The American President: Review of Lincoln

Lincoln

Director: Steven Spielberg

By Alex Watson

Feels strange that in the history of cinema- there hasn’t yet been a film that fully documents what a drastic change Abraham Lincoln made to the United States. Yes we have seen him hunting vampires in last year’s god awful affair Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and tagging along with Keanu Reeves in Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure but there has yet to be a true biopic of his life and times. Well then what director is better to bring his story to the screen that another fellow icon- Steven Spielberg! The great man will proceed to show us how one many his controversial idea changed the future of a nation in his movie Lincoln!

The United States Civil War has been dragging on for over four years and many, with North and South still divided over slavery and President Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) is growing weary from the constant strain of affairs and many soldiers have died for the cause. To abolish slavery for good, Lincoln proposes the 13^th Amendment which will end slavery altogether and from the moment it is announced reactions are mixed! But through fierce grit and determination, Lincoln vows to see the bill passed and end the war to save more lives from being taken!

Together Spielberg and Day-Lewis magnificently bring the tale of one of history’s greatest figures to life, Lincoln is a long affair and to some it may seem a lot wordier than it needs to be, but Spielberg nonetheless succeeds in bringing us a story that is truly gripping and he is assisted by a superb script by Tony Kushner which captures Lincoln’s fiery spirit and willpower to achieve the amendment passed, even if it means resorting to drastic means such as threatening and bribing the opposition, one great moment captures his hopes when he roars to his cabinet “I am the United States President clothed in immense power… go out there and procure me those votes!”

Abraham Lincoln is not made out as a martyr figure by Spielberg and in the film his ideas are far from popular and public opinion is split down the middle and as he tells his long tales many roll their eyes in boredom. At the beginning of Lincoln we see him one fields of Gettysburg where a jaded black soldier (David Oyelowo) bitterly recites one of his speeches back to him which emphasises how he has to live up to his words! The Lincoln we see here is more resourceful and isn’t afraid to bend the rules.

But it’s the great team behind the president that provides some of Lincoln’s funnier moments, led by crusty old time speaker Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones) who has the ability to reduce the cocky speakers from the Democratic Party to shreds! Buts it’s the devious backroom trio of James Spader, John Harkes and Tim Blake Nelson who are hired to twist opposition arms into agreeing with bill that tickle the most ribs because they are routinely nearly murdered by prejudiced speakers on numerous occasions! But they make one of the most vital contributions as some their targets will eventually tip the balance!

As Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Day-Lewis is a simply fascinating presence and gives a performance so powerful that you would be a fool to bet against him for Best Actor at the Oscar’s this year! His strength keeps the film on course throughout but it’s his quieter moments that interest most as we see Lincoln almost humanely pondering the cost that has occurred long before the bill is proposed. Day-Lewis is one of the great actors of our generation and we have to conclude Spielberg has made the best choice possible for Lincoln!

Top support is also on offer from Sally Field as his long suffering wife Mary Todd Lincoln- a woman battling illness along with the pain of losing their eldest son years before, Field holds her own against Day-Lewis and brings us some of Lincoln’s most emotionally charged scenes. But it’s perhaps Tommy Lee Jones who steals the supporting honours as straight talking Thaddeus Stevens; his speeches which mockingly execute the opposition will leave us sniggering away in delight!

Lincoln will be among the best films of 2013 and we can safely assume that it will bring Oscar’s galore in this moments ceremony. Spielberg has done an excellent job of telling the story Abraham Lincoln and in doing so has brought us one the great performances in years gone by from Daniel Day-Lewis. Boy’s please get together soon because this is a combination that works!

The Chosen Few: Review of Gangster Squad

Gangster Squad

Director: Ruben Fleischer

By Alex Watson

The LA Noir era is a very popular movie theme in years gone by and it is easy to see why- this time was glamour personified and everywhere you looked there were people dressing snappily whether they were cops, crooks or movie stars. Many films have touched upon the LAPD in this time such LA Confidential by Curtis Hanson and Clint Eastwood’s Changeling (with dealt with police corruption) but there haven’t been any that have fully touched upon the brutal reign of Mickey Cohen- a man who made Roman dictators look like softies. Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer brings his version of a city living in fear and the attempts of a chosen few to save in Gangster Squad.

