How I Live now film review.

How I Live Now.

Director- Kevin Macdonald

Starring- Saoirse Ronan

Tom Holland

Anna Chancellor

Plot

New York native Daisy (Saoirse Ronan) is a complicated teenager with a huge chip on her shoulder, this clashes with the care-free lifestyle of her cousins that she is forced to move in with after her father dumps her on their doorstep (metaphorically). She finds Isaac annoying and intrusive and her little cousin Piper is continually at her side trying to become her best friend, which she is not too happy about. Daisy is an introverted teen who has high expectations of herself and cannot stand anyone who doesn't live up to her high standards. Basically she has a massive stick up her butt. Her whole world is turned upside down however when she meets Edmond, her eldest cousin. She falls madly in love with him, and as events take a turn for the worse, her love for Edmond is tested to every conceivable limit.

Good

Saoirse Ronan has once again proven how wise she is beyond her years, a complex character like Daisy could easily come off as a simple spoilt child lashing out at everyone around her due to her relationship with her dad. Saoirse Ronan however turns this role into something much more, there is a strength to Daisy that the audience does not fully understand until the latter half of the film. Along with Saoirse Ronan the supporting cast is superb, each giving deft performances throughout the film. In particular note is George McKay, who's roguish charm captures the heart of both Daisy and the audience. 

Bad

Daisy is, for the most part, an unlikable character. She is annoying, until the plot decides she needs to be a more affable protagonist. For a brief time in the film there is a certain predictability, luckily this is shattered at the halfway point. 

Ugly

This is a thought provoking film, which at times is deeply surreal and emotional.

8.5/10 

Saoirse Ronan shines.

James McAvoy is grotesque in Filth.

Filth film review
Director- Jon S.Baird
Starring- James McAvoy
Imogen Poots
Jamie Bell
Eddie Marsan

Plot
Bruce is a true Scot. He loves his country, as he explains to us all the wonderful gifts Scotland has brought to the world, deep fried mars bars, need I say more? We cut to Bruce at his workplace, where we find out he is an inspector sergeant. This isn't enough for Bruce as we learn from the other narrative we are introduced to,Carole, his beautiful and loyal wife who can't stop professing her love for Bruce and how she can't wait for his promotion. This brings us to the plot of the film, Bruce takes it upon himself that he is the best candidate for the position and decides to wage war on all the other potential candidates. What begins as a simple smear campaign slowly turns into a monstrous journey into one mans self destructive nature.

Yee hah?

Good
There is an unusual side by side narrative which I found fascinating as a way to tell us the story. It was well done and gave us even more insight into Bruce's psychosis which fleshed out the character. On the character of Bruce, James McAvoy is unrecognisable. Bruce is an unusual character, complex, cruel and at times surprisingly honourable. It might have gotten tiresome but the second act shows him in a new light, broken, wanting and deeply depressed, it adds much needed layers to a film that could have easily stayed as an unapologetically grotesque romp. One of the key points of the film which surprised and interested me was it's use of hallucinations to dish out relevant plot points through out the film.

He just wants to be loved.

Bad
The film has its own style, which is very reminiscent of Irvine Welshs other work, Trainspotting, this works for and against it. Like Trainspotting it has slimy wit and cracking humour which usually revolves around the seedy underbelly of the British Isles. With Trainspotting everything felt natural and genuine even if it was disgusting and over the top. In Filth it feels at times like they are being over the top for the sake of being over the top, also when there are genuine human moments it feels out of place surrounded by all the filth. With an unusual third act which feels a little sudden and out of place Filth doesn't end as strongly as it began.

Ugly
An eclectic soundtrack, an unusual and interesting protagonist, this film has dizzying highs and guttural lows,I just wish that all the elements gelled together better.
Rating; 4/5

James Marsters- Vampire, Time Agent, Lex Luthor?

He could do it.

A lot of rumours have been thrown around about who will be playing Lex Luthor in the 'Man of Steel' sequel. Mark Strong of 'Sherlock Holmes' and 'Green Lantern' fame is a strong contender for the role, as well as Bryan Cranston of 'Malcolm in the Middle' and 'Breaking Bad' fame. Each actor is a wonderful choice, in my opinion because they both look great bald. Click the link below to see all the other contenders that have been considered by fans and critics alike.

'Man of Steel' sequel Lex Luthor Potentials.

