Okay, so the 88th Academy Awards came and left and I am now a broken man after staying awake till 5am in the morning to basically reaffirm my predictions and see the elite class pat themselves on the back as winners and losers both retreat to their big mansions and beautiful wives to wait again till next year where they might be lucky to take home a little golden statue. Maybe I'm being cynical but I'm tired. Have mercy. The reason I stayed up this late, or maybe its early, is because I love the oscars and without further ado here is my Oscars 2016 Re-Cap.
Hosting the oscars is a special problem. Be to risqué like Ricky Gervais and you get frowned upon that you can make such rude cynicisms on such a public stage as the Academy Awards, but be too safe and its seen as pointless pandering to the elite 1% without pulling any punches. Chris Rock, thankfully, found the line well - he was pushing it on some of the jokes, but he found the balance between funny and offensive very well and delivered a very well mannered hosting job which may of exceeded my expectations that I was expecting from Rock when he was first announced. But now lets get onto the winners and losers.
Best writing rightfully went to Spotlight, which means so far I got off on a good start with my predictions. In my opinion it was the obvious choice and a well deserved win for a well deserved script. This may of been the first clear showing that it will be favourite to win best picture. Best adapted went to the Big Short, another correct prediction, and in my opinion another correct choice. A well written script adapt superbly from a great source material.
Best supporting actress was a pleasant surprise, I wanted Alicia Vikander to win ever since she was nominated, but thought that Kate Winslet would win simply of how much of a hollywood darling she is. Happily I was proven wrong, and a well deserved Vikander meant although I got my prediction wrong for the first time so far, it was a rightful win and well deserved for the talented actress.
Best costume design was the first of many wins for the excellent Mad Max: Fury Road, and although I predicted wrong, I cannot complain as Fury Road was easily my favourite film of 2015, and seeing any awards go its way is a pleasant feeling for such a great film. Production design and Hair and Makeup also both went, in my opinion rightfully, to Fury Road with the film now sweeping many of the technical categories, and again, rightfully so.
Best cinematography was no surprise, making it Lubezki's third year in a row being nominated - and third win in a row, each film more contrasting than the last again showing how diverse he is and why he's the best cinematographer working in the world today.
Best editing, sound mixing and sound editing again went to, you guessed it, Mad Max: Fury Road - again I predicted all 3 of these, and again - they were both deserved. No film really matched this film on its technical ability and it was a pleasant feeling seeing it get the recognition it deserves.
Best visual effects was a conundrum for me. I though Ex Machina or Fury Road could win this, but I wanted Force Awakens to win simply cause, in two words - Star Wars (what can I say, I have a deep soft spot for Star Wars). However I was so pleasantry surprised when Ex Machina became the little film that could and win its first, and only oscar, for a well deserved technical win.
Best performance by a supporting actor, in my opinion, was Stallone's to lose. I at first thought Mark Rylance could win it, but after the Globes I was deadset that this would Sly's year. Sadly my prediction was wrong, and although Rylance carried the movie with his stand out performance, it would of been nice to see Sly win an award for his contribution to the Rocky films and film in general.
Best documentary and foreign film, with Amy and Son of Saul, were the favourites and films I predicted to win and so I wasn't too surprised when they both walked away the victor. Inside out, winning best animated film, again was not a surprise and a prediction I, like a lot of others, called as soon as the film came out.
Best score and original song I again predicted correct, Morricone deserving his win far greater than Sam Smith's, however I think this year proves that the Academy cannot resist a Bond song, and that if you get the opportunity to write one - you're a lock for at least a nomination (providing its half decent).
Best director was another deserved win for Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, making it 4 in two years for him, and again was pretty pretty predictable. I was glad he won not only as I predicted it and for my own pride, but for the fact what he achieved for The Revenant was boarding on incredible.
Best performance by an actress in a leading role was the only award (including best actor) where I actually shouted out in joy at my computer screen. I wanted Brie Larson to win ever since seeing The Room and after predicting her to win, was so relived when she brought home gold to add an oscar to an already impressive resume.
