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 Jurassic World

Synopsis

Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitors' interest, which backfires horribly.

My Musings

I have always loved the Jurassic Park series for the white knuckle ride, the great ensemble cast and scary thrill after scary thrill. Jurassic World has just had the biggest opening in movie history so expectation was high. What could go wrong?

Actually rather a lot!

Just to start with all previous films had wall to wall action with every scary thrill being thrown at the audience until they could take no more. In Jurassic World you have to wait about......an HOUR??!!! for any action at all. Even then its sporadic. The dinosaurs are introduced with a great big splash which is great and you think, FINALLY here we go. Again the dinosaurs, even with today's technology looked a little 'tired', although I did love the entrance of the iconic T REX.  However after that there are only two great action/scary scenes, one with the two boys trapped in a bubble car and the other when Chris Pratt is riding alongside racing velociraptors.

What is shocking is that the characters are caricatures and two dimensional. Chris Pratt I do like very much but he had more chemistry with the velociraptor than the actress Bryce Dallas Howard, playing his love interest. Where to begin with her role. I am speechless. The ghastly suit, the high heels, the weird hair which made her look like she'd just wandered off an eighties film set. I'm still not sure if she was supposed to be tongue in cheek? She just was bloody irritating. I personally  would have liked to have seen more with Pratt and Omar Sy who both have great screen presence and Sy was woefully underused. The two boys I thought were great and saved the movie somewhat. But even the ending was woeful as the humans just stood by as two big dinosaurs rolled about a bit.

So in conclusion, so many missed opportunities, so many lazy mistakes, bad directing and especially Spielberg overseeing, Did he actually see it? Children will probably love it especially if they haven't seen it before but I came out of the cinema feeling really conned by the hype and and totally irritated that an amazing concept and iconic film series had been reduced to this.

Film Review: The Second Exotic Marigold Hotel

Synopsis

As the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has only a single remaining vacancy - posing a rooming predicament for two fresh arrivals - Sonny pursues his expansionist dream of opening a second hotel

My Musings

Poignant feel good movie with a twist of lemon. Romance has no barriers when it comes to age.

A stella cast just managed to pull this sequel off to bring us another hit. We return to The Exotic Marigold Hotel where Sonny wishes to expand his hotel with the help of Maggie Smith. Dev Patel and Maggie Smith have a genuine chemistry going with Maggie having to curb his youthful inexperience and impetuous with her wisdom and experience. Her sharp withering comments are never far away. I had hoped that the writers would still make it as cuttingly witty as it was before and non PC and even though it is not as dramatic or as shocking as the first it is still there very much evident.

 We return to the ongoing storylines in the first. Judi and Bill Nighy are still dithering over their relationship. When Judy says to a friend about Bill, " I just want him to give me time". Her friend asks but how much time do you have? This is a film that says to us all what ever age Carpe Diem. Seize The Day.What I really like is that it is not patronising to older people at all. They are all living full lives with jobs, social and romance. It does have a strong message for us all. Especially to the other film reviewers of this film who's ageist and insulting remarks i have found absolutely shocking.

Getting back to the rest of the cast Celia Imrie flits between two suitors but one of her last scenes is especially poignant and subtle and rescues her from a silly storyline. Ronald Pickup had the silliest storyline where he thought he had unintentionally put out a hit on his girlfriend. I just wish this hadn't been given so much time although necessary for laughs. Two new residents included Richard Gere and Tamsin Grieg who I felt both were miscast. Gere was clearly put in to attract the american audience but looked like  he felt he shouldn't be there and slept walked through the film.

 I must put a shout out for the magnificent Penelope Wilton who made a fleeting visit but seriously made the most of it. Talking of fleeting visits David Strathairn plays the hotel investor very briefly. At the end he and Maggie have one scene together which positively crackles. I fervently wish they had given them both more time together.

 The overlaying storyline which linked everyone was Sonny's upcoming wedding. It all concluded after a few hiccups to a wonderful Indian wedding scene with a healthy dose of brilliant Bollywood dancing thrown in. It was truelly uplifting but as in the last tempered with a dose of reality. I won't give any spoilers but Maggie Smith closed the film with a speech which will melt your heart. One of our finest actresses she was truelly spellbinding and you felt privileged to watch her.

Absolutely Recommended. This second helping is definitely worth the wait. A few hiccups in the middle but the stella performances from most of the cast, especially Maggie Smith and Judi Dench with their ageless coquettishness is worth the ticket alone.

