Skyfall

REVIEW BY NATALIE WARWICK

Celebrating 50 years of the James Bond franchise, skyfall, the 23rd film and Daniel Craig's 3rd outing as the 00 himself, finally hit cinemas last November. I went with one question on my mind: Will it be as good as Casino Royale?

As soon as Craig's Bond didn't give a damn whether his martini was shaken or stirred we all knew that the new bond movies weren't going to follow the same mould as the rest. And Skyfall, in particular, doesn't follow the same course as any other Bond movie. Sure it keeps some vital bond ingredients, but then it goes off on its own and throws the blueprint in the bin.

This Bond movie is much more sentimental than the rest. Despite having lots of references to the bond franchise as a whole and being tongue in cheek with it, Skyfall, at its heart, is a much bleaker insight: Showing the MI6 and its agents being hunted down by an old adversary leading them into Bond's past.

At times Skyfall is more Home Alone than James Bond but an enjoyable experience all the same. It made me laugh, cry and route for their triumph. Dame Judy Dench's performance, like always, was excellent and Daniel Craig's Bond has always been great. Although, in my estimation, it wasn't as enjoyable a ride as Casino Royale, it is a good film in its own right. I can't wait for the next one!!

Year: 2012
Classification: 12A
Duration: 143 minutes
More info at IMDB

 

The Amazing Spider-Man

REVIEW BY NATALIE WARWICK

The Amazing Spider-Man is exactly that - Amazing!!! 136 minutes flew by in a haze of high action, stunning cinematography and awesome special affects. The scenes where Spider Man scales the city are spectacular. We saw this in 3D and you felt it. I was ducking and diving all over the place as parts of buildings etc. fell from the sky. It really was an absorbing experience. I strongly feel its well worth spending the extra dollar for 3D and I am slightly gutted that time constraints meant we couldn't experience this on the IMAX screen, because wow!! These high action, fast pased movies are what the cinema is all about and if possible I would reccomend you don't wait for blu-ray -see this on the big screen.

The Amazing Spider-Man is a rebranding of the 2002-07 trilogy Spider-Man featuring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker and Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane. This time around Andrew Garfield takes the lead and Emma Stone plays Gwen Stacey, as the love interest instead. I must say they are very good in these roles and their chemistry was great. I hear they're an item in real life so it stands to reason. Garfield's Peter Parker presents as much cooler, though, and, infact, the film over all is much cooler, but is also much darker. This one is also classified as a thriller and the dark moments definitely elevates the experience further.

If your familiar with the spiderman storyline you already know the drill and are aware of the tragedy that occurs. I did and so it was heart wrenching watching them unfold on screen, knowing he should do things differently but was powerless to stop it. This film really takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, I was near to tears, laughing, in awe, willing him to succeed. Most the time I found myself with goose pimples all over my arms as I was absorbed further and further into the movie.

Please see this if you love superhero movies...or like films and the cinema experience period. Let's hope we're seeing our next avenger take flight.. I can't wait for a sequel.

Year: 2012
Classification: 12A
Running time: 136 mins
check out IMDb

Prometheus

REVIEW BY NATALIE WARWICK

Ah Prometheus, the long awaited prequel to the Alien Quadrilogy. Now I did not like alien but that doesn't mean I wasn't looking forward to this. In my mind, it was to be what Alien would have been, had it been made 30 years later.

Visually Prometheus is stunning. The special effects are amazing... infact technically this film can not be faulted. It is everything a blockbuster should be. The grand scale of the action needs to be enjoyed at the cinema though to really give it justice. It is the second film we've seen on the Imax screen and obviously the viewing experience was nothing but enhanced by this. Watching crisp (3D) HD on a 7 story screen can't not.

Prometheus is the ship which transports an exploration crew through space, using an ancient star map. In order to learn more about 'our' (the human race's) beginnings. There are lots of parallels between this and the original Alien film it had to be said. I would say that about 2/3 the way through Prometheus breaks away from the Alien blueprint and becomes it's own.

I liked this film and would happily watch it again. It doesn't make me want to scream at the TV: "don't do that" - so that is a plus. The characters are relatable and although parallels can be drawn between the Alien cast and these - they aren't as loathable. I feel each character brings some important element to the action. Special credit should be given to Michael Fassbender's performance as David. He is miles away from Magneto (X-men: First Class) or Lt Archie Hicox (Inglourious Basterds) His character brings another dimension to the story too, which is quite profound in a way.

