March Watch List

1. Chappie

I've seen mixed reviewed for this film about A.I and child development and I'm surprised. I thought this film was brilliantly executed. On the surface, its about a creator and his creation and how people can corrupt an innocent for their own gains. Then there is a deeper message, is a child corrupted by its family and the people it associates with or is it just circumstantial, the environment. To bring down crime in Johannesburg, the police are made up of human offices and robotic humanoids. The success of the robot offices brings success to Tetravaal, a weapons manufacturer and the creator, Deon. Deon then creates artificial intelligence giving a robot emotions and he ability to form opinions but after he is kidnapped by a street gang who forces him to 'wake the robot up' so they can use it to assist in their crimes. Chappie is born. Sharlto Copely plays Chappie, voice and motion capture too, and he is brilliant as well as being the director Neil Blomkamp's favourite having appeared in his last two features.  There is heart in his film as well the enjoyment of seeing corruption of innocence seen through the eyes of a child/robot. There have been talk of a sequel which would be a shame as this film and story stands well alone. I should also mention that Hugh Jackman, as the ex-solider turned weapon designer is quite good as the weird villain who wants man operated machines on the streets instead. He is so far removed from the typical muscle crazed hero its delightfully refreshing. With a mixture of non actors and professionals, the characters gel surprisingly well together, on screen at least. 4/5

2. Fifty Shades of Grey

Let's be clear, I've not read the book, nor will I ever read the book but I saw the film because I thought, if I'm going to make fun of this film or criticize it in any way, I should at least watch it. My opinion at the end, it is neither great nor bad. I can understand fans of the books would be annoyed by a few things, namely the fact that the book is explicit (so I'm told) and the film barely breaks the 15 certificate. The filmmakers had the opportunity to go all out and they didn't. The hype around the book has been tamed down that it becomes more about the relationship that the s&m scenes. The relationship is also annoying but that is a character fault not the actors. Ana and Christian are the main focus of the film, the supporting characters who appear every now and then are used with small effect, they do not move the story along, all the work is left on the leads shoulders and their up and down relationship, will be sorted out in the sequels. This film very much felt like a long intro. But saying all this, the two leads had chemistry at least. 2/5

3. Song of the Sea 

Seals, folktales and beautiful 2D animation, of course this film was aimed at someone like me. The story is about Ben and his sister Saoirse and their father, the lighthouse keeper. After the death of his mother, who died presumbly during childbirth, Ben has always been hostile towards his younger sister who at age 6 has still never spoken a word. But when Saoirse discovers a white coat and lead to the sea by mystical fairy lights, there she discovers, after wearing the coat, she is a Selkie. After being discovered on the sea shore the next morning, the children's visiting grandmother insists the children live with her in the city. The defiant Ben decides to escape and make his way back home with Saoirse in tow. They journey home and discover and meet fairies of the myth and legend as well Saoirse's destiny and importance between worlds. Its beautifully animated and the story, so simple yet brings out all emotions. The seal and folklore aspects just the film all that more enjoyable to watch. 4/5

4.  Suite Française 

My friend and I went to see it like it was like any other war drama, but after the first viewing we were hooked. The film's end felt like we were left in suspension and for me disbelief that it ended. Again, I've read mixed reviews about this film, centered around the German occupation of France in 1940. A regiment is sent to a town outside Paris and how the residents and he soldiers live along side each other. We became obsessed with this film and story, as we both read the book the film is based on by Irene Nemirovsky, who was writing the novel just before she was taken to a labor camp for being Jewish. The film is heartbreaking above all but it was also interesting to see a different aspect to the war. Set just when Germany defeats France and takes over, the Germans are the enemy but are seen to be civil until one of their own is murdered. Along side the main story of occupation, there is a romantic element. A German officer, Bruno is billeted with Lucille and her stern mother in law, Madam Angellier. Her son is a POW and she treats her tenants with contempt. Bruno and Lucille share a bond through their love of music but it is, as always, an ill fated romance. Played with such subtly by Michelle Williams and Matthias Schoenaerts, the relationship is not sweet but delicate and works so well on screen, just wish they had longer scenes. The story's outcome and the outcome for several of the characters featured in the film is changed and ultimately damned by one selfish person. From this point on the story descends into the usual, way a war film does, its frustrating but not disappointing. By my friend and I reading the book, we searched for answers to see if we missed something. We both felt that the romance needed further attention and I personally felt the sting of the ending. I don't wish this often or ever, but I hoped for a change of ending from the book. And no matter how many times I watch, love, despair at the film, it will never change. Directed by Saul Dibb with the elegant touch that he previously had in The Duchess, I should have know I would have been depressed with the end. If you're wondering about the title, it is the name of the music that Bruno is composing throughout the film. 4/5

