Film Review: Funny People

It firstly should be noted this film is LONG. At 150mins running time its a test of patience. And there is only so long one can potentially laugh for so I wouldn't watch this with a tired mind.

The premise is simple. Adam Sandler plays a famous stand up comedian who is dying of a rare disease, only to be told his radical medicine is working and he has a second chance at life.

Sandler plays the role of a faltered star with redeeming lovable qualities well and portrays a character you both emphasize with and want to slap.

Seth Rogen continues to be type cast as a bumbling idiot, but not quite as idiotic as his friends. He plays this role fantastically well, but theres only so many times he can accept these types of films before people begin to want more from him.

Leslie Mann just simply annoys the hell out of me. She has a strange face which is attractive but completely not at the same time. And her very presence in yet another of her own husbands (Judd Apatow) films is enough to make me angry. Can she not get an acting job without his involvement? Same goes for their kids...do their paychecks just go back to him?!

As for the film, the length hurts it tremendously and while there are plenty of terrific stand up shorts that are full of great comedic content the rest of the film lacks any punch or quality to keep you from looking at your watch.

I'd rate this film a rather low 5.3/10. For me 5 says I don't resent using my time watching the film but wouldn't recommend. This is one of those times.


TO

Film Review: (500) Days of Summer

This 'offbeat' romantic comedy is stylishly made and refreshingly different. The story follows the never ending hope of one man and the crushingly honest uber b*tch female.

The film is a perfect antidote for those who are tired of the standard Hollywood Rom Com al a 'The Proposal'. It is told from a juxtaposed perspective, therefore one gets to see both the highs and lows in comparative positioning rather than the normal chronological technique.

That being said, the film appears to just confirm what most already know and one can only but cringe as the stars make the mistakes we all know they are going to make, and appear to do so regardless.

The general consensus for this film appears to be above average and I would tend to agree. I'd give this film a 7.7/10.

TO

Film Review: District 9

With this summers blockbusters being relatively disappointing I wasn't expecting a lot from this film. The trailer and premise for the film do very little to reflect the true epic nature of the story.

Like it or not, the style is different. Much like Cloverfield, it is filmed mostly in handheld style as it follows the main character on a journey of self discovery and metamorphosis; both physically and mentally.

It is easy to understand why the film is set in South Africa and the sharp sociopolitical undertone is clearly evident. When one starts to consider the aliens as a metaphor rather than a different species then there becomes an empathy that attaches oneself to the characters making the viewer truly care about the outcome of both 'heroes'.

As the pace of the film gathers, the handheld style gives way to true cinematic techniques. This is remarkably done, as with the rest of the movie, and doesn't knock the film off course.

Even the way in which the lead character swears becomes hilarious rather than annoying throughout the film. His thick South African accent appears to switch to a Liverpudlian one with every "f**k" he shouts.

I'd rate this film as an epic 9.1/10. Its takes a while to fully engage but when it does the messages and plot soon become clear and are fully enjoyable. One of the films of a generation that will be talked about for some time.

:)

TO

Film Review: The Ugly Truth

I was quiet tired when I went to see this movie so I was pleasantly surprised that it had enough about it to entertain.

Its a simple premise, and as with all of such, relies heavily on the lead roles to make it interesting.

Heigl and Butler neither set the world on fire nor disappoint, this is the running theme with this film.

Of the two Butler seems more natural in his role as a cold-hearted truth bringer, while Heigl is disappointingly wooden but still has enough about her to muddle through.

The plot is largely readable; most will see the ending a mile off. But again its done with enough effort to make it enjoyable, without the extra squeeze to make it excellent.

The highlight has to be a scene where Heigl is tortured sexually by a child (carefully worded sentence alert!)

This film to me needed more time and attention to be truly excellent but was rewardingly funny at times. I'd rate this film as 7.2/10

:)

TO

Film Review: The Proposal

Most of my regular readers will know that i have an unhealthy desire to be Ryan Reynolds and have something of a man crush for him (http://toheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/05/adams-corner-2-man-crush-ok-or-gay.html)

So, I entered this viewing with high expectations and I have to admit I was slightly disappointed.

The acting by Bullock and Reynolds is superb (especially the later, and thats without bias) they perform their roles perfectly and have great chemistry and comic timing on screen. There are some immensely funny moments in the film, but you can see them coming a mile off.

