tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73485501635432868132024-02-08T14:58:03.457+00:00Phil's Five Words for FilmsA place of great joy.
Film Reviews and General Blog stuff.phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-63653030380465576972020-06-24T16:05:00.001+01:002020-06-24T16:05:48.444+01:00The Dawn Wall & Free Solo - 'Double Bill' - Phil's Five Words for Film
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<span lang="en-GB" style="language: en-GB; mso-ansi-language: en-GB; mso-ligatures: none;">Rock Climbing Double Bill. Harness yourself in for a wild time. You do not need to be a climber to appreciate wonderful film crafting.</span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="language: en-GB; mso-ansi-language: en-GB; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">'The Dawn Wall'</span> (2017 Cert 15 UK 100mins) & <span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Free Solo'</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>(2018 Cert 12A UK 100mins) </span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; line-height: 119%;">'Free Solo' is an Oscar-winning <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">documentary </span>(2018) about rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to scale Yosemite's El Capitan Wall without a safety <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">rope</span>. As uncomfortably crazy as it sounds and not for the faint-hearted. My recommended prequel is ‘Dawn Wall’ from 2017, to give you an idea of <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">scale</span> and the levels of physical fitness needed from all concerned. 'Dawn Wall' follows free climbers Tommy Caldwell and climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson, who attempt to climb a 3000ft route up El Capitan. Both films will make you marvel at the lengths some people will go to push their boundaries and the limits of possibility within sport. I would argue that 'Dawn Wall' ( Dir. Josh Lowell / Peter Mortimer) has a more complete narrative but 'Free Solo' ( Dir. Jimmy Chin / Elisabeth Chai Vasarhelyi ) has the better drama and <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">cinematography</span>. Tense, palm sweating, vertigo-inducing double bill documentary that highlights the daring, perseverance, wonderful camera work and <span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">climbing</span> skills of a dedicated bunch. Insane and fantastic. Near perfect documentary making. Just don't look down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">9<span lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 119%;"> out of 10 (together and individually)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; line-height: 119%;">Cert 15 & 12A UK</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-3693003260036831492020-06-24T15:05:00.000+01:002020-06-24T15:05:40.772+01:00Capernaum - Phil's Five Words for Film <br />
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<span lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 119%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Capernaum</span> </span></span><span lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 119%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From Lebanese Director, Nadine Labaki comes a hard hitting, documentary-styled story of poverty, failing society and the <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">inhumane</span> treatment of disenfranchised minors in Beirut.. The very human story of a 10year old boy’s fight to create a better life for himself by divorcing himself from his <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">parents</span>. ‘Real’ extras and handheld footage thrusts the viewer <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">deep</span> in to the film and there is real social <span style="color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">comment</span> to be found. Wonderful drone footage and the use of 'real' locations produces a stunning film that feels dirty and angrily frustrated. The tragedy is that the most humanity and hope to be seen comes from the youngest members of the entire piece. <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Zain</span> Al Rafeea stands out as the boy, Zain. Beautiful film-making that should touch all who make the effort to watch it. Nominated for an Oscar in 2019 for <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Best Foreign Language Film of the Yea</span>r. It should have had more. </span>Cameo appearance by the director to look out for and one of the most uplifting end frames of any film. Subtitles.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="line-height: 119%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8 out of 10</span>. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">2018 </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Cert 15.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2hrs 6mins</span>phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-29197239004347730682020-06-02T17:39:00.001+01:002020-06-02T17:43:03.806+01:00Vivarium - Phil's Five Words for Film<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Vivarium</span>. Apart from the opening 2 minutes, which basically give away the entire premise of the film and are an editorial misstep, there is a lot to 'enjoy' about 'Vivarium'. Directed and written by Lorcan Finnegan, it stars a suitably <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">frustrated</span> Imogen Poots & <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Jesse Eisenberg</span> as a young couple looking for a home in which to base themselves. After viewing a house, they find themselves stuck in a spiralling <span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">nightmare</span> that <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">screams</span> it's way through their relationship, <span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">child</span> care expectations, mortgages, mundane jobs, mental health and life aspirations. It is an intriguing setup, looks great and there is an ominous soundscape that ramps up the <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">trapped</span> feeling and pressure. With some stylised visuals and a lot of social comment to digest, this dark sci-fi drama is compelling but, like life, it slows a bit towards the end. <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">There will be a lot of divisive feelings towards it as it is clearly a thinly-veiled dig at a large proportion of people and their societal choices but I enjoyed it and several moments have stuck with me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7.5 out of 10</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cert 15. 2019</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1hr 37mins</span></div>
