Up In The Air

Up In The Air
Year: 2009
Director: Jason Reitman
Cast: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman

In My Own Words
“Up In The Air” is probably my most anticipated film of 2010, and that’s a big call as there are many films I am looking forward to this year. However, this one was the one I had most wanted to win Best Picture at the Oscars, even before I had seen it. After seeing it, I still do very much want it to win the big one. It was different to the way I thought it would be. Comical, but not as comical as Jason Reitman’s pat films such as “Thank You For Smoking” and “Juno”. His past two bordered on quirky, while “Up In The Air” signifies how he is growing as a director, and in the best way. I was by no means disappointed with this film, even with how high my expectations were going into it. That is perhaps the best feeling for a cinephile, having high expectations for a film, and that expectation being fulfilled.

The big question for most people will be, can this film beat out “Avatar” come the 7th of March? It’s impossible to predict right now, but they are two very different films. That may be the beauty of the nominees this year, if the Golden Globes nominations are anything to go by. There are films completely different from each other in the race for Best Picture. Box office figures will of course suggest “Avatar”, but the box office does not mean a thing come the Academy Awards.

These are my own words and here is my review.

Review
If there is one movie that is the best representation of the economic and emotional state of the USA at the moment, it is “Up In The Air”. This film is amazing, in every sense. It is indeed a superb directing performance for Jason Reitman, and shows his growth as a film maker. Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is hired to travel across the country and fire the employees of companies. In other words, he does the dirty work of others. As a result, he is cut off emotionally from the world he lives in. He is indifferent to this lifestyle, until he meets the charming Alex (Vera Farmiga) and is teamed up to work with the young and fiery Natalie (Anna Kendrick) and they show him how much he really is missing out on in life.

There is not much bad that can be said about “Up In The Air”. It is a clever and witty adapted screenplay from the novel of the same name by Walter Kirn. All the characters are interesting and there is never a moment that is wasted in the film. Each line spoken and every scene is of importance and a joy to watch. The movie is perfectly edited and the cinematography is amazing right from the beginning with stunning aerial shots of many of Americas varied landscapes. What really makes the film so impressive is its aesthetic value. Reitman has the uncanny ability of making the audience feel as though they are really in each of the locations of the film. For example, when Bingham is on a plane, you can feel the enclosed surroundings of it and even smell the aircraft scent. The same is with the airports and the homely rural American cottage hotel which Bingham visits for his sisters wedding. His choice of camera shots are also extremely commendable, such as controlled for the parts of the film where he is doing his job, to using a hand held camera when he is among his family, to show the change of perspective in each stage of his life.

The characters development and the casting in “Up In The Air” is also near perfect. Although George Clooney’s role as Bingham is not a particularly hard role to play, he fulfils his role perfectly. There is closeness felt towards his character towards the end of the film and a sadness to leave him behind. It is impossible to see anyone play Bingham the way Clooney has, he becomes the character perfectly. Miss Anna Kendrick is the stand out performance of the film. She is an absolute firecracker as the naive, but ambitious Natalie and leaves all her other “Twilight” co-stars for dead. Although she is no stranger to film, this is her most grown-up role for the 24 year old yet, and like Clooney, is not an actor in this film, but is the character in its complete physical form. Both the characters grow on the screen and the audience plays witness to the change in their roles over the film. Vera Farmiga is also not to be forgotten. She plays a sexy and sultry part, but also shows her vulnerable side. It is interesting to note that many Americans who had recently lost their job, are featured in the film to add to the reality of the economic climate of the United States.

The ending may not be everyone’s idea of the way it the film should finish, but it is fitting as it shows hope and despair for the characters and for the world itself. It really is an extremely well made film and one which will not disappoint emotionally. It is comical in parts and tear-jerking in others. Reitman has really created a brilliant piece of art in “Up In The Air”, and it is an absolute joy to watch.
9/10

Old Dogs

Old Dogs
Year: 2009
Director: Walt Becker
Cast: John Travolta, Robin Williams, Seth Green, Kelly Preston

In My Own Words
“Old Dogs” reminds me that some movies are just for entertainment, and nothing beyond that. I’m not even quite sure what the point was of this movie really. It is possible that it is just a money maker, as it has made a great deal at the box office. Put John Travolta and Robin Williams in the same movie and you have a guaranteed box office hit. However, a box office hit doesn’t necessarily mean a good movie. In saying that, there are quite a few giggles in it. Unless you were in the same cinema as my partner and I, when it sounded like a lady near as was about to have a heart attack she was laughing so much. It was one of those instances where you aren’t quite sure if the audience finds the movie that funny or the loud lady laughing a strange laugh all the time.

