Well it seems the month of February
is pretty dry in terms of decent movie releases. I’d like to use this as the
excuse for why this column was absent last week, and it was partly due to the
lack of any major releases but also due to some unforeseen work commitments.
Now back to business though, and unfortunately
the close of February sees only a few worthwhile releases entering our cinemas over
the next few weeks. This could be because of a little thing called the BAFTA's, but sure isn't helped by the re-release of many of last years 'best' films. But if you missed out on some of those “must see” films go check out the listings, you might just be in luck.
US Release Date: February 17
UK Release Date: March 2
The title of the movie and one of my favorite recent breakthrough actors, Chris Pine, being a lead character made me pay a little more attention to this trailer, but I was soon disappointed. The film is set to be yet another half-baked romantic
comedy trying to re-create the magic and sheer awesomeness that was Mr and Mrs
Smith. Like its predecessors, The Killers and Knight and Day, this film
tries to combine action for the guys with romance for the girls. Unfortunately,
what film makers who copy this idea don’t seem to be able to get is that it was
Pitt and Jolie's chemistry on screen that made this concept work.
Take this story: Two top CIA
spies and best friends find out they are dating the same woman, and then proceed
to embark on a huge competition of one-up-man-ship to prove to the girl who is
truly the better man. Now, call me a
little bit cynical here but having discovered that some girl was playing me off
against my best friend I would be doing my hardest to get my own back
on her and not him. This is the beginning of many unbelievable events
throughout the film, which can clearly be separated it two distinct films: "This
scene is action; and this one romantic". At least, Mr and Mrs Smith attempted to
combine the two genres - pumping the action scenes with sexual tension and the
romantic scenes with guns and violence. Now, Pine makes a reasonable attempt at being
funny but somehow he just doesn’t pull it off and his co-star rival Tom Hardy always
feels like a B-rate actor, always second best. Witherspoon as the two-timing
she-devil however is very believable and whilst she does a good job of the
acting it’s not enough to save this film.
All in all, it may make you laugh
in parts, but probably you’ll end up just wishing you’d stayed home spent the
money on beer and watched Mr and Mrs Smith.
Verdict: Probably one to avoid.
Gone
Gone
US Release Date: February 24
UK Release Date: March 30
UK Release Date: March 30
Now I’m ashamed to say I hadn’t heard
much about this film until now as it’s been kept pretty quiet, and even
rumours of a straight to DVD release. But that does not mean you should write
it off, remember “Taken”? Starring Amanda Seyfried, this intense thriller looks
like it may be the saving grace of her career after the awful performance she
gave in Red Riding Hood. Here Seyfried plays a girl who returns home to find
her sister abducted, fearing the same serial manic who kidnapped her has
returned she goes to the police. Unfortunately they are less than co-operative
as after her abduction, and eventual escape, no evidence could be found to
prove her story. Thus our heroine grabs a gun and sets out to track down her
missing sister before it’s too late. Whilst no Liam Neeson, Seyfield does an
excellent job of being a badass whilst also being able to show the emotional
side of losing her sister.
The plot itself is rather good,
with some well placed twists and turns that are hard to spot. But one would
expect nothing less from the award winning Brazilian filmmaker Heitor Dhalia
and the “Underworld Awakening” screenwriter Allison Burnett.
Overall, this film looks like it
might just save the day and kick start the beginning of March into some good
films. But be warned it isn’t really everybody’s ideal film; it will require
you to think and concentrate to get the most out of it, so if you struggled
with films like Inception or Memento then this probably isn’t for you.
Verdict: A must see
film, but be prepared to concentrate.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
US Release Date: May 4
UK Release Date: February 24
This is a classic feel good film
based on the Deborah Moggach novel “These foolish things”, with an all-star
cast of veteran British actors including Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and Maggie
Smith. The film tells the story of a group of retirees who flee the UK and head
to the bright lights of India seeking to live out the rest of their lives in
sunny luxury. As we explore the characters and their varied personalities we
see how the country, its people and the Indian way of life changes and affects
each of them.
This is a film
that really does its best to capture the colour and vitality of India, and to a
certain extent it succeeds. The actors portray their characters superbly and
there are so many different types everybody will find somebody to relate to. Unfortunately
its variety is its downfall, and with so many excellent actors in one film they
do tend to overshadow one another. Add on the fact that the plot is very
predictable and somewhat stale it is easy to become bored with this film.
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