Devil

Devil

Directed By: John Erick Dowdle

Written By: Brian Nelson, M. Night Shyamalan

Produced By: John Erick Dowdle, Drew Dowlde, M. Night Shyamalan, Sam Mercer

Cast: Chris Messina, Bojana Novakovic, Bokeem Woodbine, Logan Marshall-Green, Jenny O'Hara, Geoffrey Arend

Plot: 5 people get into an elevator, when one of them dies, tensions risee, until it is crystal clear, that one of them is not who they say they are.

M. Night Shyamalan attempts to be the modern day Alfred Hitchcock, by creating this claustrophobic thriller/slasher flick. He certainly suceeds by keeping the 5 unsuspecting victims in the lift for the majority of the film, he  manages to kill them off quite effectively. He also keeps us on the edge of our seats by keeping us guessing all the way through who the killer is, the end result? Almost comical, which to be honest, ruins the film. In the final scene, I cannot take the killer seriously simply because it seems ridiculous and slightly cliche'd.

However, I do find the narration from the Spanish security guard at the start and end of the film very effective. It gives the film an eerie atmosphere before it has even begun, add to that the heavy piano sounds mixed into some of the scenes, and the scary atmosphere is complete. The actors in the film are relatively unheard of, which is good to have some fresh talent introduced. I was a little nervous each time the lights went off, because it is not obvious how these people are going to die, so I was slightly anxious to see how M. Night Shyamalan would work this into the film.

Devil isn't a work of  art, but it is entertaining enough, and doesn't have you groaning at each twist, it also doesn't have an extremely complicated story, it is a simple idea, developed into an Agatha Christie style thriller.

Written By Eammon Jacobs

Inception

Inception

Directed By: Christopher Nolan

Written By: Christopher Nolan

Produced By:Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cottilard, Tom Hardy, Ellen Page, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe, Tom Berenger,

Plot: Dom Cobb is a theif of the mind. He goes into people's subconcsious and extracts information required by whoever employs him. When he is offered the chance to return home after being pursued my numerous agencies, he jumps at the chance, only to find that he must not steal information, instead to plant an idea in a man's mind.

Inception has many levels of complication throughout the story, but has tongue in cheek moments throughout most of the film, whilst still maintaining a very serious atmosphere. Because the majority of the film is set within the mind, it could have easily been ruined by adding ridiculous themes and events into the storyline, because most normal dreams don't make any sense, so Christopher Nolan has been smart enough to keep the dreams themselves very sharp and realistic to save the film from becoming a farce.

However, I do feel that whilst Nolan has written a superb script, equipped with spectacular special effects and a terrific cast, the film lacks raw emotion, we do not get to see how any of the other characters feel about the events that are unfolding around them because the film is centred around Cobb.

This is not a film you can simply watch from any point, you have to watch it entirely to the credits, otherwise the experience and the effect that the story has on you is completely lost. Most of the things included in the film as brilliant and spectacular (Joseph Gordon-Levitts rotating corridor fight) whilst others are amusing, but simply pointless (Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page's quick kiss) thus having no real reason for its input in the film. If the characters had more depth and had a little more focus on them then the film would have been benefited greatly.

But the concept of Inception, is completely mindblowing. A dream, within a dream, within a dream. This idea is fantastic and comes across plausible in the film without seeming ridiculous. The story is rather honest, and the last hour is spent wondering, how are they going to pull it off? The way in which Christopher Nolan rounds up his film is brilliant. And the last scene is completely up for debate, not having any real answers revealed, it is left up to us what has actually happened. Some people prefer the idea of a happy ending, but some people prefer the serious ending, but I won't give anything away.

Inception is a spectacle to be marveled at, and is one of the best films to have been released in the lastten years.

Written By Eammon Jacobs

The Hangover Part II

The Hangover Part II
Directed By: Todd Phillips
Written By: Todd Phillips, Craig Mazin, Scott Armstrong
Produced By: Todd Phillips, Daniel Goldberg

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong

Plot: The Wolf Pack are back, but this time, it's Stu's bachelor party, in Bangkok.

