Tomorrow, Today: Review of Transcendence

Transcendence

Director: Wally Pfister

By Alex Watson

How is humanity to going to survive in the future? That is a question raised in numerous movies in the past, but there is also a notion of how we can evolve beyond human form. Director Wally Pfister this week, brings us an interesting presentation that does indeed make us wonder it if is possible for the human conscience to exist elsewhere, and what the potential repercussion are of allowing this in his movie, Transcendence. A long time collaborator with Christopher Nolan, this marks Pfisters debut in the directors chair, but with a high quality A-List cast behind him, this could prove to be something to remember!

Dr Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is a scientist who presents a radical notion, that in the future he can create a type of artificial intelligence that can control everything- including the human conscience. After he is murdered by an anti-techology group, his loyal wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and his colleague Max (Paul Bettany) upload his conscience onto a computer and it evolves and grows rapidly! But although the computer of Will states it wish make the world a better place, his true intentions soon start to raise questions.

Despite a promising trailer campaign, the end product of Transcendence falls way short of the mark and we are left with a picture that despite some impressive ideas, leaves us very puzzled. Pfister shows some good touches as director and his previous cinematography experiences present us with some beautiful and cutting edge moments, but underneath all the visual flair, the movie is a bit of a mess and fails to make most of the heavyweight cast of which it is given.

The main story is straight of Christopher Nolan country and the initial stages it makes for an provocative argument of just how far humanity can go beyond a cognitive state- but before long the movie trips up on its ideals and the logical begins to become muddled, which confuses the action on display and leaves us with a rather flat after taste. Will is a man whose curiousity about the universe has cost him his own life, but when transferred to a computer, his mind quickly runs wild leading him and everyone he holds dear down a dangerous path. There are some nice mystery elements to be found in Pfisters film but they are few and far between, and by the bizzare and underwhelming climax we have begun to lose interest.

An undercooked side story of the terrorist group RIFT lead by Bree (Kate Mara) is an addition which fails to truly add something special except a statement of how technology is taking over our lives, another sideshow involving Joseph (Morgan Freeman) working with the FBI also doesn’t raise the stakes. The main issue here, is the weak script by Jack Paglen which feels disorganised and due to this fact, the dialogue feels wooden and cliched. Pfister gives this movie his best shot and in some ways it is a shame that the end result has not met the expectations because he does show brief flurries of being an able director in the future.

Johnny Depp is as always watchable, but even this man cannot elevate the picture to where it needs to be, but he does still have great presence that both draws and frightens us as we debate Will’s true intentions. Rebecca Hall does well as his devoted wife Evelyn and she handles the emotional side of things skillfully and in the third act, she demonstrates Evelyn’s gradual disillusion with how the idea has come out tremendously. Morgan Freeman is as usual, the wise man trying to avert disaster, but Paul Bettany does better in support and his horror at seeing what his friend Will has become is finely conveyed and proof he is one actor you can rely on in these type of pictures.

Transcendence is a movie that in more experienced hands could have been remarkable, but tragically we have to settle for what we currently see. It is unfair to dismiss Pfister after one effort, so I will reserve judgement for the time being on this man. But this does make us think about what is the future for the human race? And just how much will AI affect us?

 

Desert Rose: Review of Lawrence of Arabia

Classic from the Vault

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Director: David Lean

By Alex Watson

 

There are many reasons why David Lean’s 1962 movie, Lawrence of Arabia is rightly regarded as classic of cinema, but the real reason comes down to two key points. Number one, Lean himself, because no one could make lenghty epics as enthralling and spellbinding as he could and in the midst of the heat in the Arabic desert- another major hit was born! The second point was the casting of a then unknown Irish actor named Peter O’Toole who with great charm, courage and borderline insanity, made his impression on Hollywood and from there a legendary star would soon follow! Together these two made a movie that inspired many and was has been described by Steven Spielberg as a “Miracle of film!” a statement that perfectly describes Leans epic.