5. Seventh Son

I'm sorry but I gave this the lowest possible score as it didn't even hold my attention. The myth behind the story is far more interesting than the actual film. It's not a surprise that this film is based on series of books. I think the studio who made it was hoping for a franchise to bloom but I really can't see it. It will most likely go the way of Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, The Dark is Rising, Vampire Academy and Eragon, all based on book series aimed at young readers and tweens. None of them got a sequel. Dystopian adventures seem to hold the winning formula but those are also running short. The Seventh Son was bland and not even Jeff Bridges playing Jeff Bridges could save this film. Plot, young man destined to save the world from darkness and a powerful witch becomes to the apprentice to a Jeff Bridges who is a 'Spook' someone who can vanquish evil things. That's the premise and I'm sure you can all predict the end. Oh, and they make sure to leave room, just in case a sequel is made. 1/5

6. Zero Motivation

After seeing the trailer on Apple trailer, this was during festival season, I was hooked. A comedy about women during military service, perfect. But where the trailer made the fill look purely like a black comedy, the film was more about friendship and the comedy was slightly thin on the ground. The film is split into 3 chapters, 'The Replacement, The Virgin and The Commander'. Each section follow the day to day life at the military base of the women, mainly, who non-combatants, working the admin office. Zoar, is on the surface lazy and refuses to make an effort and Daffi just really wants to leave the base for another in a better location. I did laugh at some of the mishaps and the scene where the entire office is stuffed full of shredded paper but otherwise there are some quite disturbing stories within the base, one involving a suicide and one of the women being possessed by a ghost. I would reccomend the film but be aware its not an outright comedy. 3/5

Mothers, Monsters and Mayhem

It has forever been a bother for me when stories are trying to find something or someone for the audience to 'connect' to and they end up going for the same old boring thing, single mother with a sick child. It's incredibly disappointing.

I appreciate stories between mothers and sons/daughters but when its part of the story not as a lame add on. There are films that have the 'mother figure' or the 'mother presence' that is usually needed as part of the main character surrounding supporting characters, especially if its a family drama or someone who is returning home.


 But, more often, the 'Mother' character is one of two beings. Someone who is domineering, maybe even violent, she causes misery, sometimes for comic effect. The other role the 'Mother' plays is the absent parent, events in the story are in her name or her absence is the cause for the events and certain characters behaviour.

A few films are based around a very generic relationship between a mother and a child, for example in 'Anywhere But Here'. Adele (Susan Sarandon) up roots her daughter, Ann (Natalie Portman), to LA in order to better themselves.  Ann can't stand her Mother and says this all the way through even though at times she won't go anywhere without her.

In a twisted way, the relationship in Watchmen between Sally and Laurie is similar. Even though, Sally forced her daughter to become Silk Spectre 2, dressing her up in provocative clothes, forcing her to take up the mantle and refusing to tell her about her real father, Laurie still visits her mother all the time, even going through the transporting which makes her ill. Her mother stole her childhood but she still feels like she needs her mother and Sally definitely still needs her.

There are plenty of horror stories that play on the 'violent, evil' Mother character. One that comes to mind is Carrie. I haven't actually seen the film but because it's an adaptation of Stephen King's novel, there has been so much coverage of it especially with the less successful remake. Carrie's mother is a religious fanatic who tortures her daughter mentally and physically to the point where Carrie breaks. That's just putting it gently. 

