Wanted

I wasn’t sure if I was going to bother and see this film.  I heard some good reviews from colleagues and I’m glad I did.  It wasn’t what I expected… it was better.  This film is surprisingly difficult to describe.  It has influences from The Matrix and Fight Club and its an interesting mix and even comes with the twist ending.

James McAvoy plays a guy frustrated with his job and life.  But life gets interesting when Angelina Jolie turns up transforming his world and turning him into a cold and talented assassin.

This film is over the top! but it’s good and it works.  Whilst James McAvoy is no Keanu Reeves, you follow his journey and his transformation.  There are some amazing ‘must see’ action scenes plus Angelina with ammunition is just too cool.

Great film, enjoyable watch.

Steph’s rating: 8.1/10

Atonement

I liked it. Its certainly a different film. I liken it to Pride & Prejudice mixed with The Notebook. However unlike those its quite slow moving in parts.

Kiera Knightley is amazing in it – she does period pieces so well.

Steph’s rating: 7/10

IMDB: In the summer of 1935, 13-year-old Briony Tallis observes a flirtation between a servant’s son, Robbie, and her older sister, Cecilia, that she childishly misconstrues. Briony’s misunderstanding leads to a terrible crime whose consequences follow them through World War II.

Starter for 10

My new movie friend (you know who you are!) pitched this as ‘Four Weddings & a Funeral’. That sold it for me then and there! as it had been a while since I’d seen a good romantic comedy.

Unfortunately, (in my wee opinion) it was nothing close. It somehow, missed the mark – it was almost flat. There were lots of good things about it, 80’s music and setting, university life, varsity trivia competitions/ rivalry – finding yourself, James McAvoy (Last King of Scotland) – but none of these things quite worked together. It was odd – it should have worked but it didn’t! I noted that Tom Hanks produced this film along with BBC. Only the British can do their own films justice (greats like Hot Fuzz, 4 Weddings etc). Why is an American production company watering down the unique flare and humour that the British have – almost making it a ‘Made for TV movie’?

The only highlight of the movie was the ‘dope’ scene, but otherwise I laughed more in Transformers…..

Steph’s rating: 5/10

Becoming Jane

I had great hopes for this movie. As a fan of all Jane Austen’s work (Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility), I expected this to be a factually wonderful and inspiring movie, about the author. However, I believe the director and screenwriter totally lost the Point of this entire biography and in the process alienated all Jane Austen fans (the target market!). What were they thinking!???

Firstly be warned. If you are expecting a feel-good, chick flick movie, don’t bother. This made me thoroughly bored and disappointed. Anne Hathaway, who is stunning in the ‘Devil wears Prada’ just fails terribly in this role. It would have been better suited to someone like a fresh new British actress (and with a complete script re-write!). Plus I didn’t like James McAvoy as the male love interest at all. Very mis-matched.

It is implied that without their illicit affair, Jane Austen would never have written her six great novels. We see Jane caught up in passion, bashing out the first draft of P & P (in a single night!, which is hardly realistic, if you’ve ever read the novel – it takes longer to read!). To me this movie feels just like just a fanciful piece of fiction rather than a biographical retelling.

I guess my low rating of this film is based on the feeling that I missed out on knowing the truth, what was her life was really like? Her struggles her achievements – I think that would have made a great film. If I had known it was not based on any historical fact – my expectations would have been alot lower and I think I may have enjoyed it more. However, I left feeling disappointed that I didn’t find out anything TRUTHFUL about this amazing woman.

Steph’s rating: 1/10

The Last King of Scotland

The movie follows the story of a young, naive Scottish doctor, Nicholas who moves to Uganda to escape working alongside his father (also a Doctor) to find adventure and experience his independence. He eventually becomes President Amin’s person physician and then advisor.

Forest Whitaker’s portrayal of Idi Amin is so chilling and psychopathic, at one point you are almost wishing for the Scottish doctor to kill him as we see Amin transform from a ‘leader of the people’ to a corrupt and murderous dictator.

The acting in this movie is so amazing and the shooting locations were just extraordinary. There was so much suspense in this film, that at times I was on the edge of my seat. Sad to think that so many people lost their lives under his dictatorship. He was truly a cruel leader… corrupted by power and fear. His peoples suffering was horrific.

Deeply startling movie.

Steph’s Rating: 9/10