Articles + Quotes on Film & TV

This films tells the story of a young girl who's parents divorce and what occurs in the aftermath. What I found interesting, is that the story echoes not just the themes of the films Wah Wah and Irreconcilable Differences, but also that they focus on what the child can see, and tell the film from their point of view .     For such a film to work well, the actress/actor portraying the child has to be capable of essentially carrying the film on their shoulders, as that is where the audience, hopefully - has most of their attention focussed. In the films referenced above, Zac Fox/Nicholas Hoult and Drew Barrymore  respectively, do a more than excellent job in that respect. Onata Aprile who is portraying Maisie, does this in spades.  Her almost constant fighting parents, portrayed by Steve Coogan and Julianne Moore, before, during and after the divorce proceedings, become more and more vicious, low and neglectful of their daughter. Ms Moore's character, bringing he...

Recently, I found an article online, with a list of 115 film scores in contention for the Academy Award nomination of Best Original Score. It was a long and varied list and I decided to go through and pick ones I think should be given serious consideration. Here are the ones, narrowed down to a much shorter list of nine. As you can see, it is a mix of the complete list, old favourites like Hans Zimmer, James Newton Howard and Howard Shore, mixed with some new faces. All well and truly deserving of some Oscar attention. Gangster Squad: Steve Jablonsky The Great Gatsby: Craig Armstrong The Hobbit - Desolation of Smaug: Howard Shore The Hunger Games - Catching Fire: James Newton Howard Man of Steel: Hans Zimmer The Mortal Instruments - City of Bones: Atli Orvarsson Rush: Hans Zimmer Short Term 12: Joel P. West Star Trek into Darkness: Michael Giacchino.

When a film adaptation of a book is done, not just adequately but really well, it is something quite special. It adds a whole other layer, not just to the book, but to the entire series. Everyone involved in bringing the second in Suzanne Collin's trilogy to life, cast and crew - have done a spectacular job. The cast from the first film, Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Josh Hutcherson, Donald Sutherland, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz and Elizabeth Banks, all return for the second, an essential element whenever a sequel is involved. New characters are here, portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jena Malone and Sam Claflin. Needless to say, all give their characters life and despite their varied intentions, interesting to the audience. Ms Lawrence's character, Katniss Everdeen, is a seriously well adapted character. Ms Lawrence brings her to life completely, her many strengths and her weaknesses, since considering the horrors that Katniss witnesses in the f...

I write this knowing full well that the first season that I have recently finished watching, was released three years ago and that this series is about to start with its fifth season, but for all those who haven't started, I thoroughly recommend that you do. Anyone who loves the films with Tommy Lee Jones, Fugitive and US Marshals, will be won over by the pilot. Most TV series these days, with drama as their main genre, will be well scripted, acted, all the rest, but will be a chore to get through. Every episode, after it ends, you take a few deep breaths and remember that its done, you don't need to watch it again. Justified on the other hand, has enough humour and likeable characters to make every episode enjoyable to watch and re-watch over and over again. It is a drama, but with a comedic side to make you laugh, even after some horrible event. The main character, US Marshal Raylan Givens, (portrayed by Timothy Olyphant) is reassigned to his hometown of Harlan, in the ...

The director of The Da Vinci Code and the writer of Frost/Nixon create a movie about racing car drivers, James Hunt and Niki Lauda, and it is nothing short of a very enjoyable thrill/dramatic/comedy ride for the whole two hours. What is truly special from the excellent acting ability of the two leads, Chris Hemsworth, (sounding eerily like the late great Heath Ledger) as James Hunt and Daniel Bruhl as Niki Lauda, is that even if you haven't watched a single formula one race or like the motor industry at all, you still care how they fare in this passion of theirs, as their lives take some ups and intense downs. The script and the acting truly make this film shine, and the detailing in costume and production design (its set in the 1970's) take it to a whole new level. What I really think makes the tension rise and fall, is the score from Hans Zimmer. Truly spectacular.