 Sometimes its the bond between mother and usually son that is too close and strong that causes the most damage. The prime example here is 'Psycho', Norman Bates (SPOILER) has a disturbingly close relationship with his mother to the point he dressed up in her clothes and murdered people, he even spoke in her voice. For me, that last scene where he is sitting in the cell, is the most disturbing. The TV series, Bates Motel, has run with this relationship, but set in modern day. It shows the lead up to the events that will eventually be 'Psycho', Norman's breaking point.

The horror and the shame the way mothers behave can have a terrible outcome and mothers who have been thought to be caring and loving are actually selfish and delusional. 'Flowers in the Attic' demonstrates the reverse nurturing effect when mothers become consumed with themselves and try to ignore their children as they are 'getting in the way of their happiness'.  Heather Graham played Corrine, seen at first as a loving mother until her husband dies and she's forced to move back home. But in order to stay in her father's good side, she hides her 4 children in the attic, where they remain for years. She barely visits them after a few months, intent on starting a new life. This entire ordeal completely damages the children in different ways mentally and physically, scaring them for life. There is also another mother daughter story between Corrine and her own mother, Olivia. Olivia had always been jealous of the relationship between her daughter and husband and she takes it out on her grandchildren.

The jealous mother character is usually for step mothers but like 'Flowers in the Attic', in 'Stoker', Evelyn (Nicole Kidman) is very jealous of her daughter, the slightly strange, quiet, India (Mia Wasikowska). At first it seems she was jealous of the father daughter relationship, she mentions to the uncle, Charlie (Matthew Goode), that they used to do everything together and exclude her. She is bitter about this, especially after the mysterious death of her husband. Charlie, the brother, is also fascinated by India and in turn India seems to have a connection to Charlie. Evelyn then tries to take Charlie's attention away, the only way a woman can, supposedly. But Charlie has other issues which is why he is connected to India, so for Evelyn, this attempt at making her own daughter jealous will ultimately fail.

The mean mother character can be comedic or incredibly serious, but sometimes a serious problem of bullying can create a comedy classic. 'Throw Mamma From The Train' is more about writers and a strange remake of 'Strangers on the Train', but the fact that a mother character comes into the story is important and shows just how strong a hold 'bad' mothers have on their suffering children. Owen (Danny DeVito) wants to be a writer but his overbearing beast of a mother is stopping him progress is every way. He convinces his teacher, Larry (Billy Crystal) to 'criss-cross' their murders, as Larry wants rid of his evil thieving ex-wife. As I said its not really about the relationship but its interesting to see a serious issue played out in a comedic way. The ending is hilarious by the way.

Mothers have a great influence over us and in films, as I said so many films are done in 'name of' our Mothers, particularly revenge films, like 'Four Brothers' that was actually pretty darn good. Its based on the The Sons of Katie Elder'. The four brothers seek justice when they're mother is murdered. This the 'absent' mother character, like a ghost who comes back to haunt the characters we see, sometimes never mentioned but we can all feel the presence.

This feeling can be applied to those mother characters that are no longer mothers. 'All About My Mother' is about Manuela who after her teenage son is killed, is left alone and decides to go back to Barcelona to look for the father. Its an heart-breaking start, but even though her son is gone, he still echoes throughout the film, so she never actually stops being a mother.

The 'over protective' mother type is often seen is quiet dramas, where the mothers don't want their children to fall off the rails but this usually has back lashes, particularly in 'The Virgin Suicides'. Kathleen Turner's character is positive she is doing the right thing when it is completely wrong, and her behaviour and rules may have contributed to her daughters desperate needs to 'get out'. Over protective 'action' mums can also 'get it wrong'. In 'Terminator: Judgement Day', Sarah Connor is locked up in a mental hospital while her son is looked after by foster parents. When she escapes, she is very 'motherly' but she has the instinct to protect. The need and want to protect the child can be a double edged sword, trying to do good may lead to downfall, but doing nothing can lead to resentment, its difficult to determine, in each film if its the mother or the child.

