Listen Carefully: Review of The Conversation

Classic from the Vault

The Conversation (1974)

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

By Alex Watson

 

Francis Ford Coppola is a man who has brought us some of the true landmarks in the history of cinema. The 1970’s truly belonged to this man and his gripping and lavish films that he was able to bring us. But his downfall after making Apocalypse Now is also just as well documented and the 80’s and 90’s were not so kind to him as a result. But in spite of that everyone still has fond memories of this man, particularly of the gripping thriller that won him the Palme d’Or at the 1974 Cannes film festival. Here a man will learn the cost of eavesdropping on people in The Conversation.

Harry Caul (Gene Hackman) is a renounced and well respected surveillance expert in San Francisco, though because of his job he lives a solitary existence, which at times annoys his assistant Stan (John Cazale). Normally Harry remains un-interested in the subjects that he records and gives little thought to what happens to the tapes when he is done with them. But one day while analysing a young couple’s conversation, he hears the words “He’d kill us if he had the chance”. This irks Harry’s suspicions and very soon he finds himself drawn into a dangerous murder plot and as a result he begins questioning the morals he sticks to!

The Conversation is a compelling and excellent psychological thriller which builds suspense all the way through. The paranoid edge that surrounds this fits perfectly in with Harry’s state of mind and at times we begin to question whether or not the things we are witnessing are simply delusions? The words that Harry hears are there for all to see but their actual meaning is the trigger of his undoing, and from hear the deeper he does into the rabbit hole, the more sinister the movies feel becomes!

Harry Caul is a fascinating character study because he is a man who lives a life which is the very definition of solitude and because of the pressures of his job he has developed a very suspicious edge. Because of his paranoia his personality is very closed off and he finds it hard to interact with others, even if it is revealing the most banal aspects of his life (he can’t even accept a birthday card from a neighbour without getting asking questions).

But alongside his guarded sense of being- Harry also possesses a deep guilt that affects him profusely because he knows his job has hurt people in the past. Coppola’s linking of this to Caul’s devout Catholicism is brilliantly done and as we near towards The Conversation’s claustrophobic finale this brings about a redemptive theme and in the end he finds a bittersweet relief in his findings.

In some ways it is a big shame that Coppola’s career faded after the 1970’s because of this film shows him at his very best and his superb direction gives the film its tight feel and through this it ensures that The Conversation deservedly earns its cult status.

Gene Hackman gives one of his most under-rated performances and as the socially awkward loner Harry. His presence is one that is greatly missed since his retirement for acting in 2004 and this film serves as a reminder of what tremendous presence Hackman had on-screen.

Also keep an eye for an early role for Harrison Ford as Martin Stett, a young assistant director who keeps a close eye on Harry throughout. Through Ford he gives Stett an oily and ominous feel which only adds to Harry’s theory that he is part of a bigger conspiracy.

Though he was forced to become a director for hire in later years, Francis Ford Coppola will always be considered a great American director and The Conversation is one of the tensest films you will ever see. Make sure to include this in your DVD collection alongside your The Godfather box sets everyone because it will make a worthy addition.

When a Man Comes Around: Review of Jack Reacher

Jack Reacher

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

By Alex Watson

 

Many people have differing opinions about Tom Cruise these days and the rumours surrounding his personal life have lead to many bizarre scenarios being gossiped about. But say what you like about the man, because on screen people will still flock to see his pictures and he usually doesn’t disappoint us! After making the Mission: Impossible franchise his own over the last 15 years; Cruise now turns to Lee Child’s acclaimed character Jack Reacher. Many people were shocked it was announced the little man would play the big & tall Reacher, but from past experience, we have been wrong before. So will this mysterious man provide as much entertainment as Ethan Hunt?

On an ordinary day in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania a rogue gun man shoot five innocent civilians from long range, on the evidence the police quickly arrest James Barr (Joseph Sikora) an ex army sniper. Instead of signing a confession to the crime Barr requests Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) to clear his name and when Reacher suddenly appears after being missing for two years, District Attorney Alex Rodin (Richard Jenkins) is stunned. Reacher must now work with Helen Rodin (Rosamund Pike) to clear Barr’s name. Meanwhile his name will come to the attention of Russian villain ‘The Zec’ (Werner Herzog).

