NEWS - Cameron reveals more on Avatar 4

Rumours have been around ever since the first Avatar film that 2 and 3 would be filmed back to back and the second being pencilled for release in 2015. Since then however James Cameron has come out to talk about the fourth instalment, quite ambitious considering the second and third haven't even been written yet. He has stated in an interview with Total Film that he is trying to avoid the route that the Matrix Trilogy went down, in that it left too many questions unanswered and failed to deliver the same brilliance as the first one. He has claimed that the second and third instalments of Avatar will be self contained within themselves but also will have a complete story arc over the entire trilogy. All of this based around the same set of characters we have already seen.

Now the fourth film will then concentrate on before the first Avatar, in essence a prequel. Cameron really has got his long term plan sorted, especially since the first one is still being talked about as a change in the vision of cinema. Cameron has also said that Avatar will be the only films he works on from now on and all his effort is going on the next two films, which will be filmed back to back, and then eventually the fourth film which will have new characters and show how the humans and Na'vi became such enemies. Avatar 2 is the only one with a rough release schedule and that is 2015.

QUESTION: What is the best Shia LaBeouf film?

Shia LaBeouf generally gets a lot of stick for his acting performances and is considered to be a bad omen for the films he turns up in. I have to say, despite me agreeing that he has done some stinkers; I have never thought he is that bad. In last week's release, Lawless, he is actually surprisingly good and proved that he can do it if he manages to shake off the tag he has hooked onto him regarding his performances in the later two Transformers films. In the first one he was actually pretty good. To try and help bring Shia back into people's good books I want to ask you what you think his best film is. I have listed five options below so either pick from them or add your own in the comments. What is Shia LaBeouf's best film?




1. DISTURBIA - An updated version of the Hitchcock classic Rear Window. LaBeouf plays a teen held inside under house arrest and witnesses what he believes is his neighbour murdering his wife.








2. EAGLE EYE - Here he stars alongside Michelle Monaghan as strangers who are thrust into each other's lives by a mysterious woman on the end of a phone call. The woman seems to be protecting them from all the dangers around them but is there more to the agenda?






3. INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL - Indie 4 basically and Shia plays Indie's new sidekick whilst the archaeologist stumbles across a Soviet plot to uncover the secret of artefacts known as Crystal Skulls.







4. TRANSFORMERS - The live action film of the popular kid's toy. Shia plays the lead who the evil Decepticons hunt down over an alien artefact he holds in his possession. The Autobots are soon on hand though to aid Shia and prevent the Decepticons from taking over the world.










5. WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS - The sequel to Wall Street with Shia turning up as the recently released from prison Gordon Gecko's daughter's boyfriend. In an ironic twist Shia also wishes to get involved in the stock market but under his new mentor he begins to understand that much of it is illegal. 





There are your five choices for this question. There aren't many films he has lead in other than these as he got himself caught up in those Transformers movies. However Lawless was a step in the right direction and he is also soon to be seen in The Company You Keep alongside an ensemble cast including Robert Redford who also directs. Anyway until then let me know which film you think is Shia LaBeouf's best.

New on DVD this week: American Reunion

If you are a fan of the American Pie movies then you will enjoy this weeks DVD release. There are a few films out but the main one is the 'final' or 'latest' installment to the American Pie franchise. Other films released are ones that were not huge successes at the box office or with me, but they are ones that will entertain you all the same. Take a look at them below.




Recommended
AMERICAN REUNION - 9 years after the last installment and Jim and the gang have all grown up and are now in the stage of marriage, children and careers. However the gang have one lat chance to be young again when they attend a reunion in their old home town and they find themselves involved in the same old antics.

American Reunion trailer








THE COLD LIGHT OF DAY - The next 'Superman' stars alongside Bruce Willis in this CIA thriller. Henry Cavill finds himself being hunted down by Sigourney Weaver's government agent when his Father is accused of turning against his own government.

