Golden Britain: Chariots of Fire Review

Classic From The Vault

Chariots of Fire (1981)

Director: Hugh Hudson

By Alex Watson

Great Britain at the moment is in a state of Olympic fever! London hosts the games for the first time since 1948 and we all hope it is a success. Our history of Olympic athletes has brought us some of the true great names of years gone by such as Steve Redgrave, Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett, Daley Thompson and Kelly Holmes. But one Olympic theme that tends to stick in the mind came from Hugh Hudson’s classic drama, Chariots of Fire. It gave the story to two men both competing for glory and the different adversities they had to overcome. It was a heart warming tale of competitive spirit and has given film one of the moment memorable opening sequences of all time.

The story of Chariots of Fire follows two separate athletes, Jewish runner Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) and Scottish fast man Eric Liddell (Ian Charleston). As mentioned both men run for different reasons, Abrahams runs against the prejudice he faces from fellow students at Oxford while devoted Christian Liddell runs for the glory of God. The two men become rivals as time goes on and together they aim for glory at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.

From the very moment that Greek composer Vangelis’ iconic theme start playing the hairs on the back of our neck start to stand up. Although it has now been parodied to death in the modern day, this beginning scene of the young British hopefuls jogging across a beach is still deservedly iconic and as we re-watch we can only wonder what each man is thinking from the playful smile of Lord Lindsay (Nigel Havers) to the hard concentration of Abrahams.

But even in light of its success, years on many critics are still dismissing this film as some over-rated piece of schmaltz that is un-deserving of any accolades. Chariots of Fire is a magnificent piece of work that is much more than about a race this film brings about many things such as the power of faith, the difference between class and the price of glory. But the film is driven forward on the pure strength of character, each character has a desire to succeed whether it is fighting anti-Semitism or believing that God gave you a purpose. It is these elements that make these characters great.

Abrahams is notoriously difficult as a person, he’s got arrogance about himself brought on by hard- nosed Oxford Deans who sneer upon him. As a runner failure is not an option, but when defeat occurs against Liddell in an early event, Abrahams sinks into a deep depression and is only rescued by great trainer Sam Mussabini. Together the two make his short sprints into a deadly weapon and soon he is a threat to great American runners Charley Paddock (Dennis Christopher) and Jackson Scholtz (Brad Davis).

Liddell however, is a conflicted man torn between his own personal glory and giving his life to God and running the family mission in China. Through his sermons to people in the rain after events he states that we wants them to do more than watch a race but ‘to take part in it’. But its Charleston’s scenes with Liddell’s devout sister that pack the big emotional punch and here the great Scot truly questions whether an Olympic medal is worth all this? Problems will arise when Liddell refuses to run on the Sabbath- even with pressure from the Prince of Wales his faith is absolute.

Ben Cross and Ian Charleston give a fine pair of central performances, Cross’ hard intensity gives Abrahams a fire that make his presence felt on screen! Since this Cross has been largely absent from our screen and it is a crying shame because here he is simply magnificent. The late Charleston (who died from aids in 1990) is brilliant as the quietly confident scot Liddell; he stands as the voice of reason in this and through this Charleston gives him a complexity that makes his character rich! But its veteran Ian Holm who steals the show as Sam Mussabini, his frank and honest comments against Abrahams and the athletic world provide the comic relief for the film.

Chariots of Fire is a great British film for so many reasons, it gives us a powerful story of triumph against the odds and gives a clutch of characters that are memorable for so many reasons. Hudson’s direction is superb and he has given us an iconic film for all time. If you want the perfect way to warm up for the Olympics then this is the best way to begin! Be warned though, the Vangelis score will be playing in your head for days to come!

