Challenge Excepted: Indonesia

Back into Asia . . .

A Welsh director, an Indonesian martial arts star and a tower block of violence, it can only be, The Raid.

It had been recommended by many and I finally goto to watch The Raid. And it was exactly what I had expected.

I'm not one for martial arts based films but I do enjoy a good violent thriller, good guys vs bad guys in a the middle of a massive drug ring or business thing. The set up was great, 20 elite cops trying to invade a tower block controlled by the most violent crime lord.

The story is focused on expectant father and rookie policeman, Rama, who, along with a 20 man SWAT team attempt to infiltrate the building. After the set up what follows is many shoot outs, knife fights and good ld fashioned fighting as the remaining SWAT team climb up higher and eventually reach the top.

As with all films about cops and criminals there are going to be the signature details, such as the corrupt cop, the family connection, the one decent guy to helps the good guys, the climatic show down, death of several henchmen and usually, the down played triumphant end. To be honest some of these elements are very much like the newly released Dredd, but more on that later. While reading about the fim when it was first released I was intrigued (and amused) that the directer, Gareth Evans was from Wales and moved to Indonesia after making a documentary. He had to move all that way to make the films he wanted.

After the success of the film there is no surprise that rumours of sequels began, Evans is already in development. Another rumour, also expected, is that there will be an American remake but with Gareth Evans on as Executive Producer there is some hope. But I really don't understand why the USA has to remake every successful foreign film out there. To remake The Raid would be like remaking Let the Right One In . . . oh wait . . .

Anyway I thought this film really stood out and having to read subtitles every now and then really was not a bother. Having said that, martial art movies still aren't my thing but The Raid is my exception.

The Raid made the cover of Little White Lies, if you can get your hands on a copy, its a good read.

End Line: A tower of guns, blood and welcoming predictable story devices

August Watch List

1. Cheri

 Celebrating aged courtesans and their loves. Lea ( Michelle Pfeiffer) has a six year long relationship with Cheri, son of a fellow courtesan. He then marries another courtesan's daughter, arranged by his mother. She disappears to the coast to forget about him. This all happens within the first 20 minutes of the film. The rest of the film was just dragged out and took too long to reach an uneventful conclusion. Based on a novel I have a feeling it would be better to read it. The costumes are amazing though. 2/5

2. Zathura: A Space Adventure

As the poster says, its the same author as Jumanji and in the actual book the brothers who are the focus of this film and book appear at the end of Jumanji. Just like the game Jumanji, Zathura is found covered in dust in the basement of a very old house that looks like it hadn't been touched since the 50's. They play the game and things happen. The first major event being that the house is hurtled into space. But this isn't your average space environment, for one thing the house is partially destroyed and open but no one is affected and they can all breath perfectly. It was a fun film, if a bit limited, as there is only so much you can do in space, with children. No where near as amazing as Jumanji but still a fun film. 3/5

3. Land of the Lost

I saw this film while calming myself down. I was too tired to move off the sofa so ended up watching the whole film, unintentionally. I had avoided watching this film as I knew I wouldn't enjoy it. I was right I did not enjoy this film. I did actually care about any of the characters and I thought that most of the storyline was a massive cliche. There were too many elements to the film and yes I know its about the 'land of the lost' so random things are expected. It wasn't funny, it was unpleasant. 1/5

4. W.E

Directed by Madonna, that was the main pull. After all the bad reviews and talk I decided I should see this, especially as I liked the whole cast. The story seems very one sided, being told from Wallace Simpson's point of view through Wally, a neglected and lonely wife of wealthy British doctor in 1998. I am not 100% sure of the historical accuracy of the film but it was very impressive, especially for Madonna. I preferred the story set in 1998 as it felt more emotional and interesting. The story of Wallace and Edward has been told over and over it was interesting to see a fresh look on the famous love affair. But, it seemed to point fingers at how cold and mean the British were/are. The Royal family shunned Wallace and the British doctor is mean and hateful. Madonna tries to make us feel sorry for Wallace but I really didn't. She gave up everything? What? She had affairs and was a Nazi sympathizer. He gave up a Kingdom, that's far more. A good film but i can't ignore these flaws. 3/5

