World War Z

Zombie or ‘the undead’, a sub genre for horror, zombie films are made to make you jump, make you scream, make you sad, make you quiver. In history there have been some cracking stories. Dawn of the dead, Resident Evil, Dawn of the Living Dead and even Shaun of the Dead. But they’re all the same (besides Shaun of the Dead of course) due to the reasons, there all about survival, maybe sometimes go over the top a little in being a little unrealistic (heck, there all unrealistic) and they all more or less have the word ‘dead’ in the names. But this summer, the awakening of evolution for zombies has arrived. World War Z, a written novel by Max Brooks, produced by Brad Pitt and directed by Marc Forster has arrived.

Now firstly, we can all agree on what the title will be referring to in this film, the name World War Z is getting the fact across that there is a war against the undead and that they need to survive it. Like I said most Zombie horrors is about survival but World War Z is different and it’s because of one specific word and the word isn’t just death but depth, the novelist/director had put so much thought into the plot, the origin is clear, the survival techniques are smart and the outcome is clever.

I enjoyed the fact, the film had jumped straight in at the beginning, within ten minutes of serenity, the outbreak became know to Brad Pitt and all hell broke loose.

Yes I have said that this film is of a new generation of zombie, which was referring to the genre, but it also refers to the actual, bloodthirsty, sadistic rotting creature that is the zombie, now the reason I say is because of their body language and movements. These zombies, not only walk or run, they can leap, scale and rip apart more or less anything that separates themselves from their pray like savage beasts. In one scene, there displays hundreds of zombies chasing only a few soldiers through the street, but at the rate of pace that each individual zombie is running at and their crave for flesh, they stumble upon each other constantly, creating a wave effect and I mean literally. Their also rather intelligent in comparison to normal zombies as they were able to create in theory, ladders to scale walls.

Now Brad Pitt’s, performance was good but wasn’t of his potential standard. Not enough emotion was used from Pitt and in such a situation that is needed. Overall it was still a good performance.

The production design wasn’t spectacular as the creators already had a base on which they could build on with modern cities, but the choice of location was brilliant, especially the final location, being set in South Wales and being a citizen of Wales, I for sure am quite happy to see such a country be used in cinema, which never happens, I’m sure the Welsh all felt or will feel patriotic when viewing the film.

The ending, I’m not to sure on, it was great mo

vie but the ending quote, I wasn’t too keen on as it leaves an opening for a sequel and they have in fact been discussing it. But, the film is based off a singular book, so I am not sure whether it’s a good or bad idea.

Overall, the verdict is simple, fantastic film, extremely impressed and can see why the novel was so popular. I just hope, if they were to create a sequel, they are to do it correctly.

After Earth

Earth was evacuated due to global warming and the amount of pollution produced. Humans then populate a new world: Nova Prime. Years later, humans Will Smith and Jaden Smith unwillingly return to Earth.

After Earth is the new Sci-Fi epic, story written by Will Smith. In which Jaden must go on a treacherous journey across the now hazardous Earth to send an SOS.

The films retelling of the past, was well done. Very interesting, touching and heroic. One thing they could have changed though was the narrator, as it was nigh understandable and seemed too weak to have been this important role. 

The film had a very entertaining story, it had the base of which is explained above, but with a combination of this and what happens along the way, makes a very good Sci-Fi adventure.

All of the visual codes were fantastic, whether this be the cinematography, special effects, the art direction, costume, make up, whatever. Although with the art direction, yes it was very impressive, representing Earth as if it was of when it was in its peak form, showing off its beauty and serenity, it was a little unrealistic in the sense that there was no form of human history anywhere, no remains of buildings or roads or anything, the only sign was a damn. But geographically the location might have been segregated from any form of human remains.

The soundtrack/score was powerful and necessary for such a situation, representing the apocalyptic wasteland, Jadens quest and journey and the build up towards the final finale.

The finale is exactly what we have been waiting for, a good old fashion can whoop assing. The finale consists of courage, adrenaline and power and was most definitely an entertaining sequence.

I also love the idea of Father and Son acting along side one another as it represents true bondage between them and how a family can react with one another.

Now unfortunately, with positives, comes negatives. I think the script writing was extremely basic and the conversations between characters were very dry. The performance from the whole cast was again rather dry, over acted and emotionless. Even for a top class actor like Will Smith, he was no way near able to reach the same expectations as his other characters were from his other films which
all, more or less have have been acclaimed successes. All of his characters have all represented a good personality except this one. Jaden was the same, except his experience within the film industry is limited at the moment. On the other hand, to help counter balance this negative Jadens body language was absolutely brilliant as although his dialogue was disappointing, how he acted through facial expressions, body language and tears prevailed marvellously.