The last one (you might notice I missed one) of the night was Best picture, I called this wrong but with Spotlight being the best film of the year and deserving all the praise it gets from the academy, I'm not surprised it won. It was an incredibly good film, and although I thought The Revenant was an incredible film and more favourable to the academy, I can't deny that Spotlight deserved to win.
So you might recall I said I missed one out. I wonder who that might be. Maybe it's because this Oscar's was the first Academy Awards that Leonardo DiCaprio won his bleeding Oscar! It was always coming and I predicted it a mile off, well deserved and incredible performance meant he walked away with gold after many years of waiting. Lets hope the wait was worth it, because although it wasn't his greatest performance, the oscar was the most deserved.
So that was basically it. Like I said on my predictions post, I'm not including the short form categories as I did not watch them beforehand, but as soon as I get around to it I'm sure I'll make a post as I'm sure all of those films are incredible in their own right. The Academy Awards was once again an ok event, held together by everyones desire for film, rather than some hit or miss present humour (note: the Star Wars, Minions and Toy Story segments - N. O.). I can moan as much as I want, but I know I'll be back next year.
So until next time Oscars, Au Revoir!
Monday 29 February 2016
Sunday 28 February 2016
Hard Candy (2006) (Mini-Review)
Hard Candy, the 2006 crime thriller from director David Slade, is a hidden little gem which I'm surprised more people haven't heard of. It's not a masterpiece of suspense thriller, but it is a valiant effort in creating a disturbing and engrossing crime film which kept me hooked from start to finish.
Predominantly featuring the acting talents of Ellen Page and Patrick Rogers, Hardy Candy is an intense film commenting on society's interaction with relationships, internet and more in a tightly wound topical thriller which makes the viewer question their own morality as they judge the main characters. It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish as the claustrophobic setting, partnered by a tight, concise script by Brian Nelson, makes this film a true hidden gem from the independent film scene. Ellen Page is truly standout in this film with the script and lack of supporting characters (apart from Wilson) really allowing her to come into her element, allowing her to carry the film to new heights and engross the view in a way that will make the film stay with the viewer well after viewing it.
Is it amazing? No. But this little crime thriller is truly an engrossing, entertaining (if not disturbing) topical thriller which I have enjoyed time and time again, and will continue to enjoy into the future.
My score: 7.5/10
Predominantly featuring the acting talents of Ellen Page and Patrick Rogers, Hardy Candy is an intense film commenting on society's interaction with relationships, internet and more in a tightly wound topical thriller which makes the viewer question their own morality as they judge the main characters. It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish as the claustrophobic setting, partnered by a tight, concise script by Brian Nelson, makes this film a true hidden gem from the independent film scene. Ellen Page is truly standout in this film with the script and lack of supporting characters (apart from Wilson) really allowing her to come into her element, allowing her to carry the film to new heights and engross the view in a way that will make the film stay with the viewer well after viewing it.
Is it amazing? No. But this little crime thriller is truly an engrossing, entertaining (if not disturbing) topical thriller which I have enjoyed time and time again, and will continue to enjoy into the future.
My score: 7.5/10
The Lobster (2015) (Mini-Review)
I rented this film as I heard good hype around it with my mum and uncle - this was a mistake. Don't watch it with your family (well watch it with them if you want, but at your own risk!)
The Lobster is a film. A good film? Maybe. A bad film? Maybe. Never have I been so split with a film that I have been with this one. Is it an artistic psychological cinematic statement which works on the level that Yorgos Lanthimos expected it to? Or - is it a pretentious film that doesn't make sense filled with plot irregularities and nonsensical ideas with acting from Colin Farrell that seems like he's just showing up for the paycheck? My uncle and mum though the later - I actually thought the former.
