A Series of Unfortunate Events: Review of Wild Tales

Wild Tales

Director: Damian Szifron

By Alex Watson

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Based around theme of vengeance, Argentine director, Damian Szifron has created something utterly unique in his movie Wild Tales. Boasting some of the most unexpected raw humor to grace in our screens in a long time- the result is one of pure shocks followed by intense laughter. Nominated for a Best Foreign Film Oscar (eventually losing to Polish movie Ida), Szifron's movie deserves its critical plaudits and is by far one of the strongest and most unexpected movies of the 2015.

Six different stories blend this film together as we see an airline full of people who all seem to coincidentally know the same person. Meanwhile a young waitress (Julieta Zylberberg) notices a familiar face enter her restaurant and plots revenge. A wealthy man Diego (Leonardo Sbaraglia) engages a 'Duel' style battle with Mario (Walter Donado). Engineer Simon (Ricardo Darin) has his life destroyed by parking fines. A rich family must deal with their son causing an awkward death and set up an unlikely fall guy and a couple's (Erica Rivas & Diego Gentile) dream wedding soon becomes a living nightmare.

Wild Tales unique sense of humour becomes apparent from the get go as up in the air, a simple meeting between and attractive man and woman, soon becomes something far more hilarious as it seems that everyone around appears to know a man called Gabriel Pasternak! What follows is both stunning but intensely hilarious. All throughout, Szifron effortlessly makes each story magnificently stand out by itself. Simon's story is by the far the most affecting as by being continually frustrated by unhelpful and apathetic towing company and government employees- his life is turned upside down!

What is most impressive about each segment is the variety of locations and scenarios that are thought up. The highway based battle between Mario and Diego best demonstrates this as it will make you think twice about who you tick off on the desert roads! Romina and Ariel's wedding is at first a picture perfect affair, but after an 'awkward confession' comes forward it descends into something resembling a horror film as the bride loses all sense of public conscience. By the end its a wonder they haven't murdered one another on the spot!

The theme of middle class frustrations is gleefully reflected by a mixture of unlikely violent and vengeful scenarios. In doing this, Szifron has created an magnificent anthology film that sticks with us long after and will succeed in making us think about the people we know and what could be bubbling below surface. It may have lost out on the big prizes, but it will always be considered one of the more remarkable pieces of South American cinema in years to come!

Performance wise, Ricardo Darin shines brightly as Simon and his repressed frustrations are exploded onto screen with such power. After watching his life being continually sucked down the drain- his revenge on his former tormentors is one to saviour! Erica Rivas and Diego Gentile also deserve immense credit as the doomed pair Romina and Ariel. The horror on Gentile's face is priceless as his perfect wife turns into a monstrous bridezilla. Rivas is stunningly horrifying as the unhinged wife, but eventually we figure that through everything they are perfect for one another!

Wild Tales is a movie that deserves your time and attention because in 2015, you will not see another movie that is quite like this one. Just remember that next time you board a plane, drive a car or attend a loved ones wedding-  do not count anything out!

Top 4 Daniel Craig Bond Moments

Yesterday saw the arrival of the new trailer the next installment of Daniel Craig's impressive run as James Bond. Spectre promises to be just as enthralling as Casino Royale and Skyfall before it! But lets remember just what brought us to this point as we recount some of his finest 007 moments so far!

Arriving With a Bang (Casino Royale)

Daniel Craig's first ever appearance as Bond was one of the most ice cold deliveries of years gone by. Calmly opening with "M does mind you making a little extra money on the side Dryden", his boss (Martin Sinclair) taunts that cannot kill him as he is not at 00 status! Bond then recounts how he has brutally dispatched an enemy agent before calmly putting a bullet between his bosses eyes without a beat pausing. In this moment, any doubts regarding his potential were extinguished and a new star was born!