T.E Lawrence (Peter O’Toole) is a misfit British Army Lieutenant stationed in Cairo during WW1, frowned upon by his superiors for his odd personality, Lawrence is continually frustrated at being left on the sidelines drawing maps. Finally he gets an assignment in the Arabic desert as an observer. Soon he will become a legendary figure to the masses as he leaders them in a revolt against the invading Turkish Army and becomes involved with Prince Faisal (Alec Guiness), the murderous tribal leader Auda abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn) and the mysterious Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif).

Winner of over seven Oscars in 1962, Lawrence of Arabia is an effort that even today stands up well as an exciting and valorous war movie and perfectly encapsulates the mystery surrounding Lawrence and his adventures. From a early point when he is sulkily confined to his Cairo basement, we witness that Lawrence is no ordinary man and his due his difficult persona, his General sends him on his adventure purely to be rid of him! Whilst in the desert, every success he garners sees his confidence grow to the point where he develops an almost god like complex- where in reality, he has become no better than the cut throats he looks down upon. Lean and writer Robert Bolt give Lawrence a convulted psychological edge which heightens his character and make his increasing relish commiting his various killings all the more disturbing!

But it’s not just the characterisation that is the star of this piece, the surrounding and isolated desert along with Lean’s breathless execution of the battle scenes make this film thrilling, particular the daring desert attack on the heavily fortified town of Aqaba.  Cinematographer John Box also stakes his own claim with a variety of stunning shots, including now infamous entrace of Sherif Ali, who makes slowly creeps onto the screen from heat haze in the desert. However, it is the final mass slaughter scene that leaving the lasting impression as Lawrence and the Arabic warriors brutally murder retreating Turkish soldiers.  We witness Lawrence’s eyes lit with barberous glee and screaming his famous line “NO PRISONERS!” and our hearts go cold as we see them hurtling towards their prey at a furious rate. But this act will serve as wake up call for the great man and as we see him sat blood stained and traumatised about the bodies lying around him, he has learned that being a god comes at a heavy price!

Faith and courage are two prominent features of Lawrence of Arabia and in two key sequences, Lawrence learns that not everything can be written off so easily- during their treacherous desert crossing- his friend Gasim has been separated from the main group and Lawrence rides off to rescue him and is dismissed by Ali as basically commiting suicide. But when makes his unexpected return to an astounded group, he heroically declares “Nothing is written” and this becomes a key metaphor for the later events.

Peter O’Toole shines in the role that defined his career, clad all in white, O’Toole magnificent performance brings an icon to life. In his quieter moments though, he is equally mesmerising, particularly during his painful confession to General Allenby (Jack Hawkins) that he enjoyed committing his acts. From there O’Toole springboarded onto the big stage and after his sad passing early this year, we have lost one of the all time greats. Albert Finney and Marlon Brando both passed on this role, but you cannot imagine anyone but O’Toole standing above the train carriage!

In the supporting ranks there are number of fine performances and the Oscar nominated Omar Sherif matches O’Toole with a enigmatic turn that draws us to him straight away after he noted entrance. Alec Guiness also does well as the conflicted peacemaker Prince Faisal, a man who wants desperately for his land to return to normal, but isn’t above waving a sabre during an airborne attack urging his people to “Stand and fight!”

Lawrence of Arabia may be a film that is long in running time, but every minute of this journey is something truly remarkable and once seen it is never forgotten. It is easy to see just why this piece has acted as an inspiration to so many directors- Spielberg was dead on with calling this a miracle.

 

 

Along Came A Spider: Review of The Amazing Spiderman 2

The Amazing Spiderman 2

Director: Marc Webb

By Alex Watson

 

So far Marc Webb’s Spiderman franchise reboot has been getting some positive mentions and with a few decent touches, this could be something very interesting. Many may have sneered at this idea as just another money making suggestion, but so far you can’t argue with the results. This week, New York’s favourite web slinger returns and he has a major fight on his hands as he faces at least three tough villians in The Amazing Spiderman 2– but after the difficult choices made in the first movie, how will Spidey live with his decisions in this movie?

