The Revenant

The True Story Of One Mans Never Ending Quest For An Oscar

REVENANT - One who has returned, as if from the dead.

Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
Release Date: 2015
Rating: 15
Running Time: 150 mins
Genre: Action/Drama/Western
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter

'I'm not afraid of dying, I've done it already'

So Oscar season is finally upon us once again, and this year its an interesting bag, and so many we thought might be up for nominations of Best Picture ended up receiving hardly any nominations at all. Still none the less, there's strong competition for the clencher, it is looking like the Mexican director is in the drivers seat for winning, with his picture receiving 12 Oscar nominations. There's no doubt Inarritu is a truly talented filmmaker, unique with vision and execution of his films, ever since his controversial debut film Amores Perros, the first installment in his 'Trilogy of Death' won The Critic's Week award at the Cannes Film Festival and the Bafta Award for Best film not in the English Language back in 2001. Since then Inarritu has claimed multiple awards including, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Picture at the 2015 Oscars for Birdman proving what a capable filmmaker the man is, and its fair to say, The Revenant is no different. The survival story is favorite to follow in suit just one year on, really proving he is a truly exceptional director from the 21st century, and may shine a light on more of his indie films in the past. With The Revenant already snatching up other awards along the way, it's looking like Inarritu won't be the only one winning an Oscar as all film fans around the world wait and wonder if the long awaited Dicaprio Oscar might finally be unveiled in this early 19th century Western survival epic.

Fighting for survival after his group of Trappers are fooled into believing he's died from a vicious bear attack, Hugh Glass (Dicaprio) ventures on a mission driven by revenge, to get back to his comrades who abandoned him and take revenge on the man who left him for dead and murdered his son. In many ways, its a revenge film, the one thing that gives Glass something to live for, in other ways its a survival story about not giving up, even on the brink of death, but most of all I find The Revenant to be a truly visually stunning spectacle of movie making that surpasses its inspiring story. There's no doubt Inarritu is a truly captivating film maker, the cinematography in this film is astonishing. It's a wonder how they were able to create such complex long takes and provide seamless editing to make sure the camera never steers from the action, making it thoroughly authentic. Much like Birdman, the film features a continuous string of long takes, and tied in with the incredible scenery you look and watch and almost forget about the story. Leo is really pushed to the test in this film physically and mentally, whether it's going fifteen rounds with a bear (all in one take) or drifting helplessly down rough waters and sleeping inside dead animals to survive the cold northern nights, it makes you wonder if despite all this, he still made the right call not to call in at 'Minnie's Haberdashery', which I imagine was facing its fair share of bloodshed around the same time as Leo's battle to get home.

Despite both Dicaprio and Hardy doing what seems to be there best to 'out-mumble' each other, but at the same time win us over as exceptional actors we know them to be, its fair to agree the films actors are completely believable and extremely talented. Tom Hardy's had an incredible career so far, and now he might also be a potential winner going up against Rocky Balboa for best Supporting Actor. From his role of Bane in Nolan's The Dark Knight, to Welsh Construction foreman whose life falls apart driving home on the M1 in Locke, to taking on the role both Kray Twins in Legend, Hardy's showing his immense diversity being showing how he can play some of  the best likable villains in cinema, and some of the most interesting anti-heroes, the complex British actor is on the up and up. The supporting roles from rising stars Domhnall Gleeson (Who's been voted Total Film's Man of The Year) and Will Poulter showing he's not just a comedy clown, are both equally inspiring in their roles portraying decent men in such a savage time. The film does raise many questions about the morality of the U.S fighting the indigenous people who use to own the land they are slowly loosing. In many ways, there are both savages in everyone, and civilisation and culture as well, and this film is showing how different points of view can inspire people's beliefs and opinions about other cultures.

The Revenant stands a strong chance at claiming a fair amount of Oscars at this years ceremony. However, it may not be able to do what Peter Jackson did twelve years earlier taking home eleven Oscars, but it certainly won't go empty handed. With the fight for best picture being anyone's to claim, I think what we're all wondering is can Leo finally give his long awaited speech and take home the golden statue?

All in all, The Revenant is an incredible story, adapted into an incredible film, but maybe not for the same reasons. At the heart of the film its a touching account of Hugh Glass' amazing story, but feels maybe a bit too Oscar-hungry and stands out for other reasons than the plot. A great achievment in cinematics, but looses the narrative in the mix of everything going on.

9/10

Creed

The Next Generation's Underdog

Director: Ryan Coogler
Release Date: 2015
Rating: 12
Running Time: 130 mins
Genre: Sports/Action/Drama
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson

'Time beat him. Time eventually takes everybody out. Time is undefeated.'

