High School Confidential: Review of Me And Earl And The Dying Girl

Me & Earl & The Dying Girl

Director: Alejandro Gomez-Rijon

By Alex Watson

Surrounded with an irresistible charm, Alejandro Gomez-Rijon's Me And Earl And The Dying Girl is one of 2015's most off-beat comedies. A breakout success at this years Sundance Film Festival,where it won the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and the Audience Award for U.S. Drama.. Carrying a huge heart throughout its running time, this movie skillfully mashes a bittersweet feel alongside a quirky and real style of humour. This makes it one the most original and enjoyable works you will see this year.

Greg Gaines (Thomas Mann) is an ordinary teenager who purposefully flies below radar during his time at school. With his friend/co-worker Earl (Ronald Cypher II) the pair make movies based on old film classics. One day he is reluctantly forced by his over-bearing mother (Connie Britton) to pay a visit to neighbor Rachel (Olivia Cooke) who has recently been diagnosed with Leukemia. What develops is a caring yet unconventional friendship that will perversely affect Greg throughout his senior year.

The slacker humor of Me And Earl And The Dying Girl is what makes Gomez-Rijon's movie shine brightest. Greg is a young man who has no plans for his future apart from making his low budget films with Earl that parody popular classics (just what how inventive they get). He sports a drastically low opinion of himself and prefers not to get close to people. Earl is always referred to as his 'co-worker' and even though he obviously cares for him. At school he is the one who likes to be at peace with all possible social groups rather than develop any real relationships. Developing his bond with Rachel is a task that he at first finds hard and constantly feels like it is a burden.

As the film develops, Greg begins to become a new man the more time he spends with Rachel. Alongside this there is always a sense that sadly the clock is beginning to run down. This girl is a likeable character and you can only wonder where both lives would be had this obstacle not been in the way? However, as her illness begins to develop, the film's feel takes a turn into a more heart rendering place. Tough decisions have to be made and for once, Greg has to decide just what kind of man he wants to be? His inability to do anything selfless is called out on by numerous people throughout. Thanks to the wonderful direction of Gomez-Rijon, he shows a caring and inherently sweet individual lurking below.

Written for the screen by Jesse Andrews (who wrote the original) this movie has an assurance about itself that never feels over-confident. The characters along with the general feel is one that is very authentic. Gomez-Rijon emerges a major talent with Me And Earl And The Dying Girl. His playful presentation anyone of the parody films that Greg and Earl come up with surrounds the movie with a funny air. It is his handling of the more emotional content in particular that deserves praise. Not once does he play things strictly to make tears flow, instead he gives things a lighter touch and shows what joy Greg brings to Rachel. This could well have been yet another weepy re-tread of The Fault in Our Stars, but in the hands of Gomez-Rijon it is a winner.

This picture also sports a perfect cast which is led by the downbeat humour of Thomas Mann. His performance charges the slacker feel and he excels as the wayward teen who wishes only to exist. Mann excels during the movies finale third when more is demanded emotionally. Ronald Cypher II makes for a great running as the equally lazy Earl. Their relationship is one that cannot be defined simply, Earl likes hanging around him but seems frustrated he won't just call him a friend. British actress, Olivia Cooke is the one who truly steals our hearts as Rachel. Cooke gives a realistic and funny look at a girl who just wants to enjoy herself while she can. Anyone who has viewed her previously on the Bates Motel, knows her ability to effectively play a girl who is suffering.

Me And Earl And The Dying Girl is this year's landmark in indie cinema and has deserved the honors bestowed upon it. For an arresting and differently funny experience, I urge you to seek this picture out. 

Part of Me: Review of Inside Out

Inside Out

Director: Pete Docter

By Alex Watson

Once again Pixar has shown its power in the animated world and its new effort Inside Out imaginative and heartfelt effort. Focusing on the birth of human conscience, Docter is able to make our minds tick throughout and in someways even question ourselves. Even to this day, Pixar are still able to amaze us with their detail in their animation. This film is yet another firm step forward for them and it is thanks to a story that relates so well to the audience and makes us think about just how much motions define our personality?

Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) is an 11 year old girl who has recently moved with her mum and dad from Minnesota to San Francisco. Watching over her since birth have been her emotions Joy (Amy Poehler), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Bill Hader) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). Together they have made Riley into a vibrant and buoyant young girl. But when Riley begins to descend into unhappiness, Joy and Sadness by complete accident find themselves thrown out of the control room! With two core emotions missing, the young girls life could soon be problematic.

The greatest part about Inside Out, is viewing the scenes going on inside the control rooms. The emotions themselves make up more than just feelings, they contribute to here personality. For her personality, each different aspect has a different island or land. It's almost like a more zany version of Little Big Planet! But Sadness is the only emotion struggling to fit in and against Joy's ever so slightly possessive attitude, she may just deprive Riley of being able to grow up. The move to San Francisco has left the young girl with an increasing sadness that it isn't fully clear to her mother (Diane Lane) and father (Kyle McLachlan).

When both Joy and Sadness are literally sucked into a brand new world, Riley is now facing a something problematic. Her core memories are stocked away in glowing balls which have also disappeared. Now without her happy memories, the girl faces a disaster of epic proportions as now she cannot function normally! Docter shows these scenes to almost like some kind of never ending nightmare and her once childlike innocence is now dissolving into some kind of surly pre-teen attitude. But amongst the visuals, there is some important symbolism to be found. The emotions displayed are ones that mirror humans themselves. Through these, we find key elements of ourselves reflected and with Riley, she may need sadness more than she realizes to become herself again.

Having a blank canvas at his disposal, Docter has great fun creating new and wacky ideas for the world outside the control room. We are introduced to such places as abstract thought, subconscious, dream productions (watch for the continuously funny gum commercial) and the Train of Thought. All these ideas spark a wonderfully funny and unconventional ride for Pixar fans. But it is the simpler moments in Inside Out that are the most effective. One magical scene sees Joy re-playing an old memory of Riley ice skating to cheer her up, alongside this footage she skates as well. It is a moment of pure Pixar happiness which reminds us of just what they are capable of bringing.

In the voice department, Amy Poehler makes for a fine lead as Joy. Through her, this emotions enthusiasm for the job along with her bossiness is well portrayed. One of the better comedic actress today, Poehler is able to bring across a great sense of humour but also finds the warmth at key moments.  But Phyllis Smith is the one who steals the vocal honors and makes great use of her typically downbeat voice as Sadness. There is more to her performance than just sounding morbid and Smith encapsulates this emotions lack of purpose and confusion.

Pixar is once again back in fine form and Inside Out is more than likely going to be the animated adventure of 2015. When you exit the movie theatre, think of the emotions that sit inside of you and wonder what they may look like?

Once Upon a Time in the West: Review of Slow West

Slow West

Director: John Maclean

By Alex Watson

Fans of the western genre will no doubt be delighted with director John MacLean's Slow West. Making fine use of the breathtaking scenery, his American Frontier adventure is one that uses both unexpected surprises and wonderful natural humour. The feel of MacLean's movie is not fast moving, but events never once drag. The Scottish former musician turned director now emerges as a future talent who a keen eye for visual flair.

In 1800's Colorado, young man Jay Cavendish (Kodi Smit-McPhee) has abandoned his life in Scotland to come across to America. Here he is searching for his lost love Rose (Caren Pistorius), whom had to abandon him due a set of unfortunate circumstances. But one particular day, outlaw Silas Selleck (Michael Fassbender) arrives to save Jay from bandits. He agrees to be his guide and to aid him in his quest to find Rose. What Jay doesn't know however, is that there is a bounty on his love and Silas is one of many looking to claim it!