5. Delicacy

Audrey Tautou hasn't been this good since Amelie. This story is so beautiful and I'm saying that trying not to be cliche. Tautou's husband dies in a sudden accident and she shuts herself away for three years, concentrates on her work, then one day while thinking of her husband randomly kisses her co-worker, Markus. He is adorable in the way he wears big wooly jumpers, leads a simple life and is the nicest guy you've ever met. Gradually she starts to come out of her shell and becomes closer to Markus. The relationship is sweet but its everyone around them that can't understand why she chose him. Why not? That is the question. The film is so easy to watch, which each small event becoming a moment in their relationship where she slowly moves on in the right direction. 5/5

6. The Girl with the Pearl Earring

Finally saw the ending of this film after years of just seeing bits of it. I really thought this film was amazing and I actually thought Scarlett Johansson was more than decent in the title role. Seeing her transform into the painting was so entrancing I understand the long lingering shot, I couldn't tear my eyes away. The story was interesting and made me want to read the book to find out if I had missed anything. Straight forward biopics are becoming too predictable but to concentrate on a masterpiece resulted in a far richer film. 4/5

7. The Eagle

To be honest I only wanted to see this film because Jamie Bell was in it. The story is basic, Roman solider Marcus wants to redeem his family honour by crossing the wall and venturing into the North to find the lost Eagle of the Ninth. He does so with the help of British slave, Esca who he himself was a member of a Northern tribe. The many different tribes of the North are damn scary. With all the Romans putting on American acsents it felt like yet another 'damn the Brits' film, which is very dull. Jamie Bell was good though. 2/5

8. Brave

Like at Pixar films, this was awesome. I was intrigued by the story as I never heard of such a folk tale. The writers had created one from scratch using folklore and other tales which I really enjoyed. Choosing Scotland to be the setting was a welcome change too and I liked the all British and Scottish cast, that made all the difference. I love folk tales and fairy tales so this story just made me want to see more tales like it. I really hope that Disney and Pixar continue this type of story. Aside from the story which was also very funny, the actual animation was breath taking especially the scenery (and the heroine's hair). The montage of the heroine climbing cliff sides and roaming the hills was beautiful. Loved the film! 4/5

9. The Imposter

Doc of the month. This film was brilliant, it had me hooked from start to finish, the story took me over. There are many ways I can say it but that is how powerful this film was. Does anyone remember how engrossing 'Man on a Wire' was? Well this is just like that. It played out like a fictional film and kept you guessing about what actually happened to the real missing child. I don't want to ruin the story as its worth seeing it in full without people telling you bits about it. Just please go and watch it. 5/5

10. Young Adult

Charlize Theron's character is amazingly awful. She has indeed got older but never grew up. She is in denial about everything in her life and she belongs back in high school. She reminded me of a less humourous version of Cameron Diaz's character in Bad Teacher. When she goes back to her old town and sees people from her past it is obvious that she doesn't belong there and maybe never did. Unfortunately though there is no real ending, she does go through a brief transition near the end where she gives a big speech to an old high school, I'll say friend but he wasn't, but by morning she is back to being exactly how she was before. There was no progress. 2/5

Challenge Excepted: Mexico

It's been quite a while since a 'challenge' film was watched but here is the latest, Miss Bala from Mexico.

Described on the DVD case as "a thrill ride" and "a blistering firecracker" I expected this film to be an action film. The cover art was also mis-leading as it featured many explosions and men with guns, with Miss Bala herself standing calmly in the middle in her pagent swimsuit and crown. The film is also called 'Miss Balla: The Bullet Queen' which made me think that this had been altered to appeal to a English speaking country. This was a hsmae because it wasn't quite like the cover and descriptions. It was better.

Loosely based on a true story, Laura is a young woman who wants to be part of the Miss Bala beauty pagent. But after a terrible event at a club she finds herself captured by a violent gang of Mexican drug smugglers.

That is the basic description of the story. What happens after she is captured and forced to do things by the gang leader just gets worse. Not only does she have her family threatened but she is then seen as part of the gang and she has no way out. As the story progresses the film and Laura's world becomes more and more claustrophobic and in some scenes uncomfortable. I don't think the character smiles once in the film, not including the pageant scenes where she barely forces a smile.

