Harvey

Jimmy Stewart At His Best

Director: Henry Koster

Release Date: 1950

Rating: U

Running Time: 104 mins

Genre: Comdey

Actors: James Stewart, Josephine Hull, Charles Drake

Something I wish that I was taught when I was younger is that black and white movies are incredibly underrated by generations today. I'm not talking about the modern day noir films, though noir is an fascinating genre of film to explore. I'm talking about the old school Alfred Hitchcock/Frank Capra/Orson Wells era when cinema was first taking off and Hollywood was breaking out into the blockbuster era of epic films. The time when the big stars like James Stewart and Cary Grant were some of the big names talked about and films were lead by directors who had to come up with new and inventive ways of making the cinema as fun and exciting as it could've been in those days. I wish I could have watched more whilst growing up and I know now how much I've missed out on. The thing I find so brilliant and a key reason why they stand out for me as such great films, is the way that they are able to represent a time before we could just sit down to watch a film and expect the high end explosive blockbusters that erupt onto our screens like nowadays. There's something about black and white films that offer us that warm 'Sunday afternoon' feel and a give us a real insight into a different era of cinema that in many ways offers an originality and old school feel to films that we don't always get from those released nowadays.

When looking at 'Harvey', black and white or no black and white I feel confident in saying that it's one of the greatest films I've ever seen, at least at the moment anyway. The film showed me that movies don't have to be over complicated or over the top to gain audience approval and most importantly it showed me that films don't have to involve profanity or talk about sex to be funny which I think is something that should be admired in the modern day. 'Harvey' is a film that offers such a rich story centred around a very simple idea, James Stewart playing a man whose best friend just happens to be an 8 foot invisible rabbit named Harvey. Set in the space of only one day and layered with a group of different stories and characters, they all become intertwined by one man Elwood P. Dowd (James Stewart), the audience are able to learn and see just how mischievous and intriguing his fury friend Harvey can be and maybe Elwood is in fact a much smarter man than we first thought. 'Harvey' contains so many clever comedy traits from slapstick humour to dreadful singing, from dramatic irony to fantastic performances from an entire cast of great actors, particularly Josephine Hull playing Elwood's over the top yet lovable sister Vita, it really can be seen as one of those films that comes down to such a brilliant cast, as well as just the story.

I'd say it's one of those films you have to see, even if you think 'black and white films are old and boring and nothing happens in them', because it's so humorous and entertaining. I'd especially recommend it if you're not keen on black and white films because seeing one as funny and entertaining as this and lead by the artist that is James Stewart, you may end up changing your mind. Sitting in a room full of film students I learnt just how easily everyone can relate to and understand it proving how well it has managed to age, and it's actually quite hard to believe just how old it really is. It's a film that says so much about friendship, love, family and accepting people for who they are, with a strong underlining of being happy in life, 'Harvey' is such a delightfully uplifting film that will appeal to everyone, I'd strongly recommend checking out.

8/10

The Wolf of Wall Street

Goodfellas 3?


Director: Martin Scorsese

Release Date: 2014

Rating: 18

Running Time: 180 mins

Genre: Biographic/ Drama

Actors: Leonardo Dicaprio, Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey

Martin Scorsese has once again created a film that can only be summed up in one way, absolutely despicable but fantastically entertaining. The amazing thing about Scorsese is the way that he's able to take real life criminals and transform them into Hollywood characters and being able to give us a real insight into the affairs that took place in these people's lives. Scorsese always says that, to him and his films, it is not the plot line that's important but rather the characters and the lives they've lived and it's clear when seeing his films, particularly his biopics, he wants to show us as much as he can in the most honest and rawest way, and that's why for me, he is such an incredible visionary and an immensely ambitious director. 

Needless to say that 'The Wolf of Wall Street' did not lack any controversy or outrageous scenes throughout and you can be spend the whole film watching it in both awe and disgust at what's gone on in these people's lives, through the events portrayed on the screen. Arguably 'The Wolf of Wall Street' could be referred to as 'Goodfellas 3', following on from 'Casino' in 1995, renamed by critics as 'Goodfellas 2'. Despite 'The Wolf of Wall Street' being a lot less violent than it's predecessors it certainly makes up for it in the amount of drugs, sex and scamming that takes place in the film. Arguably however, 'The Wolf of Wall Street' seems to make all of Scorsese's previous works look pretty tame and makes some of his characters like Henry Hill (Goodfellas) and Ace Rothstein (Casino) seem pretty sane and together sorts of people.  It's fair to say that this film is a story that will pretty much shock and appaul audiences everywhere, through the excessive drug use, sex orgies and lack of immorality and sanity from all the characters from start to finish. It's almost as though they live in another world to the average human being and are in many ways immortal, or at least that's what they think they are. Through the incredible direction and vast narrative spanning the best part of a decade we're able to see the incredible rise and fall of Jordan Belmont's real life, showing us just how unbelievable his life has been up to this point.

