Tuesday 30 April 2013

Two Line Review: John Carter (2012)

A reasonable live-action effort from Disney, in a well-realised, very Star Wars-esque world. A light action-adventure that is nicely entertaining.



Thinking Film Rating: 6.5/10


Public Opinion: 6.6/10
Critics Opinion: 5.1/10

Monday 29 April 2013

Two Line Review: Up (2009)

While it has a beautifully sad opening montage and great general concept, (watch just for that opening!), the story loses itself halfway through and it’s all downhill from there. 



Thinking Film Rating: 6/10


Public Opinion: 8.3/10
Critics Opinion: 9.8/10

Up - Pete Doctor, Bob Peterson

Sunday 28 April 2013

An Exciting Trailer for Sunday: This Is The End


This Is The End

Director: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogan

Starring: James Franco
               Seth Rogan
               Paul Rudd
               Jonah Hill
               Danny McBride

UK Release Date: 28 June 2013

Saturday 27 April 2013

Short Film for Saturday: In Real Life


In Real Life

Director: Anthony Rosner

A light-hearted look into the online gaming addiction. A nicely paced engaging story with a human heart.

An official winner at the Pheonix Comicon Film Festival 2012

Friday 26 April 2013

Two Line Review: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

An excellent Hollywood blockbuster, with a now iconic role from Johnny Depp.  There is plenty of large-scale action and crowd-pleasing entertainment to be found here.



Thinking Film Rating: 8/10


Public Opinion: 8.0/10

Thursday 25 April 2013

Two Line Review: Garden State (2004)

The incredible use of soundtrack is one of its many pleasures, the wonderful performances another, however, it's the fantastic writing and direction from Braff that make this whole film a pleasure. 

Thinking Film Rating: 9/10


Public Opinion: 7.6/10
Critics Opinion: 7.4/10

Garden State - Zach Braff

Support Braff's next film on Kickstarter!

An Exciting Trailer for Thursday: Byzantium


Byzantium

Director: Neil Jordan

Starring: Gemma Arterton
              Saoirse Ronan
              Caleb Landry Jones

UK Release Date: 31 May 2013

Wednesday 24 April 2013

Two Line Review: Black Swan (2010)

Natalie Portman has the role of her life in this thrilling film. Perfectly encapsulating passion, obsession and beauty in Aronofsky's boldly directed work of art.  




Thinking Film Rating: 8/10


Public Opinion: 8.1/10
Critics Opinion: 8.2/10

Black Swan - Darran Aronofsky 

Short Film for Wednesday: Bottle


Bottle
Director: Kirsten Lepore


A beautiful story filled with companionship, love and endearment unfolds in this wonderfully animated short film.

Won Best Animated Short at Newport Beach Film Festival.


UK Box Office: 21st April



Olympus Has Fallen
  Overall:
  1. Olympus Has Fallen
   WE: £2,246,901 GTD: £2,246,901
  2. Oblivion
   WE: £1,656,158 GTD: £8,055,388
  3. Evil Dead
   WE: £1,375,230 GTD: £1,375,230


Love Is All You Need
  Other New Films
  7. Love Is All You Need
   £202,086 at 131 locations
  17. Promised Land
   £52,641 at 135 locations
  31. Rebellion
   £4,760 at 7 locations


Love Is All You Need
  World Cinema
  7. Love Is All You Need
   WE: £202,086 GTD: £202,086
  20. Dans La Maison
   WE: £27,720 GTD: £738,198
  23. Sadda Haq
   WE: £20,400 GTD: £229,345

*WE = Weekend Total, GTD = Gross-to-Date

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Two Line Review: Big (1988)

Hanks at his very best showcased in this funny, entertaining and, often, moving piece. A film that allows you to see clearly how the innocence of youth can be both a blessing and a curse. 

Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10


Public Opinion: 7.2/10
Critics Opinion: 8/10

Big - Penny Marshall

Monday 22 April 2013

Two Line Review: Goodfellas (1990)

A Scorsese masterpiece! A tale told through the eyes of a gangster with an incredible blend of stunning cinematography, sound, editing and writing. A film that will never get old. 