It was interesting seeing a movie full of Travoltas though. Obviously John and Kelly Preston are husband and wife, and their adorable daughter, Ella Bleu is one of the main roles. What you may not know, is that John’s brother and sister are also in the film as two singing waiters. The first thing I thought watching the family on screen, was whether his deceased son, Jett, was also supposed to be in the film. The film is dedicated to his loving memory, which was to be expected. So when I came home I decided to do a bit of research. It turns out that before his death, he had no interest in being in the film, but then, in the same article entitled “Jett Travolta to possibly join family in movie” (http://www.boxxet.com/John_Travolta/news:jett-travolta-to-possibly-join-family-in-movie/) , it said how there may still be a chance he will appear in it. Unfortunately, the original article has been removed from the net so I am unsure what made him almost appear in this film. Either way, the death of Jett is still extremely sad, even a year after the horrible event.

These are my own words and here is my review.

Review
It is extremely hard to review a film that can only be described as a “nothing” film, which is exactly what “Old Dogs” is. It is predictable, silly and has no depth at all. Outgoing bachelor Charlie (John Travolta) and conservative Dan (Robin Williams) have been best friends for over 30 years and work together for a sports marketing firm. Just as they are about to close a life-changing deal when Dan old flame, Vicki (Kelly Preston) reappears and surprises him by bringing his twin son and daughter which he did not know about. Dan and Charlie look after the children while their mother is in jail, which, of course, causes much mayhem.

There are no surprises in “Old Dogs”. Everything which you think is going to happen does and it is extremely cliché. There are definitely some laughs, but if you have seen the movie trailer, you know where all the laughs will be coming from. The movie is just a Travolta and Williams media vehicle, so you will like the film if you like these two. It is a good film if you want an easy laugh, and are not really in the mood to think. However, apart from that, it is not a very good film at all. It is very, very basic. There is no complexity at all in the script, acting or the direction by Walt Becker. In parts, it can be just annoying and irritating with its predictability and unoriginal jokes.

As far as the acting goes, it is not a stretch at all for Robin Williams. It is a very easy role, not quite as comic as some of his other roles and a bit more serious in the lightest possible way, but still very easy. Travolta actually plays more of the comic role, but is yet another very easy role. Preston is just disappointing as Vicki. She overacts and is just plain silly. Although, Travolta and Preston’s daughter, Ella Bleu is adorable as Dan’s daughter, Emily. She is quite possibly the stand out of the film.

“Old Dogs” is a typical holidays movie. It is not a good movie, but entertaining to a degree. It serves its purpose, and that’s all it really sets out to do. So in that way it is successful and in other ways, it does not come even close.
2/10

It's Complicated

It’s Complicated
Year: 2009
Director: Nancy Myers
Cast: Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin

In My Own Words
The first thing I will say here is how good it was to see a movie in the cinema that really made me laugh out loud (or LOL for all our young readers out there). It is the first time in so long that I have been able to laugh loudly in a cinema, while everyone else who is watching it is also doing so. I had had one of those days feeling sorry for myself at work and “It’s Complicated” was the perfect remedy. I went into the film thinking that it wasn’t going to be that funny or even that good (an example of why film critics should not read other reviews before they see the film), but I was pleasantly surprised. I definitely admire Nancy Meyers for her ability to make a romantic comedy that is not classified as a “chick flick”, a trap which most romantic comedies fall into.

The cinemas are still extremely busy at the moment, which definitely pits a smile on my face. I know this time of the year they are busier than others because it is holidays and there is a greater range of films out, but it still is a great feeling to know that in a time such as now, the movie cinemas are alive and well.

These are my own words and here is my review.

Review
“It’s Complicated” is the new film by Nancy Meyers, who has such films as “What Women Want”, “Something’s Gotta Give” and “The Holiday” to her name. Staying true to her roots, “It’s Complicated” is yet another film about relationships, and that’s not a criticism of any type. Meyers is extremely talented when it comes to picking an ensemble of actors who have on screen chemistry, writing a witty script and making a romantic, comical movie that is not just for chicks. “It’s Complicated” is a perfect example of this. Jane (Meryl Streep), a mother of three, has been divorced from her husband, Jake (Alec Baldwin) for ten years and feels as though she has finally got her life sorted out with the perfect house and perfect career for her. That is until a night in New York for her son’s graduation turns into a night of passion with her ex-husband, who has remarried a younger woman. They begin an affair and matters are made even more complicated when Jane attracts the interest of her architect, Adam (Steve Martin).