... i.e. in films and TV shows. A moment please, in respect of the humble cardigan. The woolly garment, specifically the ones where the many strands of wool were visible to the mortal eye. Previously only worn by those announcing to the world at large that they were in, how shall I put it - their olden years, or just cold and that was the first item they came across, has been adopted by the younger crowd and people with attitude. First example to come to light, Tom Hardy as Forrest Bondurant in Lawless. Worn during a confrontation with "law" enforcement officials, its hard to believe that it is a cardigan at all. Mr Hardy is not only a great actor, but also changing accepted rules of clothing at the same time. Second, Guy Pearce as Jack Irish in the television movies. Just as confident as Mr Hardy's character, he wears the humble cardigan more than once, without any fanfare. True, this is the same actor who once donned dresses and heels in an earlier film, but...

The real magic of this show, is how they manage to incorporate several genres into three (so far) excellent pieces of truly entertaining television. Fantasy, supernatural, thriller, historical fiction, drama - family and otherwise, time travel - with all that that entails, horror, comedy - the banter between the two leads, Ichabod Crane and Lieutenant Abby Mills (Tom Mison and Nicole Beharie respectively) is one of the biggest highlights. Ichabod discovering what technology has achieved, probably the second biggest. The expression on his face when he is testing the automatic window switch is priceless. Ichabod Crane, at the beginning of the pilot, is fighting in the American Revolutionary War. He's also looking for someone in particular and finds him, shortly before shooting and then when that fails, cuts off his head. He's wounded in the exchange and wakes up in a cave, in the 21st Century. It seems the now headless horseman is back and along with the Lieutenant, who h...

Using the same elements from the first film that worked so well, a great cast, humorous lines and over the top action, they bring all this to the second with a new, just as dangerous situation. With same cast, essential with film sequels, but with a few new additions; Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta Jones to name roughly half, and new hilarious one liners, this is a highly entertaining thrill ride from beginning to end. Bruce Willis, Mary Louise Parker, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich all join forces to save the world, and actually do a little globe hopping in the process, showing us the places you don't normally see in a guided tour. London, Paris, New Jersey, Moscow and somewhere else fun at the end. Plenty of laughs, and so not to be missed.

Fans of the original Misfits, Being Human, The Tudors and Camelot unite, as the main actor from each of those TV shows, Robert Sheehan, Aiden Turner, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Jamie Campbell Bower are the main characters in a truly awesome movie: Mortal Instruments - City of Bones. Based on the first in a series of novels by Cassandra Clare, it tells the story of a girl, Clary Fray, (Lily Collins) who discovers the shadow world when her mother is taken and she is attacked - by a demon. Her mother's friend, Luke (portrayed by Mr Turner) is also seemingly apart of this world. She soon finds out its not just demons out there, there are werewolves, vampires, warlocks and more scary than them and a greater threat to everyone - Valentine Morgenstern, shadowhunter gone rogue and the one who has her mum. He is portrayed by Mr Meyers. Shadowhunters are the ones who fight demons and the shadow world, to keep normal humans - mundanes safe. With a group of young shadowhunters, led by Jace...

In the opening scenes of the 1997 film LA Confidential, the infamous gangster Mickey Cohen is taken down. What follows is a tale of corruption and who tried to fill those very large shoes. In this film, Mickey Cohen is at the height of his power, the city of Los Angeles is in his pocket, every level of society kowtows to him, Judges, the police, no one is willing to put their life, or their families lives on the line. Of course, there is someone. Sgt. John O'Mara, portrayed by Josh Brolin, is a World War II veteran (like others on the force) and it is obvious from the get go that he is someone who won't be bought or shirk his duties. Similarly minded police chief, portrayed by Nick Nolte, chooses the Sergeant to put together a team of other policemen, with one single task. Take Mickey Cohen, and his operation down. Without protection of their badges and all that that entails. Its not in anyway easy, either the first, or the second. It is deeply rooted and there ar...

