MOVIE REVIEW : The Bucket List

THE BUCKET LIST

Directed by Rob Reiner

Starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman


PLOT

Two terminally ill men escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die.

WHAT I THOUGHT

My final review for today is a film that I've been wanting to see for a while. I eventually managed to catch it on Sky Movies HD. I'd heard good things about it, but was worried it might be too sappy.

If you don't like sappy, this film may not be for you. It's a film that I'd almost describe as quite "innocent". Its a story that everyone should see and experience. In an industry that favours young actors and action films, its great to see a small drama film starring two acting veterans turn into such a big hit.

There isn't too much to tell because I don't want to spoil it. The opening is great. Watching the friendship develop between the two of them is by far the best thing about it. As you can guess, the acting is phenomenal.

I was also worried because you know how it's going to end at the beginning. The whole premise of the story is that they are going to die. I'm glad to say though that it still comes as a shock because you aren't expecting it when it does.

It's a film that is very easy to watch and will have a smile on your face for most of it, but a hard film to get to terms with too because the theme of death is so strong.

It's still very worth seeing though, just to follow the experiences of the two great characters and their brilliant budding relationship.

BEST MOMENT

The opening 20 minutes, when Nicholson and Freeman are in hospital together.

MY RATING
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MOVIE REVIEW : Let the Right One In

LET THE RIGHT ONE IN

Directed by Tomas Alfredson

Starring Kare Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson


PLOT

Oscar, an overlooked and bullied boy, finds love and revenge through Eli, a beautiful but peculiar girl who turns out to be a vampire.

WHAT I THOUGHT

This is a small Swedish vampire film and I've heard nothing but praise for it. It seemed to come out of nowhere which was surprising but due to word of mouth, I eventually decided to watch it.

Wow. Every person interested in horror films, drama films and dare I say it... romance films... needs to see this movie.

Last year Twilight came out. I saw it but didn't review it. It wasn't necessarily a bad film, it just was very average and I feel it could have been made a lot better. It was famous though due to its concept of a vampire love story. This is the exact same concept here.

A very simple plot follows a young boy and girl (who turns out to be a vampire) as they meet, hang out, and fall in love with each other.

It's a strange film to watch because it's very slow. It is very quiet. It is a film you have to be patient with, which is very much the sign of a foreign film that has been made away from the eyes of American studios.

There is some real horror here. Not only from the gory moments (there are only a few, but they are so gruesome and realistic that they really stick with you), but from the situation. The fact that this girl is actually a killer is a very disturbing thing, which is why it is so interesting watching Oscar fall in love with her.

The cinematography is absolutely amazing. There still aren't many films that take my breath away in how they are presented, but this is one of them. It wasn't made on a large budget, but the amount of shots that made me think "How did they do that?" are huge. The music is very subtle, but very good too.

I really liked this film, and want to see it again some time. Its hard to watch, but totally worth it. I was fully engrossed in the story and didn't want it to end. Its full of stunning moments that you'll talk about for ages afterwards but I don't want to post to spoil them.

See this film!

BEST MOMENT

There's loads of great bits. The swimming pool finale is great though.

MY RATING
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MOVIE REVIEW : I Love You, Man

I LOVE YOU, MAN

Directed by John Hamburg

Starring Paul Rudd and Peter Segel


PLOT

Friendless Peter Klaven goes on a series of man-dates to find a Best Man for his wedding. But when his insta-bond with his new B.F.F. puts a strain on his relationship with his fiancée, can the trio learn to live happily ever after?

WHAT I THOUGHT

This is the latest in the Apatow line of comedy films, who also made hits like The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad and more. I love these films because they're so rude and dirty. I try to watch them all. The only two I haven't seen so far are Drillbit Taylor and Role Models but I hope to catch them both soon.

I was really looking forward to this one then.

Paul Rudd is a great comedy actor but I hadn't seen him lead anything before. And Peter Segel did a great job in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but could he keep it up?

I'm glad to say that I was pleasantly surprised. It's hilariously funny, makes you feel good and can be enjoyed by all.

I wouldn't say it's as funny as Knocked Up or Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but in many ways it doesn't need to be. The main thing I like about the Apatow comedies is that they all have a similar style and sense of humour, yet they all feel very different.

The concept of this one was bromance. Rather than a love interest it was about getting a best friend. I'm sure the writers were able to do a lot with this. I found myself during the film laughing at how true some of this stuff was. It's like watching yourself with mates at times and that's the best thing about it. There's a great moment when Paul Rudd's fiance can't believe he spent 8 hours doing nothing... but its so true. All us lads know what its like to just waste time doing nothing at all but hang out and be lazy.

