Unsurprisingly a lot of film blogs are focusing on Christmas movies at the moment, with folk discussing the best, the worst, the funniest and the most random.
While I love Christmas films as much as anyone, these conversations do often frustrate me because there is an assumption that you can watch whatever film you want at this time of year. For many people, including myself, it's simply not true.
For example - My Christmas is celebrated at my mother's house by 4 generations of our family. There are no children (yet!) but our ages range from 27 (me) to 94 (my great-grandmother).
As wonderful as it is to have the whole family in attendance at this time of year, have you ever tried finding a movie to suit everyone's tastes? It's a nightmare!
For a start you can forget Die Hard or Leathal Weapon because the oldies don't like them. They also don't like comedies like Uncle Buck or National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (my personal favourite) because they're too silly. You can get them to watch White Christmas, which is fine with me, but then some of the other younger folk get bored. I'm OK with a lot of the Christmas classics but there are a lot of musicals that I just can't stand.
Where does that leave us? Well you can forget regular TV becuase, here in the UK, it's all repeats and dreadful Christmas specials. In fact the only watchable programmes or films that they put on the TV always have a surprise sex scene thrown in just to embarrass you in front of your Grandmother when you least expect it!
So I need help people. What films can I put on at Christmas that will entertain me as much as the rest of my family? It doesn't have to have a Christmas theme, just anything that really appeals to all ages.
Please help, my sanity depends on it.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
I've never read a Sherlock Holmes novel, so I can't claim to be a real fan of the great detective. However, the purist that lurks within me is more than a little shocked by the first screen shots of the new film directed by Guy Ritchie.
This first one is OK...
But I'm a little concerned by this one...
Sherlock Holmes fighting with his shirt off? It doesn't seem quite right to me. Surely he could beat his opponent into submission using only his remarkable intelligence and cunning wit without needing to resort to physical violence.
I have never been overly confident that Ritchie is a good enough film maker to do Sherlock Holmes justice. However, I am more than confident in Robert Downey Jr's talent as an actor, so perhaps this might just work.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Wolverine Trailer
From what I understand this went live just a couple of hours ago, so is the closest thing to a scoop we've ever had here at Films and Things and I think it looks like a lot of fun.
I'm very excited to see Gambit finally show up - he was a glaring omission to the X-Men films. Maybe he would have been entertaining enough to prevent X3 from being one of the most disappointing films of the last 10 years, but I doubt it.
But I digress, check out the trailer for 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' for yourself...
I'm very excited to see Gambit finally show up - he was a glaring omission to the X-Men films. Maybe he would have been entertaining enough to prevent X3 from being one of the most disappointing films of the last 10 years, but I doubt it.
But I digress, check out the trailer for 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' for yourself...
Thursday, December 04, 2008
The Straw Men
It says here that Benderspink, the production-management company run by Chris Bender and JC Spink have picked up the rights to Michael Marshall’s book The Straw Men.
Michael Marshall is one of my favourite authors and while I prefer his earlier, more sci-fi books, the Straw Men series is probably the only story that will transfer to the big screen.
The first and third books in the series are good but, from what I remember, the second one was a bit poor so I’m hoping they’ll do something good with it when transferring the story to film.
If you are ever looking for some really crazy and quite disturbing books, I can highly recommend some of Marshall’s work. Only Forwards, Spares (both as Michael Marshall Smith) and The Intruders are my personal favourites. But be warned, they will mess with your head.
Then, if after reading those you have the stomach for it, check out What You Make It, one of his collections of short stories.
Michael Marshall is one of my favourite authors and while I prefer his earlier, more sci-fi books, the Straw Men series is probably the only story that will transfer to the big screen.
The first and third books in the series are good but, from what I remember, the second one was a bit poor so I’m hoping they’ll do something good with it when transferring the story to film.
If you are ever looking for some really crazy and quite disturbing books, I can highly recommend some of Marshall’s work. Only Forwards, Spares (both as Michael Marshall Smith) and The Intruders are my personal favourites. But be warned, they will mess with your head.
Then, if after reading those you have the stomach for it, check out What You Make It, one of his collections of short stories.
Gone Baby Gone
This weekend my truly delightful girlfriend brought me another DVD to watch. While it wasn’t a horror, it was probably far more harrowing due to the subject matter.
The release of Gone Baby Gone was delayed for a long time in the UK because of the Madeline McCann case. At first I thought the decision to pull the movie just before its release was an over-reaction, but quickly realised why it was done. The resemblance between ‘Maddy’ and the girl that goes missing in the film is striking. An unfortunate coincidence to say the least.
However, Gone Baby Gone was eventually released over here and I am very happy to say that, thanks to the gorgeous woman in my life (in case you’re wondering I’m still paying for my earlier Horror Movie post), I was finally able to see what all the fuss was about.
Now I’ve always rated Ben Affleck as an actor more than most people. What he has been guilty of, in my opinion, is accepting roles in too many bad movies. Matt Damon has made far better choices since Good Will Hunting, but that doesn’t mean that Affleck is a poor actor. Plus I don’t care what anyone else says, Daredevil was awesome.
Regardless of this, when I’ve heard people talking about Gone Baby Gone the consensus seems to be that Casey is the better actor of the Affleck brothers and that Ben should stay behind the camera. While I thought this might possibly be a back-handed compliment, having seen the film I now know what they mean, and it is in no way insulting.
