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Film Review: Arthur (2010)

Admittedly, I have only seen a small portion of the original version of this film. So I won't be able to make any educated sounded comparisons between the classic and this  newish film, which has Russell Brand as the main character. Interestingly though, a little while ago, I heard that they were going to remake another classic film: Drop Dead Fred. Why is relevant? Because the same actor that manages to instil his own almost manic energy and humour into this film, was listed as the man to play the title character. And while that news was slightly upsetting to me, as I thought that no one could even dare to think of maybe excelling past Rik Mayall's character, is sadly mistaking themselves. But this remake, with my happy knowledge of not seeing the original film, I thought Mr Brand would be awesome as Arthur Bach. And I was right. Helen Mirren, as his nanny (there was a male butler in the original film), is as brilliant as ever and provides clever and witty remarks to keep...

Film Review: Jane Eyre (2011)

There have been many adaptations of this novel, first written by Charlotte Bronte. Until now, I have only seen two. And of those two, the first I saw only the beginning episode and part of the end ones (it was a mini series) and of the second, only the very end. So, I was very excited to see this most recent adaptation, as I have already seen both Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender in other films before and I was intrigued as to how the director, Cary Fukunaga would show the story. I am pleased to say, in all aspects of this beautifully made film, I was not in any way disappointed. Miss Wasikowska gives a very moving, yet subtle portrayal of Jane Eyre. Although she is very abrupt in her manner, you still feel for her, not just because of her loveless childhood. Mr Fassbender, who portrays Mr Rochester, by contrast, is not subtle in his portrayal, but at the same time, he does not overdo the brashness that characterises his character, that you might see in other adaptations. ...

Film Review: The Conspirator

Directed by Robert Redford, this is a clever and decidedly frank dramatic tale of what happens, when a nation and its leaders feel they are under threat. His direction is stunning in this film. Specifically, when Abraham Lincoln, the current president is assassinated as well as the secretary of state. In this film, the Civil War has apparently ended, at least the fighting has and on the 14th of April, 1865 the unthinkable happens, at a theatre. All are appalled and when the others that were planning such a heinous crime, are arrested and named, they too are tainted with the same brush of guilt by the media of the day, and by extension, the general populace. Including a young lawyer, Frederick Aiken, recently returned from a soldier's life, fighting on the union side of the Civil War, here portrayed by James McAvoy. Here in this film, it is really quite hard to even imagine that he is Scottish and not American. He has possibly the most believable American accent in this film...

Film Review: The Beaver

Thanks to the bad publicity surrounding the lead actor of this film, its release date was stalled and pushed back a lot. And that lessened the chances of fair reviews as well. Which is sad, because it isn't only Mel Gibson's acting ability that is showcased to it fullest in this film. Its Jodie Foster's directing and acting, as well as the superb acting of Anton Yelchin and Jennifer Lawrence. The script, is quite excellent too, but you wonder how much of the script was used in the end, and how much was pure ad lib, as the delivery is quite natural and unforced. From the trailer, you get the feeling that the film is serious in the problems that Walter Black has, but then has some levity with the introduction of the beaver puppet, hence the title. Of course, the film is more serious and more realistic than the trailer would have you believe. A lesson learned the hard way, after watching most of the film: Everybody's Fine. That trailer showed the film to be a comedy....

Film Review: The Social Network

This isn't just a film that shows the idea that eventually became the most used and most trusted social networking website: Facebook. Jesse Eisenberg portrays Mark Zuckerberg, Andrew Garfield, his friend Eduardo Saverin. Both mains are excellent, especially English actor Mr Garfield, who not only portrays his role well, but also has a believable accent to go with it. Joseph Mazzello, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Josh Pence and Rooney Mara also star. And all play their roles well. As well as Brenda Song, who plays the psycho girlfriend from hell. This is a well made film, each and every detail researched to the finest degree, with the young actors portraying their characters, based on real people, perfectly nuanced. I watched this with the audio commentary and from there, discover how much effort was put into the detailing of this film. They looked up the real Mark Zuckerberg's college application and found that he had been in a fencing club in high school. Which, when ...

Film Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

I have been a fan of this series, since reading the first book, (twelve years ago) and loving every word printed. And have been an avid reader and watcher of both the books and movies. I loved them all, despite their faults and plot holes and with that in mind, I watched the last Harry Potter film at the cinemas today, this afternoon. We've all known, for a while now, that the acting standards of the three main characters, is not that brilliant. But these movies were not made with acting awards being their main goal. Aside from the obvious monetary gain of making films of a very popular series, there was a story to be told. And in each film, it has been a huge thrill ride from beginning to end, with comedic and some romance scenes in each one of them. This one, was no exception. I've read each of the books several times and despite knowing how the story goes, I actually felt nervous for all the characters and found that I had to remind myself, several times, that it would b...

Article on Typecast Actors

There are quite a few of these. Some more painfully typecast than others, Meg Ryan springs to mind. She is best known and best liked for her role in romantic comedies. Less liked and known for her roles in the genre of drama. Two films that can be used as an example here, In the Land of Women and Against the Ropes. In both, her acting was of a high standard, but the character was not someone in love. Hence the poor reviews. Restoration is another, but that film was also less of a hit, because another lightly typecast actor portrayed the main role. And that time, he was not always portraying yet another cocky young man. That is of course, Robert Downey Jr, and the other films he's played against type, are Charlie Bartlett and maybe The Soloist. One of those might have been just as successful as Iron Man or Sherlock Holmes, but somehow, I doubt it. This brings me to three young actors, who have recently finished filming the last of eight movies, part of one of the biggest franchi...