This film is not for everyone - it doesn't make sense, but that is what it's going for. After seeing Dogtooth from Lanthimos, I knew what I was getting into and I wasn't disappointed. Again here he demonstrates his love for societal commentary providing a dark, disturbing and sometimes funny look into how we live our lives and he does so in such a way that left me completely intrigued as to where the film was going next.
If you don't like experimental, artistic bordering on pretentious films - this isn't the film for you, however if you are a fan of dark, psychological social commentary then I'd definitely give this one a go. I personally can't wait to see Lanthimos' next film and just hope it's a dark, disturbing and wacky as I've come to expect.
My score: 7.5/10
The Lobster is a film. A good film? Maybe. A bad film? Maybe. Never have I been so split with a film that I have been with this one. Is it an artistic psychological cinematic statement which works on the level that Yorgos Lanthimos expected it to? Or - is it a pretentious film that doesn't make sense filled with plot irregularities and nonsensical ideas with acting from Colin Farrell that seems like he's just showing up for the paycheck? My uncle and mum though the later - I actually thought the former.
This film is not for everyone - it doesn't make sense, but that is what it's going for. After seeing Dogtooth from Lanthimos, I knew what I was getting into and I wasn't disappointed. Again here he demonstrates his love for societal commentary providing a dark, disturbing and sometimes funny look into how we live our lives and he does so in such a way that left me completely intrigued as to where the film was going next.
If you don't like experimental, artistic bordering on pretentious films - this isn't the film for you, however if you are a fan of dark, psychological social commentary then I'd definitely give this one a go. I personally can't wait to see Lanthimos' next film and just hope it's a dark, disturbing and wacky as I've come to expect.
My score: 7.5/10
Dogtooth (2009) (Mini-Review)
Dogtooth is a 2009 Greek film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and let me preface this review with, if you have a weak stomach - don't watch this film. However, if you don't and love deep psychological dramas with a dark comedic undertone, then you will love this little gem of a film. The film has a simple premise and simple presentation however within this simplicity lies a deep dark subtext which presents a dark, disturbing - if not sometimes funny, look on society and the way we live our lives.
Yorgos Lanthimos crafts a deep look on society that, despite at times making me sick to my stomach, genuinely had moments where I found humour - a true testament to the filmmakers ability to mould dark themes with light tones to create a truly chilling film that shock me to the core and tormented me well after viewing it.
Without giving anything away, the ending is the most painful ending to a film I can remember in recent memory - and that's a good thing. It tormented me and left me with this hollow feeling that left me open mouthed staring at the screen well into the credits. I wanted more than what the director gave me - but maybe that's what he wanted, this deep emptiness that upon re-watching the film found that I had throughout.
A tense, deep, dark and sometimes funny psychological drama that if you don't mind putting up with subtitles and a slow build up - then hopefully you'll fall in love with this film like I did.
My score: 8/10
Yorgos Lanthimos crafts a deep look on society that, despite at times making me sick to my stomach, genuinely had moments where I found humour - a true testament to the filmmakers ability to mould dark themes with light tones to create a truly chilling film that shock me to the core and tormented me well after viewing it.
Without giving anything away, the ending is the most painful ending to a film I can remember in recent memory - and that's a good thing. It tormented me and left me with this hollow feeling that left me open mouthed staring at the screen well into the credits. I wanted more than what the director gave me - but maybe that's what he wanted, this deep emptiness that upon re-watching the film found that I had throughout.
A tense, deep, dark and sometimes funny psychological drama that if you don't mind putting up with subtitles and a slow build up - then hopefully you'll fall in love with this film like I did.
My score: 8/10
Taxi Driver (1976) Review (Mini-Review)
Taxi Driver, a neo-noir psychological thriller written by Paul Schrader and directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, is the type of film that stays with you well after you've stopped watching the film. Despite being made 40 years ago (this year being its 40th anniversary) it doesn't just hold up - it surpasses many of the thrillers put into production today, eat your heart out hollywood.
Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle in a role that completely transforms him, and every moment I spent watching this movie, as it progressed, I saw less and less of De Niro and more and more of the tormented Travis as his intentions rose to the surface. Apart from De Niro the film still boasts a star studded cast including a young Jodie Foster and a ridiculously creepy Harvey Keitel add to the film and create a worthwhile experience that you come to expect from such a talented director as Scorsese.
With this film Scorsese manages to create a shattering psychological experience that is not only an accomplished cinematic experience, but a work of art. The film has aged well in its 40 years and it's obvious this film will just get better with time and upon every viewing.
My score: 9/10
Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle in a role that completely transforms him, and every moment I spent watching this movie, as it progressed, I saw less and less of De Niro and more and more of the tormented Travis as his intentions rose to the surface. Apart from De Niro the film still boasts a star studded cast including a young Jodie Foster and a ridiculously creepy Harvey Keitel add to the film and create a worthwhile experience that you come to expect from such a talented director as Scorsese.
With this film Scorsese manages to create a shattering psychological experience that is not only an accomplished cinematic experience, but a work of art. The film has aged well in its 40 years and it's obvious this film will just get better with time and upon every viewing.
My score: 9/10
Saturday 27 February 2016
Deadpool (2016) Review
Deadpool is a f*cking funny film. Is it a good film? Not particularly, but is it super funny? You bet your tight, red-spandex ass it is.
Deadpool is a film I have been waiting for, for what seems like, an eternity. I have read Deadpool comics since I was young (nice job Mum) and have grown up with his bent, mad, insane humour that I have come to expect and love.
Ryan Reynolds is great, you can tell he is not just committed to the role - he is the role, he is a living and breathing Deadpool. His humour works well with Deadpool and you lose track of what's Deadpool's humour and what is Ryan Reynolds humor, a lot of the time it's both.
Deadpool is not a perfect movie, apart from being funny and a new take on an old concept, superhero movies (a concept we've seen sooooooooo much recently), granted - carries the movie, however when you dissect it and see beyond the humor what is there? Not that much - but that's not an issue. Deadpool knows what it is and doesn't try to exceed it. It's not looking for awards, it's looking for entertainment and boy does it deliver.
A couple of jokes fell flat, but when the jokes hit - they hit. The humor is funny, gross and laugh out loud hysterical and despite a lot of the jokes being for shock value, I still found myself shocked and laughing upon my second view in cinemas, as was the rest of the audience. Not for the faint of hearted, Deadpool is a graphically obscene, hysterical comedy and I can't wait to see the sequel.
My score: 8/10
Deadpool is a film I have been waiting for, for what seems like, an eternity. I have read Deadpool comics since I was young (nice job Mum) and have grown up with his bent, mad, insane humour that I have come to expect and love.
Ryan Reynolds is great, you can tell he is not just committed to the role - he is the role, he is a living and breathing Deadpool. His humour works well with Deadpool and you lose track of what's Deadpool's humour and what is Ryan Reynolds humor, a lot of the time it's both.
Deadpool is not a perfect movie, apart from being funny and a new take on an old concept, superhero movies (a concept we've seen sooooooooo much recently), granted - carries the movie, however when you dissect it and see beyond the humor what is there? Not that much - but that's not an issue. Deadpool knows what it is and doesn't try to exceed it. It's not looking for awards, it's looking for entertainment and boy does it deliver.
A couple of jokes fell flat, but when the jokes hit - they hit. The humor is funny, gross and laugh out loud hysterical and despite a lot of the jokes being for shock value, I still found myself shocked and laughing upon my second view in cinemas, as was the rest of the audience. Not for the faint of hearted, Deadpool is a graphically obscene, hysterical comedy and I can't wait to see the sequel.
My score: 8/10
Short Term 12 (2013) Review
I watched this film late at night, emotionally vulnerable and completely unaware of what this film was going to put me through. It - was - painful. Was it worth? 1000% yes it was worth it.