Curtain Call: Review of The Dark Knight Rises

The Dark Knight Rises

Director: Christopher Nolan

By Alex Watson

When Batman was rebooted back in 2005, few held out any hopes of it being as good as Tim Burton’s creations in the early 1990’s. Many were still cursing Joel Schumacher for his camp takes on the caped crusader in Batman Forever and Batman & Robin where Arnie’s gleeful ham aside was frankly a disaster! But from the shadows came Christopher Nolan, the new rising star of the directing world. Through his unique perception his gave Batman and grit and intensity and so have has given us the greatest take on his superhero saga. Fans have been counting down the moments until this date- but after the hysteria that greeted The Dark Knight, will the final chapter The Dark Knight Rises give Batman his greatest hour?

The story picks up eight years after Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) has died, Gotham is safe from crime and Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has become a recluse. But masked super-villain Bane (Tom Hardy) has come to bring Gotham to an end and now Batman is also faced with dealing with master thief Catwoman (Anne Hathaway). The Dark Knight must rise once more and protect not only Gotham but the ones he cares for deeply.

The good news is film fans is The Dark Knight Rises delivers the goods on a big scale!  Nolan puts his all into delivering the fitting end that his superb trilogy has deserved. From the very outset the tension is slow boiling; and at first all seems calm on the surface of Gotham City. But the cities clean crime stats are based on a lie set about by Dent’s demise and even the steadfast Commissioner Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) is having his doubts about keeping it running. From afar Wayne watches from his mansion, convinced he can hide his troubles from behind a brick wall!

The vibe of the film changes from the very moment Bane is introduced to our screens! Here our stomachs begin to churn and we get the vibe that this man means war! Bane is a very different kind of villain than Heath Ledger’s Joker, but he is a very worthy successor! Bane doesn’t just want to ‘watch the world burn’ he wants to own it and he will use all of his brute force to do it! But he isn’t just muscle, his very presence strikes fear, and for the first time we genuinely fear for Batman’s safety! During the final showdown, you feel like cheering aloud two the heavy weights go head to head!

But where The Dark Knight Rises succeeds most is in its more emotional moments, its predecessor had its brief sections where tears were shed, but here the feeling is increased to maximum. Wayne pining for his lost love Rachel, but at the same time is finally wondering what it will be to have a life outside what he really is, while his long time butler/ father figure Alfred (Michael Caine) is filled with concerned for his companion. In one beautifully acted scene, Caine talks about his dream that one day he will see his master happily fulfilled!

But all emotion is thrown out the window in a stunning final act, Gotham has lived under oppression for too long and when Batman returns from exile, its citizens stand firm behind it! You will hard press to find a more exciting final act than this in 2012! As usual the twists and turns come thick and fast, all the while ticking down to a dramatic conclusion! Be careful you grip the arm rest too hard- it might just break!

Christian Bale signs off in perfect style as Batman, from the beginning we see a man utterly broken by life and is wondering what the point of going on is! Through Bale he once again gives Wayne a great human touch and when he dons his mask again, we know he’ll go what it takes. Although many people have complained about Tom Hardy’s muffled voice, his presence alone makes up for it! Bane is not only hard as nails, but Hardy brings a suave edge to the character and gives a new definition of a man with a plan!

Anne Hathaway gives us a very different and more humane version of Cat Woman, although Michelle Phieffer’s take may stick long in the memory, Hathaway makes the character her own. Here we see a woman who may steal to survive but like Wayne she simply wants a new start and a new identity in life! In time we will see if this reaches the same iconic status.

So finally we have the end of trilogy that doesn’t drop the ball! Not since Return of the King nearly a decade ago have seen such a thrilling climax! Nolan gives everything in his final show (including some forgotten friends!) and ensures this will probably be remembered as Batman’s greatest outing! Chris buddy- thanks for the memories, and a note to the next person who re-boots this- you’ve got one hell of a job mate!