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https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vivarium-Blu-ray-Jesse-Eisenberg/dp/B0859RF9R7</div>
phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-32809438777898945552020-05-22T16:22:00.003+01:002020-05-22T16:25:22.497+01:00The Invisible Man - Phil's Five Words for Film - 2020<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What starts out as a solid, taut, psychological drama, soon
descends in to a standard, thoroughly <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">transparent</span>, fun romp. It does have a
great first half. However, ALL the major plot points are clearly signposted and <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">visible</span>
and, for me, there just wasn’t enough horror for a horror, <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">sci-fi</span> for a sci-fi or
drama for a drama. W<span style="background: white;">ritten and directed by Leigh
Whannell (Saw 2004/.Upgrade2018), it is a re-working of the H.G.Wells classic. </span>There
are some great moments within the film (nervy camera movements and background
twitches ratchet up the tension) and the central performance from Elizabeth
Moss is excellent but the ending of the film felt rushed and far from neatly
tied up. As a fan of nearly all of Leigh Whannell’s previous work, this one felt
incomplete, a bit mixed up, often out of <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">control</span> and below par. It's taken a shed load of money at the Box Office though, so expect a #MeToo2 follow-up. <span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Nervy</span> but distracted by unseen forces.</span><br />
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5.5 out of 10<br />
Cert 15 (UK)<br />
2hrs 5mins<br />
2020phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-45073551484763163382017-01-03T23:23:00.000+00:002017-01-03T23:23:32.331+00:00Swiss Army Man - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Swiss Army Man</span> OK. So here it is, the premise. A desperate man
discovers a <span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">farting</span>, dead body on a beach and the two become friends, embarking
on a flatulent journey that will bring them to the edges of society and maybe
even save a life. If you don’t find the premise intriguing, then don’t watch
the film. If you do however, you will see the most quirky, original and
strangely poignant film that you’ll have seen in a while. Directed by <span itemprop="name">Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert. </span>There are two great
performances at the centre of the film and both Daniel Radcliffe and Paul Dano fully
embrace the characters and bring us an arty, <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">grotesque</span> and touching comment on
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">loneliness</span>, society, depression and acceptance. There are moments that do feel like missed
steps including, to my mind, the final scene but on the whole, the <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">imagination</span>
and strange beauty of<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>the film’s
central premise carries it through. A genuinely bizarre, humorous and unconventional
film. An odd <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">journey</span>. An odd, wind powered journey towards hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">7.5 out of 10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Cert 15 (UK)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">97mins 2016.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">See the trailer here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrK1f4TsQfM</span></span></div>
<br />phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-26575484366214637822016-11-21T19:40:00.000+00:002016-11-21T19:40:39.654+00:00Room - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Room</span> Directed by Lenny Abrahamson (Frank,2014) and based on the screenplay & 2010 book by Emma Donoghue, Room centres on a young boy, <span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;">Jack</span>, who has known nothing of the world other than the room in which he has been held <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">captive</span>. Together with his '<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Ma</span>', his world has to change quickly as they bid to escape from their captor, 'Old Nick'. The first half of the film is <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">claustrophobic</span> and personal and the second half is tragic yet hopeful. The <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">naïve,</span> first person tone of the book has been perfectly captured in the low level camera work and the focus on faces and simple relationships. Brie Larson won an Oscar in 2016 for her performance but, for me, it is the young wonder of Jack ( Jacob Tremblay ) that really steals the show. A wonderful film about parenthood, learning from life and growing through experience. Emma Donoghue was rightly nominated for an adapted screenplay Oscar. <br />
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8 out of 10<br />
Cert 15 (UK)<br />
118mins 2016phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-6949750396187400872016-11-21T11:51:00.000+00:002016-11-21T11:51:53.101+00:00Bad Moms - Phil's Five Words for Films.<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Bad Moms</span> Utter, utter bilge. Offensive, <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">sexist</span>, unrealistic, completely devoid of anything that vaguely resembles comedy, this film is a complete <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">waste</span> of everyone's time. 'BadMoms' is full of characters that nobody could relate to and it has a plot that is as stupid as it is thin. A whinging 'Mom' ( who somehow lives in a massive house with 2 massive cars and 2 massively over-effected kids ) takes time out from her consumeristic lifestyle to have a 'breakdown' and run for the local <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">PTA</span> job. Loud <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">montages</span> replace plot development and crass, thinly veiled 'phobic' statements are supposed to pass as humour. The bar is set from the first few seconds of the film and it never manages to scrape itself off the floor. A poor attempt to cash in on and invert 'The Hangover' franchise, it is lacking in every department. With a wealth of talent on screen, (Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn amongst others) it is a disgraceful waste to produce such a nothing film. If you are the sort of person that finds this stuff entertaining, you really need to take a look at your life. Sorry. Save your time and don't encourage this sort of <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">vacuous</span> nonsense. 'BadMoms', bad people, bad idea, bad film.<br />