Jack Reacher will certainly be among the more entertaining film this Christmas time and it gives us an entertaining ride action wise (including a thrilling car chase sequence) and it also possesses a well written central character who presences is felt from the very start. McQuarrie smartly delays the moment that we see Reacher and as he enters we only see him from the back of his head, but from the looks he gets from the opposite sex, we know he’s no ordinary man! And as we watch him take on five wannabe hard men and whip them all single handed, this theory is proven thusly!

In the wrong hands Reacher could have been a bland and formulaic character, but in the hands of McQuarrie and Cruise we are given something which has great potential because this man has an ice cold edge to him which only adds to his intrigue, but most of all he’s an investigator who hates playing by the rules and gives some brutal but immensely funny moments. McQuarrie’s smart dialogue adds to the character’s appeal and ensures we will leave with a smile.

The set up we are given in Jack Reacher is a compelling one because we know from the opening frames that the man is innocent, but with evidence so damning how could the great Reacher prove his innocence? He may seem aloof but Reacher’s unique mind drives the movie forward and as the mystery is unravelled piece by piece we can only marvel at how this man isn’t working for the countries best agencies?

One area where the story lacks however is in the motives of The Zec, although he is a frightening presence from the very get go (upon appearing he coolly orders one of his associates to bite off his own fingers!) his motives for his crimes remain largely anonymous and his back story in the novel, One Shot was laid out before us but here there is only a gentle whisper of it and this somewhat dulls what could have been a memorable villain.

Tom Cruise is on great form in Jack Reacher and once again proves his critics wrong with a smart and funny turn. Though people may have sneer at this choice, Cruise although lacking the height has the heart and the sly wit to convince as the former Army man. Also if anyone needed proof of his ability to handle the action stuff- simply take a look at his resume and that should answer your question!

Werner Herzog proves to be inspired and offbeat casting as The Zec and those who have seen his documentaries will know what poise he brings to each of them, and pushed into villain mode the man has a ball and brings a subtle menace to his character that never once descends into pantomime like performance. Robert Duvall also provides a brief yet memorable appearance as gruff old soldier Cash, even in his twilight years the veteran actor still has great presence and makes the most of his time on screen.

Jack Reacher proves there might just been another potential series left in Cruise yet and even though it may not reach vintage standards of some of his earlier work, it does however still give us solid entertainment and another stunning set of Cruise set pieces. Cruise may be the source of constant speculation in the tabloids, but the one thing that no one can question is what a great entertainer he really is!

My Life Without Me: Review of It’s a Wonderful Life

Classic from the Vault: Christmas Edition

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Director: Frank Capra

By Alex Watson

 

Christmas is always a magic and wondrous time of year and even though it makes our bank balances look bleaker; the happy smile on people’s face as we give them the perfect gift makes it worth the trouble! Aside from traditional adaptations of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, (The Muppets version being my personal favourite), many Christmas movies are deservedly cult films such as Bill Murray’s modern take on Dicken’s tale in Scrooged or Macauley Culkin skilfully evading burglar Joe Pesci in Home Alone. All these films sum up the spirit of the festive season and how it is about being with the ones we love. But none have shown these elements better than Frank Capra’s classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. A tale which showed a man getting truly the best gift there could possibly be!

George Bailey (James Stewart) is a man in a very desperate place, all his life he has strived to get out his hometown Bedford Falls which is run by cruel businessman Henry F Potter (Lionel Barrymore), but due a series of events he has wound up managing the Bailey Building and Loans like his Dad. Although he is married to his sweetheart Mary (Donna Reed) and has four charming children, George has always wanted more in life and now his business is failing which is leading him to contemplate literally throwing his life away! From above guardian angel Clarence (Henry Travers) comes to earth to show George how wonderful his life really is!

When people say that It’s a Wonderful Life is the best feel-good film Christmas has to offer, this is no lie at all because all the way through Frank Capra gives us an uplifting journey of a man who has sacrificed a lot in life and believes that it has all been for nothing, but as views through Clarence what people’s lives would been without him, his eye open wide to what a wonderful gift he has and unlike money grubbing Potter, George is a far richer man than he will ever be!