This film pulled me through pain, after pain, after pain - emotional hit, after hit, after hit - yet still by the end of the film I managed to find a small smile on my face after I saw one of the most emotionally gripping films I've seen in recent memories which is a must view for film fans, but in my opinion, one of the most vital youth films in my recent memory.
Brie Larson is amazing in this film and in my opinion the most exciting young actress working in hollywood today (sorry J-Law), as proven with not only this film but her recent acting masterclass, Room. She carries this film and although some of the younger performances are amazing, it is her performance which gets you captivated and make you sit on the edge of your seat through her trials and tribulations. Talking about the younger performers, Kaitlyn Dever and Keith Stanfield almost stole the show if it wasn't for Brie Larson because they. are. incredible. Everytime they are on screen they don't waste a moment, your attention completely on them as they prove that it doesn't how old you are as long as you're talented - and boy, are these two and the rest of the cast talented.
The directing is by the book, the film more about its acting than its visual or musical presentation, but that doesn't mean the director doesn't do a fine job here. He clearly loves this film, which is obvious considering this originated as a short film years before and he's kept with the film ever since, he crafts a thoughtful, powerful screenplay which led me close to tears (I'm man enough to admit).
This film is powerful, emotional and definitely worth watching as it will genuinely make you go on an emotional journey that you will never forget (or maybe you will, I don't know, I'm not a psychic.)
My score: 8/10
This film pulled me through pain, after pain, after pain - emotional hit, after hit, after hit - yet still by the end of the film I managed to find a small smile on my face after I saw one of the most emotionally gripping films I've seen in recent memories which is a must view for film fans, but in my opinion, one of the most vital youth films in my recent memory.
Brie Larson is amazing in this film and in my opinion the most exciting young actress working in hollywood today (sorry J-Law), as proven with not only this film but her recent acting masterclass, Room. She carries this film and although some of the younger performances are amazing, it is her performance which gets you captivated and make you sit on the edge of your seat through her trials and tribulations. Talking about the younger performers, Kaitlyn Dever and Keith Stanfield almost stole the show if it wasn't for Brie Larson because they. are. incredible. Everytime they are on screen they don't waste a moment, your attention completely on them as they prove that it doesn't how old you are as long as you're talented - and boy, are these two and the rest of the cast talented.
The directing is by the book, the film more about its acting than its visual or musical presentation, but that doesn't mean the director doesn't do a fine job here. He clearly loves this film, which is obvious considering this originated as a short film years before and he's kept with the film ever since, he crafts a thoughtful, powerful screenplay which led me close to tears (I'm man enough to admit).
This film is powerful, emotional and definitely worth watching as it will genuinely make you go on an emotional journey that you will never forget (or maybe you will, I don't know, I'm not a psychic.)
My score: 8/10
Drive (2011) Review
Based on the James Sallis book of the same name, Nicolas Winding Refn has managed to craft a stunning, tense neo-noir thriller excites me everytime I watch it as well as allowing me to fall in love with it all over again everytime I watch it. This film works on every level and despite hardly speaking, Ryan Gosling's character is engrossing, powerful and one of my favorite characters put to screen.
The film grabbed me from the off, keeping the atmosphere tense and the suspension strong. I've heard powerful scores and incredible soundtracks before but this film is the only film in recent memory which has forced me to purchase the soundtrack and listen to it on an almost daily basis. It is simply A-MAZ-ING. It is both dark and light, powerful and soft and is perfect in the moments its used in and with me listening to the soundtrack in the film with such heightened awareness, makes the silent moments even more powerful.
I have already shared this film with everyone, and despite its hyper violence and nudity, I even shared it with my mum twice and my uncle - it's that damn good. Its visual style is neat and engaging and works just as well as a work of art as it does a piece of cinema. It's rare a film is this engaging and surprising AND manages to keep its replayability factor and allows you to discover a new love for it everytime you view it. If I had to sum up this film in one word? Stunning.