When we first see Jordan Belfort (Dicaprio) on our screens, he straight away expresses his love for drugs, sex and money and we immediately have our protagonist and villain laid out. As the film progresses we see Belfort and his incestuous best friend Donnie Azoff (Hill) together with a group of friends set up a stock market trade scamming people for 50% shares making them stupidly rich within a matter of months. As the group of brokers progress, their office and team expands massively until they are one of the richest companies in world leaving them with so much money they're stuck for ideas on how to spend it. Throughout the film we see the two engage in illegal deals, bribery, a ridiculous consummation of drugs and alcohol and engage in numerous affairs showing a severe lack of morality and care for their own health and well being.

The way that Scorsese has laid this film out, we see it made in typical Goodfellas/Casino style with over the top narration throughout and the constant breaking of the fourth wall, it's certainly a film that will stand out and stay with you for a long time like so many of his others have done. With the technology available now this film was so brilliantly created it makes me, in a sense, I wish Scorsese would  remake Goodfellas 25 years on in the same fashion due to the advance in film technology and ability to do so much more in terms of adventurous shots and cuts. It's fair to say 'The Wolf of Wall Street' is able to so cleverly bring Scorsese up to date with cinema and show audiences just how capable he is as a director.

As far as the directors films go, this is probably not one of his more tame ones and I would not recommend this one for the faint hearted, not so much for it's violent content, though that does feature, but much like his previous works, there are scenes that will put of quite a few audience members. In some senses it's funny seeing Marty make a film like this, particularly for a man of his age making a film all about characters divulging in mass sex and mass drug consumption, but looking at the film, it's hard to consider or even create a man better for the job and really it actually does makes perfect sense for Scorsese, doing what he's always done, making incredible films about incredible people and the unbelievable lives they've lead. I remember one particular scene we learn of a suicide that's taken place from one of the characters and I found a lot people around me all gasp simultaneously at both what they were seeing and hearing. Therefore I think it's fair to say that I wouldn't recommended this film to everyone and I think it's probably one that some Scorsese fans might be disappointed with, due to how it is quite different to his other films. But still I think it's one that's worth seeing and I would strongly recommend it, even if it's just out curiosity, it's still worth checking out, just maybe avoid seeing it with family members.

9/10

Berberian Sound Studio

Truly Bizarre

Director: Peter Strickland
Release Date: 2012

Rating: 15

Running Time: 90 mins

Genre: Surreal/ Horror/ Thriller

Actors: Toby Jones

As a work of art this film can be rated quite highly. As a narrative that's enjoyable this film does not work. The thing that I found with 'Berberian Sound Studio' is that from the very start you have no idea what's really going on, and on several occasions I wanted to start the film again because I was so lost. I don't think anyone knows what actually goes on in this film and I doubt anyone will ever truly know. This surreal and altogether baffling story is definitely not for everyone, and it's certainly one you've got to be awake for.

It's hard to really explain the plot line as you're not really too sure until about half and hour in but basically we see British sound technician, Gilderoy (Toby Jones) called out to Italy to work in a sound studio editing the music and various sound effects into a horror film. The way we see how the characters make the sound effects for the film in 'Berberain Sound Studios' is really interesting and in some parts actually quite amusing. It's fair to say that the sound effects created and put on the film is really the main attraction for audiences because to be honest there's not much more to the film. Toby Jones was very well cast for the roll however as he was able to convincingly portray a man trapped in an uncomfortable and pretty disturbed environment. Nearing the end the surrealness of this film kicked in and well and truly confused the hell out of me. All I can say is it left me questioning what everything I had just been sat watching and in fairness I didn't feel that comfortable with how the film ended.

The best way of summing it up is probably by saying that it's one of those typical British Film 4 type films like 'Sightseers' or 'In Fear' where there's a very modern feel to them in terms of cinema as it is able to offer bits of everything, that British people love, a hint of black comedy, a hint of horror and in a way is a film that does leave audiences completely baffled by. The film tackles the themes of madness and isolation a lot and manages to wrap it around a rather unusual story, it's hard to say what really goes on but it's certainly interesting no matter whether it can be understood or not. All I can say is that if you like weird films and you're a fan of disturbing and confusing films then check it out, but if you're not, it's probably best you choose a different film.

4/10

Barton Fink

Weird But Effective


Director: The Coen Brothers

Release Date: 1991

Rating: 15

Running Time: 120mins

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Actors: John Turturro, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi

Possibly the film that launched The Coen Brothers career and certainly a very renowned and intriguing film. I'm not that familiar with Joel and Ethan's work, not having seen any of their other films, but from what I've seen of the auteurs, I was very impressed. They're able to create a constant feel of unease with a surreal feel added to it leading up to a highly entertaining, thrilling and altogether unpredictable climax.

