Immortals

Immortals

Directed By: Tarsem Singh

Written By: Mark Canton, Ryan Kavanaugh, Gianni Nunnari

Produced By: Vlas Parlapanides, Charley Parlapanides

Cast: Henry Cavill, Freida Pinto, Luke Evans, Mickey Rourke, Isabel Lucas, Kellan Lutz

Plot: King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) declares war against the Greek Gods after his family dies from disease, and goes in search of the Epirus Bow, able to kill the Gods themselves. The Gods choose Theseus, as their defender against Hyperion and his gigantic force.

The film is visually outstanding, with vast CGI landscapes, and an army that is overwhelming just to look at, this is quite obviously from the creators of 300 (About 300 Spartans fighting a gargantuan army, familiar?) I spent half of the film in awe at the magnificent effects, and the stylisation of the piece. However, I wasn't missing out on a terrific storyline. There wasn't enough depth into any of the characters, and the motive for some of their actions aren't especially justified.

The only character I really connected with, was Luke Evans' portrayal of Zeus. His rage and compassion seemed to be the only real emotion throughout the film. The rest of the cast seemed to be slightly wooden, and out of place. I also feel that Hyperion is exaggerated slightly. He's excessively violent against people he doesn't need to be. Henry Cavill seems to be trying to fit into the rather large shoes of Gerard Butler from 300, the speech towards the end of the film is rather reminiscent of Butler's performance. This isn't necessarily a negative issue, but some originality would be better received.

But the film does have some positives, there are several points where the audience itself feel empowered by what is happening on screen, alas, these moments are few. The film is full of fight scenes and epic battles (even if half of it is CGI), some of which are extremely impressive. There are also a few scenes, one in particular, that are very unpleasant, and will make every man watching, cross their legs and squeal. Overall, Immortals is an over violent film, with impressive special effects, it isn't going to be a classic, but maybe remembered for the stylisation alongside 300.

Written By Eammon Jacobs.

The Rum Diary

The Rum Diary

Directed By: Bruce Robinson

Written By: Bruce Robinson (Based on the book of the same name by Hunter S. Thompson)

Produced By:Johnny Depp, Graham King, Christi Dembrowski, Anthony Rhulen, Robert Kravis

Cast: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Amber Heard, Michael Rispoli, Richard Jenkins, Giovanni Ribisi

Plot: Paul Kemp is a journalist, with no real home, tired of America, he finds work at a failing newspaper in Puerto Rico. He becomes addicted to two things; Rum and a woman named Chenault.

The film is based upon Hunter S. Thompson's novel of the same name, and whilst it misses out some of the parts in the book, it easily maintains the unpredictability of Thompson's style of writing. Johnny Depp is quite convincing as the rum soaked journalist, but is slightly stale in places. For example, towards the end, Kemp becomes empowered to save the newspaper, and the way he describes his superiors as "Bastards", doesn't seem entirely fitting for the character. But Depp comes across as quite a complex character, so in that sense, he has truly portrayed Paul Kemp, in the style that Thompson would be proud of.

I was quite impressed with Aaron Eckhart's performance of Sanderson, the property developer who isn't all that he seems. The way he can flip between being a powerful, but helpful friend, and then the jealous raging schemer. There are a few moments that are strangely reminiscent to "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas". A film that was originally a book also written by Hunter S. Thompson (Depp also starred) The film is quite odd in places, usually involving Giovanni Ribsi's character, Moburg. But Moburg is very amusing throughout the whole film, and lightens the mood in serious situations.

The film also depicts the end of the "American Dream", as we see the Americans living in Puerto Rico realise the dire state that the island had fallen into. Kemp experiences this first hand, and attempts to try change this. The film does drag on slightly, and would maybe better as an hour and a half feature rather than two hours, but it's not a major negative. The atmosphere of the location makes the audience feel out of place, going hand in hand with Depp's character's situation. The film is well crafted, intriguing and enjoyable.

Written By Eammon Jacobs