After saving the Big Apple from ‘The Lizard’ previously, Spiderman (Andrew Garfield) has become a hero to the city, but is struggling to maintain his relationship with girlfriend Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone) after his pledge to her late father Captain Stacey (Denis Leary). Meanwhile ‘nobody’ Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx) has a grave electrical accident which transforms him into villian Electro and his rages quickly devastate the city while Spidey works in vain to prevent them- but his problems will grow in sequence as baddie ‘The Rhino’ (Paul Giamatti) comes charging into view and old friend Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan) rolls into town with tricky intentions.

The Amazing Spiderman 2 makes for a solid sequel to the earlier reboot and there are flurrys of exciting actions throughout. Thankfully Webb skillfully avoids any urge to retread previous events and lets the new story play out. In this movie we see a Spiderman both loving and hating his new role as hero and he is continually haunted by the presence of Gwen’s father. The romance between the two young adults is the affecting part of the movie and rather than overplaying any potential sentiment and instead provides us with a love tale which is both sweet and very funny as the pair continually bicker over Peter wanting to make choices for their relationship.

But although we are kept entertained, the centre story feels a little lost in places and seems unsure what exactly to focus to on. The side story of Peter looking into the mystery of his beloved parents disappearence diverts the story from its intended path and at times we are not sure whether Webb intends this film to be either a mystery film or a superhero piece? Also although the new improved Harry Osborn is a welcome relief from the whiny brat of old, his tale of desperately trying to avoid succumbing to the same illness that has killed his father Norman (an excellent Chris Cooper) is interesting rather than completely neccessary and you would have to feel this could have been a stronger piece without the numerous distractions going on.

One of the strongest elements of The Amazing Spiderman 2 film is the excellent villians on display, there was a danger of having too many at once and it could suffer from the same problem that plagued Spiderman 3. But here there are given us to perfect measure and the introduction of the Electro is excellent. Max is a true loser who is continually ignored by all around him, but his transformation is spectacular and he demolishes Time Square, thrill levels are raised early on. But there is also a great human element to him early on as after years of neglect, Electro relishes his power from the electric current as well as the attention he gains as he sets about trying to become a god to the people . But his obsession with at first loving, then later destroying Spiderman sets the audience up for a great showdown! But although the electric blue man is given his day, Rhino feels underused and set aside a great closing battle, he never gets to demonstrate what he can do.

The action on display is of very high quality and there are moments which make the ticket price worth paying, including a finale where Spidey and Electro do battle in the midst of a hugh electrical plant and the city descends into chaos as the power goes out! But after the film has finished the action was almost seem secondary as in a single moment, the feel of the movie turns on its head and we are given a moment of pure shock which will last several moments after and most likely be a key ingrediant to the next Spiderman!

Andrew Garfield once again makes for a wise choice for Spiderman and he is being to make the role his own. He easily handles the films laughes, but more vitally he raises his game in the more emotional content and gives a more real feel to this character. Emma Stone equally matches him on both grounds and proves to everyone that she is on the most reliable and promising young actresses around at the moment. But its Jamie Foxx who steals the show as Electro, nerdy and desperate to be seen to the early stages, Foxx succeeds in capturing audience sympathies but then wisely gives Max a 360 turn of badness when he realizes that his hero isn’t the man he thought him to be! After that he is given a thrilling sense of menace and he becomes Spideys most troublesome nemesis in some time.

While it may not be this years most advanced sequel, The Amazing Spiderman 2 is still another another step in the right direction for Webb, Garfield and co and with a little polishing, any flaws could be avoided for the next adventure. Welcome back Webslinger, we’ll see you again soon!

 

 

Night Rider: Review of Locke

Locke

Director: Steven Knight

By Alex Watson

 

Some filmmakers really can make entracing movies from the most unlikely scenarios- in 2011 Spanish director Rodrigo Garcia brought us ‘Buried’ which in simple terms brought us Ryan Reynolds trapped  in a box underground for 90 minutes fearing for his life, the result was unexpected critical acclaim! This year, director Steven Knight bring us the unusual tale of Tom Hardy driving to London and making phone calls in his movie Locke. On the surface this sounds nothing more than a vain art piece, but the story involved and the trailer campaign have sparked people’s attention and when you have an intense star such as Hardy behind the wheel, this might be time to sit up and take notice.