I realise of course, that the first season of this show was released on television and dvd for quite some time already, but I wanted to wait for the second season, when I knew that the flaws of the first had been removed or improved on. Considering this is Aaron "The West Wing" Sorkin, the flaws have been minute in number and did not impact that much on the story lines of season one. And I am happy to note, they have been. The characters of Maggie, Sloan, Don and Mackenzie have all evolved and become more believable. Likeable and also more watchable. They have also upped the ante on the story lines, multiplying them in some episodes and upped the ante on the stakes involved as well, if the promo of the sixth episode is anything to go by. Well done to the entire cast, everyone pulls their weight and it is a delight to see, especially when it seems you must sometimes wade through the muck of other programmes to reach one like this.

After seeing Zack Snyder's direction of Sucker Punch, I had an idea of the style he would bring to the visuals in this film. Of course, for any DC Comics/Marvel film, the extremes of any previous outing are turned up to eleven, and in this, that rule is kept, as well as the style. This is Superman  they are making a story of, so naturally the graphics are quite literally at times, out of this world. None of the actors will win Academy awards (for this film at least) but they all bring a believability and convincing performance to their respective roles. Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Laurence Fishburne, Christopher Meloni, Richard Schiff, all brought the story to life. I had high expectations of this film and I am delighted to say that they were not only met, but exceeded them enormously. It was like watching the last Harry Potter film. After reading the books, you knew how it all ended, but even so, I was still thinking...

Due to the fact I have never yet read the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald or watched the original film that was released in 1974, I went into the cinema with only a vague notion of what the film was about, thanks in part to the trailer and what I heard of it from others. Australian director Baz Luhrmann, well known for his grandiose style of filming, sets the scene of 1922  beautifully. Complete with wondrous set design and a few pieces of CGI to keep the picture seamless. And he adds a score from the masterful Craig Armstrong who is known for his scores for In Time, Elizabeth the Golden Age and interestingly, Moulin Rouge, which is complimented with modern songs, but these do not feel unnatural or in your face in any way. Its a beautiful combination that adds a whole layer to this film. The actors. Another interesting fact, the majority of the principal cast are Australian, like the director. Other walk on roles are given to them as well. Jack Thompson, Steve Bisley, Barry Otto,...

In the first film, JJ Abrams brought us a film with genuine characters and a great story, for not just hard core Star Trek fans, but for the rest of the world to enjoy as well. With the second, every facet of the film's quality is raised to a whole new level. All the original actors return to reprise their roles, with Benedict Cumberbatch joining the cast. Mr Cumberbatch has proved his more than considerable worth in Stuart: A life backwards, Sherlock and To the Ends of the Earth, as well as his more recent work, and in this film as always, he brings depth and life to his character. If nothing else, the film is worth watching just for the seriously impressive work that the entire cast does here, Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Bruce Greenwood and Anton Yelchin have all given their varied roles a hundred and ten percent. The screenwriters, teamed with the director, and composer, special effects team, take the viewer on a wild ride. T...

From the makers of the first three Bourne films, comes a fourth, set during the second and third of the former. From the premise that "Bourne was the tip of the iceberg" comes a whole background of other agents, focussing on one - Aaron Cross, portrayed by Jeremy Renner. The other focus is on Doctor Marta Shearing, portrayed by Rachel Weisz, who is instrumental in the improved physiology of these agents. Like the other films, this too is a good thriller, with a few chase scenes and some sly bits of humour on the side, just to keep things somewhat cheerful. Mostly though, things are serious and everything is on the line. Most of the main players from the earlier films are back, Edward Norton is added to the cast, as is Oscar Isaacs, Corey Stoll and Donna Murphy. One slight thing though, that may prevent this film being considered truly excellent, is that the screenwriter, director, assume that the audience is up to speed on the Bourne stories and knows what is going ...

