Pulp Fiction (1994)

Genre: Crime, Action, Drama, Thriller

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Writer: Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avary

Staring: Bruce Willis, John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman

Rating:★★★★★ 

Pulp Fiction is one of my favourite films and Quentin Tarantino's creation is undoubtedly one of the best films to be made to this day. Staring the likes of John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis performance wise Pulp Fiction is outstanding but for film lovers who look at a film cinematically Pulp Fiction is a masterpiece. The film is like a puzzle as it approaches with four plots that all interlink and combine together for an astonishing ending. It will leave you to watch it again and again, it provides an amazing storyline and action keeping you entertained.

The story starts with two small-time thugs Pumpkin and Honey Bunny (Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer) at a diner they decide the best thing to do is to rob it. The story then switches to two mobsters Jules and Vincent (Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta) who are on a job to pick up a suitcase for big time mob kingpin Marcellus Wallace. While Marsellus is out of town he asks Vincent to take his wife Mia out for a few days, whilst he's out of town he is fixing a match with the Boxer Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis), but the deal goes wrong. Although all these events are spontaneous and unrelated they all link and twist in together comprising a series of bizarre, action packed un-called for incidents. 

I will not spoil this film, I will not tell you how the characters make the mistakes and I will not tell you what those mistakes are. Pulp Fiction provides amazing action and on top of that a constant suspense filled tense atmosphere as all characters are fleeing from Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames). The thing that is most amazing about Pulp Fiction is how it's almost three different films in one, but due to the brilliance of Quentin Tarantino and his writing team they combine to make one film that fits perfectly like a puzzle, playing on the domino effect. When first watching this film I was amazed how it all unravelled and came together and ever since I've found myself watching it again and again, its not only me who thought the same as cinematically it was voted the Oscar for best screenplay and original script and clocked up a further 59 wins and 46 nominations, so no wonder its featured as one of the all time greats. Pulp fiction is a definite must watch film, a classic that will be remember prestigiously in the film industry.

Hot Fuzz (2007)

          

Genre: Action Comedy

Director: Egdar Wright

Writers. Simon Pegg, Egdar Wright

Staring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost

Rating: ★★★½

 

 After huge success with 2004 “zom-com” Shaun Of The Dead, comedy duo Nick Frost and Simon Pegg pair up again to create Hot Fuzz. Simon Pegg also pairing to co-write with Egdar Wright  once again, Hot Fuzz is another hugely hilarious brilliant film, with constant entertainment. It makes many references to their previous film, with Nick Frost still addicted to cornetos. It makes further references to other famous films also providing many laughs with their “Brit wit” sense of humour.

Simon Pegg plays London cop Nicholas Angel, but he isn’t any ordinary officer, he lives for his job and his job is his life. Sick and tired of his constant arrests and being too good for his job, fellow colleagues such as (Bill Baily) and his sergeant (Martin Freeman) transfers him to a small English village town of Sanford. With no choice in the matter he travels to the supposedly quiet little town of Sanford however it isn’t as quiet as suspected as a series of unordinary  ”accidents” occur. Officer Angel is paired with local moron and lazeabout PC Danny Butterman who just happens to be the inspectors son (Jim Broadbent) Danny’s usual day consists of buying cornetos and then the pub however this is all about to change now he has Nicholas Angel as his partner. 

 

The comedy duo Nick Frost and Simon Pegg have huge success again keeping you constantly laughing with gags and goose changing. The film itself leaves the duo to provide laughter with the storyline providing the action. However Hot Fuzz isn’t just a normal action film with explosions and guns it takes a twist involving the elderly and reversing stereotypes. Although tense it made me laugh as well as being glued to the screen. It surprised me with how they presented deaths, although set in a small village it wasn’t pitchforks and shotguns but gruesome deaths that also play homage to other well-known films. The film fuels on the duo of Nicholas Angel and Danny Butterman investigating the link to all these “accidents”. Once realising the truth, that I will not reveal they are then spilt between two decisions and have to work out what’s for the greater good. 

The acting in Hot Fuzz for me is outstanding, Nick Frost and Simon Pegg are brilliant once again. Simon Pegg and Egdar Wright deserve a lot of credit for their storyline, it’s unique, funny and action packed. The laughs in this film are great and big, and so is the action. The supporting cast is also great alongside the cameos of well-known actors including Steve Merchant, Steve Coogab and Bill Nighly previously used in Shaun Of The Dead. Hot Fuzz certainly ticks a lot of the right boxes, if you loved Shaun Of The Dead you will love this as it lives up to its standard. One that will make you laugh and another must watch.