My score: 9/10
The film grabbed me from the off, keeping the atmosphere tense and the suspension strong. I've heard powerful scores and incredible soundtracks before but this film is the only film in recent memory which has forced me to purchase the soundtrack and listen to it on an almost daily basis. It is simply A-MAZ-ING. It is both dark and light, powerful and soft and is perfect in the moments its used in and with me listening to the soundtrack in the film with such heightened awareness, makes the silent moments even more powerful.
I have already shared this film with everyone, and despite its hyper violence and nudity, I even shared it with my mum twice and my uncle - it's that damn good. Its visual style is neat and engaging and works just as well as a work of art as it does a piece of cinema. It's rare a film is this engaging and surprising AND manages to keep its replayability factor and allows you to discover a new love for it everytime you view it. If I had to sum up this film in one word? Stunning.
My score: 9/10
2016 Oscar Predictions
Its that time of the year again, Oscar season! Where a year of competing films finally get to sit down Sunday 28th of February and see who fair's best at the battle of the Academy Awards. We can debate their fairness but the Oscars are still, and will be for some time, the most important award ceremony around and while they need to learn a lot I for one will still be tuning in to see who wins and if my predictions are at all correct (I've left out the short form categories simply because I've not seen them yet, not because I don't find them important).
Here are my predictions:
Here are my predictions:
Best Picture: The Revenant
Best Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio
Best Actress: Brie Larson
Best Supporting Actor: Sylvester Stallone
Best Supporting Actress: Kate Winslet
Best Original Screenplay: Spotlight
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Big Short
Best Animated Film: Inside Out
Best Foreign Language Film: Son of Saul
Best Documentary Feature: Amy
Best Original Score: The Hateful Eight
Best Original Song: Writing's on the Wall
Best Sound Editing: Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Sound Mixing: Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Production Design: Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Cinematography: The Revenant
Best Makeup/Hairstyling: Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Costume Design: Cinderella
Best Film Editing: Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Visual Effects: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
A lot of them are obvious choices, a few surprising ones, but at the end of the day I don't really mind who wins as long as it's a good night (if I get them right though it's a bonus!)
No Country for Old Men (2007) Review
In my opinion the Coen brothers never get enough credit. In my eyes Joel and Ethan Coen are two of the most exciting and gripping filmmakers that Hollywood has been lucky enough to produce. Their cinematic résumé is a thing of beauty (minus The Ladykillers), taking westerns, comedies, thrillers, dramas, romances and a bunch of others and adding their own Coen-charm. Each film offers something new, exciting and fresh (again, minus The Ladykillers) and their 2007 film No Country for Old Men is no different.
Directed by the aforementioned Coen brothers, the oscar winning neo-Western thriller No Country for Old Men is one of my favourite films. Directed with the touch of beauty, acting with subtlety and suspense from an all star cast and music that is perfectly in tone with the dark, foreboding atmosphere the film is trying to portray, No Country for Old men works in every department.
The film's strong point (and that's saying a lot when you think of the directing) is Javier Bardem's character of Anton Chigurh which rightfully earned him the best actor nod and that years oscars. Menacing doesn't begin to describe the subtle genius of this character made amazing by exceptional directing and writing - but by even more exceptional acting ability by Bardem. He sells this movie. In a movie of long suspense and winding tension, Bardem is the corkscrew turning the suspension up, every time he is onscreen it being like a present as we welcome back this evil, despicable character, waiting in bated breath what atrocities he will bring to the characters onscreen next.
The Coen brothers expertly craft a dark, gritty thriller which I would easily place on my top 5 films list, a film that I enjoy time and time again. It is so close to a perfect score, however when I compare it to Pulp Fiction there is something lacking, perhaps it's replayability factor, but nevertheless its a near perfect film that I will be enjoying countless times in the future and if you've not seen it yet, then you will be enjoying soon.
My score: 9/10
Directed by the aforementioned Coen brothers, the oscar winning neo-Western thriller No Country for Old Men is one of my favourite films. Directed with the touch of beauty, acting with subtlety and suspense from an all star cast and music that is perfectly in tone with the dark, foreboding atmosphere the film is trying to portray, No Country for Old men works in every department.