Rooftop Chase Scene (Casino Royale)

The first indication of the thrill level we could expect from rebooted 007 was apparent from the very off. As we view him chasing down free running terrorist Mollako (Sebastien Foucan), the adrenalin level goes into overdrive. However, director Martin Campbell didn't just set this up for entertainment purposes, because it gives a key indicator into Bond's insubordinate and reckless behavior as his finale actions will earn him a bent ear by M (Judi Dench)

Need For Speed (Quantum of Solace)

In a movie that was an uneven affair under director Marc Forster- the opening sequence provided a remarkable injection of wake up excitement. Watching Bond driving like a man possessed with Mr White (Jesper Christiansen) lying in his trunk, you know after the ending of Casino Royale- this one is very much a personal affair!

Turkish Delight (Skyfall)

The most success of the Craig trilogy had by far the most enthralling opening. Watching Bond give chase to enemy agents by motorcycle over rooftops and then jumping onto a speeding just oozes coolness. Bond here is a man so collected that he even stops to adjust his cufflink! But what hits hardest of most is the outcome of the decision M is forced to make! This will set off an unlikely chain reaction which will see Bond have to regain his former self!

Against The Clock: Review of Run All Night

Run All Night

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

By Alex Watson

Although it is entertaining and at points even thrilling action, Jaume Collett-Serra's Run All Night is a little too inconsistent throughout. Marking the third collaboration between actor Liam Neeson and Collet-Serra, this movie is in a similar vein to the previous adrenaline packed flicks Non-Stop and Unknown. Though the story has some interesting marks to it, it just doesn't feel meaty enough to raise this movie to where it needs to be.

Alcoholic mob enforcer, Jimmy Conlon (Liam Neeson) is a man who has made a mess of his life and alienated his relationship with his son Mike (Joel Kinnaman). But when his son witnesses a murder committed by Jimmy's bosses son, Danny (Boyd Holbrook) he forced into killing him to protect his life. Swearing vengeance, his former boss/friend Shawn Maguire (Ed Harris) declares open season on Jimmy! Forced into a corner, the old gunman will have one night to come out swinging to help his kid survive.

Many will no doubt assume this will be yet another Neeson effort where he simply shows up looking tough. Well the early part of Run All Night is a thankful departure from tried and tested material. We first meet Jimmy groggily waking up from another hard night drinking and being mocked by his mob comrades. His life is in a shambles and his son looks upon him with scorn- not only that by former nemesis Detective Harding (Vincent D'Onofrio) is still keeping a close eye on his former killings! The initial bonding exercise between father and son is one that is at first encouraging, but quickly burns out of fuel after a bright start.

The moment that the killing occurs, the movies tone takes a sharp turn into more formulaic action territory. Although there is an icy and memorable showdown seen between former buddies Shawn and Jimmy, the rest of the film lacks the needed ice cold formula. The introduction of fellow assassin Price (Common) fails to really add any real spice to proceedings. Possessing what appears to be his one vengeful look, this guy seems to stalk them like some kind of human terminator. Collet-Serra tries his hardest but unfortunately he cannot help the movie slip off the rails.

Sadly from here we witness what could have been a decent and hard edged crime drama descend into an action and bullet packed action flick. Jimmy is a character that although appears familiar, had the potential to be developed into something interesting. But by the finish he reduced to the typical Neeson staple of simply being handy with a fire arm. Though the finale shootout and his actions that go with it are surprisingly poignant. Just a shame that the rest of movie wasn't in keeping with this type of emotion.

Liam Neeson as usual provides great screen presence and this proves to be some of his best work in quite some time. Jimmy is a man who inside lament his lost life of being married to the mob and secretly yearns to be reunited with his son. Neeson smartly invests a great degree of warmth mixed with his usual killer edge to raise it above Bryan Mills territory. Ed Harris feels underused as the main villain which is tragic when he promises his usual hard eyed brilliance. Also look for a brief but barnstorming cameo from the great Nick Nolte- who proves he has not lost that presence in years gone by!

Run All Night is a movie that wants to be more than it really offers us, but it is a decent and predictable ride all the same. Many will always wonder how long Neeson will keep up his tough guy act? But one thing is for sure- he is pretty good at it so far!