The Cold Light Of Day trailer








SAFE - Jason Statham is back kicking backside when a young girl, who has the ability to remember anything she sees, is targeted by a mob who are after the number she holds. With corrupt cop and gangs after her Statham becomes her only hope to avoid being caught.

Safe trailer








THE PIRATES IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS - Wallace And Gromit style animation shows us a Pirate Captain on a mission to win the Pirate Of The Year award, causing him to go toe to toe with some fierce Pirates from across the globe.

The Pirates In An Adventure With Scientists trailer

LAWLESS - It is the violence that sets these men apart!

Tom Hardy seems to be absolutely everywhere at the minute, and most of his films, This Means War aside, are pretty darn good. Hot off the press of The Dark Knight Rises, and still holding most of the muscular tone he needed for Bane, Hardy is back on the screen as one of the leads in Lawless, leading a fantastic cast through Franklin County, Virginia in the 1930's. He plays Forrest Bondurant, a bootlegger who along with his brothers provides locals and the authorities with alcohol during prohibition. That is until corruption within the law in Chicago decides to interfere through sleazy Guy Pearce, but these brothers are Bondurants and they don't lay down for nobody. From here on in we have a 'battle of the balls' as such with Hardy, Shia LeBeouf and Jason Clarke finding themselves doing battle with Guy Pearce to establish respect and order in Franklin.

This is the sort of film that I would not normally be bothered about. Other John Hillcoat films have never satisfied me and I believe that it is the cast alone that have got me to see this film. Maybe we need to thank the director for getting them all on board then. Many people I have spoken to about the trailer have also said the same thing, they would see it due to the cast more than anything as it is nothing they haven't seen before. For those of you that thought this then I suggest you throw that out the window because it is actually really good. It is graphic, it is character driven, there are established arc, and some great acting from some great actors. I'm going to throw this out there now; even Shia LeBeouf was great! If these kind of things suit your fancy then I suggest you get out and see this film as you won't be disappointed.

It is hard to decide who steals the show throughout the film. Hardy is brilliant as Forrest, and his character is put through a lot during the film and manages to go through each emotion out there. He is also hard as nails and is terrifying when he is throwing his knuckle dusted fist around. What happens to his character will shock you all and the legend of him being indestructible is also very well handled. LeBeouf is also very good. He definitely shows that he can play a more serious role and here he was thoroughly believable as the younger brother who seeks approval from his elders. Clarke also plays the drunken brother very well and Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowska do well with the little roles they have; this is very much a male driven film. Guy Pearce should be inline for some kind of award as his villain is one of the creepiest, with a terrible haircut, since Chigurh in No Country For Old Men. When him and Hardy stand toe to toe you are just waiting for fireworks with one willing to stab you and one wanting a fist fight. Pearce is that good you are actually wishing he will get his commupance.

There are one or two downfalls with the film however. Yes it is full of gore, the violence is some of the most realistic I have seen before, the direction is spot on, and the set design is out of this world but it lets itself down on a couple of occasions. The film is fairly long and there are moments that feel like they drag and could possibly have been shortened in order to not get this feeling. Gary Oldman is also billed for this film but is barely in it, which is disappointing considering the explosive introduction he has. The ending is also drawn out with several fade in and outs when all you really want is it to be wrapped up. Instead we get a daft ending for Hardy's character that could have easily been omitted or left to the narration. I really did like this film but I did come out thinking it was not as good as No County For Old Men, which although isn't exactly the same it was all I could think about during some scenes.

The few negatives aside it is a very good film. The characters are well drawn and the cast play each one brilliantly. Each seems to have their own trait which gives you a back story in performance alone. This is a kudos to cast and director alike. The plot does seem paper thin but there is something about it that grips you and it becomes more in depth through the characters despite it being a typical hero vs villain film. If you like a bit of violence and gore then you will love this, it is clear why it is an 18 certificate. Throats get cut, faces get smashed, shovels swing, and testicles are removed, and all look realistic and some of the most graphic interpretations I have seen on film.

