Together Forever: Review of 22 Jump Street

22 Jump Street

Directors: Phil Lord and Chris Miller

By Alex Watson

 

Rebooted franchises have always been a usually frowned upon exercise by any film maker, but in 2012 the kick started 21 Jump Street proved to be a major success and firmly catapulted Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum into the mainstream and only days after release a sequel was deservedly green lit. This year the boys from the Jump Street division have returned and they have moved across the road to 22 Jump Street. But will their new college misadventures be as hilarious the second time around? 

After successfully breaking the high school drug ring in the previous movie, Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are sent uncover by their superior Captain Dickson (Ice Cube) to college at MC State where a new drug called WHYPHY is currently doing the rounds with fatal consequences. Once more the young guns are faced with trying to fit into new respective crowds and as the pair begin to break apart under the new clique pressures, their partnership becomes threatened- and all this is before spring break is due to arrive!

Firstly I am pleased to inform you that 22 Jump Street will not disappoint in terms of giggles and in a summer dominated by Xavier & Friends, Godzilla, as well as Spiderman, Lord and Miller’s film is an extremely funny and wonderfully dumb ride that is impossible to dislike. The tone is set when after disastrous bust on 90’s loving drug dealer Ghost (Peter Stormare) the pair are dryly informed by Deputy Chief Hardy (Nick Offerman) that division wants them doing ‘the same thing as before’  which takes them to far more impressive digs at number 22! But unlike the original which succeeded on pure laughs, this sequel feels more fleshed out and succeeds on charm alone, particularly during the early scenes where the pair try and fail to get involved with a variety of college groups.

When the laughs come though, they come thick and fast and there are some real gems to behold such as the absolutely joy of Dickson cranking his anger up to eleven and utterly destroying a buffet when he finds out some ‘bad news’ involving his daughter and a car chase where the pair trying to avoid cost the department more money (with a Benny Hill chase gag put in for good measure). But the real comedy comes from the main partnership between Jenko and Schmidt is quintessential bromance as the pair continually bicker with one another. Character wise they are the same, as the pumped up Jenko is still clueless in his job and Schmidt is still a bag of neuroses. Their paths ultimately differ as Jenko gets involved with jock quarterback Nuke (Wyatt Russell) which makes his friend feel threatened. Soon the togetherness begins to fizzle out as they want to go their own way.

Plot wise there is nothing really new about 22 Jump Street and some ways it is merely a beefed up and role reversed version of the previous adventure. But any missteps we are quite happy to overlook because this likeable (thought idiotic) pair keeps us entertained throughout events. A Spring Break inspired finale is the true joy of the movie as our heroes attempt to repair fences whilst hanging from a helicopter, which also forces to Jenko to retrieve a grenade from an ‘awkward place’

Once more the pairing of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum works like a charm and the brainy and brawny team once again steal our hearts. People may frown upon Tatum as another pretty boy actor, but he is always solid and as dimwit Jenko he succeeds admirably. Hill also is equally solid as the talky Schmidt and he finds likeability in the most unlikely places with this character. But it’s Ice Cube who once more steals the show as the permanently foul mouthed Dickson. Thankfully in this movie, he is allowed to let loose and let the characters anger rip, which leads to hilarious results! Just watch the series of texts he sends to Schmidt and try not to cry from laughing!

 

For a sequel effort, this film will definitely stand as one of the most funny movie of 2012 and 22 Jump Street is a step forward in the right direction for this franchise (view the sequel ideas in the end credits). My advice to go see it and loss yourself in the sheer volume of jokes that will ensue. Though try not bust a gut!

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!

Enjoy Your Stay: Review of The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Grand Bupadest Hotel

Director: Wes Anderson

By Alex Watson

 

Wes Anderson’s films are always love or hate affairs, many love the quirkiness he is capable of bringing to the screen and the odd yet strangely charming characters that come with it. Others however, may just seem him as pretentious and believe he tries to a little too hard to be offbeat. But whatever happens, his movies are always worth a visit, if only to see Bill Murray’s regular appearances. His new effort The Grand Budapest Hotel certainly has gotten indie fans tongues wagging and it appears we could see Anderson’s most accomplished movie yet!

