3 March Movie Picks

Chappie

District 9 maestro Neill Blomkamp returns with another compelling piece which looks to not only continue his great visual eye, but could well capture out hearts! Chappie (voiced by Sharlto Copley) is a robot designed by Deon Wilson (Dev Patel) and is designed to evolve and feel human emotions. But not everyone is thrilled by this concept, including Vincent (Hugh Jackman) and soon Chappie is fighting back against the forces that want to see him destroyed! Knowing Blomkamp this will be another experience to remember!

Release Date: March 6th

The Gunman 

Sean Penn is a man with a grudge this month in Pierre Morel's movie and from the action on display, this could mean lethal results! Martin Terrier (Penn) is an renowned operative who wants nothing more than to quit the game and settle down with his lover. But his organization appears to have other ideas and force him to go on the run! With a supporting cast including Javier Bardem, Idris Elba and Ray Winstone, the quality in this movie is high! Penn isn't known for this sort of role and love or hate the man, he sure has that presence.

Release Date: March 20th 

A Little Chaos

Alan Rickman makes a rare venture behind the camera for his French Renaissance drama piece. Set during the time of King Louis XIV (Alan Rickman), lady gardener Sabine (Kate Winslet) is hired to design a fountain for his majesty. But finds herself roughing feathers when she catches the eye of married socialite Andre La Note (Matthias Schoenaerts) to which society takes an all too close eye to! After wowing audiences at TIFF 2014, it appears this movie has hyped to be believed.

Release Date: March 27th

Secret Agent Man: Review of Kingsman: The Secret Service

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Director: Matthew Vaughn

By Alex Watson

After nearly sealing the deal with his X-Men reboot, Matthew Vaughn makes a welcome return to the screens. Kingsman: The Secret Service is another wonderfully silly and utterly enjoyable piece of work from this man. Sporting his trademark ability to find humor in the most unlikely of places, Vaughn homage to his love of spy movies is one to remember. Making a hero out of an ASBO figure deserves kudos and in Eggsy, Vaughn has a great new foundation in which to build a franchise.

Gavin 'Eggsy' Unwin (Taron Egerton) is a streetwise youth who is always on the wrong side of the law. That is until one day when a helping hand comes in the form of Harry Hart (Colin Firth) who reveals his father was a top secret agent for an secret organization called Kingsman. Eager to put his old life behind him, Eggsy is recruited to help stop billionaire villain Richmond Valentine (Samuel L Jackson) from using his technology to destroy the world.

Although Kingsman: The Secret Service does suffer from being uneven in places, but these are mistake which are forgivable. The movie possess the typical suave and slick quality to a spy movie where impressive gadgets are on display and spies are able to tell expensive whiskey on taste alone. When Eggsy and Harry are forced together by fate, the resulting chemistry is one that sparkles. Watching Harry effortless dispatch a pub for all vengeful hooligans is bound to raise a smile.

But the most impressive element is by far the diamond in the rough, because Eggsy although sharp around the edges, possessive some genuine smarts. In training he is sneered upon, but rather than get mad he gets determined and a bravery and never say die attitude is uncovered. His character development is as interesting and equally as thrilling as Dave Lizewski in Kick Ass. Vaughn makes a real gem out of a risky character and through it all a real charm goes to life with this character. His heroic during the films slightly wayward final act are worth of a medal and he emerges as a figure we cannot wait to get more of!

Though at the centre of this we have a villain who both bolsters and hinders the movie. Richmond Valentine, the often hilarious lisping billionaire is a tricky one to predict. His serving of McDonald,s as a fancy dinner is one of many surprises. But his reasons for wanting to wreak havoc upon the world just are not strong enough to hold the film together. Though it does launch the film into an unexpected overdrive in time for the final act as we see Harry stab, shoot, kick and punch in a church sound-tracked to Lynard Skynard's 'Free Bird' is a jaw dropping display of high octane violence.

Taron Egerton, in typical Vaughn fashion emerges as another major star from one of his works. Sporting a effortless charisma along with a strong presence on screen, the 25 old is looking like he has a bright future before him! Colin Firth also excels as Harry and bringing his trademark impassive wit and skillful delivery, he makes for the perfect mentor figure. You can only wonder what may have happen with him at the helm of 007? Samuel L Jackson as usual phones in his performance and at times he is compelling as Valentine, but it just doesn't feel like he is giving this one his all!

Matthew Vaughn once again has created another great film out of nothing. This could have been something far worse in the wrong hands, but Kingsman: The Secret Service is one of the funniest and most enjoyable movies of 2015 so far!