In the City of Angels, mobster Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) rules over the town with an iron fist and has everyone truly quaking in fear- and with everyone scared to speak out or in his pocket he has free reign to control drugs, prostitution and gambling. Chief of Police Bill Parker (Nick Nolte) is forced to act swiftly and recruits Sergeant John O’Mara (Josh Brolin) to head a small but elite squad including Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling) to bring down the big man before he destroys LA! Belong long they strike fear into the heart of Cohen’s empire.

Gangster Squad is a very slick and effective thriller from Fleischer which proves that the praise bestowed upon him for cult film Zombieland was no fluke, his handling of the heavy action works incredibly well and the bullet lined streets of 1949 Los Angeles are brought magnificently to life! And we are blessed with a superb Michael Mann inspired finale where our hero make an assault on the Cohen controlled Plaza Hotel. As the Tommy gun’s echo ou- thrill levels rise and our spines tingle with excitement!

Some may dismiss this film as The Untouchables goes to LA with its small band of heroes going after the big boss- but this still makes for great viewing and our heroes are well a fitted bunch.

With the policemen they are not cavaliers who are looking to charge headfirst into trouble- the squad members all selected for having a special skills, O’Mara in particular is a decorated army veteran with alleged experience in guerrilla warfare where as Wooters is a street smart detective  who knows his way around enemy territory. Like Eliott Ness before them, the Gangster Squad just want to clean the streets up because the LA they grew up in danger of becoming extinct and each time they make a dent in the Cohen empire we feel them getting closer to a big result!

The horrific violence of Mickey Cohen’s reign is Gangster Squad’s most memorable quality- when we first meet him he has a rival Chicago mobster stretched between two cars and tells him “Los Angeles belongs to Mickey Cohen!” His authority is never once in question and anyone who lets him down is dealt with in a most incendiary manner! This is a man who gets what he wants because Cohen can from zero to insane at the drop of a hat- and this fact is wildly demonstrated throughout! The most frightening thing about Cohen is the sheer joy he gets from making people suffer and to him this whole affair is like being a kid in a candy shop!

Josh Brolin gives a great performance as leader John O’Mara, a man fighting for the safety of his wife (Mireille Enos) and un-born child. His commanding presence on screen gives the movie its strength and his well matched by Ryan Gosling as play boy detective Jerry Wooters, Goslings easy charm gives his character a smooth edge and his romantic subplot with Grace (Emma Stone) is one that truly shines on screen.

But it Sean Penn who steals the show as Mickey Cohen- as the monstrous gangster he plays him with such villainous relish that you can’t help but be captivated by him and his methods! Penn is clearly having the time of his life playing Cohen and this translates into one of his great performances! People may sneer at the man- but here is evidence of what a truly great actor he is.

Gangster Squad is a film that will fit well into the LA Noir theme and will be one of the slicker affairs that we see this year. But two things are not in question, firstly that Ruben Fleischer is a director to watch in future and that Sean Penn will bring us one 2013’s most memorable villains- watch this space everyone- or Mad Mickey might see to you!

City Wide Rampage: Review of Falling Down

Classic from the Vault

Falling Down (1994)

Director: Joel Schumacher

By Alex Watson

Joel Schumacher is a director whose films spilt people firmly down the middle, his efforts can be either excellent thrillers such as courtroom drama, A Time to Kill or the tight and tense Phone Booth or cult teenage pics like The Lost Boys to then hammy and frankly awful efforts like Batman & Robin. But on his good days the man proves what a skilful director he can be and his efforts were never better realized than his depiction of a man who is out for revenge on society in his picture, Falling Down.

Bill Foster (Michael Douglas) is a man who is very bitter and angry with life and it sure doesn’t help that he is stuck in a mass traffic jam on one of the hottest days in Los Angeles. Abandoning his car he sets out to walk to his estranged wife’s (Barbara Hershey) house to attend his daughter’s birthday. But while makes his across the city he will encounter many frustrating people types- all of whom will be met with swift justice by the annoyed Foster! Meanwhile cop Sergeant Pendergast (Robert DuVall) is spending his last day on the force but will soon spend it tracking this man with interest.