What sets Slow West apart from a typical western affair is that Maclean surrounds things with a slightly surreal feel. Jay is a young man literally walking into a world of danger "A jackrabbit in a land of wolves" as Silas' voice-over denotes. His love for Rose in some ways has made him naive and blind to the risks that he faces. When Silas arrives to save him from being shot by a bandit, his reasons for helping appear dubious. But all throughout Maclean's picture, Silas both deceives and shields him from a bitter a truth.

Along the trail, the story line alternates between the real and the slightly strange. One scene sees Jay conversing in French with three Congolese singers. But as the journey deepens, Jay begins to learn some cold hard facts. Strangers are among the dangers that lurk, such as a German anthropologist who speaks truths such as “in a short time this will be a long time ago” then promptly abandons Jay! The story is also fueled by the flashbacks of the past of his time in Scotland. The young man's unfortunate choice to follow his heart has landed him in a world of trouble and as Silas warns, Rose's heart may not exactly be his.

The third act forgoes the drawn out feel and descends into an epic shootout finale. The presence of trouble making gang leader Payne (Ben Mendelsohn) has been felt throughout. But now him and his band of outlaws are one of many descending upon Rose's family. Asides from the multiple bullets flying, both Silas and Jay face tough decisions. What comes next is an affecting but genuine ending which demonstrates just how hard the human heart can be touched. Also it is note worth for a magnificent reverse sequence by Maclean that will stay with viewers for long after the credits.

Michael Fassbender once more demonstrates his versatility with a fine turn as Silas. Although Maclean's characterization does dip below surface level, Silas is still an engrossing figure. Fassbender smartly plays him as man corrupted by time, but still has a conscience glimmering somewhere beneath. Kodi Smit-McPhee is equally excellent as the love struck Jay and gives a heartfelt yet hardened turn. One of the emerging talents of cinema, it will be fascinating how he brings Nightcrawler to life in X-Men: Apocalypse.

John Maclean is a director worth keeping eyes out for and Slow West emerges as a solid entry in the Western genre. On the strength of two leads alone, this is one picture that is well worth your time.

The Land Before Time: Review of Jurassic World

Jurassic World

Director: Colin Trevorrow

By Alex Watson

After Jurassic Park III underwhelmed fans back in 2001, Colin Trevorrow's Jurassic World re-ignites  Michael Critchton's franchise in great style. The dinosaurs both new and old still are as thrilling today as they were when T-Rex first thumped his way onto the screen. On a character level, they might not be the same involvement or interest that Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler or Ian Malcolm was able to bring. But aside from that one minor flaw, this is one attraction still designed to thrill.

22 years after the disaster of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar has once again been re-opened for business. Today it is a futuristic amusement park named Jurassic World which genetically engineers new dinosaurs to spike attendance figures. Park Operator Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) is excited about revealing new super-dino Indominus Rex to investors more than her nephews Gray (Ty Simpkins) and Zach (Nick Robinson) visiting. When disaster strikes, the park must turn to dinosaur expert, Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) to save the day. 

While it may lack the same dramatic tension that the first installment so wonderfully provided, Jurassic World still succeeds well on its own merits. The return to this world is still an eye opening experience and Trevorrow although an unexpected candidate, is one that sports a great visual eye. The argument about pushing the boundaries of science is still very much alive. Grady, an expert raptor trainer has learned to control the once feared enemy but is still skeptical about the effects of dino creation. He warns throughout that these creatures are still sharp teethed predators with killer instincts. Claire makes a sly hint towards the bored modern day audience who want more than average dinosaurs. Indominus Rex is a creature specifically designed to cause nightmares to children and adults. 

But what makes the new threat stand out alongside so other many new creatures, is that not only are its origins a mixture but it is also a creature who thinks almost like a human. Up its sleeves are any number of dubious tricks and unlike its original species mates, it is not hunting for food. For what is perhaps the first occasion, we have a dinosaur that qualifies as a villain. On scene sees a team of special operatives torn to shreds in nano seconds by I-Rex!  Things are also not helped by the emergence of enemy corp In-Gen led by shady businessman, Vic Hoskins (Vincent D'Onofrio). Their hazy agenda is one that causes nervous glances from the outset.