Wanderlust (2012)

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Director: David Wain 

Writers: David Wain, Ken Marino 

Staring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston 

Rating: ★★½

This is a film that does everything right but doesn't get the result it deserves, there's many funny moments but it isn't the funniest of films. It lacks diversity in the sense it will drag the same gag and joke the whole way through the film gradually boring you but making you chuckle unknowingly. It's a surprise too with two popular funny leads of Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd who have previously worked together on the set of friends, however they were let down by some sloppy and lazy writing by David Wain and Ken Marino. 

The storyline of Wanderlust isn't at all bad but promising with more than enough potential to make a great comedy. Couple George and Linda Gergenblatt (Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston) find themselves drowning in financial troubles, abandoning ship they decide to leave their loft in Manhattan. At first their plan is to stay at George's brothers house however after constant teasing and bullying they decide to spend a few weeks in a local hippy commute. Living the life drugged up, free and naked and oh no doors in the toilet, what could possibly be the matter. 

The free will life style poses a threat to the couple, especially George who feels at risk with the "practising of free love" rule. There were many opportunities for gags in this film but Wanderlust seem to just present modern hippies and expect it to be funny despite no one finding didgeridoo's and trippy tea served by naked men that funny. George finally snaps at the end and can't take the lifestyle producing the witty, sarcastic mocking humour you would of expected, especially after previous films such as Anchorman (2004). The supporting cast  or "hippies" despite good and nice provide little to none humour whatsoever, that's actually surprising with the likes of Malin Akerman and Joe Lo Trugilo featuring. 

Paul deserves credit in this film, you can obviously tell he had a hard time with the script but despite this he made laughs and most of them. Everything in Wanderlust from the writing, soundtrack, characters where below average with the exception of Paul Rudd. Some people will find this film hugely hilarious, but for me it didn't make me laugh as much as I would of liked. It might be down to personal taste and its a hit or miss film however I want rush to watch this film again and it'll probably be a miss rather than a hit. 

Anchorman (2004)

Genre: Comedy

Director: Adam McKay 

Writers: Will Ferrell, Adam McKay 

Staring: Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate 

Rating: ★★★★

Anchorman is possibly the godfather of the current "teenage" generation, sad but true. It's hugely hilarious with an amazing well known cast also featuring many cameo performances from comedy stars I will not mention. Set in a news station it stereotypes and mocks what happens on the news, from those cheesy smile credits to the friendly chats after the sign off. It takes an opportunity to show the viewers what they might not see on the news, behind the cameras, but of course this is a comedy and you can't believe everything you see on TV. 

The story focuses on San Diego's popular news Anchor Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), 

He's a master of the jazz flute, winner of 5 Emmy's and has a woman as a co anchor, wait did someone say Women! Trouble arises as manager Ed Harken (Fred Willard) decides he wants some diversity and hires Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), who aspires to be a network anchor. Scared cause "their menstruation attracts bears" the act of sabotage begins from the San Diego news men but the woman fight back. 

The male news team consist of very well known comedy actors, Steve Carell plays  Brick Tamland, the weather man with a grenade in his pocket. There's also Brian Fantana and Champ Kind (Paul Rudd, David Koechner) and the four together occasionally go suit shopping and sing afternoon delight. It would be boring eventually and unfair to get all the laughs in this film from mocking the stupidity of the news team. So Anchorman focuses on Ron Burgundy and Veronica. They get close and into a relationship, taking trips to pleasure town but when work gets in the way they turn bitter and their actions have costly consequences and Ron loses his job, will Ron and Veronica get back together and things go back to usual? Stay tuned San Diego. 

The laughs in this film are big and there are plenty off them. Some films go too far and try too hard for laughs being somewhat stupid and silly, however despite Anchorman doing this, they do it well and you can't stop yourself from laughing. As mentioned before there are a number of cameo performances from other well known comedy actors, they all meet in a Network standoff free-for all and well things escalate quickly. I love this film like I love lamp and scotch, you'll find yourself laughing and eventually quoting it every time you put it on and I personally think its the best comedy in the last decade for sure. If you haven't already seen Anchorman you're missing out, it's definitely a must watch comedy. 

Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

Genre: Comedy, Horror

Director: Edgar Wright

Writers: Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright

Staring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield

Rating: ★★★½

Shaun Of The Dead is a British comedy about two best friends encountering a zombie invasion in London. Where most zombie films focus on the undead, this film takes a different approach and is more like a sitcom focusing on ordinary life problems but with flesh eating zombies getting in the way. Best-buds, housemates, drinking partners and lazy morons Shaun and Ed (Simon Pegg, Nick Frost) aim to fight away the shuffling zombies roaming London rescue loved ones and go to the local pub, The Winchester for a nice pint.

