In Cinemas This Weekend: The saga is brought to an end.

This week sees one of the biggest films of the year released. Now before I go into too much detail with that let me add that the film is the biggest not because it will be particularly award worthy, not because it will be one of the best of the year, and not because everyone loves it. No the reason it will be so big is that this film's fan base (ladies you know who you are) will swamp cinemas for the next few weeks to witness two 'heart throbs' removing their shirts. Now for me this just doesn't cut it as a big film but in terms of money I can understand why the producers would do it. The film is bound to bag loads of cash for the companies who made it regardless of if it is any good so that is why it is seen as one of the biggest films of the year, unfortunately. Due to this then nothing much else is to be released but there are 2 that may interest you. Have a look at them below.


1. Ok so for those of you who aren't aware, that big film I mentioned is THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2. Back, and now as a vampire, is Bella who has become the number one enemy of the Volturi when they hear her baby is mortal. Werewolves and vampires join forces to protect the girl who has been the centre of a love triangle since the beginning. It all boils down to one epic conclusion. Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, & Peter Facinelli. Can they protect their offspring?

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 trailer

2. As well as Twilight we are given a sweet foreign film brought to us Michael Haneke, director of Funny Games. AMOUR is the story of an elderly couple, both of whom were music teachers, whose relationship becomes strained when one of them falls severely ill. Starring: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert, & Alexandre Tharaud. Can their love last?

Amour trailer




3. Finally we have MENTAL a film evolving around a suffering relationship due to the husband's political ambitions. With the couple struggling to be there for their children they hire a nanny who transforms the families' ways with her crazy personality. Starring: Liev Schreiber, Toni Collette, Caroline Goodall, & Anthony LaPaglia. How crazy can it get?

Mental trailer



That is that for this weekend then. Expect your local cinema to be absolutely rammed with Twilight fans because theatres are designated for them this weekend. Causes pain for many of you I know but hey they've got to make their money somehow. It leaves not much for the other cinemagoers though so I suggest the brilliant Argo or Skyfall to fill your time. If you're planning on seeing a smaller film please ring in advance as last year they were cancelling films to show more Twilight. Just gives us another reason to dislike it. Anyway enjoy whatever you see even if you succumb to peer pressure and join the girlfriend in viewing vampire love.

NEWS - Mark Wahlberg confirmed for Transformers 4

The news I bring to you this week actually came about towards the end of last. The reason I highlight it then is that I am still slightly in shock about it, and nothing else this week has caught my eye quite as much as this. The reason I find it shocking is because how did Michael Bay manage to persuade Mark Wahlberg to star in a franchise that was killed by the previous two instalments? That's two of the only three so other than the first film it has never been on an even keel. LaBeouf was an unknown in the first film so it is understandable why he snapped up the chance to make his name but Wahlberg doesn't need to lower himself to this does he? His appearance in the film may make it better but I'm also still struggling to understand in what direction they will take these films now as the first three drained all the robot fighting enthusiasm out of most people. It has also been known that Wahlberg was simply rumoured online for the role in T4, which Michael Bay quickly quashed only to back track and cast him. By all accounts he reckoned the rumours got him thinking it would be a good idea and with them co-working on new film Pain And Gain he asked and Wahlberg agreed.

Wahlberg is set to play a father whose daughter and boyfriend get caught up in the robot's issues. As of yet no casting is confirmed of the other two but it is rumoured that they need to be available from April for shooting and for three movies. Does that mean Wahlberg has signed up for three? So more shocking news is that they are making another trilogy. I think it is about time Hollywood stopped milking the cash cows and something new is brought forward. As for Wahlberg I am slightly surprised at his willingness to participate in this but then again he is known for doing one great film and then a handful of bad. Perhaps I shouldn't judge as, as of yet I know nothing much about the film which could be epic, sadly though my hopes are not high. More to come of this in the next few months.

QUESTION: What is Ben Affleck's worst film?