“It’s Complicated” is, unlike many other movies of its calibre, completely unpredictable. Throughout the film, it is uncertain whether Jane will end up with Jake or Adam. This is unusual of a romantic comedy these days and something that should be celebrated when it does occur, as no one wants to know the end of the film in the first 10 minutes. The film is light and fun, with no intense moments. The visuals are fun to watch as is the dialogue fun to listen to. The script is witty with lots of laughs throughout. It is not only the script which makes the film so hilarious, but the way in which the film is directed also contributes to it. The films the characters do, from their overt actions to their facial expressions add to the hilarity of the film and this can be put down to the way in which Meyers directs the film. “It’s Complicated” has what may be the funniest smoking scene of the year.

As one can expect from the cast members, the acting is realistic and a pleasure to watch. Meryl Streep is, as always, a delight. The role of Jane is one that is not quite as intense or complicated as her recent roles, but it is still one in which she is able to show her versatility as an actress. The first 20 minutes of the film are perhaps not as good a performance as the rest of the film, but she does make up for it. Perhaps the only criticism of the character of Jane is that you don’t see quite as much of the pain of her divorce in her acting as you do in her dialogue. One would expect a woman who has been through such a hard divorce as it was said to be, even if it was 10 years ago, to be angrier and more intense when explaining to her ex- husband why she feels the way she did. Therefore, Streep did do a good job, but there was more she could have done with the role. Alec Baldwin also did a good job, as did Steve Martin. The on-screen chemistry of Streep and Baldwin worked surprisingly well and they did seem to visually on the screen and make the relationship between Jane and Jake come to life. John Krasinski who plays Jane and Jake’s to be son-in-law, Harley is a scene stealer and plays an extremely funny role.

The major criticism of the film is that it does sugar-coat people’s lives after divorce and does not show on film how hard it can be. In the script, it does try to explain the pain, but not on screen. In saying this, Meyers is trying to create a light-hearted comedy so it can be forgiven. It also strives to show that peoples lives do go on after heartbreak and life is what you make of it, a theme which is prominent in most of Meyer’s films.

“It’s Complicated” is not a complicated film at all, but a funny and light-hearted adult comedy. There are many funny moments in it that, unlike other films, are not all featured in the commercials for it. It is a film that will be enjoyed by adults of all ages who need to have a good laugh.
7.5/10

The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones
Year: 2009
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Susan Surandon

In My Own Words
I really didn’t want to write this review. Not because I have lost motivation at all, or even that I am not in the mood. I didn’t want to write this review because I always hate writing bad things about a movie I have really been looking forward to. However, this is all part of being a film critic and it has to be done.

I read the book “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold about 2 months ago and I absolutely loved it. It was one of the most beautiful books I had read in so long. I had been looking forward to the movie before it, but after I read the book, it was leading the way as the Boxing Day release that I most wanted to see. Obviously it took me a bit longer to actually get around to seeing it though. I thought that the book was so wonderful that nobody, especially Peter Jackson, could make it into a bad movie. It was a silly thought to have, as 40 minutes into the film I was thinking “This book should have never been made into a movie”. The book is just far too complex with too much emotion in its words to be transferred onto the screen in a two hour movie. In saying this, there are certain aspects that could and should have been done better. Maybe Peter Jackson should stick to the adventure genre that he has established himself in.

It’s such a dull feeling seeing a film that you expected so much out of when it turns out to be far less than your expectations. I normally try not to expect too much from movies so I won’t be disappointed if it is a flop, but this one I felt so strongly about considering it is such an amazing novel. My advice, read the book if you think the film sounds interesting. You’ll feel more satisfied after that than the film. Harsh, but true.

These are my own words and here is my review.

Review
“The Lovely Bones” is the return to the drama film for award-winning director Peter Jackson. Box office wise it is a triumphant return, but critically wise, not at all. This film could have been spectacular, but it falls in a mess not even half way through. “The Lovely Bones”, based on the best seller written by Alice Sebold, is about a young girl by the name of Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) who is murdered by a man in her hometown and travels to her own heaven. From there she watches all the people on Earth that she has left behind and who are affected by her death.