Among the many potential Luthors there was one that caught my attention for the simple reason that he has already played Lex Luthor and he was amazing in that role, and that actor is James Marsters. In the 'DC' animated film, 'Superman: Doomsday', James Marsters Luthor was a true machiavellian villain. From his opinion of Superman, the God from on high, to his treatment of the so called lower class, James Marsters Lex Luthor is a true monster. There are literally no redeeming features, no element of the human condition that he won't exploit to full effect. When the final scene comes to a close and Lex is lamenting about the re-emergence of Superman there is a real aura of evil coming off him, every word oozes evil and pure contempt and still Lex believes he is doing this for the betterment of human kind. That is what Lex Luthor means to me, and I honestly think James Marsters can pull it off.

James Marsters as Lex Luthor in 'Superman: Doomsday'.

On the 1st September I was at 'Dragon Con' and I met James Marsters and I got to talking about the various roles he has done in the past and the rumours floating around about his possible casting as Lex in the 'Man of Steel' sequel.

Me; "So James, have you heard about the rumours about you getting the role of Lex Luthor in the 'Man of Steel' sequel?"

James;" Wow, no I haven't heard about anything like that at all. That's really cool."

Me; "Yeah, because I always thought you'd be great as him in a live action role since you played him in ' Superman: Doomsday'."

James; "Well I enjoyed the role, it was a lot of fun, I would love to play him again."

Me; "Well, a lot of fans want you in that role, you're up there with Bryan Cranston."

James; "Yeah, Bryan Cranston is a great guy, he'd be great in the role, really cool."

Me; "Thanks a lot for the chat James there's really only one question left, Would you shave your head for the role?"

James; "Fuck yeah, that would be no problem for me whatsoever."

So there you have it, I know Bryan Cranston is a fairly safe bet for Lex but wouldn't it be cool to see James Marsters in the role, especially with all the experience he has playing villains, especially 'DC' villains.

So I thought about and I'll end with this, with all the debate going on about who will be Lex Luthor in the 'Man of Steel' sequel has anyone asked this question? Is Lex Luthor actually in the film? That's right, think about it. Hope you enjoyed the article and comment below.

'Blue Jasmine' press screening review.

'Blue Jasmine'

Director- Woody Allen

Starring- Alec Baldwin

Cate Blanchett

Bobby Cannavale

The good times.

Plot

Jasmine/ Janette  is an uptight, judgmental socialite who has "decided" to stay at her sister Ginger's after her wonderful marriage with her late husband Harold "Hal" Francis ends and she is left with nothing. As she tries to re-adjust to her new surroundings and attempts to find some semblance of a life we, the audience, are treated to her special brand of crazy.

Good

The performances of each and every actor in this film is above and beyond. They are not so much characters as they are people.I found I empathized with each character as they worked through the many complicated issues in their lives. Cate Blanchett's performance as Jasmine is baffling, I never seen her such a role before. Every time I see her in a film I always think back to Galadriel, it is the film I have always associated her with since I was young. However, within five minutes of her anecdote about her first meeting with Hal I completely forgot about her connection to Galadriel and the entire 'The Lord of The Rings' anthology. She is an utterly unlikable person, from her attitude toward the men her sister dates, to the condescending attitude she has to all around her, there is nothing relatable to Jasmine whatsoever. The supporting cast is far more interesting and relatable, except for Hal who is the catalyst for this whole film. 

The bad times.

Bad

Like all Woody Allen films there is a certain air to the film that I just don't get, an awkwardness, but this may  be due to the subject matter of the film itself. In the beginning when we cut back to the past I found it a bit jarring and confusing, but I got used to it.

Most frightening part of this image, she is talking to her young nephews about life.

Ugly

Woody Allen once again proves he understands the human condition, if only it didn't turn Galadriel into a anecdote babbling crack pot.

Rating; 8/10

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Justin Bieber dons the cowl, Oh dear God.

Justin Bieber /Robin?

Oh God no.

'Man of Steel' has given us so much. Superhuman clashes that go at break neck speed, honest human moments between interesting and multi-layered characters and recently it has given us what we all dreamed of when we saw the crossover episode, 'World's Finest' in 'Superman: The Animated Television Series' all those years ago, a sequel that will feature both Batman and Superman. Is there however a flip/side to all this fantastic news? If you had asked me that question a few days ago I would have said no, unfortunately since then there has been some developments.