Thinking Film Rating: 10/10


Public Opinion: 8.8/10
Critics Opinion: 8.8/10

Goodfellas - Martin Scorsese

Sunday 21 April 2013

Two Line Review: Jurassic Park (1993)

Excitement builds when you hear the theme song, even years after the first viewing. Spielberg creates a fantastic viewing adventure, utilising the incredible work of Michael Crichton.    


Thinking Film Rating: 8.5/10


Public Opinion: 8/10
Critics Opinion: 8.2/10

Jurassic Park - Steven Spielberg 

An Exciting Trailer for Sunday: The Kings Of Summer


The Kings Of Summer

Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts

Starring: Nick Robinson
              Gabriel Basso
              Moises Arias
              Nick Offerman

UK Release Date: 2013

Saturday 20 April 2013

Two Line Review: Inception (2010)

Leaves you with questions and thoughts long after it's over. A fantastic array of performances and a impressive addition to the awe-inspiring work of Nolan.  


Thinking Film Rating: 10/10


Public Opinion: 8.8/10
Critics Opinion: 8/10

Inception - Christopher Nolan 

Short Film for Saturday: The Eagleman Stag



The Eagleman Stag - Mikey Please

A amazing, beautiful and inspiring piece of work. Truly thought-provoking with fantastically unique animation.

Won 2011 BAFTA Animated Short Film Award

Friday 19 April 2013

Director Profile: Sam Raimi

Sam Raimi
Currently In the Box Office: Oz: The Great and Powerful
Opening Weekend: £3,739,905 at 530 locations

Known for: Evil Dead, Spiderman

Author’s Favourite: Drag Me To Hell
Critics Opinion: 9.2/10, Public Opinion: 6.7/10

Most Awards: Spiderman 2
Won 1 Oscars inc Best Visual Effects

Most Critically Acclaimed: Evil Dead
Critics Opinion: 9.8/10

Highest Grossing: Spiderman 3
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $890.9

Hidden Gem: A Simple Plan
Nominated for 2 Oscars inc. Best Supporting Actor

Debut Feature: Evil Dead
Won Saturn Award for Best Low-Budget Film

Upcoming Projects: Rake
TV Movie starring Greg Kinnear and Miranda Otto

Two Line Review: Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

The perfect indie film! Heart-warming, funny, sad, feel good. A brilliant ensemble (Paul Dano stood out for me) topped by an unforgettable story. Can’t recommend enough!



Thinking Film Rating: 10/10


Public Opinion: 7.9/10
Critics Opinion: 9.1/10

Thursday 18 April 2013

An Exciting Trailer For Thursday: Mud




Director: Jeff Nichols

Starring: Matthew McConaughey
               Reese Witherspoon
               Sam Shepard
               Tye Sheridan
               Jacob Lofland

Release Date: 10th May 2013

Wednesday 17 April 2013

UK Box Office: 14th April


Oblivion
Overall:
1. Oblivion
   WE: £4,921,080 GTD: £4,921,080
2. The Croods
   WE: £1,984,031 GTD: £22,560,899
3. Scary Movie 5
   WE: £1,077,544 GTD: £1,077,544



The Place Beyond The Pines
   Other New Films
   4. The Place Beyond The Pines
      £665,935 at 114 locations
   22. The Gatekeepers
      £21,616 at 14 locations
   24. Daddy Cool Munde Fool
      £17,622 at 7 locations


   
UK Films
Trance
   8. Trance
      WE: £336,858 GTD: £4,071,647
   21. Good Vibrations
      WE: £26,370 GTD: £235,710
   31. Pilgrim Hill
      WE: £10,401 GTD: £10,401


Dans La Maison
World Cinema
19. Dans La Maison
   WE: £61,391 GTD: £665,519
20. Sadda Haq
   WE: £52,591 GTD: £192,187
22. The Gatekeepers
   WE: £21,616 GTD: £21,616

WE = Weekend Total, GTD = Gross-to-Date

Short Film For Wednesday: BlinkyTM



BlinkyTM

Director: Ruairi Robinson

Strong visual effects make a very realistic world in this short film, and although the gore factor is not present, the lack of only makes the story stronger.