The film opens with a list of mocking ironic hints at a zombie invasion, almost teasing you. While the real world has its problems so does the world of Shaun, spending all his time in the local pub with Ed and working in a poxy small retail store his girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield) leaves him. However Shaun will fight for her and try and get her back but first a trip to The Winchester with Ed and a few beers. Waking up after choking on his own dribble Shaun and Ed realise that Zombies are walking the streets of London. Ignoring advice and love for classic records they fight back in hope of saving Shaun's mum Barbara (Penelope Wilton) and getting back Liz. 

In true comedy style they bash and bump their way through the undead with a cricket bat and shovel all fuelled from a can of coke and a Corneto. Shaun of The Dead plays to the humorous British stereotypes with the characters of Shaun's mum Barbara and her husband Phil (Bill Nigly). In the face of death and hell the two stand firm in true British style by running bite wounds under a cold tap, putting on the kettle and making sandwiches. The play on the stereotypes brings laughs so credit to writers Edgar and Simon. 

Shaun of The Dead is a very different take on the somewhat exhausted genre of zombie films. It creates many laughs and that's down to the comedy duo Simon Pegg and Nick Frost who act very well as clueless morons. All in all this film gives you exactly what you expected, lots of laughs and comical idiotic ways of killing zombies. The best "zom-com" out there and possibly the only one with a soundtrack that includes Queen, a must watch film so don't miss out. 

Into The Wild (2007)

Genre: Adventure, Biography, Drama

Director: Sean Penn

Writers: Sean Penn (screenplay), Jon Krakauer (book) 

Staring: Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, Vince Vaughn, Kristen Stewart

Rating: ★★★★½

Into The Wild is a film that's based on a true story and an adaptation of a book, Sean Penn captures every bit of emotion possible creating an inspirational, beautiful, sad and influential film that you will always remember. Words won't do justice to just how good a storyline this film has, the fact it's based on a true story just adds to the emotion and wonder. It has a fantastic crew that shows when looking at the film from the technical point of view, it also features a cameo of all star actors and actresses from Vince Vaughn to Kristen Stewart.

Emile Hirsch plays the character of Chris McCandless a young man who has it all, youth, wealth, intelligence but it isn't what he wants, he just wants to live to be out there. After graduating from Emory University with straight A's he abandons his old life, his possessions, his car, he gives his complete $24,000 savings to charity and decides to hitchhike his way to Alaska to live in the wild as Alexander The Supertramp. He rebels against his demanding snobby parents (Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt) and leaves his bewildered sister (Jena Malone). On the way of his great adventure he meets some extraordinary and different characters that shape his new life. 

The film skips between Chris in Alaska at the end of his adventure to how he got there and the lessons he learnt and the people he met, finally they meet and the film follows the present day. The characters he meets all vary giving not only Chris advice but you feel the audience life lessons. He meets the characters middle aged "hippy" couple Rainey and Jan (Brain H. Dierker, Catherine Keener) to the likes of an old man Ron (Hal Holbrook) not only is it inspirational and heart warming but the relationships and bonds formed are truly heart warming.

 

 

Sean Penn has adapted the book very well, staying close to the original source. He was helped along the way in creating this wonderful film by an excellent crew, credit should be given for a inspirational mood setting soundtrack by the sound department. The acting was outstanding, Emile Hirsch adapted very well not only mentally but physically to play the character of Chris McCandless, for me it's one of my favourite performances in the last decade. All in all Into The Wild is a must watch film, not only is it a inspirational story but a serious one about a boy who was lost due to his desire to live. It deserves its status as the 165th best film of all time and its many wins and nominations, don't miss out. 

Signs (2002)

Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi

Director: M. Night Shyamalan 

Writer: M. Night Shyamalan 

Staring: Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin 

Rating: ★★★★

Signs isn't just a Sci fi film about aliens and crop circles, it's a film about fate and how life gives you signs of what's meant to be. Although inspirational to some extent it's horrifying, M. Night Shyamalan's has written and directed a fantastic film, the use of sound or the lack of it, in silence creates a fear of the unknown and a fear of the unheard. It's an amazing film with an amazing crew as well as cast that will make you leave a few half empty glasses of water around your house. 

The film follows the "Hess" family who owns a farm in the small town of Bucks County in Pennsylvania. Former Reverend Graham (Mel Gibson) has just recently lost his wife, with his faith being tested he then discovers crop circles up to 500ft big in his field, later finding out he's one of many to suffer world-wide. He lives with his two kids Morgan, who suffers badly from asthma and Bo, a little girl who is more than a little picky when it comes to water and finally his brother Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix) a former mini league baseball player known for his big swing. After animals start behaving strange, crop circles getting more than enough publicity world wide and some dodgy baby monitor reception they are all in too deep and are about to encounter the unknown and be tested as a family. 