Top 5 Cinematic Battle Scenes

Saving Private Ryan: Omagh Beach

As openings go, none have been more realistic or eye opening  in Steven Spielberg's career than this one. Seeing Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) and friends speeding away in a boat towards what will be a life changing event, we see soldiers being sick from nerves. The moment they hit the beach, there are no heroics, men drown from their heavy packs, bullets hover like fireflies and lives disappear in an instant. Spielberg succeeds in showing that in the heat battle, only brave and the fortunate prevail. Even today this stands as one of the great directors finest sequences!

Star Wars: A New Hope: Death Star Attack

Since its release in 1977, George Lucas' sci-fi masterpiece has a finale that has lost none of its potency. An air bound dog fight in its finest, the Rebels goes head to head with the Empire in what amounts to little more than a suicide run. The thrill factor is still very much alive and Lucas and his company Industrial Light and Magic have succeeded in keeping the effects looking timeless. But it is what's at stake that provide the audience its real nerves as the Death Star is on the verge of blowing them out of existence. Try fight not to stand up and cheer during the trench run sequence, I dare you!

Zulu: Rourke's Drift

The most endearing this about the Cy Enfield's, 1964 war film is the soldiers it is based on. 100 brave British Soldiers stood firm against the a never sea of over 4,000 Zulu Warriors at Rourke's Drift. Enfield in a pulse raising effort shows the grit and determination of the men involved. Led by aristocratic Bromhead (Michael Caine) and hard nosed engineer Chard (Stanley Baker) the red coats find the spirit in themselves to repel the rolling waves before them. The finale sequence is the one that still stands out as the weary warriors through sheer will win a deserved respect from the enemy. 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded for their courage- still a record to this day.

Apocalypse Now: Village Attack

These day's it is impossible to hear Wagner's 'Ride of the Valkyries' and not think of the memorable village attack from Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 Vietnam War classic! Emerging from the clouds like black angels of death, they quickly rain down a fiery and bloody outcome on the villagers below. Led by thrilling seeking surfer commander, Lt Colonel Kilgore (Robert Duvall) the image to this day still everlasting as he forces his comrades to surf will the tree line it set alight by napalm! As Duvall delivers the legendary line "I love the smell of napalm in the morning!" it leave us reeling from what we have just witness- this would prove to be one the last hurrah's of Coppola's career.

 Children of Men: Escape From Bexhill

If ever you needed proof that Alfonso Cuaron is one of the best modern day directors, you need only look here. Proving the master of the one take scenes, here Cuaron gives us a heart stopping escape attempt as Theo (Clive Owen) attempts to protect a mother and the first human born child in centuries. As the refugee uprising folds, the next six minutes has everything an exciting finale should have as bullets fly and explosions appear all around. However, even in the midst of a meltdown, there is a moment of beautiful serenity as both sides ceasefire to witness the miracle creation. Even in the midst of war, Cuaron finds space to reflect on what good can be find in the most unlikely places.

A Soldier's Story: Review of '71

'71

Director: Yann Demange

By Alex Watson

Rarely pausing for breath throughout, debut director Yann Demange has brought us a chest tightening thriller in 71. Helped by a tight and well crafted script by Gregory Burke, early on the tension is simmering below the surface. Before long we are thrown into the literally the worse place on earth! What makes this movie stand out however is the will of one man to survive and his having to learn who is friend from a potential killer!

Gary Hook (Jack O'Connell) is a young soldier who has been deployed to Belfast, Northern Ireland. But when a routine raid goes terribly wrong, Hook is accidentally left behind by his fellow soldiers. Faced with street filled with IRA killers, this young man must navigate his own way back to the barracks. But how will he stay undetected? And more importantly who is willing to help him?