Clint Eastwood proves his considerable worth once again as director, and in this instance, with the music as well. In this biopic, Leonardo Di Caprio portrays Mr J. Edgar Hoover to an unnervingly realistic degree and is matched in his skills by the supporting cast. Judi Dench portrays his mother, Armie Hammer his close friend and colleague, Clyde Tolson and Naomi Watts his trusted secretary, Helen Gandy. Ms Watt's character bring back the old meaning of that word, in the seventeenth century, a secretary, was quite literally a keeper of secrets. The script is taut and seamless, the story moves back and forth, past to future and bits in between to tell Mr Hoover's story of the birth of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and of the beginning of forensics being used in criminal investigations. Not only this, the film also details the life of J. Edgar Hoover. There were many different sides to Mr Hoover, and all come across in Mr Di Caprio's performance. And not only ...

From the first scene of the pilot, I was hooked. Admittedly, I was already interested to a high degree, given the signs: David Goyer, co writer of the Dark Knight Trilogy, has created a show about the early and not well known years of Leonardo Da Vinci, which allows for a lot more creative licence. The actors, some more well known than others, but all committed to their characters. It is a historical drama fantasy, but also a thriller. Renaissance Florence, has its politics, the game and shifts in power ever changing. Lorenzo Medici, also known as Il Magnifico, is undisputed leader of Florence, but the ground is shifting from under him. He is portrayed by Elliot Cowan. In the pilot, a powerful ally is assassinated, which starts the earthquake and introduces enemies from Rome. Chief among which, Count Giralamo Riario, the Pope's nephew and a real nasty piece of work. (Portrayed here by Blake Ritson) Leonardo is an artist, who sees more around him than his contemporaries. He ...

Set in 2079, there is a prison, in outer space, called MS 1, to house the really bad inmates. Psychos of the worst kind. And Maggie Grace, portrays the President's daughter, Emily who's gone up there with a group to investigate the rumours of dark goings on in the facility. Due to some incredibly bad luck and stupidity, the facility is taken over by the inmates. Guy Pearce is the main character; Snow who after some action that goes wrong, is sent to the prison, with a simple but frankly impossible task, rescue Emily. Luc Besson, known for bringing us other action mad films like The Transporter series, The Fifth Element, From Paris with Love and of course the Taken series, does well here too. There are as many twists as special effects, and as many entertaining one liners as all the films that Mr Besson has written so far. To add to this, having Mr Pearce in an action film is quite refreshing and makes the whole concept quite original. The others in the supporting ca...

Very unique, a film with a multipurpose title. Not only does it act as the title of this story, but also the apt description of the main character in the first opening scene of the film. And the rating of the film as well. Although, if it was just the rating, it could be lengthened to include: grandparents, parents and in-laws. Ryan Kwanten portrays Jonah Reid, who it seems is merely out to have a good time partying, with friends and housemates Gus and Stevie (Ryan Corr and Sarah Snook) and the party guests. In the midst of all this, he gets a cancer scare, testicular cancer to be exact, and the treatment will render him infertile. His priorities get a reshuffle and he decides what he really wants, is to become a dad. Due to specific circumstances leaving him no other option, he realises he has less than a month to find someone to carry the baby. And considering his track record, the future is bleak. But he continues on his quest, and this provides the basis for a really ...

A film nominated for many awards, Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, etc and after watching, I can safely say that it is well deserving of all of them. It dramatises the hostage situation in 1979 in Iran, where sixty odd people were being held hostage in the US Embassy in Tehran, and six others had escaped and were hiding in the Canadian Ambassador's house. Also in the capital. Enter the CIA, who are tasked with getting the six "houseguests" out of Iran. To help create a cover, they go to Hollywood for help. Direction, script, score were all taut and tight to match the heightened circumstances of this story, based on true events. Well done to Ben Affleck, Chris Terrio and Alexandre Desplat, for their outstanding work here. To add to this magnificence, Mr Affleck, along with himself as the main character, has assembled a great cast, Bryan Cranston,John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Clea DuVall, Zelijko Ivanek, Tate Donovan and Victor Garber. All are their characters, doubly t...