Told in flashback, a famous author (Tom Wilkinson) recounts a tale told to a younger version of himself (Jude Law) about when he visited the once celebrated The Grand Budapest Hotel. Whilst staying there he met the proprietor Mr Moustafa (F Murray Abraham) who told him the tale of his days starting out as a lobby boy in the hotel, under the guidance of notorious concierge M.Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) and just how exactly this failing property came into his possession.

The Grand Budapest Hotel  like all his films, is a very Wes Anderson type picture and those who go into this with an open mind will enjoy the ride for the very beginning. With its vivid set design and fine selection of pastel colours, Robert Yeoman’s cinematography brings the fictional nation of Zubrowka alive and this in turn allows Anderson’s creative juices to run wild. In this world we see Nazi type soldiers led by kindly inspector Henckels (Edward Norton) and a nation on the brink of war. The deadpan humour gives the film a great comedic feel and sparks some of the movies finest moments, such as Gustave’s silver tongued attempt to stop Moustafa being harassed on a train ride and a finale shoot-out that gets very OTT! 

When we first meet the noted concierge, we learn of his lady killing habits, including his countless affairs with rich elderly ladies including Madame D (Tilda Swinton), his love of nice smelling perfume and quoting pretty poetic phrases, to most of all- how he runs the hotel like clockwork. In the early stages there is a light and breezy quality to events as Moustafa learns the ropes of the hotel and begins a strange friendship with his slightly sleazy mentor- but things turn on their head when Gustave is accused of murdering D and incurs the wrath of her entire family when he is left the priceless portrait ‘Boy with Apple’ in her will! From there the story kicks into life and becomes a fun game of cat and mouse as the unlikely pair attempt to dodge the authorities and Madame D’s furious son Dmitri (Adrien Brody).

Moustafa and Gustave’s partnership is one that keeps this movie alive, it is not a straight forward friendship and his demanding mentor certainly has his expectations- in one sequence when he breaks out of prison- Gustave berates his friend for forgetting to bring his favourite perfume! But although slightly shaky in places, their friendship keeps one another going. However, it is not just these two who make the movie because we are also introduced to a variety of excellent support character such as Willem Dafoe’s brass knuckled henchman Jopping, the birth marked baker, Agatha (Saoirse Ronan, who serves as both ally and love interest for both men and the mysterious butler Serge (Matthieu Almaric), who’s presence sparks the key point of the storyline. Before you ask, yes Bill Murray does make his usual appearance!

Ralph Fiennes makes for a very able Anderson actor as Gustave and all throughout this he brings a witty yet serious approach to his role and this fits the pace of the film perfectly. To those more accustomed to seeing Fiennes in more serious roles, this may come a surprise, but ever the profession, Fiennes is up to the task! Newcomer Tony Revolori also make a good impression as the young Moustafa and his youthful naivety and awe of his teacher gives his role a much needed sparkle.

Many will be divided on The Grand Budapest Hotel for years to come and like many of Anderson’s works before, you may have to meet this picture halfway to full appreciated it. But its look and story quality cannot be denied and this will by far be one of the indie darlings of 2014- though I do wish a hotel of this quality still existed, it would make for an excellent stay!

Building Blocks: Review of The Lego Movie

The Lego Movie

Directors: Phil Lord and Chris Miller

By Alex Watson

 

Remember the countless hours of fun that playing Lego brought us? All you needed was your imagination and some clever building initiative and you could do anything. When they announced that another of our favourite childhood toys was to be made into a movie, many of us winced at the thought of this. But step forward 21 Jump Street directors, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who with great skill and what seems like some deft comic touches look to have created one of this years most interesting films in The Lego Movie. But since Lego never had a story to go with it (well unless you bought Star Wars Lego) how on earth will this one work?

Emmett (Chris Pratt) is a happy yet naive construction worker in the Lego world Bricksburg, ruled with an iron fist by Lord Business (Will Ferrell)- but when he stumbles upon a mysterious red block, he is thrusts towards a destiny he is not ready for! On the way he will be come acquainted with rebellious soul Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks) and will be informed of a legendary prophecy by ‘Master Builder’ Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman).