'So there's going to be a new Rocky film!'...Groans from some, shouts of joy from others, but most of all, people wondering, surely we've seen all that the Rocky's have to offer and then some more we didn't need, but as it turns out, there's still life in the Rocky franchise after all. A decade on since Balboa exited the ring for the final time, audiences and fans are given a new underdog champion to put on the gloves. This time it's Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), the last descendant of legendary boxer in the Rocky franchise - Apollo Creed, and all that can be said is, Coogler and Jordan did not let the franchise down. The film is modern, cool, and breathes new life into the saga, that bridges the two boxing legends perfectly, proving that both Balboa still has some fight left in him, and Stallone does not let his character down delivering both great character and performance. I'll be honest, after Sly's performance as the ageing boxer, he's standing in excellent stead for a potential win, and I think we can all agree that seeing the trailer for The Expendables 4, and reading 'Academy Award Winner Sylvester Stallone' would be quite an impressive achievement. But not getting too far ahead of myself, with regards to Creed the star certainly gave his all in this performance, and if he wins the golden statue, it would be well deserved. I'll be honest I didn't think Sly still had it in him to deliver such a credited performance, especially returning as such iconic character, its good to see he's not going down the DeNiro road entirely. He's still got a fighting chance.

Taking place three decades on after Apollo Creed's fatal fight, his last son Adonis 'Donny' Johnson, born from a love affair Apollo had, learns of his dad's fame, success and friendship with legendary boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). After approaching Balboa in the hopes of gaining a trainer, Donny begins following in his father's footsteps as a natural born fighter, and good friend of Rocky, as he gets ready for the biggest fight of his life. The film also adds two believable and well-inserted love story to the film, one with singer Bianca (Thompson) giving Donny's character stability and hope, but perhaps more iconically in this film there is also a strong love that grows between him and Rocky, and to see the two of them form a strong friendship together. It gives the lonely and aging boxer something worth fighting for again, that is truly compelling and inspiring for the audience.

But let's actually talk about the dynamic duo that spurred this film into life. After the highly moving and well captured 2013 drama Fruitvale Station, Ryan Coogler is proving himself to be an exceptional director, with inventive and inspiring work on both Fruitvale and Creed. He has a gritty edge to his directing, it captures the realism and difficulties that life lay out. Through his portrayal of heroes from somewhat unprivileged backgrounds, it makes for a captivating accomplishment that slots into the Rocky franchise perfectly, almost mirroring the multi-Oscar winning Rocky (1977) in terms of grit, edge and unpredictability. Michael B. Jordan collaborates once again with the director, giving his all, both performance-wise and physically, due to him getting into unbelievable shape for the role, you would've thought he'd been boxing his whole life. Jordan gives fresh life to an underdog that audiences can get behind and believe in, both in and out of the ring, as well as matching Apollo in terms of delivery and drive. The whole time carrying out the films message of 'being your own person'. Adonis 'Donny' Johnson-Creed is an inspiring and immediately likeable character, despite his initial hot headed temper, and troubled up-bringing, A exciting and believable character we've all been left wanting to see more of.

One of the main debates of this film is, is it one for the Rocky fans, and wasted on everyone else? In many ways, it is for the fans. The audience already have a connection with Balboa, the training montages and of course it's theme tune, as well as certain iconic scenes such as the Philadelphia museums 72 steps. There's already a background knowledge of Balboa and Creeds relationship in the 70s and 80s and how it, began, developed and evolved, showing the impact one had on the other. You also will enter Creed with knowledge of Rocky's life and marriage with Adriane and long term friendship with her brother Paulie, adding more emotional impact when he visits their graves, and learning about his son. There are also echoes of Mickey, Rocky's original trainer, shown in the gym Donny is trained in, and of course the signature hat he wore that Rocky wears when Donny enters the ring. In many ways, its a tribute to the old films, and a way of saying that they can still be loved in a new generation through this similar but original franchise, However, having said this, if non-Rocky fans were to watch Creed, they wouldn't be disappointing or feel to be missing out too much, provided they know the basics, which the trailer happily fills in anyway. Many understandably will prefer to educate themselves with the old films first, but, as Donny learns about his dad and builds a relationship with Rocky, the same is happening for the audience. Coogler is showing us this world through Donny's eyes and therefore, new audiences are catered for in exposition and character development, in a way that doesn't slow the pace down for the die hard fans. The film gives us a new hero to believe in, and the script deals with Rocky perfectly, as he is able to win the hearts of old and new fans alike.

The shots in this film are simply incredible, and its baffling to me how the Oscars could snub Creed for Best Cinematography, Editing and Directing. In one fight scene, we see the two fighters get through several rounds all in one take from beginning to end making for a true spectacle of viewing in such an original and incredible achievement. There are other aspects of the photography that work in reimaging the Rocky's, but perhaps one of the most iconic and fan pleasing moment in this film is when Donny gets into the ring and he's ...... with the Rocky theme tune. The soundtrack is fitted perfectly to the film combining hip-hop, a bit of blues and most iconically the song Last Breathe by Future, remixing the original tune and giving it new legs to spur the Creed franchise on, why the song isn't up for an Oscar remains a mystery however.