In conclusion After Earth was a good one hot wonder, which shouldn't be made into a sequel. It had all of the qualities a Sci-Fi epic is expected to have and also this is only one bump in Will's journey and only a small addition to Jadens experience. So I am sure that they will continue to impress fan all around the globe.

Star Trek into Darkness

"Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Her ongoing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life-forms and new civilizations; to boldly go where no one has gone before.". This is one of the most famous quotes, by one of the most famous Sci-Fi characters of of one of the most famous and influential Sci-Fi franchises to have ever been created. Star Trek was first broadcast as a TV series back in 1966. With such a unique narrati
ve and and fantastic performers (for example Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart, George Takei and more), ever since, especially for the older generation, Star Trek has become a culture for many people.

Now firstly, after many years, in 2009, Star Trek was directed by J.J Abrams. The film being a prequel to the whole franchise, with a fresh new cast (with Leonard Nimoy), the franchise had continued.

And now secondly, on the 16th of May 2013, the sequel to Star Trek (2009) has confronted its Trekkers once again.

Star Trek Into Darkness was a well deserved wait, I must admit. Full of action, suspense and excitement. I was drawn in the whole way through, from beginning to end.

The great thing about Sci-Fi epics is that there is always something new to appreciate, you always feel drawn because something always catches your eye. As with Sci-Fi, the director is left to be as creative as he could possibly be, the universe is his ouster and is practically God in this situation. With every other genre, besides fantasy, there are always still aspects you cant change such as location, with Sci-Fi, anything can be changed, anything can be created and I think J.J, Abrams, used it to his advantage.

Its special effects were stupendous, from the Enterprise submerging from water to space itself, the SFX were at its finest.

The films sound, sound editing and scores were brilliant, the scores definitely lived up to the originals and its sound/editing were sharp, well synchronised and explosive.

Its performers, were brilliant. Well acted, well in character, well composed and hilarious.

With their acting, even for a Sci-Fi epic, the comedy definitely created that fine line, which is needed to help keep its serious and comedic side balanced. Simon Pegg obviously led this campaign as he originates from the comedy genre. Along side Simon, Zachary Quinto, also known as Spock, surprisingly sets a comedic tone, wth his very dry, emotionless, serious mannerisms.

My one problem, referring to the cast was the fact that yes, every main supporting actor performed beautifully and all had quite important roles, but each character wasn't given enough screen time to appreciate.

My other problem, referring to the whole film was the plot. Although yes, the narrative, served me well with its SFX, music, cast etc, the plot was basic, nothing really impressed me with the story minor a couple, but only a couple.

Overall though, the narrative did impress me and again I did feel drawn in, the whole way though. I definitely can't wait for the sequel (hoping that there is) and actually want to watch the whole Star Trek franchise. Live Long and Prosper.

Iron Man 3

Iron Man is possibly the biggest franchise within the Marvel series, brought to life in 2008, in an Afghan cave by Robert Downy J. Nominated for numerous awards in the process and loved by thousands upon thousands. Now 5 years down the line, the third instalment has been released.

Tony Stark, entwined in the aftermath of the events of  'Avengers: Assemble', is struggling and to make things worse, a new foe has unveiled himself; the Mandarin.

What I liked about this in my opinion was its segregation from the Marvel franchise; not that I don't like Marvel, because I do, but the fact that it didn't actually feel like a superhero movie. Unlike most superhero films, which are made to impress the fans with explosions and and action etc, Iron Man 3 has a story of pure gold and made a change. The amount of twists that were in the film was unreal. Watching the trailer and the the movie itself, is absolutely mind boggling, but in ways that are good and bad.

The performance from the cast was amazing, not one disappointed me, but inparticular;

Robert Downy Jr, as always performed fantastically. As I like to theorize, Downy Jr's technique is sarcasm and he does it beautifully. Bringing laughter, tears and excitement to all.

Ben Kingsley surprised me dearly, but I cant say why. He was  superb, especially in the bedroom scene,   but one thing that disappointed me was his role. Great twist but I must admit I was genuinely looking forward to his role.

Ty Simpkons, a young but brilliant performer that took the screen at one point in my opinion, with his cheeky mannerisms.

The ending was amazing as well, action packed and emotional which all sent chills along my spine.

Additional things I didn't like was the final credits, I think the soundtrack and picture stills should have matched the mood of the film other than in a contrapuntal styled way and the amount of cliff hangers left within the film. Too many for my liking.

Other than what I have just said, Iron Man 3 certainly didn't fail to impress me, I do hope more can lead from this, but I can only hope.