After some tame previous efforts to bring some of our childhood greats to the screen, The Lego Movie succeeds admirably and directors Lord and Miller have succeeded in bring us a movie high in wit and this will easily charm anyone who has laid hands on Lego before! The story maybe uneven and have stretches where not a great deal happens, but the nostalgic references such as 1980’s Lego Spaceman with a crack in his helmet strap will ring painfully familiar to us and there are other great appearances such as Lego Superman (Channing Tatum) and Green Lantern (Jonah Hill) and a hilarious cameo from Number 34 himself Shaquille O’Neal!

The centre storyline is nothing new, ordinary man is recruited to save the world, but where this movie scores highly is the world presented around it which continually reassembles shape and the laughs follow continuously as a result. In Lord and Millers zany world, Pirates mix with Middle Earth, Batman (Will Arnett) makes an delightful appearance and a we are taken to a fluffy cloud-like land run by a thinly veiled Hello Kitty character Princess Unikitty (Alison Brie). This all or nothing approach works wonders for the film and although it seems clunky, it comes away with a very original feel to it.

But even more smartly, the story is given a dramatic (and extremely clever) shake-up in the films last act where Emmett discovers just what world lies at the end of the  mysterious vortex and witnesses just who the mythical ‘Man Upstairs’ truly is! Without giving too much away, this is one twist that deserves credit and just like real life, it shows us how amazing our imaginations can be when we use them!

The cast chosen to voice this movie are well chosen with Chris Pratt doing a decent job of the hero vocals as Emmett, after years of able supporting roles in Her, Moneyball and being hit by a keyboard in Wanted- Pratt makes good leading material. But its the supporting cast who steals the laughs with Will Arnett’s  husky voiced Batman leading the way- fans of Arrested Development rejoice for this is perfect casting! Liam Neeson is also suitably uproarious as baddie enforcer Good Cop/Bad Cop who personality flips as often as his face does- Neeson does well to mock his new action hero persona and we are reminded how funny he can be! Of course Morgan Freeman voices a very… well Morgan Freeman character!

After much doubt and speculation, The Lego Movie has a brilliant end result to this and what could have just been a money spinning waste, is one of 2014 more quirky and whimsical movies and has something everyone will enjoy. No doubt for years to come we will play spot the references in repeated viewing. Go see it, enjoy and let your inner child be unleashed! If your not singing ‘Everything is Awesome’ as you exit the theatre- then shame on you!

A Tortured Soul: Review of Inside Llewyn Davis

Inside of Llewyn Davis

Directors: Joel & Ethan Coen

By Alex Watson

 

No matter what the story or how unlike-able the character, the Coen Brothers are one the truly great American film making duos of years gone by and whenever we leave on our their movies, we are forever filled with questions about what we have just witnessed! These two specialize in a type of quirky yet thoroughly engaging type of film making that has yet to be equalled, and based on their mass critical acclaim for their new movie Inside Llewyn Davis (including the Grand Prix at the Cannes film festival) it seems their fine run is not due to end any time soon. For this episode, the Coens covet the New York folk music scene and give us the story of a man who is still trying to find himself and annoying many people while doing it!

Folk singer Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is a man at the crossroads of the life, he is continually depressed at the death of his former musical partner and seems unable to catch a break in the music scene. His friendships have become strain due his constant scrounging off others and it appears he may have impregnated his best friend Jim’s (Justin Timberlake) wife Jean (Carey Mulligan) and by a freak accident he has ended up looking after someone’s cat! But through a series of coincidences, Llewyn’s life may just change- but will it be for the better?

Cruelly snubbed by the Academy this year, Inside Llewyn Davis is yet another fine Coens brothers movie, a more low key story than we are used to from this duo, but it is also one of the most wistful and hauntingly beautiful movies of 2014. The grimy cinematography from Bruno Delbonnel is like a euphemism of Llewyn downcast mind and under the cloudy and snowy skies the movie simply gleams and contributes the downer feel of the movie. Their quirky presence is as always present and correct and we are given may humorous moments that help lift our spirits through including an hilarious and bizarre sequence when Llewyn is forced to help record the sci-fi song ‘Please Mr Kennedy’, all I will say is expect the strange and laugh loudly!