Welcome, to 'Biebergate'.
A few days ago Justin Bieber tweeted a picture that shocked the whole world. He was holding in his hands a script which had the supposed title for the 'Man of Steel' sequel. Now if that wasn't bad enough he then hash tagged the word robin. You can imagine what went through my mind as I read this, I absolutely freaked out, what the hell if this is? Which Robin will he be? Since this Batman will be a seasoned veteran it could be any Robin, and Bieber would ruin each and every one of them. There is far too much history with Dick, I honestly don't think he could pull off the tortured past of Jason and he is no way as intelligent as Tim and don't even get me started on Damian, that complicated wunderkind. Justin Bieber is a part of the same group of singers that consists of Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson that believe they can act as well as sing. He believes just because he was in an episode of  'CSI'  he can now join a film series which has Oscar nominated actors among it.

.........

The damage that this casting could do to this franchise would be irreparable , not only that, it could destroy the fledgling career of the newly christened Batman, Ben Affleck. Then there is the worst possible situation, the 'Justice League' film could be put on indefinite hold. People need to understand the possible ramifications of this casting. As a 'DC' film fan and a human being I cannot condone this casting.

All you have to do is look at all the ridiculous things Justin Bieber has done over the past year and you will understand that he represents none of the qualities that we have come to admire from the 'Boy Wonder'.

I thought it would be interesting ,and mainly funny, to show you the episode just so you'll get an idea of how Justin Bieber "acts".

Justin Bieber getting shot.

'The Call' film review.

'The Call'

Director- Brad Anderson

Starring- Halle Berry

Abigail Breslin

Morris Chestnut

This film sounded ridiculous to me, let's see if I was right.

What happened Halle?

Plot

Jordan is a 9-1-1 operator, she has had a tough time of it lately, a botched procedure with a 9-1-1 caller six months ago has scared her away from phones, at least until teenager Casey Welson is kidnapped. Since Jordan is the veteran operator in the Los Angeles Police Department she is clearly the best choice, even though she is still reeling from the horrible events of that day. 

Good

The camera angles are interesting, the unusual use of animal sound effects intensifies the more aggressive and violent scenes. Abigail  plays a convincing sobbing, annoying teenager so I suppose that is a plus.

This was not going to be as enjoyable a car journey as the one in 'Little Miss Sunshine'and I think she knows

Bad
Everything, Halle Berry is your cliched heroine who is out  to prove she can get the job done, she is a woman on a mission. She is a Capricorn, which apparently means you're a fighter, I have never heard this and I don't think I'll hear this fact ever again. What I learned from this little road trip is there is little to no common sense in America. For fifteen minutes Abigail is crying over Halle Berry's advice, then they have a conversation about Bridesmaids, the film, and continue on with the kidnapping. Every time someone might be able to save Abigail  from the kidnapper that person decides to do something absolutely moronic allowing the incompetent kidnapper to get away. This brings me to the serial killer/kidnapper. Never have I seen such an idiotic serial killer, there is no finesse, n  planning just a simple thought that I imagined went through his head, ' I need some paint and a blonde girl, time to go to the mall'. The film offends on a lot of levels, the ending is predictable, the characters are laughable and the "tension" is half-assed. I've been looking at apartments recently and when I came out of this film I realised a lot  of the same rules apply. Promotions for the property can be misleading, the quality can be increased with the right lighting and some times you pay for the location not the apartment. You are paying to see this film because of Halle Berry,
not because this is a good film but because of the star attached to it.

This is one of a multitude of "special" faces the villain makes throughout the film.

Ugly
This is not a film, it is an extended episode of 'Law and Order' and not a good one. The cliches came hard and fast, especially towards the end, and for that I had a few laughs.
Rating; 2/10  

Thank God for a well timed breeze, if you see this film you'll get it.

The Affleck Affair.

Batman and Ben.

So it has been a couple weeks now since the news hit. Ben Affleck is, Batman. 'The Dark Knight', 'The Caped Crusader' and the one thing Christian Bales Batman was not, 'The World's Greatest Detective'. I have read every little piece concerning this casting. I have been here since the beginning, when we were all given the news that Batman was going to be in the 'Man of Steel' sequel.

'Man of Steel' sequel announcement.

The internet was buzzing with the news, Batman and Superman finally together on the big screen. How would they do it? With no Kryptonite, how could Batman even handle Superman? You would need to cast an actor who could make you believe that he could take down the Last Son of Krypton. Many actors, of varying ages, raised their hands up in response. There were many opinions over who was the best bat, was he to be a young counterpart to the rookie Superman or a veteran vigilante who see's the imminent threat that an unchallenged alien poses to the world.