A Journey Back in Time: The Hudsucker Proxy Review

Classic From The Vault

The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)

Director: Joel Coen

By Alex Watson

The film making style of Joel and Ethan Coen is a fascinating one because their films are never similar to one another. They are artists not concerned with big box office takings, but with delivering great stories and giving the audience pure entertainment. Over the years they have keep our eyes glued to the screen in films such as Fargo, No Country for Old Men and their most recent effort, True Grit. But they also have a gift for comedy and for those of us who laughed all the way through The Big Lebowski, may want to turn their attention to the Coens love letter to the cinema of Frank Capra and Howard Hawks in their under-rated gem, The Hudsucker Proxy.

Just as ambitious young college graduate Norville Barnes (Tim Robbins) arrives in 1959 New York City, the CEO of the wildly successful Hudsucker Industries, Waring Hudsucker (Charles Durning) leaps to his death from the top of his sky scraper. Norville soon finds work in the mailroom of the same company, meanwhile the rest of the board members led by Sidney J Mussburger (Paul Newman) are trying to ruin the company so they can buy it cheap. To ensure failure, the board installs Norville as the Chairman! But elsewhere hungry journalist Amy Archer (Jennifer Jason Leigh) smells a rat and very soon is onto their plan.

The magic feel of the cinema of old can be felt all around this effort from the Coen Brothers. The world of the 1950’s is re-created with great love and affection and as result we are given a modern day screwball tale in the. Norville is the classic protagonist of old as the gormless idiot pushed into a thankless role. But in true Hollywood fashion he accidentally strikes gold when invents the Hula Hoop! From here he battles against the villains’ evil plan and rises to the top.

Also we have the tough talking lady reporter, Jennifer Jason Leigh superbly channels Rosalind Russell’s fast talking turn in Hawk’s His Girl Friday, a woman whose words are so sharp they might cut somebody sets about exposing Norville as a fraud. But during her big investigation, feelings of love rear their head and she begins to feel bad about ruining Barnes.

But as always in a Coen Brother’s film there is a message at its core, in The Hudsucker Proxy that message is all about effects of money and business. The board of Hudsucker Industries are men whose sole purpose is to get rich by losing a fortune. Moments after their boss is lying dead on the ground, they set about the ruin of their company! Sidney J Mussburger is the old fashion villain that cinema was built on. A cold and calculating man who sneers at idealists and finds only joy in hard cash!

As the central figure, Tim Robbins brings a great charm to his performance. One of Hollywood’s more under-rated actors, Robbins demonstrates to us why he is such a great character man. Through his great quirky performance, he makes Norville the great everyman that made the cinema of Capra and Hawks so memorable. Paul Newman is simply brilliant as Mussburger, his constant gruff and sour tones make him the perfect villain for this piece. Newman was a man who settled into old age very well and in The Hudsucker Proxy, he made his stamp in the grizzled old man category. It will be a long time before we see a presence such as his again.

This film gives viewers a very unique and special vision by the Coen Brothers. Although most critics dismissed this vision upon release, this film is up there with their very best. The Hudsucker Proxy is a mellower side to their film making than most fans will be used to, but fear not die hards because the Coens stamp never leaves it. By far these two are the most original pairing in Hollywood today. To relive the magic of the old times then please give this piece a watch because by the end you’ll want to raid your local film store for every old film they have in stock!

It’s the End of the World: Review of Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Director: Lorene Scafaria

By Alex Watson

Multiple times in the last decade we have seen disaster movies that we deal with earth coming to an end. This demonstration of this has had mixed results, from the hilarious yet scarily realistic Dr Strangelove by Stanley Kubrick, the overblown 2012 by Roland Emmerich to Lars Von Trier’s unique and surreal vision, Melancholia. But none of the films have asked the question of how we will spend our last precious moments? Do we spend them with loved ones? Or do we simply go crazy and live life to the fullest? All these questions are asked in debut director Lorene Scafaria’s, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.