Falling Down is a very iconic film purely because of the sheer hilarity that ensues whenever Foster encounters a maddening scenario. Morally some of his acts are questionable, such as his choice to smash up a Korean owned grocery store over his refusal to change a dollar for a phone call.  Also as a character Foster isn’t entirely likeable as he has a quick and fierce temper which makes him prone to violent outbursts which has cost him his wife and his good job as a weapons engineer But it’s all done with such wittiness that it makes the ride all the more enjoyable.

Schumacher’s direction is a tad on the heavy handed side, but the people he portrays Foster getting revenge on in Falling Down makes up for it. On the way we come upon some violent Hispanic youths who meet their end in a blaze of Uzi fire, a racist neo Nazi shop owner and a pair of rich snobs who refuse to let Foster cross their golf course! All of these people deserve their ill fated endings and Schumacher doesn’t shy away from giving Foster his full revenge! But cleverly, these acts are never once deemed acceptable for Foster’s irritation at life and in a lot of ways he is the movie’s villain, upon his showdown with Pendercast the man memorably quips “I’m the bad guy??”

The side story of Pendergast’s last day gives the story a great sideshow because the man is considered a joke by many within the department due his calm manner and his over bearing wife who is forcing him into early retirement. But as Falling Down goes on the man truly grows a set and is determined to see his career out on a high note- one particularly brilliant moment comes when his superior Captain Yardley (Raymond J Barry) congratulates him on a job well done on live TV, previously the same man had berated Pendergast for not being man enough, so its guaranteed to raise a smile when he says “Fuck you Captain Yardley… Fuck you very much!”

Michael Douglas churns out a career best performance as anti-hero Foster, his great execution and drollness make his character so impressive that it makes him almost likeable. This role is one of Douglas’ most under-rated and although Gordon Gekko won him an Oscar, this role will stick firmer in the memory. Robert DuVall is similarly outstanding as the retiring Pendergast and gives a performance that builds strength throughout as he strives to stop this crazed man and close his career on a successful note.

There is also a memorable cameo from veteran character actor Frederic Forrest as an insane Neo Nazi shop-keeper, a man so vile he makes even Foster retch in his presence. Limited to only one scene, Forrest makes a great impression and provides some the movies blackest comedic moments!

In future Schumacher will continue to be a love-hate figure for many film fans, but every once in a while he can still prove us all wrong. Falling Down is one of the best cult films you ever likely to see and with Douglas’ tremendous presence it will make this angry journey across LA unforgettable. Just remember if you are stuck in traffic on a hot day- make sure your air conditioning works otherwise who knows what could happen?

Song of the South: Review of Django Unchained

Django Unchained

Director: Quentin Tarantino

By Alex Watson

As a director Quentin Tarantino may not be to everyone’s taste but his cult status in the film making world is un-deniable and whenever one of his films hits cinema’s the world sits up and pays attention. His casual mix of humour with extreme violence is a trademark that is instantly recognisable and love or hate has brought us some very memorable moments over the last 20 years. With his new effort Django Unchained, QT brings us into Deep South and shows one man’s struggle to break free, but will his usual style suit this tale or will this prove a step too far?

Set in 1858, bounty hunter Dr King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) rescues slave Django (Jamie Foxx) from a group of slave traders in order to assist him in tracking down three outlaw brothers. After they carry out their arrangement, the two agree to become partners and soon make a lucrative earning in the killing business. But Django’s wife Hildy (Kerry Washington) still ways heavily on his mind and together the two vow to rescue her from the clutches of plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio).

Django Unchained will fit very well into the Tarantino Empire and fans will be delighted to know that his distinctive style is all present and correct and the results are deliriously entertaining! The story of a slave vowing to revenge at the world fits QT like a glove and from the very beginning there is an air of menacing relish about it and it shows in the dialogue, such as when Django shoots one of his former tormentors, as the man falls, Django silkily says “I like the way you die boy!” Tarantino’s dialogue has many zingers included and as usual there will a ton of quotable lines that will follow after!