Orlando Bloom was almost Batman.

Various actors who could have been Batman.

My  personal favourite was Luke Evans. Having seen him alongside Henry Cavill in 'Immortals' I could already imagine him as Batman. He had the brooding down, since it seems that his only look is brooding, and like Henry he isn't a huge star so he could grow into the role. It was never meant to be however and that brings me to our Batman, the Dark Knight that will battle the Man of Steel,  Affleck, Ben Affleck.

It's unconfirmed concept art, but  I kind of like it.

Ah Ben you've had quite a run haven't you? There have been dizzying  highs, 'Argo', 'The Town' and 'Good Will Hunting' to  name a few. Unfortunately there were also ridiculous lows, 'Changing Lanes', 'Daredevil' and worst of all, J-Lo. Could such a yo-yo career give him the cred to take on such a monumental role, a role, which in my opinion could make or break his career and with it an all time high right now, is it a risk worth taking? No one can deny that Ben Affleck is a fantastic actor, all you have to do is see one of the films I listed, 'The Town and 'Argo' and you will see one of the greats in action, but  is he Batman?

In my honest opinion, I don't know, he will be a great Bruce Wayne and lately  I've been thinking Bruce is the harder character to pull off, a person who has such inner demons and yet hides it behind a perfect veneer of nonchalance is no easy task for an actor especially when you must counter it with such a passionately driven creature as The Batman . Christian Bale was a good Batman, he had the rage and passion down, but he was not a good Bruce Wayne. All we saw was the dark side, Bruce is used as a mask, a way for him to ensure that no one ever thinks he's Batman. In the Nolan trilogy we saw Bruce, but he wasn't fully fleshed out, he was just there, in my eyes, as nothing more than filler. I want a great contrast between Bruce and Batman, in an ideal world no one know would ever guess his  identity, even Superman.

In the end I don't want to ramble so I'll finish with this, Ben Affleck is going to be an amazing Batman, all you have to remember is this, How did you feel about Daniel Craig when he was first cast as Bond?

Enough said.

PS. If you are a frequent visitor to my site than you know I met Henry  Cavill a few months back, what you may  not  know  is  I met Ben Affleck back at the Irish Premiere of 'The Town'. What have we learned from this? I  know Superman and Batman.

A review I never thought I'd do. 'One Direction: This Is Us' film review.

'One Direction: This Is Us'

Director- Morgan Spurlock

Starring-
Niall Horan

Zayn Malik

Liam Payne

Harry Styles

Louis Tomlinson

Just frightening, absolutely fightening. 

I know, but I don't care. I have seen a multitude of films recently which have either disappointed me or have just outright annoyed me. I decided that, against my better judgement, I would go see this "film". This is probably the first genuine film which I had no personal stakes in. Even when it came to films like 'The Mortal Instruments', there were elements I was interested in, supernatural creatures, magic and Aidan Turner, so I went into this film for this simple reason, I am a professional.

Plot

The One Direction lads are on tour, and like all music documentaries we get an insight into their lives and their origin story. Louis, Harry, Liam, Zayn and Niall are touring the world enjoying the perks of being the most popular boy band in the world. We learn all about their fateful meeting on 'X Factor' all those years ago and we delve even deeper into their pasts, learning about Nialls home town, Harry's bakery skills and Zayn's love toward his mother and family.PlotThe One Direction lads are on tour, and like all music documentaries we get an insight into their lives and their origin story. Louis, Harry, Liam, Zayn and Niall are touring the world enjoying the perks of being the most popular boy band in the world. We learn all about their fateful meeting on 'X Factor' all those years ago and we delve even deeper into their pasts, learning about Nialls home town, Harry's bakery skills and Zayn's love toward his mother and family.




The lads, minus one T-shirt.

Good

I know right, I honestly did not think there would be anything decent in this film. As a casual observer, I found every lad, that encompasses the whole that is 'One Direction', absolutely brilliant. Each individual personality shone through, between Liam's obvious Irish charm to Zayn's air of mystery, that is not my personal opinion I swear. There are some fantastic visuals that showcase the raw power that the lads command, enthralling their audiences worldwide. From Australia to Japan there is not a single country where their influence is not felt and this film is yet another medal to add to their growing collection. I found myself enjoying the humour of a bunch of lads playing pranks and talking crap when their not singing their hearts out to packed stadiums. It was the genuineness of the people in the film that interested me most.