Construction foreman Ivan Locke (Tom Hardy) is a man on the verge of doing the biggest job of his career and has a loving family at home. But Ivan will risk all this when he makes a decision to drive to London on the eve of the job starting to oversee the birth of his child- the problem is however, the child is with another woman! Frantic phone calls will soon follow from family, co-workers and the new mother as Ivan gets closer to his destination!

Locke is a film which is excellently constructed by Steven Knight and he makes the use of the cramped cockpit space to give the audience a striking and utterly gripping story. The action on display is limited and we mainly just see Ivan behind the wheel and hear his phone constantly ringing, but the conversations heard slowly build up the tension as he drives towards the biggest error of his life. When he begins his journey, Ivan is a respected worker and adored father, but that all gradually disintegrates as he makes his choice to abandon everything. Knight demonstrates both a great visual awareness and a wonderfully tight script which makes the most of the tough setting- hard to believe his last movie was the terrible Hummingbird starring Jason Statham!

But perhaps the most stirring effect of this movie, is just how steadfast Ivan is to his decision and as things progress he never once shifts from his journey, no matter how heated things get. Throughout this movie he is bombarded by desperate phone calls from his boss (Ben Daniels) who continually berates and threatens him for potentially ruining this big project or his wife (Ruth Wilson) who reacts with understood pain to his difficult  confession and finally the mother of his child (Olivia Colman) who needs constant reassurance he will arrive for the big event. The people he speaks never once appear, but we feel their presence throughout.

In Locke can never exactly comprehend his reasons for throwing away everything, until we hear his imaginary conversations with his dead father- through these bitter and confrontational monologues, we get a glimmer into Ivan’s past and his intention becomes much more clear. Ivan is a man who we both admire and loathe at the same point, but his reluctant acceptance of his inevitable fate and desire to make amends steers this picture in the right direction.

In much a solo project, Tom Hardy, demonstrates just what a fascinating actor he can be and he delivers a performance of sheer power that keeps us hooked. Completely alone for 85 minutes, Hardy succeeds in elevating this movie, although his choice of a Welsh accent for this role does raise a few eyebrows. Closer to the Edge’s Male Star of 2012, Hardy is a brilliant talent on the verge of something remarkable- sign him up for the A-List already! Also keep ears wired for an array of great vocals such as Ruth Wilson as Ivan’s hurt wife, Sherlock’s Andrew Scott as put upon co-worker Donal and Bill Milner and The Impossible’s Tom Holland as his sons who urgently want him home for a football match.

You never would have thought that watching a man’s car journey could make interesting viewing but with Locke, director Steven Knight has brought us a movie that deserves attention and as the twists and turns keep coming, you will be desperate to see how this trip ends. But always remember, when making a life changing decision- think of the consequences.

 

Deep Cover: Review of The Raid 2

The Raid 2

Director: Gareth Evans

By Alex Watson

 

One of this years most eagerly anticipated sequels is finally here, as the unlikely duo of Welsh Director Gareth Evans and Indonesian star Iko Uwais reunite. The last time these two featured on this blog, the result was one of the thrilling and heart stopping action movies of this century so far- and The Raid found itself claiming the runner up spot on my best of films of 2012! But sequels are always a troublesome breed and as we have seen frequently, even with the same cast & crew, a bad story can strip away everything we originally loved! Will The Raid 2 fall into the same trap? Or will it come out swinging once more?

Set only hours after the conclusion of the first film, Jakarta cop Rama (Iko Uwais) finds himself seconded to an elite uncover unit to infiltrate the cities most notorious criminal gang members including Bangun (Tio Pakusadewo) and his son Uco (Arifin Putra), also he must have to deal with rising criminal Bejo (Alex Abbad) to flush out corrupt cops. In order to keep his identity and mission secret, Rama has to have become something that goes against his entire principle… a thug! Violence aplenty is sweeping his way, but can this good man keep his head and do the job required?