Film Review Paddington

Synopsis
A young Peruvian bear travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven.

My Musings
Paddington lives up to all expectation. A family film with a gorgeously animated bear at the heart of it. Paddington is definitely the star even with such a starry cast. Your heart melts as soon as you look into those big brown eyes and you are taken on a roller coaster adventure as he travels from deepest, darkest Peru to London to find himself a new home. The beginning is a little traumatic as his home is destroyed but the children seem to cope with drama better than we adults sometimes! 

There are definite nods to our current political situation with the influx of immigrants.  The director clearly wants to put over a message to his young audience that immigrants are a valued part of our society that will, if given the chance, enrich. This is by no means a heavy message, but subtle and pertinent to the film. It certainly does it no harm and is a welcome relief to the negative press from politicians and press.

 Anyway back to the film. Nicole Kidman plays the evil scientist who wants to stuff  Paddington and is suitably over the top. Think Cruella De Ville. Hugh Bonneville heads up the delightful family who adopts Paddington under duress and saves the day with some hilarious consequences. The only part I felt was underused was Julie Walters who, despite being a brilliant comic actress seems to be given nothing to play with. Hugh and Paddington make a delightful double act especially when Hugh has to disguise himself as a maid.

This film is a real joy and the animators who did Paddington are incredibly skilled. I hope they get some awards for their hard work. I hope, and would be very surprised after such a huge success, that there will be a Paddington 2 shortly. I , for one, can't wait.

Mr Turner Film Review

Synopsis
An exploration of the last quarter century of the great, if eccentric, British painter J.M.W. Turner's life.


My Musings

Thinking it was an excellent idea to turn Mr Turner into an art class outing for my students I was a bit put off when 3 of my students, having already seen it said it was awful, long and he was odious. Well, I thought, the tickets have been booked so off we went expecting the worst. At over 2 and half hours I thought it was going to turn into the longest evening ever! However I am very glad to report I was pleasantly surprised and was riveted throughout it all. It is however a required taste and I am not surprised it has had mixed reviews. Timothy Spall as Turner is Brilliant. He grunts, growls  and gruffles throughout the film whilst using a wide vocabulary to show off his lurking intellect. He does not portray him as a refined man and the way he grabs his women through out really irked some of my female students. However it shows also his tender side, his closeness to his father and his relationships with Mrs Booth in his twilight years. This is a film about a great artist who has made it but never bends to society rules always sticking to his own path. His own vision.

Talking of vision the film is visually gorgeous. It was my favorite part of the film. The cinematography should get an award by the bucket load. The scenes and the lighting where as if you were in a Turner painting. Beautiful. A little nod to A Girl with The Pearl Earring I think. It was just a delight to let your eyes wander around the sets, especially if your an artist.

 This film is a little long and Turner is portrayed as a very bright and astute but still basic, and at times rough man which will be not to everyone's tastes. However I would urge you to see it if you love Turners work or that period to wallow in its visual delights. Oh yes and a shout out for Dorothy Atkinson who plays his long suffering housekeeper and had all the laughs in the film. She started out a bit hammy as did the others but as the film builds they all got into their stride and she was a real joy to watch. Marion Bailey who played his last love, Mrs Booth also added sensitivity and gentleness to the film.

An arthouse film that is an acquired taste but for me insightful, beautiful and a real surprise.

Film Review The Imitation Game

Synopsis

English mathematician and logician, Alan Turing, helps crack the Enigma code during World War II.

My Musings

"Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine." 

Secrets within secrets. The story of how one man's genius and foresight helped win the war with what Churchill called the single biggest contribution to Allied victory in the war against Nazi Germany. What is extraordinary about this film is that no one knew of Alan Turing's role until recently when the official secrets act released his files 50 years on. Even though it is a travesty that he was not recognised until now i am not surprised it was kept secret. This is the true story of a man who broke an unbreakable code with a machine he built paving the way to many modern day inventions including the computer. The events that come after I found even more shocking, humbling and chilling. Through this man's amazing story you see how war is won and lost with ruthlessness, calculation, sacrifice and secrecy. Many a battle is lost it seems to win a war. In this case also, like many others forgotten heroes , the establishment use their finest minds and then discard when no longer needed. There seems to be no loyalty or thanks or reward although for the people of Bletchley park loyalty to their country was I believe enough.