The running of the film is every smooth. Action jumps from scene to scene well and there are no lag or dud scenes. Even the scenes between characters are pragmatic. They have created a great balance between drama and the high action. Time flew by and I left the cinema happy with what I had experienced.

Year: 2012
Classification: 15
Length: 124 mins
More info at IMDb

Men In Black 3

REVIEW BY NATALIE WARWICK

Here comes the men in black... galaxy defender aha aha.... 10 years after the second instalment MIB is back and for all you die hards out there it does not disappoint. Quite honestly Will Smith (Agent J) doesn't look like he's aged a day and Tommy Lee Jones (Agent K) has kept up his end as the dry, humourless partner. The pace is there, the humour is there and the story is great. This time we go back in time as we join J in his quest to save his partner and change the fate of the world.

I really don't know what to say about this film other than it was highly enjoyable. I was engrossed through out. Its writers Cohen and Cunningham have done a grand job at creating a great movie in its own right and a very satisfying sequel.

Hopefully we'll see more MIB movies in the near future. In short: I highly recommend this film. End.

Ooh and a quick FYI - Boris the Animal is played by Jermaine Clement (of Flight of the Conchords fame)! I did not call that!

Year: 2012
Classification: PG
Running Time: 106 mins
More info at IMDb

Snow White and the Huntsman

REVIEW BY TOM WORFOLK

Now I must start off by saying that I am not the biggest Kristen Stewart fan in the world or even in the room I am writing this in - currently there are only two people in this room and the other person I don't really know but I am sure they have a better opinion of Kristen - in fact I just asked her and her opinion is that Kristen is OK and that is infinitesimally better than my opinion. That being said I will try and not let that influence my review of this film and keep this as objective as possible - lets give it a go... let me know how I do...

Snow white has been done over and over again and then to get two films in the matter of a few weeks in the cinema is quite .... cool I think. Both films are based on Snow White, both films have a great cast, both films being based on snow white have similar story lines but both films have a completely different visual style to them. Snow White and then Huntsman is a very gritty, very "real" portrayal of the Grimm story and actually it is not that bad.

I am not going to go into a plot summary due to that fact that if you are over the age of 2 you should know the story of Snow White very well. For those that really do need reminding of the story, there is an evil queen, a poisoned apple, 7 dwarfs, a mirror and of course the fairest of them all... catch up. Kristen Stewart plays Snow, Chris Hemsworth  (Thor and Kirk's Dad) plays The Huntsman, The Evil Witch is played by Charlize Theron and then the dwarfs are played by Ian McShane, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, Nick Frost to name but a few.

Whilst watching this film there are moments when you think you are watching Robin Hood or Braveheart. The dwarfs add a comedic respite to what is really a dark film. The evil queen is played brilliantly and credit should go to Charlize for it. Also credit should go to the queen's costume and makeup - it is quite amazing at times.

Unfortunately, as with Twilight and the Hunger Games, the makers of Snow White and the Huntsman seem to have added the Huntsman simply to incorporate a love triangle into what could have been an awesome film. This may be what the 14 to 18 year old girls really want to see but I just feel that this could have been left out, get rid of the huntsman and concentrate on a gritty, epic fantasy version of the fairy tale. I thought this was gong to to be a contender up there with the Hobbit later this year but I don't see this film ever being compared to any of Peter Jackson's films.

Overall the film is good. It tells the story in way that has not been told before, you start to feel what it must be like to be Snow White but the film could have done with some tweaks. No Huntsman, more time with the Dwarfs, different main actress (sorry!) and you could have had a real winning combination. As it stands, the film is 2 hours of enjoyable watching and the film is one of those that you would happily watch once and leave it on your shelf to gather dust for years.

You tell me what you think...

Year: 2012
Classification: 12A
Duration: 127 mins
More info to be found on IMDb

Sucker Punch

REVIEW BY NATALIE WARWICK

I've read quite a bit of controversy on this film. Some people have right out said it is crap, others say it is Zack Snyders (writer slash director) worst work etc etc... but I feel like these people are taking it too literal or too seriously. Sure the premise is rather bleak but the overall filming experience is... cool. I love the soundtrack a lot and the Kill Bill come Burlesque come One fly’s over the cuckoos nest action is great. The girls are hot in their Anime style get up and the fight scenes "kick ass"" - what's not to love? It is a story of will overcoming adversity as 5 girls try and escape their tormentors.