Firstly I am happy to announce that The Raid 2 makes for an excellent sequel and this one makes for an equally blood pumping and exhilarating ride throughout. This was the movie that Evans had wanted to make long before, but with international acclaim under his belt and a far bigger budget, the Welshman excels once again! The story is more drawn out in this version and rather than setting in the course of a day, Evans prefers to the story to build over the course of years instead. We pick up the action shortly after Rama has made it out alive from the tower block filled with killers, but only to find himself thrown into the lions den once more! Soon we see him sat brooding in prison whilst many tough inmates prepare to tear him apart- the thrilling tempo has been set for the movie and it doesn’t disappoint!

When this movie fires though, it fires on all cyclinders and the action on display is easily the most impressive of the year and on excitement alone- this movie scores highly! The set pieces on display are ones of pure brillance as we see our hero brawling in a muddy yard with both cons and guards. Unlike the first movie, this one pushes more tricky nemesis’ into his path such as the wonderfully named Hammer Girl and Baseball Bat Boy (I don’t need to draw you a picture to guess their killing methods). But most impressive of all comes his finale fight with the Bejo’s infamous henchman ‘The Assassin’ as the two literally fight it to the death and destroy a kitchen in the process! The excessive violence in this though does become a burden after a point and its occasional overuse may not satisfy everyone.

But although the action makes for perfect viewing, the story for The Raid 2 creeks under the long running time of the movie, where its predecessor was short and incredibly sweet, this movie feels like it has a tale that doesn’t quite last the distance. But having said that, it does strengthen the character of Rama and his inner conflict of whether he is doing right or wrong but going deep uncover and his disillusion makes for interesting viewing. Evans also finds room to inject some new and interesting stories such as Uco, the impatient and spoiled prince to his fathers empire who has become disgusted in his role as a glorified debt collector and is set about taking over the throne, no matter what the means!

Aside from a few flaws, this film is a fine companion to the original and provides us with a high octane finale that is filled with flying fists, legs, weapons and swerving cars- in short, it is guaranteed to satisfy all fans. But it also makes way for an unexpectedly emotional ending, after going on this journey with Rama, you will understand exactly why the movie ends on this point!

Iko Uwais is once magnificently as reluctant cop Rama, but impressively he finds room to expand his character and rather being your typical one dimensional character, Uwais proves to be just as impressive with his emotional range as he does with the physical action. Uwais is fast becoming the new Asian action startlet and with Rama, he has a character that could be an important staple of this genre! There is also an excellent performance from Arifin Putra as the arrogant Uco, this one man to potentially look out for in future.

Once again Gareth Evans has given us a film that truly stands out and makes our pulses race and The Raid 2 is another fine effort by this man, it may not build up suspense to the claustrophobic levels of the first film, but on entertainment value it succeeds admirably! Will there be a third outing for this tale? Time will tell this, so for now sit back and enjoy the ride!

We’re No Angels: Review of Calvary

Calvary

Director: John Michael McDonagh

By Alex Watson

 

After the triumph of their utterly hilarious 2011 movie, The Guard, the Irish duo of director John Michael McDonagh and actor Brendan Gleeson return to our screens this week. This pair have only made one movie so far together, but it is already looking like a combination that could bring about great things in the future, because these two are able to capture laughs and beautifully emotional moments in the most unlikely of scenarios. There has been much hype surrounding their follow up, Calvary, and although the laughs are due to flow, there could also be a far heavier air over the events of this movie.

Father James (Brendan Gleeson) is a Catholic priest based in Silgo, Ireland who has taken up the collar where late in life and simply wants to help people however he can. But one day, receives a death threat while in confession from a member of his congregation who was abused by another priest when he was younger- but rather than execute him on the spot, the mystery man gives him a week before he kills him. Father James, believes he knows his killer, but the whole town has a variety of reasons to dislike the church, and events arent helped by the visit of his troubled daughter (Kelly Reilly) who has recently attempted suicide.

Calvary proves to be a excellent follow up to McDonagh’s previous effort, The Guard and again he gives us a movie of such raw hilarity that you almost feel guilty laughing in places. But rather than simply replicating the light hearted tone of the last film, McDonagh instead gives us a blacker tone than before and this aids the film immensely and adds to the suspicions of the people around Father James. Our attention is caught immediately in the opening moments when in confession we hear his soon to be killer utter “I first tasted semen when I seven years old!” to which the priest can only reply “That sure is a shocking opening line” Although from the opening, he confesses he knows who the culprit is, we are smartly withheld any potential clues and with the hostility against the church continually brewing in the town, everyone we meet is a suspect!