All the cast are great. Jon Favreau makes a hilarious appearance as a really grumpy angry husband, which is funny because he's meant to be such a nice guy. I also thought Paul Rudd's fiancee was really great in her role too.

The two main characters are the focus though here and they have great chemistry together which is all thats needed.

It is well paced, very funny and will leave a good feeling with you. I really recommend this one. Just don't expect as many laughs as you would with similar films...

BEST MOMENT

When Sidney decides to start a fight with Lou Ferrigno (who plays the original Incredible Hulk). It doesn't go too well.

MY RATING
**********

Where Have I Been?

Hey readers!

Haven't posted for a while. Truth is that I've just been on my Easter break and just forgot about my blog!

I did also get quite obsessed again with Assassin's Creed, but am proud to say I got the full 1000 Gamerpoints on my SexBox! Woop!

Unfortunately now my 360 is once again dying. I think I may sell it on eBay and get a new fresh one.

I'm back at Uni now for four weeks finishing the film. I'm just working on the edit now but it should be done soon.

As for the Top 100 Film Moments... I am going to finish it, but it will be over Summer as I need all my DVDs in one place to get screenshots etc and at I only have a limited amount here!

However, I will be writing quite a few reviews soon. Some movies I watched over Summer and some TV season reviews as they are all starting to come to an end now!

So check back soon!

MY TOP 100 MOMENTS IN FILM : 100-96

Hey everyone!

I've been working on this one for a while. I wanted to share with you my favourite moments in film.

Now these are just my favourite, these are my no means the greatest scenes ever dedicated to film - just my personal favourites. From the tragic, to the hilarious... they're all here.

It was difficult as I found myself with way more than 100 plus I found with many films there were many excellent moments in them. To limit myself... I have decided to only allow myself one moment per film. There are no animated films here and no Lord of the Rings - they will come as seperate lists later!

I unfortunately can't often put the clip up as it won't be available, but I will post pictures.

Let me know your thoughts and opinions over the next 10 days...

Here goes...

100. American Pie 2

Ah, pure class. You will find through this list many moments that you thought were awful - but I have a strange mind and often will like the most ridiculous things. Starting with this. The original American Pie trilogy is full of great and hilarious - a lot of them coming from the interactions between Jim and his Dad. American Pie 2 is the best in the series though, a truly great sequel. It is hilariously funny. I love the part where Jim glues himself to... himself, but this part rules it out just.

As Jim is descended down the stairs at Michelle's concert to announce his love for her, he begins to play the trumpet.

A boy stands up and says: "You suck, retard."

To which Jim replies: "I'm not retarded, I'm a very special boy."

He then with a single note on the trombone, bashes the kid in the face with the instrument. This scene shouldn't have been funny - but I find it totally hilarious. It may be high up on the list - but still deserves to be on here.

99. Casino Royale

Casino Royale wasn't just a spectacular Bond film - it was an all around fantastic movie. It really humanises Bond in a way that hasn't been achieved before or since. It is a film with small moments involving great characters - and as well as that lots of action!

My favourite scene though is where Vesper witnesses Bond killing for the first time. He then finds her sat in the shower, fully clothed. Rather than taking advantage of her (as Bond normally would) he just sits with her and comforts her. This scene is made even stronger with the music.

98. Titanic

Titanic is another film brimming with excellent moments - due to the fact that its made by a director who really knows what he is doing!

I love the section where Rose tries to rescue Jack and it all goes dark... but I love this scene even more.

It is the moment in the film where Jack finally convinces Rose to get on one of the lifeboats. However, as she is lowered she changes her mind and jumps back to the ship.

This scene is great is many ways - the romance, the cinematography but mainly the music. It's a great moment with an epic film that I always remember.

97. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

My personal favourite Pirates of the Caribbean film - and definately one of my favourite villains ever.

Davy Jones was a masterpiece of CG, and the introduction to him was perfect. On a dark and rainy night when he and his crew take over a small boat that Will happens to be stuck on.

All of his crew and the main villain himself look phenomenal - and the mood is awesome. A really great moment!

96. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I am a lover of the Harry Potter series. The books are excellent and the films are consisently good. The latest is the best though, taking Potter for a much darker turn.

It is in one of these scenes that I have chosen my moment. Just after Dumbledore and Voldemort have had their battle (which is awesome too), Voldermort decides to possess Harry.