The story and characters also feel too close to home meaning that it feels very real and current. It feels a bit like a documentary in a way, apart from the death scenes. The story the film is based on took place in 2008 when Miss Sinaloa, Laura Zúñiga was arrested along with suspected gang members in a truck filled with weapons outside Guadalajara.

The film was released in 2011. That's quite fast for a film to be made and released so soon after the event.

The film was distressing by the end as Laura was powerless. A very good film but not one I would happily watch again.

End Line: Hardly a Bullet Queen, she was a Victim.

The Hitchcock Appreciation Post

Monday 13th August was Hitchcock's birthday and I thought the best way to celebrate one of my icons' day was to go see The 39 Steps in the theatre in London. I had already seen it but it just so happened that my aunt had cheap tickets. And I really wanted to see it again.

I first saw this hilarious play at the  Richmond Theatre and loved how a four people (technically three, one actor plays Hannay throughout) could bring so many characters to life. The play is based on the 1935 Hitchcock film starring Robert Donat. The story follows Richard Hannay who attends a performance from 'Mr Memory' a man who can remember every and any fact. During the performance a gun is fired and he is followed by Annabella Schmidt. She convinces him to let her come back to his flat where she reveals she is a spy and is being followed by an assassin. She says that she has uncovered a plot to steal vital British military secrets, implemented by a man with the top joint missing from one of his fingers, who is the head of an espionage organisation called the "39 Steps".

Seeing a second time around just made me love the play even more, especially as the productions were slightly different. The theatre it is currently being performed is the Criterion Theatre and it could not be more perfect. Not the biggest theatre but it felt as if we just walked in the story. The 1930s music and decor made it feel as we were in that time again, if you get what I mean.

Moving with more Hitchcock related things,Vertigo was recently voted best film of all time in Sight and Sound after years of Citizen Kane taking the prime spot. I have to admit Vertigo isn't my favourite Hitchcock film. Although the poster is amazing, the story just dragged for me. I might have to watch it again and see if I'm wrong. Here is a link to a longer article: http://badassdigest.com/2012/08/01/vertigo-now-the-best-movie-ever-citizen-kanes-run-at-the-top-over/

The last piece of Hitchcock related news is that there are two features about Hitchcock. The first is a biography starring Anthony Hopkins as the great director and will focus on his life while making Pyscho. The second will a BBC production called 'The Girl' and will focus on the obsession the director had with the actress, Tippi Hedren and will be aired later this year, I hope. Toby Jones will be playing Hitchcock and Sienna Miller will be portraying Tippi Hedren.

 To round up this post here are my favourite Hitchcock films are Rear Window, Lifeboat and Strangers on a Train.

Look at This, I've Been Nominated for a Liebster Award

I have been nominated for the Liebster Award by Annie at http://beardtoday-gonetomorrow.blogspot.co.uk. Thank you Annie!

 The rules of the Liebster Award:
1. Each person nominated must post 11 things about themselves.
2. They must answer the questions that are given to you from the person who nominated you.
3. You must then create 11 questions for the people you've nominated.
4. Nominate 11 bloggers and link them in your post
5. Let the bloggers know they've been nominated.

These are the questions I was given:
1. If you could be any animal what would you be and why? I would be a fox, but a country fox. I don't think I would like to be an urban fox, too much trouble. I'd want to be a fox because they are smart and sly. They are majestic and run through the forest!
2. What one book do you wish you had written? Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll
3. You're only allowed one for the rest of your life: chocolate or cheese? Cheese, got to be cheese, especially night cheese.
4. Money is no object, where is the next place you'd like to travel to? New Zealand. I've wanted to visit it for years. I want to walk in Middle Earth.
5. What are most looking forward to right at this moment? I can't say. But I am looking forward to my birthday, ish.
6. What is your signature dish? I can only make cupcakes, biscuits and soup, so Butternut Squash Soup with salsa.
7. What was the last fancy dress party you went to? What did you go as? I think it was back in my third year of University, at our house's last party, it was movie themed. I dressed as the awesome Heather Mooney from Romey and Michelle's High School Reunion.
8. What's your favourite song/band? (you can answer either or, as it's a tough one) Favourite band is difficult but song would have to be We Used to Vacation by Cold War Kids.
9. Do yo have a moto, or a favourite quote, what is it/who said it? Not motto but my favourite quote is from Romeo and Juilet: "These violet delights have violent ends..."
10. If you could go back in time what would you tell your 14 year old self? I would say, 'DON'T EAT THOSE CAFETERIA DOUGHNUTS!' and 'Why did you give up trampoline?'.
11.Where in the world is your favourite place? This is difficult as I am most at home in a cinema watching a film. But I did really like Brussels.