From the moment that Gary arrives 1971 Northern Ireland, it is made clear the Brits are not welcome! One early scene sees the soldiers pelted with bags of urine by young men and told to go home. Belfast is a city divided into catholic and protestant sections- neither of which particularly relishes British intervention. However during a routine search, a hostile crowd begins to form, right then you can feel the dangerous winds of change coming. When his young commanding officer (Sam Reid) panics under pressure, all hell breaks loose! From there 71's quietly building suspense surrounds the movie like a heavy blanket.

There is evil on both sides of the line as Gary has to not only contend with a faction of IRA loyalists looking to ensure he never gets home. But there is also some dubious goings on with a group of undercover British soldiers led by Browning (Sean Harris). The baddies in this one are unfortunately, slightly cliched ones and the lack of understanding about the motives of Browning and co does hinder the film somewhat. Especially as their interest in Gary never quiet adds up?

Left all alone on the streets, the continually look of terror on Hook's face is one that is also permanent through 71! Being deep in enemy territory he has to not only keep his wits about him, but look for any small chance of survive. More importantly, who is he to trust on this wild adventure? The kindly young boy who offers assistance could be just as easily luring him into a life ending trap! Could the nice father and daughter who take him in being risking their own lives to save his? This guessing game is makes our blood run cold as Demange cranks up the fear factor.

Jack O'Connell demonstrates just why is such a highly regarded young talent and in 71 he strengthens his case. His most impressive element to his performance is the smart downplaying of heroism. Gary is not made out to be a hero or a crusader- just an ordinary guy who is scared out of his mind and wants nothing more than survival. His spirit and hard desire to make it back give him our support throughout and O'Connell brings this character to life.

71 is a movie that succeeds through its excellent set pieces and the stunning direction of Demange. Highly rated upon its release in Europe, and this praise has been well earned. Just go in expecting the unexpected and it will make what follows an easier ride. Just be sure what watch your heart rate though.

Bi-Centennial Man: Review of Chappie

Chappie

Director: Neill Blomkamp

By Alex Watson

Despite some misgivings and a perhaps flawed central trio, Neill Blomkamp's third effort Chappie is still an intriguing and enjoyable experience nonetheless. Many have seen this movie as simply being an expansion of District 9 and while it doesn't help it is within the same universe, it doesn't hinder the cause either. Whether Blomkamp really is the visionary genius that many have hyped him up to be will remain to be seen. In the meantime however, he is certainly building a solid case.

Set in 2016 Johannesburg, crime has been effectively solved by the introduction of a robotic police force named Scouts. One gang is desperate to pay off a big debt to a crime so in an attempt to get rich quick, they capture the inventor Deon Wilson (Dev Patel). Here they force him to create a robot designed to aid them, Deon then salvages a droid about to be destroyed and turns into an almost human robot called Chappie (Sharlto Copley). But rival creator Vincent Moore (Hugh Jackman) is less than thrilled with this bot delayed his own pet project.

Although dazzling to look at, Chappie unfortunately cannot shake off its slightly weak central narrative. In District 9, the prime focus was on change and a man losing his innocence. Blomkamp here reworks similar themes, but although Chappie's gradually introduction into the world is at times humorous (especially how Fuck Mother becomes his phrase) However it is also overdrawn and at times begins to grate on us! A bold and stunning creation on screen, Copley does a magnificent job of making his movements seem as human as the rest of us. But his childish nature and constant inability to read between the lines weighs the film down when it needs to fire.

The focal point of the movie is the battle for the robots soul, on the one side we have the caring and placid creator Deon who wants Chappie to explore his potential. But on the other more dangerous side we have a gang led by Ninja and Yolandi (both members of rap group Die Antwoord) who want him to be 'the baddest mother'. Both gang members are the flip side of each other, Yolandi comes to love this creation and is very much his mother figure. Ninja on the other hand is all business and wants his companion fighting on the front lines to ensure a big payday.