The bonding between Schultz and Django provide the movie’s main interest, as the aforementioned Doctor swaggers into the story and almost smugly introduces himself before blowing holes in two men to save Django, we know that he is something truly unusual! As the relationship between them develops, Schultz sees a real hero in Django and strives to help on his mission. In the presence of Schultz, Django will find a newer and more dangerous side which will aid him well at the movies conclusion.

But it’s Calvin Candie that gives the movie its most excellent creation and his presence is forever felt on screen. Here we have a spoiled man-child with far too much power on his hands who is forever complimented by those around him because they know that lurking beneath the pleasant and smiling facade hides a monstrous creature that is prone violent outbursts which will have horrific consequences!

Although the long running time does weigh on the film slightly, the action involved certainly doesn’t and it makes way for possibly the most OTT shoot out finale of the year and has as the buckets of claret cover the walls there is an almost cartoonish type feel, many may feel that the ending of Inglorious Basterds set the bar in terms of Tarantino violence, but this ending here has raised it even higher!

Jamie Foxx looks the part of Django and carries if off with equal force and his whispering voice adds an extra threat, especially in the moment after he spells his name and mentions “The D is silent!” Foxx has proven to be a great choice he gives his best performance since his Oscar winning turn in Ray. But Django Unchained belongs to Christoph Waltz’s charismatic performance as King Schultz which proves just as wordy as his turn as Hans Lander in Inglorious Basterds and once again Waltz succeeds in stealing the film. Seems QT has found a new muse for him films and I imagine everyone is very excited!

Leonardo DiCaprio makes the perfect villain and his magnificent and almost childish turn as Calvin may seem clichéd but I can guarantee it will be one DiCaprio must remembered performances and shows what a skilful villain he could make in future. Samuel L Jackson provides some the movies main laughs as house slave Stephen who is comically appalled by the idea of Django staying in “The big white house” when arrives at the Candieland plantation and together with DiCaprio the two make a great pairing as they bicker constantly with one another.

In Django Unchained it seems that all Tarantino’s fan will go away happy, though some critics might snipe at the overuse of violence and the film perhaps being a little too long, its entertainment factor cannot be denied and will contain some of this year’s most exciting and hilarious scenes and some truly excellent performances. This film will no doubt gain the same cult appeal as all his previous efforts and on this occasion- it is well deserved!

It Only Takes a Moment: Review of The Impossible

The Impossible

Director: Juan Antonio Bayona

By Alex Watson

Everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing on the day the Boxing Day Tsunami and as we watched the images of the waves that crashed over and claimed over 200,000 lives, our eyes went wide with fear!  Bringing this horrific event to the screen has been one that has involved a lot of time and caution because in this tale there were not many happy endings! But this year Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona brings us a truly remarkable true story of a family whose complete love for each other would help them reunite in the midst of a life shattering moment! But the journey ahead is no easy one in The Impossible.

The Bennett family including Henry (Ewan McGregor) and Maria (Naomi Watts) arrive in Thailand for Christmas and look forward to having a fun time in the sun. For the first couple of days the place is like a perfect paradise. But on Boxing Day, a giant Tsunami wave arrives destroying everything in its path! The family is soon separated from each other and things are looking bleak! But their love and determination to be re-united will give them the strength to fight on!

The Impossible will no doubt be one of 2013 most chest tightening and emotional experiences as we view this families struggle. Although the family’s identity is switched across from being Spanish to English, this fact means little as it is a story that is both touching and immensely uplifting. This being the first film to deal directly with the disaster is directed with great sensitivity by Bayona who goes to great lengths to fully emphasise the horrors that were involved.

When the wave hits, it is one of the most awe inspiring and shocking scenes you will ever witness! Its build up brings back memories of Jurassic Park’s T-Rex scene as we feel the danger coming through vibrations! As it appears over the palm trees you can tell this will be one moment that will scar this family forever!