Everything about this scene is great - the camerawork, music, acting and the editing. My favourite moment in the Harry Potter series thus far.

MOVIE REVIEW : The Boat That Rocked

THE BOAT THAT ROCKED

Directed by Richard Curtis

Starring Tom Sturridge and Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Many More...


PLOT

A period comedy about an illegal radio station in the North Sea in the 1960's.

WHAT I THOUGHT

I love Richard Curtis films. Everything he does seems great to me. From Blackadder to Vicar of Dibley. From Four Weddings and a Funeral to Love Actually. He is a fantastic writer and with Love Actually proved himself to be a great director too.

So... when I found about this film... I felt a bit disappointed at what's to come.

I love Richard Curtis films mainly because of the romance. He writes romance best, and for his next film to be based around music on a boat... I was quite worried.

I still went to see it though of course! And you know what... it was still great.

The bad news first, I feel this is Richard Curtis's weakest film to date... but thats saying a lot, because this film is still full of great moments that you'll enjoy and laugh at time and time again.

The story was relatively new to me, I hadn't really heard of these "pirate" radio stations in the 60's, though my parents had. This was one of my worries going in, but there's no need to fret. I was never lost. Everything is clearly explained and made deeper from a side plot featuring Kenneth Branagh trying to take the stations down. The story really drew me in and I found myself on my seat by the end of it with the nail biting finale. I don't want to give it away, but it's awesome.

As for the writing and directing - it is still top notch. Every character (and there's a lot of them!) feels very unique and each are funny in their own way. The writing can be quite clever so that you love someone one minute and hate them the next. I have no complaints here really.

Now for the casting... and there is a lot of it! It stars tonnes of British stars and even a big American one - Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Let's start with him. He was great, acting as the cool leader of the pack he nearly stole the show for me. A scene in which he plays chicken with Rhys Ifans character is a particular treat.

The guy that stole the show for me though was Nick Frost. This was his first major film away from Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, but he is getting better as an actor everytime I see him! One of the things I like about him as an actor is that he knows he is fat and can take the mickey out of himself - which in my eyes is a brave and hilarious thing to do. He has all the most memorable moments, and is by far the best character.

Bill Nighy is good playing his usual character, though he felt a little underused at times.

Chris O'Dowd (The IT Crowd) is also great in his role. The thing I found is that the characters had clearly been influenced by the actors playing them. I saw a lot of themselves in who they played - which is not necessarily a bad thing. All I'm saying is - don't go into this film expecting an acting tour-de-force - as you won't find it here.

The other stand out for me was Rhys Darby (who also plays Norman from Yes Man). He is a relatively new actor, but is quickly making a big impression with me. He has some truly great moments, especially towards the end.

I can't talk about the whole cast - but they are all equally good. Newcomer Tom Sturridge does well as leading man, Rhys Ifans felt a little underused - but there's not much else to go on about.

My only main complaint with the film is that it felt too long. It runs over 2 hours which didn't bother me in Love Actually because there were so many storylines, but because there is only one main narrative in this film - it did seem to drag.

It's also worth noting that the soundtrack is top notch. A great choice of songs from the 60s and 70s all around.

So in conclusion, I do recommend this film. It is a bit long so you might be best waiting to see it on DVD, but make sure you see it none-the-less. It's a great British comedy with an all round great cast and loads of hilarious moments that you'll remember for a long time.

BEST MOMENT

When they all play the "I Never" game. Especially Nick Frost's poo story. Hahahaha.

MY RATING
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MOVIE REVIEW : Ghost Town

GHOST TOWN

Directed by David Koepp

Starring Ricky Gervais and Tea Leoni


PLOT

Bertram Pincus, is a man whose people skills leave much to be desired. When Pincus dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts.

WHAT I THOUGHT

I watched this film hoping for the best. I like Ricky Gervais, but don't think he is god's gift to man like some people. I also like the writer: David Koepp, who writes most of Spielberg's films, but he was directing this one for his first film ever. It could go very right, or very wrong.

Turns out it was in the middle.

There is nothing bad about this film, but there is nothing great about it either.

I did like it. Ricky Gervais was funny as the pompous dentist and the rest of the cast did their job well. The main problem is that I'm writing this review and can't remember that many truly great moments. Often in a review I'll blab on and on about why the film was so great, but I'm struggling to do so on this.

There were some very good moments. Like his reaction to her dog, or towards the end there is a good sequence where he decides to help people finally. But apart from that everything seemed a little average.