This is the first time I’ve seen Casey in a lead role (I still haven’t watched The Assassination of Jesse James - careless I know) and he is excellent. I always liked him in the few movies I’d seen him in previously, and always thought he was the most under-rated character in Good Will Hunting, but this was the first time I really got to appreciate what a great talent he is. His performance is subtle but extremely believable and it is him that makes the film so uncomfortably real.
While it’s not something that people seem to appreciate these days, but Ben Affleck is a pretty good writer – he won an Oscar for it and everything. Not only did he help write another excellent film with Gone Baby Gone, but he also did an excellent job of directing it too. The bleak, depressing story is made all the more real for the world that Ben creates and you could be forgiven for thinking that the film was lead by a far more experienced director.
I realise that there is nothing new or insightful about what I’m saying here. Most people have written the same thing about this film and the Affleck brothers 18 months ago. However, I feel I can get away with it as I don’t think many people in the UK have really discovered this one yet and, if they get the chance, they should watch it as soon as possible.
The release of Gone Baby Gone was delayed for a long time in the UK because of the Madeline McCann case. At first I thought the decision to pull the movie just before its release was an over-reaction, but quickly realised why it was done. The resemblance between ‘Maddy’ and the girl that goes missing in the film is striking. An unfortunate coincidence to say the least.
However, Gone Baby Gone was eventually released over here and I am very happy to say that, thanks to the gorgeous woman in my life (in case you’re wondering I’m still paying for my earlier Horror Movie post), I was finally able to see what all the fuss was about.
Now I’ve always rated Ben Affleck as an actor more than most people. What he has been guilty of, in my opinion, is accepting roles in too many bad movies. Matt Damon has made far better choices since Good Will Hunting, but that doesn’t mean that Affleck is a poor actor. Plus I don’t care what anyone else says, Daredevil was awesome.
Regardless of this, when I’ve heard people talking about Gone Baby Gone the consensus seems to be that Casey is the better actor of the Affleck brothers and that Ben should stay behind the camera. While I thought this might possibly be a back-handed compliment, having seen the film I now know what they mean, and it is in no way insulting.
This is the first time I’ve seen Casey in a lead role (I still haven’t watched The Assassination of Jesse James - careless I know) and he is excellent. I always liked him in the few movies I’d seen him in previously, and always thought he was the most under-rated character in Good Will Hunting, but this was the first time I really got to appreciate what a great talent he is. His performance is subtle but extremely believable and it is him that makes the film so uncomfortably real.
While it’s not something that people seem to appreciate these days, but Ben Affleck is a pretty good writer – he won an Oscar for it and everything. Not only did he help write another excellent film with Gone Baby Gone, but he also did an excellent job of directing it too. The bleak, depressing story is made all the more real for the world that Ben creates and you could be forgiven for thinking that the film was lead by a far more experienced director.
I realise that there is nothing new or insightful about what I’m saying here. Most people have written the same thing about this film and the Affleck brothers 18 months ago. However, I feel I can get away with it as I don’t think many people in the UK have really discovered this one yet and, if they get the chance, they should watch it as soon as possible.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Horror, I just don’t get it.
To an extent I’ve just said all I need to say in the headline to this post but, luckily for you, I’ll soldier on and exhaust the point anyway.
I’d like to think that I’m someone who enjoys a little bit of everything when it comes to films. I can find something to like in almost any genre, even the really pretentious ones…
However, horror just never appealed to me. If I’m honest I suppose it’s because I think that most horror films are badly written, badly made, badly acted and, on the whole, just plain bad.
I never understood why George A Romero got so much praise for those nonsense Day/Dawn/Diary of the Dead movies, I never liked Freddie Kruger and you’ll never catch me anywhere near a Saw film.
The reason behind this post is that the lady in my life is a big fan of horror movies and in recent months I have been subjected to more than at any other time in my life, which might just be the reason behind my disliking – I never watched it when I was young.
Horror movies were never part of my childhood or adolescence. When I started loving films I was watching action, comedy, drama etc. I was probably already well over 20 years old when I watched my first real horror film.
So if one of my friends had somehow gotten a hold of Hellraiser when we were teenagers, would I be queuing up to watch Jigsaw and his nasty traps along with so many others? Maybe, but probably not.
Of course it is now necessary for me to point out my own hypocrisy by saying that it is possible that I have enjoyed some horror movies.
I really enjoyed the first two Scream films. However, I’m not sure they even count as they are more of a lampooning of the horror genre (at least I think so).
I’m also quite a big fan of vampire movies. Although I’m fairly sure that they also don't necessarily count as I’m not sure that films like Interview with a Vampire, Blade, Lost Boys or Buffy can even be classified as horror.
Then again, maybe they can. Perhaps I just class horror movies as gory films that I don’t like.
Either way, if that woman ever forces me to watch another Rob Zombie film then I might be driven to acts of mindless violence!
I’d like to think that I’m someone who enjoys a little bit of everything when it comes to films. I can find something to like in almost any genre, even the really pretentious ones…
However, horror just never appealed to me. If I’m honest I suppose it’s because I think that most horror films are badly written, badly made, badly acted and, on the whole, just plain bad.