In this quirky and unusual film we follow a play writer, Barton Fink (John Turturro), sent to Hollywood to work on a screenplay for a wrestling movie. In order to not get pulled into the Hollywood image, Fink sets himself up in a dingy and run down hotel living next door to noisy and overly intimidating neighbor Charlie Meadows (John Goodman). At first Fink is altogether repulsed by Meadows' character, however soon after the two grow to become good friends and Fink grows to rely on Meadows help him overcome his writers block and cope with living in the weird world of show-business, something Fink predicted to be much different to what it actually turns out to be. As he struggles to cope he begins to rely a lot more on the company of John Goodman, and the two of them form a rather sweet bromance.

There's a very surreal feel to this film, particularly nearer the end. There's something about the dingy hotel that links to such films as 'Delicatessens', a french film from 1991 set in a hotel with cannibals, a very weird and altogether bizzare film. It also feels very closely linked to Paul Thomas Andersons work, particularly 'Punch, Drunk, Love' with Adam Sandler, as it gives off the feel of the hero/protagonist, living a difficult life trapped in his own mind and body. John Turturro performs very well and the relationship that takes place between him and John Goodman is so highly entertaining and in a weird way quite heartwarming.

It's hard to sum up this film, but I would say it's worth seeing, hard to understand, but definitely worth seeing.

7/10

Touching The Void

'127 Hours' In The Snow?



Director: Kevin Macdonald

Release Date: 2004

Rating: 15

Running Time:

Genre: Documentary/Adventure

Actors: Brendam Mackey, Nicholas Aaron

'127 Hours' but in the snow is probably the best way to sum up this film. Another true story of an incredible climbing adventure gone wrong. This film, despite being a documentary, is able to come across like any normal film and is so cleverly made in a way hat we are made to feel like we are going through this incredible journey with them. The film explores how much we can be tested as human beings, and the constant urge to survive and never give up. It's definitely not the lightest of films but it's so miraculous and awe inspiring it really makes you admire the strength that man possess in hopeless and treacherous situations. Filmed where the actual expedition took place, we see two actors, recreate the incredible week the climbers had to bear, along with the real Joe and Simon narrating while this is going on. It's so cleverly and well edited, we forget that this is a documentary and begin just enjoying it as a film, so much so that at some points you begin to wonder if the two climbers are actually going to survive, which is bizarre given as they are narrating it.

Taking place on one of the highest mountains in the Andes, we see two young climbers Joe and Simon venture up a mountain which no one has ever reached the top of, and why? 'It sounded like a fun day out' says Joe when narrating this film. In three days the climbers succeed in reaching the top with only each other and what they could carry to help them, but then they look down the mountain and suddenly be the question 'how the hell are we getting down?'. Upon venturing back down the mountain, the time when 80% of the accidents happen, we see Joe fall and break his leg severely, leaving him in no position to walk, Simon then must lower Joe down the mountain and fast before they end up running out of supplies and freezing to death, but that's where the story really takes off. Whilst lowering Joe down, Joe ends up falling over the void of the mountain and is suspended in the air hanging onto a single rope, Simon, who is now being dragged down slowly by Joe's body has to make a decision of what to do, and fast. Not sure of Joe is still even alive or his condition, Simon chooses to cut the rope to save himself and we see Joe fall 80 feet down the mountain falling through a cravass and consequently falling another 80 feet, but Joe isn't dead.

The amazing thing about 'Touching The Void' is the story. It's so utterly unbelievable that if it was a fictional story no one would believe it, the only way that we can is because Joe and Simon actually managed it and are telling us the story. That's one of the things about Documentaries that I find so fascinating. Like films, they may not portray the entire truth or 'the' truth but they certainly can portray 'a' truth. For many people documentaries can be seen as boring because for so many people, what happens in the real world can sometimes be quite mundane and that is why we rely on films so we can suspend our disbelief and end up loosing ourselves in different worlds.

This film will leave you constantly guessing and desperate to learn what is going to happen to the abandoned Joe and how this story is going to end. We know what happens, but we don't know how, and that is why this film stands out as such an amazing story and makes us all wonder what we would do if we were ever in a situation like this, I dread to think.

8/10

Last Vegas

A Not As Good 'Hangover' Remake



Director: John Turteltaub

Release Date: 2014

Rating: 15

Running Time: 105mins

Genre: Comedy

Actors: Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline

'The Hangover' in 40 years is probably the most obvious way of summing up this film, but for me, I felt like it didn't really have the same sort of originality and excitement as 'The Hangover'. In my opinion as much as I hate saying it, I felt like 'Last Vegas' was trying too hard to be something that it's not. In all honesty I felt like this film didn't really have a clear idea of what it wanted to do, which is so annoying because I wanted so much for it to be good.

