markquinn1989 Reviews

Inception (2010)

Summer BLOCKBUSTER!!!

[10/10 · 18 July 2010]

Christopher Nolan is one director who has never failed to deliver & his latest film, Inception is no different. With this he has created a monumental & thoroughly original piece of cinema that not only entertains but makes you think, something that modern blockbusters have failed to do time & time again (e.g. Avatar, Transformers, Clash Of The Titans).

Leonardo DiCaprio leads a sublime ensemble cast that includes some of today's biggest & brightest stars and a true legend in Michael Caine, while Leo himself delivers arguably his greatest performance yet.

The film looks & feels stunning!! The visuals are top-notch, the film sounds suitably tense while Hanz Zimmer's score only adds to the atmosphere. The script is (as you would expect) brilliant, remaining complex but relatively easy to follow & Nolan has once again stayed clear of conventional narrative to heighten the film's complexities.

This is a true original & just goes to show everyone that blockbusters can be intellectually challenging whilst remaining hugely enjoyable. As a result, one can't help but want more from a standout film in a year that surely has more to offer than it has produced thus far. A new dimension of boundary-breaking has just been created by the new Kubrick / Hitchcock of film.

The Lovely Bones (2009)

Wait.... hang on a minute!!!!

[8/10 · 23 February 2010]

I just saw The Lovely Bones today & having let it set in I thought it was a tremendous film!!! OK, I'll admit that Peter Jackson tried a little too much to overpower the film with CGI but that does not take anything away from the heart & emotion this film can generate.

Firstly the acting is absolutely superb with fine performances all round. Saoirse Ronan (from my homeland - Ireland) is a revelation as Susie Salmon. I have yet to see such a gifted piece of acting from such a young actress since Natalie Portman in Léon. She has been robbed of a nomination for a truly Oscar-worthy performance. Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberg, Susan Sarandon & of course Stanley Tucci (one of the finest supporting actors in modern times) are all convincing here too.

I believe that when the nay-sayers saw the level of CGI they lost interest & forgot what this film can really offer you at its core - tension, heartbreak, thrills & joy.

If you really make the effort to delve into this film, you will come out with a tear in your eye. If not, then I pity you for not being able to look past the CGI blunders & see a really emotional film.

Nine (2009)

A solid musical with a splendid cast!!!

[8/10 · 11 January 2010]

I was really excited about this film when I saw the trailer and learned what it's about & I instantly began thinking that this could be the Oscar front-runner. Then I heard a lot of mixed comments about it & was somewhat deterred. However, I think my first instinct won out in the end.

I found this movie to be a top-notch musical with some good songs (some more memorable albeit than others) with some terrific performances all round. Daniel Day-Lewis proves he can tackle any role effectively as Guido Contini, but for me, the movie is stolen by Marion Cotillard as his despairing wife (hopefully she gains some award recognition). You can see the dedication & loyalty in her to her husband despite his shortcomings and how conflicted she is over whether or not she can stay with him. Her performance would make it hard for any man including myself not to fall madly in love with her come the end of the movie. Penelope Cruz is also worth mentioning (particularly for that raunchy number she gives) & plays her small role as the mistress to perfection.

Technically, the film is gorgeously shot and directed with some sharp editing and terrific choreography. Although not to be compared with the classic musicals of a by-gone era this remains a great piece of work in general that I found to be thoroughly enjoyable!!! As regards Oscar front-runner, I don't think so (The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Basterds, Up In The Air seem to be fighting it out) but well worth a watch!!!

Changeling (2008)

What a tremendous piece of film!!

[8/10 · 13 December 2008]

I just saw Changeling a few days ago and I have one word to describe it: BRILLIANT!!! I had heard a lot of talk about Jolie's strong performance and it pushed me to see it. And having seen it now, I fully agree with many of these critics. Not only is her portrayal of Christine Collins beautifully poignant, it is also fully engaging (I can see a second Oscar heading towards her mantle).

But as well as Jolie's central performance, there is great support from John Malkovich (at his usual best) and from the rest of the previously unknown cast.

Beautifully directed by the great Clint Eastwood, who may earn yet another Oscar with this, this film really brings the 1920s and 30s to life. Much like a fine wine, Clint just seems to get better with age.

I don't want to reveal too much so I will just say this: You MUST see this movie. For me, this film, along with Slumdog Millionaire, The Wrestler and The Dark Knight have been the best of the year and if you haven't yet seen any of them, you are missing out on the creme de la creme of 2008.