That tends to be a running theme, the script is entirely predictable from start to finish. This isn't always a problem but it makes it very difficult to make a good film this way as it has to be done perfectly well so the viewer isnt disappointed when they see what they were expecting.

There are no twists, in fact the opposite, they appear to build a potential twist only to discard the very idea. Which could be construed as a twist itself? Confused? I was also.

The film lacks substance, its quite an interesting idea but not enough to make a great film out of. That being said, it was enjoyably watchable and will be a hit for dating couples across the country. I'd have this film around 7.0/10.

Hopefully, Reynolds next piece of work will have a behind camera staff worthy of his talents.

Film Review: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

I was slightly apprehensive about watching this film as I am out of touch with the series and stopped reading after the 5th book (which was a total struggle as far as keeping my attentions was concerned).

Nevertheless, swayed by the fact I was seeing the film at IMAX and the first few scenes being 3D I decided to jump on the Potter bandwagon.

The 3D scenes were incredible. They showed trailers for a up and coming animated remake of 'A Christmas Carol' starring Jim (I hate you) Carrey and it was simply amazing. Definitely the future of cinema. They have the ability to terrify audiences as they can make it appear the characters are touching you.

Very difficult to explain, but check it out. Although the glasses make you look ridiculous!

As for the actual film, I found some parts easy to remember from the books, but the general mood of the film is slightly lost if you haven't been keeping up and refreshed. There is relatively little action and when there is it somehow feels a little forced.

Maybe its just me but i can't help but burst out laughing when Dumbledore shouts "Get out your wand, Harry!".

There is also a sudden increase in the amount of love scenes in this film compared to the previous ones, to reflect the characters maturation towards adulthood. However, its all very tame as to appease those younger viewers, so like some other parts of the film, feels a little half hearted.

Harry Potter fans will enjoy it but it will be nobody's favourite. Never going to rock anyone's world but a nice way to spend 3 hours if theres very little on. I'd give the film a 7.2/10

Film Review: Twilight

I have to admit I wasn't looking forward to this film, it took a lot of arm bending to get me to actually rent it, but i'm glad I did. Mostly out of jealous over the fact most of the female species seem to be in love with every male cast member, I seemed to feel contempt for Edward Cullen before ever seeing the character. Despite this, I even felt compassion for him, the story and the irresistible charm with which he demonstrates.

I'm not usually into these fairytale style fantasies but the story moves with pace and is highly absorbing. One ponders many questions and like any good film, these seem to be answered minutes after this original thought.

One can tell this film is a book adaptation as the main story is the strongest aspect. The cinematic sequences are quite impressive for a medium to low budget film, and the relatively unknown cast have shot to stardom for their acting skills equally to their perfect looks.

The script could have been improved upon and some of the effects seem to be slightly unimaginative and cheap, but this is forgivable when the characters are so believable.

I'd rate this film at 8.1/10, which is even more impressive when considering that I was hesitant about even entertaining the idea of watching the film. Definitely enjoyable for most.

Film Review: Year One

It was quite a surreal experience in itself going to the cinema at 4pm on a tuesday afternoon, but it got even weirder when we arrived and there were 6 people in the whole screening. Of these people, 2 were creepy old men that chose to sit directly behind me despite there being at least 100 empty seats.

Never the less i concentrated on the task in hand, Year One. I needn't have bothered. The filmed required less concentration that it took to aim my pee afterward.

This childish 'pee' joke mirrors nearly all of the biblical comedy within the film itself. Fart, excretion and urination jokes galore with only small amounts of Cera's improvised comedy providing the laughs. Ironically, the latter was funniest.

The film is by no means unwatchable and there are a few moments that should make one chuckle, but the standards expected from the stars on the screen and staff behind the camera will only lead to disappointment. It feels more like a collection of short skits rather than a flowing movie and one is often left feeling like they have missed out a scene or two (maybe the fault of post production editing?).

I'd give this film a paltry 5.9 out of 10. Above average (5) but not really worth paying to see.

Film Review: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

I should preface this review by stating I went to watch this movie at an IMAX cinema. I had never been as did not realise there are NO adverts (a part of film going experience i relish to be honest) and so 6pm start time means 6pm start time. Therefore arriving at 5.55pm is a bad idea and the unreserved seating plan means despite booking the tickets 2 days earlier we had to sit at the front row. Let me use to caps to demonstrate how this affected the experience....