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Director Profile: Steven Soderbergh

Steven Soderbergh

Currently In the Box Office: Side Effects
Opening Weekend: £911,315 at 351 locations

Known for: Ocean’s Eleven, Traffic

Author’s Favourite: Erin Brockovich
Critics Opinion: 8.4/10, Public Opinion: 7.2/10

Most Awards: Traffic
Won 4 Oscars inc. Best Director & 2 BAFTAs

Most Critically Acclaimed: Sex, Lies and Videotape
Critics Opinion: 9.8/10

Highest Grossing: Ocean’s Eleven
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $450.7m

Hidden Gem: Gray’s Anatomy
Recounting Spalding Gray’s journey after told he has an eye condition.

Debut Feature: Sex, Lies and Videotape
Nominated for 2 BAFTAs and 1 Oscar.

Upcoming Projects: Behind The Candelabra
USA TV Movie starring Matt Damon and Michael Douglas

Monday 15 April 2013

Two Line Review: Skyfall (2012)

Lives up to the hype. Easily the best of the Craig Bonds, with a stellar cast all round and some nice cinematography. A very worthy addition to the franchise!



Thinking Film Rating: 8/10


Public Opinion: 7.8/10
Critics Opinion 9.2/10

Skyfall - Sam Mendes


Sunday 14 April 2013

Two Line Review: Four Lions (2010)

Absolutely hilarious, edgy black comedy from Chris Morris. Razor-sharp dialogue with a dowsing of satire, boldly diving into controversy like few others.


Thinking Film Rating: 10/10


Public Opinion: 7.3/10
Critics Opinion: 8.1/10

An Exciting Trailer for Sunday: Only God Forgives



Only God Forgives

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn

Starring: Ryan Gosling
              Kristin Scott Thomas
              Tom Burke

UK Release Date: Unknown

Saturday 13 April 2013

Short FIlm for Saturday: The Most Beautiful Man In The World


Beautifully shot with brilliant performances and nicely paced story, this film has it all. I am still in awe of it for the umpteenth time watching it.

Nominated for 2003 BAFTA Short Film Award

Friday 12 April 2013

Two Line Review: Trance (2013)

Another example of Danny Boyle genius, a cleverly planned plot that keeps you thinking until clicking nicely into place. A stylish, sometimes brutal, modern film noir.


Thinking Film Rating: 9/10


Public Opinion: 7.4/10
Critics Opinion: 6.7/10


Thursday 11 April 2013

Two Line Review: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zizzou (2004)

Full of Wes Anderson quirkiness and animated fish, a classic for any fans of the director. Started strong got lost a little in the middle and ended nicely.


Thinking Film Rating: 6/10


Public Opinion: 7.2/10



Wednesday 10 April 2013

UK Box Office: April 7th


UK Box Office Top 3:

The Croods
        Overall
        1. The Croods (w3)
             WE: £2,346,518  GTD: £17,584,498
        2. G.I. Joe Retaliation (w2)
             WE: £1,052,226 GTD: £5,546,148
        3. Dark Skies (w1)
             WE: £1,024,166 GTD: £1,024,166

Spring Breakers
   
    Other New Films
    9. Spring Breakers
         £342,550 at 181 locations
    10. The Odd Life Of Timothy Green
         £267,214 at 280 locations
    15. A Late Quartet
         £106,350 at 48 locations   


Trance
     UK Films 
     4. Trance (w2)
         WE: £716,582 GTD: £3,289,305
     16. Good Vibrations (w2)
         WE: £48,900 GTD: £173,896
     36. A Song For Marion (w7)
         WE: £6,000 GTD: £1,868,360

Dans La Maison
     World Cinema
     14. Dans La Maison (w2)
         WE: £120,329 GTD: £517,893
     17. Papadopolous and Sons (w2)
         WE: £37,032 GTD: £37,032
     24. Himmatwala (w2)
         WE: £14,458 GTD: £205,213


*WE = Weekend Total, GTD = Gross-to-Date


Tuesday 9 April 2013

Two Line Review: Insomnia (2002)

The only insomnia received from this film is working out whether it was actually Nolan directing it. A very average film from a very un-average director. 