As I said before Signs isn't just about crop circles, its about fate and signs that aren't always visible in life giving an inspirational twist on a Sci fi horror making it stand out to the rest. It's also a heart warming story about how a family sticks together and fights its way through hard times. M. Night Shyamalan has written a film that will make you shiver and give you chills not only due to horror but due to the relationships between the characters. The key element that sticks out is the sound, the use of silence makes you fear the unknown and creates a feeling of loneliness and helplessness, for me it was the best thing about this film alongside the cinematography and the suspense created by keeping the antagonist off screen until the climax. 

M. Night Shyamalan was at his best when creating this film in my opinion, it deserves all the credit it can get. It's one of my favourite films that discuss the topic of extraterrestrials due to its different approach and use of tin foil hats. It's one to watch on a dark lonely night for sure, but don't expect to get much sleep after. 

Ghost (1990)

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Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Director: Jerry Zucker

Writer: Bruce Joel Rubin

Staring: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore 

Rating: ★★★★

Ghost is a film that shows love can even transcend death. It mixes the two genres of romance and thriller together effectively to create a heart warming story that unfolds before your eyes. It has a outstanding acting, a magical soundtrack all completed by a great storyline. 

Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) is a banker who has just recently moved in to a new apartment in New York with his girlfriend Molly Jenson (Demi Moore). After a date to the theatre together they walk back home through a dark alley, a robber jumps out and demands Sam's wallet at gun point. Refusing to give in they get into a scuffle and Sam gets shot and dies however his spirit stays on earth. He realises his death was no accident or coincidence and that Molly is in danger, through the use of psychic Oda-Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg) Sam has to reveal his death true meaning and protect his love, Molly. 

The on-screen romance at the start of the film between Sam and Molly shows such a connection from the way they touch and look at each other. It sets up one of the most famous scenes in film history and one of the best romances. The film focuses on how their love is eternal and can even transcend death. Whilst the characters of Sam and Molly provide a eye watering romance, Oda Mae Brown provides eye watering comedy. Whoopi Goldberg plays a hustler con artist who poses as a medium who just happens to discover her true powers when Sam arrives. She's from the "ghetto" and is tough cookie, but she changes as she helps Sam protect Molly and uncover his murderer. Ghost also provides thrills and tense scenes that keep you entertained. 

For me the acting in Ghost is faultless, the romance between Sam and Molly is so real, Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore were very convincing and made it believable, for me making it one of the best film love stories. This was completed and entwined with magical score and soundtrack including "unchained melody" and the theme song Ghost written by Maurice Jarre. Ghost is a endless classic and one you can watch over and over again, it has everything to entertain you with comedy, romance and thrills all embedded into an amazing unique storyline. 

Review: My Little Eye (2002)

Genre: Horror

Director: Marc Evans 

Writers: David Hilton, James Watkins

Staring: Sean Cw Johnson, Kris Lemche, Jennifer Sky

Rating: ★½

My Little Eye has the potential to be a great film due to its unique storyline however instead of providing gasps and jumps it creates snores and yawns. In a period where British Horrors were thriving with the likes of Dog Soldiers and 28 Days Later, My Little Eye definitely lets down the team and failed to make an impression on anyone. Maybe it was the unknown actors and crew or maybe it was because it has the least amount of horrifying moments produced by a horror ever. 

The storyline plays homage to at the time recent and popular reality TV series Big Brother. Five contestants must stay in a completely isolated house for six months, if they all stay they win $1million however if one leaves or breaks the rules they all loose. Each contestant represents the classic stereotypes, you have your innocent fragile virgin, the whore, the jock and the comic relief. Everything is there and in place to make a great movie however they choose to put all the action at the end. 

The group eventually finds out that they're not being broadcasted as a young Bradley Cooper who plays Travis who works and pratically lives on the Internet discovers the house when skiing and explains how he's never heard of them or seen a single advertisement online.  The reason they're in the house soon becomes clear, they are there to be watched and tortured by "the company". However torture in this film is a crate of bricks being delivered or a nasty message being left of a steamed up window, not a limb cut off. There is then a big plot twist at the end that brings the action and violence you would expect, however for me it's too little to late and many of you would of probably switched of well before. 

The acting is of low quality and it feels scripted and unnatural, the score is again below average and fails at trying to create any suspense and tension. The only creditable thing about this film is the use of in narrative cameras giving us a constant third person outsider perspective. No wonder this film isn't heard of by many and I'm sure now Hollywood star Bradley Cooper wants to keep it that way, its possibly the most boring horror to date, the rating I'm giving it is purely for the storyline. I wouldn't rush to see this one. Marc Evans and My Little Eye you've been evicted please pack up your bags and leave! 