When it is announced that a comet is due to collide with the earth, insurance man Dodge (Steve Carell) is abandoned by his wife. With only 21 days left, the world and everyone in it descending into anarchy and everyone is letting loose! During this time Dodge comes across his British neighbour Penny (Keira Knightley), who is stuck and unable to get home. The two decide to go on a road trip that will benefit both of them, Penny will get a chance to fly home and Dodge might just get to reconcile with the love of his life- Olivia.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is certainly a very intriguing idea by Scafaria and it really does pose some interesting theories. Here we see a world has truly gone to hell in this vision and people are just going wild as the moments count down. In one memorable scene Dodge attend a party where the announcement that a couple has brought heroin raises happy cheers! Also we have a traffic reporter say “We’re fucked Bob!” when asked for an update! This bleak humour does raise some laugh out loud moments, but overall it just feels that it is trying a little too hard to be quirky and in some places it feels like it is straining for laughs.

The road trip between Dodge and Penny gives the feel a sweet feel as they bond with one another. Impressively it plays down potentially cringe worthy romance moments later on as the moment creeps closer. After a large riot throws these two unlikely people together, the story goes into familiar mode and the tale follows a similar path. We know that at some point there will be the big ‘I love you really’ moment and when it arrives it doesn’t quite bring the flutter to our hearts.

Pairing Steve Carrell with Keira Knightley might have had some movie goers sneering for the very moment it was announced, but strangely the pair work together on screen. Carrell is on safe ground as he has played the lovable loser before. Dodge is a sad sack of a man and the end of the world will surely be a relief. But in its latter stages Carrell avoids the sickly sweet and instead gives a very subdued performance which gives the film a better aftertaste. Knightley gives a more different performance than we have seen of her, instead we a more kooky and strung out Keira. Her comedic skills don’t quite register but in her more emotional moments she does hold her own.

For once we are given a very different view of the apocalypse and this time there are no big effects. Although it feels nice, Scafaria’s film will not be one of the more memorable films of this category. But in light of the circumstances, it will make you think long and hard about what to do if the world comes to an end. Make a list of things you’ve never done everybody- because you never what is going to happen next!

I Remember Nothing: Review of Memento

Classic from the Vault

Memento (2000)

Director: Christopher Nolan

By Alex Watson

Christopher Nolan is a director that has yet to make a bad film. His previous efforts have brought some of the most original and thought provoking films of the last ten years. He has shown us Al Pacino battling endless daylight in search of a killer in Insomnia, had Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as rival magicians in The Prestige and more recently made our minds spin like a top in Inception! And lest we forget- Nolan has given us the most memorable Batman series that ever graced the screen. With the impending release of The Dark Knight Rises, it felt right to re-visit where it all began. Nolan’s talent for story was obvious when he gave us the backwards tale of a man with a broken mind in the brilliant Memento.

Former insurance investigator Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) has short term memory loss and as a result of his condition he cannot make new memories. His only lasting memory is the brutal rape and murder of his wife. Since then he has hunted for her killer, but as he cannot remember clues he only a loads of polaroids and tattoos on his body to remind him of the clues. Through the gaps in his memory he will come into contact with sympathetic widower Natalie (Carrie- Anne Moss) and friendly Policeman Teddy (Joe Pantoliano), but are they all that they seem? And more importantly why does he know them?

Christopher Nolan’s clever toying of the story is the most memorable feature of Memento, as it fits in with Leonard’s fractured state of mind. Rather than giving a linear storyline the film is played out in reverse, this effect grips us immediately as the climax is revealed first. Here we witness Shelby shoot Teddy dead because he believes he has finally found his wife’s killer- but as we rewind the movie scene for scene, it reveals a far more shocking truth!

The careful overlapping of scenes gives as many clues as it does questions and like Leonard we are thrown to into mix, completely unaware of the situation. As our perception is continually messed with, we learn in each scene to throw out every assumption we may have and let Leonard find his bearings- no matter how chest tightening it gets!

But its the positing of Leonard as an un-reliable narrator that keep us hooked. Initially we are sympathetic to his cause, but as we venture further we begin to realize that everything he owns from his clothes to his Jaguar are dubious. At the films second climax (the beginning) Nolan brings things full circle and as the credits roll, you will simply sit and digest all that has just happened.