Lately Ben Affleck has completely turned his career around. He was once the cheesy, less than capable actor who played a leading ladies man with very little clout. He was often slated for his performances and on some occasions blamed for the outcome of the movie. In the past 5 years Affleck has turned his status around. Since directing the brilliant Gone Baby Gone he has made a respectable name for himself as being a director. He then moved on to direct, and star in, The Town. Another that was a brilliant film and Affleck also manages to direct himself in to a decent performance. Now comes the cream of the crop, Argo where he directs his first movie out of his comfort zone and directs himself in a performance you didn't think he would be capable of. He has turned his fortunes around and fair play to him as now I feel he is going to continue to be a respected director and alter his status in the Hollywood world. However he has made some stinkers and I looked at 5 of these to see what his worst ones were. Not to bring his recent excellent work down but I thought it would be much more of  to look at some awful films. Being a fan of Affleck's recent work I hope, instead of reading this and being put off by him, that you can come to appreciate how well he has transformed himself into someone who deserves a lot of recognition.




1. FORCES OF NATURE - Affleck plays a man soon to be married who meets a fresh love when he is involved in an incident on a plane. Cue decisions as to what direction his life should continue in. Oh and this one also stars Sandra Bullock!!







2. GIGLI - The film that could have completely derailed his career. Starring alongside his then fiancee Jennifer Lopez, he plays a hit man who becomes best friends with another man and woman via a hostage. It even sounds dull to read. The film has been rated a 2.4 on IMDB so is one that is best avoided.






3. PHANTOMS - One of his much earlier films, but still after the brilliant Good Will Hunting, Ben plays one of a group of survivors who must rid the 'phantoms' who are killing people in his town.






4. SURVIVING CHRISTMAS - Playing a lonely millionaire, Affleck turns up in a family romantic comedy that you would have expected of him back in the day. Here he pays a family to spend Christmas with him after getting fed up of being lonely.










5. THE THIRD WHEEL - Finally the story of a couple who hit a homeless man in their car and then struggle to break free from him for the rest of the night. Doesn't sound like much of a movie to me Ben.










Well as we can see he has certainly done some shockers but instead of remembering these let's look at how brilliant his films are now and I hope highlighting these films makes you realise that he has become the man to watch if you are to be guaranteed a good film. By directing Affleck has matured and I would like to think it is safe to say that these poor rom coms he once starred in are a thing of the past.

New on DVD this week: Cosmopolis

A couple of new films hitting the DVD racks this week. I have seen neither of them so I can't really judge. One stars Mr Robert Pattinson who will be gracing the big screen this week in a much larger film, which I'm sure is no coincidence this film is also being released this week, and a film brought to you by the makers of last year's surprise comedy, Bridesmaids. If watching England play this week isn't your thing than get down to your local shop and rent one of these movies.




COSMOPOLIS - Robert Pattinson stars as a young billionaire who travels across town in his stretch limo in order to get his hair cut. Little does he know that the outrageous world the city is slowly becoming is about to have a major impact on his life.

Cosmopolis trailer









FRIENDS WITH KIDS - From the creators of Bridesmaids comes a film about two friends who decide to have a child together after seeing other couples having kids of their own, however they also see the negative side of the relationships and decide that they are to have kids but without the strain of a relationship. Will it work?

Friends With Kids trailer

ARGO - The best bad idea makes one of the best movies of the year!

So far this year, in my opinion, we've been blessed with some decent films but none that have been quite as good and different as what we have viewed in other years. Yeah sure we've had The Dark Knight Rises, Avengers Assemble, and Skyfall but these huge movies have all been franchise movies, not really very original. Last year we had brilliant sleeper films like Warrior and 50/50 (based on a true story but not a franchise or sequel etc) and the year before we had the brilliantly different Inception and The Social Network (again roughly based on true events). This year has failed to really have any of these sleeper films until now. Argo is a film based on a true story so perhaps it isn't particularly original but it isn't a franchise, sequel, prequel, or reboot and it is fair to say the premise doesn't sound money making so it is definitely a different type of movie to the best films we have already seen this year. The plot of the film is based on the 'best bad idea' and I'm pretty sure the production meetings for this film went with the same kind of lingo. The premise of the film sounds like a risk but talk about a risk that has paid off as this film is brilliant.