The reason I have not mentioned the actual film yet is because the story for me made a bigger impact than the film if that makes sense. However there is an exceptionally strong cast with Benedict Cumberbatch underplaying Turin brilliantly with a quiet offbeat intensity. Kiera Knightly, Charles Dance and  Matthew Goode amongst others who add their weight to the cast. The story flows from Turing being bullied at school and his first crush to being recruited by MI6 to help break the Enigma code and then back to him being arrested for indecent behavior due to his homosexuality which was illegal in the UK up until 1967. 

Turing was a brilliant mathematician amongst other talents, a real Renaissance Man of his age. However he was also antisocial and very difficult to get on with which added to his terrible loneliness and feeling of isolation. This leads to some great pivotal scenes of him and his team clashing before succeeding in solving the enigma codes. The most chilling part comes after they crack the code and the next faze called Ultra. A logical system whereby they chose what information to pass on and what not to so the Germans would not realise they had cracked the code. The enormity of what they had to do, the sacrifice of so many people, the weight of responsibility of who lives and who dies for the greater good i found difficult to digest. It is why we are not told how exactly wars and battles are won. The normal person in the street would find it unpalatable. It is naive to think anyone can win a war without bloody decisions being made on both sides but the decisions over life and death were shown to be uncomfortably clinical. 

The other side of the story was of the man himself. He wanted to have company but his talent and brilliant mind stopped him from connecting with people on a social level. His arrest for indecency in the 1950's because he was a homosexual was shameful on so many levels but primarily because the government would have known and surely could have stepped in and swept it under the carpet. But no, he was chemically castrated and his reputation in tatters.That was the thanks this nation gave him for his service.

This story speaks of how those of us who are different, unique or special can be isolated and rejected because of how society finds it difficult to understand or accept  difference. 

A story of two halves. A man who fulfilled his intellectual promise but who was unable to connect with the world at large. Unique and misunderstood I hope this film helps put Alan Turing back into the history books where he truly belongs alongside other renaissance men who have enriched our lives while sacrificing their own. History will be his judge and  thankfully kinder to him than his contemporaries.

This is a must watch film that is enlightening and humbling. I am sure this will get loads of awards but the biggest award for this film is that it brought such an extraordinary man to the public's attention so we could honor him the way he should have been in his lifetime. 

Postcript

The Queen gave Alan Turing a long overdue pardon in 2013 for which his family must gain some comfort.

Backround Story

 Interesting article on who were the real code breakers of Bletchley Park

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.

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.

Top Ten Favourite Dog Films

My Top Ten Favourite Dog Films

Let me know your favourite doggy movies, would love other suggestions!

1.Eight Below
This is my all time favourite and based on a true story. All about an Alaskan dog team surviving a bitter winter on their own. Beautifully filmed with Paul Walker playing second fiddle to the dogs. A real treat.

2.Lady and The Tramp
A Walt Disney classic. A Love Story that has seduced generations of children and adults.

3.White Fang
A wild dog, part wolf finds friendship with a young miner whilst running from a brutal past owner. Stunning backdrop and gorgeous dog. I have watched this so many times and never get tired of it.

4.Lassie Come Home
All time classic. So many Lassie films so little time! I have picked the Elizabeth Taylor version but honestly you can't go wrong with any of them. The modern version from a couple of years back is also lovely if you don't like old movies.

5.101 Dalmations
Mix loads of Dalmations with Glenn Close as Cruella DeVille and you have an instant hit. Funny, cute and a little dark. Something for all the family. Of course I do have to mention the cartoon version as well. Both have a charm that you can watch again and again

6.Beethoven

A family adopts a St Bernard puppy and as he grows watch chaos ensue. Laugh out loud film. Brilliant!

7.Because of Winnie Dixie
Lovely little film based on a classic childrens book. A little girl finds a dog and wants to keep it despite there being a no pet clause in their trailer park. Beautiful sentiment and wonderful characters. Divine Dog.

8.Bolt
Brilliant and clever animated adventure about Bolt, A Hollywood Dog Star who gets lost and has to find his way home. Funny for all ages

9.Hotel for dogs

Adorable family film about a group of kids taking over a disused hotel to rescue and home abandoned dogs. Inventive.

10. Turner and Hooch
Classic with Tom Hanks and his sidekick Hooch, a French Mastiff. If dribble is not your thing then you should give this a miss. However Tom is at his funny best and a perfect foil to his dog partner. Funny and poignant.