But the journey is not without its difficulties and George has his fair share of fights to put with throughout life, all of which happen to come during moments where he is destined to finally get out. However even in the face of these adversities, George with the love and support of Mary gets through them and comes out a wiser and more content man (Mary even gives up their honeymoon money to save their business) and these acts of kindness will win him the hearts of Bedford Falls and even in his darkest hour, they will all come through for him.

The best element of Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life comes from its charming leading man and through the magnificent charisma of James Stewart; George Bailey becomes a truly legendary screen character.  Stewart brings gentleness which with the genius of Capra’s direction makes the journey of this one man a heart warming adventure and reminds us of the great presence that Stewart was able to bring to his audiences.

He is also ably supported by Donna Reed who gives a tremendous support as Mary, quite possibly the loveliest on screen wife you are ever to find. All the way through Reed gives an emotional strength to her character and she matches Stewart all the way through and their pairing together brings a smile to our faces. Lionel Barrymore is a memorable and utterly nasty antagonist, Potter is a man who sees compassion as way of losing money and has no time for any man but himself, Barrymore play this with much delight and ensures Potter’s place among cinema’s greatest villains!

If you haven’t yet already seen this at least once a year then please make up for lost time, because It’s a Wonderful Life is a film that not only brings Christmas cheer to your heart but will also show you how much effect you can have on someone’s life by a some many simple acts of generosity. By the end  I guarantee that like George you will be tempted run through the streets shouting “Merry Christmas!”

 

On that note- Merry Christmas to everyone and I hope you have a fun and food filled Christmas!!

 

2012: A Year in Review

2012: A YEAR IN REVIEW

By Alex Watson

It has been an interesting year for film, and we have seen all kinds such as Tom Cruise belting out Bon Jovi in Rock of Ages and climb the Burj Khalifa single handed in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. We’ve also been witness to a magnificent viral campaign for Prometheus where the result didn’t properly match the hopes for Ridley Scott’s return to the Alien Universe and we’ve also delved into dark territory in Werner Herzog’s Into the Abyss. There was a sad end of one saga in Chris Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises and the triumphant beginning of another in Avengers Assemble. But overall there has been some magnificent viewing in 2012, here is my end of year review.

 

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2012

1.   Argo (USA/Dir: Ben Affleck): This year the former Bennifer truly shed his past and delivered us the most exciting and nerve jangling thriller of the year. Set against the backdrop of hostile 1979 Iran, this gave us the story of one man and his bold idea to make a fake movie so real, it would save the lives of six others. Thanks to Affleck’s stunning direction we had a movie with a heart and determined soul!
2.  The Raid (ID/Dir: Gareth Evans) The combination of Welsh director Gareth Evans and Indonesian martial arts star Iko Uwais gave us the most entertaining and pure thrilling action film of the year. When a team of cops in Jakarta become trapped in a drug lord controlled tower block, they discover all 30 floors are filled with blood thirsty killers, the adrenalin rush goes into overdrive and this never relents. We have a fascinating new pairing on our hands.
3.    Sightseers (UK/Dir: Ben Wheatley): Up and coming British director Ben Wheatley gives us the most raw and funny picture this year and through the brilliant naturalistic performances of star Steve Oram and Alice Lowe we were given the British equivalent of Badlands, just remember who you tick off when visit your next campsite- it can be fatal!
4.   The Imposter (USA/France Dir: Bart Layton): This film was 2012 most shocking documentary and we were given the story of a French con man who out of desperation pretended to be the missing teenager of an American family and was readily accepted! Watch it and let your jaw hang loose while this unbelievable tale is played out!
5.  Shame (UK/Dir: Steve McQueen): The first film ever reviewed on Closer to the Edge was also the most explicit and heartbreaking of the year. With great performances by Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan, director Steve McQueen gave us a powerful example of  a sex addict who is struggling with his compulsions and gradually his perfect world is coming apart.
6.  Silver Linings Playbook (USA/Dir: David O Russell); Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper both give charming performances in one of 2012 most offbeat comedies. David O Russell skilfully masterminds the theme of mental illness and gives us a brutally funny and also heart warming tale of two troubled folks who find love in the strangest possible circumstance!
7. 7.       Skyfall (UK/USA Dir: Sam Mendes): Of all the blockbuster’s filmed this year, Daniel Craig’s return as 007 was the most entertaining of them all and gave us some the year’s best action set pieces (including a thrilling opening ride through Istanbul). But of all the recent Bond film this one had the most emotionally driven core and we got to see Bond at the crossroads of life. With a great Baddie turn from Javier Bardem, this made for compulsive viewing.
8. Rust & Bone (FR/Dir: Jacques Audiard): One of the year’s top foreign films boasted a stunning central turn from Marion Cotillard as a woman whose live is changed forever and find solace in the most unlikely man possible. With top support from Matthias Schoenaerts and Jacques Audiard’s brilliant directing, we are given one of the years strongest films and contains a passionate love theme that pulls our heart strings hard.
9. Looper (USA/Dir: Rian Johnson): The hype about Rian Johnson’s follow up to Brick was one that was truly worth it, because the man has produced the most intelligent and thought provoking sci-film of this decade so far, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis excel as the junior and senior versions of the same man who are both trying to atone for past and future mistakes they have made. This will require numerous viewings to understand its concept and they will all be worth it because this one of cleverest films your likely to find.
10. The Master (USA/ Dir: P.T Anderson): After a long wait, PT Anderson finally made his return to the screen and along with him so did Joaquin Phoenix- and it was worth the wait! Anderson brings us one of the most stunning visual films of 2012 about a disturbed man trying to find his way, and ultimately falling into the wrong crowded. With superb performances by Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman, it was a welcome return for Anderson!