The film is based on a declassified true story. The operation undertaken was kept so secret that it took seventeen years for it to finally be announced to the public and for the people involved to finally take some credit. It is set around the time of the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979. I wasn't born at this time but the prologue of the film gives you a brief history of what took place. Basically members of the Iranian public were so against the US for taking in their Prime Minister, who they hated, that they attacked the US Embassy in Iran and took the people inside hostage; however six managed to evade capture, escaped the Embassy and took refuge in the Canadian Embassy. A few months later the CIA were told of the six and that the Iranian rebels were going door to door hunting them, so the CIA had to get them out. In they call Tony Mendez, an ex-filtration specialist, tasked with bringing them home. They came up with some pretty terrible ideas but the one that cut the mustard was Tony's proposal to go in as a film producer on a location recce and bring the six out as if they were part of his crew. That is the story of this movie, Tony's plan going into action as he attempts to get these people out. Of course it isn't as easy as that and the first part alone means they have to publicise this movie as if it really was real, meaning he had to get producers on board and advertise it in the Hollywood press. Once the public believe in it then can Tony go into Iran where they will find out if any of this will actually work.

If you're clued in to the history you will know the outcome but if you don't I won't spoil it here. I have read some gripes that the ending isn't true to the history but after reading what actually happened I can't help but think how boring it would have been if they hadn't of changed it, so thank you to screenwriting newcomer Chris Terrio who has written one of the most intense final acts I have seen on the big screen. I mean it is so intense I was leaning further and further forward as it played out. Much of this also has to go to Ben Affleck for his excellent direction. He captures the intensity of the entire piece as well as highlighting light hearted moments of humour, especially in the first half from Alan Arkin and John Goodman. He has made a cross of genres and a historical story one full of wit and tension. In theory this shouldn't work but it is a kudos to the production team for making it work and making it brilliant. The acting is also very good. Affleck also stars and, although his direction is better, plays Mendez in a subdued fashion. There is no emotion to him he is there to do a job and Terrio has written him really well. The six hostages, although with very little back story, are played well by their actors, especially Scoot McNairy whose arc at the end is very well done. Bryan Cranston also stars but has a lot less screen time than I had hoped and finally, the two stars in my eyes, John Goodman and Alan Arkin. The banter between them and the delivery of their dialogue is great. One of the best lines is Goodman speaking to Affleck and saying, 'you could teach a monkey to direct a film in two days', which I thought was great especially since he was saying it to the actual director of the film. There are many top actors who show up in this film even if it is for a minor role.

The story is very well handled. It will have its critics for its accuracy but from what I've read it is fairly on the money. The parts that have been omitted seem like they have been taken out for dramatic reason and to not over complicate things which I think is fair enough. Many of these films have to waver slightly from the truth as the truth doesn't always make perfect fiction. Truth has no structure and the small bits that have been reworked are so they fit to a fiction formula. The film plays like two films with the first filled with more humour and witty remarks and the second being nerve racking tension that I never thought I could bare. Seriously this is so tense it is unbelievable.

There aren't really any negatives I have with the film. It does lack back story to the characters but I felt that this only added to the whole notion that this was kept completely top secret. There is a small sub plot involving Mendez and his family which doesn't pop up enough to make us care but at least gives us something about him. The film is the unbelievable story and it is the humour and tension that this film racks up to the nines. Don't be put off by its content because you will not be disappointed, this is without a doubt one of the films of the year. Oscar nods have already been touted for this film. It should definitely be up for Best Picture but even more so for Best Director. Affleck has recreated the 70/80s right down to the hair styles. Even the production company logos at the beginning are in a 70's fashion. As soon as it starts you are in Affleck's world and it isn't until you breathe after you've left the theatre that you come back to yours. A top, top film.

Pros: Hooks you in and makes you feel involved. You are only routing one way throughout and you really do care if they make it.

Cons: Lack of back story but I'm happy to overlook that.

9 / 10

Top 10 of 2012 so far:


1. The Dark Knight Rises     10 / 10 
2. Argo     9 / 10 
3. Skyfall    8.5 / 10
4. The Hunger Games     8 / 10
5. Snow White And The Huntsman     8 / 10
6. Avengers Assemble     7.5 / 10
7. Looper     7.5 / 10
8. Ted     7.5 / 10
9. 21 Jump Street     7.5 / 10
10. Lawless     7 / 10












 

In Cinemas This Weekend: The best bad idea ever!

Welcome back it is another Friday morning and I am preparing myself for what lies ahead in the cinemas for me. I am a little excited this weekend as one of my favourite directors, Ben Affleck, has a film hitting screens today. As well as his film we have another Kevin James comedy and Chris Pine pops up in his second film of the year. A few to pick from this week and unlike last week there are actually a few that I would be up for seeing. Take a look below at what films are hitting screens and see which one takes your liking.