Pros: Strong acting, believable characters, and some brutal violent scenes.

Cons: Not enough Oldman and a weak final five minutes.

7 / 10

Top 10 of 2012 so far:

1. The Dark Knight Rises     10 / 10
2. The Hunger Games     8 / 10
3. Snow White And The Huntsman     8 / 10
4. Avengers Assemble     7.5 / 10
5. Ted     7.5 / 10
6. 21 Jump Street     7.5 / 10
7. Lawless     7 / 10
8. The Expendables 2     7 / 10
9. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol     7 / 10
10. The Grey     7 / 10

ANIMAL KINGDOM movie review

Animal Kingdom

Starring: James Frecheville, Guy Pearce, Joel Edgerton, Jacki Weaver.

Running time: 113 minutes

Year: 2010

Directed By: David Michod

Written By: David Michod

Animal Kingdom trailer

I had been told about this film several months ago, and had been told by this anonymous person that it was their favourite film of its year. With Inception and The Social Network being released the same year I was rather dubious as to this person's suggestion. I have to say however after giving this film a watch I can completely understand where they are coming from because this film is absolutely brilliant, and I am annoyed at myself that it has taken me this long to see it.

Set in Australia revolving around a crime family, Animal Kingdom follows the story of J (Frecheville), who is taken in by his Grandmother after the death of his Mother. Whilst in the company of his Grandmother and Uncles he realises that they are involved in some of the hefty crimes that have been taking place in the community. One of his Uncles; Pope, (Ben Mendelsohn who is absolutely fantastic) is currently in hiding and the police are after him over a recent bank robbery. However instead of finding him via looking the police decide to kill his partner in order to entice him out. The only problem with this though is Pope then decides to retaliate and he and his brothers kill two policemen in an act of vengeance. After being broadcast all over the news, the police bring in Detective Senior Sergeant Leckie (Guy Pearce) to bring the Cody family in, and their first port of call is J. Once J has been interviewed though his own family turn against him in the belief that he has turned them in. J then finds himself on the run from the evil Pope and the cops, and is unsure of which one to trust.

The film is not like anything we haven't seen before but it is the way it is told that stands this film above the rest. For starters the setting being Australia really adds to the tension, especially with it being set during the time when cops were killing criminals and finding excuses afterwards. It is also interesting to side with the 'bad' guys, but also showing how the police can also be just as bad in their own way. We are actually pulled in to care for this family despite how evil they are. J especially is someone we side with despite the fact that his character has no real qualities that we can cling to. We just go with his situation and you ask yourself what you would do in his position. The film also delivers us a chilling ending, which is certainly crucial to the outcome, and a highly powerful scene in the middle that had me frightened for a good ten minutes. The dark, moody tone of the cinematography really adds to this.

The acting in the film is very good. Mendelsohn is on top, top form and it is good to see him being rewarded with roles in films such as The Dark Knight Rises as he is a top class actor. Jacki Weaver is also really freaky as the Mother of these evil brothers. She plays the part full of tension and even hints at a sign of incestual nature between her and her children. It is the performance and the way she kisses them that highlights this. She also comes out of her shell later on in the film and she grows even more into the role. These two are the stand outs of the cast but Edgerton, Pearce, and Sullivan Stapleton are also good. Frecheville has come into a lot of criticism of his performance by other reviews; however I feel they are slightly harsh. For a newcomer his performance is good and I believe it is his character that lacks personality as opposed to the actor.

Another top area of the film is the music. Even the music on the DVD menu had me gripped by what I was about to watch. Every time a piece of music kicked in I was instantly drawn into the scene. Even an image of three lions on a picture, with the central one standing proud, is racked full of tension due to the brilliant score.