Father James is a 360 degree turn from the drug abusing and sardonic Sgt Gerry Boyle and he is an ordinary man who just wants to make the world a better place- but his efforts are not helped by the dark history of the local church, where many of the locals have been abused in the past. As a result of this many people mock him for his vain attempts to help. A former alcoholic, James struggles with his demons throughout and tries to maintain a brave front in the face of impending death. The priest gets continual mental thrashings from different community members, but no matter what he still never gives up on them- even if it means visiting a notorious killer (Domhnall Gleeson). The visit of his daughter helps to mend some bridges, but also opens old wounds he has tried so hard to forget- the past is never fully explained, but the movie is better for it and instead McDonagh allows the sheer emotion on display to tell things better than any words could do.

But all the way through Calvary we are continually counting down to the inevitable moment of Father James’ possible death and the continual guessing game of who will show up on the day adds a much needed tension to events. Refusing to be bullied into submission, James at times takes a turn for the worst when standing up for himself, including getting a gun and shooting up a cocky bar owner’s place (and receiving a beating for his effort) and defiantly tells people “My time will never end” The eventual revealing of his nemesis will surprise many, but also keep people guessing after the end credits, because one of piece of denial, our minds are thrown into doubt! It does however, provide us with an ending that oddly uplifting and gives the notion that there could be hope still for this town.

This movie however, belongs to Brendan Gleeson who rings in a stunning and profoundly affecting performance as Father James. I have mentioned on numerous occasions just how underrated this man is, and McDonagh it seems has found the perfect muse for his work. There are also a series of excellent cameos appearences from fellow Irish actors Chris O’Dowd as apathetic butcher who is overjoyed his wife is cheating on him with another man, Dylan Moran as a bitter and alcoholic banker whose big fortune has become meaningless to him. But its The Wire’s Aiden Gillen who steals the supporting honours as cynical atheist doctor who at one stage deliveries a speech so venemous and cruel, it will stay with you after for ages after!

The pairing of McDonagh and Gleeson is fast becoming one of the best in cinema and Calvary is a movie that deserves to make critics top 10 lists come the end of the year. I highly endorse this movie and I guarantee you there is will not be a blacker comedy in 2014 or another film that plays on our emotions more than this one!

Biblical Flood: Review of Noah

Darren Aronofsky is a director whose bold visions have been making Hollywood stand up ever since his mesmering movie Requiem For a Dream. The results can often vary in terms of quality, but his hypnotic effect and unique style of directing cannot be denied. Ever since he let Natalie Portman dance to an Oscar in his dark and dangerous masterpiece, Black Swan, Aronofsky has been absent from our screens for the last four years. But he has not been wasting his time and this year he brings us his version of Noah and the Ark- though his mission was not without its battles and he had to fight Paramount Pictures to have his vision realised. But this will not be the first time he has gone for a story that has both engaged and alienated fans, how will Noah be worth the hard mission?

The world in ancient times has become a corrupt place and  has since fallen from Paradise and is ruled by Tubal-Cain (Ray Winstone) who is a descendent from Cain, the first known murderer. Noah (Russell Crowe), a family man descended from Seth, has begun to receive what could be visions from The Creator about an almighty floody that will rid the world of the violence and greed that has consumed it. To do this he will need to build a greak ark to save both his family and all animals of the earth and give mankind another shot at a better world.

Noah is a very bold biblical epic from Aronofsky, but in typical fashion this is not an easy ride and makes us work to fully comprehend its message and this will most likely both amaze and frustrate audiences in equal measure. There are beautiful and thought provoking moments in this piece, at one stage Noah treats us to an a fascinating view of the creation of the universe, through this stunning sequence we also are key witnesses to Adam and Eve bring about the fall of humanity and paving the way for lust, gluttony and all other sins to enter into the world. The early visions are ones that are truly startling- Noah stands barefoot in a field paved with blood! But they spark our curiousity to just how much devastation the Creator is planning to bring?

