QUICKIES
The problem that lies at the heart of this film is down to the filmmakers trying to marry the lighter, more child friendly nature of the source material with the darker, more adult oriented Lord of the Rings. Sadly, the dual tone at the heart of the movie isn't the only problem. The running time of the film could be trimmed by at least 30 minutes by taking out the cameo at the start of the movie which is, frankly, surplus to requirements. It also hurts the movie that some of the set pieces feel like a rehash of those used in Lord of the Rings giving it an air of "been there, done that". And this viewer, at least, felt that there was too much CGI used in the film.
However, Jackson crafts a wonderful looking movie (in no small part helped by the beautiful landscape of New Zealand). Armitage and McKellen turn in fine performances whilst the rest of the dwarves offer a mixed bag, Stott standing out in particular, due to there being too many of them to properly flesh out (Nesbitt being no more than Nesbitt as a dwarve). Freeman is perfectly cast, bring a resigned Englishness to Bilbo as he sets out on his quest. It is the scene between Bilbo and Gollum that, thanks to the script, performances and direction, really lights up this movie.
The Hobbit isn't a bad piece of cinema in fact it is hugely enjoyable, it's just that compared to its illustrious predecessors, it is rather disappointing.
Thanks to fine performances from Gosling and Penn coupled with a visual flair, Gangster Squad is an entertaining film about wise guys, bullets and dames that feels as pulpy as the literature of the period. Where it fails is that whilst the script is at time witty it has a completely cliche ridden narrative and fails to completely flesh out all of the characters. Despite enjoying myself, I was also anxious for the film to finish so that I could head home and watch The Untouchables. Unfortunately, this film has been done before and it has been done better. But, that doesn't mean it is any less entertaining.
In some ways this feels more like a sequel to the original Predator than Predator 2 did. That said it is not as enjoyable as its predecessor.
The film falls due to the fact the cast aren't really more than ciphers so it leaves the audience not caring when they get picked off by one by one by the Predators. Though, maybe that was the intention of the filmmakers. Adrian Brody, for such a talented actor, particularly feels out of place and his voice (yes, a little niggle) is immensely annoying.
Iron Man is, for all intents and purposes, a rather by the numbers superhero origin tale. What raises the film above being generic is the casting or, more specifically, the casting of Robert Downey, Jr.
From his first time on screen until the end of the movie, Downey owns this film, embodying Tony Stark in the same way Reeve embodied Kal El. It would be easy to fall into hyperbole about how good Downey is, and that he overshadows the rest of the cast (which would be true of a rather limp Terence Howard) save for the ever wonderful Bridges (who could have been a perfect Lex Luthor). The chemistry between Downey and Paltrow is almost palpable, but it leaves you wondering in hindsight as to whether Paltrow is any good in the film or whether you are lost in the chemistry.
The problem with a Judd Apatow film is it always feels like it could benefit from more time in the editing suite. And this movie is no different. This is 40 minutes too long, with too many unnecessary scenes that slows the momentum of the movie.
Leslie Mann, as always, puts in a solid performance stepping up from a supporting actress to carrying a film. Paul Rudd is... well, Paul Rudd. I am, as ever, still left wondering if he is any more than an affable screen presence.
This is 40 is a decent comedy drama but, unfortunately, suffers from the being to flabby and could have done with being cut down.
The film falls due to the fact the cast aren't really more than ciphers so it leaves the audience not caring when they get picked off by one by one by the Predators. Though, maybe that was the intention of the filmmakers. Adrian Brody, for such a talented actor, particularly feels out of place and his voice (yes, a little niggle) is immensely annoying.
From his first time on screen until the end of the movie, Downey owns this film, embodying Tony Stark in the same way Reeve embodied Kal El. It would be easy to fall into hyperbole about how good Downey is, and that he overshadows the rest of the cast (which would be true of a rather limp Terence Howard) save for the ever wonderful Bridges (who could have been a perfect Lex Luthor). The chemistry between Downey and Paltrow is almost palpable, but it leaves you wondering in hindsight as to whether Paltrow is any good in the film or whether you are lost in the chemistry.
Leslie Mann, as always, puts in a solid performance stepping up from a supporting actress to carrying a film. Paul Rudd is... well, Paul Rudd. I am, as ever, still left wondering if he is any more than an affable screen presence.
This is 40 is a decent comedy drama but, unfortunately, suffers from the being to flabby and could have done with being cut down.
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