Top 4 Alien Series Moments

Chestburster Sequence (Alien)

This scene from Ridley Scott's sci-fi horror masterpiece is without doubt not only the most iconic scene in the franchise, but undoubtedly still the most shocking! As you watch the birth of the Xenomorph from Kane's (John Hurt) chest- you can still feel the winds of change. What would follow next would form the basis of this memorable series.


Brett Looks For Jones (Alien)

When Brett (Harry Dean Stanton) does looking for the ships cat Jones, what follows prove to be master class in both sound, design and pure frights. As we descend into one of the ships engines rooms, all we can hear is the dripping of water and clanging of chains. But the wide open space just builds tension like water rising in dam. However its watching the camera cut away to the cat's face when the moment hits that really stays with us!

Knife Trick (Aliens)

This scene from James Cameron's equally glorious second installment is a great example of comedic touch. What starts as way to amuse the hard living Colonial Marines turns into something very unexpected. As Android Bishop (Lance Henriksen) slides his hand over cocky soldier Hudson (Bill Paxton) his resulting reaction is one of gradual wide eyed shock. It was moments like this that make Aliens such a unique sequel!



Power Loader

At what first appears to be a meaningless device in this film, becomes something else entirely at the climax. When the dreaded Alien Queen resurfaces intent on avenging her dead children- hope seems lost! Cue Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) emerging in what has become one of the franchises most iconic moments. All together now... "GET AWAY FROM HER YOU BITCH!!"

City By The Sea: Review of Leviathan

Leviathan

Director: Andrey Zvyagintsev

Alex Watson

Andrey Zvyagintsev's Leviathan is a stunningly shot story of corruption and family plight. Its reference to Job and the old testament aids the story well and this tale of the working class standing up to nepotism is truly heart rendering. Amidst the boarded up buildings and the crashing sea against the rocks, Zvyagintsev finds a beauty rarely found in such simple story telling. The result is one of the strongest pieces of Eastern Europe cinema in 2015.

Working class man Kolya (Alexey Serebriakov) owns a small but beautiful house overlooking a waterfront in the costal town of  Pribrezhny. Corrupt local mayor Vadim (Roman Madyanov) wants to buy the property to start his own business empire, as the local has substantial business value. As his home is a symbol for his life of hard work, Kolya refuses to move and enlists the help of his Moscow lawyer friend Dimtri (Vladimir Vdovichenkov) he sets about to keep it. But his problems are only just beginning. 

After summoning up such emotional rawness with his 2003 effort, The Return, in Leviathan, director
Andrey Zvyagintsev once again is able to capture the bitterness and dilemma of every day people. Kolya is not an easy man, he is quick to anger and is heavily belligerent. But all around him he is beset by greed, even from his closest friends who seem to love his mechanic skills, but not necessarily the man himself. His family life is one that is tenuous as his younger second wife Lilia (Elena Lyadova) seems to treat him with distant hostility. Even Dimtri despite the friendly and helpful facade, may also be have his own agenda. 

Fat cat Vadim is one that abuses the full length of his power to the extreme, in the opening scene he drunkenly berates the man stating "You have no rights... nor will you ever!" His the very face of crookedness and throughout there are no lengths to which he will not sink. As the vodka swirls in his belly, Vadim has a phone filled with doing bidders who will happily do his dirty work at the touch of a button. The result is one that is very devastating, early on there is a hopeful tone to things as Kolya and Dimtri appear to reach a break through. What follows slowly strains relationships and both loyalty, family ties and friendship are called into question.

A religious theme reigns heavily over the feel of the movie, but you get the sense that in Pribrezhny that God has left these shores long ago. In Vadim's conversation with a Russian Orthodox priest, even he gives subtle hints at possibly liabilities. In one memorable scene, he gives a lengthy speech about truth and cardinal values in this world, the paradox of this is unshakable and its effect doesn't sink in until long after the credits. Kolya is a man who although not religious, continually has his faith shaken as he long acquainted friends turn on him without thinking twice! There is a ghostly feel to this aftermath and as we witness him sat by the sea, nursing a vodka bottle asking "Why God?" you cannot help but ask the same questions!  

Alexey Serebriakov steals our hearts with a fiercely intense performance as Kolya. Giving the man a wonderful brooding self hatred, it makes his descent into misery all the more gut wrenching. A fiery presence whenever on screen, he firmly captures the plight of the common man and Zvyagintsev linking of his character to Job in the Old Testament makes this a memorable turn! As the drunken Roman Madyanov, makes for a memorable on screen sleaze bag. Demonstrating a wonderful sneering contempt for those below him, Madyanov embodies the modern day underhanded businessman and makes Vadim so believable that you be convinced if an entire town was under his payroll!