I never understood why George A Romero got so much praise for those nonsense Day/Dawn/Diary of the Dead movies, I never liked Freddie Kruger and you’ll never catch me anywhere near a Saw film.
The reason behind this post is that the lady in my life is a big fan of horror movies and in recent months I have been subjected to more than at any other time in my life, which might just be the reason behind my disliking – I never watched it when I was young.
Horror movies were never part of my childhood or adolescence. When I started loving films I was watching action, comedy, drama etc. I was probably already well over 20 years old when I watched my first real horror film.
So if one of my friends had somehow gotten a hold of Hellraiser when we were teenagers, would I be queuing up to watch Jigsaw and his nasty traps along with so many others? Maybe, but probably not.
Of course it is now necessary for me to point out my own hypocrisy by saying that it is possible that I have enjoyed some horror movies.
I really enjoyed the first two Scream films. However, I’m not sure they even count as they are more of a lampooning of the horror genre (at least I think so).
I’m also quite a big fan of vampire movies. Although I’m fairly sure that they also don't necessarily count as I’m not sure that films like Interview with a Vampire, Blade, Lost Boys or Buffy can even be classified as horror.
Then again, maybe they can. Perhaps I just class horror movies as gory films that I don’t like.
Either way, if that woman ever forces me to watch another Rob Zombie film then I might be driven to acts of mindless violence!
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Biggest Films of 2009
Last week, my fellow movie blogger Head Hero wrote this post about movietickets.com’s top ten most anticipated films of 2009. Like him I was very surprised that the list seemed to miss out some pretty big titles while including the latest Ice Age film. I know family films do well these days but I’m pretty sure something has gone wrong with that list.
Fortunately Michael Moran at The Times has also had a look at what is coming up next year and come up with 'The 50 Biggest Films of 2009'. This list makes much more sense, with Harry Potter at number 1 followed by Public Enemies, Star Trek, Watchmen and X Men Origins: Wolverine.
Now I can only hope and pray that Harry Potter will do well enough to beat Mamma Mia's current box office record so, by this time next year, I won't feel quite so ashamed.
Fortunately Michael Moran at The Times has also had a look at what is coming up next year and come up with 'The 50 Biggest Films of 2009'. This list makes much more sense, with Harry Potter at number 1 followed by Public Enemies, Star Trek, Watchmen and X Men Origins: Wolverine.
Now I can only hope and pray that Harry Potter will do well enough to beat Mamma Mia's current box office record so, by this time next year, I won't feel quite so ashamed.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Quantum of Solace
You may have seen this post I made back in September, lamenting the lack of good movies coming out this autumn. The situation has been so dire that, until yesterday, I hadn’t been to the cinema in almost two months, my longest drought in about 3 years – a shocking state of affairs!
Not only was I unable to find any good independent films to keep me going, but I also had to sit back and watch as Mamma Mia became the UK’s biggest ever film at the British box office. It was almost enough to throw me into a deep depression.
Fortunately, just as things were at their worst, I was saved by the man from MI6. It’s no secret that I’ve always been a bond fan. I’ve been hooked since watching Goldfinger when I couldn’t have been much older than 6 or 7 years old. I loved Sean Connery and hated Roger Moore, was indifferent to George Lazenby and Timothy Dalton, and just felt sorry for Pierce Brosnan who was given nothing to work with after his fantastic debut in Goldeneye.
When it was released Casino Royale very quickly made it into my top three bond films. I’m almost certain that it will become my number one and remain there for a number of years, but I need to make sure that it holds up to the test of time first. Having watched it about 10 times now, most recently a couple of weeks ago, the signs are pretty good.
All of this meant that Quantum of Solace had some pretty big shoes to fill. How do you follow up such an excellent debut? Like many fans I was expecting a lot and, on the whole, I was not disappointed.
The people in charge of Bond certainly aren’t afraid to break the mould and they’ve taken another big risk this time around. Instead of making another stand-alone film they have decided to continue the story that began in Casino Royale with a direct sequel.
The film starts just moments after 007 has made his introduction to the mysterious Mr White with a car chase through the Italian mountains. This is high adrenaline stuff and it sets the pace for the rest of the movie. There is a lot of action and we are quickly reminded of Daniel Craig’s cold, brutal Bond as he investigates the mysterious organisation responsible for the death of his beloved Vespa.
However, this is not a simple revenge film and we are shown a complicated investigation which throw up a number of political obstacles that concerns everyone except our James, who proves a rather focused and tenacious chap to say the least.
The best thing about Quantum of Solace is the same as the best thing in Casino Royale – Daniel Craig. Not only does he have an incredible amount of style, but he is also a very good actor. I’m not sure any of his predecessors could have pulled off the dark, haunted 007 that he portrays in Quantum of Solace.
The supporting cast is also very good, particularly Judi Dench as M and Giancarlo Giannini as Mathis, even if the latter’s screen time was rather brief. Mathieu Amalric was fine as Dominic Greene, but was perhaps a little too sinister for my liking. I know Bond villains are supposed to be particularly ‘evil’ but, in my opinion, the archetypal, cat stroking baddie doesn’t really belong in this new, grittier style.