The film's strong point (and that's saying a lot when you think of the directing) is Javier Bardem's character of Anton Chigurh which rightfully earned him the best actor nod and that years oscars. Menacing doesn't begin to describe the subtle genius of this character made amazing by exceptional directing and writing - but by even more exceptional acting ability by Bardem. He sells this movie. In a movie of long suspense and winding tension, Bardem is the corkscrew turning the suspension up, every time he is onscreen it being like a present as we welcome back this evil, despicable character, waiting in bated breath what atrocities he will bring to the characters onscreen next.
The Coen brothers expertly craft a dark, gritty thriller which I would easily place on my top 5 films list, a film that I enjoy time and time again. It is so close to a perfect score, however when I compare it to Pulp Fiction there is something lacking, perhaps it's replayability factor, but nevertheless its a near perfect film that I will be enjoying countless times in the future and if you've not seen it yet, then you will be enjoying soon.
My score: 9/10
Pulp Fiction (1994) Review
What can I say about one of the most famous, popular and highly acclaimed films of all time? What can I say about a film which has been my favourite films for years and arguably the film that put one of the most popular filmmakers, Quentin Tarantino, on the hollywood map? The answer is not much, but I can try.
Pulp Fiction, Tarantino's second outing after his 1992 Reservoir Dogs, is a cinematic masterpiece. From the opening credits to the closing one's Pulp Fiction grabs you, sits you down and wishes you were wearing a seat belt as you spend 2hr 30mins being completely transfixed into the world of insanity that only such a master of a director like Tarantino can accomplish.
The cast is one of the best casts ever assembled, every actor not only turning up for a paycheck but every single character lending themselves to an acting ensemble that has yet, in my opinion, been matched. Some of the most memorable characters are not even on screen for 10 mins, yet you find yourself remembering them for more and more after every viewing. From Christopher Walken's small scene as Captain Koons, or Tarantino's cameo as Jimmie, you find yourself not only remembering these characters but falling in love with them, despite them barely being on screen.
The visual style that Tarantino employs here is unmatched, with this black comedy creating some of the most memorable shots and scenes in cinematic history. The dialogue makes this film one of the most quotable films of all time, and if you've managed to avoid hearing a single quote from this film then I implore you to give me the address of the rock you've been living under, I'm sure it's cosy.
As I write this I find myself at a loss of what to say. What can be said about a film that IS loved as much as this one. "Masterpiece" is thrown around so much today (believe me I even say it too much) but in this case it is 1000% justified because Pulp Fiction is a 1000% masterpiece from beginning to end.
So please, pretty please with sugar on top, watch the f*cking movie. You will not be disappointed.
My score: 9/10
Pulp Fiction, Tarantino's second outing after his 1992 Reservoir Dogs, is a cinematic masterpiece. From the opening credits to the closing one's Pulp Fiction grabs you, sits you down and wishes you were wearing a seat belt as you spend 2hr 30mins being completely transfixed into the world of insanity that only such a master of a director like Tarantino can accomplish.
The cast is one of the best casts ever assembled, every actor not only turning up for a paycheck but every single character lending themselves to an acting ensemble that has yet, in my opinion, been matched. Some of the most memorable characters are not even on screen for 10 mins, yet you find yourself remembering them for more and more after every viewing. From Christopher Walken's small scene as Captain Koons, or Tarantino's cameo as Jimmie, you find yourself not only remembering these characters but falling in love with them, despite them barely being on screen.
The visual style that Tarantino employs here is unmatched, with this black comedy creating some of the most memorable shots and scenes in cinematic history. The dialogue makes this film one of the most quotable films of all time, and if you've managed to avoid hearing a single quote from this film then I implore you to give me the address of the rock you've been living under, I'm sure it's cosy.
