Gangster Squad

Serious or Spoof

Director: Ruben Fleischer
Release Date: 2013
Rating: 15
Running Time: 113 mins
Genre: Action/ Crime/ Drama
Starring: Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Sean Penn

'You Can't kill me, you're a cop'...'Not any more'.

In Los Angeles 1949, Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) owns the city. He is feared by everyone after buying out most of the criminal justice system  allowing him to get away with basically whatever he wants. Only a small group of people want to put an end to Cohen's sadistic reign and form the 'Gangster Squad', an undercover group of cops lead by Sargent John O'mara (Josh Brolin) and Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling). It's only a matter of time before Cohen learns of this deceit and begins hunting down it's members. 'Gangster Squad' is an action packed and fast paced 'Tommy Gun' movie based on true events with other stars appearing in it, such as Emma Stone and Giovanni Ribisi, it will keep you entertained and in suspense by brutality and drama of this tense story throughout.

The film on the whole is incredibly bloody and violent which ties in well with the whole 'Gangster' genre of the film. Sean Penn displays a superb performance as Mickey Cohen being so wonderfully evil and severely unlike-able, however there are some rather comedic one liners said by Penn in this film such as 'let it rip' as two cars begin to tear a man in half and 'you know the drill' as a man gets his head drilled in by a couple of gangsters, very disturbing stuff. However the violence in this film shouldn't turn people away from it as it is such a thrilling and exciting film. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone appear together once again after 'Crazy, Stupid, Love' turning out two more great performances from the actors, despite Ryan Gosling's rather unsettling voice he decides to play out for the entire film, again making me question the seriousness of this film. Despite not seeing Josh Brolin in much previously, he delivered a brilliant performance as the protagonist in this film making the audience feel very safe and at ease with him in charge.

It's hard to find that many faults with 'Gangster Squad', despite it not doing as well as critics may have hoped and not all audiences really getting it, I still found it thoroughly enjoyable. I liked how such a serious and upsetting story could still be so uplifting and entertaining and despite such serious acting from Josh Brolin and Sean Penn it didn't feel like the film was trying to be too dark or sinister giving audiences a chance to see 1940's Hollywood  without feeling too old fashioned. A very good film well worth giving a watch.

8/10

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy

He's Kind of A Big Deal

Director: Adam Mckay
Release Date: 2004
Rating: 15
Running Time: 94 mins
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell

'Everyone! I have just been given and urgent news story, and I want you all to stop what you are doing and listen.....Cannonball!!' 

Will Ferrell is Ron Burgundy, lead anchorman of the channel 4 news team alongside Champ Kind - Sports (David Koechner), Brick Tamland - Weather (Steve Carell) and their man in the field Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd). All is well during the 70's in San Diego, everyone loves Ron Burgundy and the ratings for channel 4 news have never been better, until one day keen news journalist Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) appears at channel 4 and consequently causing quite a stir for Ron and the team.

This semi-improvised comedy is so brilliantly fresh and inventive even nearly 10 years on. For me this is arguably Will Ferrell's greatest role to date, as Ron Burgundy is still able to shock and entertain me after so long. The film is so brilliantly able to capture the mood of the 70's in terms of costumes and attitudes, tackling the big issue of sexism that would've been present and is able to put a rather comical spin on the problems. One of the best things about this film is the way that most of the lines are made up on the spot prompting such lines as, 'Why don't you go back to your home on whore island,' and 'you're a smelly pirate hooker' to name a few. The sheer obscurity of what goes on in this film and the lines that are said will make for a truly memorable experience watching this film and it will be hard to stop yourself from laughing basically the whole way through.

The film features multiple cameos from a number of comedy actors like, Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Luke Wilson, Seth Rogen and a few others audiences may known, one particular scene influencing a Battle Royale between rival news teams featuring a handful of famous actors. It can be said that arguably this was the film that launched Judd Apatow's career to where he is now and sparking his first film with comedy actors such as Steve Carell and Seth Rogen that lead on to other hilarious and ingenius works such as 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' and 'Knocked Up', just to name a few.