Like the last film I reviewed, this too is based on a book, and real events. The narrator is Colin Clark, and at the time the story is being told, is twenty three years old and eager to be a part of the production side of a film. Luckily for him, his family are acquaintances with the famous couple Sir Lawrence Olivier and Vivien Leigh and the former is about to start directing and acting in a film, alongside the equally if not more famous: Marilyn Monroe. The story told in the book and adapted in the film is Mr Clark's first time experiences of making a film with two polar opposite people, in work ethics, personality and opinions of the other. Like every film that bases itself on a book, some scenes are emphasised or cut out completely, but unlike others, this one retains the spirit and the heart of the story itself, that of a young boy who discovers a new world of story making. Simon Curtis and Adrian Hodges both do a brilliant job with the direction and screenplay, respecti...

First hook for me, main cast was Jason Statham, Clive Owen and Robert De Niro. A legend and two understated actors, in the same film. Second hook, from the trailer, it looked like a good action film. It is. But a hell of a lot better than I first expected. First time screenwriter,  Matt Sherring (still a shock) and doubly shocking, first time feature film director: Gary McKendry. It is also based on the book by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and the basis is drawn from real events. I was seriously expecting to see a long list of well done films for both these guys, considering the high level of quality I had just seen. From the styling and story line, I also expected some influence from Ian La Frenais, Roger Donaldson and Dick Clement, the writer director team that brought us the film The Bank Job. Both films give us a taste of something that first sounds to be everyday violence and thriller type of thing, but actually goes a lot deeper and the depth is perfectly balanced with the ...

There were a lot of poor reviews of this film when it was released. Sad, but true. The good news is, this film deserves none of it and I think it is a film worth savouring, for each separate element, i.e., the acting, the score, the direction, and the story itself. Together, it is a truly special journey that you feel privileged to join, despite some truly heartbreaking scenes that are included, they are counterbalanced with the others, more hopeful and cheerful and thankfully outnumber the former. Every element previously mentioned is top notch, a high standard rarely seen, or in the case of the score, heard. First off, the acting. Oscar Isaac, Abbie Cornish, Andrea Riseborough, James D'Arcy, are all brilliant in the main roles, all bringing subtlety and emotion to their roles that is rarely seen in films lately. The supporting cast, Laurence and James Fox, Natalie Dormer, Geoffrey Palmer, Richard Coyle and Judy Parfitt are all excellent. The score is quite simply, bea...

Explosive thriller - literally, that takes you for a wild ride through South Africa and barely pauses for breath. Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington are in the leading roles with Vera Farmiga and Brendan Gleeson in the supporting ones. Ruben Blades from Once Upon a time in Mexico, Robert Patrick and Liam Cunningham also make appearances. Mr Washington is a rogue CIA agent who, after making his way to the US consulate, is taken to the Safe House that is manned by inexperienced attendant or Housekeeper, who is portrayed by Mr Reynolds. The violence in this film is limited to certain scenes and then amplified to a degree of realism, made all the more harsh and blunt, by a lack of score or any other noise or voices, so that your focus is on the present horrors. It is similar to the film Salt, an entertaining thriller,  the acting is tense, as is the script, but there is a warning sticker here. It is not all fun and games. And all things considered, I'd pick Salt as my fa...

Another Awards season has come and gone, and while they are enjoyable, some years more than others, for the most part it is merely a demonstration in movie politics. I.e. What is destined to win big, and what will never be nominated. Each year, I amuse myself by picking out who I think will win and also who I think should . Always a marked difference. This year, I got most of them right. Most notably, Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway for their awards in the "should" category and not so much, Daniel Day Lewis and the film Lincoln for production design, in the "will". My opinions on custom built films made solely for the winning of awards aside, I think there are a lot of films and TV shows that are, for reasons best left out of this, ignored completely. So, instead of a rant, I thought I would honour them here, in a list. It's not much, but a mention here might be better than nothing. So, a list of truly awesome films and TV shows, (in no particula...