To wrap up on a happier note, the 'mum' character type in teen comedies is always fun to watch. They are usually uptight, rule making generics, a waste of space or hardworking and never at home. The ones that stand out and break these moulds are Mrs George (Amy Poehler) and Rosemary Penderghast (Patricia Clarkson) from 'Mean Girls' and 'Easy A'. To be honest these two films break the teen movie mould anyway. Mrse George is ridiculous, she is always taking photos of the back of her daughter's head and she doesn't really monitor what her younger daughter watches BUT she also encourages her daughter, be in a weird way. She comes to see her show, she brings drinks and snack for daughters friends and she doesn't really approve of the teens drinking. She's crazy but sometimes responsible and seems utterly oblivious to the fact her daughter is a bitch as she seems to love her no matter what.

Rosemary Penderghast seems easy going and like Dill, her husband, get along with their children, having very easy conversations about anything, even their sexual history. Rosemary, again, like Mrs George, seems oblivious to the rumours about her daughter. She trusts her daughter and doesn't pry into her life and is able to make funny jokes about 'gentlemen callers'. It's a very easy going relationship with her daughter, Olive and its not often that you see this on screen AND it feels completely believable this happens.

My last mention on mothers has to be about the ultimate mother-daughter relationship, Gilmore Girls. I could write a whole essay on this example alone. Lorelai Gilmore is a best friend to her daughter and mother. She knows when to draw the line and teach her daughter what she needs to know while giving her space and time to make up her own decisions. She is supportive in (nearly) everything Rory does. The circumstances that created this close bond come from another mother-daughter relationship. Lorelai and her mother Emily didn't get along because she was the opposite to what Lorelai is for Rory. She forced her into things she didn't want, she didn't support her in the way she needed, resulting in Lorelai literally running away to be free. I know some people are Gilmore fans, I know my sister hates it, but it is one the best examples for the mother character to be explored, there are 7 brilliant seasons to discover what I mean, and this isn't even 1% of what I'm trying to convey here. To press this further, both Lorelai and Emily could be examples of most of the 'mother' types at some point during the TV show. But, that will have to do as I have rambled on for a very long while.

I know there are a dozen more 'mother' types out there but the ones mentioned here are the ones that came to mind. If you have any more to contribute, please do leave a comment below, I'm always happy to read.

Happy Mother's Day!

Films mentioned; Anywhere But Here (1999), Watchmen (comic/film), Carrie (1976), The Sons of Katie Elder (1965), Four Brothers (2005), Psycho (1960), Flowers in the Attic (2014), Stoker (2013), Throw Momma From The Train (1987), All About My Mother (1999), The Virgin Suicides (1999), Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991), Mean Girls (2004), Easy A (2010), Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Blind Spot Series - The Player

Firstly, I was surprised at how difficult it was to get this film, ended up buying second hand which was fine, but it wasn't as cheap as I thought a film made in 1992 would be. Secondly, I cannot resist films about films or making films, The Player fits perfectly.

Not an obvious classic but to me it is, as it is one those films talked about, infamous and made by Robert Altman, a great American director. As well as being a 'modern' classic, it also boasts a great typical 90's cast, which made me want to watch it more.

Tim Robbins, is Griffin Mill, studio executive who meets writers, hears their pitches and makes a deal. That's what his job appears to be. He's got it all. Great car, great job, girlfriend who also works at the studio and he knows everyone, even if they hate him. He also has power, but it's slipping. With the arrival of 'hot shot' Larry Levy (Peter Gallagher) set to take his place and the fact he keeps receiving mysterious threatening postcards from a writer he never called back, he's not in the best shape. Things get worse when he murders the writer he thinks is sending him messages. With the pressure of the police and being cornered by two screenwriters with a crazy idea, Griffin is drawn to the deceased writer's artist girlfriend, seen a bright light in all the Hollywood hell.

I really enjoyed Altman's style and they way he set up all the characters involved with the 7 minute opening shot. It not set up the story and the way thing are run at a studio but it also gave sense of what these Hollywood people are like and hints to the ultimate end. Not quite drawing a full circle but letting the audience know, just what it's like in the studios. Altman did actually fight with the studio system for years, working outside of it and finding success. The film is actually based on a book by Michael Tolkin who also wrote the screenplay, which I always find is much better for the film, the original writer still has input.