One would think that “The Lovely Bones” would be an extremely moving movie that so much could be done with. Peter Jackson turns it into just that, a movie that so much COULD have been done with. This is probably the wrong way to say it, Jackson does do so much with the movie, but it isn’t the right mixture to make the film into a masterpiece. Fans of the book will be severely disappointed in this film and people who have not read the book will be confused and disappointed. Jackson overdoes certain aspects of the film and neglects others. It is no doubt that there are some dazzling images and the cinematography is amazing throughout the film, but a film with a subject matter such as this cannot rely on stunning images to pull it through. If the film was primarily about the afterlife, this may have been acceptable, but throwing what is happening where Susie was left behind makes it an uneven balance. There is not enough of the emotions which her family go through to make it a particularly emotional film or to feel any connection to these characters at all. People who have not read the book and watch the film, will be confused with some parts and wonder why some things are happening, particularly at the end. Jackson leaves much of the book out and some parts which he does include, do not make sense without the parts he leaves out. In Jackson’s defence, he would have to make the film far longer than what it actually was to truly capture the essence of the emotion which is supposed to be felt as well as the beauty of heaven.

The acting in the film is not half bad, although there is not enough of it. Ronan is the star of the film and does do a good job. She exhibits the characteristics of a young, innocent teenage girl and goes through the emotions to come to the understanding of her death. Rachel Weisz and Mark Wahlberg as Susie’s parents, are good in parts, but far more could have been done with their characters. Although they do well with what is given to them, there is no chemistry between them on the screen, but this can be attributed to no in depth character and relationship development throughout the film. Stanley Tucci, as Susie’s murderer, is the stand out of the film. His character is the only one with is well developed and creates a bond with the audience. He oozes the air of that unusual neighbour that nobody knows much about, but everybody knows there is something not quite right about him. In all, the acting is not bad by any of the characters, bit is just badly directed.

It is such a shame to see Peter Jackson’s direction take a downturn after the success of “The Lord Of the Rings” and his remake of “King Kong”. It would seem that he tried to take the winning aspects from his prior successes and bring them into “The Lovely Bones”, a film that does not rely on special effects to make it memorable. “The Lovely Bones” is first and foremost, a disappointment.

3/10

Broken Embraces

Los abrazos rotos (Broken Embraces)
Year: 2009
Director: Pedro Almodovar
Cast: Penelope Cruz, Lluis Homar, Tamar Novas

In My Own Words
The first foreign film review for Movie Critical! I am a big foreign film fan, but I find I never see enough of them. A lot of people do not like foreign movies because they do no like the idea of having to read subtitles while watching a film, but I normally find that you almost forget that you are reading subtitles rather than not hearing those words come out of the characters mouths half way through the film. I watch a few of them on DVD, but it is always a challenge watching them at the cinema as not many cinemas around here show foreign films. “Los abrazos rotos”, which is also known by its English title “Broken Embraces” was one film that I wanted to make an effort for. The effort was made easier when one of my friends, who is Spanish, was also wanting to see it and I also won a double pass!

Before I had seen “Broken Embraces”, I had seen only two of celebrated Spanish director, Pedro Almodovar’s films. These films were “All About My Mother” and “Volver”, the latter of which I am a big fan of. He definitely is a great director, although he can be a bit full on at times. I have not seen “Bad Education”, but I have been told that that is an extremely intense film. I found “All About My Mother” quite confronting at times, but “Volver” not as much. “Broken Embraces” wasn’t as full on as what I expected it to be, although you wouldn’t expect that from the opening scene of the movie which just so happens to be a sex scene.

I did enjoy the film as it dealt a fair bit with making and directing films, and it does have some amazing acting, but there are faults in it that make it not as much of a masterpiece as it could be.

These are my own words and here is my review.

Review
There is no denying the power and beauty of the pairing of director Pedro Almodovar and actress Penelope Cruz. It has proved to be a winning combination in the past and continues be so in “Broken Embraces”. Although there are some moments in the movie that can be criticised, the acting and cinematography save the film from being a failure. Mateo Blanco (Lluis Homar), who also goes by the pseudonym of Harry Caine, is a film maker who has been left blind after a car accident. After a visit from someone from his past, Mateo tells his producers don, Diego (Tamar Novas) about the filming of his last film before he lost his sight and about Lena (Penelope Cruz), the married star of the film whom Mateo fell hopelessly in love with. Through this period he starts to call himself Harry Caine and when he loses his sight, proclaims that Mateo is dead and won’t answer to anything but Harry.

“Broken Embraces” is indeed captivating. It is interesting and the cinematography is wonderful. The camera shots which Almodovar uses to capture the actors emotions and make an ordinary shot into an extraordinary shot. As is seen in his earlier films, Almodovar is a great fan of using colour in his films and this was also evident in this film, where even morbid scenes become visually beautiful scenes. However, the film does seem to drag a tad towards the second half of the film. It feels as if not much is happening, and it is taking too long to show not much. It is somewhat anti-climatic and although there is conflict, it conflict scenes in the film are dull and strung out.