The future of Creed is still an ambiguous one, MGM claim there's no doubt they'll make a sequel, but the big question is, will Coogler, who is scheduled to direct Marvel's Black Panther will have the time to be involved in the production. Ideas however are flying around with Sly and Coogler for a Godfather Part II-esc film flying between Apollo's life and Donny's, which I think fans would definitely be interested in seeing. All that's for sure is, Sly is definitely going to carry the franchise on, even if Coogler can't. Now I have recently changed my mind about the aging star having seen him in Creed, but here's to hoping he doesn't 'Rocky V' this franchise and do what all Hollywood writers end up doing to great films and franchising them for a quick buck with the same shit different day style of film-making.  All I will say is that Creed has started a strong franchise with a lot of potential having hit the ground running, now keep the style of gritty realism, but keep it fresh, and with the beauty of hindsight, they can see how Rocky dipped and avoid doing the same to this potentially great series.

9/10

The Hateful Eight

8 Angry Resevoir Dogs

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Realease Date: 2015

Rating: 18

Running Time: 165mins

Genre: Action/Western/Mystery

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russel, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen

"If any of you move you're going to get a bullet, not a question, not a warning shot...a bullet"

So I've got to start by coming clean and saying, I am a "Tarantino Fan Boy". I think think his films are not only great stories but they're also great cinema. If you ever want to see a film where the bastards "really get it", you're going to want to find yourself a Tarantino collection. With memorable characters and quotable dialogue, his films are cool, slick and modern, delivering exactly what you'd expect from the director since he started, nearly 25 years ago.

Having said this, he is not a man who targets his films at the faint hearted, no he does not. In fact if you're not a fan of over the top bloody sword-fights, wrestling and shoot-outs he's a man you should certainly avoid. So when it comes to The Hateful Eight, there's no exception, this film bares all. All the blood, twisted Tarantino humour, dialogue heavy scenes, memorable quotes and in recent years excessive use of the N word and of course Sam Jackson bringing the perfect combination of cool and comedy and appearances from so many Tarantino regulars, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen and so many others. It features the whole shebang (albeit maybe lacking the soundtrack that could compete with Django Unchained, Pulp Fiction & Resevoir Dogs).

"So let's slow it way down", having read so many reviews and talking to fellow movie goers alike, it was a mixed bag. I wasn't surprised to see people say they didn't like it, it's not for everyone. Yet I was surprised at the high level of that responded so negatively. Many said that the violence and sodomy was too much, but some found the first act so boring they couldn't get into it. I'll give you dialogue may be slow, but it's going some where, everything the director has written is serving a purpose. The fact is that with this film he is introducing us to 8 complex characters, all of which require a bit of getting to know, and consequently we are spoon fed exposition for all of these enigmatic Cowboys, but stay with it. The Hateful Eights story is a great mystery, posing the question: can you trust a thing that's being said about anyone, and what's more if you know anything about Tarantino, who's getting out alive?

It is a complex story, and in a Hitchcockian fashion takes place in predominantly one room. The tension grows and grows, the mystery drags you in further and with a blizzard hammering on windows of Minnie's Haberdashery outside, it's not long before the paranoia kicks in and guns are loaded. It's a film of which the second and third acts cannot be discussed, but all I will say is remember it's a Tarantino film, and he hasn't missed a trick using all the devices that makes the man who he is, and I'm not just talking blood.

Like always there's the controversy of violence, anti-heroes and some things you wouldn't want to discuss with your grandparents. But the age old Tarantino debate of plagiarism will surely arise from all the walking walking anti-Hollywood film encyclopaedias claiming he's ripping off a Japanese film of some kind that many of the western world have never heard of. But that's not to say they're wrong, the man loves cinema and will so often choose therefore to quote, re-imagine and tribute the works he grew up with and marvelled at. However, I'll challenge anyone to find a film like The Hateful Eight, made in the same way and with the same outcome, sure the premise may be similar but this film is surely one of a kind, with its perfect combination of Suspense, mystery and most of all complete shock factor. There really isn't nothing like it or people wouldn't be writing reviews about how shocking it was.

Someone asked the question of "Would fanboys be so in love with this film if it wasn't by Tarantino?" But that question just cannot be considered. The film through and through is so absolutely without a doubt Tarantino-esc that if this film wasn't made by him it would be a completely different film with a completely different feel.

So I'll finish with this. It's not a film for everyone, it will disgust some, and bore others and maybe it is targeted at a younger audience or those with "certain tastes" in what they like their cinema to contain. But (and this is my final but), if you like Taranino and the film sounds like it ticks the boxes go and see it. If think it starts slow, stick with it, have faith that it's all there for a reason. Believe me, it will be all worth it approaching the third and final unforgettable act.

9/10