But the after scenes of seeing an island of bliss reduced to flat land of destruction that hit home the most, and this leaves the door open to some truly eye opening moments the follow it where we view overcrowded hospitals where mortally wounded individuals put their own health aside in squalid conditions to find the ones they love. There is one touching scene in The Impossible where the eldest Lucas (Tom Holland) struggles in vain to unite random strangers with their young ones- but eventually manages to find the son of a Swedish man he encountered earlier, and we watch the two un-familiars embrace a tear will fall.

At the hub of The Impossible we are given a family story that has massive heart and soul and throughout as we watch them struggle for own survival we hope they will find each other. The story is split in equal factions as Maria lies critically injured in hospital while Henry in the midst of care for his two youngest sons searches in vain throughout various shelters to find the woman he loves before it is too late. This year we will struggle to find a more poignant journey on the big screen!

Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor are both equally fantastic as the mother and father of the Bennett family, McGregor’s fierce resolve as Henry makes him stand out on screen and he delivers what is probably his greatest and most affecting performance of his career. Naomi Watts is also on great form as Maria, her scenes lying stricken in hospital are some the most engaging of the film as she strives to stay alive to her family again- for this Watts has thoroughly earned her Best Actress nomination at the Oscars.

There is also a stunning find in 16 year old Tom Holland as their eldest son Lucas who has to grow up fast in the midst of heartbreak to find his father is one of The Impossible’s most winning elements because he goes from being sarcastic teen to overcoming his fears and becoming the un-official head of the family and learns just how much he loves them.

It might not be an easy watch, but The Impossible is still a film worth seeing purely for the strength of story and power of film making. Bayona is true talent to look out for and brings us one of the most stunning and overwhelming films of 2013 so far, make sure to bring plenty of Kleenex packs though, because you may well need them by the end!

The Cop Who Came to Town: Review of Beverley Hills Cop

Classic from the Vault

Beverley Hills Cop (1984)

Director: Martin Brest

By Alex Watson

Eddie Murphy’s career of the late really has not been a kind state of affairs, through his flops such as The Adventures of Pluto Nash, Norbit and Meet Dave have stunted his box office ability. But people tend forget what a funny comedian he really was  and through his hits such as 48 Hours, Trading Places and Coming to America, the 1980’s belong to Murphy. But his leading man ability was never better than in his 1984 film Beverley Hills Cop, and through the fast talking wit of Murphy- an 80’s landmark was born!

Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is a talented but reckless detective in the Detroit Police Force whose renegade antics repeatedly land him in hot water! When his best friend Mikey (James Russo) is murdered by thugs from Beverley Hills- Axel decides to travel there (against orders) and investigate his friend’s murder. While there he comes into contact with dangerous art dealer Victor Maitland (Steven Berkoff) – who makes it clear Axels’ nosing isn’t welcome at all! But he also forces an uneasy bond with Beverley Hills detectives Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and Sgt John Taggart (John Ashton) and together they will avenge his friend’s death!

Beverley Hills Cop is one the funniest movies of the 1980’s and this is largely down to its great story and leading man. The out of Towner scenario had been done before this, but bringing Axels’ street smart Detroit ways to hip and conservative Beverley Hills ruffles many feathers but provides laughs by the bucketful.  One particularly hilarious example occurs when in order to prevent Rosewood and Taggart from tailing him- Foley sneakily shoves a banana into their car tail pipe!

But it’s his badgering of Maitland that stands out because although given repeated warnings to stay away- Foley’s grit and determination to see Mikey’s murderer come to justice give him the strength to carry on and for this he will expose Maitland as much as he can or die trying!

The relationship between Foley and his detective counterparts provides the heart of Beverley Hills Cop because all three men learn something from each other. In their first encounter, Axels’ motor mouth greatly irritates Taggart who strikes him! Foley likewise doesn’t think much of the two men as Rosewood appears to be polite but inept at police work and Taggart is accustom to procedure and doesn’t dare break it! But after foiling a robbery in a strip club they all gain a mutual respect for each other and begin to realize that in order to solve this crime- they will have to break the rules and do things Axels’ way!

