Thursday 30 October 2014

5 Books that made a great movie.

Afternoon guys :) 
I haven't had much chance to watch a lot of films these past few days so I thought I'd give you another list to work through. This time I'm going to share with you some of my favourite movies that are based around a book; again it will be in no particular order. 


5. The Lovely Bones (2009)


Directed by the talented Peter Jackson; this film is an emotional roller-coaster from start to end and if you haven't watched it then you're missing out on a beautifully scripted masterpiece. It's very difficult to bring a character to life from a book and do it justice but this film is incredibly well cast with the likes of Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz and Susan Sarandon. Of course little Susie Salmon who is played by Saiorse Ronan is also an absolute wonder to watch. A moving, powerful film that really makes us wonder what actually happens when we die. 



4. Harry Potter (All of them) 



I'm the first to admit that I am in fact a Harry Potter superfan; the books were first released when I was 7 years of age so it took a few years before I started to read them and this was when I turned 11; which of course, is when the first film was released. Being the same age as Harry, Ron and Hermoine I practically grew up with them throughout the years and was always incredibly jealous that I hadn't been given a place at Hogwarts. The movies don't include several of the sub-plots that are in the books but this can be forgiven because each film is so powerful and action-packed, that it would be impossible to include everything from the book, especially parts that aren't key to the storyline. 
I have to say that the final films are my favourite, this could possibly be due to the fact that 'David Yates' directed them and he is from my home town and even studied at the same college I did so I have a soft spot for him. 
Anyway if you haven't seen these movies (where have you been?) then you DEFINITELY need to go and check them out and read the books too!



3. A Time To Kill (1996)


Now, I always find it difficult to place a film in to one of my all-time favourites list but 'A Time to Kill' is definitely one of them. A worthy winner in my top 10 movies of all time with incredibly powerful and moving acting; a storyline that pushes the boundaries in every way possible but really forces you to think and a film that shows the conflict and division between two races. The film is based off John Grisham's novel which was published in 1989 and it does it justice in every way possible; this film is a must see. 


2. Forrest Gump (1994)


Another one of my favourite films; Forrest Gump is a heart warming tale that makes you laugh and cry. Tom Hanks was perfect for the role and really brought Gump to life; I could never picture anyone else doing a better job. The book by Winston Groom (1986) was just as magical and it is fantastic that such a great book was able to be brought to life on screen. I know most of you will have watched this film but if you haven't then make sure it's at the top of your to do list, I promise you won't regret it. 


1. Shutter Island (2010)


Based on Dennis Lehane's 2003 novel this film is a mind twister; if you haven't read the book or seen the film then you're in for a surprise. Throughout the whole book/film you find yourself second guessing yourself and all of the characters; you don't know who to trust or what's really going on and that is what makes this film one of my favourite book adaptations. Don't expect this film to be an easy watch, you have to give it your divided attention if you want to keep up with what's going on and be sure not to miss anything but trust me it's worth your while!



Wednesday 29 October 2014

Halloween Horror Night

Hello guys, so as I'm sure you're aware Halloween is right around the corner and if you're anything like me you prefer a night in front of the TV, in the dark, watching films that make you afraid to go to the toilet alone.
In light of that, I thought it would be a good idea to give you a list of my top 10 horror movies that chilled me to the bone. Oh, and they're not in any particular order.


10. 28 Days Later (2002)




If you're a huge fan of 'zombie horrors' and 'post-apocalyptic' movies like I am then this film will be right up your street. If you just so happen to live in London, then it could well be right up your street as this film is set in our wonderful capital. I am so accustomed to seeing zombie films set in America, that witnessing '28 days later' in London made things a little more real and all the more terrifying. 
1) Nobody wants a zombie apocalypse to happen outside their home.
2) These aren't your regular, slow and dumb zombies. These things run, fast.
Safe to say I'd be doomed from the beginning as an asthma sufferer and someone who is medically diagnosed with 'Lazy-itis'. (It's a real thing, my mum said so)...
Anyway, give this film a watch and I can guarantee, those of you begging for a zombie apocalypse (me included), will soon change their mind. 