MY SENSES WERE RAPED, I FELT LIKE A SHELL OF THE MAN I WAS ENTERING THE CINEMA.

5ft from a 100ft by 75ft screen...I had to turn my head to see action at one side of the screen. While this is a teachnological wet dream, I don't understand the point of having rows that close to the screen, I still have a head ache 5 hours later.

Therefore, its important to consider this may have impaired my experience a little and I want to watch the film again at IMAX but sat as far back as possible and again at a normal cinema.

That being said, I agree with the reviews given by mainstream media. The film is definitely bigger. But that is not always better. The explosions are huge, fight scenes long and SFX intense. Its as if Michael Bay ('director'....hmmmm) has just told the SFX department to take acid and fill the screen with metal. Comparisons can be drawn to a bodybuilders intense growth using steriods despite the obvious detriment to the genital area.

The film is nothing if not spectacular and moments will make you wonder where they have been hiding such amazing technology but it all seems to come at the cost of a believeable storyline and making the viewer feel like they have been through a washing machine by the end.

I'd rate this film as around 7.4 out of 10 and thats only because i'm a massive Transformers fan. Still a must watch because of the awesome SFX but dont expect to leave with a grin.

Film Review: The Hangover

I went to the cinema hearing great things about 'The Hangover' and expecting a lot. I can honestly say i was not disappointed.

Todd Phillips directed another comedy favourite of mine in 'Old School' and this is definitely better. The script delicately balances the line between crude humour and great film making. The soundtrack is of a high standard which ironically is lost because you spend your time laughing at the joke just gone, yet it still manages to have a positive effect.

This movie perfectly taps into the Man-crush/Bromance theme thats in social networks currently and you can't help be feel part of the group and feel involved in this laugh a minute ride. The film is geniunely gripping and while very little happens you want it continue and never end.

The best comedy since Anchorman - 9.0/10

PS. stay for the credits :D

:)

TO

Film Review: Terminator Salvation

If you couldn't tell, my life has currently been reduced to absolute boredom and trips to the cinema with male friends...not even female friends let alone dates.

Nevertheless, as a film geek I am enjoying myself and this was a film I had been looking forward to for some time. I have to admit i was left slightly disappointed. The films clearly aimed at a much younger audience with very little blood, no swearing and you can't help but feel maybe they were thinking about gaming console sales when discussing plot lines.

That being said, the action is relentless and some of the effects are awesome. The idea could have been expanded but I feel they kept it simple for a younger, Hollywood era audience.

My review would give this film a rating of 6.5/10. Plenty of unfulfilled potential.

Oh and I mentioned I did indeed get very over excited at the Transformers 2 trailer.......again.

:)

TO

Film Review: Star Trek

Tonight, my friends and I visited our local cineplex to watch a film. Now those of you that know us will know that out of the group of four, I love nearly all types of cinema, Gareth hates all types of cinema, Adam loves comedies but any other genre has to create an epic film to satisfy him and PJ watches Hannah Montana, enough said.

So as you can tell I often struggle when confronted with a movie going trip with these guys...after much delibration (and persuation) we settled on Star Trek above Terminator 4 and *sighs* 12 Rounds.

Here is the laymans review with scores out of 10 from the group:



My personal review of the film would contain the words...i hope that Russian 'actor' never works again. Other than that I enjoyed the film even if it was a little long. J.J Abrams left his mark with unbelievable CGI effects and fast paced plot lines. The first Hollywood film I have watched in a while that required some brain activity to process, which was surprisingly pleasant. While a lot seems to happen, at the same time with it being carried out in space at warp speed one can't help be left feeling like it hasn't.

I'd give this film an 8.8/10

I have to say that I'm probably being harsh in my assessment due to the unachieveable heights I was raised to by the Transformers 2 trailer that graced the advertisement section that made me scream with excitement in a packed out cinema....*sighs again* theres nowhere but dissapointed for me to go with that film.

Oh and the night wouldnt have been complete without Adam creating his own creature that consists of Wolverines physique, John Cenas hand waving, Spocks 'V' and Transformers movement:



Please comment with your views!

:)

TO