People have been angered by the three realms of reality, which feature in this film. Oh contre this is its winning angle and is essentially what the film is. So without such it would cease to be... so deal with it. The film begins in reality one, filmed in dark gritty realistic shots. Cue lots of rain, thunder, grey outfits and gloom. The action is shot in a montage style until we are bought into realm 2. The lights are now harsh and superficial… the girls once in grey rags prance around as burlesque dancers and prostitutes and congregate in a glitzy changing room. Although the location has changed into a speakeasy slash "whore house" you still get the sense that the glitter and the frills are only masking the reality of a dingy and unforgiving asylum and that they are one and the same. Then we are treated to the 3rd realm as and when it is needed in an episodic fashion. It is not gauze of reality this time but shows the girls fighting in battle giving a literal sucker punch to the powers that suppress them. It is a dramatic tool used to override the otherwise anti climatic scenes of young girls dancing and stealing knives and lighters.

Definitely one to watch if your in Blockbuster or the like and are after a simple action, because despite the 3 realms brain shaker Sucker Punch is a very simple story. It is quite a unique concept and I, at least, haven't seen any other films which are even remotely similar. It is a mixed bag of genres and dramatic tools thrown at you in the name of story telling. At its heart it is bitterly sad but the layers and layers of glam and kick ass action battle scenes ease the blow.

Year:2011
Running Time: 110 mins
Classification: 12A
For more info check out the IMDb

Avengers Assemble

REVIEW BY TOM WORFOLK


I will try to keep this as spoiler free as possible as I HATE spoilers with a passion but if the occasional one slips in then it will only be minor and I promise it will not spoil your viewing pleasure.



For those of you that may have been living with your head in the sand for the last five years then Avengers Assemble (The Avengers in other parts of the world) is the highly anticipated film from Marvel studios which sees Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Bruce Banner/Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans), Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) all coming together to work as one unit for S.H.I.E.L.D under the watchful eye of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson).

The team are brought together to fight Thor's evil brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) as he trys to unleash a powerful evil on the planet via the use of the all powerful cosmic-cube. However, in order to fight as a team they must become a team and as the Heroes are are all very large personalities used to working solo it takes a bit of time to build a mutual respect for one another.

Marvel have done it again and this time not only have they hit it out of the stadium the ball has left the universe. This film is awesome. I watched it in 3D at an IMAX screen at the Cineworld cinema in Crawley and it was breathtaking. The 3D effects were amazing and the sound blew you away. It was a completely immersive experience and I think I actually forgot to breath in the first 10 minutes of the film.

The film is action from start to end, it doesn't drop the pace at all and it doesn't drag either (even with its runtime of 2 hours and 20mins). The fight scenes are awesome as well - kudos to the special effects guys at Marvel as they always seem to do a great job. All of the characters are played well but me and Natalie both agree that Tony Stark just manages to draw the attention of the audience more than the others heroes. That isn't to say that's a bad thing as Stark is probably the character I would most like to be out of all of them.

This film is a roller coaster of entertainment and whether you are into your comic books (and there are lots of excellent "geek" references which I picked up) or whether you just want to see an action flick that will leave you breathless this is the one to watch.

In my opinion it is going to take an awful lot to top this one for film of the year 2012.

As a side note prior to the film there was a trailer for the final Batman film and it too looks AMAZING!!!

Year: 2012

running time: 142 minutes

classification: 12A

For more info look on the imdb website

The Hunger Games

REVIEW BY NATALIE WARWICK

Ah the Hunger Games. The eagerly awaited movie adaptation of Suzanne Collins first novel, in her wildly popular and successful trilogy. It is too easy to get into comparison mode. It was better in the book, it wasn't like that in the book.. etc. etc. So as we are a film review site i'm going to try and review the film as a separate and unique entity.

However one must nod towards the original material and no self respecting reviewer can't not answer the question - does it do the book justice? Quick answer: yes. It covers all the key bits in the book and anything which has been omitted or slightly altered doesn't affect the story. The only thing to say, though, is that the film gives a persepctive beyond the main character and shows things which you don't actually learn about until the 2nd or 3rd book. Also characters are developed and scenes are played out which are not in any book full stop. In this respect the film is an extension of the book and gives you more of an insight into the world and of the story that Collins created.