As I write this I find myself at a loss of what to say. What can be said about a film that IS loved as much as this one. "Masterpiece" is thrown around so much today (believe me I even say it too much) but in this case it is 1000% justified because Pulp Fiction is a 1000% masterpiece from beginning to end.
So please, pretty please with sugar on top, watch the f*cking movie. You will not be disappointed.
My score: 9/10
Oldboy (2003) Review
After many years of hearing great word of mouth and reading countless excellent reviews, my anticipation finally hit boiling point and led me to watch what could be not only my favorite foreign film, but perhaps my favourite crime film of recent memory.
Directed by Park Chan-wook, and based on the manga of the same name, Oldboy is the second film in Chan-wook's revenge trilogy and arguably the best one of the bunch. The story centers around Oh Dae-Su, who after being kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years of his life, he is suddenly released as he goes on a journey to find his captor and learn not only why he was kidnapped, but more importantly, why he was released.
This film is dark, bitter and difficult to watch but don't let that stop you from taking one of the most gripping and interesting psychological cinematic experiences you can have while watching a film that doesn't let meer entertainment be its goal, where it options to challenge the viewer and takes them forward on a journey where you want be the same from once you started.
The visual style of the film works perfectly with Chan-wook crafting a near perfect neo-noir setting for his characters to traverse with the soundtrack by Jo Yeong-wook working splendidly in tandem with the cinematic exploits that we love getting wrapped up with on screen. The acting is solid, while maybe not being breathtaking, there are some definite scenes of amazement when you see the true emotion these actors can get to and never find yourself being distracted by moments of poor acting. The acting may be solid but that doesn't stop some moments being truly breathtaking especially the final 20 mins of the film truly making me hold my breath and feel completely wrapped up in Oh Dae-Su's story.
Whatever you do DON'T watch this film with the English dub. While it might appear easier to watch than the subtitled version, don't let that stop you from watching the film how it was intended to be watched. I'm glad I watched the subtitled version as the passion that is put into every one of every actor's lines transcends language and after hearing some of the half-assed attempts from the dubbed version, don't waste your time.
In conclusion this film not only had be hooked from beginning to end but had a psychological hold over me that has lasted days after watching this film. My only complaint is that I didn't watch this film sooner and had to wait till now to enjoy such an excellent film.
My score: 9/10
Directed by Park Chan-wook, and based on the manga of the same name, Oldboy is the second film in Chan-wook's revenge trilogy and arguably the best one of the bunch. The story centers around Oh Dae-Su, who after being kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years of his life, he is suddenly released as he goes on a journey to find his captor and learn not only why he was kidnapped, but more importantly, why he was released.
This film is dark, bitter and difficult to watch but don't let that stop you from taking one of the most gripping and interesting psychological cinematic experiences you can have while watching a film that doesn't let meer entertainment be its goal, where it options to challenge the viewer and takes them forward on a journey where you want be the same from once you started.
The visual style of the film works perfectly with Chan-wook crafting a near perfect neo-noir setting for his characters to traverse with the soundtrack by Jo Yeong-wook working splendidly in tandem with the cinematic exploits that we love getting wrapped up with on screen. The acting is solid, while maybe not being breathtaking, there are some definite scenes of amazement when you see the true emotion these actors can get to and never find yourself being distracted by moments of poor acting. The acting may be solid but that doesn't stop some moments being truly breathtaking especially the final 20 mins of the film truly making me hold my breath and feel completely wrapped up in Oh Dae-Su's story.
Whatever you do DON'T watch this film with the English dub. While it might appear easier to watch than the subtitled version, don't let that stop you from watching the film how it was intended to be watched. I'm glad I watched the subtitled version as the passion that is put into every one of every actor's lines transcends language and after hearing some of the half-assed attempts from the dubbed version, don't waste your time.
In conclusion this film not only had be hooked from beginning to end but had a psychological hold over me that has lasted days after watching this film. My only complaint is that I didn't watch this film sooner and had to wait till now to enjoy such an excellent film.
My score: 9/10
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