As captivating and enjoyable at the story was, it was still difficult to feel attached to Griffin, no matter how brilliant Robbins is, the film was full of people who unlikeable. I know they had the dead writer's girlfriend as the only decent person, but I found her incredibly bland and her only quirk was that she was a painter who never finished any of her pieces. The film felt like it was lacking a punch. Griffin isn't in any real danger, the studio has his back if he is found out by the police and as he's rich, he'll get away with it right? My favourite parts of the film were when writers were pitching and all the meetings at the studio. Tom Oakley (Richard E. Grant) and Andy Sivella (Dean Stockwell), had the best few scenes. They are the writers who pitch, spontaneously, Habeas Corpus, a legal drama featuring no major stars and with a depressing ending. As the story is being explained you get sucked in and want to see it (which we do, but not until the end). It features a great cameo and inside joke about stars.

But overall, the film felt like it was missing something. Possibly a better 'third act' or a better confrontation, for example, you never actually get to meet the real writer who was sending those postcards. I'm still an Altman fan though.


Have a read of The Matinee's Blind Spot Series, this month, All That Jazz.

ABC Movie challenge

After reading Katy's brilliant film blog, Girl Meets Cinema and loving the ABC film challenge, I had to take part and create my list.

Anticipating Movie of 2015 -  Jurassic World 
 The Park is open. And Chris Pratt will be there, with dinosaurs. I'm excited.

 
Book Adaptation I'd Love To See - Death and the Penguin by Andrey Kurkov
I have to admit, the title caught my eye and the blurb made me read this. A struggling writer agrees to take a job at a newspaper writing obituaries for famous and important people. These are only to be printed in the event of these deaths. Soon many people do start mysteriously dying. The writer becomes involved in a conspiracy that isn't fully clear as it always involves his pet penguin. It would make a great film.

 
Celebrity I'd Most Like To Meet - Tina Fey
She has been my idol since the very first article I read about her back in 2007. I read about 30 Rock being shown in channel 5 (in the UK its a terrible channel) and about the creator being the first female head writer for SNL. That same week I became obsessed with 30 Rock. 

 

Dream Director/Actor Pairing - Wes Anderson and Steve Buscemi
Not exactly clear choices but I love them both and I think it would interesting to see Buscemi in an Anderson film, not playing a villain, weirdo or side character. Buscemi is an amazing character actor, the pairing would be beautiful! 

Essential Classic Film - A Night at the Opera
This film is actually in my top 10 favourite films of all time. My parents love the Marx Brothers so my sister and I have been a fan of them for decades. More film fans should exposed to these geniuses. 

Favorite Film Franchise - The Hunger Games
 Gearing up to the DVD release of Mockingjay, I'm getting more and more excited about Part 2. Rereading the books and listening to the audiobooks.

 
Genre I Watch The Most - thriller 
I tend to watch more thrillers, comedies and dramas.

 
Hidden Gem - The Fall
Epic in scale but seen by few. It hasn't, as I had hoped, become a cult hit. Tarsem's epic small scale story about a stuntman, hospitalised after an accident/suicide attempt during a film ends up telling a story to a little Romanian girl to pass the time and enthrall her enough to help in his next suicide attempt. From the picture below, you were not excepting that. The stuntman uses people the girl sees day to day an incorporates them into the story which is seen on epic scale and every shot is beautiful. It is definitely worth seeing.

Important Moment in My Film Life - When I first saw The Fellowship of the Ring at the cinema for the first time
I actually wrote a blog post about this experience, you can read about it here.

 
Just Right for A Rainy Day - Rear Window
This is usually my 'feeling unwell' film to watch, this or 'Soapdish'. When I was at University, I always seemed to watch this when it was raining or to try an unwind.

 
Kiddie Movie I Still Shamelessly Enjoy -Return to Oz
For ages this was my go to film to watch while I was drunk. I come back at whatever time in the morning and put it on. I would usually end up falling asleep around the time Dorothy discovers Tik-Tok. But I can enjoy this classic children's film anytime

Location I'd Most Like To Visit - Hobbiton, its the dream
One day I will make it to New Zealand and I will finally fulfill the dream I have had ever since 2001. 

Marathons I Watched - Lord of the Rings, X-MEM, Marvel Superheroes

I have had my own marathons at home. While trying to sort out my room I ended up watching all of the X-Men movies, including the X-3. I sat and watched all the Marvel Superhero movies I had (at the time).