The first film was an instant hit with audiences of all ages. There was a spark that everyone clicked with almost straight away. Part II, maintains the comedy, with hilarious moments almost every second. But, it hasn't got the same flare as the first one, this concept has already been done. We know how this is going to play out, its the good old "Where-the-hell-are-we-what-did-we-do-and-how-did-we-do-it" routine. What the film really needs is more originality, it needs more events/people/hotels that will make people remember the film for those iconic laughs.

 There are various parts of the storyline that also mirror the first film, stolen Tiger=stolen drug monkey, missing tooth=missing finger. It is almost a copy. Also, some of the laughs are out of shock, rather than comedic value. However, the film is rather funny, and is easily accessible to anyone, there are no complicated plotlines, just simple, but effective, comedy. But be warned, this is not a film you should watch with older relatives. There are numerous sex gags, nudity and swearing. This does lower the tone of the film, because it seems like the script writers have had to fall upon bad language to get the lines in, which isn't particularly a good thing.
But, why change something that works so well, and brought in plenty of money? It definately works, and is terribly funny. If they turn this into a franchise however, the magic will be ruined.


Written By Eammon Jacobs

X-Men: First Class

X-Men: First Class

Directed By: Matthew Vaugn

Written By: Matthew Vaugn, Jane Gouldman, Zack Stentz, Ashley Edward Miller

Produced By: Gregory Goodman, Simon Kinberg, Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer

Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, January Jones, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Oliver Platt, Kevin Bacon

Plot: In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the film focuses on the relationship between Professor X and Magneto and the origin of their groups, the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.

The film is fast, very fast. Numerous things happen at the same time, and usually in a film, this doesn't work whatsoever. But, Matthew Vaughn (Director) manages to keep everything in place and isn''t confusing. It has some very clear moments, which gives the film something to say about itsself. In fact, the whole film could be a metaphor against segregation and racism. The mutants feel segregated and cut off from the rest of society, showing us how they feel about not being accepted into the normal world is an eye-opener into the hearts of many people affected by this kind of problem.

This film completely overshadows the original X-Men series, which was recieved poorly by critics and the public. First Class has layers of depth and a considerable amount of emotion in each of the characters. For example, we see how deep Magneto/Erik Leshnerr's psycological scars are from his horrific experiences in the Nazi concentration camps. However, the writers of the screenplay have been clever enough and wise enough not to turn the film into a mindless revenge flick.

It's clever, pacy and entertaining. Obviously, there were no mutants involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis, but whilst watching the film, you wish that is how nuclear war was averted, and is almost believeable.

The film's only cameo is rather amusing for anyone who is familiar with the X-Men series. There are more of the Origins films planned, and if they are written, and filmed as well as First Class, then they too should be a success.

Written By Eammon Jacobs

Hanna

Hanna

Directed By: Joe Wright

Written By: Seth Lochhead

Produced By: Leslie Holleran, Marty Adelstein, Scott Nemes

Cast: Soairse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana

Plot: Hanna (Ronan) is a 16 year old girl who has lived in the wilderness with her father Erik (Bana) all of her life. Erik has trained her as an assassin, her target, is the woman who killed her mother, a corrupt CIA agent (Blanchett)

Hanna is like a teenage version of The Bourne Series. But it isn't a translation of the successful Bourne Series for teenagers, it is something new. Its gritty, edgy with twists and turns, and has enough action to make Bruce Willis jealous. Joe Wright succeds in weaving elements of fairy tales into the story, creating a rather eerie atmosphere throughout the film, which is extremely difficult in an action movie, but it works tremendously.

Soairse Ronan is completely mesmerizing and easily outshines the rest of the cast in emotion, ability and sharpness.