Slow in pace it may be but the movie benefits largely from this because it allows us to get a better picture of the man himself and the cat that accompanies him. The sequences on display are  a weird and wonderful mix, including a lengthy on the road sequence where Llewyn meets heroin addicted Jazz player Roland (John Goodman) who mocks him for being a folk musician and his beatnik partner Johnny Five (Garrett Hedland) and a pain filled yet comical dinner sequence with his only fans/providers the Gorfeins. These moments provide a uniqueness to the film and give moments of heartbreak, danger and dark humour. Plus in great Coen Brothers style, they typically and unashamedly leave us hanging with their end- then again what fun would their movies be if things were explained?

The Coens always have a knack of given us a hero who isn’t always easy to emphasize with and this is certainly the case with Llewyn! Normally for a tortured soul like this, we could feel some degree of sadness that his friend threw himself off the GW Bridge- but here we have man who is very glass half full, because that perfectly resembles his effort in life. Llewyn is unable to function either a musical duo or on his own, his half hearted audition to big a Chicago promoter (F Murray Abraham) is just painful to watch. But that doesn’t stop him from having a self destructive streak! The man has left such a trail of wreckage behind him that he is referred to by Jean as “King Midas’ idiot brother, because everything you touch turns to shit!”

But bizarrely all things he does wrong. only succeed in drawing the audience towards him and in a clever twist, the Coens asks us to make our own mind what we think about this man? Is he really this ignored musical genius that he believes he is or just another washed up act? Through Inside Llewyn Davis we hope for the man to clue in and to turn things around, but you get the sense that wouldn’t be cool for a man of his stature!

The real success of this movie goes down to Oscar Isaac’s magnificent performance as Llewyn, and as this man he perfectly brings across a terrific sense of weariness and self loathing which make him stand out on screen. After stealing Robin Hood away from Russell Crowe and giving ace support in Drive- Isaac has arrived on the big stage and the Coens have found a man who fits this role perfectly! it is a shame he was deprived of an Oscar nomination, as it would have been fully earned Carey Mulligan is equally superb as the forever angry Jean and her many sarcastic and venomous spouts at Llewyn for impregnating her provide the perfect comedic moments!

Folk music may have been an unlikely story for the Coen Brothers, but it is one of their best works yet and it is a real crime this has missed out on so many major awards when it begs for mass approval! The protagonist on display may not be liked by all, but you can’t deny he give us one hell of a ride! See you real soon Ethan and Joel!

Hungry Like The Wolf: Review of The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street

Director: Martin Scorsese

By Alex Watson

When a Marty Scorsese movie hits cinema’s that can mean only one thing, it’s Oscar time! After being an Academy favourite for so many years, it seems odd that he has only been rewarded once for best director! But rarely since the turn of this century has his name not been among the nominees and thus year he brings a sex, drugs and wild party filled three hour movie depicting the rise and fall of a daring young stockbroker in his film The Wolf of Wall Street. 

Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a young man on Wall Street with big ambitions. But when he loses his promising broker role in the 1987 stock market crash, he is forced into a new life! But when lands a job at a second rate dealership on Long Island, his eyes are opened to a whole new opportunity to get rich quick where he sells cheap and lousy stocks to the working class of America. Assembling his own business, Belfort soon makes a killing and is able to fund a fast and furious life style, but the richer he grows, the more eyes begin to focus on him!

The Wolf of Wall Street is by far Scorsese’s greatest effort of the twenty-first century so far and his portrayal of the rich man gone wild Belfort is a wildly entertaining affair and Scorsese’s comic touch makes this movie all the memorable. The story is simple, Belfort’s world is one where only the smartest survive and to be a success he has to prey on the weak. His early scenes where he discovers penny stocks are a good indicator of his future plans and as he easily dupes folks into buying garbage, a Wall Street hero is soon born! His dubious morals and ethics are always as in our mind, but thanks to Scorsese’s directorial flair, our thoughts are pushed firmly to the back!