In the film we see four retired friends head out to Vegas for one of their bachelor parties and we get to see how, despite their age, they still know how to have a good time. Overall, it was an enjoyable film and fair to say, I laughed plenty, but if it was intended to be a comedy I don't know why they then tried to put some dramatic twists into it. I think if the actors and producers wanted to just have fun making the film, then they should have just done that because I would've still been highly enjoyable, but instead I was feeling a bit annoyed at the drama that they put in because it took me too far away from the funny comedy feel good side.

No surprises this film did manage to storm the box office in it's opening weekend, but with such a renowned cast it's no surprise why audiences wanted to see it so much. I think the cast did help this film to do as well as it did and no doubt if it was four less famous actors it certainly would not have done as well at all. I think the main reason for this is the fact that the whole 'Let's go to Vegas' thing has been done too many times now, especially with the final Hangover film doing as bad as it did. I think the best way of summing 'Last Vegas up is that it's a lot of fun and there are plenty of funny scenes, but overall it was far too predictable and felt like they were making this film for the sake of making a film and they were trying to be people they aren't any more. I suppose in a way, that's part of the comedy and the irony of this film, but it just felt a bit too unecersary. Needless to say Robert DeNiro and Morgan Freeman are still two of the best actors of all time and are still churning out some incredible films, so why choose to make this kind of film? I reckon they thought why not, and this film was more made for them than anyone else and it was just away of having fun making these kinds of films before they really do get too old.

But maybe it's just me being cynical, my advice would be, check out the film and take it with a pinch of salt and just enjoy it because the comedy and story overall should make people feel good.

4/10

Holes

A Juvie Camp Like No Other



Director: Andrew Davis

Release Date: 2003

Rating: PG

Running Time: 115 mins

Genre: Western/Drama/Adventure

Actors: Shia Lebeouf, Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voit, Henry Winkler

Louis Sachars novel turned screenplay still manages to have the same effect on me that it did ten years ago. Having watched this film religiously when I was younger, when it came to watching it the other day for the first time in ages, it only felt like about a week since I watched it last. There's something about 'Holes' that makes it stand out so well as one of those films you can't help but love no matter what your age is. The way the story is so cleverly intertwined with a series of flash backs, flash forward and memory sequences as well as set in the modern day it really stands out as quite a complex and well thought out story making it enjoyable for adults as well. I suppose in a sense 'Holes' was the first western-esc film I ever saw and it did make me develop a growing interest for late 19th century America.

Stanley Yelnats (Shia Lebeouf) has always been unlucky and his family blame a 150 year old curse that was put on all of them, so when a pair of stolen shoes fall from the sky and hit him on the head, it's just another day for Stanley. When he gets brought home by the police and accused of stealing them, he gets two options, jail or camp greenlake, a juvenile camp for young criminals, Stanley completely unaware of what he's getting himself into chooses camp and it's there he has to spend the next 18 months digging holes in the desert under the scorching hot sun. Stuck without anyway of escaping, Stanley has to cope with digging holes, his intimidating and threatening camp mates and worse of all, the camps warden (Sigourney Weaver).

I'd say that 'Holes' was one of the best films of my childhood and still stands out as an absolute favorite, after 'Even Stevens', it was good to see Shia Leboeouf take on a lead role in a film so well, especially seeing as he was still pretty young when it came out. It must be said that the acting in this, from everyone is fantastic, especially seeing as a lot of the cast were only teenagers. The layering of the film as well makes it one of those films that start of as hard to get your head around but what's so great is how it's all able to come together at the end. The acting, the soundtrack, the story, it's hard not to like this film, so it's definitely worth checking out.

7/10

Blue Velvet

A Film That Asks More Questions Than It Answers

Director: David Lynch

Release Date: 1986

Rating:18

Running Time: 120mins

Genre: Surrealism/ Drama/Thriller

Actors: Kyle Maclachen, Dennis Hopper Isabella Rossellini

David Lynch once again manages to confuse and baffle me with his surreal and altogether weird films. I think when it comes to David Lynch, you'll either love him or hate him and definitely no matter what, you will struggle to understand him. For some, he's probably looked on rather unfavorably through the way that his films are so weird and hard to follow, they can make audiences feel quite uncomfortable. However, some people seem to love him due to his ability to create escapism and hidden messages often hard to decode.

With 'Blue Velvet' we see Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle Maclachen) called home after his father is put in intensive care. Upon arriving home he stumbles across a human ear lying on the ground and ends up being caught up in the middle of a murder investigation involving a nightclub singer and a sadistic helium sniffing maniac. When feeling as though the police are taking too long to get to the bottom of the investigation, Jeffrey takes matters into his own hands and tries to solve the bizarre situation himself but he finds himself getting into more trouble than he is able to prevent.