'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy' will have you wincing, laughing, crying, angry, perplexed but mainly just highly entertained in this weird and wonderful tale of friendship, pride, love and loss, a real revolutionary film that's left us almost 10 years to wait for the sequel. 

'You stay classy San Diego'

9/10

Punch-Drunk Love

Sandler's One Great Role?

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Release Date: 2002

Rating: 15

Running Time: 95 mins

Genre: Romantic Comedy/ Drama
Starring: Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman

When I think of Adam Sandler it's hard to think of what kind of an actor he is given the range of films he's done. I don't think it's that unfair to say that he has brought out some shocking films over the years, 'Click', 'I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry', 'Jack and Jill' and quite a few others. Nevertheless I still consider him to be a really good actor given how diverse his roles have been and regardless of the character's he's played it's mainly the narratives that have let him down rather than his skills as an actor. Having said that he has starred in some pretty good films as well, 'Anger Management', '50 First Dates' and dare I say 'You Don't Mess With The Zohan' as, despite the ridiculous accent, the film did manage to make me laugh on several occasions. Which does raise the question, does Adam Sandler have to do stupid voices and inappropriate things to be funny?

When critics refer to 'Punch-Drunk Love' they say that it's proof that Adam Sandler can act and be sincerely funny. I hadn't heard of 'Punch-Drunk Love' until recently as it's not a film that really springs to mind when people think of Adam Sandler, yet all the same I really enjoyed it and found it to be one of his best.

Despite Paul Thomas Anderson not making that many films on the whole I think he delivers a winner with this cute little rom-com about love, hate, insecurity and a massive amount of pudding. When a troubled novelty supplier Barry Egan (Sandler) discovers a piano by the side of the road next to where he works, he takes it in and a bizarre series of events transpires. Barry finds himself in trouble both with love as he is constantly pestered and harassed by his uptight sisters and also a phone sex hot line who begin to torment him and make his life all the more difficult. Despite not really knowing what is wrong with Adam Sandlers character, it won't take long to warm to him find yourself intrigued by the random turn of events that consume his life. This cute comedy between Adam Sandler and Emily Watson is able to show that it's possible to find love in the weirdest of circumstances no matter
what the problem is with people.

This rom-com will have you laughing and fascinated by the weird little world Paul Thomas Anderson has created, with interesting camera techniques and funny interactions, it's hard to believe that Adam Sandler is the same actor in 'That's My Boy' and 'Jack and Jill' and makes me question why he went back to the stupid roles and mediocre comedy after making such films as 'Punch-Drunk Love'. Regardless of that, audiences will love Sandler's role in this film both though is acting and also his humour. If you're looking for something quite light and funny it would be worth giving this one a watch.

7/10

La Haine

A Film About Anger or Passion?

Director: Mathieu Kassovitz
Release Date: 1995
Rating: 15
Running Time: 98 mins
Genre: Drama
Starring: Vincent Cassel, Said Taghmaoui. Hubert Kounde

'LA HAINE' - HATE

'LA MONDE EST A VOUS' - THE WORLD IS YOURS

Set in the gritty outskirts of Paris during the 1990's riots, three French youths face the pain and isolation of growing up in the banlieue (suburban slums) with the war between the police and the rioters happening around them. Filmed entirely in high-contrast black and white, Mathieu Kassovitz takes us through a day in the life of Vinz, Said and Hubert as they face constant harassment from the police, the media and pretty much anyone who comes near them. This close-to-the-knuckle anti-police film does not hold back on showing the hardship of life for people living in those conditions and manages to address other issues such as peer pressure, corruption, anger, violence and drugs, 'La Haine' isn't the lightest of films to watch, but easily a fantastic film all the same, raising issues that are still relative today.