BEST OF THE REST

• The Dark Knight Rises (USA/UK Dir: Christopher Nolan) The finale of Chris Nolan’s Batman saga was a truly worth one and featured Christian Bale at his very best and also gave him a tough test in Tom Hardy’s hard as nails villain Bane. The thrilling battle of Gotham finale presented us a blood pumping last act! I wish the best of luck for the next man who is brave enough to reboot this series!
• Marley (UK Dir: Kevin MacDonald): A fascinating view of the life of one of music’s best loved stars, Bob Marley. Your knowledge of the man is regardless because we are given a brilliant account of his hard up bringing in Kingston, Jamaica and his rapid rise to top of music. If you’re not singing ‘No woman, No Cry’ by the end credits then hang your head in shame!
• Avenger’s Assemble (USA/ Dir: Joss Whedon): Another of the yea’rs most entertaining films and a pure fanboy’s delight as Marvel’s finest came to together to stop the tyrannical evil of Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans and Mark Ruffalo among others made an awesome team- come back soon fellas!
• The Hunger Games (USA /Dir: Gary Ross): Jennifer Lawrence shines in the Gary Ross’ adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ beloved children’s novel. Be warned- Twilight this film isn’t and the theme of a society desensitized to violence as kids from different districts fight for survival is as shocking as it is entertaining. This is probably the closest we’ll get to a western Battle Royale.
• Anna Karenina (UK / Dir: Joe Wright): The adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s 864 page novel could have been one of years hardest viewings. But instead we are given a visual stunning and heart rendering film, with a star turn from Keira Knightley as the doomed Anna as she sets tongues wagging in Imperial Russia as her sordid affair with Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Vronsky plays out.

 

MALE STAR OF THE YEAR- TOM HARDY: This year the British actor took centre stage and delivered us a series of memorable turns in This Means War, Lawless and became Bruce Wayne’s biggest problem in The Dark Knight Rises. With his roughish charm, Hardy is an actor of multiple talents and has a presence of screen that is undeniable, it would seem we have a new star in waiting.

FEMALE STAR OF THE YEAR-JENNIFER LAWRENCE: With her stunning and tough performance in The Hunger Games and her bizarre yet endearing turn in Silver Linings Playbook are evidence enough that this woman is the most exciting young female talent in film today and this year she has stolen our hearts. No doubt the awards season will see her name mentioned numerous times and in future this will be a name to get used because Lawrence is going to be a woman to beat!

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR- GARETH EVANS (THE RAID): The Welshman grabbed our attention for all the right reasons with his breathtaking execution of Indonesian film The Raid and his skilful handling of proceedings gave us one of martial arts’ future classics. His next film can’t come soon enough and you have to wonder what him and star Iko Uwais are capable of next?

Scene of the Year- Stephanie Connects with her Killer Whale (Rust & Bone): The simplest yet heart rendering moment of 2012 came as Marion Cotillard gestured to an orca whale. Action here spoke loudest of all and the longing for Stephanie to return to her former life broke our hearts in two!