Honorary Mentions

The Incredible Journey
The story of three pets, a cat and two dogs, who lose their owners when they are all on vacation. Can they find their way home?

The Call of The Wild
Jack London's classic story from 1903 about Buck, a dog kidnapped from his home in California and taken to the Yukon where he is mistreated until a prospector discovers him and relates to his situation.

Benji
Stray Dog saves 2 children.

All Dogs Go to Heaven
 dog returns from the dead looking for revenge on his killer using an orphan girl who can talk to animals
Cats and Dogs
This never appealed to me but its been so popular i thought I'd better put it in!! A look at the top-secret, high-tech espionage war going on between cats and dogs, which their human owners are blissfully unaware of.
K 9
To stop an elusive criminal, a maverick detective enlists the aid of a police dog who's an unusually intelligent smart alec.
Marmaduke
A suburban family moves to a new neighborhood with their large yet lovable Great Dane, who has a tendency to wreak havoc in his own oblivious way.
Snow Dogs
When a Miami dentist inherits a team of sled dogs, he's got to learn the trade or lose his pack to a crusty mountain man.

You'll Need A Tissue, You Have Been Warned

These films I can't watch without shedding a tear. They are all beautiful films but don't watch if you want to cheer yourself up!
Grey Friars Bobby 
Marley and me
Hachi

Film Review: Pride starring Bill Nighy, Dominic West, Ben Schenetzer, Menna Trussler and Imelda Staunton

Synopsis

UK gay and lesbian activists work to help miners during their lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in the summer of 1984.

My Musings

We were lucky to be given early bird tickets for this film for a showing at 10.30 am on Sunday morning. There are not many things that will prize me away from my coffee and sunday papers but I was dying to see the film featuring a star turn from our very own local actress Menna Trussler and so off we zoomed, blurry eyed and coffeeless. 

We were so glad we made the effort. Definately one of the best films this year.

Setting the stage we meet the first half of a large ensemble cast, a gay London activist group led by Mark played by the brilliant Ben Schenetzer, (recently seen in The Book Thief) and includes older couple, Andrew Scott(Sherlock's Moriarty) and Dominic West, Freddy Fox and George Mackay with Faye Marsay as the token lesbian. They all have their own personal issues to deal with but also decide to show solidarity with the Welsh miners and raise funds for them during their fight against the closure of the pits.  It would sound very far fetched if it wasn't absolutely true and because of that it is immeasurably heartwarming. 

When they raise enough money the group feel they should go and give it to a community in need and after picking a welsh mining village they all head off to donate their support in person.

This is where the fun really begins, seeing two cultures clash as each side go on a journey of discovery about the other. Set against the backdrop of the fragmentation of these tight welsh communities and the emergence of AIDs and the backlash that came with it the many individual stories that are weaved throughout the film could have been a mess but was told sensitively and intelligently. 

It was also nice to see no stereotyping on either side and all the ensemble cast were fantastic. The Welsh contingent was led by Billy Nighy who underplayed the quiet stern Welshman with a sensitive side and Mena Trussler innocently playing the perfect foil to the gay activists while on a steep learning curve. One of my favourite parts of the film was Mena and Imelda Staunton dancing with Dominic West. Who knew he had moves like that! Brilliant. Talking of which the music score of 80's hits are brilliant and will have you toe tapping through out. 

This isn't your usual comedy as it is touched with a serious message and note of sadness in that the miners lost so much with their community and work and the gay community had to deal with aids and the hysteria and ignorance that came with it. The ending was very unhollywood in that the miners lost their fight and the gay community continue to fight ignorance on several fronts however in the film many of the individuals won on personal levels. The film ends with a really positive and extraordinary true scene showing the Union joining the 1985 Gay and Lesbian Pride Rally in London, and helped push through gay rights policies at the 1985 Labour Party Conference, in the face of opposition from that Party’s National Executive. 

This film will make you laugh and cry and more importantly leave the cinema filled with PRIDE

So spread the word it's well worth it.

Film Review The Book Thief

Synopsis

While subjected to the horrors of World War II Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. In the basement of her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.