Although the action becomes thick and fast and there is compelling argument to be held about whether AI are capable of human emotions. Sadly this gets mangled beneath some questionable narrative logic. Why would Ninja, who depends on Chappie just abandoned him to be beaten up by a gang? The thought he might not survive doesn't seem to click. The gang are also rather unappealing due to their greedy nature and vile attitude towards their friend/captive. Also Deon while passionate and caring is rather weak and fails to be the strong human presence that the movie needs. Blomkamp does well and implements more big ideas and visual tricks- but it feels the story should have been given more focus.

Dev Patel is solid as usual post Slumdog Millionaire, but here he fails to really raise his game when required. He effectively nails the nurturing side of the creator, but his wimpish nature makes him too much of a push over. Hugh Jackman has immense fun playing the villain for once, but in truth he fails wasted by Blomkamp and is giving little else to do other than look surly behind a desk. Die Antwoord however both sink and swim the movie, yes they have presence but their rough and villanous nature becomes borderline irritating after a point. Making them the anti-heroes of the film feels like an unwise step by Blomkamp.

Upon reflection, Chappie by no means a bad film and it is one that we really want to love. But at the same point, it doesn't really raise Blomkamp any further after his slightly tarnished previous effort Elysium. On a special effects scale, the man is still able to wow us and his selection as the new Alien director could prove wise. But for future efforts, story line has to be given equal attention.

The Con Is On: Review of Focus

Focus

Directors: Glenn Ficarra & John Requa

By Alex Watson

Glen Ficarra and John Requa's movie Focus is a very slick and enticing affair which has its fair share of thrills and spills. But despite some neat trickery and some assured performances, the end result is doesn't quite stand out. There is a shiny and very cute feel to the way the art of confidence scams are portrayed, but it cannot escape a rather predictable feel to later events. But with Will Smith on board, everything always appears very cool indeed. 

Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith) is a expert con artist who reluctantly takes Jess (Margot Robbie), a rookie pick pocket under his wing and teaches her the art of the game. But after they part ways, years later they both find themselves on different sides of the same con against a billionaire racing team owner Garriga (Rodrigo Santoro) where all secrets and feelings must be put aside. One wrong step from either could spell disaster.

Ficarra and Requa deserve credit for making Focus appear to be such an effortlessly smooth picture. As each part of the story easily slips into the next it makes this out to be a glossier affair than it appears. There are some moments that truly spark picture into life, such a scene set during a big game at the New Orleans Superdome, where Nicky goes head to head with big gambling Asian billionaire (BD Wong). In this sequence there is a tense and chilly atmosphere- but it pays off big time with a clever aftermath! Try not to laugh at the number 55 for hours afterwards!

As a main character, Nicky is one that we are drawn to quickly as he is everything a con man should be- suave, sophisticated and possesses a crafty use for words. But in later events, his character becomes harder to warm to as everything just seems to come to him so easily. There is a sweet setup as he meets Jess during a botched con on her side and from here he hilarious proceeds to demonstrate the more effective ways to pick pocket. Jess is the one we come out rooting for because she is routinely pushed into harms way and demonstrates a great resolve.

The central story is nothing really new and disappointingly the movie's big reveals are obvious than they want to appear. As a villian, Garriga lacks any real threat, but his number two man Owens (Gerald McRaney) is one of Focus' more interesting characters and in one scene he demonstrate his inquisitive and dangerous persona to a panicked and baffled Nicky to hilarious effect. Moments in this film give the impression this could have been a more memorable affair in the right hands.

However the chemistry between Will Smith and Margot Robbie is a palpable one. Smith gives the role his all and as normal comes away as looking like one cool dude. But this isn't a role that really tests his abilities and feels second nature to him these days. Margot Robbie comes away as the breakaway star and she invests the role of Jess with a lot more guts than many would have expected. After her star turn in the Wolf of Wall Street, the former Neighbours star is deservedly turning head in Hollywood for all the right reasons. In 2016, these two will once reunite for the Suicide Squad film- if it is anything like this then we have winner on our hands!

In Focus, Ficarra and Requa have produced a solidly made film that will not provide a decent nights entertainment, but unlike its predecessors I am not sure whether this one will stick in the memory for long afterwards.