Ready to Start: Review of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Director: Peter Jackson

By Alex Watson

Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of cinema’s true greats and the journey of the Frodo and co from simple beginnings in The Shire to the depths of hell in Mordor has captured hearts everywhere. The adaptation of J.R.R Tolkiens earlier novel The Hobbit has been in development hell in the years following with numerous production delays and director debates. It nearly saw light a few years ago under Mexican supremo, Guillermo Del Toro, but ultimately it was not to be. Now this year, Peter Jackson himself brings middle earth back to our screens and again it will be a three course affair. But will The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey have the same magic as before?

Hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) is content with his life in The Shire and certainly has no wish to be whisked off on an adventure. But into his life comes wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian Mckellen) who will take him off on the journey of a lifetime alongside thirteen roguish dwarfs led by embittered Thorin (Richard Armitage) who are desperate to reclaim their land which was stolen from them years prior. Upon this journey, Bilbo will encounter dangers he never thought possible and will soon come into contact with creature Gollum (Andy Serkis) and his ‘precious’.

Peter Jackson’s customary touch is present from the very beginning and middle earth comes to our screens as if it had never left and the results are spectacular to behold. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will no doubt be 2012’s number one 3D experience! But also we get to see another side of this world rather than the shadow of Mount Doom hanging over proceedings, although in this version another mountain takes its place with the Lonely Mountain.

In the opening voice over by Ian Holm we learn of the terrible downfall of the Dwarf kingdom when it was attack by the dragon Smaug, and this provides us with a spectacular and eye opening beginning sequence. It is this seemingly minor event that will throw Bilbo into the mix. Bilbo’s involvement is the element that drives the story forward and Jackson has developed his character well as we see him go from being this timid little man, to having the heart of a lion in the later stages. When he picks up the interesting gold band, we cannot help but feel a little afraid for the future films, that ring has a habit of messing with people’s minds (just ask Gollum).

The scene where Gollum and Bilbo decide each other’s fate over a game of ‘riddles’ will rank as one of this year’s most absorbing scenes and as each one takes a guess, we find ourselves holding our breath in suspense!

Although it is nice to be back in this world once more, there is also a sense that we’ve seen this all before and Middle Earth and its wonders don’t feel as fresh anymore! Because of this The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey doesn’t quite own the screen like it should and the fact it will be stretched into two more episodes feels very un-necessary even for Peter Jackson.  Also the Dwarf collective they are harder to warm to as characters and lack the easy going charm of the original fellowship. Even though the Dwarfs have endured terrible hardship, it is hard at times to sympathize with them because there is a lack of individuality and we never get to know the characters as a result.

Unlike Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit as a novel was a shorter book and Jackson, to keep things going, continually adds un-necessary sub plots such as the inclusion of Radagast the Brown (Sylvester McCoy), the animal healing wizard, who gives the movie a comic touch but overall feels more suited to deleted scenes on a DVD.

However no matter what faults it has, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is still great fun none the less and features a strong central performance from Martin Freeman as Bilbo. Jackson has picked exactly the right man to lead this new trilogy and Freeman has the right charisma and heart to convince as the young Bilbo, it will be fascinating to see him use his new leading man material in future.

Also it is nice to see some of the old gang back together and many of us cheered when we heard that Ian McKellen was returning as Gandalf, and as usual McKellen makes his presence felt and we are thankful that the grey wizard is watching over our hero and he is joined by Hugo Weaving and Cate Blanchett.  It is Andy Serkis who again holds the screen as Gollum through his magnificent use of motion capture. As a result Serkis once again proves that Gollum is one of cinema’s best creations!

There is no doubting Peter Jackson’s love of Tolkien’s world and it is wonderful to go back to middle earth again. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is an uneven yet enjoyable ride and time will tell if it will gains the legendary status of The Lord of the Rings- watch this space!

Welcome Home Son: Review of The Imposter

The Imposter

Director: Bart Layton

By Alex Watson

Some stories you hear are just utterly hilarious and can make you laugh until your sides hurt, other stories you hear can make you feel all emotional which can lead to a variety of different scenarios occurring. But there some tales that you hear which make your jaw hit the floor, and this year director Bart Layton has brought his documentary, The Imposter, which tells the story of a con man who out of desperation brought us real story so shocking it would make even Jerry Springer faint upon hearing it!