Review: The Descent (2005)

Genre: Horror, Adventure

Director: Neil Marshall 

Writer: Neil Marshall

Staring: Shauna Mcdonald, Natalie Mendoza

Rating: ★★★½

Just like Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later three years previous, The Descent is another British horror film that was both popular in the UK as well as the US producing an American sequel. Neil Marshall, director of Dog Soldiers this time takes on an all female cast that go caving and discover some more than unfriendly inhabitants. Providing thrills, jumps and shocks it truly lives up to its genre. 

The film follows the character of Sarah (Shauna Mcdonald) who has just recently lost her husband and daughter in a horrific accident shown at the beginning of the film. Despite no longer being in the stage of grieving Sarah is obviously still suffering from her loss but however agrees to go on a routine caving trip with her friends to Boreham Caverns. The narrative has a side plot and a in group protagonist of Juno (Natalie Mendoza) after it becomes obvious she was having an affair with Sarah's late husband. Juno, who's planned this caving trip decides against the tourist options and take the girls to an unknown cave in the hope of them being the first to discover it but all this is unknown and a surprise to the girls. 

When in the unknown cave system things start to go wrong and their entrance and possibly only
exit becomes blocked, eventually a worried panicky Juno tells the group the truth. However they're still far from knowing what they are getting themselves into, the cave is home to hundreds of blood thirsty monsters. These "crawlers" are fast, clever and hunt in packs for flesh and the group become top of their menu. Being hunted the group must try to escape the cave, however Sarah has other things on her mind as she sets of for revenge on Juno. The rest of film fuels on tense chase scenes, providing many jumps and scares. It also focuses on the transformation of Sarah and how troubled she really becomes, from visions of her dead daughter to extreme acts of violence.

The Descent is a very different and unique horror, for starters its all female cast is something we don't often see and it strays from the stereotype. The "crawlers" are a new take on a monster, they however provide blood, guts and gore as they hunt the group down, creating just what we expect. The setting is also something new, however despite this innovation as a viewer you still get what you came to see, and that's a thrilling, gore-filled horror. The acting despite not standing out is good and is something you come to expect nowadays, although Shauna Mcdonalds performance as Sarah is worth a mention. For me the editing and the graphics of the "crawlers" is something that deserves credit, they are realistic but at the same time horrifying and will really stay in your mind. The sound used also creates suspense moments, although mostly its natural diegetic score when long silences and stings are used its effective and well timed so be prepared to jump.

 Neil Marshall definitely represented the British horror industry positively once again as The Descent is a great horror and its no surprise the Americans made a sequel. A film that's somewhat discredited and underrated but for me it's one to watch, a film very much accurate to its genre and good for a dark night.

28 Days Later (2002)

                                                                      

Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Director: Danny Boyle 

Writer: Alex Garland

Staring: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris,  Christopher Eccleston

Rating:★★★

The British horror industry definitely got boosted when Danny Boyle released his post apocalyptic film in 2002. The film although low budget was a big hit in both the UK and US and even produced an American sequel 28 Weeks Later. The film starts in a lab, where animal testing on chimpanzees is taking place, when animal rights members break in to set them free it soon appears that the chimpanzees have been injected with something and are now all infected. We are given knowledge that the scientists have injected them with an "inhibitor" that causes rage, making the at first innocent and harmless chimps into blood thirsty killing machines. Ignoring warnings they free them only to be attacked and infected themselves, spreading to humans it then becomes a national pandemic wiping out the population and turning them into rage infested "zombies". 

Now knowing how the problem was caused the film focuses on the 28 days after and follows the life of Jim (Cillian Murphy) who has just woken up in hospital after a collision with a car when he was delivering a parcel on his bike. Unknown to him that his former life is now history and he's about to walk out into a living hell he adventures across an abandoned London in search of life. However all he can find is dead, but the living dead? As he gets chased by a hoard he gets rescued by two over survivors Selena and Mark (Naomie Harris, Noah Huntley ). Held up in a corner shop they're protected and have good and shelter and explain to a confused Jim what has happened.

Without ruining the film and giving away spoilers things go wrong when Jim searches for his family in what used to be his home. They then discover more survivors in a block of flats in a more rural London, Frank (Brendan Gleesan), a  friendly cockney cab driver with a passion for wine and his daughter Hannah (Megan Burns), a 12 year old who knows how to change a tyre and hand-break turn. They set off for a "safe camp" a last resort in Manchester where they believe its safe and the military have a cure. After playing homage to Dawn of The Dead 1978 in a local Budgens they arrive in Manchester but is the answer to infection there? The rest of the film is set in an heritage countryside mansion but the zombies aren't Jim's only problem when he finds out the military have alternative motives.

