Thor - Film Review

Thor – Film Review

I have been looking forward to this review for God knows how long! I am definitely in my element with this one, so advanced warning for some pure unadulterated geekyness! I’ll start with a little insight into Thor. He is the Norse God of Thunder as many people will know from mythology. Marvel have kept this true to the character, as well as all other attributes along with him. This film boasts some stunning visual effects, especially Asgard, the home of the Gods. I saw the film in 3D and I would highly recommend viewing this format. I’ve heard that the 2D version offers better colour, which is true to any 2D film as you are not wearing dark glasses over your eyes.

So let’s get down to it. The plot of the film is that Thor, the son of Odin, is cast out of Asgard after seeking vengeance over the Frost Giants. This is against the command of Odin, hence the banishment. With Thor now stuck on Earth, or Midgard as it is known to the Asgardians, Thor’s evil brother Loki sees the perfect opportunity to strike at the heart of Asgard and become ruler. He does this by opening up Asgard to the Frost Giants, thus defying Heimdall the Gatekeeper. (His job is to control the one way in and out of Asgard) Now, Thor’s friends catch wind of what is happening, and set off to find Thor on Earth and inform him of what’s going on. And so the fun starts.

There are some quite comical moments, which is something Marvel do very well I feel. One of the stand out ones is when Thor is in a cafe on Earth having a drink. He likes it so much he throws the mug on the floor and demands more. There is something quite family friendly with Marvel, which is why I think it strikes a chord with many people, and why it’s so popular. I’m not afraid to say, I want a Mjölnir!

I have to tip my hat to Chris Hemsworthon this one; he did a brilliant job playing the God of Thunder. The fact that he came from Neighbours, and is now playing one of their most iconic characters is a pretty big achievement! I also have to praise the wardrobe department on this film. The costumes were spot on for all the characters, and reminded me a lot of the original 60’s cartoon. Always good to keep the fans happy, don’t you agree? (Talking of the fans, some of you will have noticed the subtle nod to the cartoon, in the form of Jane Foster’s (Natalie Portman) ex boyfriend, being called Donald Blake. This was Thor’s mortal alter-ego on Earth.)

Speaking of Natalie Portman, she didn’t really make a big impression in my eyes. I think after watching the masterpiece that is Black Swan, she has a lot to live up to, and sadly this performance couldn’t hold a candle to it (fair enough it’s 2 completely separate roles, but still) The casting of Anthony Hopkins as Thor was spot on, as well as Tom Hiddleston playing the part of Loki.

I think my only major criticism for this film is the part of Loki. I would have liked to have seen his more mischievous side, like in the comics, more specifically his sorcery. This was a big part of his character and I feel it should have been used to the film’s advantage. Apart from that it was an enjoyable experience, and has got me mega excited for The Avengers next year. Overall I would give the film 4 and half stars out of 5. Oh, and one more thing, stay after the credits!!!

Arthur - Film Review

Arthur – Film Review

Finally, the laugh out loud comedy that we have been waiting for! I may be a little bias on this review as I’m a massive Russell Brand fan, so it goes without saying that I thoroughly enjoyed it. “Arthur” is a remake of the 1981 classic starring Dudley Moore in which a spoilt son of a billionaire faces being cut off from the family fortune if he doesn’t marry the woman of his mother’s choice. Without going into too much detail, Arthur isn’t happy with this and if thing’s couldn’t get any worse, he falls for another woman.

There are so many laugh out loud moments in this film and some very impressive cars! For example, the opening film sees Arthur and his driver, Bitterman, dressed as Batman & Robin on their way to a black tie event. To complete the look they take and exact replica of a Batmobile to arrive in style. Keep your eyes peeled for a Deloreon, Mystery Machine and many more. Brand plays a blinder as a rich man who drinks a little too much (couldn’t be too hard for him) and seems to be making a good name for himself in the movie world. Being a stand up comic he has the experience that timing is everything which is used well in the film. He also has some good on screen chemistry with Greta Gerwig (Naomi).

