Film Review: Mission Impossible Rogue Nation

Synopsis

Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate - an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF.

My Musings

Mission Impossible Rogue Nation had so many good reviews I was really dubious going to see it as when that usually  happens (Jurassic World comes to mind) I am really disappointed.

It seems though some of my faith has been restored. This one certainly gets off to a flying start (excuse the pun) with Tom Cruise clings to the side of a plane, literally. When I first saw this clip I said, CGI, but no, it was Tom giving his insurers a heart attack. Kudos to Cruise I really didn't think he could beat his stunt on the tallest building in Dubai in Ghost Protocol but he really did!

The plot is as ever convoluted. There is a rogue group of agents whom nobody believes exist except Hunt so he and his gang go rogue to prove it. Enter Ilsa Faust, played by the amazing Rebecca Ferguson, as a double agent. I wasn't a fan of hers before as found White Queen so irritating but I've done a complete turnaround. She is AMAZING!  She matches Tom in every way, with the physical fights and intellect acting as a perfect foil and in my opinion steals the show!

This is a female character that stands on her own merit. There are no 'weak' girly moments, no romance even, just standing shoulder to shoulder with Hunt as an agent of equal ability AND ITS REALLY GREAT. I really wish Hollywood would take note. There are strong female characters coming through in teen movies but for adults not so much which makes Ilsa Faust a breath of fresh air.

The action is relentless with stand out stunts, including the plane being, for me,  the underwater scene reminiscent of The Abyss and had me holding my breath and the bike chase especially exciting as Tom is clearly doing nearly all his own stunts. Peppered with the glamour of the Viennese Opera and a lot more humor (A little too much Simon Pegg for me ) it only loses pace twice for a blink of an eye. There are also a few nods  to Bond which they have borrowed from even more than ever but is certainly no worse for it.

This is more that a star vehicle for Tom Cruise as he clearly is not afraid to let others shine and comes out the stronger for it. In the fifth installment of Mission Impossible with its sharp script, complex characters and hair raising stunts, you just get that they all wanted to make a damn good action film and they really succeeded.
Best Block Buster of The Summer BY FAR!

Film Review Furious 7 ( Fast and Furious Series)

Film Review: Furious 7

Synopsis

Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for his comatose brother.

My Musings

 Furious 7. Where to begin. I am a big fan of the series surprisingly! And a bigger fan of Paul Walker. So it was bittersweet going to see his last film before his untimely death. The hype has been HUGE and I really hoped it was not exaggerated. Honestly, it didn't start well with a random car race but past that we then really get into the story line. Jason Stratham is coming for the whole crew to avenge his baby brother from Fast and Furious 6. What follows is a mind blowing roller coaster ride of action adventure. This film gives you a white knuckle ride that blows all competition this year out of the water. There is so much in this film to comment on its mind boggling.

The cast is AMAZING. The original cast has great chemistry and the baddies are suitably kick ass. The driving stunts, well is should go without saying, are AWESOME. Paul Walker's stunts and nearly going of a cliff was classic edge of your seat stuff. Also Shout out for Tony Jaa, who's martial arts stunts are extraordinarly wild. There is also a great fun fight sequence between Michelle Rodriguez and Ronda Rousey in evening dress no less. Love seeing femail actresses been given feisty roles and Michelle really gives it her all. Stratham does his growly thing and is an excellent foil to Vin Diesal even more gravelly voice. Must mention The Rock and Kurt Russell who played smaller roles but both relished the screen time by hamming it up with a straight face. (I have to say I giggled throughout at the sheer outrageousness of it all.Just loved all the humour and insane lines!)  What is so clever and on the money is that it is so tongue in cheek they get away with it. Also must mention, I have never seen so many cars fly before!! Out of planes, from building to building. You have to see it to believe it! Its all totally bonkers and over the top and I loved every minute of it. If you want escapism this it the film for you.