 

28 Days Later is very different to other films of its genre, it takes a different approach on the "zombie" with the idea of rage, which at the time was a very common and talked about theory. I rate this film highly when looking on the technical side, for such a low budget film that used such underdeveloped equipment 28 Days Later has some remarkable shots. Danny Boyle captures the eye with an extraordinary opening sequence of a completed isolated London, something so rare and almost impossible to achieve again. He also makes it clear this is a British film unlike most others that play to the American audience and stereotype. The score and original soundtrack is also worth a mention, repetitively played throughout the film it creates a tense atmosphere but at the same time its refreshing and encouraging. Although a "horror", 28 Days doesn't have too many moments where you jump or gasp, it plays more on conflict between survivors and relationships. Despite this the film does have some gore and the bloody violence you would expect in the closing sequence. 

Although its no classic compared to the Dawn Of The Dead's it should be credited and for me it is one of the best British horror films in the last decade. Danny Boyle producing another must watch film as always.

Review: 500 Days of Summer (2009)

                                                                              

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama 

 

Director: Marc Webb                                    

 

Writers: Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber

 

Staring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel 

 

Rating: ★★★½

 

 

500 Days of Summer is a romantic comedy that isn't Hollywood and fairy tales but harsh, painful and realistic but at the same time heart warming. Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) believes in love and when seeing Summer (Zooey Deschanel) he believes she's "the one" however Summer doesn't believe in true love, despite this the two get close together and become more than friends but problems arise when Tom wants to put "labels" on their relationship. The film shows 500 days from the moment Tom first saw Summer, flicking and skipping through the days back and forth to show how things changed and how things were before.

 

 

Tom designs greeting cards but his true passion is for architecture, one day at work at a monthly meeting Tom meets newly arrived assistant Summer, and then and there falls for her. This sets up the scenes where he hopelessly tries everything to talk to her, and for her to notice him representing something many in the audience can relate to. Eventually after some not so smooth conversations Tom and Summer become friends, but it soon develops into more than just friends.Kissing in the photocopying room, endless cinema dates and even shopping in Ikea makes Tom fall even more for Summer but he soon crashes as Summer tells him that she's don't want things to get serious and to keep it casual. Despite this their relationship still develops and slowly but surely Summer lets Tom into her hidden away mysterious life that no one has ever had the privilege to see and hear about before. However their heart warming cute relationship that everyone in the audience would want suddenly takes a u-turn and the two break up. The rest of the film consists of how Tom copes without Summer however she does return later in the film but is it for the good of Tom? 

 

The film in a unique way shows how something can change so quickly and the harsh reality of relationships and love, something that other romantic films cover up and stray away from. There are two scenes that will stick in your head after watching, the "Ikea scene" is heart warming and is a real "awww" moment within in the audience. The second is the "expectation vs reality scene" that is truly unique but represents real life as its something everyone can relate to as we tend to make up scenes in our heads of how we hope events turn out. The film not only provides us with the generic expectations of a romance film but those of a comedy too, helped by Tom's friends (Geoffrey Arend, Matthew Gray Gubler)there are many scenes that will make you laugh for a number of different reasons. 

Not only does 500 Days of Summer have a great storyline and plot but it is also accompanied by great acting and a even better soundtrack. The soundtrack is modern and refreshing, featuring songs such as Sweet Disposition (The Temper Trap) and She's got you high (Mumm Ra) it complements the feel and style of the film, completing it. This is definitely one of the best romantic comedies that has been released for a while and one to watch. 

 

Donnie Darko (2001)

                                                                    


Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi

Director: Richard Kelly

Writer: Richard Kelly

Staring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonell, Holmes Osbourne

Rating: ★★★★★

Those who have said bad things about this film have just not understood it. Donnie Darko is that film where you'll find yourself watching it over and over looking for the explanation, on the way you will then discover just how good this film is and why it's rated as one of the best films of all time. It has an amazing cast, a young Jake Gyllenhaal plays the character of Donnie, after he will star in award winning films such as Brokeback Mountain and The Day After Tomorrow. Future Batman star Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jake's actual sister plays Donnie's sister Elizabeth. We also get to see the well known Patrick Swayze and Drew Barrymore staring alongside the otherwise "young" cast.

Jake Gyllenhaal plays Donnie Darko, a teenager who has "issues", he suffers with hallucinations and gets visited by a demonic six foot rabbit named Frank who manipulates Donnie to commit acts of crime. At the dinner table his sister Elizabeth (Maggie Gyllenhaal) tells his parents (Mary McDonell, Holmes Osbourne) that he hasn't been taking his medication. However later that night due to these visions Donnie escapes death as a 747 Jet engine crashes and destroys his bedroom whilst he's on a midnight trip with Frank. The mystery grows as Frank tells him that the world is going to end in "28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes and 12 seconds" and that jet engine is unknown by the FBI creating the question of where exactly did it come from? All that is known is that Donnie's escape from death and Franks appearance are two supernatural events that have crossed and are somehow linked. 