Despite coming out of the cinema with a smile on my face, I do have some criticisms. I had heard beforehand that the director had gone for more of a Bourne style when it came to the action sequences and it’s certainly true. There are lots of quick cuts used to give an impression of frantic chases and fights. I didn’t really like this, it felt like a gimmick. Marc Forster seems to be of the opinion that you shouldn’t film a sequence from one angle when you can shoot it from 17.
While this is a relatively large complaint I was still very happy with Quantum of Solace. It’s a worthy follow up to Casino Royale thanks to an excellent cast and a great script, which provided some nice moments of humour despite the serious story. There’s also a nice little Goldfinger homage thrown in there with a modern twist, which made me smile.
So if you’ve also been waiting for a film worth returning to the cinema for after the long autumn drought, this is it. Enjoy!
Not only was I unable to find any good independent films to keep me going, but I also had to sit back and watch as Mamma Mia became the UK’s biggest ever film at the British box office. It was almost enough to throw me into a deep depression.
Fortunately, just as things were at their worst, I was saved by the man from MI6. It’s no secret that I’ve always been a bond fan. I’ve been hooked since watching Goldfinger when I couldn’t have been much older than 6 or 7 years old. I loved Sean Connery and hated Roger Moore, was indifferent to George Lazenby and Timothy Dalton, and just felt sorry for Pierce Brosnan who was given nothing to work with after his fantastic debut in Goldeneye.
When it was released Casino Royale very quickly made it into my top three bond films. I’m almost certain that it will become my number one and remain there for a number of years, but I need to make sure that it holds up to the test of time first. Having watched it about 10 times now, most recently a couple of weeks ago, the signs are pretty good.
All of this meant that Quantum of Solace had some pretty big shoes to fill. How do you follow up such an excellent debut? Like many fans I was expecting a lot and, on the whole, I was not disappointed.
The people in charge of Bond certainly aren’t afraid to break the mould and they’ve taken another big risk this time around. Instead of making another stand-alone film they have decided to continue the story that began in Casino Royale with a direct sequel.
The film starts just moments after 007 has made his introduction to the mysterious Mr White with a car chase through the Italian mountains. This is high adrenaline stuff and it sets the pace for the rest of the movie. There is a lot of action and we are quickly reminded of Daniel Craig’s cold, brutal Bond as he investigates the mysterious organisation responsible for the death of his beloved Vespa.
However, this is not a simple revenge film and we are shown a complicated investigation which throw up a number of political obstacles that concerns everyone except our James, who proves a rather focused and tenacious chap to say the least.
The best thing about Quantum of Solace is the same as the best thing in Casino Royale – Daniel Craig. Not only does he have an incredible amount of style, but he is also a very good actor. I’m not sure any of his predecessors could have pulled off the dark, haunted 007 that he portrays in Quantum of Solace.
The supporting cast is also very good, particularly Judi Dench as M and Giancarlo Giannini as Mathis, even if the latter’s screen time was rather brief. Mathieu Amalric was fine as Dominic Greene, but was perhaps a little too sinister for my liking. I know Bond villains are supposed to be particularly ‘evil’ but, in my opinion, the archetypal, cat stroking baddie doesn’t really belong in this new, grittier style.
Despite coming out of the cinema with a smile on my face, I do have some criticisms. I had heard beforehand that the director had gone for more of a Bourne style when it came to the action sequences and it’s certainly true. There are lots of quick cuts used to give an impression of frantic chases and fights. I didn’t really like this, it felt like a gimmick. Marc Forster seems to be of the opinion that you shouldn’t film a sequence from one angle when you can shoot it from 17.
While this is a relatively large complaint I was still very happy with Quantum of Solace. It’s a worthy follow up to Casino Royale thanks to an excellent cast and a great script, which provided some nice moments of humour despite the serious story. There’s also a nice little Goldfinger homage thrown in there with a modern twist, which made me smile.
So if you’ve also been waiting for a film worth returning to the cinema for after the long autumn drought, this is it. Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Calling all Iron Man fans
It has been announced today that Robert Downy Jr. has extended his deal with Marvel, so we’ll be seeing a lot more of him as Tony Stark in the future. This means that there will now be at least two sequels to last Summer’s fantastic Iron Man. Good News.
However, what is even more exciting is that we will also see ‘Bob’ in The Avengers, which is scheduled for release in 2011. Don Cheadle, who will replace Terrence Howard as Stark's right-hand man, James Rhodes, will also appear.
This is the first major casting announcement for the Avengers and, in my humble opinion, it’s a great one. Choosing Robert Downy Jr. was one of the best decisions in comic book movie history and I think it will only get better as he explores Stark’s character floors in the coming films.
News on who will play the Hulk, Thor and Captain America are expected in the coming weeks. It looks like the budget for this one is going to get BIG!
However, what is even more exciting is that we will also see ‘Bob’ in The Avengers, which is scheduled for release in 2011. Don Cheadle, who will replace Terrence Howard as Stark's right-hand man, James Rhodes, will also appear.
This is the first major casting announcement for the Avengers and, in my humble opinion, it’s a great one. Choosing Robert Downy Jr. was one of the best decisions in comic book movie history and I think it will only get better as he explores Stark’s character floors in the coming films.