Oz the Great and Powerful

Theater plays, Broadway and west end musicals and the movies. The Wizard of Oz is one of the worlds most famous and greatest of them all. Versions from 1925 and the most famous of them all in 1939. In 1978 The Wits was created, a African American adaptation with Micheal Jackson and even a sequel was created in 1985 in which Dorothy goes back to Oz. The Wizard of Oz has been probably one of the longest running children stories ever.

Now in 2013, 74 years after the original and 28 years after the sequel Oz the Great and Powerful hits cinemas.

James Franco takes on the role of Oscar Diggs, or Oz (his magician name), a gifted illusionist yet dreaded con man in the world of man. But one day in a twist of events, he finds himself swept up in the magical land of Oz, where as we all know, he is destined to rule. Here he confronts evil magical forces, magic, superior to his own.

Now the film itself was fun, exciting, funny and of course magical, making it the perfect kids movie.

Again like the original, the beginning, set on earth, was in black and white, giving it the good old feeling of making the film seem old as it was set back in the 30s/40s. This touch was fantastic. I must say though, that the beginning and some things he said throughout was a little corny or cheesy, some bits made me think "oh dear", but never the less, it was a kids movie with the age certificate being a PG.

The special effects were very good and very well made, with the 3D being possibly the best for a movie I have seen, if not one of them.

The art direction was phenomenal, with an Alice in Wonderland feel, making it seem extremely serial, with bright colours, odd creatures and structures.

James Franco was brilliant as always, using a selfish, playboy personality throughout, with a touch of nice, every now and again. And then where was the three actresses Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz who brought a huge variety of emotion to the screen.

The movie perfectly explained the back story of Oz as it all fits in with the original. Even familiar scenes were used from the original, which was good.

Fantastically enough, there is rumour of a sequel to Oz the Great and Powerful, which I am looking forward to dearly as the first was not only a fantastic kids movie but for adults and teenagers also.

Movie 43

First comedy I have attended in the Cinema for a long time and tell you what, I was pretty darn impressed.

Movie 43, isn't actually a film in itself, it is a collection of short comedy scripts, directed by 13 different directors, written by 9 different writers and with appearances of over 10 top actors and actresses. I thought this idea was class. Although, the only problem was, with it being made up of sketches and having sitcom features, it seems a lot shorter than 90 minutes.

The cast was stupendous on how many top Hollywood stars there were.With the likes of Hugh Jackman, Emma Stone, Sean William-Scott, Richard Gere and many More. Fantastically enough, although yes there are some rude and some brainless bits in the film, which made no sense what so ever, the cast were surprisingly up for it and for some Stars that aren't known for the comedy genre, they definitely did well.

Without giving spoilers, the film Intel was just shockingly good, things you definitely wouldn't expect, things that could very well make your stomach turn, but in the end, you think, 'that was worth it'.

Les Miserables

Tonight, I possibly walked into one of the most emotional picture in my life time, this film represented true love of a friend, Father and lover, bringing warmth into the hearts of all.

Les Miserable’s, the musical phenomenon, written by Victor Hugo (novel), that has been considered one of the best in history (along side the likes of Phantom of the Opera, Wizard of Oz, Jesus Christ Superstar and many more) has hit the screens by storm, directed by King's Speech's Tom Hooper.

The film, kept me at the edge of my seat throughout, until the end, with stunning performances, a fantastic setting and its inspirational songs.

Cinematography, for a film that isn’t narrative driven, categorically has some fine camera work. Its makeup was fantastically done, along side its costumes.

As it is a musical, singing of songs is a must although Les Miserable’s, treated us gracefully by having the whole film be told entirely by song, minor about 15 lines approximately at fantastic quality also.

It’s wide spread of talent impressed me dearly, with the differentiation of emotion and intentness from the majority of the cast, to comedy, as performed by Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonman Carter, who very much indeed made me and others around me laugh.

Cast members that caught my eye especially were Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway. Hugh Jackman put on a performance. I’m sure the rest of the world wouldn't have expected, since he is so use (with no disrespect as he is the reason I love Hugh) to Wolverine. Instead of aggravation and vulgar, we have an emotional, inspirational, caring role model. His final scene truly galvanised me, with some of the finest acting I have ever seen. With Hughs acting and singing, I think were in for a surprise at the Academy Awards.

Anne Hathaway, even with her amount of screen time, I think she definitely deserves that Oscar nomination. Again emotion, disheartenment and dismay had helped her way onto that pedestal. Her standard of acting and singing were truly amazing.

Also with respect to Russel Crowe, I think he did a fantastic job, both visually and vocally. He was one of the better Javerts, we have seen on or off stage. Only his last scene truly disrupted me, not because of Russel or what happens but how it actually happened, for as soon his exit occurred, emotion died and the moment was ruined.

It is though one of my top films of 2012/13, before the Academy Awards. One motion picture ticked off my list; definitely a memorable one and it definitely didn't let the genre down.