Axel Foley is a truly great creation and was the perfect vehicle for Murphy’s comedic talents and through his cocky yet relentless attitude Murphy shines on screen! On the surface the man appears to be nothing more than a lacklustre cop with a big mouth and habit of causing accidents. But Axel is a man who is incredibly resourceful and can find his way into even the most impossible places, but his biggest asset is that he has no quit in him and will see a crime through no matter what the cost. Through Murphy’s easy going charm a legendary character was born (the thought that this was originally written for Sylvester Stallone makes us all the more thankful things went differently).

Murphy is also given great support from Steven Berkoff as cynical villain Victor Maitland and through his icy and remorseless attitude; Axel is given a great villain to play off against. But it’s Judge Reinhold and John Ashton who makes the biggest impression alongside Murphy, and their constant bickering with one another makes them a great odd couple. But in the film’s final third their characters grow stronger as they shed procedure and join Axel in his fight- by the end you would be proud that these cops have your back!

Although the laughs may have dried up in later years, Beverley Hills Cop is still a fantastic reminder of the sheer hilarity that Murphy was able to bring to us. Though the later sequels slightly took some the polish of this comic gem it is still a must have film in your collection. So if you haven’t yet seen, do so and let your stomach ache with laughter- be sure to check your car after because someone could well have put a banana in your tail pipe!!!

Life During Wartime: Review of Les Miserables

Les Miserables

Director: Tom Hooper

By Alex Watson

It’s hard whenever you pay a visit to the west end in London not to spot a production of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, its tale of hardship, love and spiritual redemption during the French Revolution has captured hearts everywhere and had people humming its addictive songs for many years to come. There have been many versions film version of this musical, most recently in 1998 starring Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush and Uma Thurman. But none have truly been identified as an iconic adaption. This year director Tom Hooper after his heroics on The Kings Speech brings us his version of events, but will it be the one that stands out or just be seen as another failed attempt?

Convict Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) has been imprisoned for over 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread but has now been paroled, but upon release he find himself under the watchful eye of cynical Jalvert (Russell Crowe). Scorned by many upon release, Valjean becomes increasingly bitter until he is shown kindness by a priest and from there Valjean vows to start a new life! While becoming a better man he will come into contact with desperate mother Fantine (Anne Hathaway) and when he takes in her daughter Cosette (Amanda Seyfried), Valjean finds a new reason stay a free man.

Les Miserables will no doubt be one of the most stunning visual pieces of the year; from the very beginning as we see convicts of Toulon prison heaving a waterlogged ship in the pouring rain and heavy waves back to dry land and when ‘Look Down’ begins to play its hard not to be truly amazed! The set design is abundantly designed and brings the Revolution era to life- including a stunning final shot of Valjean, Fantine and the other resistance upon a barricade looking upon the royal palace!

The singing of dialogue will come as a surprise too many who have never seen the musical before, but through the live singing on show it adds to the films poignant feel and in many ways says more than normal voices ever could!

Valjean’s story is the force that carries the film along, when we first meet him he is a man who is looked by others as nothing but trouble, as he is first released he begs Jalvert to respect him as a human- only be dismissed mockingly by his jailer. His desperate turns almost animal when he ventures into the free world, but in Les Miserables most emotional scene, Valjean vows to re pay the faith shown in him and this gives the film its redemptive feel and from there he grows into a loving man.

Jalvert is another ever present throughout this and his dedication to law and capture of Valjean is steadfast, although the classic villain of the story, his confusion of the morals he keeps in the later stages gives him a more human feel as begins to realize that there is more to people than being cops or criminals! But its Fantine’s story that really pulls at our hearts as she is hit with constant bad luck and hardship while trying to provide for her child. Here we see a woman literally stripped down to her bare elements in life and whose dreams of love and happiness have long since faded and as Hathaway sings ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ tears are bound fall from people’s eyes!