News on who will play the Hulk, Thor and Captain America are expected in the coming weeks. It looks like the budget for this one is going to get BIG!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
New Harry Potter trailer
The film has been made. It's been in the can for months, but we don't get to see it until next summer because Warner Brothers are worried that they don't have enough good films for next year.
There are so many things wrong with that I don't know where to begin.
Oh well, at least we can expect loads of trailers and sneak previews until then which, if nothing else, will give me something to write about.
There are so many things wrong with that I don't know where to begin.
Oh well, at least we can expect loads of trailers and sneak previews until then which, if nothing else, will give me something to write about.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Bayhem under fire
I know that Mark Kermode can come across as a little pretentious, but I usually find him to be one of the best judges of whether or not a film is good or bad.
I also know that he's a man who loves a really good action movie, which probably explains why he launches a tirade against all things 'Michael Bay' in his latest video blog:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/markkermode/2008/10/review_eagle_eye.html
Now I'm as guilty as the next person of enjoying Bad Boys and Transformers, so perhaps it makes me a bit hypocritical to agree with Mark on this one, but I think he has a good point to make here.
While I love the excitement and explosions, the problem here is that they are now being used at the expense of plot, rather than in addition to it. If we're not careful we're in danger of returning to the 80's style of action film which, with a few exceptions, was not a good experience.
But I may well be in the minority. Last I heard, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift made over $150million...
I also know that he's a man who loves a really good action movie, which probably explains why he launches a tirade against all things 'Michael Bay' in his latest video blog:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/markkermode/2008/10/review_eagle_eye.html
Now I'm as guilty as the next person of enjoying Bad Boys and Transformers, so perhaps it makes me a bit hypocritical to agree with Mark on this one, but I think he has a good point to make here.
While I love the excitement and explosions, the problem here is that they are now being used at the expense of plot, rather than in addition to it. If we're not careful we're in danger of returning to the 80's style of action film which, with a few exceptions, was not a good experience.
But I may well be in the minority. Last I heard, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift made over $150million...
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Satchmo
According to Variety, Forest Whitaker is set to direct and star in What A Wonderful World, a biopic of Louis Armstrong.
This sounds like good news to me. His performance as Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland showed that Whitaker is right up there with the likes of Philip Seymour Hoffman as one of this generation’s great character actors – even if the film itself was a big disappointment.
Other than ‘that’ song, ‘that’ voice and the trumpet, I don’t know a great deal about Louis Armstrong, so I’m looking forward to finding out a bit more (with a Hollywood slant of course).
Although I’m always going to have slight reservations about seeing a Whitaker film because I still remember ‘Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai’... shudder!
This sounds like good news to me. His performance as Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland showed that Whitaker is right up there with the likes of Philip Seymour Hoffman as one of this generation’s great character actors – even if the film itself was a big disappointment.
Other than ‘that’ song, ‘that’ voice and the trumpet, I don’t know a great deal about Louis Armstrong, so I’m looking forward to finding out a bit more (with a Hollywood slant of course).
Although I’m always going to have slight reservations about seeing a Whitaker film because I still remember ‘Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai’... shudder!
Monday, October 06, 2008
Quantum Of Solace Trailer
A far better trailer than the 'teaser' released back in the summer... but I suppose that's the point.
I am very optimistic about this one. If it's half as good as Casino Royale then it will still be a great film. Of course I'm expecting a little more than that...
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Paul Newman 1925-2008
I don’t think myself a particularly cold individual, but it’s very rare that I find myself truly sad when I hear about the death of a celebrity. Unfortunately for me, this is one of those occasions.
It would be a considerable understatement to say that Paul Newman never gave a bad performance. He was excellent in every film I every saw him in, from ‘The Hustler’ to ‘The Road to Predition’. He was even outstanding as the voice of Doc Hudson in ‘Cars’.
Considering his remarkable career it is almost unbelievable that he did not win an Academy Award until 1987. However, it is fitting that he won it for reprising one of his greatest characters, Fast Eddie Felson, in the ‘Colour of Money’. Of course, if it had been up to me, he’d have won at least five best actor gongs.
While there are so many greats to choose from, my favourite Paul Newman films are the two he starred in with Robert Redford, one of the very few people that are comparable to him in terms of talent. I know this isn’t exactly a controversial choice but ‘The Sting’ and ‘Butch and Sundance’ are, in my opinion, amongst the greatest movies ever made and are just two of the reasons why my heart is a little heavy this evening.
It would be a considerable understatement to say that Paul Newman never gave a bad performance. He was excellent in every film I every saw him in, from ‘The Hustler’ to ‘The Road to Predition’. He was even outstanding as the voice of Doc Hudson in ‘Cars’.
Considering his remarkable career it is almost unbelievable that he did not win an Academy Award until 1987. However, it is fitting that he won it for reprising one of his greatest characters, Fast Eddie Felson, in the ‘Colour of Money’. Of course, if it had been up to me, he’d have won at least five best actor gongs.
While there are so many greats to choose from, my favourite Paul Newman films are the two he starred in with Robert Redford, one of the very few people that are comparable to him in terms of talent. I know this isn’t exactly a controversial choice but ‘The Sting’ and ‘Butch and Sundance’ are, in my opinion, amongst the greatest movies ever made and are just two of the reasons why my heart is a little heavy this evening.