9. Sinister (2012)




WARNING: DO NOT WATCH THIS FILM ALONE. 
I don't scare easily, honestly but this film really sent a shiver down my spine. Once it gets into the swing of things and we start witnessing what horrors lie on these tapes, it's safe to say it's definitely not something for the faint hearted. AND they get worse as they go on. 
If you're looking for a gruesome, twisted story with several jump scares then I definitely suggest you check out 'Sinister'. 



8. Grave Encounters (2011)


Don't be fooled by the film's shaky start. Yes, it is a massive cheesefest with terrible acting but I promise it gets better. Found footage horror's are one of my favourites; it's very difficult to make this kind of film work on a deeper level than several jump scares but 'Grave Encounters' does just that.
It's mental torture, it leaves you just as lost and confused as the characters and you literally have no idea what to expect the whole way through. It's never going to win any awards but for a low-budget horror I have to say it's definitely one of my favourites and I was a little tense throughout the whole thing so go and check it out and remember, PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ON IT FOR THE FIRST 30 MINUTES. 


7. Single White Female (1992)


Okay, so this one isn't so much of a horror as it is a thriller but it's still pretty terrifying, I watched this for the first time at the tender age of 12 and it really stuck with me. The film isn't about jump scares or monsters (although 'Hedy' is pretty monstrous as the film goes on), it's more about the atmosphere and the plot. A fantastic, eerie thriller about crossing the line between friendship and obsession. Go check it out!



6. REC (2007)


Yep, another virus outbreak, found footage film; two of my favourite sub-genres combines which is why 'REC' is definitely one of my all-time favourites. It is a Spanish horror film but trust me, you'll be too afraid to take your eyes off what's going on to even think about reading the subtitles. The whole movie is dark, unsuspecting, tense and downright terrifying. If you're planning on watching it alone in the dark I have one word of warning for you... DON'T. 



5. Insidious (2013)


I won't lie; the first movie was terrible but as it says in my blog 'I'll watch anything once' and thought I'd give the second one a try after hearing much more positive reviews. It's not as frightening as the some of the others on my list but it definitely has it's moments. 'Insidious 2' has a way of hiding things in the background so as you submerge yourself in the scene, concentrating on what you may or may not see be able to see, the film slaps you in the face with jump scares. If you enjoyed the first one then check this out and if you didn't enjoy the first one, still check this out. 


4. Afflicted (2013)

I know, I know another found footage horror but I really am a sucker for these things. I came across this movie on a suggestion from Google and I wasn't disappointed. It's such an intriguing story and a little bit of a slow burner but once it gets into the swing of things I can assure you it's truly terrifying. When the film starts it has certain elements of a comedy and is rather light hearted but once it gets to the real storyline then the fun begins. 'Afflicted' is such an underrated film and I'm so glad I came across it so that I can pass the knowledge on to you. Give it a watch and let me know what you think.



3. The Woman in Black (2012)



Yes, I'm fully aware that this film was rated a 12 but it's scary, okay? Daniel Radcliffe will always have a place in my heart and it's always been difficult for him to shift that 'Harry Potter' image but this was the first film I've been able to watch him act in without seeing him as the loveable Potter. The film has such a tense atmosphere and leaves you guessing what's coming next, which makes for very uncomfortable viewing and that's exactly what we want this Halloween, right? 'The Woman in Black' has so many jump scares I'm pretty sure I spent most of my time in the air rather than on the couch and I find it intriguing how we see 'Arthur' at the house alone most of the time but it's still interesting to watch. The whole thing makes you feel isolated and uneasy, it's definitely not a 12a. 


2. Creep (2004)

Written and directed by British Independent film maker Christopher Smith; this low-budget horror really made the most of the little it had. I'm not a fan of slasher/gore films but I appreciate 'Creep' so much more than the others because there is also a plot and characters that we actually get to know. The title of the film describes the content pretty well and of course, with it being set in the London underground it makes it all the more terrifying. After watching this film it's safe to say the London Underground won't look the same to you again and remember, NEVER get locked in there overnight. 