Hugh Jackman makes good use of his stage past and rings in Les Miserables strongest and most touching performance and through his fantastic singing voice we hear and feel all of Valjeans frustrations, hopes and feelings and fully earns his Best Actor nomination at the Oscars. Not known previously for his ability for straight acting, Jackman show us another side to him which makes us excited for future performances!

Russell Crowe provides great presence as villain Jalvert and through his steely edge; Crowe personifies the man’s rigid nature and his inability to see between the lines of men! Anne Hathaway however, is the one who steals our hearts as the doomed Fantine. Through her brief role she gives a magnificent vulnerable performance and her appearance will be the lasting image in our minds as we leave the theatre!

Whether or not you’re a fan of the musical is not important because Les Miserables is a film worth discovering and through this a new hope for the original musicals on screen. Tom Hooper’s superb direction ensures that this film will be the most fondly remembered of Victor Hugo’s tale, so go see it and let your heart be pulled in several directions. Also I guarantee you will be singing ‘Look Down’ for days after this!

Ain’t No Stopping Us Now: Review of Runaway Train

Classic from the Vault

Runaway Train (1985)

Director: Andrei Konchalovsky

By Alex Watson

The 1980’s contained many legendary action films whether it was Arnold Schwarzenegger cooling strolling into the cop-shop declaring “I’ll be back” in Terminator, Bruce Willis hunting terrorists in the Nakatomi Plaza in Die Hard or Indiana Jones running from a rolling boulder in Raiders of the Lost Ark. What made these stand out what their cool and icon characters and their thrilling action set pieces and in time they have become legendary. But there is one film that people tend to forget, which brought us some the most under rated thrills of 1985 and was set in the confines of a train, hold on to your seats in Russian director, Andrei Konchalovsky’s, Runaway Train.

Notorious bank robber Oscar ‘Manny’ Mannheim is a hero to the people of Stonehaven prison, Alaska particularly to young convict Buck (Eric Roberts) due to his criminal past and numerous escape attempts. Once again Manny breaks out of jail but is reluctantly convinced by Buck to let him come along. In an effort to make a clean get away, the pair jumps onto a departing locomotive. Only when the train starts to move, the old engineer suffers a fatal heart attack and leaves the train running with full throttle! The men are now faced with a perilous journey on board a vehicle they cannot stop!

Runaway Train in one of the 1980’s forgotten jewels because its premise (based on an idea by Akira Kurosawa) is very straightforward but very effective and the gripping story of survival guarantees heart rates to increase! From the moment the two men board the train, we assume this will be a bonding journey where the men will overcome their differences. But the second we see the breaks burn off the locomotive- we realize that events have taken a severe turn! Also it contains some the most breath taking action set pieces of the 1980’s which are skilfully directed by Konchalovsky.

But unlike the other films of its time, Konchalovsky’s film has an un-deniably bleak feeling to it and throughout it feels like the moment of doom is creeping closer, which is exemplified in one key moment where Buck is goaded by Manny into trying to make a suicidal journey onto the lead engine to stop the engine. When he fails Manny harshly assaults him and insults him, until he hits female engineer Sara (Rebecca De Mornay) causing Buck fiercely to react. But then in a moment of rare emotion, all three slump into resigned defeat- each realizing there is nothing they can do.

The element that makes Runaway Train such a great film is in the two lead characters because unlike many films of its era, neither of the two leads are particularly likeable. Manny is a cold and calculating bank robber who cares only for himself and in the beginning we learn he is no ordinary felon and for the last three years his cell doors have been welded shut due his escape attempts!! Buck is a naive convict who is imprisoned for statutory rape, he idolizes Manny but doesn’t seem to realize he will never get the thanks we wants for helping him escape.

As they work together to try and prevent a certain death, they become more endearing to us. And despite the increasing hopelessness, there is a near poetic ending as Manny finds a bitter sweet redemption and in a strange way wins our hearts, scored to Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ it is hard not shed a tear as the selfless act is played out.

Jon Voight gives one of the great performances of his career as the dangerous criminal Manny in Runaway Train. His menacing presence keeps our suspicions raised throughout, but Voight gives Manny more depth in the later stages which makes him an unlikely hero feel!