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Greatest Movies of All Time
Empire Magazine has compiled a list of the 'Top 500 Greatest Movies of All Time'. It’s a mixture of the public vote and the opinions of top industry folk, which has turned out what looks like a pretty good, if mostly predictable, list.
Most people that know me won’t be surprised that I’m happy that the Godfather is on top, and really happy that Empire Strikes back is in the top three. I’m a big fan of Raiders of the Lost Ark but I think number two is maybe a little high. The same goes for Jaws at number five.
I’ve come to expect that one of my least favourite films, Raging Bull (11th), will always be high on list like this. I maintain that both the film and DeNiro are overrated but I’m clearly in the minority. However, I was very surprised to see Fight Club squeeze into the top ten. Really? That high? I mean, I enjoyed the film, am a big fan of both Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, but it doesn’t get anywhere near my top ten. A great twist does not make a great film.
Of course the problem with writing a post like this is that I now feel obliged to give my top ten. My problem with doing this is that the list I make right now will not be the same as the list I make tomorrow morning. I often get round this problem during pub conversations by giving a list in no particular order and then cheating by grouping the original Star Wars Trilogy as one entry.
I realise that this is a cop out, so here, just for you, is my top ten films of all time as of 2pm on a sunny Friday afternoon in September:
1. The Godfather
2. The Empire Strikes Back
3. The Shawshank Redemption
4. The Departed
5. LA Confidential
6. Rope
7. The Sting
8. Back to the Future
9. Anchorman
10. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Another problem I have with compiling a list like this is that I’m sure there are loads of great films that I’ve forgotten to consider. If you would like to point out a glaringly obvious oversight on my part, or just fancy sharing your own top ten, let me know.
Most people that know me won’t be surprised that I’m happy that the Godfather is on top, and really happy that Empire Strikes back is in the top three. I’m a big fan of Raiders of the Lost Ark but I think number two is maybe a little high. The same goes for Jaws at number five.
I’ve come to expect that one of my least favourite films, Raging Bull (11th), will always be high on list like this. I maintain that both the film and DeNiro are overrated but I’m clearly in the minority. However, I was very surprised to see Fight Club squeeze into the top ten. Really? That high? I mean, I enjoyed the film, am a big fan of both Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, but it doesn’t get anywhere near my top ten. A great twist does not make a great film.
Of course the problem with writing a post like this is that I now feel obliged to give my top ten. My problem with doing this is that the list I make right now will not be the same as the list I make tomorrow morning. I often get round this problem during pub conversations by giving a list in no particular order and then cheating by grouping the original Star Wars Trilogy as one entry.
I realise that this is a cop out, so here, just for you, is my top ten films of all time as of 2pm on a sunny Friday afternoon in September:
1. The Godfather
2. The Empire Strikes Back
3. The Shawshank Redemption
4. The Departed
5. LA Confidential
6. Rope
7. The Sting
8. Back to the Future
9. Anchorman
10. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Another problem I have with compiling a list like this is that I’m sure there are loads of great films that I’ve forgotten to consider. If you would like to point out a glaringly obvious oversight on my part, or just fancy sharing your own top ten, let me know.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
That's right folks, Kevin Smith is back! Here's the trailer for his latest flick, Zack and Miri Make a Porno:
I've been a huge fan of Kevin Smith ever since some friends introduced me to his New Jersey Chronicles about ten years ago. I know there's people who don't appreciate Mr Smith's 'dick and fart' brand of humour, but those people are obviously dead inside.
Obviously I can't wait see this flick, especially with Seth Rogen leading the cast, bit there is one small problem. I've had a look on IMDB and had a quick scan of the View Askew website (http://www.viewaskew.com/) and I can only find the US release date of 31 October. If anyone knows when Zack and Miri is coming out in the UK, please let me know.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A few changes and a Harry Potter trailer
Seeing as this is the new and improved 'Films and Things', I've made a few upgrades. If you look to the left of the page you will see, amongst other things, a very cool toy that I have recently added called 'LATEST TRAILERS'. If all goes according to plan it should regularly update with new trailers from YouTube.
In addition, instead of just giving you links to clips and trailers, I will now be embedding them into my posts, like this:
Yeah, I know, this is nothing new or special to most people, but I'm feeling pretty smug about my new toys right now, so there!
In addition, instead of just giving you links to clips and trailers, I will now be embedding them into my posts, like this:
Yeah, I know, this is nothing new or special to most people, but I'm feeling pretty smug about my new toys right now, so there!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
10 screens and there's nothing on!
I’m starting to think I’ve made a bit of a mistake. I’m wondering if I should have bothered re-launching this blog now. No, not because no one reads it (I’ve reconciled myself with that), but because there is very little to look forward to in the cinema for the rest of the year.
The only film that I am dying to see is Quantum of Solace. I’ve been a fan of James Bond since my grandmother sat me down in front of Goldfinger when I was about 7. Unfortunately for me, most of the Bond films released in my lifetime have been pretty poor. Anything with Roger Moore was dreadful and both Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan, while good Bonds, suffered from dreadful scripts – with the exception of Goldeneye, which remains one of my all-time favourites.
Thanks to Casino Royale I was able to leave the cinema truly satisfied with a Bond film for only the second time. Actually that’s a bit of an understatement; I was far more than just satisfied. If Quantum of Solace is half as good then I will probably still be satisfied.