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1 out of 10.<br />
Cert 15 (UK) 2016.<br />
100minsphil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-3121642622326338662016-06-20T14:57:00.002+01:002017-01-03T23:24:18.293+00:00Knock Knock - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Knock Knock</span> It is very rare for a film to make me so <span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">angry</span>. Disappointed often but rarely angry. It is not enough that this film <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">robbed</span> me of two hours that I won't get back but to find that some people actually rate it as a serious film astounds me. The acting throughout, from everyone involved, including the dog, was appalling - plenty of energy but still appalling. The script, plot and sexual <span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;">motives</span> all shared a common score of Zero and the idea that I'm supposed to think 'he got what he deserved' is offensive. Directed by Eli Roth ( Hostel / Cabin Fever ) and starring his real life wife, Lorenza Izzo along with Keanu and Ana de Armas, it really feels like a re-make project that got out of hand and spiralled away from them all. The ending left me <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">pleading</span> for it all to have been a bad dream, a <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">psychotic</span> meltdown or even a metaphor for something lame - a cop-out plot twist that would have, at least, been worthy of my time and effort. An utter waste of time, energy and talent. I cannot find any reason to recommend 'Knock Knock' to anyone - unless you are studying film and need an example of how to not do just about everything. It was such a shame to come to this film via Keanu's much better action thriller 'John Wick'. Watch that instead.<br />
2 out of 10.<br />
Cert 18 (UK). 2015.<br />
139minsphil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-11063925703933474342016-03-06T21:45:00.000+00:002016-03-06T21:45:21.867+00:00Dad's Army - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Dad's Army</span> Nostalgia is not often a good enough reason to make a film of, or bring back, a much-loved classic. Re-inventing the 1970s TV series for the big screen was never going to be received well enough to work for older fans. Mess that up and you're <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">doomed</span>. For the younger audiences however, the nostalgia of the original characters holds absolutely no weight. So, stick to the tried and tested <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">formula</span> of the <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">television</span> comedy and hope for the best. This new version is basically a series of well-intentioned impressions of the beloved predecessors. Effort and attention being lovingly spent there, rather than developing new characters or a convincing plot line. Even though the cast seem to be loving their involvement, it all seems a little unnecessary. There is loads of British talent on show throughout, Toby Jones, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Bill Nighy taking centre stage. New characters are also a-plenty but mostly <span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">underdeveloped</span>. 'Dad's Army' lovers will probably enjoy the film if they can get past the new versions of the previous cast - if not, they could find it too distracting. It is likeable enough but lightweight. There are some chuckles to be had but for me, there isn't enough laughter or emotion mixed in to the <span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">nostalgia</span>. Younger and new audiences will struggle to find enough plot, humour or character to make it a lasting or worthwhile piece. The Home Guard bumble through with a stiff upper lip but there's not much fighting spirit here.<br />
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5 out of 10<br />
Cert PG (UK)<br />
1hr 40mins. 2016.<br />
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phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-48496721797289904352016-03-06T20:17:00.000+00:002016-03-06T20:29:45.208+00:00American Hustle - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">American Hustle</span> There's loads of great <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">performances</span> in this con artist, FBI shakedown but it looks and feels like a drug-fuelled party held in a <span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;">1970</span>s costume department. There's just too much '<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">Wig</span>' going on. Like Christian Bale's character, Irving Rosenfeld, it is hard working, entertaining but a little bit bloated. The colour and energy of the film distracts from the main characters and plot, meaning I was left not really caring for any of the main players. Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Christian Bale and especially Jennifer Laurence all shine and they play off each other with <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">hyperactive</span> intensity. For all their effort and that of the<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"> props</span> department, it is a movie that doesn't quite match the sum of its considerable parts. The main problem with that being that it seems quite a long film to leave you feeling so empty. Enjoyable, high energy, fluffy and a distraction from anything there to get your teeth in to. Like candyfloss.<br />
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7.5 out of 10<br />
Cert 15 (UK)<br />