I never properly laughed out loud, which was a shame because I wanted to, it just wasn't that funny!

The romantic story in it too is a bit hit and miss. Sometimes it works but I get the feeling that Ricky Gervais would never end up with this girl so it makes it a bit awkward to watch. Greg Kinnear is also good, but his character isn't... so once again I felt torn.

It was good. You may enjoy it. I did enjoy sections. Just not all of it. Don't expect greatness... you won't find it here I'm afraid.

BEST MOMENT

When Ricky Gervais's character meets Tea Leoni's Great Dane for the first time.

MY RATING
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MOVIE REVIEW : Monsters vs Aliens 3D

MONSTERS VS ALIENS 3D

Directed by Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon

Starring Reese Witherspoon and Seth Rogen


PLOT

When a meteorite from outer space hits a young girl and turns her into a giant monster, she is taken to a secret government compound where she meets a ragtag group of monsters also rounded up over the years.

WHAT I THOUGHT

Unlike Marley & Me... I was really looking forward to Monsters vs Aliens. DreamWorks last effort Kung Fu Panda was actually unbelievably awesome. It didn't just work as an animation, but also as a really decent kung fu film too. I am happy to tell you that this film is similar in a lot of ways. It is to sci-fi what Kung Fu Panda is to martial arts.

From the first time it was announced I was looking forward to it. It had a great sounding concept. It almost sounded so unique that it had to be a Pixar film... but it Dreamworks this time! It was also their first 3D effort, so I was interested in seeing what that was like too.

Anyway... onto the film...

It moves at a rocket pace. It is quite short. Clocking in at only about 1 hour and 20 mins, but that time is perfect because it sends you on a great ride and stops before it ever gets boring. The writing is top notch for both the human aspect, the monsters and the aliens. All feel very unique which is great.

The action is spectacular. Like Bolt earlier this year, I am really liking the way that CG movies are now becoming a way to see something amazing that isn't quite possible yet in live action. I don't want to spoil anything too much for you but there is a sequence on a bridge that is tremendous fun and incredibly tense and very funny. It's a very clever mix of elements that works brilliantly.

The comedy is also great. Pretty much what you'd expect. Seth Rogen steals the show as the gelatinous blob called "Bob" who unfortunately has no brain. His personality makes everything better, and he keeps everything at quite an innocent level even when things are taking a turn for the more sinister.

Reese Witherspoon does a good job too at selling the journey of the main character who on her wedding day turns 50 feet tall! Her fiancee is perfectly playing by Paul Rudd who plays a weatherman here (could this be a slight nod to his character in Anchorman?)

Insectosaurus was my favourite monster. A bug that has been made into a gargantuan beast though hasn't made his brain any bigger. He likes bright lights. He's a very clever character though because he doesn't speak or barely show any emotion, yet I still became very attached to him and felt great when he turned up to fight the alien robot probe.

I also loved the character of the General played by Kiefer Sutherland. His best known work is of course playing Jack Bauer on 24, and as an avid fan of the show, I found it hilarious watching him. He is a hyperactive, 90 year old, General that loves war and giving nerds wedgies. Great stuff all around.

The other characters are good too. I loved Hugh Laurie's mad scientist cockroach, especially the way he laughs hysterically at anything in the spirit of a true mad man. The villain is also good, though maybe a little under used.

I would say the main problem, if only problem for me, with the film is that the alien aspect isn't in it enough. The movie is focused a lot more on the Monsters and I wanted to see more aliens. Maybe in a sequel they will rectify this?

The main aspect of the film that really took me by surprise though was the sci-fi. It's really well integrated into the narrative through big spoofs such as the way the President plays Close Encounters to the aliens when they arrive... to the tiny nods like the E.T. music that briefly plays when they fire missiles. You really have to try and keep up with the amount of references, and I loved that about the film.

The 3D is also fantastic. Even better in my opinion than Bolt which was a pretty hard thing to do. It never gets in your face (except for one part at the beginning that is done delibrately to shock you). I forgot about the glasses after a while and just enjoyed the experience. It just makes everything come to life a lot more and makes you feel like you are there.

The final thing that I want to mention is simply the CG. It is really really great here. Great on a level with Pixar. The human characters may not look realistic but they are brilliantly animated and brought to life fantastically. Also Bob is great just because I have never seen something so complex (though simple) in a CG film so far.

As you can tell, I really loved this film. I can't wait to catch it again in Blu-Ray and hopefully may see it at the cinema again if possible. If you love animation, action, comedy or sci-fi you are bound to find something to like in this film. Truly great family entertainment.

