’s Up - it’s surprising to kick off the proceedings with an animated feature. The London Film Festival has also followed suit though, starting this year’s festivities with a re-imagining of the Roald Dahl classic Fantastic Mr Fox. Up turned out to be a masterpiece; Fantastic Mr Fox is not quite in the same league but it’s a thoroughly entertaining film which uses stop motion animation to good effect and one that is suitable and enjoyable for everyone.

It is director Wes Anderson’s first foray into animation and it’s

Johnny Mad Dog

rbaglin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:35:11 +0000

Released 23rd October 2009

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The use of child soldiers in war is probably one of the most despicable and disturbing aspects of any armed conflict. Johnny Mad Dog is a brutal and devastating close up of one of the most unsavoury aspects of humanity and whilst the lack of narrative structure is at first confusing, director Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire succeeds in creating an unforgettable and powerful film.

Recently we’ve seen films like the excellent Heart Of Fire which aimed to show warfare from a child’s perspective. But whilst those characters were always reluctant combatants, Johnny Mad Dog ’s children are gleefully vicious,

The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

lkeddie — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:18:47 +0000

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Released 23rd October 2009

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Are you really ready for Ready? You need to be from the word ‘go’. Dive into the world of bigoted, quick-fire gags straightaway, or be lost forever in Jeremy Piven as Don Ready’s confidence-boosting monologues and exacerbating rants. He’s the car salesman/liquidator with the most-est, the man with the gift of the gab, who even manages to sell the final used car on the lot to another used-car salesman, Paxton Harding, played by the hilarious Ed Helms of The Hangover fame. Be warned, though: This is crass, raunchy and totally un-PC comedy that should be taken at surface value for full enjoyment, making it one of the funniest deadpan-humour offerings of this year. Any dissecting of the controversial issues it toys with may swing your opinion the other way. It really is a hit or miss, depending on your mood.

Couples Retreat

rbaglin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:30:27 +0000

Out 14th October 2009

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Couples retreat - but the question is should you too? Well, yes and no…

Is it the best comedy of the year? Honestly, no. Will you still enjoy it? Yes - it is fun, light-hearted and feel-good. It is far from ground-breaking and sadly, in-spite of the comedic cast, not as funny as you would hope but there are still laughs to be had. It is also refreshing to have a film come along that allows you to go to the cinema, get your popcorn, escape for a couple of hours and come out feeling happy.

So what is it all about?

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

lkeddie — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:02:06 +0000

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Released 16th October 2009

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Anyone not familiar with Terry Gilliam’s creative eccentricity would be forgiven for writing off his latest film, starring the late Heath Ledger, as self-indulgent surrealism for the Indie crowd, or loyal Ledger fans, even though it boasts A-lister appearances from Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Colin Farrell, Christopher Plummer and Tom Waits as the Devil. To enjoy a Gilliam film means venturing into it with a broad mind and even broader imagination, and in this case, the Monty Python film-maker does what he does best; brings fairy tale into the modern environment and challenges our grossly underused imaginations in the process.