135mins. 2013.phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-43887860194222127642016-02-28T22:32:00.000+00:002016-02-28T22:39:04.893+00:00Oscar 2016 - My Final predictions. OK, so here are my thoughts on which films I think will walk away with the statues at the Oscars 2016. I think 'The Revenant' will take the bulk of the 'big' awards but there are plenty of deserving films that will be fighting for the others. 'Mad Max: Fury Road' will do well in the technical & production catagories. I'm hoping 'Ex Machina' gets something.<br />
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Best Picture - <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>The Revenant </strong></span><br />
Best Director - Alejandro G. Inarritu, <span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>The Revenant</strong></span><br />
Best Actor - Leonardo DiCaprio - <span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>The Revenant</strong></span><br />
Best Actress - Brie Larson, <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>Room</strong></span><br />
Best Supporting Actor - Mark Rylance, <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Bridge of Spies</strong></span><br />
Best Supporting Actress - Alicia Vikander, <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>The Danish Girl</strong></span><br />
Best Original Screenplay - <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><strong>Ex Machina</strong></span><br />
Best Adapted Screenplay - <span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><strong>The Martian</strong></span><br />
Best Cinematography - <span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>The Revenant</strong></span><br />
Best Film Editing - <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Mad Max:Fury Road</strong></span><br />
Best Production Design - <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><strong>Bridge of Spies</strong></span><br />
Best Costume Design - <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><strong>Mad Max:Fury Road</strong></span><br />
Best Visual Effects - <span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><strong>Ex Machina</strong></span><br />
Best Makeup and Hairstyling - <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: red;">Mad Max:Fury Road</span></strong></span><br />
Best Sound Editing - <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><strong>The Martian</strong></span><br />
Best Sound Mixing - <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</strong></span><br />
Best Original Score - <span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><strong>Bridge of Spies</strong></span><br />
Best Original Song - <span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: large;"><strong>Spectre</strong></span><br />
Best Animated Feature - <span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;"><strong>Inside Out</strong></span>phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-42081321193646209892015-10-19T15:27:00.000+01:002015-10-19T15:27:18.188+01:00Whiplash - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Whiplash</span> When does pushing for glory become psychologically abusive? There are so many reasons why Whiplash is, in my opinion, the perfect film. It is not just because the script and screenplay crackle with <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">intensity</span> or that the film, directed by Damien Chazelle, literally never takes it's eye off the central <span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">character</span>, Andrew. It is not even that the film was put together in less than 3 months on a remarkably small budget (£2Million). Nor is it the stunning performances that <span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">bristle</span> with punishing ambition and the bitter sweet dangers of pushing too hard for greatness. Miles Teller and the Oscar award winning JK Simmons are both fantastic, sparring with each other throughout, a <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">drum</span> kit doubling as a boxing ring. Teller should also have been in the running for multiple awards for his outstanding performance. It is not just the wonderful Jazz score or the beautifully timed edit that give it a free, yet insanely focused feel. It's not the painful, high <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">tempo</span>, 'Rocky with Drums' training scenes or the spiteful, aggressive, redemptive tone of the ending. It is the whole. The ensemble, that pushes it forward. Raising the finale to a spine tingling final close-up. It forms one of those rare things, a film that I could watch over and over again, taking something new each time. Whiplash.<br />
<br />
10 out of 10<br />
Cert 15 (UK). 106mins<br />
2014.<br />
<br />
phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-72841792862273971732015-02-20T21:31:00.000+00:002015-02-22T16:13:14.598+00:00Oscar Predictions 2015 - Phil's Five Words for FilmsOK, so here are my thoughts on which films I think will walk away with the statues at the Oscars 2015. There could be a big 'USA/Brit' swing thing this year, with 'The Imitation Game' & 'Theory' versus the 'Boyhood' & 'Birdman'. It could go either way but I think 'Boyhood', the excellent 'Birdman' and Keaton will win by a beak and if that does happen, then 'Imitation' and 'Theory' will be drastically under represented by the end of the night. The 'production' statues will be dominated by 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', such a large gathering won't go unrecognised. <br />
<br />
Best Picture - <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Boyhood </strong></span><br />
Best Director - Alejandro G. Inarritu, <span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>Birdman</strong></span><br />
Best Actor - Michael Keaton - <span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>Birdman </strong><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">( 'Theory' close enough 2nd to steal it)</span></span><br />
Best Actress - Julianne Moore, <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>Still Alice</strong></span><br />
Best Supporting Actor - J.K. Simmons, <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Whiplash</strong></span><br />
Best Supporting Actress - Patricia Arquette, <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Boyhood</strong></span><br />
Best Original Screenplay - Wes Anderson - <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><strong>The Grand Budapest Hotel</strong></span><br />