Interestingly as a character, Noah is smartly protrayed as both hero and villian because although he is concerned about doing the lords work and protecting his wife Naameh (Jennifer Connelly), sons Shem (Douglas Booth) and Ham (Logan Lerman) along with surrogate daughter Ila (Emma Watson), he is at times a little ‘too willing’ to see his mission through and this will lead to him actively sacrificing innocent souls under the pretense of them ‘not being good’. When it comes to his family, a certain drama will Ila will lead to his family taking sides while Noah skulks murderously in the shadows- his intentions may be good, his actions certainly are not!

But although it is refreshing that in Noah that Aronofsky chooses not to just focus on the genesis of the bible and avoids any confusing sequences, the story and action are still are hard to fully enjoy. When the flood hits, the excitements are a big high even for this director, but the build up is a very slow burner and the end sequence takes its time to get to get where it’s going. As a result of this, audience will mostly like be moving restlessly in their seats waiting for the inevitable to happen. But however, you have to admire Aronofsky for going for such a brave piece for his return and despite his disputes with Paramount over the preferred final cut, we should be thankfully his own vision was chosen!

Russell Crowe makes for a perfect choice as Noah and demonstrates just how memorable he can in this type of movie. Through Crowe, he wonderfully sums up Noah’s fighting spirit and determination in the face of adversity. Though skillfully in the final sector, he brings a more darker and crazier side to this character as he strives to finish the job he started, no matter what the consequences! Ray Winstone makes for a goods nemesis as the bullying and power crazy Tubal-Cain and as he lurks in the trees with his large army, we can sense Noah has an almighty battle on his hands for the ark! There is also a brief but pleasant cameo from Anthony Hopkins as Methusalah, Noah’s grandfather who can bestow ‘special gifts’ and through his brief time on screen- Hopkins makes a great impact, plus his search for berries will raise a smile.

In the wake of all the different versions of this tale you may have read in a variety of childrens bible, Aronofsky’s Noah is a blockbuster of a very different kind and will make enthrall you as much as it baffles you. But the end result cannot be argued with and we are unlikely to see another movie quite like this one in 2014! Ever thought of taking up carpentry? Now might be the time, because who knows that man upstairs is planning next?

 

 

Five Terrible Movie Accents

 

Shia LaBeouf (Nymphomaniac)

Normally this man sticks to his own accent, but in Lars Von Trier sex addiction piece, LaBeouf opts for an utterly bizzare attempt at a British accent that flounders somewhere between England, Australia and probably South Africa. This effect only helped to make his performance far more wooden than intended and this is the kind of accent that should be studied by budding actors as how to not to deviate from a tried and tested formula.

 

Keanu Reeves (Bram Stoker’s Dracula)

‘Canoe’ Reeves in Francis Ford Coppola’s movie opts for a British accent so grating that it makes the skin crawl. In a tale that is notoriously dark and disturbing, Reeves only succeeds in bringing an almost comedic feel to this movie and sounds far more like a man reading lines off the BBC World Service. Had he tried this in Bill & Ted, it probably would have been celebrated!

 

Don Cheadle (Oceans 11)

The normally solid and reliable Cheadle was truly the weak link in Steven Soderbergh’s otherwise magnificent heist movie and conjures up a Cockney accent so bad, even Dick Van Dyke would probably wince upon hearing it. With his horrifically stereotypical “Corrr blimey” voice, Cheadle just makes us wish his character Basher Tar would stop talking- though his character would feature in all three ocean movies, if he’s in another there will be “Barney Rubble… Trouble!”

 

Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained)

Usually in a QT film, his cameo appearences are usually perfectly fine, but in his deep south revenge movie, Quentin turns up near the movie’s end sporting an Australian accent so horrendous, it makes Crocodile Dundee look like a potential Oscar winner! I’m unsure what the exact effect that Tarantino was going for this with- if was audience shock then succeeds admirably because here we don’t know whether to laugh or be shocked at this baffling voice!