11 things about me:
1. I really want a pet dog but can't as I am allergic to dogs (and cats, fur and feathers).
2. If I could live in a film it would be a Wes Anderson film. But I would want to work on a Coen Brothers film.
3. I really wish I had come up with the story of the Disney short 'The Whale who wanted to sing at the Met"
4. I have looked into becoming a seal warden a few times.
5. When I was aged 5 til 16 I wanted to be an actress and took part in anything to do with drama.
6. If I had my own zoo I would have the following animals dwell in it; an otter, a seal, a penguin, a polar bear, a fox and a duck.
7. Having seen the musical 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' when I was very young it is now embedded into my mind as amazing.
8. One of my favourite things to do on a lazy day is to drink tea and watch Poirot or Miss Marple. That or reorganise my DVDs.
9. I am obsessed with White Russian cocktails after seeing The Big Lebowski.
10. Had a traumatic experience when I was 17, I ended up missing an exam. I think loads of people know the story.
11. The last item I bought that wasn't coffee was my very own Toasted Sandwich Maker.

My questions to my nominees:
1. What posters did you have on your wall when you were 10 years old?
2. If you could be any character from fiction who would it be?
3. What was the first film you saw at the cinema?
4. What was the last book you read and was it any good?
5. Do you have a bad habit? If you do, what is it and do you keep it a secret?
6. What it your favourite kind of cake?
7. Are you superstitious and have you ended up in an embarrassing situation because of being so?
8. Whats the craziest piece of clothing in your wardrobe?
9. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
10. Who's the person you admire the most and why?
11. What television show are you addicted to at the moment?


And the nominees are:
Merideth - one sheepish girl
and
Laura - Laura Lexx

Challenge Excepted: Australia

I ventured to a continent that I haven't ventured to before, Australia.

The country is also Australia and the film is Sleeping Beauty.

When I first read about this film I thought it was going to be an interpretation of the beloved fairy tale. But with further reading and with the release of the film I read more into the story, thank goodness. I can tell you now it is most definitely NOT like the fairy tale nor does it resemble the fairy tale. This is an original and disturbing story.

I wanted to watch it after I saw the trailer and for the simple reason, I wanted to know what happened when she slept.

The story is about student Lucy who short on money to say the least. She has several odd jobs and it is insinuated she is also a prostitute, presumably so she can pay rent and her tuition. She answers an advertisement in the newspaper and is then invited to a strange interview where she is examined by Clara and explained the job she is to perform. Lucy acts as a freelance silver service in lingerie, serving at quiet, disturbing lavish dinner parties. After serving at another party, Lucy is called in by Clara with a different request. For this job she must be completely sedated. After a few more times, Lucy wants to know what happens to her when she sleeps.

The film ends on a strange note leaving you feeling unsatisfied and uneasy. There is not abrupt ending, just a long fade to black and an almost static shot. I wanted to know what happened next, what happened to Lucy. There isn't even room to wonder because the final dialogue is just a scream.

The film is very elegant and easy on the eye, meaning the colours and tone of the shots are easy to look at. This is a contrast to the bare script. This isn't a bad thing but there are a few plot holes which bothered me while watching the film. I did feel like I could have had more information about Lucy and the people she meets. The mystery of the organisation that Clara works for as well as her nameless clients works so well. You don't need names for the characters, their actions and dialogue express them character for them. If that makes sense.

Over all an odd film. A very different kind of Australian film.

End Line: Disturbing fairy tale-esque with an obvious caution.

Next: Wales, Iceland, Japan, Mexico, Sweden, New Zealand, Romanian & Hungarian