Best Adapted Screenplay - Graham Moore - <span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><strong>The Imitation Game</strong></span><br />
Best Cinematography - Emmanuel Lubezki - <span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>Birdman</strong></span><br />
Best Film Editing - <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Boyhood</strong></span><br />
Best Production Design - <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><strong>The Grand Budapest Hotel</strong></span><br />
Best Costume Design - <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><strong>The Grand Budapest Hotel</strong></span><br />
Best Visual Effects - <span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><strong>Interstellar</strong></span><br />
Best Makeup and Hairstyling - <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><strong>The Grand Budapest Hotel</strong></span><br />
Best Sound Editing - <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><strong>American Sniper</strong></span><br />
Best Sound Mixing - <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Whiplash</strong></span><br />
Best Original Score - <span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><strong>The Theory of Everything</strong></span><br />
Best Original Song - 'Glory' <span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: large;"><strong>Selma</strong></span><br />
Best Animated Feature - <span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;"><strong>How to Train Your Dragon 2</strong></span><br />
Best Foreign Language Film -<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><strong> Ida</strong></span>phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-4399106227970736132015-02-16T00:03:00.000+00:002015-02-16T09:29:35.310+00:00X-Men:Days of Future Past - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">X-Men:Days of Future Past</span> This is a great example of the idea being better than the reality. On paper, a time travelling X-Men film starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Halle Berry and many others, seems like a great idea. Uniting the old and new<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"> cast</span> together in one awesome film. However, if the writing is this <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">lazy</span> and <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">incoherent</span>, no amount of special effects and star dust will cover up the holes. The story is all over the place, sudden revelations crowbarred in to provide a workable plot point. Whole histories erased and characters rewritten in the name of a 'reboot'. More time was probably spent writing the cast list than developing a convincing storyline, choosing to go with 'Mutants+Matrix+Terminator'. Done. The two saving graces were <a name='more'></a>Peter Dinklage playing 'Bolivar Trask' and '<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;">Quicksilver</span>', a mutant with super-speed, both of which provided high points in an otherwise lame film. Basically, a badly thought out, overly produced <span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">mutation</span> of a sequel to a prequel that undoes so much of the good work in the early franchise films. Lazy, messy, star-studded gobbledegook.<br />
<br />
4 out of 10<br />
Cert 12A ( UK )<br />
2014. 130 mins <span class="characters subtle smaller" title="Erik Lensherr/Magneto"></span>phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-81822958233947865902015-02-15T17:30:00.001+00:002015-03-16T18:27:53.556+00:00Birdman - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Birdman</span> Riggan Thomson (<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"> Keaton</span> ) used to be a cinema star. An actor who played a comic book superhero in blockbuster films. The Birdman. Now, twenty years later, he is staging a risky, Broadway play and searching for acclaim and <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">validation</span>. His mental stability and personal life are falling to pieces and financial pressures and critical reviews may tip him over the edge. Riggan battes himself, his daughter ( Stone ), his fellow actors ( Norton ) and his 'Birdman' past. Apart from the brilliantly intense central performances from Michael Keaton, Emma Stone and Edward Norton, there are three main elements that really standout for me in 'Birdman'. Firstly, the wonderful, <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">jazz</span>-infused score that 'pops' and 'sizzles' throughout, adding to the freestyle <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">weirdness</span> of the script, sometimes encroaching on the perceived reality. The second is the long, sweeping camera shots that weave in and out of the action, continuous image streams that elegantly follow the story and add to the building insanity. You will struggle to find the joins. The third is the <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">soaring</span> use of<br />
<a name='more'></a>metaphor and reality that keeps the audience guessing as to whether they are watching a story of genius or mental breakdown. There are so many great elements to the film, Emma Stone and Ed Norton are equally brilliant and damaged but, without Michael Keaton (who once played Tim Burton's 'Batman'), the film would have felt much more lightweight, his presence adding a tragic, biographical feel to the story. It is an ambitious, beautiful, thoughtful, provocative film that questions the industry and the pursuit of fame. Directed by Alejandro Inarritu, it will leave you amazed and confused, asking what is real. And that is the aim. Full of wonder. Wonderful.<br />
<br />
8.5 out of 10.<br />
Cert 15 ( UK )<br />