Many may find this movie a surprise due to the sheer amount of great laughs on display and as Jordan and his other money find the lifestyle of their dreams, the drug use increases and their actions become way more erratic- and sides will burst as a result! A taster of the painfully hilarious scenes to come, sees Jordan attempting in vain to drive home his Lamborghini whilst basically paralyzed on a particularly powerful Quaalude is a sure fire candidate for one of the years best! As he crawls and rolls his way to his white target, this a great display of sheer physical comedy by Leo.

Much of the success of The Wolf of Wall Street goes down to the magnificent protagonist we are given. Jordan is a man who by all accounts we should loathe with intensity, as he robs from the poor, rich and all in between to fund his own pocket. But you cannot deny his business brains and his cocksure charm makes him all the more appealing. But its his adoration of himself and his careless breezing through life that will eventually bring about his downfall and cleverly, Scorsese brings a third act that brings a glimmer of fear and conscience to Jordan as the problems mount up and his life begins to crumble apart!

Now in his fifth collaboration with Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio gives what us perhaps his best ever performances. As Belfort, DiCaprio brings a flair and a ever so smooth touch to his role that makes his man shine on screen and solidifies without doubt that he us one of the best actors of his generation!

But DiCaprio is also in good company and Jonah Hill gives an excellent supporting turn as his equally drug addicted and unusual second in command Donnie, a man with creepily white teeth who marvels at Belfort’s wide world. Hill is uproarious but thankfully never reduces his character into being a stereotype. But its Matthew McConaughey who makes the biggest and funniest impact with his early appearance as Jordan’s early career mentor who provides with life advice which will eventually lead him down a road to ruin! With Matt and Leo facing off for best actor glory at this year’s Oscars, it will be a fascinating battle!

With its drug and money fueled content, The Wolf of Wall Street is a Marty film to truly savour! For this I will advise the following, go see this, laugh till your head drops then quit your job IMMEDIATELY after watching and go work on wall street, understand? OK now go! Come back so Leo and Marty, we love you guys.

A Woman on the Edge: Review of Blue Jasmine

Blue Jasmine

Director: Woody Allen

By Alex Watson

 

Woody Allen is without question a cornerstone in the history of cinema and has movie with their quirky style have created some iconic moments, but after a glorious 1970’s/ 1980’s period, Allen’s career has been somewhat hit and miss since then but his move to more European settings has shown glimpses of a very new and more humane Woody style with the wonderful Vicky Christina Barcelona and Midnight in Paris. This week New York’s finest returns with his new effort Blue Jasmine which returns him to back the US- but will this effort bring back the old style that his fans adore?

After her marriage to crooked business Hal (Alec Baldwin) falls apart when he is jailed for fraud- drunken former socialite Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) flees to San Francisco to start new with her adoptive sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins), while she searches for herself in a haze of alcohol, Jasmine is forced to face the realities of her new life among the working class but also has to face the ghost of her rich past- but can she keep herself on the straight and narrow without going to pieces?

Blue Jasmine is Woody Allen’s finest work of this century so far and as a movie it astutely observes the world as it stands currently- Jasmine is a lady of leisure who has been forced from the comfortable bubble where so happily lived into an unknown and terrifying place- Blue Collar America! Her early scenes integrating among her sister’s mechanic boyfriend Chilli (Bobby Cannavale) is priceless as she winces at the very idea of dating someone who doesn’t love the glamorous and superficial.

As a character- Jasmine is a more complex one as you would expect and as we are drip fed details about her wealthy past- our opinion of her hardens throughout. Throughout it is apparent that she cannot survive without someone to fall back on whether it is her sister or the nice new politician Dwight (Peter Sarsgaard) she has just met. The realities of her new life hit harder than a bullet as she comes to terms that she is without education or working experience to survive and will have to rely on her charms to get by in life!  Through Allen’s excellently observant direction we get a compelling look at a woman on the verge of collapse!

But this isn’t just Jasmine’s show throughout and Ginger is another character struggling to get by in life and after a disastrous marriage is still seeking for a man to provide her with stability and isn’t help by her sister’s constant belittling of Chilli being  ‘a loser’ despite his honesty and kindness to her!  As her sister urges her to find a better man she embarks on an ill judged affair with audio man Al  (Louis CK) which can only spell tragedy looming! Both sisters share only one thing- they haven’t got the confidence need to go out there and stake their claim. Though through past instants, Jasmine is partly to blame for this!