Despite all the violence and crime that occurs in the 20 hours that the film is set in, I found myself drawn to liking the three characters and as the film progressed through the day I was less and less in support of the police. This was of course what Kassovitz wanted when he made this film and it's easy to see the anger that went into making 'La Haine'. The film was so controversial many police turned their back on the film when it was released at the 1995 Cannes film festival, many people still have a negative look on the film today given that these issues and riots are still occurring in Paris today.

The film on the whole, without trying to give too much away, is not necessarily the happiest of films, but regardless of that fact I still really enjoyed it and even found myself laughing on several occasions given the boredom that the characters face as well as the random incidents that happen throughout the day. 'La Haine' reminded me of Noel Clarke's 'Kidulthood' as it follows three youths and the way that it captures the isolation and crime that goes on in the outskirts of big cities such as Paris and London. The beauty of these types of films is that audiences are able to see a different point of view and culture to the sorts that they are use to seeing which gives 'La Haine' quite a 'fresh' feel in the cinema industry. Despite the fact the film is black and white and filmed entirely in French, it's still one worth checking out as the anger, violence, crime and even humour make it such an interesting

and moving film.

10/10

Insidious: Chapter 2

You Will Jump Out Your Skin

Director: James Wan

Release Date: 2013

Rating: 15

Running Time: 104 mins
Genre: Horror/ Drama
Actors: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye

The fantastically twisted duo, Leigh Whannell and James Wan (Saw, Dead Silence) team up once again for the mysterious horror sequel ‘Insidious: Chapter 2’ with more scares and one more run in with the creepy old woman. After the disturbing and weird song featured in chapter 1, the film includes a new eerie track and even more unnerving characters, matching the fear created in the first film. Following on from the first chapter, the film takes place seconds after the first one finishes on its grueling cliff-hanger, where we see the Lambert family, still haunted by the sinister supernatural beings, continue to torment and endanger them all. This film will definitely have audiences screaming and jumping out their seats which consequently may leave them sleeping with a light on for the next few days.

The best thing about this film is how every other minute there is something else that will spook the viewers and make them jump with terror. For me it was a lot of fun, especially as it was playing on a big screen and I was surrounded by loads of people all feeling the same thing.  For me, these types of scares are the most exciting ones in horror films, as it focuses on more the psychological side of things appose to just straight up gore and violence. I can guarantee that this film will make even the bravest audience members want to take a spare pair of underwear with them. Furthermore, unlike most horror films, ‘Insidious’ is very unpredictable in what will scare the audience next, so nobody will be able give the usual spiel about knowing what’s coming. What’s more, the film genuinely will have you constantly trying to guess what’s going to happen and only at the end will everything become clear, so it’s well worth sticking with it. In a way, it feels like the ‘Insidious’ films are a mixture of ‘Paranormal Activity’ and a contemporary ‘Poltergeist’ that’s taken a similar narrative and completely turned it on its side to horrify and perplex audiences through the way it shows supernatural forces persistently haunting a helpless family, terrifying audiences.

I’ve spoken about Leigh Whannel’s work before in my review of ‘Saw’, but I do think it must be said that the man really does know how to amaze audiences his narratives. It’s hard to talk about the ‘Saw’ and ‘Insidious’ films he’s written and not give anything away because of the complexity of them all. I found it really hard after I saw ‘Insidious: Chapter 2’  to not go and tell everyone about the ending and everything that happens, given that the films are so cleverly connected. I do think that if you are interested in seeing chapter 2 then it’s really important that you see the first one beforehand, due to the close connection and the way they follow on. The only problem with laying the film out like this is that the children might grow up too quickly consequently making them seem too different and therefore making the film too unbelievable. James Wan and Leigh Whannell faced this difficulty prior to ‘Insidious’ when they came to make ‘Saw III’, where the director actually said the young actor who played Daniel grew up overnight and that meant they couldn’t use him again in later films. Nonetheless I found that despite there being two and a bit years between the release of ‘Insidious’ and ‘Insidious: Chapter 2’ the boys in the Lambert family didn’t appear to have aged much at all and therefore meant the film worked better, still having the same chilling effects of the first one.