My Musings

Adapted from the international bestseller it tells the story of a young orphan girl Liesel, adopted in Nazi Germany. Sophie Nelisse as Liesel is mesmerizing throughout the film as she learns to escape from the tyranny of Nazi Germany through her love of books. This she unexpectedly shares not only with her adoptive parents but also with a young Jewish boy her parents hide in their basement and an wealthy woman who has lost her only son. Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson play the parents and give quiet powerful performances where they have the confidence to underplay their characters. You warm to them immeasurably as their relationship builds with their new daughter and the tension builds with the surrounding dangers. Death is the narrator in this film always in the background whispering of an inevitability. I did not guess that the end would be quite so devastating but it is a heartrendingly beautiful film. It takes strength from its subtle performances and leaves you pondering over the uselessness and wastefulness of war. This film deserved more publicity and acclaim and will be one that stays in my memory for quite a while.

If you like this film you may like

• Schindlers List with Ralph Fiennes
• Malena with Monica Bellucci
• Goodnight Mr Tom with John Thaw
• War Horse, Stephen Spielberg
• The Piano with Adrien Brody
• Boy in The Striped Pyjamas
• The Reader with Kate Winslet

Film Review, Maleficent

Synopsis
A vengeful fairy is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child may be the one person who can restore peace to their troubled land.

My Musings

Maleficent is one of those rare films that starts off badly and then just gets better and better. What I would call a slow burner. This is the tale of Maleficent , the evil fairy godmother in Disney's classic version of Sleeping Beauty but seen from another angle. Why is Maleficent so evil? What made her so bitter?

An interesting premise and the writers certainly delivered. 
The whole changer in Maleficent's character is that it hinges on her befriending and falling in love with a young boy who when grows up cuts off her wings to gain power for himself and to become King. This happens at the beginning of the movie which is why I don't think it will ruin it if you read it here. The anguish and pain Angelina shows is heartbreaking and sets up the rest of the plot well.

The weaknesses for me was right at the beginning of the film showing Maleficent as a young girl. Its just badly directed and not very believable. The three fairies , one of whom is Imelda Staunton, are also let down by the directing and script. They should have been much funnier and their comic timing seemed off. 

It revves up a gear when Angelina becomes Maleficent. I loved the recreated scene when she curses Aurora. It is exactly like the cartoon. Angelina's smile is so wide as she evilly laughs I wondered if they had digitally enhanced her mouth!!

Aurora played by Elle Fanning is a delight and she is perfect for the role with an easy smile and light nature that is a perfect foil for Maleficent. Their growing relationship and bond is lovely and they have a real chemistry. Also loved The Crow as Maleficents side kick. Its not easy to share the screen with Jolie but he does it with aplomb. 

The film builds up well and I did not see any of the twists and turns till the end. Will Maleficent retract her curse? What has happened to her wings? Will Aurora find her true prince?

The end action scene is gripping and you real root for Maleficent and girl power!! 

I started the film thinking, Am I going to make it through? and ended it feel totally hyped and giving it a big thumbs up. So my advice is wait for Angelina before you give up on it, its worth the wait.

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 Divergent

Synopsis

In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late.

My Musings

I loved the Divergent books and honestly was a little dubious when I saw the trailer for the film although I was rather taken with Theo James playing Four. I just was relieved to see a classically good looking guy playing the hero for once!! The reviews that were coming it also did not seem to be blown away. WHY? 
The film is AMAZING!! 
I really loved it. 
First they do stick to the book as close as possible concerning Tris and Four but the secondary characters take more of a back seat and are not so emotionally charged. I also wonder if they subdued some of the story lines to get a younger rating. This is not a criticism as I realize to adapt a book sacrifices do get made. However the most important part of the book remains the same. Tris defecting to Dauntless knowing she is in danger by being a Divergent and her growing into a fighter and a warrior is brilliantly handled. Shailene plays Tris perfectly. She deliberately down plays her character to go under the radar so not as to be noticed by the authorities. Nobody really takes any notice of her except Four, her commander and teacher in Dauntless.
Theo James also captures Four as the cool but compassionate leader in Dauntless. Tris catches his eye and their growing relationship is so heart rending it takes your breath away. Their chemistry crackles and the odd touch and glance speaks volumes.
Funniest moment. Sitting in the full cinema surrounds by mostly girls there was a collective sigh when Mr James took his shirt off. Just saying.....

The action is fast paced and the music that accompanies it cleverly seems to be inspired by a train track really gets your adrenalin pumping. 

At over 2 hours the film whizzes by and I felt totally exhilarated when I left the cinema. Best film I've seen by far this year.
I cannot wait for Insurgent.

If you like this you might like 
Hunger Games
See my review on Hunger Games Catching Fire

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.