Cate Blanchett gives a dominating performance in Blue Jasmine as ice queen Jasmine and throughout she holds the screen with sheer force that we cannot once look away from her, even when she stumbles for more booze and rambles incoherently! Blanchett as one today’s finest actresses give us a memorable turn as a lady who is truly lost but doesn’t know what on earth to do with herself- with award season looming this is one name I expect to see throughout!

The supporting turns are equally as superb with Alec Baldwin excelling as her seemingly perfect husband Hal, Baldwin bring an excellent breed of warmth and sheer oiliness that makes him seem so endearing that when the rug is pulled- it really becomes a shock! Sally Hawkins also does well as her sad sister Ginger and throughout she matches Blanchett to deliver a performance that is also heartbreaking.

Blue Jasmine proves there is life in Woody Allen yet and seems that many people who thought he should stay in New York might want to reconsider their thoughts. But there is also a new style flourishing here as Woody begins to express more interest in America and its people and it will be fascinating to see what develops- Welcome back Woody, we really missed you!

Summer Loving: Review of The Way Way Back

The Way Way Back

Directors: Nat Flaxon & Jim Rash

By Alex Watson

It is always a lovely surprise when we find an indie movie which truly makes us smile, laugh and cry all in the same neat package. Last year we were given Ruby Sparks which dealt with a writer making one hell of a creation, this year we take in a seaside vacation where life is sweet, families are conflicted and a troubled young man begins to find his own way in Nat Flaxon and Jim Rash’s effort The Way Way Back.

Duncan (Liam James) is dragged on a vacation to Cape Cod with his mother Pam (Toni Collette) and her overbearing boyfriend Trent (Steve Carrell). Initially miserable and lonely, his holiday changes for the better when he comes into contact with free spirited water park manager Owen (Sam Rockwell) who encourages to have fun and find himself- when he begins to work at the park his summer takes a turn for the better and soon a possible first love homes into view.

The Way Way Back is a truly delightful film and in a summer filled with Kirk, Tony Stark and Brad Pitt fighting zombies- this effort is perhaps the best summer movie and through its charming feel it is impossible not to like this effort! Flaxon and Rash give audiences a movie which allows us to reminisce about the follies of youth and the pains of our first crush. The costal setting works wonders for the story as the various families let loose by indulging in drugs and alcohol- much to Duncan’s dismay.

In this we are given what is perhaps the most likeable and naturally funny movie of 2013, particularly due in the scenes in the Water Wizz park where Duncan’s vacation gets a massive shot in the arm in the shape of borderline slacker Owen who gives him an escape from his issues and allows him to become a stronger and more charming person as he set his sights on his pretty neighbour (AnnaSophia Robb)- even if Owen does seem to allergic to doing anything approaching work! The members of the water park provide a wealth of excellent supporting characters such as sardonic Louis (Jim Rash) whose life is stuck in a constant loop he can’t escape from.

But the real winner of The Way Way Back comes from the richness of the characters we are given. With minimal details given, the richness of Flaxon and Rash’s script tell us the whole story of any character on screen. Duncan is a boy in a hard place and his mother Pam is just trying to keep the family together. Plus it doesn’t help that Trent’s behaviour towards him boarders on emotional abuse! Particularly in the first scene where when he tells the young man that on a scale of one to ten- he is a three! Also he has to content with a scene stealing Alison Janney as permanently sloshed mum whose seems intent on humiliating her crossed eyed son!

Liam James proves to be a real find as Duncan as through his excellent performance he gives the movie the centre piece that it requires and holds it with great emotional feel. Toni Collette is equally strong as his sad sack mother who is strives to keep everyone happy at any cost- even if she is only masking her pain inside!

Steve Carrell does an excellent job of playing an on screen jerk and his role as Trent is one that will surprise many. But he doesn’t play this man as an out and out dick, his problems go to a far deeper core and his constant need to control people has left him unable to express himself properly. Carrell shows what a great actor he can be when not stuck in formulaic comedies and the indie work suits him very well! But this movie belongs to the amazing Sam Rockwell who fills the movie with colour and laughs galore as man-child Owen- from the very moment of his introduction he brings a smile to us and this will remain whenever he ventures on screen!

