December Hit, Miss or Maybe

1. Frozen - Maybe

Disney is now following the trend of using a traditional fairytale and changing it then calling it something that doesn't hint at the story. First there was 'Tangled', an amazing film that added in excellent characters and changed the story slightly, but the classic tale was still obvious to all. Then  came 'Frozen'. I love the Snow Queen story, she would have been an amazing villain, but alas Disney made a 3D film (not needed) and completely changed the classic fairytale. This should really just stand alone and new story rather than a reworking of a classic. Frozen is tale of two sisters, neither are evil, both are really amazing characters with even their own storyline struggles. The talking snowman Olaf is amazing and really should just have a series of shorts just for him. Love interest Kristoff and adorable reindeer companion Sven are great additions too but the story seriously lacks a villain. Don't worry there is one, but they are not revealed until two thirds of the way through. Its actually rather annoying. The song are also questionable, they did not feel very 'Disney' it felt more like a broadway musical score which isn't surprising seeing as a lot of the cast were in fact broadway stars. I think I only like two songs, Olaf's and the very catchy 'Let it go' sung by Elsa, the 'snow queen' or rather, the charcater who becomes queen and has been hiding her snow making curse. Over all I did enjoy it, just wish more of the songs were better and there was a villain.

2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - HIT

I had tried to hold back my excitement for this film, only to litterally scream during the credits on the day it came out, I was that excited and I am not ashamed. My co-workers were making fun of my fierce devotion to Middle-Earth, but I stood my ground (and won in my opinion). The story continues with the dwarves making their way through Mirkwood and the film takes a Lord of the Rings turn, the company splits up when they arrive at Lake Town, not in the book, Tolkien fans. Gandalf has his own storyline, also not in the book, but that doesn't matter, its amazing, not as interesting but bridges the gap between epics. As for the dwarves they have the best scenes, one of my favourite from the story is the barrel scene. The dwarves fight the elves and orcs while travelling at fast speed down the river, the co-ordination is perfect and even funny at some points. The additional character, Tauriel, seemed pointless at first but she's actually quite cool, that is until she is forced into the a stupid 'love triangle' with Legolas (yes he's back, he is a Prince of Mirkwood you know) and none other than Fili the dwarf. DOES NOT MAKE SENSE! After my anger had died down, they had got back to the story. I loved the introductions for both Bard the Bowman and Thranduil, King of the Mirkwood elves. Both were amazing and will definitely, if the final film follows the story, have bigger roles in the next film. I also love the actors too, so to me, excellent casting. Now for my final mention, Smaug. The mightiest of dragon foes, his scenes at the end were amazing. Someone said they found it dull, they are wrong, having read the book and loved the chapter where Bilbo meets Smaug, it was a childhood memory come to life, plus I do love dragons, evil or good. I know everyone mentions that its Sherlock and Watson, but you will forget this fact as soon as Smaug wakes up. The ending was sudden but effective, and excellent cliffhanger so I won't spoil it for you. Better than the first film and so many beautiful scenes!!!

3. Anchorman 2 : The Legend Continues - HIT

There is too much to say about this film. It is the film that didn't need to be made but I so glad they did. I was laughing out loud from start to finish. Not as quotable as the first but I'm sure once people watch a few dozen times quotes will be flying all over the internet, particularly some quotes about nursing a baby shark. The story is part historical part Ron Burgundy trying to get back on top, part him realising how important friends are and that he loves his family, that is the gist, without giving anything away. I barely knew the story going in and that is the best way to enjoy this continued tale of the famous anchorman. The cameos are pitch perfect too, especially in the epic battle at the end. We all expected it and they went that extra hilarious mile. Second times a charm.

4. We're The Millers - Miss

Missed this first time around at the cinema, people raved about it and I liked the trailer and the idea because its just so true. Dress like a typical boring family and you can get away with anything, including smuggling in a truck load of drugs from Mexico. As I said I loved the trailer but the poster annoyed me. All the characters are stereotypes but they make seem original and fresh. I also felt the ending was predictable but it didn't matter because the film was just plain funny.

5. The Incredible Burt Wonderstone -Miss

The cast was a big part of me choosing to see this. It has Steve Buscemi in it, enough said. But and its a big but, its about magicians and its actually not very good. Very predictable. Two young boys become friends over magic, grow doing a magic act become famous, end up hating each other. One is more of an arsehole than the other and has to go through a life lesson and the true meaning of magic and wonder while trying to beat the new outrageous competition. Apart from Steve Buscemi, who is always a delight, the cast are far better than the material they were given. But its not a miss, not just because of Buscemi, I did laugh at a few parts and that deserves something for the effort.

The Afternoon Movie: The Amazing Mr Blunden

 
I don't remember the first time I saw The Amazing Mr Blunden but it must have been when I was very young because I remember the film being absolutely amazing, just like the title suggests.

Not so long ago, I saw it for rent on itunes for 99p and thought about watching it again. Then, the other day I actually did, but on youtube instead. Sorry itunes.

The Amazing Mr Blunden was one of those films from the 60s and 70s that time literally forgot. A children's film about a ghosts, old houses, mysteries and strange old men with bald heads. Made in 1972, (you really can tell) and set in 1918. This strange story and stranger film, I was actually relieved to find out it is based on a book, The Ghosts by Antonia Barber. The title of the book makes much more sense than the films'. The poster doesn't really explain much by the way either.