Leviathan is a movie that make long is running length and the desolation setting and its haunting aftermath may leave some lacking the needed closure. But the power of the story, direction and acting will be hard to beat in European cinema this year.

Film Lovers Are Everywhere

Today at work, I stumble upon this The Goonies inspired message, it appears that Sloth wants us to keep our kitchen tidy!! Film lovers do make the most creative types of people! Richard Donner would be proud.

A History of Violence: Review of A Most Violent Year

A Most Violent Year

Director: J C Chandor

By Alex Watson

Set against the often violent and corrupt world of the oil business, J C Chandor's A Most Violent Year is an excellently paced movie. Set against the record violence of 1981 New York, the tension is forever building as what appears to be a bold move turns into something that could derail a dream completely. From here morals become more clouded and events take a turn down a darker and more vicious avenue to show that to achieve the American Dream, sometimes to take more than being honest!

Businessman Adel Morales (Oscar Isaac) is an ambitious man who owns an oil company. Along with loyal wife Anna (Jessica Chastain) they seemingly completely a risky but vital deal to secure a riverside refinery and it appears set that he is due for big things. But his competitors are less than thrilled about business being taken away and seem determined to derail this transaction and set about to oust him by any means necessary. 

Although Adel is determined to stay legitimate, from the very beginning of Chandor's picture it is made apparent he may have to fight underhanded to keep his head above water. What starts as a perfect opportunity of buying a refinery which will give him more access to cheap oil prices and more direct routes for oil imports quickly becomes a living nightmare. Soon his business is targeted from all sides. Suspicious thugs converge on their house along with the Feds, led by assistant DA Anderson (David Oyelowo). Even his long standing bank connections withdrawn on him. Truck drivers are violently robbed at gun point and Anna demands he stop standing aside and begin fighting back.

Corruption swirls in the air, not matter where you look. Adel is desperate not to resort to the gangster style lengths of Anna's 'Cheap Brooklyn Gangster' father. But there is a notion that he cannot build his own empire without a little bloodshed. A morally complex character throughout, he is a hard work who has built his world up by hard work and honest living- something he prides himself on. Essentially he is the ordinary man forced into a desperate place and is now having to fight back against his better judgement.

His relationship with Anna is the main firing point of A Most Violent Year as she is very much the immaculately styled Lady Macbeth figure of Chandor's picture. The daughter of a Gangster, Anna is not afraid to sink to lower than she needs to. One key scene sees her coldy shoot a stricken deer they have hit with their car, because it is easier that way! She is the steely presence and the real backbone to Adel's business and will go to great lengths to protect it. "You not gonna like what happens once I get involved" she breathlessly tells her husband, and we absolutely believe it!

The key firing point of this movie though comes from the excellent chemistry of Isaac and Chastain. As the everyman forced into a corner, Oscar Isaac excels as the conflicted Adel. In what is perhaps his strongest performance of his career, his character is given a resolve that sees him through even the worse situations. His guilt doesnt burden him but instead makes him more resourceful. As Anna, Jessica Chastain lights up the screen as the icy yet supportive and husky wife. Her motives and actions may be questionable, but she is the kind of wife you would kill for as she will help you stay ahead, no matter what!

J C Chandor is quickly establishing himself as one of Hollywood's most promising new directors and A Most Violent Year is a film that holds our attention firmly. The oil business is not one for the faint of heart, but this on screen couple are a pair with hearts of stone and the result is just electric! Shame Oscar missed out these two performances.

The Big Red Machine: Review of Red Army

Red Army

Director: Gabe Polsky

By Alex Watson

One of the most dominant forces ever to grace the game of Hockey, the Red Army Hockey Team were known for their precise tactics and devastating scoring ability. Behind the scenes though the story was far from a happy one. Through the excellent direction of Gabe Polsky, his documentary Red Army is an eye opening and meaningful account of the extreme lengths that a coach is prepared to take to be successful! A closely guarded secret weapon back in the day, Polsky succeeds in not only lifting the veil but also injecting a sense of bittersweet victory for the price each paid for freedom.

The Red Army team proved an unbeatable team from 1945-91 which provided no less than seven Olympic Gold Medals! But after their failure at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, long time coach Anatoly Tarasov was given the boot and replaced by KGB favourite, Viktor Tikhonov. What would follow was one of the most brutal regimes which all but alienated his star players! Desperate to get out, the Soviet players began to defect into the USA but found that the American Dream was far from what they imagined!