1. The Possession of Michael King (2014)



It's been a while since I watched a film that frightened me enough to cause me to hide my eyes and be slightly hesitant about watching the rest but I soldiered on because in fact, this film does exactly what I wanted it to do. I've been waiting for a film with depth, atmosphere and a good plot for a very long time so I was extremely pleased with 'The Possession of Michael King'. I genuinely had no idea what was about to happen next and hiding behind the comfort and safety of my own blanket I still managed to jump out of my skin many times throughout the film. I don't want to give anything away on this one but if you're looking for something truly terrifying this Halloween then please go and watch this film!  

Friday 24 October 2014

Sex Tape


Sex Tapes- Jake Kasdan

Hi guys, so today I watched 'Sex Tape' and I've read some pretty harsh reviews on this film but as a fan of both Jason Segel and Cameron Diaz I thought I'd check it out anyway.

Synopsis:

A married couple struggle to find the time and energy to keep up the intimacy in their relationship so to spice things up a little bit they decide to create their own sex tape. The next morning they are horrified to discover that their sex tape has been synced to all of their family and friends and they begin a frantic mission to find every single copy and erase it before it ruins their whole reputation.


Review:

As always, I began to watch this movie with an open mind and although it's not a creative masterpiece I have to say that I actually enjoyed it. No, it didn't provide me with many laughs and the storyline became a little bit like a silly sketch show towards the end but I had a huge soft spot for the lead characters 'Annie and Jay' and their on-screen chemistry is fantastic to watch. It certainly won't go down in history or be remembered as one of the greater comedies but it was remotely funny and every now and again it's nice to watch a film that doesn't require any kind of thought process. One downside of the film is that it does seem to spend an awful lot of time advertising 'Apple' products; in fact it probably spends more time on that than it does character development.
A fun, simple rom-com that you can enjoy with friends but probably one that you'll forget about the following day.

3.4/5



Tuesday 21 October 2014

Film of the Week


Hey guys, after watching snippets of 'The Graduate' and 'Marathon Man' during university yesterday I rediscovered my love for Dustin Hoffman and thought I'd treat you all to my favourite Hoffman film of all time.

Rain Man (1988) :


 


Synopsis: 
Charlie Babbit (Cruise) is a selfish business man who works in the Los Angeles car industry. When his father passes away and leaves most of his inheritance to an unknown person, Charlie decides to look into it, only to discover he has a brother, Raymond Babbit (Hoffman). Raymond lives in a care home and suffers from autism, so when Charlie kidnaps him and disrupts the routine his brother has been accustomed to living by he realises he has bitten off more than he can chew but in a bid to gain possession of his father's $3 million, he takes Raymond across the country. The film follows their story as they begin to bond and regain the brotherly love that they had once lost and Charlie soon discovers the imaginary friend he had when he was younger (Rain Man) was actually his older brother, Raymond.


Review:

Rain Man is a loveable and touching movie; made even better by Hoffman and Cruise in their roles. The chemistry between the two brothers is so easy to see and it really gets you invested in the movie. I am a huge fan of the story, the dialogue and the characters and I remember watching this film for the first time when I was 10 years old; it was powerful enough to stick with me over the next thirteen years and it's one that I am always suggesting to my friends. If you haven't seen this movie then you're really missing out on one of Hoffman's most powerful performances and it's fascinating how the whole movie is framed around a character who is incapable of emotions.

Seriously, go and check this film out.

5/5

Sunday 19 October 2014

Annabelle





Annabelle- John R. Leonetti (2014)

Synopsis- A supernatural horror which links to a previous film 'The Conjuring'; it follows the story of a young couple who are due to have their first child. The husband, John buys the perfect gift for his wife, Mia- a vintage doll that she has been searching for and it soon takes pride of place in their home. Her excitement is short lived when she begins to experience terrifying visions and surreal events happening in her own home. It is soon discovered that the doll has been possessed by a satanic cult and is after her newborn daughter's soul.