Set in 1918, Mrs Allen, now widowed by war, lives in a small house in London with her two teenage children, Lucy and James and baby Benjamin. The 'amazing' Mr Blunden visits them and asks them to visit a firm of solicitors who are in need of a housekeeper to look after an old house, Langley Park. When the family move into the lodge by the house, they hear rumours that the house is haunted by ghosts of the children who died in a fire 100 years ago.

After a few stops and starts, Lucy and James meet the ghosts, Sarah and Georgie Latimer who are able to travel through time by making a magic potion. Stop me if think this is already getting a bit silly. After their parents died, their uncle took over and married into an obscene family, the Wickens. The Wickens try to kill the Latimer children as they stand to inherit everything. But the Latimer children need Lucy and James to help them.

So where is Mr Blunden? If he is so amazing why isn't in this synopsis? He does come into the story briefly, only to disappear again and to hint there are three of him or something. No twist there.

Without giving it all away, it all ends a rather amusing montage of all the characters/actors saying goodbye over the credits. What joy!

Sadly this classic isn't quite a gem, however I strongly recommend you watch it, just for the period costume mystery ghost house feel about it. But I do guarantee that you will shout out 'but why is Mr Blunden amazing?' The answer, you'll never know, we'll never know.

This film boasts a famous cast too, with none other than Diana Dors the 'British sex symbol' as the wicked crone like housekeeper, Mrs Wickens.

The actresses that played Lucy Allen and Sarah Latimer went on to make other films, mostly low budget horror and TV. Mr Blunden himself, Laurence Naismith is quite a legend by the looks of his resume too.

I'm sure you can find this film somewhere, maybe in the conflicting genre department or maybe just have a look on itunes, its absolutely worth 99p to rent.

Feeling Festive

   
Feeling very festive this past week. I've already started watching all the usual Christmas films.

I've written almost all my cards, finally wrapped up all but one of the presents, still waiting for the last one to arrive AND I've made the Christmas tags! I've gone for the snowman theme.

Tried to make all the snowmen different but all very jolly. They are my tags for the presents this year and they may appear on some of my Christmas cards.

Slightly inspired by the adorable snowman, Olaf, from Disney's new film Frozen, which I saw the other day. I used snowmen as my theme a few years back too when I made cupcakes, cards, tags and I think masks one year. I used to be in charge of the Christmas masks, we had different ones each year as well as name places. Ah, those were the Christmases.

November Hit, Miss or Maybe

Once again, a small list this month, due to starting a new job and practically no time to indulge in my favourite activity. Going to the Cinema!!


1. Thor: The Dark World

They destroyed that small town in New Mexico, they destroyed New York and now they have destroyed Greenwich! Those Asgardians and affliates have done it again. After Iron Man 3, which was the biggest grossing film of the year apparently, this is the second film in the Marvel Universe set in the aftermath of Avengers. It is brilliant. There is equal action in Asgard and in London, which I enjoyed. It was fun to see my home city on screen that didn't involve gangsters,  cheesy disaster sequences or royalty. This action takes place some time after the events in New York. Loki is in prison and will only be civil to Frigga. My name sake Hogun, one of the warriors three, only features in the beginning. Thor gets updates about Jane from Heimdall. Meanwhile on Earth, Jane is trying to forget about Thor and is failing. The plot is difficult to explain but the drama begins when the Dark Elves, thought of as myths now, return and try to destroy the Nine Realms. This results in Jane becoming infected on Earth after opening a portal to another realm. The Dark Elves are too powerful and Thor looks to Loki for help. The scenes between the brothers are perfect, especially in the third act. Loki is such a brilliant character and all the loyal fans aside, it would be a shame if we never saw him again. There are some epic sequences in Greenwich which is the place that all things connect, obviously. The characters from the first Thor film are brought back in full force, apart from Hogun, and make a marvellous supporting cast, wouldn't be right without them. The film also included a very intriguing after credit scene with The Collector played by Benicio Del Toro, who is set to be in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy film. I was very excited about this, as its always exciting when new characters are introduced. To sum up, loved the film, a great Thor sequel and excellent instalment in the Marvel film plan! HIT


2. Catching Fire

Here is a special post about the awesome film. HIT


3. Blackfish

The fact that documentaries are being treated like mainstream blockbuster films, is a great sign of the times, especially when the films are of Blackfish's quality. This is a very emotional and, yes I am saying this, a powerful drama. Back in 2010, experienced trainer, Dawn Brancheau was killed by Tilikum, the orca whale who performs at SeaWorld Orlando, Florida. The films looks back at Tilikum's background from his capture, his life in captivity and the three deaths that surround him. The film also looks at the dangers of keeping orcas in captivity. Several former trainers from SeaWorld are interviewed about how the mammals where treated and the incident with Brancheau. A interview near the start of the film with a man who's job was to capture whales is truly upsetting, the man even becomes emotional explaining that it was like kidnapping a child from its family.

This film has influenced John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton, the makers of the upcoming Pixar sequel, Finding Dory, to alter the ending of the film. After seeing Blackfish, the depiction of a marine park has been changed.

I thought this film was brilliant and tragic. I think I have a soft spot for marine life (especially seals) and this got to me. HIT