2015. 120minsphil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-12160723692286634872015-01-13T00:42:00.000+00:002015-02-16T09:30:29.579+00:00August: Osage County - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">August: Osage County</span> It is not often that you see the brilliant Meryl Streep outdone in the acting department but, for me, Julia Roberts steals the show here and does just that. After a family tragedy, the various members of the Weston clan return home to their parent's Oklahoma house for a meal that turns in to a battle of the <span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">matriarchs</span>, where dark secrets and family tensions are brought to the surface. Based on a play and screenplay by Tracy Letts, the film centres on this one meal and its aftermath for the majority of the film's two hour run time. It is testament to the great script and superb performances that such a limited backdrop produces such an engaging film. There is lots of acting to be seen here. So much so that Benedict <a name='more'></a>Cumberbatch manages to get involved. The controlling yet out of control mother ( Streep ) is <span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;">embittered</span> by addictions and illness and wastes no time in telling her children and family exactly how she feels about them, <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">spewing</span> truths and hatred over dinner. Nobody could have played that part better and Meryl Streep relishes every moment. Julia Roberts, Juliette Lewis and Julianne Nicholson play the daughters on the receiving end of these outburst and before long, the sisters begin to fall (further) apart. It is eldest daughter, Barbara ( Roberts ) who steps up and takes on her mother's wrath whilst attempting to become something better in the process. We rarely get to see Julia Roberts working so hard for a role. There is <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">tragedy</span>, tenderness, hatred, acceptance and forgiveness all on offer and, whilst the film is a hard watch, it is rewarding. <span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Oppressive</span> and intense with outstanding performances from the whole cast, this is a serious film full of serious acting. Go Julia.<br />
<br />
8.5 out of 10<br />
Cert 15 ( UK )<br />
2014. 122minsphil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-68686355866149510252014-11-05T22:48:00.001+00:002015-02-16T09:30:47.293+00:00The Raid 2:Berandal - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">The Raid 2:Berandal</span></span> (Indonesian with subtitles) It is said that 'sometimes, less is more'. In the case of 'The Raid2', more is definitely less. For me, the beauty of the first film (<a href="http://philsfilms.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/the-raid-phils-five-words-for-films.html" target="_blank">review here</a>) was in its rawness. The room by room, floor by floor, single focus of its mission, the pin-point accuracy of the choreography and the up-close snapping of the fight scenes. The second film begins almost exactly where the first ended and is straight back in to that breathless, <span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">bloody </span>style that gained director, Gareth Evans many plaudits after the first film. Iko Uwais returns as Rama, the rookie Jakarta cop and he hits the dizzy speeds that were so impressive in his <a name='more'></a>debut outing. The '<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">more</span>' comes from an expansion of the story, the introduction of extra characters, rival gangs and family feuds, all of which would have to be expected from a follow-up. The single location of the first film becomes a car chase between multiple locations including a prison, a nightclub and a warehouse. There is still lots of beauty to the direction and artful<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"> fight</span> scenes but with so much more of everything clouding the picture, it loses focus, resulting in some scenes dragging - something that could never be levelled at its predecessor. It is over 40 minutes longer than the first and, in places, I could tell. Still brutal, still <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">crunching</span> but a little over-inflated, therefore <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">less</span> intense. <br />
<br />
6.5 out of 10.<br />
Cert 18 ( UK )<br />
150 mins. 2014phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-22582492145440974532014-11-03T18:31:00.000+00:002014-11-03T23:53:28.396+00:00What We Did On Our Holiday - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">What We Did On Our Holiday</span> Created by Andy Hamilton & Guy Jenkin, this is essentially a big screen version of their BBC hit '<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">Outnumbered</span>' (but in conjunction with the British Guild of Comedy Actors and the Scottish Tourist Board, maybe). Different parents, different children but the same, nicely observed comedic overtones. Starring Rosamund Pike, David Tennant, Billy Connolly, Ben Miller and Celia Imrie amongst others, it is a <span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">pleasant</span> enough, good natured film that hits the modest targets that it sets itself. The story is centred around Doug (Tennant) and Abi ( Pike), who are in the throws of a separation. Together with their three kids, they travel to the Scottish Highlands for Doug's father's 75th birthday party. The father, Gordy ( Billy Connolly, in contemplative form ), has a terminal disease that he wants kept from his grand children. It seems everyone is trying to keep up appearances and <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">secrets</span>. Farcically, nobody manages. As with 'Outnumbered', the script seems to be there mainly for the adults, allowing the <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">children</span> to freely riff around certain topics - the source of most of the comedy. There is just enough laughter and pathos to make it an enjoyable watch, without drifting in to uncomfortable sentimentality. It feels more like 'big TV' than 'small film' but that doesn't mean that it can't be satisfying. The Scottish scenery and all those involved come out looking good and I would have happily watched more. A quintessentially British, pleasant and <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">gentle</span> comedy/drama that has some genuinely touching moments. <br />
<br />
7 out of 10.<br />
Cert 12A ( UK )<br />
95mins. 2014phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-43891566816303478372014-09-17T23:13:00.001+01:002014-10-10T13:12:53.526+01:00Philomena - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Philomena</span> is the true story of one lady's fifty year struggle to find her son,
who was forcibly <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">stolen</span> from her when she was a very young woman. ( Based on the book 'The Lost Child of Philomena Lee' by Martin Sixsmith). Following a teenage fling with a young man in a local fairground, Philomena ( Dench ) was forced to give up her baby boy
for adoption by the Catholic <span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">nuns</span> with whom she was forced to live and work. They also convinced (!)