Review-

I had heard mixed reviews on 'Annabelle' beforehand but decided to give it a go myself, only to discover that it was a complete waste of time. Yes, it had the occasional jump scare but it was far too predictable and the storyline was a bit of a farce. Considering the film is based around the doll, we don't actually see 'Annabelle' torment the family and it is more about the satanic cult who possessed it. The narrative has no real depth and the story focuses more attention on the lead character rather than the actual doll. This was film was written and shot within 14 months and you can certainly tell; it was rushed, bland and not something I would ever watch again. The film tries too hard to outdo 'The conjuring' and although some scenes are eerie and build quite a frightening atmosphere, it continues to disappoint again and again.
After watching the film the first question I asked was, 'what exactly was the point in that film?' and that's definitely not a good thing. Overall I wouldn't recommend this film, if you're a fan of the horror genre and scare really easily then give it a watch but don't expect a story that will draw you in and keep you interested.

1.5/5

Saturday 11 October 2014

Lucy


The Plot:

Lucy (Johansson) is forced to traffic a new drug named 'CPH4' but after being attacked by her captors, the bag bursts inside of her and as the drug passes through her system we watch as Lucy's brain capacity increases; allowing her to enhance her physical and mental abilities much further than anyone ever thought possible. As her powers begin to grow she realises that when she reaches 100% capacity she will cease to exist so Lucy sets out to find Professor Norman (Freeman) to help him advance his research and give him all the answers he has been looking for.
But what does happen to the human body when it's brain uses it's maximum cerebral capacity?



Tonight I watched 'Lucy' directed by Luc Besson and even though I didn't thoroughly enjoy the film, it was definitely slightly better than I had anticipated. The film is fast paced and full of action, just like you expect from a Hollywood Blockbuster but the character's lack any real depth. Lucy (Johansson) starts off as a young woman who gets caught up in a world of drug trafficking but it seems as soon as she is able to use more of her brain capacity, she becomes completely robotic and monotone. We see no emotion, no feelings, no character and it's very difficult to connect with her. I was also disappointed about the lack of Morgan Freeman throughout the film, him being one of my favourite actors and one of the main reasons I decided to check Lucy out.
'Lucy' has plenty of high cost action scenes; gun shots, car crashes, the usual and if you like that sort of thing then you can probably get over the fact that this film actually lacks any real storyline and character. The special effects were intriguing and eccentric, there were several scenes included throughout the film that were a little bit gruesome too and I can't deny the fact that it was impressive in parts.
Overall I found 'Lucy' to be rather hollow and there were definite elements of 'Limitless' but if you're trying to pass some time and can't find anything else to watch then give it a go. It's action packed, a little bit absurd and does spark the question, 'what would humans be capable of if we were able to access more of our brain?'
Don't expect to find the answer in this film.

2.5/5

Friday 10 October 2014

Recommended film of the week.


Hi guys,
I haven't had the chance to watch any films these past couple of days but thought I'd give you guys a chance to watch one of my recommendations.
I've watched so many films throughout my life time and find it very difficult to pick a favourite, or even a top 10 for that matter so from now on I am going to post one of my favourite films each week. I'll give you all a bit of information about the plot and some reasons why I love it and if you do check it out, make sure to leave a comment and tell me what you think.

Film of the week:




Yep, that's right. Cape Fear (1991) Directed by the wonderful Martin Scorsese and starring the incredibly talented Robert De Niro.
This film has been one of my favourites for over 10 years now; it is an eerie tale of obsession and if you're a little bit squeamish I'd probably give it a miss but you'll miss out on an intriguing, dark tale and fantastic acting by De Niro and Juliette Lewis.
The story revolves around a psychopath who, upon his recent release from prison, is desperate to exact his revenge on his former lawyer, who he believes was responsible for getting him sent down. Cady (De Niro) watches the family for a while, figuring out their conflicts and their darkest fears and uses all of those against them to cause chaos. Cape Fear is a powerful film with a dark atmosphere and Scorsese steered away from the usual 'bad remake' that other directors suffer from and in fact, created a brilliant thriller that you can watch again and again.

So give it a watch guys, let me know what you think!