On a poignant note I liked it gave each of the main cast a chance to shine with some great repartee and quieter emotive scenes which add really pathos when they are with Paul Walker. I was astonished that the team managed to put Paul Walker throughout the film which was absolutely necessary.  The wonders of technology is scarily good although James Wan, the director did say he had to use every trick in the book. James Wan handles this film with a light but firm touch while giving the film a great message about the importance of sticking by family and friends.

 Full credit to the commitment of cast and crew, especially Vin Diesel who is the lynch pin of the film, for finishing a wonderfully entertaining film under horrendous circumstances of not only losing a main character but also a friend. They have given Paul Walker a truly fitting send off. The last scenes are extremely poignant and sensitively handled. Not mawkish or treacly. Seeing Paul Walker and Vin Diesel in the last scenes reminiscent of how their great partnership had started 7 films ago left a a tear, Ok more than one : ( , in my eye for the loss of a truly beautiful and talented actor.

My Top Fifteen Most Visually Beautiful Films

My Top Fifteen Visually Beautiful Films

These are films which are a visual feast for the eyes. They are captivating, enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful. The film maker becomes an artist, his camera becomes his paintbrush.

This list is in no particular order and are films which have inspired and entranced me.

What beautiful film has inspired you?

The Black Stallion

Room With A View

The Big Blue 

The Red Shoes

Girl With A Pearl Earring

The English Patient

Out of Africa

American in Paris

Breakfast at Tiffanys

Memoirs of a Geisha

Moulin Rouge

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Gone with the Wind

Night of The Hunter

The Great Gatsby

Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit Film Review

Synopsis

Jack Ryan, as a young covert CIA analyst, uncovers a Russian plot to crash the U.S. economy with a terrorist attack.

My Musings

Under the fashionable premise of taking a popular character and squeezing more life out of it with a  prequel this takes Jack Ryan, previously played by Harrison Ford back to his beginnings with the CIA

The film starts as it means to go on. Jack, played by Chris Pine, escapes a devastating helicopter crash, saves his comrades with his back broken and then learns to walk again whilst meeting his true love played by Kiera Knightley. Phew!! and that's in the first 10 mins!

Its far too frenetic and over the top to grasp Jack's heroism. With Kenneth Branagh , hot of the success of Thor I was surprised there were such amateur mistakes. It felt rushed like he wanted to get the first part of the story out of the way and onto the bigger plot.

Here Jack uncovers a Russian plot (because of course he is a financial genius) and is soon sent out to Russia where he meets megalomaniac, Kenneth Branagh. I would suggest in future Kenneth stick to either directing or acting as clearly he cannot do both.

All the cast bring weight to the film which it badly needs but the direction is so haphazard and the plot is so ridiculous it really drains the film of enjoyment. The action and tension should have been through out. The middle is fine and gets quite exciting when Jack has to break into a high security office to get secret files and save Kiera. But when the film returns to the USA for the finale it goes downhill rapidly. The action sequence at the end is shockingly bad and just tedious.

It is such a shame as I loved the old films and this had all the potential for a new franchise with a stella cast. It even has a blink and you miss it appearance from Mikhail Barishnikov! But with all the money they clearly had thrown at this they just couldn't make it work. Kenneth seemed out of his depth and has no understanding of how to film a slick action thriller. A real pity as I love films like this and on this outing I will be waiting a  long time before another comes along.  Watchable only if your a fan of any of the great cast.

RIP Geoffrey Holder of Live and Let Die Fame

I always loved Geoffrey Holder in Live and Let Die.He is one of my favourite Bond Baddies. I will never forget at the end of the film him sitting on the train laughing insanely. It always sent chills through me but at the same time totally caught my imagination and I was fascinated. Brilliant character acting and, like the ballet dancer Robert Helpmann ,before him, who played The Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang his dancing skills certainly brought life to his performance and added an extra edge of menace. Brilliant and very sorry to here of his death. RIP Geoffrey Holder

Article about Geoffrey's life from Variety.com

Geoffrey Holder, a dancer, choreographer, an actor (famously in the James Bond film “Live and Let Die”) and a two-time Tony winner for “The Wiz” who was famous for his deep voice and hearty, enthusiastic laugh, died of complications from pneumonia on October 5 in New York. He was 84.