There isn't much I can point out as wrong with this film. Maybe it is a shame that a top actor disappears quite early on, but this also adds more to it. I have to say this film has affected me. I can't get the creepy music out my head, or some of the powerful scenes that go with it. I haven't seen any other Australian films that have moved me quite like this, but from now on I will not be put off by them. David Michod has managed to produce a script full of believability and character building, and has also directed and drawn some excellently creepy performances by some actors who are possibly unheard of on the Hollywood circuit. Thanks to Animal Kingdom however, I think Michod has highlighted his own name, and his casts names, on the Hollywood 'to get' list.

4.5 / 5

Next film to review: DRIVE

In Cinemas This Weekend: Hardy and LeBeouf are brothers who become outlaws.

This week there are 4 mainstream films released for all our viewing pleasures. We have yet another remake, although remake is probably the wrong word more like a reboot considering the first version was a Stallone abomination. We also have a film which was given high acclaim at some of the top film festivals, and we have yet another Adam Sandler film. Take a look at them below.


1. Tom Hardy is in yet another box office film in LAWLESS, where he and Shia LeBeouf are brothers during prohibition in Franklin County Virginia. Whilst here they are part of a bootlegging gang who supply locals and criminals with liquor, until a corrupt sleazy city detective in Guy Pearce attempts to shut them down. Expect blood and gore. Also starring: Jason Clarke. Who is really the bad guy?

Lawless trailer



2. The reboot of a famous comic book hero is next in DREDD; only this time instead of Stallone we have Karl Urban donning the famous helmet. In a futuristic city Dredd and his new apprentice must fight their way into a tower block to prevent a criminal supplying the city with a drug which allows people to view the world in slow motion. Also starring: Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey, & Jason Cope. Who is the law?

Dredd trailer


3. Keira Knightley reunites with director Joe Wright for ANNA KARENINA. In the late 19th century, Anna is married to an upper class Jude Law, only to become infatuated by a young Count, Aaron Johnson. Despite being frowned upon Anna must choose between her boring husband who is the father of her child, or the man who reignites her flames. Also starring: Matthew Macfayden. Who will she choose?

Anna Karenina trailer



4. Finally we are given the pleasure to witness yet another Adam Sandler film. This next one is called THAT'S MY BOY and sees Adam play a young Father who turns up in his son's life just before his wedding. Having a child as a teenager doesn't seem like a good idea now. Also starring: Adam Samberg, Susan Sarandon, & Vanilla Ice.

That's My Boy trailer




There is your list for this week and I would have to say at least three of them are probably worth seeing. I won't mention which one is the one at the bottom of my list but I'm sure it is definitely obvious. Oh how I used to like Adam Sandler films. Anyway come back tomorrow for my review of this weekend's film.

NEWS - Kick Ass 2 director Jeff Wadlow hints that Jim Carrey is on board.

The top segment of news for this week comes to you in two loads. For starters the main news that was circling the movie world (other than the unfortunate, very sad death of Michael Clarke Duncan) was that Kick Ass 2 director Jeff Wadlow had hinted on his Twitter account that Jim Carrey had been cast in the new movie. The tweet read something along the lines of; '6 days till we start shooting.....have our Colonel. Alrighty f*in then.' Now we all know Jim Carrey's famous catchphrase is that of his famous character Ace Ventura, so of course many put two and two together and came to this suggestion.

Only a couple of days after this news it was then revealed that in fact Jim Carrey will be playing Colonel Stars in Kick Ass 2, so Wadlow's code really wasn't hard to crack. Stars is the leader of a superhero team that puts together wannabee heroes who wish to save the day. However he once had connections to the DiMarco family meaning he may not be as rosy as it seems.

I have to admit I am a big fan of Carrey and despite his few poor films he generally is a good actor. He seems just as good in a serious role as he is a comedy one and I have to say not many actors can move their face the way he does. Kick Ass 2 opens next year and it is already one of the most anticipated. Next year seems to be promising a few crackers.