Donnie attends the local private high school where he meets Gretchen (Jena Malone), a new student who has troubles of her own. They form a relationship and Donnie gets attached, however Gretchen although curious of Donnie's behaviour is unaware of his visions and his recently committed crimes. Donnie also forms a bond with his English teacher (Drew Barrymore), they share a similarity in which they both have had trouble with the old gym teacher, she plays an important role in the film as she provides an important clue for Donnie. Another key character is "Grandma Death" or Roberta Sparrow, Donnie and his dad nearly run her down a few days after the jet engine crash and she whispers something into his ear. Later on in the film his professor gives him a book that was written by Grandma Death and that proposes the idea of time travel to Donnie, and after reading her book Donnie believes he has all the answers. The rest of the film then fuels on Donnie putting these clues and answers together before he 28 days left, quickly runs out.

This film provides everything from comedy moments to suspense, thrills and gasps. The soundtrack deserves credit and it is complementary throughout as the score is parallel to the scenes. The acting is at a high standard, Jake Gyllenhaal adapts to role of Donnie amazingly well and creates a real attachment between himself and the audience. For Richard Kelly's first film it is definitely one to remember and one not to miss out on, Donnie Darko will surely be known for many years to come.

Review: Drive (2011)

Genre: Crime, Drama

Director: Nicholas Winding Refn

Writers: Hossein Amini, James Sallis

Staring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks

Rating: ★★★★★


Ryan Gosling stars in this crime drama as a Driver, he has no name, no past, no other life. He drives as a stuntman, a wheelman for getaways and he drives to save his neighbours lives. We first see  Driver in LA being used as a wheelman for a getaway. He's calm, composed and mysterious and in pursuit from the police he uses not only the sheer power, speed and his driving ability but the environment and intelligence to escape. During the day he works as a mechanic and a stuntman, he asks no questions, he just drives.

He is this traditional "hero" and this film fits the 1960's trend and style, he is a complete mystery but all we can tell is that he's damaged and whatever damaged him has had a lasting effect on his mental state. He has no family, no friends, no past not even a name making him defined purely by his behaviour and all he does is drive. He has few if any emotions, he doesn't talk much but we become to be attached and sympathise for him and this is down to a truly amazing soundtrack and score editing.

 The Driver befriends his neighbour Irene (Carey Mulligan), and her son Benecio (Kaden Leos) and within a week becomes very affectionate and close. He takes them home from the supermarket after their car breaks down, he then goes on to drive them around and take them places. This sets up a rather heart warming relationship between the three of them however Irene's husband and Benecio's dad called Standard (Oscar Isaac) is due out from prison in a week destroying the relationship. Standard at first is hostile with his new neighbour but then realises that he can use him to pay off his debt in a $1million heist on a local pawn brokers. However when things go wrong it puts his family in danger and being attached Driver decides to take it into his own hands to protect their lives. This fuels the rest of the film as Driver gets involved with ruthless big time mobsters Ron Perlman and Albert Brooks as he takes risks to show unbelievable loyalty and feelings for Irene.

As the plot progresses and the danger and conflict increases we see the damaged Driver show as he displays extreme violence. This however creates us to sympathise for him more rather than making him a villain, it also brings some great entertainment and some thrilling action.

The film is action packed but leaves room for a light hearted romance and a good storyline, for once I think a film has managed to balance this out correctly and effectively. Unlike most other crime-action dramas, Drive is a very realistic film, chases seem realistic and so do stunts. CGI is used as little as possible, Danish director Nicholas Winding Refn respecting the genre and craft of film making. The key element in this film is sound, Cliff Martinez should be very proud of what he's achieved. Due to the lack of dialogue from the driver the soundtrack speaks for him, telling us everything about him including his feelings. Drive has been credited with many awards for it's sound editing and well deserved too. This is definitely a film you don't want to miss and you won't be disappointed after watching.

Day Of The Dead (2008)

Genre: Horror, Action, Thriller

Director: Steve Miner

Writers: Jeffrey Reddick, George .Romero

Staring: Mena Suvari, Nick Cannon Michael Welch, AnnaLynne McCord

Rating: ★★1/2

After the very much successful remake of George A. Romero's 1978 Dawn Of The Dead a remake of another classic was obvious, so four years later Romero teamed up with Jeffrey Reddick this time to recreate his Day Of The Dead. However this film doesn't compare to "Dawn" and is not even on the same level, even the original didn't but when comparing them as remakes its not even a contest. One of the flaws is that it doesn't follow the original whatsoever except the use of the original names for a few characters. Okay, so it doesn't exactly follow the old script and it doesn't have to, to be a good film, but the storyline is so modern and overused it ruins the original feel to it and dresses it up as an everyday "zombie" film.