It's hard to really explain what exactly goes on in this film as it's so weird and surreal. People often argue that Lynch goes too far with his films and they grow to become too weird and hard to follow. The trouble with Lynch is that audiences can't just sit and watch one of his films, but instead they have to then go away and really read into them to get to the heart of what they are truly about. It's fair to say that Lynch films are only really for Lynch fans and you will find that you either love him or hate him and if you're not into films that make you feel confused and disturbed then you probably will hate him. Credit where credit's due, he is a very clever film director in terms of his plots, but overall it's best to stay clear if you're not a fan of surreal cinema.

8/10

127 Hours

Franco's Best Role?

Director: Danny Boyle
Release Date: 2010
Rating: 15
Running Time: 95mins
Genre: Drama/Biographic
Actors: James Franco

Danny Boyle gives James Franco a chance to show his versatility in what could very well be his greatest role to date. What's so great about Franco in '127 Hours' is the way that we're able to see him tackle and such an intense story but still have the same entertaining and comical charm he carry's with him in all his films. In a way, the film came at a perfect time for James Franco in his career as he was only really known as 'that guy from Spiderman' and of course Saul in the hilarious 'Pineapple Express'. For me, this was the first time I really got to see James Franco properly act and be the lead protagonist, and it's got to be said the man was incredibly well suited to the role and he did a fantastic job.

Adrenalin-junkie and adventure man Aaron Ralston loves looking for adventure and finding new and exciting places to explore. In a way, the guy has no fear of anything and perhaps even looks at himself as invincible, but when on a hiking expedition he falls into a canyon and finds his arm trapped under a rock, Aaron lands trapped completely cut off from everyone and can only rely on himself and the few supplies in his bag to find a away out of it. Finally after nearly 5 days he comes to the conclusion that there's only one way out of it...self amputation.

When most people think about '127 Hours' they probably think about a man cutting his arm off and decide straight away that it's a film that they are not going to watch and it's only for the fans of gore who will be into it, but that's not really true. Yes, it's fair to say that with '127 Hours' you may need to have a strong stomach and you may end up having to look away and shield your eyes, but that will only be for a tiny part of the film and the rest you may be surprised at just how much you actually enjoy it. It's a very moving film but also in parts it's also very funny, people do often wonder how much can actually be shown in the film due to it only really being about a hiker cutting his arm off, but really we get to learn a lot about Aaron's life and see the journey he has to go on to realise that he's not ready to die. James Franco performed superbly throughout and helped and directed by the brilliant Danny Boyle. Like other films by the director Danny Boyle is able to capture the story in his own  interesting way, with interesting shots involving one of inside a cammel-back and one even being actually inside Aaron's own arm. It's fair to say that the shots in this film are very unique, but also very creative. Similarly, like most of Danny Boyle's film there also a great soundtrack included, much like other films such as 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'The Beach'.

Basically if you haven't seen '127 Hours' it's definitely one worth checking out, it was fantastically shot in terms of locations and has a very real feel to how it was made that will really pull at your emotions. Also make sure you keep your eyes open for a giant Scooby-Doo.

7/10

Inception

Nolan's Masterpiece?





Director: Christopher Nolan

Release Date: 2010

Rating: 12

Running Time: 120mins

Genre: Thriller/ Action/ Drama

Actors: Leonardo Dicaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, Ellen Paige, Michael Caine

A dream within a dream within a dream, it's hard to tell what's real and what's not in Christopher Nolan's complex thriller 'Inception'. Leonardo Dicaprio and Joesph Gordon-Levitt prepare a team of well selected professionals to pull off the most complex and surreal heist ever performed in cinema history with fantastic twists and turns, it's a real race against the clock. This extraordinary film is one like no other and is a film you've got to really focus on to understand, talk or leave the room, you will be completely unaware of what's going on as it's so fast paced and incredibly confusing.

When family man and creative genius Dom Cobb (Dicaprio) is falsely accused of a crime, he is forced to go on the run away from his two children with his partner Kevin (JGL). Their only hoping of returning home and not ending up in prison is to help a struggling Japanese businessman get rid of his rival competition Fisher Industries by going into Fishers subconscious and convincing him to sell his dying fathers business, told you it was confusing. Accompanied by other stars such as the seriously cool Tom Hardy and the seriously smart Ellen Paige, the team must devise a way of entering into Fishers subconscious undetected and succeed in their mission of bringing down his business.

With incredible visually effects and mazes drawn out, 'Inception' stands as one of those films that are not just complex in terms of story, but in terms of pretty much everything. There are scenes that will play with your mind truly amaze you, particularly one scene set in a hotel involving zero gravity martix style fighting and another taking place on a snowcapped mountain with snow-speeders and plenty of shooting. It's definitely a fast paced and action packed film, but also very complex and probably one that people must see at least twice to fully understand. It's hard to tell what is real and what is a dream, the film will end up playing with your mind, particularly towards the end, but I won't give anything away, just be on the look out for a spinning top.