Despite his wide range of artistic achievements, Holder probably reached his widest audience in his role as pitchman for 7UP in commercials of the 1970s and 1980s, in which he pushed the virtues of the “un-cola.”

Holder’s film career began with 1962’s “All Night Long,” a version of “Othello” adapted to the London jazz scene.

In “Doctor Dolittle,” he played the leader of the natives on Sea-Star Island — experiencing racism while on the shoot.

Holder appeared in Woody Allen’s “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask” as the Sorcerer before taking on the role of Baron Samedi in “Live and Let Die,” which had a considerable amount of Caribbean-flavored choreography.

In John Huston’s 1982 feature adaptation of “Annie,” Holder played Punjab, one of Daddy Warbucks’ bodyguards.

In 1992 Holder had a supporting role in the Eddie Murphy vehicle. In 1998 he appeared in the Claude Lelouch film “Change and Coincidence.”

Holder was born into a middle-class family artistic family in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He was mentored by his older brother Boscoe Holder, who led a dance troupe, the Holder Dance Company. After Boscoe moved away, Geoffrey assumed leadership of the troupe while still in his teens in the late 1940s.

Agnes de Mille helped bring him to the U.S., where he arrived in 1954, soon making his Broadway debut in the original, Caribbean-themed musical “House of Flowers,” for which he choreographed the Banda dance number.

For a year in the mid-’50s, Holder was a principal dancer with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. He was a performer in an all-black revival of “Waiting for Godot” in 1957, and in 1964 appeared in the musical review “Josephine Baker.”

For original musical “The Wiz” in 1975, he was both the director and the costume designer, winning Tonys for each.For original 1978 musical “Timbuktu!,” Holder was director, choreographer, costume designer and even the illustrated the Playbill cover.

Holder was director and costume designer for the 1984 revival of “The Wiz,” and he did the staging for a 1993 concert featuring the Boys’ Choir of Harlem and Friends.

He is survived by his wife, Carmen de Lavallade, and their son, Leo.

Vintage Film Review, Charlotte Gray

Synopsis

A young Scottish woman joins the French Resistance during World War II to rescue her Royal Air Force boyfriend who is lost in France.

My Musings

This film had such bad reviews I only watched it out of duress to avoid X Factor. Released in 2001 I can't believe I took this long and it was a revelation. I am not saying that this should have won awards by the bucket load or the reviews were unfounded but they were unfair and maybe at the time expectation was too high.

Cate Blanchett can certainly carry a film, she is luminous in this. Acting as a British spy in occupied France while trying to find her pilot boyfriend who has been shot down, it sees her being drawn into helping the French resistance against the Nazis. Forging a close friendship  with a father and son looking after two Jewish boys it proves a intimacy and growing tension in the film as the net slowly closes around them all.

For a war film it is gently powerful and subtly tense. Billy Crudup who plays the french resistance son and love interest, brings a strong and sensitive performance that is not overshadowed by Cate's dominating presence. The horror of that time is nodded to in the end and left to the viewers imagination which can be more dramatic that showing the aactual events. The weaknesses come from the gaping holes in the plot and the action scenes could have been more dramatic and tense at times. When a group of friends are shot it should have been horrifying but just missed a little on impact for example.

It is beautifully filmed and the camera loves Cate with  more than a nod to the golden age of Hollywood.
This is a film that takes its influence from the old school of film making and in this case it does it justice. This is a film which has certainly stood the test of time against the odds and it is a film to lose yourself for a couple of hours. Definitely worth a watch.

In memory of Richard Kiel RIP

Richard Kiel will be forever remembered as one of the best Bond Baddies of all time. Seven foot 2 with metal teeth that could bend steel bars he terrified me as a child and I loved him for it. He and Roger Moore were the perfect foil. Entertainment at it's best.
Richard Kiel 
Actor 1939-2014


Obituary in The Daily Mail

Film Review X-Men Days of Future Past

Synopsis
The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants.

