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The Hunger Games (2012)
A big block buster of a chase movie
6/10. Like an episode of Bear Grills meets the running man, I have mixed feelings about this one. Whilst it undoubtedly has its moments I cannot overlook some of the more annoying aspects of the film. Specifically the jerky camera thing, I assume this is some kind of "technique", if that technique is to make its viewers feel sick then bravo! It worked. Woody Harrelson has a great knock about role, but I wasn't sure what his motivation was, he seemed to swing from useless drunk to ruthless realist, I didn't get it. The ridiculous female character who picked the names, what was that all about? What was her role? Too many questions, not enough time, even in 2+ hours. Anyway, despite the daftness of the plot and the lack of charm or warmth from most of the actors I still quite enjoyed it - after all I do like Bear Grills and The Running Man, so there you go.
The Company Men (2010)
Could have been more
6.5/10. Ben Affleck, through the power of losing his job cures himself of a heavy dose of being an assh*le. Its actually a well done film, which does expose the cut-throat nature of the business world, what happens when you lose your job. I thought the portrayals were realistic although Affleck's cocky a-hole to humble guy transformation was stretching at bit. Still there was enough in all the characters to keep me interested to the end, and the enduring faith in the human spirit was heartwarming - not too sure real life is always like that, I believe over 200 people live in the flood sewers under Las Vagas, many ordinary people who lost their job and in a country with not much back-stop. Still a good tail despite this.
The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans (2009)
Different enough from the original to make it worthwhile
7.5/10. I set myself up to not like this, the original with Harvey Keitel had a lasting impression on me when I watched it all those years ago as a student. However, this version only very loosely resembles the original. I think this was a wise move, to try and re-create it would have been a travesty. Instead we get the role reinvented by Nicholas Cage, and it is a quite stunning performance. Totally OTT - the stoop is so bad I keep expecting Cage to launch into Ricarhd III at any moment, the way he refers to one of the drug gang as "G" followed by a snort several times is just comic genius. The scene in the retirement home left me open mouthed - I didn't know whether to laugh or be shocked, one of the most amazing single scenes in a film I've seen for a long, long time. There is comedy in this and it is no where near as dark as the original, in the end I wanted to hate the film, but I loved it!!
The Hurt Locker (2008)
unrealistic.
5/10. This film was a disappointment. I've never been in the army, but I just didn't get this at all. Would Williams be allowed to wander around Baghdad defusing bombs in such a reckless unprofessional manner? I just don't see it. Wander off searching for a supposed person who'd detonated a bomb with just 2 other men? Hijack a car with a 9mm and break into someones house? Wander back to base? They seemed to act separate from any chain of command, who's in charge here? No one apparently, like I said the supposed strength of the movie is its realism but it just seemed very unrealistic to me. Sergeant Sanborn suddenly turns into a expert sniper? Really? The moments of real tension were done well, but that's about it for me. A big disappointment given the films reputation.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)
Better than the critics would give it credit for.
8/10. Having read a number of review as I expected it ticked all the boxes of hate for the cynical British reviewer preaching to the converted. I know as Brits our default disposition is one of cynical realists unable to suspend disbelief in real life or even in a film. So, yes, this is a sentimental film, something which isn't the crime against humanity many seem to think. It doesn't tackle some of the deeper emotions of 9/11, like blame, revenge and forgiveness, but it covers loss and guilt pretty well. OK, there were a couple of times I was half-expecting the boy to say "I see dead people" so much like the Sixth Sense he played the character, and at times the voice over got on my nerves. However there were many moments of genuine sorrow and touching drama which more than made up for this. I really enjoyed the film, maybe because I'm getting older, but I've never cared much what other people think anyway, unlike it seems some reviewers. So go-ahead sneer at the conceit, roll your eyes at the 9/11 plot, its still a good film and I hope it wins an Oscar if only to upset the "right-on" film luvvys.
A Good Year (2006)
A little gem
I really enjoyed this film, a lovely story about how we lose what's important in life when we chase the money. Not an original plot, but one which deserves re-telling and with this cast and script a very worth while addition to the Genre. The comedy moments generally add to the overall film, and whilst its no 'Sideways' nonetheless there are enough bitter-sweet moments to carry the film along. I guess it didn't do too well at the box-office but I suppose that's more of a sad reflection on the conditioning of the cinema going public who are fed on a diet light in dialogue but swamped in violence and CGI. Nevertheless it is beautifully shot and really invokes a sense of memories long hidden in French summers past.
War Horse (2011)
syrupy doesn't come close
I expected Cheese, but this was like a 4 cheese pizza at a fondue party. With the West Country accents and the not-so-subtle John Williams soundtrack I kept expecting Sam Gamgee to pop up "I'm sorry Mr Frodo siiiiir". Never has ploughing a field been Wrought with such high tension and excitement. In fact if the film had finished right there I wouldn't have been surprised to be honest. Anyway some other very touching stuff happened with a parade of saddo's falling in love with the beasty, from simple French farmer to German deserters and various honest working soldiers, until the climatic end when the strings are turned up, the soft focus....err softened and not a dry eye in the house. To be fair the Battle scene was amazing but wasn't enough to save this from making "Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story" look like a gritty drama.