I went to the Prince Charles Cinema in London with my friend to see the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It was amazing. It felt like we were camping out, complete with food and my all important flask of coffee. I tried to do it again a year later, but I was by myself, it wasn't the same. The room was extra cold and whole group of children were behind me making noises throughout, I ended up leaving after two films. 
Last year though, I planned and watched all extended editions of The Hobbit AND The Lord of the Rings, it actually took me three days and this wasn't included 'The Battle of the Five Armies'. That was intense.

Netflix Movie I Actually Watched - She Devil
Hilarious gem I watched many times while it was on Netflix. I think its been removed though.

 
One Movie I Saw In Theaters More Than Once - The Hunger Games, saw it three times, totally worth it.

 
Preferred Place To Watch A Movie (Cinema or at home) - cinema
Home is comfort and you have everything around you, plus you can pause if needed, but nothing beats the big screen and if you have the right snacks if needed, its perfect.

 
Quote that Inspires Me - Cate Blanchett, at the Oscars when she won her award for Blue Jasmine. 

"... And thank you to Sony Classics, to Michael and Tom for their extraordinary support, for so bravely and intelligently distributing the film and to the audiences who went to see it and perhaps those of us in the industry who are still foolishly clinging to the idea that female films with women at the center are niche experiences. They are not. Audiences want to see them and, in fact, they earn money. The world is round, people."

Remakes (Friend or Foe?) Foe

Mostly foe. There are a few exceptions like 'The Girl with the Dragin Tattoo' but in that case both of the films are brilliant. 
 
Snack I Enjoy Most - coffee
  Technically not a snack but it's my cinematic choice. I always have a coffee in the cinema and sometimes at home, just for watching a film, unless its a drinking game film.

 
Thrilling Movie That Blows My Mind - Sin City
Sin City is actually my favourite film. I was blown away from it when I first saw it at the cinema. At the time, 2005, no one had seen the technology being used this way. The added comic book effect and the fact it was a series of graphic novels just made it even better.

 
Unapologetic Fanperson For - Tina Fey and the Coen Brothers
Loved Tina Fey since 2007 but oh, the brothers Coen I am a huge fanperson for. I have their whole collection, including Crimewave which they wrote the screenplay for and The Ladykillers remake which I don't agree with. I even have Ethan's poetry, short stories, plays and audiobook.

Very Excited For Award Show Season? Yes, I am this year
 
Wish I Never Watched... Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland 

 
XXX Movie I First Watched At A Young Age (R or NC-17!) High Plains Drifter, rated 18 and I was 11. I was ill and had been for a few days. I was alone as everyone was at work or school and I had already watched all early morning TV, seen most of the videos we had already and needed something new. High Plains Drifter was right at the back of the cupboard in the 'forbidden' area along with some late night sketch shows that had been taped. I knew who Clint Eastwood was so thought it would be ok. To be honest, it wasn't that gruesome and as I recall, not that great either.

 
Your latest movie-related obsession - Inherent Vice

 
ZZZ-Catchers (name a movie that has put you to sleep) - Gremlins
Saw this film at University when loads of people came round our house. I think we ran out of seats so I was on the floor and I think we had all been drinking because I fell asleep pretty quickly. I preferred Gremlins 2 anyway.

February Watch List

1. Inherent Vice 5/5

Those who said this film was confusing are wrong, sorry. The truth is, it doesn't matter. As along as you're watching the screen and listening AND you have a memory, you'll be fine.  A mixture of noir, psychedelic haze and good detective period piece, there is an array of crazy and colourful characters to see and its damn brilliant film. The only thing I don't understand is why everyone was making such a deal over Katherine Waterston? She was good but not amazing, it doesn't help that her character, Shasta is actually only there to start the story. In fact whenever she shows up, things slow down and halt the progression of story. Apart from a few little things that bothered me but didn't really bother me, I can't complain about anything, I cannot praise this film enough. Some have said it was 'hard to follow' or 'it was too confusing'. If you don't try to solve the crimes in this film as linear and just appreciate and watch the characters create chaos and some sort of conclusion, I think you will understand.