My Musings
A cast to make the mouth water and Brian Singer back on board after X Men 2, what could be more perfect. Well its much better than X Men 3 and put a lot of wrongs to right from that movie and carries on well from the prequel but Singer has created a juggernaut that he barely contains, just.
I loved the premise of past and present x men coming together in one movie. Being a huge Wolverine fan and Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique these two really hold the picture together.
Watch out for a star turn from Quicksilver. BRILLIANT. The fans loved him so much that apparently he is definitely going to be in X Men Apocalypse. Good News.
The thing that keeps this film going is the actors. They are so stellar. There are great scenes of character development and really that is what will keep X Men fans hooked. Dinklage was lost as the villain and should have been given more to do or be evil with. Don't ask about the plot. All you need to know is the Xmen are fighting the Sentinel and need to save the world from them.
The action mainly comes in the shape of Mystique which is amazing but I found the end fall a little flat.

Still enjoyed and still will be looking forward to the next installment!

Film Review Captain America, The Winter Soldier

Synopsis

Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and battles a new threat from old history: the Soviet agent known as the Winter Soldier.

My Musings

Captain America never held huge appeal for me like X men but  the first had charm and entertainment value and i liked the mix of past and present so though I would go to see the second, Captain America The Winter Soldier. By mistake I had picked the 3D version which I always try and avoid but couldn't be bothered to wait an hour so thought why not? The question for me is WHY are these films bothering with 3D. It didn't do anything to enhance the film and it didn't need it. My first gripe out the way I actually really enjoyed it and it gets better throughout. It still combines old fashioned quality of old superhero films. The film carries on with Captain America still trying to fit into the modern day world and sticking to his values. The film gives back story and more depth. Chris Evans plays Captain America slightly tongue in cheek but also underplays it giving himself more gravitas on screen. He is almost like a symbol. He gets a great supporting cast with Samuel L Jackson and new sidekick Falcon played by Sam Wilson. Robert Redford is a welcome addition and plays against type. Always a pleasure to see and hear. The only weakness is Scarlett Johanssen. Why has she lost her sparkle on screen? The Black Widow is a feisty character she should really get her teeth into but it's like she is phoning in her performance. 

The Action sequences are amazing. I loved all the hand to hand combat. A few say this takes away from the decent storyline but I thought it added to it. Regarding the plot I got a bit lost honestly. The Winter Soldier played by Sebastian Stan is perfect as the legendary soldier and I loved the dichotomy of his character. Really hoping to see him again! 

Lastly just have to give a shout out for the great Jenny Agutter. She must have LOVED her action scene at the end. Go Jenny!!

Film Review Man of Steel

Synopsis

A young itinerant worker is forced to confront his secret extra stellar origin when Earth is invaded by members of his own race.

My Musings

I am a huge fan of Superman. Always loved the dynamic of Louis and Clark Kent and his alter ego Superman. I was initially concerned when they cast Henry Cavill as Superman in this latest edition but the good news is that he is great in it. He has sensitivity, emotion and toughness. What it lacked was proper direction. I realise they were trying to get away from the iconic original and put their own stamp on it but the film has a very fragmented feel to it. Jumping from past to present to set up Superman's back story which has a very jerky feel to it. It never allows the characters and relationship to develop. This film has no Lex. The baddy is Zod and even though it was clever to focus on his alien heritage more that the human story i felt it was an excuse for too many special effects. Russell Crowe who plays Superman's dad adds suitable gravitas and it was great seeing him in some great action scenes. Again though the action was far too frenetic. it was so fast you didn't really get to see the fight. I did enjoy but unfortunately it lost me at the end. the action  sequences at the end were over extended. There was no chemistry between Louis, played by the brilliant Amy Adams and Superman and I really missed the story of their growing relationship. It just started and that's that. I would like to see a second just for Henry but he should bee allowed more screen time for his acting rather than whizzing around like a demented fly. Superman can fly really fast and through things. we get the puncture we don't need to see it over and over.
Oh and there is no humor which has always been a part of superman. but that's ok. Now their hare bringing out Superman V Batman.
I have a sinking feeling.