Despite the complexity of the film, it's still one well worth watching, particularly seeing as it's directed by Christopher Nolan, a fantastic director, (also know for 'The Dark Knight' trilogy among other things) and also the brilliant cast that lay out such a well performed film. As well as this the very impressive and moving soundtrack was created by the legendary Hans Zimmer, who is definitely one of the greatest composers of the cinema industry, also up there with Ennio Morricone who composed the score for 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' and John Williams who composed the score for 'Star Wars'. If you haven't seen 'Inception' then I would strongly recommend it, just so long as you are fully awake for all of it and you know the phone isn't going to ring or anything like that because you will be left clueless.

9/10

School of Rock

The Film That Made Jack Black The Ultimate Teacher

Director: Richard Linklater

Release Date: 2003

Rating: PG

Running Time: 108mins

Genre: Comedy / Music

Actors: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Miranda Cosgrove 

'Stick it to the man!'

After being kicked out of his band against his will, Dewey Finn (Jack Black) needs money fast and decides to take on a class of bored and unhappy private school kids by impersonating his room-mate Ned Schneibly, an ex band mate turned wimpy substitute teacher. Whilst teaching at the school Dewey learns very quickly that these kids are capable of being incredibly talented musicians after seeing them in band practice, so he straight away pounces and introduces them into the world of Rock and Roll. Steering the kids further away from their boring day to day lives, Dewey transforms them into his band by teaching them how to perform and work a live show getting them ready to enter the competition Dewey's been waiting for Battle of the Bands. But can Dewey manage all this without arousing suspicion from the uptight parents of these children and the strict and scary head teacher Joan Cussack?

For me 'School of Rock' is still Jack Black's greatest role to date and I don't know a single person who wouldn't have loved him to be their teacher when they were at school. Throughout the film despite being a phony teacher and risking the schools reputation, you can't help but love him and want the kids to succeed in reaching battle of the bands. Despite 'School of Rock' being a fairly light and wholly enjoyable there are a few tense moments in there given the task that Dewey and the kids are trying to pull off, particularly
when Dewey is made to go into the school during parents evening to give a speech to all the parents and students on what he's been teaching his class, answer...not much.

What's so great about this film is the way that Jack Black is able to inspire a whole generation by showing them the sheer brilliance of rock music, I think it's safe to guess that 'School of Rock' no doubt inspired tons of children to pursue learning instruments and forming bands after watching the film.  One scene that stands out is when Dewey gets some of the students up one at a time and teaches them how to play some instruments and then in unison they play Smoke on the Water where we can see Jack Black perform a hilarious yet impressive guitar solo. We can see the impact that the music has on these children's lives but also the impact that these children have on Dewey's life, one scene we even hear him say that the children teach the teachers and as the film develops this grows noticeably more and more true.

'School of Rock' is one of those films that people can sit down and watch over and over and never grow tired of, it's so brilliantly funny and original that you just never really want it to end. With a fantastic soundtrack of both old and new songs from the film, some brilliantly upbeat montages and some fantastically funny facial expressions from Jack Black we are able to see just how much of an impact these children are having on Dewey and vice versa. A truly legendary film no one can ever get bored of.

'Lets get Rocking!'

10/10

Ice Age

'On Me Way'

Directors: Chris Wedge & Carlos Saldanha

Release Date: 2002

Rating: U

Running Time: 81mins

Genre: Adventure / Animation

Actors: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary

'The last melon!'

The first chapter of the highly successful animated series set roughly 20,000 years ago during the earth's first Ice Age where we first meet Sid the Sloth, Manfred 'Manny' the Woolly-Mammoth and Diego the Saber-Tooth Tiger. Rather reluctantly we see the three animals have embark on a an epic journey through the icey and dangerous climate to try return a human baby to his father and his tribe. Despite none of them actually liking each other at the start, we see clumsy Sid and wise Manny rescue the little boy and try and catch up with his family who are heading south to aviod the Ice Age taking place. Whilst still trying to decide whether they can really trust the sly Diego who is supposedly leading them back to the tribe, but instead could just be leading them further into more danger the three characters can't help but grow more fond of each other as their journey continues. 

In 'Ice Age' audiences are shown the intense journey that the three animals embark on, where we're able to see just how far they're prepared to go to save this little baby, and more importantly each other. Battling through glaciers, caves and even volcanoes, this animated comedy provides tons of action packed scenes, including one rather comical one showing us how the dodo's actually came to be extinct, be sure to keep your eyes open for a melon. This light-hearted yet wildly moving film is able to entertain not only children but everyone making it a true classic, able to capture the power of family, friendship and instinct. As the film goes on audiences will grow more and more fond of the three animals with their funny one liners and ironic situations, it's easy to see why the creators wanted to let us see more of these guys. 