However, aside from the great visual effects, the story and characterization in Jurassic World feels underdeveloped. Grady as a character is one that evolves little outside of being cool and heroic. Claire is the buttoned down, career woman who seems to give little thought towards her family. By the films end though she is a fearless, flair wielding lady who doesn't give a second thought about jumping into harms way. Hoskins is nothing more than a second rate villain and his band of In-Gen buddies feels like a forced inclusion. Where original characters of Spielberg where ones always evolving, this new batch fails to grab our hearts.

This may not be the best character that Chris Pratt will ever play, but once again he proves himself to a good leading man. Sporting the right amount of charisma along with a brave side, Owen Grady is solid enough hero material. Bryce Dallas Howard also rings in a good leading turn as careerist Claire, a woman more concern with profits and losses than peoples well-being. As Trevorrow's picture continues she thankfully sheds her old skin and begins to develop a heart and soul which carries things well. Also look out for BD Wong as Dr Henry Wu, who marks the only original character returning from Jurassic Park.

Jurassic World is one of the first really fun blockbusters that we will see this summer. Colin Trevorrow emerges as a budding talent and once more he has made dinosaurs one of the must see attractions!

A Tribute to Christopher Lee

Today, British cinema has lost one of its really great presences. Sir Christopher Lee has passed away at the age of 93. Always a looming and absorbing figure on screen, Lee made his name through the Hammer Horror movies from 1957 to 1976. His portrayal as Dracula is considered to be among the most iconic of all time. He also was one of James Bond's most cunning adversaries in The Man with the Golden Gun and cemented his cult status as the creepy Lord Summerisle in The Wicker Man.

In the 21st Century, Lee opened himself to whole new fan base by appearing as the white wizard, Saruman in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Also he entered sci-fi folklore with his role as Sith lord, Count Dooku in Star Wars Episodes 2 & 3. More recently, he featured in Martin Scorsese excellent film, Hugo. in 2011, his achievements were recognized by the British Film Academy who awarded him their Fellowship Award.

Cinema will miss his piercing gaze and his deep, powerful voice from his career spanning over 70 years. Here are three of my personal favourite Christopher Lee moments.

The Wicker Man

Everyone remembers the mania of Lee's character, Lord Summerisle in its infamous finale. But its his work up until that point that is so memorable. From this one scene, Summerisle is both charismatic and bold with his speech regarding his pagan religion. From the horrified expression from devout christian Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward). You can see how easily Summerisle is manipulating this man into the horrifying later events.  

The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

As Saruman, Lee proved he had lost none of his on-screen menace. In one simple scene, Saruman turns from friend of Gandalf (Ian McKellan) to a dangerous adversary. It's the relish in which Lee carry off the Tolkien dialogue that creates the nervy winds of change. Also it will finally answer the question as to what happens when wizards do battle!

Stars Wars: Episode II- Attack of the Clones

In an other otherwise underwhelming affair, Lee's Count Dooku proved to be the ace card in the pack. Sporting a genuinely malicious air, Dooku was effortlessly cool and skilled with a light-saber. From this Lee managed to produce a battle scene that is one of the franchise finest. It was a save worthy of the great Mariano Rivera!

The Spy Who Came in From The Cold: Review of Spy

Spy

Director: Paul Feig

By Alex Watson

Thanks to the charms of the reliable Melissa McCarthy, Spy is a funny and likeable parody. Director Paul Feig doesn't deliver anything groundbreaking in terms of formula. But in terms of sheer belly laughs and wit, it succeeds admirably. Its leading character Susan though, is one that audiences are drawn to and will certainly be back for more installments.

Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is a desk bound CIA agent who assists super spy Bradley Fine (Jude Law). But when Fine goes MIA, Susan finds herself pushed into a field agent role. She is tasked with tracking villians Rayna Boyanov (Rose Bryne) and Sergio De Luca (Bobby Cannavale). Together the pair know the location of a devastating nuclear bomb. But is Susan really ready for the challenge ahead?