Guy Pearce does a magnificent job of holding the film together; the continuous blank confusion on his face perfectly complements the confusion of Leonard. Here we have a man whose mind in a haze and doesn’t know who he can trust. It is strange that Pearce hasn’t since had a leading role because his presence is felt throughout this. Hollywood wake up! Because we have an actor here who is good enough to anchor any film. Carrie-Anne Moss gives top support as Natalie, all the way through we are unsure of her intentions and at times we wonder if she is simply messing with his head! Joe Pantoliano is likewise excellent as the frustrated Teddy- his friendship always in question. From the very beginning when Leonard paints the wall with his skull- you wonder what drove him to it!

Memento is an excellent film for so many reasons, firstly it gave us one of the most original and mind bending tales of years gone by. Secondly we are giving a stunning central turn and finally- it gave world Christopher Nolan! His promise since then has been duly delivered and today he is the director in demand. For a truly though provoking experience then please re-visit this film, but be careful though because as the films tagline suggests- ‘Some Memories are Best Forgotten’.

Does Whatever a Spider Can: Review of The Amazing Spiderman

The Amazing Spiderman

Director: Marc Webb

By Alex Watson

Movie reboots always generate mixed feelings because although there will be a new approach to the stories we love, there is still a big chance that the very elements that made it so great can be ripped to shreds. So imagine the thoughts that must have been circulating when it was announced that Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire would not be returning to do Spiderman 4 and instead the entire series would have a fresh start! But the most surprising choice was the decision to cast then un-known Brit actor Andrew Garfield into the role of the infamous web-slinger! Can new director Marc Webb (pun not intended) drive the story in a whole new direction? Or is this merely a web too far? We shall find out in The Amazing Spiderman

As usual the story follows high school misfit Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) who lives with his Aunt May (Sally Field) and Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen). Peter is in love with class mate Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone) but is still the target of cruel high school jocks. Also he still wonders over the disappearance of his parent’s years prior and eventually his investigate leads him to notorious scientist Dr Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans). But soon Peter is bitten by a radioactive spider and is soon striking fear into the heart of criminals as Spiderman! Elsewhere Connor’s fascination in his genetic theory will eventually lead to become Spidey’s nemesis- The Lizard!

The Amazing Spiderman steers free of the ham factor of Raimi’s predecessor and instead takes another firmer yet darker route all together. This time there are no longer speeches and we are never told ‘With great power, comes great responsibility’, the film seems more concerned about examining Peter Parker’s emotional core and how revenge and love seem to drive his desire to clean up the streets of New York. But Marc Webb delays the moment where Garfield dons the mask and instead allows the audience to get to know our hero. This effect was absent previously and It’s to Webb’s credit for not merely copying the film scene for scene and instead making his own mark.

But this effect is also the main problem with the re-boot and after a while we want Peter to quit pinning over his love and get on with fact finding. The opening involving Peter’s parents and their quest to escape sparks our interest at first and we hope something is building. But after he locates Connor’s the story seems to stop dead and the answer we crave seem to disappear into the rumble as the smashing of buildings takes over! You can’t help feeling disappointed that this effect was not expanded on- because it would have really added some depth to the story.

But asides from that side effect, The Amazing Spiderman is still very enjoyable, in the midst of the success of Avengers Assemble, Spidey is still able to hold his own on the big screen and fourth time around he has lost none of his effect. Most of this is down to the superb cast, with Andrew Garfield giving us a brilliant and star making turn. His Peter Parker is a million miles away from Tobey Maguire’s smiler. This time we get don’t get a typical high school nerd, but an awkward teenager who is the very definition of socially inept!

