Articles + Quotes on Film & TV

One thought that was at the forefront when I was watching this film: Bill Condon, you are a genius. After reading the books and watching the last three films, you think you know what to expect. This one broke the rules and blew my mind away. For starters, one thing I've been used to, is that the lines you most love from the books, usually are changed or removed. With this one, it seemed like they were all in there. And each time, one was said out loud, I got a little shiver down my spine, it was truly wonderful. Also, things were added in or changed in this film, it wasn't a complete carbon copy of the first half of the book, but it added to the overall experience, it didn't detract one bit. All the actors in this film are talented people, the majority of which have been with us from the very beginning of the series, who make you care about the characters they are portraying. Lastly, Carter Burwell, a brilliant composer, who wrote the score for the first film r...

Derek Jacobi, Joely Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave, David Thewlis, Jamie Campbell Bower, Xavier Samuel and of course Rhys Ifans, all come together to present a superbly acted historical thriller, that kept me on the edge of my seat from the first moment to the start of the closing credits. Historically inaccurate yes, but exceptionally well written. It shows an idea, a "What if?" sort of theory and then proceeds to illustrate it with three dimensional characters that you care about. That takes skill, not just from the screenwriter, but also from the actors. And considering Mr Ifan's performance, it makes you wonder why on earth he doesn't get more attention from his dramatic roles as he does his comedic ones. For most, he is remembered most as the Welshman, Spike, in Notting Hill. In much the same way as Mr Samuel is known more as Riley in the Twilight Saga Eclipse, than in more detailed roles and in more diverse films. September, 2.37 are a couple that come to mi...

Considering the long running trend of UK TV series being remade by American companies, I thought I would write and post this review of this truly superb series before a remake was made and then there was much confusion over which version I mean. Misfits, currently with two seasons finished so far, is set in an unnamed part of England, with the Wertham  community centre as its starting point. Six teenagers, all punished for various misdeeds with community service are on their first day, when a freak storm happens and the five still outside then start to develop powers. Its an interesting premise and thanks to some clever writing, the characters are well developed and seem quite real. Each episode is tense and they all flow into the next seamlessly. The main actors, Robert Sheehan, Iwan Rheon, Lauren Socha, Antonia Thomas and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett all portray their characters well, especially Mr Sheehan, and you wonder just how much of his lines are scripted and how much is pure...

I read the book, a little while before seeing the film, so I was a little prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that the film takes you on, much like the book on which is based. Kathryn Stockett is the author and her way of writing sucked you right in and made the book almost impossible to put down. The film is much the same. Somewhat interesting as most films that are books first, manage to miss out a few characters, some parts of the story. This one is quite unique, as not only do they manage to keep the same emotional tones and feeling of the book, but also the major storylines and character arcs. A real achievement, by the director and scriptwriter, in this case - it was one person doing both jobs. The acting in this film, top of the line performances, from each and every one of them. From the smaller walk ons, to the major performers, every single actor was putting their all into their parts and it shows. I don't want to mention names, because I want to write this, ...

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...

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. ...

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...