My criticism of this film is that Jennifer Garner wasn’t given enough screen time to develop her character. It would have been good to see her develop a relationship with Arthur’s mother, to see her worm her way into the family. When it is revealed at the end of her intention, you don’t really feel the strength of the betrayal, and the anger isn’t deep enough. It felt as though the ending was a bit rushed. On the upside, the relationship between Arthur and Naomi was explored well and I felt myself willing them to get back together at the end. I loved Helen MIrren in this film too. Her character Hobson was quietly brilliant and has some of the best parts in the film. Be ready to shed a tear as well. Oh, and look out for “Asian Hobson”

Overall I thought the film was an uplifting watch, which will bring anyone out of a grump. Russell Brand is in his comfort zone with this character, and delivers some knockout lines. Not going to be inducted into the comedy hall of fame, but it’s definitely one to watch and add to your DVD collection when it comes out.

:) :) :)

3 out of 5 from me!

Top 10 Comdey Films (According to me!)

Top 10 Comedy Films

Welcome again to another of my top 10’s. This time it’s a top 10 of comedy films in aid of April Fool’s day. So without further ado, let’s get cracking!

10. Jackass 3D – not an obvious choice and with the number of comedy films out there probably not everyone will agree with this being in here. However I cried with laughter both times I watched it at the cinema! Not for the faint hearted. Someone should have told that to the girls gagging in the row in front of us!

9. Police Academy: all of them! – could not choose which one to put in here, as I love them all! Laugh out loud comedy which never gets old.

8. The Other Guys – Ferrell and Wahlberg star in this comedy about two cops who don’t get along but are partnered in the force. Hilarity ensues as they try to crack a case to get their names noticed.

7. Due Date – I love it when Downey Jr. stars in comedies, his dry wit brings something extra to it. This film sees RDJ trying to get across country to be at the birth of his child. Seems simple enough, but it’s made all the more complicated by Galifinakis. A must see for comedy fans.

6. Blades of Glory – watched this again the other night and forgot how funny it was! Ferrell is yet to set a foot wrong in my eyes, and Heder is brilliant as ever. Check out Napoleon Dynamite, pointless film but soooo funny!

5. Kick Ass – absolute genius! It’s essentially a comic book movie, based on the graphic novel of the same name, but is very very funny. Can’t believe I have only watched it recently.

4. Hot Fuzz – Pegg and Frost in one of their finest performances to date. It’s a laugh riot from start to finish, with a whole host of great British talent. Look out for the machine gun wielding grannys!

3. The Hangover – modern day classic. Probably one of the most talked about comedies of late, and has one of the most highly anticipated sequels this year.

2. Anchorman – had to be in the top 10! Extremely quotable and instantly recognisable to any film fan. If you only buy one film this year, buy this one!

1. Airplane! – I love, love, love this film! Despite its age it is still as relevant today as it was then. The legend that is Leslie Nielsen, R.I.P, plays a blinding performance alongside the rest of the cast. Outrageously over the top but brilliant.

Well, that’s it for this top 10! Check back soon for more top 10s and move reviews!

The Adjustment Bureau film review

The Adjustment Bureau

Welcome film fans, better late than never it’s my review of “The Adjustment Bureau” the latest release from director George Nolfi. Starring the wonderful Matt Damon (I challenge anyone to say his name properly after watching Team America) and the superb Emily Blunt who is rapidly becoming one of my favourite actresses around at the moment. Matt Damon plays the charismatic David Norris, a New York politician who is running for Senate. He is the youngest ever to go for it so as you can imagine not much is going to put him off achieving his goal. This was the case until he had a chance encounter with a mystery woman called Elise in the men’s toilets. She gives him her number and writes only her first name on there. From that moment on, David’s future was altered from the path the Adjustment Bureau had set out for him.

So, now that this little hiccup has occurred, the Bureau has no choice but to show their hand and let David in on their secret. As you can imagine he finds this hard to digest, and tries to run from them. Just to prove how awesome and all controlling they are, one member raises the floor in front of David to trip him up. They now have his attention, and he sits back down to hear them out. A member, who appears to be the main man of the group, explains he has seen behind a curtain that very few people have seen behind and must keep quiet about it. He must also agree to never see Elise again. If he ever tells anyone what happened, they will kill him.

Time passes and David is on his way into the office one morning when he bumps into Elise from the toilets on his bus. This was never meant to happen though. One member of the Adjustment Team was meant to make David spill his coffee, which would consequently make him miss that bus. Due to a lack of sleep (a bit lame for a bunch of people who are tasked with making sure everyone’s lives go according to plan, but hey ho, I didn’t make it) that member falls asleep in the park, meaning David gets the bus. From there on in he is nothing but trouble for the Bureau. She asks why he never called, and he tells her that he had his wallet stolen.