For it's time the 3D animation was still fairly new and it's clear that the makers of  'Ice Age' must've had a hard time creating this series, particularly given the complexity of the detailed scenery and the effects needed to create it. It's also clear that they would have had to of done a lot of research to create these characters and get them to match the time in which the film is set. It's clear from this that the film gives audiences a rather historical insight into the animals and people that were round during the Ice Age period. One particular scene that highlights this really well and in a rather comical way, is when we see Sid come across a fish that has been frozen but then through the generations that have followed we see that this species has gradually evolved into a sloth freaking Sid out just a little bit providing excellent laughs for the audience. Whether 'Ice Age' is wholly historically accurate or not, it's still very entertaining for the audiences and it's fair to say that whether you're a child or not, this animated classic is definitely one worth checking out. Also be sure to keep you're eyes open for a squirrel.

7/10

Meet The Fockers

A Family Film You Souldn't Watch With The Family

Director: Jay Roach
Release Date: 2004
Rating: 12
Running Time: 110mins
Genre: Comedy
Actors: Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Barbara Streisand

'We've "Fockerised" him'

After Gaylord 'Greg' Focker (Ben Stiller) met his uptight soon to be father-in-law Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) where he endured much disastrous and horrifying circumstances, he was finally able to win his trust and approval leading Greg to believe the hard part was over. Little did he know the hard part was still to come when he must introduce the uptight Jack to his sex-crazed hippie parents Bernard and Roz (Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Streisand). If you thought Meet The Parents was hilariously shocking and disasterous then Meet The Fockers will show you just how uncomfortable and unlucky Greg's life can be.

Four years on from meeting Pam's Parents and getting engaged, things still haven't changed much for Greg, he's still longing for Jacks approval and Pam and Greg are still unmarried, the time finally comes for the Byrnes' to meet the Fockers leading to more cringe worthy and toe curling laugh out loud scenes. For me the best thing about the second instalment of the series was how incredibly different the two families turn out to be and the way that Greg's parents can't be any further away from what Jack was hoping for.

Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand offered a unbelievably hilarious performance from start to finish with just fantastic chemistry and hugely quirky personalities. When comparing Robert De Niro with Dustin Hoffman you couldn't have hoped for two better actors to pull of the highly contrasted roles they both play. We see Bernard and Jack constantly bickering whilst also for the sake of the kids, trying to get on with one another and in somehow relate to one another, I think it's fair to say that their relationship makes Jack's first encounter with Greg to be fairly accepting. I love the irony in how Greg and Pam's parents could not further away from one another in terms of personality, interests and table talk, consequently leading to a horrifying yet hilarious accident involving a fondant pot and an old scrap book.

I think it's fair to say that despite 'Meet The Fockers' being a film about family, it's definitely one that you should avoid actually watching with the family due to the awkward and slightly uncomfortable events that transpire throughout the film. Nevertheless, it's definitely a film worth watching if you haven't already as it is so outrageously brilliant, teaching us that maybe it's not a good idea to meet the parents and especially not a good idea to introduce them to the Fockers.

6/10

Dial M for Murder

A Hitchcock Classic

Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Release Date: 1954
Rating: PG
Running time: 100mins
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Actor: Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings

Alfred Hitchcock is once again able to astonish, shock and amaze his audiences with this murder mystery thriller. With stars appearing such as Ray Milland, Robert Cummings and Grace Kelly once again performing as the 'Hitchcock blonde'. Hitch is again proving his genius by showing us all how little space you need to pull off such a tense and exciting film like 'Dial M for Murder', similarly to others made previously such as 'Rope' and 'Rear Window', the master of suspense can once again show that all that is needed to make such a great film is just one set and a handful of talented actors.

When ex Tennis player Tony Wendice (Ray Milland) grows aware that his wife Margot (Grace Kelly) is having an affair with his American friend Mark (Robert Cummings), Tony decides to teach his wife a lesson..for good. However after circumstances lead the murder to go differently Tony has to deal with a completely different murder investigation and has to rely on his brains and charm to talk his way out of his tricky situation.

Similar to other Hitchcock works, 'Dial M for Murder' does rely mainly on dialogue but this doesn't make the film any less tense. The film also holds many Hitchcock clichés that are fondly used in many of his works, such as the obvious one being that there is a murder investigation and features people plotting to murder someone close to them, again rather similar to 'Rope' and 'Rear Window'. Furthermore there's the use of dramatic irony used so we know who the villan is and we follow their footsteps hoping that the other characters will be able to figure out what's going on. One of the things that made Hitchcock films so fascinating and so different is the way that he uses a villainous protagonist and he was able to offer an opposite viewpoint of cinema in contrast with the usual handsome hero.