Star Wars Update

Yes I am a Star Wars Fan so couldn't wait to post this when I saw the buzz.

Abrahms who has taken over the Star Wars franchise has apparently insisted that the stars from the previous films, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher remain the primary focus of his first film instead of, as previously scripted, made secondary characters, focusing on their offspring.

If this is true I think this will help the franchise 'live' on giving it a smoother transition from the previous. Everyone likes familiarity and also the originals are such great characters/actors there is no reason they shouldn't be the stars. It will also give Abrahms the chance to introduce new characters for the next films but in a more subte way. The original cast will be seen to 'open the door' for the new cast so to speak. The next 2 films afterwards will then focus on their children.

More about other cast etc on the link below.

Film News, Star Wars

Review of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire

Synopsis

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

My Musings

I unexpectedly  loved The Hunger Games Book Series which I had put off reading for a while due to the publicity about it's violent content. I also really enjoyed the first film so I couldn't wait for the second installment, Catching Fire. I wasn't disappointed.


The tension builds agonizingly slowely from the beginning when Katniss and Peta are forced to pretend they are in love while on their winning tour  as their family and friends have been threatened by Snow. The dystopian world is brilliantly portrayed with powerful imagery of  the poor areas compared to the rich Capitol. It echoes of regimes and dictatorships past and present and makes it suitably uncomfortable viewing. You feel the repression, the frustration and the desperation of the different sectors to find any hope and that they find it in Katniss who seem to have broken rules but still be alive and well. Donald Sutherland and Phillip Seymour Hoffman  play the villains like two chess masters using the Hunger Games competitors as pawns to hang on to power.

With rebellions breaking out , in desperation they take all the winners of past Hunger Games and pit them against one another in a Hunger Games Special . Like before the competitors form alliances alongside enemies  while surviving against whatever Hoffman throws at them as The Games Master. This part is really exciting and one point ( monkeys!)  I jumped out of my chair. It's very eerily atmospheric, mainly played out in dusk but they show Katniss as a real warrior showing no mercy and her growing feelings tomards Peta. Suzanne Harris wanted to show what violence really can do, what a battle can be like and the consequences of those actions and the sacrifice that people have to make rather than glamorise it as they do in other films and books. They definately succeeded in this film which I really appreciated.

I really appreciate seeing a strong powerful and inspiring femail role model. Jennifer Lawrence must be thrilled to have such an iconic role that even today is a rarity. I also think the films success rely heavily on her commitment to the role. This does not include a spoiler but the brilliant last scene is exceptional as Jennifer lets you know exactly what Katniss is feeling without uttering a single word.

The film really tries to remain true to the book while making a gripping action film. You will leave the cinema with your adrenilin pumping!  I cannot wait to see the third film.
A MUST SEE!!

Thor The Dark Wold

Synopsis

Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

My Musings

I went to Thor The Dark World with high anticipation as it was hammering the US box office and I really enjoyed Thor 1 on DVD and wished I 'd gone to the cinema to see it. Well it was certainly entertaining and had a bit of panto about it although I could help being irritated at all the obvious weakness from the director , more on that later.

It started well with the evil super villain Malekith played by Christopher Eccleston wanting to destroy, well everything in sight. Switch to London and Natalie Portman, playing Jane the drippy heroine, sorry romantic interest happens to absorb the 'power source' that has unleashed Malekith , Did I mention this was a bit panto!
Enter Thor rescue taking  Jane back to Asgard. Malekith follows and I will skip forward to Thor and Loki joining forces to save Asagard (don't want to spoil)
These two are the best about the films, love their chemistry and all the best lines go to them.
I am a BIG fan of Tom Hiddleston and breathed a Big sigh of relief at one point.... my lips are sealed.