her of the <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">shame</span> she should feel at being an unmarried mother and that the child trafficking was part of her religious duty. On the boy's 50th birthday, Philomena breaks the tragic news to her daughter and together they make contact with Martin Sixsmith ( Coogan ), a BBC correspondent,
to ask him<a name='more'></a> if he would be interested in telling Philomena's story. Judi Dench gives one of her best and most emotional performances, slipping effortlessly between laugh-out-loud comedy, heart wrenching drama and humbling <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">guilt</span>. Steve Coogan perfectly judges his performance to display both his character's disdain for the church and his journey from chasing a story to personal involvement. The screenplay is heart-breaking, tragic and anger inducing, the script is beautifully balanced between comedy and pathos and the acting is of the highest quality. All of these elements produce a memorable and highly effecting & effective film that tells the appalling tale of religious, <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">institutional</span> abuse and misery. Philomena was one victim amongst thousands. There is no excuse for what happened. Nun.<br />
<br />
8.5 out of 10.<br />
Cert 12A (UK)<br />
97minsphil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-59423633063237373242014-08-12T18:47:00.000+01:002014-08-12T18:48:11.564+01:00Safety Not Guaranteed - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Safety Not Guaranteed</span> After the discovery of an unusual newspaper advert for '..somebody to go back in time with me..', a Seattle journalist and two interns embark on a trip to investigate any possible story. What they find is a <span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">quirky</span> and paranoid supermarket attendant who claims that he is planning a trip through <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">time</span> to rediscover a previous love. He claims that he has built a time machine, is being followed by Special Agents and needs to train an accomplice for the journey. As the details unfold, it seems that there is more to his story than meets the eye. Mark Duplass plays Kenneth, the eccentric time traveller and he has the strongest of the roles, giving the character real depth and a crazy believability. Aubrey Plaza ( Parks & Recreation ), Jake Johnson ( New Girl, 21JumpSt ) and Karan Soni all put in solid performances as the investigators, all of whom have their own baggage to bring to the story. It is the chemistry between Kenneth and Darius ( Plaza ) that really drives the film forward and their weird relationship is a joy to watch. The highlight of which is a 'Zither solo' - something that doesn't happen in films very often. From the<a name='more'></a> producers of 'Little Miss Sunshine', this short ( 86mins ), quirky, <span style="color: #f6b26b; font-size: x-large;">lightweight</span> film is about grabbing <span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">opportunity</span>, dealing with regret and the power of believing in your dreams. An independent, geeky, enjoyable<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"> journey</span> in to sci-fi, building relationships and time machines.<br />
<br />
7 out of 10.<br />
Cert 15 ( UK ).<br />
2012. 86minsphil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-48950577141543715592014-08-06T19:09:00.000+01:002014-08-08T09:56:13.358+01:00Blue is the Warmest Colour - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Blue is the Warmest Colour</span> (La Vie d'Adele) French with subtitles. Telling the story of a young French girl and her journey of discovery through adolescence, love and her same sex relationship, this film has attracted a lot of controversy and a Palme d'Or at Cannes 2013. It is easy to see why. The acting is spellbinding, Adele Exarchopoulos ( Adele ) and Lea Seydoux ( Emma ) are both intensely believable as the young lovers and the director, Abdel Kechiche has created an <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">emotional</span>, in depth study of their story, whilst being accused of pushing the actors beyond boundaries. ( <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2013/10/timeline-blue-is-the-warmest-color-controversy.html" target="_blank">more here</a> ) The directorial style is one of concentration and visceral <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">close-up</span>, focusing on all aspects of the characters facial features, particularly their <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">mouths</span>. Talking, smoking, kissing and <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">eating</span> - all seen through the lens of intimacy. The sex scenes ( cert 18 ) are intense, extended, messy and real, again pushing the boundaries of decency in to voyeurism and pornography. All of which has the effect of leaving you feeling the awkwardness of the blossoming relationship. You won't see such<br />
<a name='more'></a>intense, committed and passionate acting in many films, some of the scenes being heartbreakingly well performed ( restaurant break up scene & argument in flat both particularly devastating ). The performances of the two leads being powerful and natural adds to the sense that we are watching a real life drama unfold with all its inherent messiness. There is lots of spaghetti Bolognese, nose blowing and crying. '<span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Blue</span> is the Warmest Colour' is definitely one of the dribbliest films for a very long time. There are some problems with the film and it will not appeal to everyone. It is long. The film's length, subject matter and subtitles will put some people off but, for those that can see past those factors, the reward is a beautifully acted and artily directed, naturalistic love story that will leave a lasting impression. Although some editing could reduce the length of the film, it may lose too much of its arty, plodding reality in the process. As intense, awkward and drawn out as a teenage fledgling relationship can sometimes be.<br />
<br />
8 out of 10.<br />
Cert 18 ( UK ). 2013.<br />
180mins<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