The Hunger Games centres around 16 year old Katnis Everdeen (played by the strikingly beautiful Jennifer Lawrence. Who was, FYI, also in X-Men First Class and played Mystique), who lives in a very underprivileged district in a post apocalyptic America called Panem. She lives in a world where her people are forced to enter one girl and one boy (from 12 to 18 years old) from each of their districts into a 'fight to the death' reality show. In a bid for the ruling state 'the Capitol' to keep control over them and prevent rebellion. Katnis is the unlucky girl this year and with the unlucky boy, Peeta (played by Josh Hutcherson), she embarks upon the Capitol to murder her fellow contestants for the amusement of the Capitol residents... I'm going to leave the plot there because I think saying anymore will be saying too much so if you like what you read and want more then go and watch it...

I was surprised that the running time is a lengthy 2 hours and 12 minutes long because I felt that the story flew past. there was never a moment which I thought it lagged or was wishing for it to be over. For me it was a real thrilling ride of two people fighting against adversity. the film touches upon violent themes and there's a lot of fighting on screen but they are really played down. I was expecting much worse so if your squeamish or do not like violence then you can still watch this film comfortably. I watched this mainly in shock and dismay at the horrific way of life which are played out on screen, but the awful circumstances only propel you to route for the protagonists even more.

Its fast paced and full of action but at its core very sad and very thought provoking. The themes touched upon definitely parallel our own world such as: the realities of war combined with our fascination with reality TV and celebrity. Definitely one to watch.

Year: 2012

Running time: 142 minutes

Classification: 12A

for more info check out the IMDB website

Captain America: The First Avenger

REVIEW BY NATALIE WARWICK
I saw this again last week on DVD and again pretty damn enjoyed it! Set in 1941 It tells the story of skinny, short guy Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans) who keeps being rejected from the army. Still determined to fight, his courage and strength of character captures the attention of a scientist who deems to transform him into a super soldier. 

In turn he fights Red Skull who has been corrupted by an ancient power. The scenery is pretty spectacular and there are very tongue in cheek moments which pay homage to the comic book theme (like names of cities on warheads). Although it is an easy watch with a perfect mix of action, drama and sentimentality. This film, more than the other Avenger films (Iron Man, Thor, The Hulk), definitely homes into the fact that The Avengers is the second part of Captain America's story... I guess the clues in the title.

on a slightly different note: I watched this film, originally, in 3D and it was actually the first film in a very long time that I felt like I was having a 3D experience. I don't know if 3D technology has improved dramatically  but it definately improved the cinema experience for me that time around any way. Sidestepping slightly again, a bit girly this time too, I was sidetracked a few times by Peggy Carter's makeup (played by Hayley Atwell) and thinking ways in which I could replicate the 1940's look ;-).

To conclude, if you are a superhero movie lover please watch this. It continues to be as enjoyable and fun every time I watch it. It ticks all the action, adventure boxes.. and is a real route for the little guy.. the moral of the story: its not super strength or speed or the gadgets that make you a superhero its your heart and courage and strength of mind. Love it.

Year: 2011

Running Time: 124 minutes

Classification: 12A

for more info check out the IMDB website 

X-Men: First Class

REVIEW BY NATALIE WARWICK
X-Men: First Class was my favourite film of 2011. My quick advice is: IT IS AWESOME, please watch it immediately.

I'm a fan of the X-Men franchise anyway and superhero movies are always high action and colourful so they are easy films to get absorbed into. X-Men: first class excels on these points but the film goes so much further than that...

X-Men: First Class is a prequel to the original trilogy and tells the story of the beginnings of Charles Xavier (Professor X, played by James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr (Magneto, played by Michael Fassbender) and of the first X-Men Mission. We get to understand perhaps the later motives of the characters via great acting performances, a well written script and awesome special effects. These special affects are so awesome I was left with jaw ache as I hung my mouth open in astonishment and awe as Magneto wraps a huge anchor chain around a yacht...

The film has a very human element to it as well and shows young people trying to come to terms with their assumed misgivings and shows their struggle to create identities for themselves and try and take the side =which is true to them.

In conclusion: I cannot rave about this film enough. If your not really a film person, and have stumbled upon this site by mistake, please see this one I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Year: 2011

Running Time: 132 minutes

Classification: 12A

For more info check out the IMDB website