I would like to look forward to the next Harry Potter film this winter but, unfortunately, Warner Brothers have moved it to next July because they haven’t got enough good films in the pipeline for the summer season. Doesn’t bode well does it?
So for the next six months, until Watchmen comes out in March, there’s nothing that I’m really excited about. Of course there’s every chance that the legal wrangling over the rights to Watchmen will mean that it doesn’t come out until next summer either!
However, this lack of big exciting movies isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It usually means that there will be a few decent small budget or independent films that will get some time in the cinemas. This is not the first time I’ve experienced such a cinematic lull and it has led to some excellent discoveries in recent years. Brick, Half Nelson, Lars and the Real Girl and Goodnight and Good Luck could have easily passed me by if there had been a big blockbuster on in the next screen.
So, if anyone knows of any small gems out now or in the near future, especially if they have Ryan Gosling in, please let me know.
The only film that I am dying to see is Quantum of Solace. I’ve been a fan of James Bond since my grandmother sat me down in front of Goldfinger when I was about 7. Unfortunately for me, most of the Bond films released in my lifetime have been pretty poor. Anything with Roger Moore was dreadful and both Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan, while good Bonds, suffered from dreadful scripts – with the exception of Goldeneye, which remains one of my all-time favourites.
Thanks to Casino Royale I was able to leave the cinema truly satisfied with a Bond film for only the second time. Actually that’s a bit of an understatement; I was far more than just satisfied. If Quantum of Solace is half as good then I will probably still be satisfied.
I would like to look forward to the next Harry Potter film this winter but, unfortunately, Warner Brothers have moved it to next July because they haven’t got enough good films in the pipeline for the summer season. Doesn’t bode well does it?
So for the next six months, until Watchmen comes out in March, there’s nothing that I’m really excited about. Of course there’s every chance that the legal wrangling over the rights to Watchmen will mean that it doesn’t come out until next summer either!
However, this lack of big exciting movies isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It usually means that there will be a few decent small budget or independent films that will get some time in the cinemas. This is not the first time I’ve experienced such a cinematic lull and it has led to some excellent discoveries in recent years. Brick, Half Nelson, Lars and the Real Girl and Goodnight and Good Luck could have easily passed me by if there had been a big blockbuster on in the next screen.
So, if anyone knows of any small gems out now or in the near future, especially if they have Ryan Gosling in, please let me know.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Layer Cake
In my flat, between three of us, we have somewhere in the region of about 400 DVDs. With such a large selection, you’d think that we’d be able to find something to watch with relative ease.
Unfortunately, when it comes time to make a decision, this is how conversations often go:
“Film?”
“Go for it”
“What do you fancy?”
“Don’t mind, anything”
“How about X?”
“Nah”
“OK, how about Y?”
“Nah, saw that too recently”
“What about Z?”
“Not sure I’m in the mood for that.”
This conversation can go on for some time and often results in nothing being chosen.
Fortunately this wasn’t the case on Saturday morning and the number of titles shouted out by my brother was mercifully short once we both spotted Layer Cake, a film I haven’t seen for a couple of years.
Layer Cake is an impossibly cool film. It actually made me want to become a cocaine dealer. Well, not really, but they do a great job of glamorising the underworld. In fact I find it quite remarkable that people complained that Trainspotting might make young people think drug taking was cool (because overdosing in a Glaswegian slum flat is my idea of awesome!), yet, to my knowledge, no one made a peep about this film.
As far as I can tell, the message is that if you deal in enormous amounts of drugs, you become stinkingly rich, intelligent, charming, stylish, get to enjoy all sorts of crazy hijinks and then shag Sienna Miller. OK, so your white suit might get ruined when you get shot at your local golf course, but I think it’s a small price to pay when you consider the upside.
Either way, I love this flick. While I usually bemoan the fact that we only seem to make three types of film in this country (Northern working class misery, Richard Curtis/Hugh Grant idyllic posh England and the gangster movie), this is a really enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. It’s well written, well directed, well cast and well acted. Not much more you can say about a film than that.
So I won’t.
Unfortunately, when it comes time to make a decision, this is how conversations often go:
“Film?”
“Go for it”
“What do you fancy?”
“Don’t mind, anything”
“How about X?”
“Nah”
“OK, how about Y?”
“Nah, saw that too recently”
“What about Z?”
“Not sure I’m in the mood for that.”
This conversation can go on for some time and often results in nothing being chosen.
Fortunately this wasn’t the case on Saturday morning and the number of titles shouted out by my brother was mercifully short once we both spotted Layer Cake, a film I haven’t seen for a couple of years.
Layer Cake is an impossibly cool film. It actually made me want to become a cocaine dealer. Well, not really, but they do a great job of glamorising the underworld. In fact I find it quite remarkable that people complained that Trainspotting might make young people think drug taking was cool (because overdosing in a Glaswegian slum flat is my idea of awesome!), yet, to my knowledge, no one made a peep about this film.
As far as I can tell, the message is that if you deal in enormous amounts of drugs, you become stinkingly rich, intelligent, charming, stylish, get to enjoy all sorts of crazy hijinks and then shag Sienna Miller. OK, so your white suit might get ruined when you get shot at your local golf course, but I think it’s a small price to pay when you consider the upside.