Wednesday 8 October 2014

A Walk Among The Tombstones


Synopsis:

A Walk Among The Tombstones is based on the best selling novel series by Lawrence Block. Liam Neeson plays 'Scudder'; an ex-alcoholic, ex-NYPD cop who is now working as an unlicensed private investigator. He agrees to help a heroin dealer who's wife was kidnapped and brutally murdered but once he discovers who these men are he realises this isn't the first time they have committed such a heinous crime and it certainly won't be the last. Scudder has to find a way to track down these men and put a stop to them before it's too late.

Review:

Neeson takes up his usual role and runs to the rescue of helpless young women, we've seen it all before but 'A Walk Among The Tombstones' has a little more depth and although it didn't quite blow me away, it was definitely worth a watch.
It's difficult to connect with Scudder (Neeson) to start off with. The viewer doesn't get to know who he really is and it's hard to relate to his character, so when he begins his mission, you find yourself distanced from the whole situation. This is, of course, until Scudder strikes up a friendship with a young boy named TJ and we are finally given that crucial piece of background information we've all been waiting for. Why was it Scudder became an alcoholic and why did he leave the NYPD? Once we learn about the stray bullet that ruined his career and caused his life to come crashing down around him we are able to open up to Scudder a little bit more.
As the story continues and we learn of all the gruesome crimes these men have been committing, the viewer is able to absorb themselves in the plot and get behind Neeson on his journey to rescue another young girl from a horrific end.

A Walk Among The Tombstones is an exciting noirish crime thriller and Frank's use of locations and surroundings add to the setting and tension building up throughout the whole film. It's not something I would personally watch again but if you're a huge Neeson fan then why not check it out? Just make sure you give it a bit of time to get going as it's a little longer than I, personally, would have liked and I did lose interest at several points throughout the film.



3.3/5






Jacob's Ladder (1990) - My first review

Hi guys! I thought I'd start off with an older film for my first review, partly because I've wanted to watch Jacob's ladder for a while now and partly because I don't want to post a badly worded review of a new film. I want to practice my analytical skills and train myself to watch a film for both pleasure and work.

So, here we go. 

Jacob's Ladder (1990) 

Synopsis

Jacob was a soldier in the Vietnam War; upon his return home and back to reality, he is plagued by visions and hallucinations. As these visions begin to occur more often and become more disturbing, Jacob realises he is slowly losing his grip on reality. He begins his own battle to find the truth and must now fight his own personal war to keep a firm grasp on his sanity but to do that he has to be able to separate what's real and what's not.


Review

Straight from the word go the viewer is thrust into the centre of the action with fast paced shots, sharp cutting from scene to scene and several point of view shots. It's chaotic, blurry and a little bit frightening as the viewer is unable to grasp what is quite going on. 
Lyne allows the viewer to build a connection with Jacob from the very beginning; the use of close-ups and point of view shots include them in the film and this carries on throughout. The whole film feels a little dark, almost representative of Jacob's outlook on life after returning from the war and this is put across to the viewer in the surroundings, the lightings and even certain angles in some shots. Lyne's use of slow motion whenever Jacob experiences a hallucination coincides with the surreal feeling it is supposed to give us. 
Tim Robbins brings Jacob's character to life with a powerful performance representing what it is like to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. He is believable and it is very easy to be drawn in by his character; I was rooting for him the whole time and it's almost as if you are on the same journey to uncover the truth. 

Jacob's Ladder is a fast paced, hard hitting film with so many twists and turns; leaving your head reeling in confusion and desperate for answers throughout. 
I thoroughly enjoyed this film and would definitely recommend it to others. It can seem a little long winded but if you stick it out I promise you won't be disappointed. 


4.5/5 

Tuesday 7 October 2014

Introductions.

Hello guys, I'm Gemma and I am an undergraduate film studies with film production student and wanted to get a little bit of extra practice for critical analysis on films. I will be watching all the new releases and then posting reviews and interpretations here on my blog. They may lack any real information and depth to begin with but give me time.
I welcome all feedback and any suggestions for films you would like me to watch and review.

Thanks everyone.