<span lang=""> </span> </span>phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-4315319150760038372014-07-19T11:24:00.002+01:002014-07-20T10:41:51.965+01:00Nebraska - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Nebraska</span> Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb and Bob Odenkirk star in this slow paced road trip film that explores ageing, relationships and life's <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">aspirations</span>. Filmed entirely in black & white, the cinematography is beautiful and expansive, showing the vast <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">emptiness</span> and claustrophobia of Nebraska's wide open spaces. Directed by Alexander Payne ( Sideways 2004, About Schmidt 2002, The Descendants 2011 ) it tells the story of an old man called Woody Grant ( Dern ), in failing health who is determined to travel across state to claim, what he thinks is, his million dollar prize from a local marketing campaign. After several failed attempts to walk the route, he is finally joined on trip by his son ( Forte ) who just wants to help and understand his father's obsession. The trip takes in Woody's home town and he re-visits family & friends and reflects on his past. Once word gets around<a name='more'></a> the town that Woody has won lots of money, his past life starts to resurface and he has to deal with the outstretched hands of those who feel they should share in his good fortune. The film looks lovely and the characters are nicely portrayed, Bruce <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">Dern</span> giving the standout performance - although June Squibb gets all of the best lines and moments, playing his long-suffering wife. The slow pace and reflective mood of the film makes it a very easy watch that leads you up a pleasant and uneventful road. If you loved Payne's previous films then this one sits comfortably alongside them and you will enjoy what is on offer. A gentle film that rolls by like the flat and unremarkable mid-American landscape. <span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Reflective</span> and <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">pleasant</span>. ( Cert 15 due to mild language and themes. I'm not sure that there is enough to warrant 15 but maybe that is just me. )<br />
<br />
7 out of 10.<br />
Cert 15 ( UK ). 2013. <br />
115minsphil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-32939832920746230692014-06-01T19:44:00.000+01:002014-06-02T00:18:46.361+01:00Lone Survivor - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Lone Survivor</span> stars Mark Wahlberg as one of four Navy SEALs on a secret mission to hunt down and kill a Taliban leader in the Hindu Kush region of <span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;">Afghanistan</span>. Also starring Taylor Kitsch, Eric Bana, Emile Hirsch and Ben Foster it is as <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">brutal</span> and uncompromising as its setting and title suggests. The main body of the film is centred around a fire-fight with enemy soldiers after the SEALs are ambushed and is extremely in your face. The battle scenes are up-close, loud and <span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">crunching</span> - the stunt work, battle-injury <a name='more'></a>special effects and '<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">sounds</span>' being the stand out features of the film for me. The intensity of the situation doesn't let up and watching the film is a bit like being pushed down a steep hill in a metal barrel whilst people shoot at you with live bullets ( I imagine ) - you know you can't stop, it's loud, disorientating and someone is going to get hurt. There is one major fault/plot point that annoyed me about the story ( surely a third option for the compromised situation? - email me ) but other than that, it is a very well made, solid, <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">visceral</span> piece of film making that will leave you feeling that you have been as close to that fight as you ever could whilst just watching a screen. There is a lot of brute strength, bare-American chest thumping, courage and a large sense of pointless waste but this bullet-whizzing-splatter-shatter-fest is very effective at pinning you down and beating you in to submission. Unsophisticated, flawed war film that packs a punch. Yeeehhaaawwww!<br />
<br />
7.5 out of 10.<br />
Cert 15 ( uk ) 2013.<br />
124minsphil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-58358205478070262762014-05-18T20:24:00.000+01:002015-01-20T19:44:01.325+00:00The Wolf of Wall Street - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Wolf of Wall Street</span> Martin Scorsese and Leonardo Di Caprio both work really hard to bring their best to the party for this 3 hour epic based on the life/memoirs of Jordon Belfort, a <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">stockbroker</span> who wormed his way to a personal fortune and a reputation for corruption and decadence during the 80s and 90s. Scorsese brings all his usual style to a film that seems to celebrate the excesses of the period and DiCaprio enjoys throwing <br />
<a name='more'></a>himself in to the role of a morally bankrupt trader who swapped his ill-gotten fortune for a stretch behind bars. It is bold, <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">brash</span> and, in parts depraved and the 3 hour run time is definitely an issue, several scenes dragging more than they should. There are some great performances, Di Caprio, Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie pull out all the stops. Matthew McConaughey makes a brief but cringingly memorable appearance and visually, there is a lot to see, many scenes packed to bursting as a Scorsese 'to camera rant' plays out in the foreground. <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Excess</span> is on show everywhere, in the direction, the morals and the <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">language</span>. I found it hard to sympathise with or even like any of the characters and, having nobody to root for, the bagginess was enough to take the gloss off what could have been a classic Scorsese masterpiece. <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Edit</span> it down to a 2hr depraved romp.<br />
<br />
7 out of 10.<br />
Cert 18 ( uk )<br />
180minsphil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348550163543286813.post-90848522720580176702014-04-30T21:40:00.002+01:002014-06-02T00:19:33.308+01:00You're Next - Phil's Five Words for Films<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">You're Next</span> When the Davison family descend on their <span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">secluded</span>, country manner to celebrate the parent's wedding anniversary, they are in for a rotten weekend. One by one ( and in an entirely predictable order ) they are picked off by a group of <span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">mask</span> wearing home invaders who have already taken care of the neighbours. Nobody, however, counted on there being a battling <span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">uber-<span style="color: #b45f06;">aussie</span></span>, Erin ( Sharni Vinson ), meeting the 'In-Laws' for the first time. Can she protect her new extended family and get them out alive? 'You're Next' is a straight up and down 'who-done-the-slashing-and-invading' movie, nothing really original or clever<a name='more'></a> to speak of but at least it has a strong <span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">female</span> character, some good gore-moments and it doesn't take itself too seriously. At just over an hour and a half, it trots along and, with the exception of the first 15minutes in which the characters are introduced, the 'action' is nicely paced. Rated 18 more for the themes raised than any real horror, it is a good effort in the 'low <span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">budget</span> horror/comedy horror' category that will keep you guessing, recoiling and laughing to an acceptable degree. I've seen worse.<br />
<br />
5.5 out of 10.<br />
Cert 18 ( uk ) 95mins.<br />
2013 ( 2011 in US/Can ).phil's 5 wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256833655011848697noreply@blogger.com1