Either way, I love this flick. While I usually bemoan the fact that we only seem to make three types of film in this country (Northern working class misery, Richard Curtis/Hugh Grant idyllic posh England and the gangster movie), this is a really enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. It’s well written, well directed, well cast and well acted. Not much more you can say about a film than that.
So I won’t.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Hellboy 2
I should start this post off with a confession. I haven’t seen Pan’s Labyrinth yet. It’s on my ‘to watch’ list but I just haven’t got round to it. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it based on the fact that everyone else who has seen it has told me I will.
However, I’m equally sure that it’s not going to be as easy to watch as, say, Die Hard 4, which my brother and I watched on this Saturday while recovering from our Friday induced hangovers. A film like Pan’s Labyrinth is obviously going to require a little concentration and effort to watch and not just because of the subtitles.
Fortunately for me, Guillermo del Toro doesn’t just make films that require me to really concentrate. A lot of his films can just be enjoyed as popcorn fodder such as the very enjoyable Hellboy, the sequel to which I went to see this weekend.
Del Torro has become the man of the moment when it comes to creating fantasy worlds on film. I’m anxious to see what he has in store for us with the Hobbit over the next few years. However, while all of his films are visually stunning, they aren’t necessarily all good, with Blade 2 immediately springing to mind.
Unfortunately I was reminded of this disappointing sequel within ten minutes of the start of Hellboy 2. It was with no small sense of déjà vu that I observed Luke Goss playing the role of an immortal prince with daddy issues trying to wage war on humanity. Luke may play this role very well but I was a little surprised to see him doing it twice.
Fortunately this is where the similarities between the two films end and I was able to enjoy a good, and very pretty, comic book movie. Ron Pearlman is once again enjoyable as Hellboy who is well supported by the likes of Selma Blair and the very funny Jeffrey Tambor.
Unfortunately I did leave the cinema feeling a little underwhelmed as the film didn’t quite meet my expectations. However, I’m not going to blame Del Torro for this. In fact it was all my fault. The film had been given a great deal of hype in recent months and I think I became caught up in that. I was expecting the brilliance I have been promised from Pan’s Labyrinth in a film about a cigar smoking, wise-cracking, hell demon who is trying to save the world.
If you like comic book movies you’ll probably like this. Just don’t go expecting anything more than that or you might be disappointed.
However, I’m equally sure that it’s not going to be as easy to watch as, say, Die Hard 4, which my brother and I watched on this Saturday while recovering from our Friday induced hangovers. A film like Pan’s Labyrinth is obviously going to require a little concentration and effort to watch and not just because of the subtitles.
Fortunately for me, Guillermo del Toro doesn’t just make films that require me to really concentrate. A lot of his films can just be enjoyed as popcorn fodder such as the very enjoyable Hellboy, the sequel to which I went to see this weekend.
Del Torro has become the man of the moment when it comes to creating fantasy worlds on film. I’m anxious to see what he has in store for us with the Hobbit over the next few years. However, while all of his films are visually stunning, they aren’t necessarily all good, with Blade 2 immediately springing to mind.
Unfortunately I was reminded of this disappointing sequel within ten minutes of the start of Hellboy 2. It was with no small sense of déjà vu that I observed Luke Goss playing the role of an immortal prince with daddy issues trying to wage war on humanity. Luke may play this role very well but I was a little surprised to see him doing it twice.
Fortunately this is where the similarities between the two films end and I was able to enjoy a good, and very pretty, comic book movie. Ron Pearlman is once again enjoyable as Hellboy who is well supported by the likes of Selma Blair and the very funny Jeffrey Tambor.
Unfortunately I did leave the cinema feeling a little underwhelmed as the film didn’t quite meet my expectations. However, I’m not going to blame Del Torro for this. In fact it was all my fault. The film had been given a great deal of hype in recent months and I think I became caught up in that. I was expecting the brilliance I have been promised from Pan’s Labyrinth in a film about a cigar smoking, wise-cracking, hell demon who is trying to save the world.
If you like comic book movies you’ll probably like this. Just don’t go expecting anything more than that or you might be disappointed.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A new beginning
Howdy folks.
Welcome to the re-launch of the new and improved Films and Things blog!
OK, so it's not so much new and improved as it is exactly the same as before. I just decided to start again due to my previous shocking lack of commitment to posting anything.
But fear not, dedicated reader, for I have turned over a new leaf and shall, from now on, provide you with regular postings on all things related to both films and things.
And for those of you asking: 'Why should we believe you this time, you lazy git?' I shall employ a little misdirection and ask you to turn your attention to this very pretty trailer for the Watchmen while I slip out the back door:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/watchmen/
Welcome to the re-launch of the new and improved Films and Things blog!
OK, so it's not so much new and improved as it is exactly the same as before. I just decided to start again due to my previous shocking lack of commitment to posting anything.
But fear not, dedicated reader, for I have turned over a new leaf and shall, from now on, provide you with regular postings on all things related to both films and things.
And for those of you asking: 'Why should we believe you this time, you lazy git?' I shall employ a little misdirection and ask you to turn your attention to this very pretty trailer for the Watchmen while I slip out the back door:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/watchmen/
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