The absolute shining star of the film is Penelope Cruz. She is gorgeous and stunning and gives a fine performance. Although the film is told by Mateo and is ultimately supposed to be about him and his life, Cruz is in the majority of the film and is on screen more than Lluis Homar. However, the audience does not mind this, as she is definitely an intriguing character and the camera loves her. Almodovor definitely makes the most of her beauty in his choice of camera shots and angles. Homar does give a good performance, but it feels as though the script did not give him much to work with. Blance Portillo, who plays Mateo’s producer, gives a wonderful performance filled with emotion, but her best work isn’t shown until the end of the film.

“Broken Embraces” is very clever and a beautiful film to watch, although it does have its bad points that non-fans of Almodovor will not be able to appreciate. However, it is one of the best foreign films released in the past year and if you are going to watch only one foreign film in this past year, it should be this one.

7/10

Nowhere Boy

Nowhere Boy
Year: 2009
Director: Sam Taylor Wood
Cast: Aaron Johnson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Anne-Marie Duff, Thomas Brodie Sangster

In My Own Words
This movie is an absolute treat for all the John Lennon and Beatles fans out there. However, be aware that this is not a film about The Beatles. It is about the teenage years of John Lennon and the relationship between him, his mother and his auntie. The words “The Beatles” are not even mumbled through out the whole movie, although the movie does feature Paul McCartney and George Harrison. However, you will not need to know much about John Lennon or The Beatles in order to be a fan of this movie. It is a good movie in its own right, no matter whether it has a worldwide star as its main character or not.

I listened to all my Beatles songs on my iPod this morning to get ready for this movie which I have been so looking forward to seeing. I was not disappointed with the film at all. I was extremely happy to find a music biopic that didn’t fit the norm, not that I don’t enjoy watching music biopics. I was just happy to see one that didn’t focus on the fame and the music industry, but rather the person and who they are and where they come from. Most biopics do show this, but not in as great detail as “Nowhere Boy” does.

You have to be inspired and smirk when Lennon’s headmaster says to him “You are going nowhere, boy”. I really hope that happened and is not just an idea of the script writer, because that just shows everyone not to listen to what others tell you, because...you know, John Lennon didn’t go far at all.

These are my own words and here is my review.

Review
John Lennon needs no introduction. He is known worldwide as one of the most influential singers and songwriters ever to grace this Earth. “Nowhere Boy” gives us a glimpse of where this amazing man came from and who and what made him who he became and does so in an interesting and enjoyable way. Young John Lennon (Aaron Johnson) lives with his highly strung and strict Aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas), who he believes shows no love towards him. After the death of his Uncle George, John seeks out his free-spirited mother (Anne-Marie Duff). They reform a close bond, much to his aunt’s dismay and her interest in rock and roll music encourages John to form a rock band with his friends. However, the film is not about The Beatles, but primarily about the relationships with these two women in his life.

“Nowhere Boy” is a lovely film that will delight both fans and non-fans of The Beatles and Mr Lennon. This film that premiered at the end of the 2009 London Film Festival is an excellent debut film for director Sam Taylor Wood. It perfectly depicts Liverpool in the 1950’s and the script is well written. The film is particularly character orientated, in that there is perfect character development and the audience feels that they know and identify with each of the main characters. The musical score is also perfect for the movie, as one could expect. The music creates an exciting atmosphere at the beginning of the film and creates the right mood for each scene throughout the movie.

The acting is almost entirely perfectly cast and directed. Aaron Johnson is superb as the young Lennon. He captures the rebellious nature of the character as well as the fragility and need for love the character experiences. He also captures the quirky nature of Lennon both in character and physically. He is a pleasure to watch on screen. Kristin Scott Thomas is, as always, astounding and perfectly cast as Mimi. She is subtle at the right times and intense at the appropriate times. Anne-Marie Duff is perhaps the only actor that is less than perfect in her role. As Lennon’s eccentric mother, she is a tad over-exaggerated and almost annoying. Her relationship with her son in the film can sometimes seem inappropriate, which is more a result of the way she is directed than her acting as per say. Even so, she can be too strong at times, and too light at others. Thomas Brodie Sangster, of “Love, Actually” fame, is a stand-out as the young Paul McCartney. In reality, it was often said that Lennon and McCartney were like brothers as a result of certain circumstances in their life, and this relationship is shown on film and is particularly tear-jerking at times.

“Nowhere Boy” is enjoyable from start to finish. It is a roller-coaster of emotions and one of the better biopics of the 12 months. The acting is particularly superb and the characters are well crafted for the screen. It is a fitting tribute to John Lennon.
8/10