Ultimately the film deals with free will vs fate/destiny, and to an extent it does this well. The only let down for me was how the Bureau moves around so quickly. Their power lies in the hats that they wear. By wearing a hat, they can go through doors which would appear normal to us, but to them, lead them to another part of the city. If I’m honest, I didn’t really buy into all that. It also comes to realisation that water inhibits their powers. Again, seemed a bit of a weak plot development for the people who control everyone’s destiny!

It seems that all is lost for David. 3 years pass and he hasn’t seen Elise since that day. One morning though, whilst riding the bus to work, he sees her walking down the street. Immediately he leaps up and gets off the bus to go and say hi. After they swap greetings they arrange to meet up. Things start up with them, much to the disapproval of the Bureau, and so begins the battle of free will for David and Elise. Eventually David ends up telling Elise about them, as it’s the only way for her to trust him. Obviously the Bureau don’t want them to be together so the only way for David to win is to try and take them down. He does this with the help of one of the Bureau members, the one who earlier fell asleep in the park.

The climax of the film sees David and Elise running all over New York city with the help of the doors, finally ending up in the Bureau’s headquarters. They make it to the roof and it looks like the end when they are surrounded by members of the Bureau. Just when you think it’s over, a message comes down from the Chairman of the Bureau (someone we never meet, and it’s insinuated that the Chairman can be anyone, much like God) that David and Elise can be together. Aww, we all love a happy ending don’t we!

Overall the film is a pretty solid concept with the only let downs being the Bureau’s weaknesses. Damon and Blunt hold their own in it and have tremendous on screen chemistry, almost rivalling that of Diaz and Cruise in “Knight and Day”

I’m giving the film :) :) :) out of 5. It’s fun to watch and will keep you entertained but on the whole it could have been something amazing.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World - DVD Review

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World – DVD Review

You know that comic book adaptation/video game flavoured/comedy romance with a hint of Bollywood that you have been searching for? It has finally arrived! And it comes in the form of “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.” You know it’s going to be good when they turn the “Universal” opening credits into a 90’s style video game intro!

So where do I start with this masterpiece? I simply cannot get enough of it, and do not have a bad word to say against it. It is easily one of my top films of 2010, and probably one of my most played DVDs! It was an utter shame that this film had to come out in the same year as such juggernauts like “Inception” and “The Social Network” which incidentally are both awesome films (like you needed to be told that). You have to give it credit where credit’s due though, it certainly held its own against those heavy hitters. It even came 6^th in Empire Magazine’s top films of 2010. Ok, so I’ll start with an overview of what the film is about. You may find various quotes throughout this review, there are just so many classic lines! (Props for anyone who can spot them all)

22 year old Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) plays bass for the “Sex Bob-Ombs”, an average band from Toronto Canada trying to get a record deal. On the back of his huge break up with “she who shall not be named” Scott starts to date 17 year old high schooler Knives Chau (Ellen Wong). She’s Chinese. With the uniform and everything. Then one day he sees Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) the girl of his dreams, quite literally, and instantly falls in love with her. So now he has the dilemma of whether to break up with his “fake high school girlfriend” Wallace’s words, not mine, or to juggle 2 chicks. Oh, Wallace is Scott’s gay roommate played by Kieran Culkin, he’s gay.

Now if that wasn’t troubling enough for our would-be hero, to be with the girl of his dream he has got to defeat Ramona’s seven evil exes, headed up by the formidable Gideon “G-Man” Graves. Scott knows it won’t be easy, and it looks like he’s about to give up at one point, but he perseveres and fights them all! I won’t give away what happens, even if I did though it’s still worth watching!

The cast is star studded and downright amazing, and the script is very very funny. The film moves at a fast pace which only adds to the awesomeness of the Scott Pilgrim experience! In particular Anna Kendrick who plays Scott’s sister really stood out. Her character doesn’t get much screen time, but when she’s on, she owns it. This is one film that everyone has to have in their lives, and needs to be watched multiple times. Edgar Wright has delivered another masterpiece!

The DVD that I bought was from HMV, it was an exclusive version which included 2 discs and art cards of the seven evil exes. The art cards have pictures of them, along with a rating for each character. The bonus disc is packed full of extra material, such as deleted and extended scenes.

Overall it is one of the best films I have ever seen, and it’s going to be the first 5/5 I have given! Rush out to the shops and buy this now!!!

Well it was nice meeting you, tell your gay friends I said bye!