BEST MOMENT

It's all fantastic. But I'd say the best bit is the battle on the bridge. It feels bigger than anything else you'll have seen on that bridge before!

MY RATING
**********

MOVIE REVIEW : Marley & Me

MARLEY & ME

Directed by David Frankel

Starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston


PLOT

A family learns important life lessons from their adorable, but naughty and neurotic dog.

WHAT I THOUGHT

Oh dear. My life has reached a new low writing this review. I seriously hate dog films. There seems to have been a wave of them recently. It's getting very tiresome. The two worst contenders I feel so far are "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and the awesomely titled "Hotel for Dogs". I was really not looking forward to this one as you might expect, but my girlfriend forced me too against my will.

I am ashamed to tell you that I liked this film.

That's because of one main reason. It hasn't been marketed right at all. This is not a dog film. This is quite an emotional drama based around Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston trying to start a family. The dog is one part of their lives, and the film does focus on him a lot. But he is more a narrative device used to view the family's life.

The film chronicles about 15 years of their life together, and I really enjoyed this aspect of it. The film "Click" that came out a few years ago was marketed as a pure comedy, when the actual film was a hard to watch at times drama about a man losing everything. I don't know why film studios do this sometimes, but the trailers are made in a way that doesn't represent the final film. This is one of those films.

There is actually one scene in the middle that really surprised me, because I wasn't expecting it in a film like this. I won't give it away, because it has been hidden well.

As for the actual dog... not too bad. The animal training mixed between very good and stuff I've seen before. I did particularly like one scene where Marley tries to jump out of a moving car and ends up walking along the road with two legs while his back ones are still in the car. I admit that I've never seen a dog do that before!

It's a film that makes you think about family and what can happen if you decide to start one. Like I said... be brave and give it a try. You may like it.

BEST MOMENT

When Jennifer Anniston's character goes to the gynaecologist for the first time. Wasn't expecting what happened.

MY RATING
**********



This trailer does not represent the final product!!!

Robin Hood Set!

Today myself, Lucy, Joel and Boz all went down to Bourne Woods to see how the Robin Hood set was progressing. We were all pleasantly surprised.

The poles that were there last time have now all been transformed into shells of houses. It looks like there are ye olde workshops and other things around. It is clear that it is not finished, but certainly looking good.

As well as this, we could see a massive scaffolding which we are guessing may be turned into a castle eventually.

Our biggest geekasms came when we were looking at the empty trailers though, and managed to find the art department trailer full of storyboards and concept art etc. It was awesome.

I have included some pictures if you are interested. Thanks to Joel for all the epic photography.

Long Time No Speak!

Hey everyone!

Haven't blogged for a while. Been very busy. Last time I posted was before filming... so I guess I'll start there!

It went very well indeed.

We spent the first few days just preparing the house and the garden which was exhausting but rewarding work.


Unfortunately, we also found out that our most hopeful actor now suddenly couldn't do it! So we were without an actor! Parp!

After lots and lots... and lots and lots of searching, we found a few which matched the description. By the Sunday we were really panicking because we still had no one after loads of phone calls and emails.

LUCKILY on Monday, we finally got a few responses. We decided to go with a fairly big actor called Michael Culkin who has been in quite a lot of stuff, including a speaking part in Rome etc.


So the next day we started shooting. Overall it went well. Wednesday was quite hard because of battling rain all day... but we still somehow managed it!


Thursday was a bit easier, and less stressful due to less locations. We did unfortunately have to get up at 5 though due to early morning shooting in Ipswich town! Everything was seeming to go fine. Cinematography was great, acting was good too.


Kathryn our actress was really nice and a quite person, Michael was... the opposite. That's all that needs saying.


Saturday was the big day. I am happy to report that we successfully blew up a car. And it was AWESOME. I'm not going to post any pictures on here yet as we are trying to keep it under wraps until the film comes out. Watch this space though.


Other than that, we have all been doing our Specialisms. Editing for me. Essay and presentation and assessment. I managed to get it all down in time though. We still all have a History and Theory essay to do though which I am dreading!

Next week I will start editing the final film. Our rushes look great. Unfortunately we had slight scheduling problems with Michael. Basically it means that we were only able to film about half, and the crew are going back in Easter to film the rest. I unfortunately won't be able to go due to editing the first half, but I'm sure it will be fine.

Apart from that, nothing truly exciting has happened. The stress hasn't stopped for quite a while so I'm looking forward to Summer break!

Till later!

Ciao!