Thinking Film Rating: 5/10


Public Opinion: 7.2/10
Critics Opinion: 7.7/10


Insomnia - Christopher Nolan

Monday 8 April 2013

Two Line Review: 3 Idiots (2009)

Wonderful performances by all three idiots with lessons that will stay with you for a lifetime - all iz well here!


Thinking Film Rating: 10/10



Public Opinion: 8.3/10
Critics Opinion: 10/10

Director Profile: Quentin Tarantino


Quentin Tarantino
Known for: Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill

Author’s Favourite: Reservoir Dogs
Critics Opinion: 9.6/10, Public Opinion: 8.4/10

Currently In the Box Office: Django Unchained
Opening Weekend: £2,801,312

Most Critically Acclaimed: Django Unchained
Won 2 Oscars & 2 BAFTAs inc. Best Supporting Actor

Highest Grossing: Django Unchained
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $418.8m

Hidden Gem: Four Rooms
Segment: ‘The Man From Hollywood’

Debut Feature: Reservoir Dogs
Won a 1993 Spirit Award for Steve Buscemi

Upcoming Projects: Kill Bill Vol. 3
A sequel to Kill Bill Vol. 1&2

Sunday 7 April 2013

Two Line Review: Juan of the Dead (2011)

All you could want in a zombie flick and more! Guns, swords, zombies, morally questionable heroes and lots of laughs. Massively enjoyable!



Thinking Film Rating: 10/10


Public Opinion: 6.4/10
Critics Opinion: 7.6/10

Saturday 6 April 2013

Two Line Review: Toy Story (1995)

The children’s classic that will never get old. Brilliant script, animation and characters that are recognisable to adults and children alike. Pixar at it’s very very best!


Thinking Film Rating: 10/10


Public Opinion: 8.3/10
Critics Opinion: 10/10

Friday 5 April 2013

Two Line Review: Anna Karenina (2012)

If you can absorb the metaphorical theatrical nature of the film, this is a very creative and enjoyable film. If you can’t, then this is a pretentious and dull film.


Thinking Film Rating 7/10


Public Opinion: 6.7/10
Critics Opinion: 6.3/10

Thursday 4 April 2013

Two Line Review: Toy Story 2 (1999)

Having a hard act to follow, Pixar managed to maintain a high level of storytelling. Minus one ginger cowgirl and this film may have hit 10!


Thinking Film Rating: 8/10


Public Opinion: 7.9/10
Critics Opinion: 10/10

Wednesday 3 April 2013

Director Profile: Danny Boyle


Danny Boyle
Known for: Trainspotting, 28 Days Later...

Author’s Favourite: 127 Hours
  Critics Opinion: 9.3/10, Public Opinion: 7.7/10

Currently In the Charts: Trance
Opening Weekend: £1,574,399 

Most Critically Acclaimed: Slumdog Millionaire
Won 8 Oscars inc. Best Picture & 7 BAFTAs inc. Best Director

Highest Grossing: Slumdog Millionaire
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $377.9

Hidden Gem: A Life Less Ordinary
Starring Ewan McGregor, Cameron Diaz and Holly Hunter

Debut Feature: Shallow Grave
Also debut feature starring role for Ewan McGregor 

Upcoming Projects: Porno
A sequel to Trainspotting.

Tuesday 2 April 2013

Two Line Review: Layer Cake (2004)

Ulta-stylish, slick, smart British gangster film and Craig performance. Plot played out very nicely, with many references to the classics of the 70s and 80s. Highly enjoyable!


Thinking Film Rating: 9/10


Public Opinion: 7.3/10
Critics Opinion: 8.1/10

Monday 1 April 2013

Two Line Review: The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009)

An interesting concept and watch-worthy low budget film. Unfortunately all three characters lacked  any likability despite some good actor performances.


Think Film Rating: 6/10


Public Opinion: 6.8/10
Critics Opinion: 8.1/10