Back in 1997, Frenchmen Frederic Bourdin was found in Spain posing a juvenile runaway, but when he was found the Spanish authorities informed him that unless he could prove his identity they would finger print him, scared for what they may find Bourdin claimed to be missing US teenager Nicholas Barclay, a boy from San Antonio, Texas missing since 1993. Even though there was a great physical difference, the family of the missing boy was convinced that Bourdin was their missing son and welcomed him home. Soon the Frenchman found himself over his head living a lie gone too far!

The Imposter is unlike so many documentaries of recent years because it gives us a story that is almost too good to be true, in some ways it is in the same vein as 1988 shock doc The Thin Blue Line! The fact that one man went to such dramatic length to escape an inevitable jail sentence heightens the drama from the very outset. What intensifies the experience is just how accepting the family was of this outsider- despite a number of forensic experts and an FBI agent repeatedly telling them this man is not their son because of the overwhelming obvious fact that they looked nothing alike.

Frederic Bourdin (nicknamed The Chameleon) is heavily involved in recanting the events and his eager attitude drives the documentary forward as he describes the elaborate scheme he used to convince all involve he was Barclay, including creating a compelling backstory where he told that he had been kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery involving high ranking Spanish army officials! Director Layton does not entirely condemn his actions and instead treads a very fine line and allows the man to tell his side of the tale and in the end the audience can have its judgement.

Some might say that he pulled off the biggest con of all time and it wasn’t even to gain riches or get even with someone who had wronged him. The man simply wanted to escape jail and the more he tells us, the more our eyes bulge with disbelief!

But even Bourdin himself expresses concern over just how willing the family took him in. Here Layton gives The Imposter another fascinating twist because a shadow then falls over the Barclay family and from this we wonder was it just hard desire to have their boy back or were they in denial over something a little more serious? Even though many family members testify to their innocence, we can’t help wondering if they perhaps know more about their boy’s disappearance than is let on!

Even though The Imposter has been released for some months now, I still felt it was one film this year that deserved a mention and you will be hard pressed to find a more stunning and bewildering documentary this year. Bart Layton gives a truly unbelievable tale and a person whose one lie tore some many lives apart. I urge to see this film but warned your heart may just stop while watching it!

About to Explode: Review of Children of Men

New Cult Classic

Children of Men (2006)

Director: Alfonso Cuaron

By Alex Watson

 

There are some truly remarkable visions of the future, some of which are starting are to look like a reality starting with Ridley Scott’s depiction of a polluted world run by genetic engineering in Blade Runner or George Miller legendary representation of a wasteland Australia infested with outlaws in Mad Max. But the modern day vision that has hit closest to home is in Mexican maverick director, Alfonso Cuaron’s vision of a dystopian Britain in his loose adaptation of PD James’ novel Children of Men, a vision that today looks disturbingly close.

In Britain 2027, the world has not had the birth of a child in over 18 years and now the country is slowing falling to pieces due to radical measures taken to imprison illegal immigrants. Theo (Clive Owen) is a man whose life has lost all meaning and take solace in his weekly visits to Jasper (Michael Caine) an ex hippie political cartoonist. Suddenly out of the blue his ex partner Julian (Julianne Moore) offers him £5000 to escort a refugee girl Kee (Claire-Hope Ashitey) to the coast. Reluctantly he accepts but soon he will make a startling discovery!

Children of Men isn’t a spectacular vision of the future, but this is very intentional and Cuaron superbly demonstrates this through a very ugly future Britain where buses and trains are heavy battered and windows are guarded against attacks, a place where political graffiti lines the walls, Terrorist make constant surprise attacks and immigrants are rounded up like cattle by soldier like cops. The cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki gives the film a rough edge which suits it well and adds the desperate feel of the characters.

From the very start we know we are faced with a dangerous situation, when Theo buys a cup of coffee- a moment a later as he walks down the street, the same shop explodes! This one moment presents us with one of the most exciting opening shots in recent years and as we jump in our seats, we realize a very bumpy ride is ahead! But it is perhaps the stunning one take finale that holds our attention as Theo and Kee attempt to escape Bexhill prison camp which has just descended into a minor war!