Eric Roberts is equally impressive as dim criminal Buck, his initially joy at being on the run with his hero turns to despair quite quickly! It is a shame that Roberts’ career hasn’t quite hit the heights hoped because here he gives an emotional and real performance that makes Buck the character we sympathize with.

Although it was un-seen upon release in 1985; time has been kind to Konchalovsky’s action classic and it will remain one of the most exciting and raw thrillers of its time. For an unpredictable and adrenaline filled ride Runaway Train is a film that is worth discovering. Just don’t expect Thomas to roll into view and save the day in this picture!

A Life Less Ordinary: Review of Life of Pi

Life of Pi

Director: Ang Lee

By Alex Watson

 

Yann Martel’s novel Life of Pi is one of the truly great twenty-first century novels. It’s unbelievable and heart warming story is one that grabs hold of us and refuses to let go, for his efforts Martell was deservedly given the Booker Prize in 2001. But bringing it to the screen has been no easy journey and previously this story was deemed ‘un-filmable’ and many established directors have failed in bring this across. But fans rejoice because Brokeback Mountain director Ang Lee has finally succeeded where many have perished, but will this movie adaptation of Martel’s novel be as gripping on screen as it was on paper?

As an adult Pi Patel (Irrfan Khan) is telling a remarkable story to a writer (Rafe Spall), which begins when he was travelling across from India to Canada by ship when his father moves his family’s zoo. But during the voyage, the younger Pi (Suraj Sharma) watches in horror as the ship sinks when hit by a storm! But as Pi weeps for the family he has lost, an even bigger surprise lurks around the corner,as he discovers that in the life raft he has escaped in- will be shared with a Bengalese tiger named Richard Parker! From this point the young man has to play a tough survival game.

Firstly I am delighted to announce that Ang Lee’s adaptation of Life of Pi is simply magnificent and truly captures the magic feel of Martel’s novel and all the way through this is a beautifully shot journey that tugs at our hearts. The most pleasing aspect is that Lee chooses to remain faithful to books content and allows this tale to play out, and his direction shines during the tough middle section where Pi has to live day by day hoping that his hungry companion won’t decide to make a meal out of him!

From its very innocent beginning in Pondicherry, India there is a spark all around, as Pi who was born with the name Piscine (French term for Swimming Pool) attempts to get others to call him by name Pi after the mathematical equation to avoid begin mocked- and for this he goes to great lengths and this provides us with a rare comical moment. But the real part that draws us is when Pi begins to learn about religion and when fascinated by all different aspects, chooses not to embrace one religion but three!  This notion of faith and belief will contribute greatly to Life of Pi later on as Pi’s faith in his gods is tested.

But it’s the bonding between boy and tiger that really gives the drive to Life of Pi and throughout this provides us with a fascinating mix of charm and pure nerves. Richard Parker is no one’s ideal shipmate, especially as he will kill you without thinking twice. Early in the film Pi is warned by Dad that animal are simply animals and to be mistrusted at all times (for this he is taught a hard lesson). Pi takes this lesson to heart and the scenes where he attempts to establish his ground on the boat are a mixture of hilarity and heart stopping frights. Although the ride is a rocky one- Lee never once dims the hope in our hearts.

Suraj Sharma does a wonderful job of holding the film’s core as the younger Pi and with his youthful innocence he is the best possible person to have been cast and throughout he gives an engaging and uplifting performance- particular during Life of Pi’s bleaker moments. As the older Pi, Irrfan Khan brings a touch of sentiment to the film with his brilliant voice over as he recounts his perilous journey. Through anyone else could have been your usual wise old tale- but through Khan we get to see a man who is both scarred and mesmerised by what has happened and feels grateful that he can finally tell his story.

I feel regret that I was not able to see this film in time for my 2012 review because it would have been well within the top 5 for certain. Ang Lee has given us a stunning adaptation of Martel’s novel that all die hards of the books will appreciate and it will provide a series of visuals that will soon becomes landmarks of this decade. It also gives a useful survival guide to surviving in water with fierce creatures because after all, you never know what life will bring?