BadLike any film that deals with a boy band there is the inevitable element of, the fangirl. With 'One Direction' you get an especially freaky kind of fan. These "Directioners", as they have dubbed themselves are truly a force to be reckoned with. The level of craziness they bring to the film is both hilarious and massively cringe inducing. Not only this but the film runs long and there are moments where it all seems a bit of forced.





Good fun.

Ugly

I came out of this film and I came to the frightening realization. I enjoyed this as much as 'Elysium'.Rating; 5/10

This has been illuminating.

'Elysium' Film Review.

'Elysium' 

Director-Neil Blomkamp

Starring- Matt Damon

Jodie Foster

Sharlto Copley

This is a messed up  scene.

Another one of the films that I saw while I was over in America. I was curious whether Neil Blomkamp could knock it out of the park again with a sci-fi film that combined incredible action with wonderful and imaginative dialogue and characters. 

Plot

It is 2154, society has splintered into two groups of people. All the rich have moved to Elysium where everything is perfect, no disease,no pollution and no ugly people while everyone who is  stuck on Earth have all become labourers who are ruled by tyrannical androids. Enter Max De Costa( Matt Damon), a man with a mission, to get to Elysium even though it is hammered home numerous times there is no way to Elysium, especially when the evil Jessica Delacourt( Jodie Foster) is shooting people out of the sky over Elysium to ensure no one from Earth makes it to the shiny hallways of Elysium. 

Good

Sharlto Copley  once again gives a stand out performance, his character Kruger is unstable, hilarious and at times pretty charming. There are some wonderful standout moments such as Max and Krugers showdown and every scene Kruger is in and that is it.

What happened to you Jodie Foster you used to  be cool.

Bad

This film is forgettable, the characters are two dimensional, their motivations, apart from Kruger's,  feel uninteresting and forced. Max is an incredibly underdeveloped  character, he is one of the least interesting protagonists I have ever encountered in cinema. Jessica Delacourt is an absolutely useless character, she just feels like a Disney villain on steroids, with her angular face and odd British/French accent. Then there is the plot  outline, the trailers were fairly  misleading. The film gives you the idea that this  "super" suit will allow Max to do anything,instead it gives him sub par superhuman strength and allows him to continue the story after a series of events need him to don it. There are so many things wrong with film and it is truly terrible because all I could think about during this film  was how much of a disappointing follow up to 'District 9' this was.

So much techno babble, political and sociological messages, these are all forgotten about when they see something shiny. 

Ugly

Disappointing and forgettable.

Rating; 5/10

Why does Kruger use a sword when everyone uses futuristic weaponry?

     

'The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones' film Review.

'The  Mortal Instruments: City of Bones'

Director- Harald Zwait

Starring- Lily Collins

Jamie  Campbell Bower

Robert Sheehan

Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Aren't we cute? We're cute right? We're not cute....

During my trip to America I decided I would catch a few  films.One of the films I saw was this. I can't say much  more about this. Here we go.

Plot

Clary is turning eighteen, she is just your average, rum of the mill teen who hangs  out with her best friend who, guess what, secretly loves her. Her mother is overprotective and she just wants to be left alone,to grow as a woman. She witnesses  a murder in a nightclub, she freaks out, runs away and hides until the next  day and is mysteriously  approached by a mysterious figure,known only as Jace, Clary learns she is not a mundane. Which is never explained but I imagine it is a blanket term for muggles, I mean humans. She learns she is in great danger and so begins an epic quest to......save her mom and  find her place in the world.

Good

Jonathan Rhys Meyers, the guy has some moves. He stands heads and shoulders above the rest of the cast cast. He commands the room when he enters, every  line is delivered with passion and anger and rage. You can feel the edge to his character Valentine, I know. That is it.

Look at my sword, it's cool right?

Bad

This film has so much wrong with it. From the miscasting of the majority of the leads to the terrible script and the bargain bin supernatural special effects. Lena Headey is completely under used as is Jonathan Rhys Meyers,  who  is  given the sum total of seven minutes screen time. He  is the main antagonist, the big bad and he is  given seven , I kid  you  not, minutes of screen time. His  henchman are given far more time and they  are two dimensional nobodies. The love square is so forced, I mean it is insanely awkward, oh yeah and when I  mean a love square I am not getting confused between shapes. There is  a four way love conflict, and it  is the most frustrating element I have ever  seen in a film.

Ugly

The film is shit don't go see it.

Rating: 2/10

I  just couldn't write about it anymore.