The action is great especially in Asgard but London scenes are silly and irritating. the climatic scene at the end is a mess and far too jumpy and fragmented. Totally losing the viewer attention and fails to build up momentum. The biggest clanger for me was the costumes of Malekith's army who look like they had raided an old DR Who episode from the 1970's. Think cheap looking white masks and black leotards. As they chased Jane around London they really looked like they couldn't be bothered. They weren't chasing they were trotting....although not as silly as Stellan Staarsgard walking around in his knickers for a cheap laugh or the faux English people.
BUT all these are small things as on the whole thoroughly enjoyed this totally escapist movie.

Don't forget to stay for the now, must do , scene after the credits role.

Film Now You See Me

Synopsis
An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

Musings
Was really looking forward to seeing this but a little put off by the mixed reviews. Thankfully I was very pleasantly surprised. Great starry cast with an interesting mix of characters. Very pacy, exciting and interesting, especially if your interested in magic and how they do it. (They certainly don't give it all away which I was led to believe from some reviews.) The four illusionists are put together by a mysterious benefactor to pull off bank heists. I especially liked Woody Harrelson as the mentalist and Dave Franco (James Franco's brother) as the young hustler/pickpocket. Morgan Freeman was also very sharp as their pseudo nemesis. Michael Caine was taking the money and running for all the time he was on screen!! The script was snappy and the action slick. The only weak part was the end felt a little rushed and you felt short changed. however if you want a glitzy escapism film with fast paced action and a plot that will keep you guessing until the end this is for you.

Olympus Has Fallen

Olympus Has Fallen

Synopsis
Disgraced former Presidential guard Mike Banning finds himself trapped inside the White House in the wake of a terrorist attack; using his inside knowledge, Banning works with national security to rescue the President from his kidnappers.

Musings.
Not a lot to say about this below mediocre action flick. BIG disappointment. Not impressed with Gerald Butler as an action hero. He's very nice but dull and the script is dreadful. Aaron Eckhart has no real gravitas as the president and what on earth was Morgan Freeman doing in this? He did do his best but the director should be given a kick up the ....... Best thing in the film was the baddy Rick Yune, last seen as the baddy from Bond film Die Another Day. He has real presence and the fight scene at the end was only any good because of him.
OK will stop going on but if you want to see a good president action flick pass this by and head for Air Force One.

Star Trek Into Darkness

 

Synopsis

In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes 'Star Trek Into Darkness.' When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew

My Musings

Seeing Star Trek, Into Darkness for the second time and it is definitely the best Summer blockbuster film of 2013. The casting is inspired, Chris Pine as Kirk and  Zackary Quinto as Spock have great chemistry and have been given sharp repartee. Scotty and Bones are both given room to develop their characters further. (Poor Scotty must have had to train hard, he had to run through the entire movie!).  At first I wasn't sure about Benedict Cumberbach being cast as the baddy. I am a HUGE BC fan but couldn't stretch my imagination from Sherlock to the big screen. How wrong was I?

He is AWSOME. Cold, deadly and charismatic. He really kicks some arse as well. Brilliant. Also great to see Peter Weller (Robocop) in a meaty role. The plot really gets going when Kirk is decommissioned for ignoring orders but is back in the fold after BC strikes with tragic consequences. He is set on a mission find and Kill BC. The plot takes on the morality of doing this and develops the characters alongside BC constant Machiavellian twists and turns. Is he with Starship enterprise or against? Who is he exactly?

I won't spoil it if you havent' seen it yet!

Action, humour, romance. It's a very cool film and I really hope that with JJ Abrams off to do Star Wars.( Wont this clash? I can't see one person doing both but have been wrong before)

 I really hope that the third instalment doesn't take too long. That would be a real tragedy.

lets hope that Abrams company does not spread himself too thin. obviously very talented but hopefully not too greedy as only the fans will lose out.

 

 

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