The message of the potentially destruction of our society is faced with is very clear and here Cuaron pulls no punches. The world is on the brink of collapse and due to mass war many of the major cities have been wiped out and only Britain struggles on. Themes such as widespread infertility and internment of immigrants are a heavy warning for the future. But although the message is heavy, there is also heart to the story and it is shown through Theo’s bonding with Kee.

At first Theo is not a likeable character due to his empathetic and constantly hungover manner, but he makes his discovery he finds a reason to fight on and it through this that Children of Men finds it emotional strength and it provides the story with a bright light.

Clive Owen gives a wonderful everyman performance in Children of Men as Theo, one of the today’s most consistent actors, Owen gives more depth to his character as the piece progress and as Theo finds his place in life, he wins the audiences heart. Michael Caine is also wonderful as Jasper and rings in a charismatic yet heartfelt performance as a man who lives in the old times but knows the dangers that surround them in the future. This is yet further proof of what presence Caine still has in today’s film world.

But it’s Claire Hope-Ashitey who holds our attention most as girl with a secret Kee and she gives her character a thinly veiled fragility underneath her determination and when what she’s hiding is reveled we pray that Theo will see her home safe.

The future that Children of Men presents could be worryingly close and Alfonso Cuaron sends out a warning with film. Although the future may not be pretty here, but is however stunningly shot and gives one of the most engaging stories we will see for some time. If you ever needed a guide to planning your future carefully then we have found the film to guide us, just hope someone like Theo is by your side though!

 

Blue Bloods: Review of End of Watch

End of Watch

Director David Ayer

By Alex Watson

With so many cop films around these days is it at all possible to keep the genre fresh? Since Denzel Washington’s Oscar winning bastardness in Training Day and Nicholas Cage’s cop under influence in Werner Herzog’s remake of Bad Lieutenant, the genre has lost its way on screen and it has been a while since we have seen a cop film that really engages us. How will veteran cop film director, David Ayer approach his film about Los Angeles’ finest in End of Watch?

Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zayala (Michael Pena) are long time friend and partner in the LAPD, they are assigned to tough neighbourhood where they repeated chase down drug dealers and other low life crimes. But very soon they boys stumble across a major score when they discover a cartel is running a huge trafficking operation on their turf! Despite repeated warnings to stay away Taylor and Zayala dig deeper, and before long they find themselves the target of very dangerous people!

End of Watch works the usual cop clichés as best as it can, and comes close to being a truly great cop film, the potential is all there with a good set up and two honest guys who get over their heads. The problem is that it all feels so underdeveloped, in particular the friendship between Brian and Mike feels like it is only scratching the surface and as we rush marriages and suddenly them having children, we feel like Ayer is getting the personal stuff out the way quickly to make way for the action! It is a shame that more focus couldn’t wasn’t shifted to this because it is a friendship that deserves better attention.

The lurking threat of danger provides the sufficient interest throughout the film because we have two guys who are walking into a world of trouble and most likely a bloody massacre! Each time a newer and more shocking bust is made, it is like an extra inch is dug in their graves.  Although this is very formulaic story wise, the likeability of Taylor and Zayala gives us a reason to root for them to survive.

David Ayer’s use of handheld camera is interesting and through Taylor filming their various exploits on the job (albeit to must distain from his fellow cops) it gives the film a cop show like feel.  It also succeeds in building up tension to unbearable levels and it is here that End of Watch really fires. Particularly during a horrific confrontation where our heroes get boxed in by trigger happy cartel members and literally have to shoot their way out. The bullets fly thick and fast and our pulses increase similarly!

Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena’s charm make this cop drama all the more watchable and together to they hold the story together well and give the film a much needed heart. Anna Kendrick and Natalie Martinez feel underused as their spouses and although they give their best- we wonder whether they were necessary at all for this film? But little known actor David Harbour who plays wise yet embittered cop Van Hauser that leaves a big impression as he’s the one who predicts that Taylor and Zayala cocky ways will eventually catch up with them!

Even though it isn’t quite the great cop film that everyone hoped, End of Watch is still interesting none the less and is presented with flair and gives us enough interested to keep viewing as these clutch of tense events play out. One day soon there will come another unique story of the boys in blue and hopefully there will a partnership to match this one!