1. Ben Affleck has made a name for himself over the last few years due to providing some excellent direction in some excellent films. As well as that he has also been starring in them and performing pretty well. This week sees his third directorial film ARGO which is the title of a fake movie Ben's CIA agent has concocted so he and his team can enter Iran and extract six American diplomats held captive. Also starring: Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, & Alan Arkin. Will the fake movie be a hit?

Argo trailer

2. Kevin James returns, after lending his voice to Hotel Transylvania, in HERE COMES THE BOOM. James plays a teacher who takes up cage fighting in order to raise enough money to save his school from being closed down. Problem is he's a teacher and what does he know about mixed martial arts? Also starring: Salma Hayek, Henry Winkler, & Greg Germann. Will he see it before it hits him?

Here Comes The Boom trailer



3. Next up is family drama PEOPLE LIKE US. The film stars Chris Pine as a man who learns he has a sister whilst settling his recently deceased Father's estate. He tracks across country to find her but when they connect he struggles to tell her he is her long lost brother. Also starring: Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Pfeiffer, & Michael Hall D'Addario. Can they reignite a dying family?

People Like Us trailer




4. American Pie star Jason Biggs plays an oddball friend in GRASSROOTS. When his best friend loses his job as a journalist Biggs does all he can to help him earn a seat on the Seattle City Council, unfortunately Bigg's odd ways only lead to disaster. Also starring: Joel David Moore, Lauren Ambrose, & Cobie Smulders. Is friendship more than a job?

Grassroots trailer



5. Two British Arabs must fight to be part of a community in MY BROTHER THE DEVIL. Rashid and Mo struggle to face their prejudices whilst living on the streets plagued by gangland violence in the centre of London. Starring: James Floyd, Fady Elsayed, Said Taghmaoui, & Aymen Hamdouchi. Will race stand in their way?

My Brother The Devil trailer


6. Last and certainly not least is THE SAPPHIRES, a new comedy drama starring Chris O'Dowd as the manager for four talented Australian Aboriginal young girls who are part of the girl group The Sapphires. The girls are sent to Vietnam to perform for the US troops during the war where they learn about the travesty they have become a part of by entering the country. Also starring: Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, & Shari Sebbens. Can they sing their troubles away?

The Sapphires trailer


There you have it for another week then. 6 films for you to choose from and a few that sound rather intriguing. I already know what I wish to see this week, do you? Check back in on Monday and read my review of the film I do see and of course let us know below which one it is that has taken your liking. Happy weekending folks.

NEWS - Jamie Foxx to play Electron in The Amazing Spider-man 2; Harrison Ford open to Star Wars return

Two news releases over the past week caught my eye. The first one was spoke highly about towards the end of last week but thought it was a rather interesting choice and the second ties in with last week's news and also seems fairly obvious and generic.

Jamie Foxx to play Electron in The Amazing Spider-man 2

When I saw this news I thought it was fairly intriguing. It doesn't seem like the sort of film Foxx usually gets involved in but if it is the case it could be some exciting news. Foxx's career has had its blips but he was fantastic in Collateral and I'm sure most of you are looking forward to seeing him in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. Foxx's involvement in the next Spider-man might make many more excited to see it as the first 'new' instalment was quite a letdown compared to the hype it was receiving, hopefully Foxx could be the spark that kicks that franchise off into a new direction. He is slated to play Electron who is a villain who can control the lightning after being struck by it. Many have speculated he was the man in the shadows of the post-credits sequence of The Amazing Spider-man, the character not Foxx himself. Anyway not much more has been released on the topic but you will know if it does.

Harrison Ford open to Star Wars return

I suppose it wasn't going to be long before the Star Wars rumours started. I find this release rather generic though as of course Ford was going to offer to return as why wouldn't he? As well as Ford, Mark Hammil and Carrie Fisher (who played Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia respectively) have also announced an interest. Could we be seeing them as mentors to a new crew? Or will this trilogy follow them as they continue their adventure in a home for the elderly in space? With Ford turning 70 it may be safe to say he won't be launching himself into space too much but after the disappointment of the previous trilogy maybe Hans Solo is the one character who can bring the third trilogy back to the brilliance of the first.