Emma Stone is a charming presence as Gwen Stacey, and for once we get a love interest that is more than a match for Spiderman and thinks on her feet. This makes a nice change from the constant howling of Kirsten Dunst’s damsel in distress in the originals. As the villain, Rhys Ifans looks the part as the Lizard. But although the lizard is a monstrous presence when it is introduced, Ifans lacks the lip smacking relish that should have come with this part!  But this turn will add another side to the Welshman, and as we have seen in films such as Enduring Love, he can play dark very well.

So Spiderman is back to his old swinging ways, so far the record breaking openings have proven the decision to re-boot the series was definitely the correct one. Over time we shall see if this series can develop the shame cult status that Sam Raimi has built. Thankfully this time Webb didn’t see the need to recall Chad Kroeger for the theme tune. And that is a very important thing fans!

Genius Next Door: Review of Good Will Hunting

Classic from the Vault

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Director: Gus Van Sant

By Alex Watson

Everyone these days is aware of the fantastic talent that Matt Damon is able to bring to the screen and ever since starring The Bourne Identity it has cemented his place among the Hollywood elite. But people forget that his presence was felt long before Jason Bourne lost his memory and with his best friend Ben Affleck they crafted one of the most original and heartfelt scripts of the 1990’s. Set in the hometown of Boston, the pair told the simple of story of a janitor making his way in the world in Gus Van Sants, Good Will Hunting.

The film tells the story of Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a lowly janitor at MIT University. But Will isn’t your ordinary working class man and it is reveal that he possesses a genius IQ. When he is caught by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard) solving a difficult theory; Lambeau is determined to help him realize his potential. But soon Will gets into trouble with the law, and is forced to work alongside Lambeau, In addition to this Will is forced to undergo councilling with Sean Maguire (Robin Williams and in doing so is forced to make a big decision, all the while falling in love with attractive Skylar (Minnie Driver).

Good Will Hunting is a film that ticks all the boxes emotionally, as we have a central character that we deeply care for who is stuck in a bad place, but yet refuses to let go. Will genius is made obviously to ourselves from the very beginning and at first we continually ask ourselves why he is still there? But at the film progresses we learn of Will’s troubled past and through this we begin to realize that even though this kid is confident in himself, he is also self sabotaging to protect himself from emotional harm. As a boy he never knew love, but it seems he wants to keep it that way!

When his intelligence is unlocked, it opens up a whole world of possibilities which both interest and frighten Will at the same time. Through Gerald and Sean he is pulled in opposite directions because Lambeau wants him to use his genius to advance himself and become his protégé, while Sean merely wants Will to be happy and pursue a romance with Skylar. As the pressure piles on Will finds himself drowning and we worry that he will push everyone away like he has before.

Will’s relationship with Sean provides the beating heart of the movie; initially it is troubled because Sean like many before has trouble getting past Will’s emotional facade. But then Sean pushes back and is able to get through the iron curtain. Because of this he forces Will to take a hard look at his life and teaches how it can be a beautiful thing. The final scene between Williams and Damon where they confront Will’s abusive past is truly heartbreaking and you will have to fight the tears from flowing.

In less skilled hands, this film could have deteriorated into any old emotional mush that has preceded it. But under the direction of Gus Van Sant he pushes the film away from sentiment and gives Good Will Hunting a strong emotional feel that says with us long after the credits.

Matt Damon gives his greatest performance as Will; drawing from his own experiences growing up in Boston it gives his performance a superb authenticity. But it’s cockiness that makes the character sparkle because although he gives a confident front, behind it is a scared kid. Robin Williams is equally superb as Sean; as the jaded shrink he gives the movie its hope and its drive and through him we can feel possible redemption for both him and Will. This was a very different side to the normally hyperactive Williams and would see him go into more dark territory with One Hour Photo years later.

Many have viewed this as a Rocky film of the 1990’s but because its Oscar winning script by Affleck and Damon and its stunning cast, Good Will Hunting is something else entirely. The story is straightforward but very heart-warming and it is a shame that Matt and Ben haven’t re-teamed since this because their writing is assured and effective. Better get the gang back together boys because Hollywood needs another film like this!