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.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

A decade ago J.R.R Tolkien's Middle Earth took our world by storm. Creating, entertainment, memory and even culture. The Lord of the Rings as a trilogy, not only did it grab seventeen academy awards and became one of the top grossing trilogy's of our time, it created a milestone in history. Introducing new technology, again new cultures and even new languages, it was truly one of the greatest creations of our time.

Now ten years later, it has a successor, although it is a prequel.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, having taken approximately two years to come together, hit cinemas.

The film had followed the book rather well, adding a few bits of the appendices, here and there, giving more to the fans than they probably deserve. Obviously there had been a few changes, but to be honest, what film actually follows it book, word by word?

Special effects, cinematography and editing were absolutely fantastic. One scene in particular caught my eye within the misty mountains.

Movie scores once again, gifted the film with their beauty, their power and ferocity. Using old, new and altering some of the original, slightly.

The films use of songs and tales, gave a warm glow within the walls of the cinema, something that wasn’t used enough in the LOTR.

Character and cast wise, the newbie’s were brilliant, a well defined cast, wit the characteristics of an everyday family. Stunning performances from the likes of Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, and Sylvester McCoy. Stars in the making.

With the newbie’s making amazing contribution to the film. Unfortunately I must admit, the originals from LOTR had not made the same impression as they did in the other trilogy. I feel that they felt a bit too comfortable with their roles. I think at times, they were basic, corny and effortless as if they were told what to say five minutes before hand. Though at times they were as expected, but only at times.

Gandalf on the other hand did display more panache with his ability.

The goblins and its other villains, have most definitely evolved since LOTR, but this is the past not the future, the villains looked too much more differently than they did in LOTR. They shouldn’t have been changed. Although, the three trolls were brilliantly hilarious.

With the film itself, I believe it was made a little too comical, although it is a children’s narrative, I don’t think the film has been taken seriously enough, not balanced enough between seriousness and comedy.

I felt that with the original cast, the evolution in villain and the comedy, the LOTR feeling has faded a little and for a film based before the LOTR, it shouldn’t have changed so dramatically.

Although I do think the first half was very good, the Gollum scene onwards was absolutely incredible, I cant express enough of how i felt from that point. I don’t think its ending could have been any better.

Yes the film did have its negatives, but not enough negatives to overcome its positives. Peter Jackson has still done it once again. Definitely the best film this year. Like the LOTR, I feel it will get better after each sequel and in the end; it will become yet another milestone in history.

Skyfall

First things first.. for years, the third installment to Daniel Craig's, James Bond and the 23rd installment to the James Bond collection, has been postponed for years; and due to this reason, it's for some reason exploded back into the film industry, and by explode i mean from its tremendous force, it has somehow lodged itself into the very minds of what we call human. By this i mean that because of the long await, the public have gone into a frenzy, rumours have spread, sa...ying that Skyfall isn't only going to be the best Bond ever but also the best film this year. This was all before the film came out in cinemas which cannot simply be set in stone until it has actually come out in cinema's and has been viewed first.

Going up against the likes of Prometheus, The Avengers, Dark Knight Rises and soon to be, The Hobbit. Somehow i don't think is true.

Though, Skyfall was definitely a well deserved wait. The story was absaloutly fantastic and extremely spontaneous. My only issue is that it was a slow narrative. Nothing 'pleasing' occurred in my opinion until what people would simply describe as Scotland. But also a series of twists of events was set, making a great change to the 007 franchise. Which you will find out about, once watched.

Scotland was a big surprise and definitely a good one full of history, mystery and suspense.

The opening scene was extremely unique. Very entertaining and eye catching. Unfortunately though, it is a huge spoiler, giving away events, that occur within the film.

The opening scene was sang by Adelle, who was a beautiful addition to the film.

There could be a lot more gadgets (which is iconic within the franchise)

The performance was stunning, with obviously Daniel Craig as MI5's James Bond setting yet another superb performance.

Q, played by Ben Whishaw, although a young, was a brilliant new addition to the cast, fresh out the box he proved that the traditional Q doesn't have to be aged and wise, but young and brilliant. Although i think a little less 'panache' would go a long way.

Judy Dench and Ralph Finnes set a fine performance as what i would like to call the 'M&M's'

And the new Bond girl's Naomi Harris sets the mood at the right time.

The antagonist (Javier Bardem) was amazing. With a huge range of personality, he potentially creates the most unique villain ever in the Bond series. Although his 'exit' could be a lot better.

In conclusion i believe Skyfall is definitely one of the best Bond films ever (behind GoldenEye and Casino Royal) but i definitely believe it was over rated for what its worth.

Lets just hope 24 and 25, are better and are built up correctly.

Dark Knight Rises

Dark Knight Rises, sequel to the Dark Knight was an entertaining, realistic thrill ride with a good twist that has been added to the franchise of Batman. But nothing more. I thought it was a fantastic film for its story and CGI etc. But I was disappointed in certain aspects.

The story was great, reintroducing the league of shadows, the maze of twists and turns with Bane and his involvement and the reference to Harvey Dent A.K.A Two Face (who was manipulated by the villainous... Joker) and his importance of the films.

The special effects were stupendous with the Bat Mobiles ‘upgrade’ and more. Though the effects were good, I do feel that there could have been more.

Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) was cute, spontaneous and a good team player. Though I feel that there should have been more of a back story to her and that she shouldn’t of just ‘turned up’ in the Wayne mansion at the beginning.

Bane, in my opinion didn’t create standards like the Joker did. He didn’t even have as much of a villainous reputation and was rather over rated. Although he has screen time he just didn’t separate himself from the other characters. He didn’t seem unique. And also taking the venom and bulk out of bane has killed the effect. The Joker has been made a cinematic icon and made renowned as one of the world’s greatest antagonists. Bane, an accomplished protagonist but also a disappointment.

I think over all it has been made a good movie and a memorable one. But due to the realistic side of it. The word ‘Batman’ has been left out of the equation as it doesn’t feel like the Batman everyone has grown up with.See more

The Amazing Spiderman

 

The Amazing Spiderman was a very interesting reboot of the original Spiderman.

It captured the story of Peter Parker in much more detail, involving his Father Richard Parker.

And i do feel that Andrew Garfield made a terrific performance as Peter and Rhys Ifans character as Dr Curtis Connors was dark, terrifying and spontaneous. And then there was Emma Stone bring the hot intellect into the film as Gwen Stacy.

But with positives comes negatives. I feel that the villain of... the Lizard NOT Dr Connors but the Lizard didn't reach the same standards of the original villains of the likes of Dr Octopus, Green Goblin or Sandman. He seemed to have rushed himself into devilry and mischief to fast and from one measly argument.

I didn't like the fact the all famous quote "With great power, comes great responsibility" wasn't used in the film....

And i also think that the new Spiderman has been downgraded to much compared to the old. As i think that the new Spiderman didn't have as much agility, coordination, strength and technique as the old making him an easy target for the Lizard.

But with the downgrade comes the more realistic side to it, which makes a good change. It just wont please the kids as much.

What the the new Spiderman had over the old wasn't ability though, but character, putting more humour and personality into the equation.

Overall the new Spiderman makes a good change and doesn't make me want to say that the original was better, but makes me think that it will keep the legacy going and hasn't let marvel down.