So it should be said that if you were a fan of the first film or you just enjoy being scared in the cinema it’s definitely worth checking this next installment out, but make sure you bring clean underwear and a group of friends because it’s not one that you will want to see alone.

8/10

2001: A Space Odyssey

A Film Way Ahead Of It's Time

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Release Date: 1968

Running Time: 161 mins
Rating: U

Genre: Science Fiction
Starring: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood

Stanley Kubrick is able to admirably confuse and put audiences to sleep with this slow moving science fiction about a couple of space explorers embarking on a mission to Jupiter. The film on the whole is very slow burning and doesn't really withhold much dialogue, consequently stopping the audience from being allowed to really form any emotional attachment with the characters at all. The first half an hour or so is mainly just focusing monkeys dancing around a plank on cliff and then the film cuts to way into the future where we see a spaceship embarking on a space mission of sorts, very confusing stuff.

Credit where credit is due to Kubrick, both his concept and vision for this films narrative and cinematography should be highly commended, remembering that this film was released before man even first set foot on the moon, and therefore, placing ‘2001’ way ahead of it’s time. The camera work and shots involved in developing this film is truly astonishing given the limitations Kubrick would've faced whilst making it. However, I would in many respects consider ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ to be seen as more of a work of art than a film, in the way that it is representing the evolutionary landmarks of humanity and allowing us to ask ourselves what the next evolutionary steps might be in forming the perfect being. Kubrick manages to do his by showing the simplicity of Neanderthals and how they have evolved into now showing how humans are trying to generate the perfect being. Despite Kubrick trying his best to carry this message across to audiences, it’s not the easiest narrative to understand and, subsequently, he did end up loosing me in the middle both because of the confusing narrative and moreover the fact I began to fall asleep. Consequently I found myself asking ‘what the hell is going on?’

I would say to audience members who have not seen ‘2001’ before that it’s a highly confusing but at the same time, dull, narrative that you will have to be very awake for in order to fully appreciate. The music and the sound effects used as well really did create the feeling of being in space and being on board a spaceship, which would have been really exciting for audiences in those days, yet nonetheless I found the monotony and repetition of the sounds caused me to drift off on multiple occasions and left me very lethargic. I only really began to pay attention to this bizarre space story towards the end when the narrative began to get a bit more heated. Despite this though Kubrick once again lost me at the ending where I was left baffled, confused and altogether slightly disappointed as we are never really able to find out, or even guess for that matter, what happens and I find the film digresses off on one unnecessary and weird tangent.

For more younger audiences I don’t know if ‘2001’ will be appreciated in the same way that it would've been 45 years ago, not because it looks old but because they just won’t get it. Despite the ‘Universal’ certificate I wouldn't show it to younger audiences, purely because for me, it’s a film that you have to persevere with and for a lot of viewers, it’s either too confusing or just a bit dull. By the time the intermission came around I found the film to be getting tedious and moreover I found the intermission to be a wholly unnecessary thing to do. I think it’s safe to say that if you have a short attention span and you don’t like old films then it would probably be a good idea to give this one a miss.

Equally however, this could just be me being cynical. I think it should be pointed out I am not the biggest lover of sci-fi and furthermore I did really enjoyed Kubrick’s adaptation of ‘The Shining’, so maybe it was more just the genre than Kubrick’s filming techniques. After all, I found that the experimental camerawork and frames to be ‘out of this world’ and they were truly mesmerizing to behold, given that I still have no idea how he managed to film at such angles, let alone for the time that he did. So overall I suppose it’s fair to say the ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ has its ups and downs, I reckon I probably would give it another watch to try and make sense of it all, plus I might try to pay more attention in the middle next time which might help. Fair to say, hats off to Stanley Kubrick but if you’re looking to watch a good exciting film then stay clear of it. ‘2001’ is a very interesting piece of cinema but I’d make sure you watch it when you’re feeling very awake and you’re not going to get distracted because it’s a tough one.

7/10