Sean Connery (The Untouchables)

Ok, I admit this isn’t the worst crime of movie accents, but from a man who has made a successful career doing his own Edinburgh accent, not matter what the role (he even made Highlander’s Egyptian/Spainish Ramirez plausible), his attempt at doing an Irish accent in Brian De Palma’s prohibition drama left an acquired after taste- in some moments in could be excellent but frequently it does slip and slightly lets down his superb ‘Chicago Way’ speech. Connery performance is certainly far better than his accent, though kudos for trying!

 

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold: Review of Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo

By Alex Watson

 

After his last outing defeating the mighty Hydra force, Marvel’ s Captain America returns to our screen this week. The previous tale of ordinary man Steve Rogers becoming America’s new hope was a very entertaining adventure and so far he has proven to be one of the more charismatic yet conflicted creations. But after saving New York from Loki and friends, the Cap now faces a far sterner test on home soil as he learns that some enemies can be closer to you than you realize! Also he has a  master assassin waiting in the wings to cause mayhem in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is adjusting to life in the 21st century after being unfrozen from his ice tomb, but although he is still the front line of defense for the nation, Captain America is struggling with his new spy role and is beginning to doubt if the agency he works for- S.H.I.E.L.D is really helping protect people or just looking out for its own interests? But soon a deep rooted conspiracy will rear its head and his own agency will turn on him, leaving him to wonder just who he can trust? Also the emergence of legendary assassin, The Winter Soldier really doesn’t help matters!

After a few previous missteps, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a much more improved affair and goes to show that this character is fast becoming one of the more impressive Marvel movie creations. Whereas last time dealt with Rogers becoming a super soldier, this one deals more with him still trying to fit the role and his early crisis of conscience is well played out. After a beginning mission tackling French/Algerian criminals on a ship, the Captain has begun to resent what S.H.I.E.L.D and Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) stand for and rather than being contented being protector of the nation, he rather sees his part as “holding a gun to the nations head” After having his confidence shaken- from there is begins to shatter completely as the dark side of the organisation continually rears its head with devasting results!

The central story is admitly, a little creaky and the conspiracy plot anchored by shady S.H.I.E.L.D agent Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford) is a bold one, but ultimately feels very muddled in places and isn’t helped by a messy transition where an old enemy rears its head. But this fact aside, this movie still has plenty of thrills to keep people going, after a slow start, things kick into life when in a crowded lift, the Captain cooly asks “Before this goes down, does anyone want to get out?” Cue fist flying mayhem! The action compared to other previous Marvel movies is a more realistic affair and unlike the previous battles by lasers and trains in the first movie, this sequences in this movie are a more exciting affair and thankfully the Russo brother decline to use montages and by letting the story play itself out, the result is far better.

When the main enemy, The Winter Soldier appears though, the result is both good but yet slightly underwhelming, as a creation this soldier is fantastic and through his metal arm and piercing gaze, a great showdown is promised- but sadly this character doesn’t quite come with the threat needed that the Red Skull was able to produce last time, and when his true identity is revealed- it is a predictable affair. However, in spite of this we are willing overlook this fact as it sets up an emotionally charged battle sequence for the finale and despite once again there being a battle in the air (which has just become Marvel stock these days) it begs serious questions of what both men are willing to do to end things?

Chris Evans once again scores big as Captain America and over the course of the three movies he has appeared in, Evans has grown into the role well and is able to bring across a great sense of humour and a terrific sense of moral confusion this time. Last time he was all about protecting the nation, but in this film, Evans invests a more troubled side of this character which really gives the Captain a big lift emotionally. This man is fast becoming a dependable character actor and Marvel should hang on to this one for the future!

In the supporting ranks, Robert Redford has great fun as the devious Alexander Pierce and proves that even with age, he is still a very compelling presence on screen and it is wonderful to see this man back again! Scarlett Johansson enjoys her biggest slice of screen time so far as Natasha Romanoff/The Black Widow and provides the movie eye candy along with providing the Captain with a strong sidekick. Elsewhere there is an intriguing new partner for our hero in the shape Anthony Mackie’s Sam- an ex special forces soldier turned confidant.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a movie that does exactly what it says in tin- it provides great thrills and laughs for all and it is a great set up for the next Avengers movie in 2015. But this is one franchise which could have a solid foundation for the future- at ease Captain Rogers!