2. Testament of Youth

 

I knew that this was going to be unbelievably sad and I wasn't let down.  It was beautifully shot and the cast were sublime, especially Swedish actress, Alicia Vikander as Vera Brittain. As the film was based on Vera's memoir, I knew that she was a feminist first before the war, arguing her right to go to Oxford and eventually getting in on merit. During the war she volunteered as a nurse in England and in France. She lost her fiance, brother and close friends and became a pacifist. She was an inspirational person, with her memoir held in high regard. The film captures this woman's spirit and the pain that people suffered during and after war. A brilliant and moving film.  4/5

3. The Voices

  

Not sure why this was called a comedy horror. I wasn't laughing. I found this film very depressing and without end. In fact as soon as Ryan Reynolds mentally ill would be murderer 'accidentally' kills his first victim, you know there is no happy ending for anyone really.  Directed by Marjane Satrapi who made and wrote the brilliant 'Persepolis' I expected better but this film was a bit of shambles of depression and no balance. The fact that Jerry (Reynolds) talks to his pets (he does the voices too) and sees a doctor almost every other day AND had a mother who was exactly the same again points to sad character trying to be normal but knows deep down hes not. The comedy comes from, actually not idea where but the horror is when he accepts what his cat, Mr Whiskers, says to him and gives in to the murderous urges. I was actually very excited about seeing the film when I first read about it and even when I saw the first trailer but when all info about the film drifted away, I suspected why. It's not very good. Loved the pets though. 2/5

4. Accidental Love 

 Formally known as 'Nailed' and was meant to be directed by David O. Russell but he disowned the project crediting the work to 'Stephen Greene' another name for an Alan Smithee film. I had read about the premise for the film a while ago and was intrigued by the story about a woman who ends up with a nail in her head but because she has no health insurance, the medical services won't help her. She meets others who have weird medical issues that interfere with their lives but no one will help. She goes to Washington DC to ask for a bill to be passed that these emergency procedures be performed without insurance needed. It was funny and I have more respect for Jessica Beil (who I thought was just plain boring) but she should do more comedy as should Jake Gyllenhaal who was also very amusing as the hapless politician. Unrealistic to a fault, the girl scouts randomly supporting her cause and the fact the Speaker of Congress wants to push a bill where a Moon Base is built for 'protection and not being blown up' but taking that with a pinch of salt, it was a fun film, that will most likely never see UK cinemas. 3/5

Jupiter Ascending 

I knew after seeing the trailer and reading about the film that it wasn't going to be great. But now, after actually watching it, I admit, I enjoyed it. I'm not saying it was good, I'm saying I was entertained. There were plenty of moments where I rolled my eyes in despair and my friend felt motion sickness at the cliches and I almost punched the chair next to me every time Eddie Redmayne spoke in that pointless raspy voice. But, I still enjoyed it. The story was difficult to grasp, Jupiter was caught between being endearing and annoying and most of the dialogue was one cliche after another but as wiki described it, a space-opera, it all seems to shift into place. Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) is a cleaner and lives with her large family. One day she is abducted by Caine (Channing 'all over your' Tatum') a human sliced with the DNA of a dog or wolf. He tells her that Earth is not the birth place of the human race, it is in fact a planet created for profit. Royal families in the 'real' universe' like the Abrasax family harvest the planets to create a serum that gives them 'more time', its described as an 'industry'. Jupiter, as it turns out, is genetic reincarnation of the Abrasax's children's mother, which means she inherits Earth (following?). Each of the siblings want to meet her, either wanting to to kill her, marry her or convince her to claim Earth. No sci-fi opera film is complete with out the love story which is there throughout like a smack in the face, throughout. I viewed this film as so bad that the good shown through. Some of the graphics were beautifully down, especially the scenes with the planet, Jupiter. The characters were all, as expected, British text book villains, British supporting characters that make mistakes then redeem themselves and of course the American heroes. I think this will become a future guilty pleasure of mine and quite possibly receive 'Showgirls' status one day. Both my friend and I who watched it agreed, sometimes its good to see a not so great film once in a while. And remember, as Sean Bean says 'Bees don't lie'. 2/5

Blind Spot Series - All About Eve

I am ashamed to say that I bought 'All About Eve' years ago and it's been sitting on my shelf unopened, untouched all this time. The Blind Spot Series, which all started with Ryan McNeil, have a read of his brilliant website, The Matinee, was an excellent excuse and reason for me to finally watch the film.