The Way Way Back is odds on to be the indie darling of this year and the theme of tackling life’s problems and becoming the person we’re supposed to be is one that is thoroughly enchanting and it’s a film that makes us want to feel young again. Family trips to the beach will never be the same again!

Rebels with a Cause: Review of Kick Ass 2

Kick Ass 2

Director: Jeff Wadlow

By Alex Watson

 

When Kick Ass was released back in 2010, it was met with much acclaim and hailed as one the coolest and most original superhero flicks of this century so far- but it wasn’t without its controversies as due to violence some critics condemned it entirely as being ‘irresponsible’. But it appears this didn’t damage the overall impression as for four years now fans have waiting for a sequel to happen- well fear not because Kick Ass and Hit Girl are back on our screen this year under the new direction of Jeff Wadlow in Kick Ass 2! Can lightning strike twice for this franchise?

Three years on from defeating Frank D’Amigo, Dave Lizewski (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Mindy Macready (Chloe Grace Moretz) are attempting to lead normal lives. But inside both of them yearn to be Kick Ass and Hit Girl again! To help keep the public safe, Kick Ass join the superhero group ‘Justice Forever’ led by deranged vigilante Colonel Stars & Stripes (Jim Carrey). But a bigger threat will emerge as Chris D’Amigo (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) is out to avenge his father and becomes the worlds first supervillian- The Motherfucker! In doing so he begins a run of chaos that threatens Kick Ass’ whole world!

It is great to see this group back to together on screen and Kick Ass 2 does prove to once again prove to be another bout of fun mixed with some expletives for good measure! The lives of Dave and Mindy have changed drastically and the script manages the gaps in the story well and the story picks up with Mindy promising adoptive father Marcus (Morris Chestnut) that she will go on the straight and narrow and end her violence- the scenes of her trying to fit in at school provide of the movies funniest scenes, such as her revenge on a super bitch cheerleader with an interesting device!

But although the laughs are still there, the movie doesn’t quite have the sparkle of the first movie and in places it feels like the new direction of Wadlow feels compelled to fall back in the movies foul mouthed humour to keep the laugh factor safe. At times this sequel makes from great viewing and it’s the introduction of the Motherfucker that really sparks the story into life as Chris in this movie has done a complete 360 degree turn and in his new ridiculous leather clad customer he really makes for a fascinating villain and his intent on revenge will literally leave your blood running cold with the methods he resorts to!

Whereas the first movie was all about our small band of heroes, this movie widens the net to whole new cast of heroes, the results differ in quality because we have some great minors character such as ‘psychics professor’ Dr Gravity (Donald Faison) and the wonderfully named Night Bitch (Lindy Booth)- but it’s Colonel Stars & Stripes who scores highest as he demonstrates his lust of justice by using his well training dog Eisenhower and gleely proclaiming “Yeah there’s a dog on your balls!” Together they provide a thrilling finale as Justice Forever goes head to head with the Motherfucker’s evil army in a no holds barred battle! This sequence will have every Kick Ass fan cheering inside.

Another major criticism of Kick Ass 2 has again been the overuse of violence (Jim Carrey has since distanced himself from the project due to this), in its predecessor, originally director Matthew Vaughn kept these scenes to a minimum, but in Kick Ass 2 the violence comes thick and fast and after a time it does become a burden and gives the movie a rather OTT feel. Why Wadlow feel he needs to resort to this when he has a fine cast and an equally compelling story is a mystery?

The now named, Aaron Taylor Johnson again is great as Kick Ass and once more makes for a great on screen hero, after making a name for himself in the original, Taylor Johnson again proves his one of the most interesting British talents currently around. But this movie again belongs to Chloe Moretz as hit girl, who steps up her game in this movie and gives a softer performance which conveys Mindy being to learn what it means to be a teenager!