Despite the age of 'Dial M for Murder' the film has managed to stand the test of time and be thoroughly enjoyable even in the modern day. I suppose for me the key reason for this is through the way that it doesn't try too hard to do too much and rather is made much more tense by it's simplicity and a fantastically evil  Ray Milland, playing the role of the British mastermind villain, Robert Cummings playing the handsome American hero and of course Grace Kelly playing the beautiful damsel in distress. It's hard to say too much about this film without giving any away as it really is one of those films even from the beginning it's better you just watch and enjoy without knowing too much.

A truly fantastic mystery thriller that will impress and surprise audiences even today, nice work Hitch you've done it again.

8/10

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Barrels Of Excitment

Director: Peter Jackson

Release Date: 2013

Rating: 12

Running Time: 160 mins

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure

Actors: Martin Freeman, Ian Mckellen, Richard Armatige, Benedict Cumberbach

Peter Jackson launches his second instalment of J.R.R Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' throwing audiences straight back into Bilbo Baggins epic adventure. We rejoin the group of thirteen Dwarfs lead by Thorin Oakensheild (Richard Armitage) and joined by Gandalf the Wizard (Ian Mckellen) and of course the Hobbit Bilbo (Martin Freeman) on their quest to reclaim the thrown of Erebor and take back the gold, now in the clutches of the ferocious dragon Smaug voiced brilliantly by the suberb Benedict Cumberbach. 

Like the Lord of The Rings films, we are given a very Peter Jackson esc portrayal of middle earth, with panoramic snowcapped mountains and other incredible shots of New Zealand that prove to be truly mesmerising for the audience. Nevertheless I don't think there's an lie in saying that if Jackson had cut some of these shots from the film, The Hobbit would be considerably shorter. Furthermore he may have been able to just make just two rather than 3 rather lengthy films that consequently are forced to leave the audience on rather cruel and abrupt cliffhangers. I think that's it's fair to add as well that maybe  if Peter Jackson hadn't included so much of his own creations in this film, and rather instead stuck loyal to Tolkeins version of 'The Hobbit' he could've easily just made two films as the book itself really isn't actually that long and was originally written in a format understandable for children. However I do have to add that when this film came to an end I was upset as I didn't feel like I was going to be able to wait another year to find out the end.

With all the extra events that were added into the film that were not in the book, it made fans of the book like myself left unaware also of what is going to happen and with all the changes and bends in the story the final outcome of this story could be very different to the one J.R.R Tolkien dreamt up.I think it's fair in saying that this is much more Peter Jacksons story that Tolkiens, but maybe Jackson felt that he couldn't retell Tolkeins story quite the same as some things can't be explained the same on a screen than they can in a film, or maybe he's just a sucker for big epic fight scenes and was trying to rake in as many audiences he could with a massive action packed adventure film. One of the biggest surprises for me was seeing Legolas (Orlando Bloom) appear in this film, purely because there was absolutely no mention of him what so ever in the book and furthermore he's now shown to be bad guy which ix completely altering fans perceptions of the elf who set out on the quest in Lord of the Rings. Something that must be said about Legolas in The Hobbit  however, is that he's still just as 'badass' and it feels like every time he appears in one of Peter Jacksons films they have to raise the bar that bit more for him. It wasn't just Legolas who was stealing all the limelight but there was also the introduction of a female elf, Tauriel, who despite being equally as cool also had no appearence in the book and had similar resemblance to Liv Tyler in Lord of the Rings playing Arwen, they may as well have thrown her in as well. And then of course there's the whole other side story going on with Gandalf which even encluded Sauron in it at one point, which I suppose in a way was good as we are now begining to learn why he actually became the eye of Mordoor in Lord of the Rings, so maybe in a way Peter Jackson is trying to add all the pieces he didn't have time to include in the previous trilogy, now he has the technology allowing him to do so.

All the way through the film I was really impressed with the effects used in creating The Hobbit and now I suppose they are able to get away with much more than they were ten years ago, but in some senses it felt that with Lord of the Rings they had to make that bit more of an effort in creating things opposed to now when they rely more on computers. Consequently found the effects in The Hobbit to be slightly cartoony given that they can just use CGI to create the Orcs, unlike Lord of the Rings where they had a massive cast of people in truly gruesome and frightening make up giving it a much darker feel. Regardless of this I found the scenery and the effects very enjoyable all the same and it was good to see the parts of middle earth we were unable to see in Lord of the Rings so in comparison, Peter Jackson has made two very different stories but both very appealing.

I do have to admit that I did thoroughly enjoy this film and it did help that I had read the book previously so I was aware of the basic storyline. But if you are a fan of the book I'd say from a film perspective it was very enjoyable and it's better to see it as Peter Jackson's film and not compare it to the book as it is different but maybe not worse. The performances by everyone are highly entertaining and it's good to see the dwarves finally getting involved in some real action rather than just washing up and singing. All I will say is keep your eyes open for barrels, spiders, Stephen Fry and a massive dragon.

7/10