All About Eve has been one of the classics that I've put off, not out of laziness but out of the worry it will be an anti climax. I felt this way when I saw The Graduate and when I aw Vertigo. At first there was guilt that I should be honouring such films then there was shame when I read more about the films and still disliked them I tried watching them another time, to given them a chance, but alas, they weren't for me. But, All About Eve, thankfully was NOT one of these films. All About Eve was and is a brilliant film, with two of the most fantastic roles for women I have seen in recent years. It's odd saying that as the film was made in 1950.

Nominated for 14 Oscars, winning 6 including Best Picture and praised by critics. Pedro Almodovar' All About My Mother was even inspired by the film. For me, it has stood the test of time.

Eve Harrington is an ambitious, star struck admirer of the great Broadway actress, Margo Channing. After 'accidentally' bumping into Margo's best friend outside the theatre where her latest play is on, Eve meets her idol and from there worms her way into Margo's and her friends' trust. Claiming all innocence and acting incredibly modest, she starts to rouse Margo's suspicions and question her motives. Soon Eve is on the fast track to becoming the star of Broadway, and she will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

I was shouting at the screen for most of the film, when Eve was in a scene of course. Having the advantage of knowing what the story was about, I could see right through Eve's game. Having encountered people in real life that reminded me of her didn't help. Personal emotions aside, this story about a younger woman taking over and climbing up the career ladder, stopping at nothing through lies was pitch perfect in every line.

There were two themes running throughout the film that I couldn't ignore and another that barely registered with me. First being this was about women. The three main women, Margo, Eve and Karen all represent a different 'type' of woman. Margo, of course is the outspoken, unmarried, sensation. She doesn't depend on any man, but is conflicted as she is deeply in love with Bill and can't ignore their age gap of 8 years. At first we're on Bill's side, he doesn't care, why should she, but Margo says, that Bill looks his age and will always look his age where as she won't, she will visibly age.  She is strong and wants to be independent but needs emotional support. Karen, the housewife, is happy with her life and at first, has no doubt about her marriage. As soon as it feels threatened, she feels helpless and wishes she could do something other than 'just' support. Eve, is of course, the villain of the film. She is ultimately fake, pretending to be modest, sweet and charming, always putting herself down so others will build her. She may be clever but she is calculating and she becomes a woman who cannot fool other women, just men.

The other theme, that is quite prominent, is the normalcy of being in a couple. The films pictures those who are in a pair or works in a pair are stronger. Margo fights against the conventional marriage throughout only to break down, apologise to everyone (except Eve) and marries Bill. Margo mocks her friend Karen 'the happy little housewife' only to decide do become one herself. The film shows that she is only happy now that she has 'settled down'. Where as Eve, is depicted in a negative light, not only because she has lied, blackmailed and tried to destroy happy relationships, but because ultimately, she is alone. This is against what is seen as normal and therefore unacceptable. This last theme ties in with what I've read about, going deeper in the meaning of the characters and their actions. It's hinted that not only is Eve shunned for her deeds but for apparently being a lesbian.

 I didn't pick up on this as Eve was said to have an affair with her boss and his wife had her followed and she did try to seduce Bill but failed. It is also suggested that Addison, the slimy critic played by George Sanders who is always delightfully mean, is meant to be gay and uses all these 'young women' as a means of power. This may well be true as he shows no desire for them or anyone sexually. Eve too, may be explained with this suggestion as being more than skin deep as she lives alone, and throughout has always seen as career driven over anything else. Later in the film, she claims that she loves Lloyd but only so that he can write her the best plays. Nothing else really. But this whole idea may seem far fetched. I think with a second viewing, this may come to light more. I mean, I was completey wrong about Miller's Crossing. Once you realise that all the men are actually lovers or in love with each other, it makes SO much more sense.

A brilliant film and one hell of a screenplay that I hope to get my hands on. Margo Channing is now one of my fictional heroes, she did have the best speeches.