Christopher Mintz-Plasse fills the villain role incredibly well and goes from being spoiled rich boy, to rich boy with one hell of a grudge! All the way through, Mintz-Plasse relishes his new bad guy persona and stays on the right side of hammy to give a performance that gives the film a new lease of live! Jim Carrey in his limited time on screen is great as deranged hero Stars & Stripes, but he feels very underused and although he has several memorable lines we feel he could have been used more than in an overextended cameo!

Although it may not reach the critically highs of the first movie, Kick Ass 2 has more than enough to keep fans happy and with a potential threequel on our hands, any mistakes from his movie can be easily rectified- the three wait has been a long one and this film may prove to be one of the better sequels we will see in 2013! Hope to see you soon Dave- don’t leave us hanging this time though!

The Gang’s All Here: Review of RED 2

RED 2

Director: Dean Parisot

By Alex Watson

 

When RED was released back in 2011, it solidified the fact that Bruce Willis was a great action icon and it proved one of that years most surprisingly entertaining and funny films. Now the ageing warriors Bruce, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren have returned for another bout of near death experiences, bullet strewn rooms and wisecracks galore and with Galaxy Quest director Dean Parisot at the helm this could yet prove another enjoyable ride. But the problems with sequels they don’t always meet expectations, so will RED 2 prove to be as good as its predecessor?

Retired CIA Operative Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) is growing restless becoming domestic in his relationship with Sarah (Mary Louise-Parker), but it comes as both a blessing and curse when his madman best friend Marvin (John Malkovich) appears to inform they have been wanted men by the world’s agencies due to their false linking to an old Soviet project- this leads to them to another bout of running across the globe to settle old scores whilst aided by their old killer acquaintance Victoria (Helen Mirren)- all the while coming into contact with old scientist Edward Bailey (Anthony Hopkins).

RED 2 is another equally dumb and fun ride and the film plays to its main strength which comes from its great clutch of characters, Frank and his thrill seeking girlfriend get the most laughs as they squabble whilst dodging numerous armed baddies and casually insane Marvin continually gets them into plenty of hair raising situations all the while casually dispensing romantic advice. The gang all work when they are together and Parisot lets them run with it and together this impressive triumvirate steal the show!

But while the cast works well, the ideas and script don’t flow quite as well as they should and on this occasion some of the laughs feel strained. Yes their exploits breaking into the places such as the Kremlin in Moscow and a high security loony bin have their moments, but we can help but feel this adventure doesn’t quite have the relish that previous director Robert Schwente was able to bring. Also another key problem is that we are continually introduced a string of devious characters such as Catherine Zeta-Jones’s shady Russian Op and Byung Hun Lee’s suave assassin with only the briefest of explanations and Parisot seem to be assured that everyone will just ignore this oversight and be excited by the explosions!

Also even the great efforts of Willis and co another cover up what is ultimately a rather below par ending, the introduction of Bailey is at first intriguing but as his identity is slowly drawn out, his involvement because less attractive and when the big reveal is shown to us at the end, it will probably have been guessed by the audience a while back! But in spite of the floors it has, RED 2 is a great way to spend an evening and for lovers of comedy action, you will probably feel right at home with this one.

Bruce Willis is his usual wisecracking self as Frank, but unlike the first film, Willis seems to be having less fun in this role and for once in his career is not at the forefront of the laughs. Mary-Louise Parker has the honour of the funny girl in this film as his curious girlfriend Sarah who after her reluctant participation in original events has become the ultimate thrill seeker.

However it is left to John Malkovich and Helen Mirren to steal the show as casually homicidal pair Marvin and Victoria- Malkovich proves that no one in Hollywood can do crazy like he can and again his maniac schemes cause as many problems as they solve and through this some great comedic moments are born. Mirren is great fun as M16 lady Victoria and after her calm love of violence in the first, her character has lost none of its charm and as we see her casually decomposing a body in a bathtub within moments of her arrival- giggles are assured.

Even this sequel hasn’t quite carried across the slick and witty feel of the previous effort, RED 2 will still be worth a watch this summer and I’m sure that the gang will reunite for a third effort at some point soon and with a little remodelling the next instalment of Frank and Co could well be one that is very memorable! As you were gentlemen (and Helen!).