This film was a first in more ways than one. For starters, it was a generally happy film. The main location, the mission in the country wasn't bleak, it was welcoming, a place you'd want to go to and stay with the people who live there. The story is set in Australia, in 1968, and therefore against the backdrop of racial inequality and ignorance. Even so, the main characters of the story, sisters and cousin, Gail, Julie, Cynthia and Kay (portrayed by Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Miranda Tapsell and Shari Sebbens, respectively) are all talented singers, determined and most importantly, passionate about their life and family. Their journey starts with a talent show in town, which is unfairly judged and the compere of the event is a very drunk/hungover Dave Lovelace (portrayed by Chris O'Dowd) who recognises their obvious talent and declares that he will help them. With the proviso that they stop singing country and western songs and sing soul instead. Quite literal...

This film had an interesting combination. The story is a simple one, with layers but it is confronting to watch, thanks to the realism of the disease of bipolar and of dsyfunctional and/or loving families. It is also funny, but sad. Bradley Cooper is superb as the main character, Patrick Solitano, recently released from a mental facility into the custody of his parents, both portrayed with such warmth and showing complete emotions by Robert de Niro and Jackie Weaver. Jennifer Lawrence, well and truly deserved her awards for acting from the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild, her portrayal of Tiffany was tear inducing and also quite memorable. There are characters that stick with you, long after the film has finished, this will be one of them. The supporting cast includes a favourite of mine, Anupam Kher, who can always be trusted to turn in a good performance. Shea Whigham, Julia Stiles, John Ortiz were all great too, but the real surprise was Chris Tucker, who had the com...

After a while of trying to work out a Spiderman 4, they decided to to start again and reboot the whole thing. Take it back the beginning and start fresh. New actors, new storyline. And after watching what they came up with, I am really glad that they did. Director of 500 Days of Summer and and the writer of seven of the Harry Potter films come together (with a couple of others) to make a highly entertaining film. Andrew Garfield, not just a pretty face with a fair few extremely well acted films in his repertoire, is stunning here.  And I love that they gave the character a sense of humour and cockiness. He may have super powers, but at the same time, he's a teenager and all that that entails. Emma Stone is also great here as the love interest, with a brain and it goes without saying that the same goes for Rhys Ifans, as the conflicted scientist, trying to do good.  The rest of the supporting cast, Sally Fields, Denis Leary and Martin Sheen, are also notew...

Whether or not you believe in a religion, let alone the grail stories, this two part story will hold you spellbound. Based on the book by Kate Mosse (who has a small cameo and acts as consultant), the story switches between the town of Carcassone in 1209, when the crusaders have arrived, and present day, 2012. Jessica Brown Findlay, is at the centre in the 13th century story as Alais Pelletier, who let into the grail secret by her father, and is in even more danger as a result. The lord of the town, Viscount Trencavel, portrayed by an almost unrecogniseable Tom Felton, is a close ally to the family. In present time, Alice Tanner, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby, is a PhD graduate working on an archeological dig. All hell breaks loose when she wanders into a nearby cave and finds a ring and a skeleton. John Hurt and Tony Curran have a small role each in the present and past parts, respectively. Both are   excellent as always. This is a really well made production, the switching...

As I write, I have now seen this film three times and still want to watch it again. And again. Its a simple, but well written story, with Joseph Gordon Levitt portraying the protagonist, a bike messenger in New York City, known to all as Wilee and as someone who rides with no brakes. Dangerous living and one day it gets worse, when a dodgy detective (portrayed so well by Michael Shannon) is after him and what he is delivering. The reasons behind it all are told in flashbacks, in all the main characters' point of view, which match up so well.