Gabe Polsky focuses carefully on the rigid yet carefully planned methods to which the Soviets approached the game. Tarasov in particular believed that hockey should be played like a game of chess. The tipping point of the story is undoubtedly the hiring of Tikhonov who after their loss to the US in 1980, completely overhauled the team. Next he set about a rigorous and harsh training method behind a guarded compound that slowly but surely disillusioned his players. Through the recounts of players such as Slava Fetisov (who became the youngest ever captain) their animosity towards this man still burns brightly to this day! A staunch disciplinarian, Tikhonov believed in controlling his players or suffer the consequences.

Breaking free of this was the hardest task of all, adored by the foreign scouts and lured with expensive incentives to leave their country- the players had a way out before them. The Red Army wasn't prepared to let them go quietly and the dirty tricks campaign is one that truly shocks us! Fetisov in particular was ostracized by all sport in the USSR (including Kasatonov) when he finally quit playing for Tikhonov! Families are harassed, sometimes even brutalized by authorities and officials stand firm never to let them leave. Some such as former Buffalo and Vancouver player, Alexander Moligny had to resort to having NHL officials sneak them out of tournaments to avoid the authorities.

Fetisov proves to be an engaging and funny commentator throughout Red Army, particularly during his recollection of his formidable former line mates who became known as 'The Russian Five'. This included right-winger Sergei Makarov, forceful left-winger Vladimir Krutov, tough but thin looking center Igor Larionov, known as 'The Professor' for his smart play and defenseman Alexei Kasatonov. Brothers on the ice and off it, these select few were the key force of the team. Western audiences were awed by their play and even the strongest Canadian and American teams fell like domino's. But as time wore on, they became tired of Tikhonov's bullying tactics and strived to get out of the USSR. There is an immense sense of regret among men that this close bond was broken.

Perhaps the most potent spell of Red Army is the period when the Soviets finally achieved their goals escaping into the NHL, but the rude awakening that they received is truly earth shattering. Treated with hostility and scorn by US fans, the players found the style of hockey to be less regimented than before and some struggled to adapt! Fetisov however, during this period emerges a real hero and went on to experience great success with New Jersey Devils and thanks to the ideas of legendary coach Scotty Bowman (who provided an influx of great Russian players) he finally won two Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings!

This is one documentary that will not only please fans of this game but film fans everywhere. Gabe Polsky has developed a film that is not only emotionally real but also a magnificent tale of survival against the odds. Fetisov and co make for a fascinating subject but their tale is one that doesn't always happy outcomes. Viktor Tikhonov died in 2014, though a successful coach his glory was a painful sacrifice for all!

3 February Films To Watch Out For

Kingsman: The Special Service

From Matthew Vaughan who delighted us with Kick Ass back in 2010, it looks as if he has delivered another great adaptation from a Mark Millar comic. With a breakout turn from Tamin Egerton as street youth Eggsy who finds himself becoming the protege of renowned secret agent Harry (Colin Firth). But with Samuel L Jackson anchoring the villian ranks, you know that things will soon get out of control, but can the young man leave his past behind?

Release Date: February 13th


McFarland, USA

Once more Kevin Costner turns to the sporting genre in this feel good tale. Based on the true story of high school running coach, Jim White this one sees the underprivileged children of McFarland High School gunning for glory at the State Championship. However, can many of these children survive the tough environment they have grown up in? This looks like an assured effort from director Niki Caro!

Release Date: February 20th

71

Receiving numerous critical acclaim upon its release last year, finally Yann Demange's chest tightening thriller makes its way to Canadian soil! Young soldier Gary (Jack O'Connell) is serving in Northern Ireland with his regime. But when he is left behind in the midst of a riot, Gary must make his way back to base whilst hiding from the Provisional Army and relying on the kindness of civilians around him. From the footage on display and a rising star in O'Connell, this one may require a defibrillator!

Release Date: February 27th

Attention Zombie Film Lovers

In a break from our regularly scheduled programing, I am delighted to bring to you a blog page for all you lovers of Zombie films. My good friend James in the UK has written a brilliant piece on his favourite zombie movies- the list includes some real classics of this genre from George A Romero, Edgar Wright and Zach Synder, followed by some you may never have heard of!

Either way it is worth your time and attention because having not only studied film with this man, I also had the untold pleasure of experiencing many of these films on a friday with cold beer from my local Tesco store! Check it out here,

https://immaturewhisky.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/why-i-like-zombie-movies/