Rather than just letting Susan being the bumbling overweight and clumsy hero, Paul Feig turns things on their head makes her an butt-kicking action star. At first she is the underwhelming office lady whom everyone assumed to be a crazy cat lady off screen. Alongside her equally downbeat friend Nancy (Miranda Hart), she is kept firmly at her desk and laments her crush on Bradley not being returned. Though she whispers helpful instructions through his ear piece and keeps his life safe, she knows this maybe as good as life gets.

The second act of Spy thankfully turns over a new leaf and allows Susan to run wild with flying groin kicks, punches and any number of sassy insults. In rich villain society, she really is the fish out of water and causes ripples of panic whenever she enters a room. But no matter what she does or any errors thrown, she only succeeds in becoming likeable throughout. Same cannot be said for the villains of the piece. Rayna while cold and glamorous is a rather cookie cutter villain, whose is more like a playground bully than an icy international criminal.

Thankfully this movie has enough gas in the tank to see it through the whole run. No matter where the action takes us, Rome, Bulgaria or even the US, the laughs keep on coming. Also the action sequences are equal to even some more established action franchises. One scene she Susan in a kitchen battle with both a knife and frying pan. Full marks for creativity there, but seeing her hang from a helicopter is a finale that works on all levels. If only for the hilarious 50 Cent cameo that comes alongside it.

Melissa McCarthy is one making a great career out of these type of films. As Susan she brings us a character that has a superbly sharp tongue along with a set of skills that would rival Jason Bourne. Expect a return for this character very soon! The supporting cast is also top notch, with Jude Law leading the way as self-serving agent Bradley. Very much a satire of the Bond franchise, Law demonstrates his comedic ability to poke fun at himself. But it is Jason Statham who steals the show with an hilarious turn as Luke Ford. With the subtly of a brick and loudly bragging about his exploits, Statham has a ball and I can only hope he earns a spin-off from this.

Spy is a movie that is impossible to dislike and there will most likely be any number of sequels in future. Melissa McCarthy is proving to be one actress that can stay fun no matter the material and I look forward to the exploits of Susan in years to come.

Top 5 Movie Escapes

The Shawshank Redemption

The most iconic escape on this list see Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) conduct what is the most unlikely plan. Who would have thought that scraping a wall with a rock hammer would prove so effect? Well that and a giant poster. But Andy's break for freedom is picnic, just listen to the Morgan Freeman narration. However, as we see the famous image on Robbins stood bare chested in the rain, it is a moment that uplifts our hearts.

The Silence of the Lambs

Hannibal Lector's (Anthony Hopkins) escape from Memphis Police Custody is by far the most terrifying on the list. What starts as a routine check becomes something scary as hell. Who would have thought the most banal object could have the biggest effect on lives? What comes afterwards though, is clever trickery by director Jonathan Demme. "After you Sergeant Pembrey!"

The Great Escape 

 One of the 1960's truly great escape plans sees the Allies outsmarting their German captors at every turn. Seems their idea to put all the great escape artists into one camp was one that backfired spectacularly. But of all the various escapes on show, it is Virgil Hilt (Steve McQueen) and his daring motorcycle ride that amaze the most.

Ocean's Eleven

The finale of Steven Soderbergh's excellent remake is one to savor 14 years after release. The thing that makes this robbery so memorable is the misdirection that fools Bellagio owner, Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). His quiet horror at realizing just what video tape he has in front of him sets up a cunning dupe by Danny Ocean (George Clooney).

Raiders of the Lost Ark 

Steven Spielberg started this legendary franchise with a bang back in 1981, and his breathtaking opening still stuns us to this day. Watching Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) risk life and limb to recover his precious artifact whilst the entire temple shakes is death dying stuff. But just when you think he safe, the ultimate challenge arrives- a huge rolling boulder!