The military closes off a small town in Colorado for some "special training" and it just so happens to be at the time most of the neighbourhood has some flu-like virus. However as the local medical centre overruns and the virus begins to develop it becomes clear that this isn't something that a few aspirin or paracetamol can sort out, the virus starts to turn people into flesh eating raged filled monsters. Whilst limbs are being ripped off and blood splattering every wall and pavement in the town tough female soldier Cpl. Cross (Mena Suvari) back in her hometown must escape with the help of a few colleagues and on the way rescue her recently reunited brother and his girlfriend.

Cpl.Cross is joined by Salazar (Nick Cannon), a soldier who acts likes he's in a ninja video game and Bud (Stark Stands), a "newbie" who's a polar opposite being sensitive, kind and a vegetarian. They are trapped in a hospital surrounded by Zombies with a limited supply of weapons. In a inventive and action packed gruesome fashion they fight their way to a hummer to escape. Trapped and hiding in a nearby radio station is her brother Trevor (Michael Welch), a spoilt teenager with a bit of a grudge and attitude, he's joined by his squeamish girlfriend Nina (AnnaLynne McCord). After being rescued they search for answers in a underground lab, in which they find the truth about how their town has been wiped out but still face the problem of the flesh eating ghouls. The rest of the film gives us unrealistic action, explosions and more blood, jumps and scares in attempt to entertain us.

The film tries to play on the growing and recovering relationship between Cpl.Cross and her brother but in all truth it isn't one bit touching or heart warming but cheesy and expected. The most enjoyable character in this film for me is Salazar, he brings the action and although unrealistic it provides us with the gore and blood we came to see and wanted. Despite its flaws Day Of The Dead deserves some credit for their faster, smarter and uglier zombies. The zombies show how much has developed since George A. Romero's original film but furthermore take a new aspect. The zombies tend to remember something from their previous life, whether it be a trait or a memory, this leads to the creation of a smarter and more dangerous zombie that we get to meet in the closing stages of the film. To me the films protagonists somehow remind me of the monsters in I Am Legend (2007) in the way they jump and climb ceilings and walls.

All in all Day Of The Dead isn't the best but It isn't quite the worse, many including myself expected far much better but that wasn't provided. The film doesn't quite take the full use of George A. Romero's original and with some shabby acting and some cheesy side plots it lets itself down. Fanboys and Romero worshipers will be bitter after viewing this but if you just want some action, blood and gore you will probably be mildly entertained, but I wouldn't go out of your way to go and see it.

Review: The Crazies (2010)

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery

Director: Breck Eisner

Writers: Scott Kosar, Ray Wright, George A. Romero (credited for original film)

Staring: Radha Mitchell, Timothy Olyphant, Danielle Panabacker, Joe Anderson

Rating: ★★★½

Although officially this is not a traditional "zombie" film it follows the same narrative of one, creating a lack of innovation however what you expect to get out the film you well and truly do resulting in just over 90 minutes of entertainment. The down-sider to this film is there is far too much dialogue and too little scares and thrills that you would expect from a film of this genre.

The plot surrounds a small town in Iowa who are infected by a toxin that spills into their water supply resulting in a few mysterious deaths that then suddenly leads into a insanity, raged filled plague that wipes out the whole neighbourhood except from a few survivors. The film follows the towns Sheriff, David Dutton (Timothy Olyphant) who after a work catches a local baseball game with his deputy, Russell Clank (Joe Anderson). The game is paused as the towns drunk wanders onto the field with a shotgun, racing onto the field David tries negotiating but the shotgun equipped drunk raises his gun leading him to be shot in front of the whole crowd by the Sheriff. A autopsy shows that there was not a drop of alcohol in the system of the now dead armed wanderer causing ever growing suspicions from Sheriff Dutton.

The Sheriff's wife, the local doctor Judy (Radha Mitchell), starts treating some strange cases in Ogden Marsh and without spoiling the plot, Sheriff Dutton and his deputy discover the cause of the upcoming plague. However a money driven Mayor dismisses the claims and refuses to take emergency actions. After the spread and deaths worsen the town gets quarantined and unfortunately for the infected the cure seems worse than the disease. Judy, Dave and deputy Russell then have to fight their way out of what once was their home town but now is a plagued hell.



When looking at The Crazies you could do far worse but at the same time its just a mix between Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later and Day Of The Dead  (2005). For its genre it doesn't offer anything new but that doesn't mean its a bad film, the acting and special effects were good as you would expect from a modern film, and to add the gore and deaths were exciting with a pitch fork here and an angle grinder there. It sure isn't an all time great but a apocalyptic film worth watching? Give it a go.