The idea for the film is rather outlandish and slightly surreal, but Joe Wright makes the film seem completely real in terms of the story, the locations and even the camera angles. Because we experience the film through the eyes of Hanna, we see our world from the perspective of someone who has never left a forest. It is quite an edgy experience. Hanna is musically accompanied by The Chemical Brothers, who deliver fast, pulsating tracks along with creepy, almost pretty tunes. Their music rounds of the film quite nicely.

The film is a mix of arthouse cinema, and a mainstream action film. Which surprisingly, is a perfect combination. It is a very slick spy/coming of age film, which is very unusual but works superbly.

However, there should've been a little more depth into the characters back story. (Who is Marissa? where did she come from? why is she this cold?) The film does hint for a sequel, so who knows, maybe all will be explained.

The film is thoroughly enjoyable, and is a fast paced, edge of your seat, stylish thriller.

Written By Eammon Jacobs

Youth In Revolt

Youth In Revolt

Directed By: Miguel Arteta

Written By: Gustin Nash (Based on the book by C.D Payne)

Produced By: David Permut, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein

Cast: Michael Cera, Portia Doubleday, Justin Long, Zach Galifanakis, Steve Buscemi, Erik Knudsen

Plot: Nick Twisp (Cera) leads a very boring life, that is, until he meets Sheeni Saunders. He finds out how far he must go to get the woman who is perfect for him. What he doesn't expect is that to help him do this, he needs an alter ego....

The film has been hailed as Fight Club meets Superbad. Which is most certainly correct. Once again, Michael Cera is in that geeky teenager role that he plays so well. But he also took up the challenge of playing his own alter-ego too. His alter-ego being the super slick, versatile, hilarious character of Francois Dillinger. When he is playing Francois, the film suddenly becomes alot more exciting. The contrast between Nick and his delinquent alter-ego is refreshing is both pleasing and humorous. Because we are unsure of this character we don't know what he is going to do, as he is very impulsive (There are several examples of this in the film)

The film puts itself outside of the usual teen comedy, its edgier, darker, and hilarious. It does take a little while to get going, but once its going it is funny, fast paced and easy to watch. The rest of the cast give superb performances. Steve Buscemi had more of a cameo appearance, which was disappointing, but he played his part terrifically. On the whole, Youth In Revolt is an overwhelming success.

However, Michael Cera needs to expand his repertoire, because his films are starting to become the same story over and over again. He needs to find something that is going to rejuvenate his career.

The film has imagination, its charming, slightly pretentious but its enjoyable fun.

Written By Eammon Jacobs

Thor

Thor

Directed By: Kenneth Brannagh

Written By: Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, Don Payne

Produced By: Kevin Feige

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg

Plot: The King of Asgard, Odin (Hopkins), banishes Thor (Hemsworth) to Earth after he ignites a war with an old enemy. Thor finds that his hero-like powers can make him a legend.

You would think that a film about Gods, old legends and mystical powers would be bad, terribly cheesy, and not worth watching. If you think that, then you are wrong. Thor is one of many films that Marvel Studios has planned for their big superhero team up, The Avengers (2012) The film has a light hearted feel when he is banished to Earth, however the fish out of water idea is getting a little old.  The scenes set on Earth, apart from the start of the third act, seem to be just to fill in the gaps between the epic battle scenes in Asgard and finding Thor's hammer, which was a bit disappointing.

The film does seem to try and big its self up with its impressive special effects, instead of focusing on the situation at hand. But never the less, the film's plot is quite good, with several twists that you will not see coming. When Chris Hemsworth is on-screen, he is charismatic, has great comic timing, and combining both his and Natalie Portman's performances, is beautiful. Tom Hiddleston's character, Loki, is devious, mischievous and cunning. He portrays this wonderfully, because his performance could've potentially broke this movie if it wasn't serious enough.

But, the film does feel like it is building up all the way through for an epic fight scene, spanning dimensions with bare knuckle brutality. The actual final fight is a little disappointing. But it is still entertaining. The ending to the film also, screams SEQUEL. That is if you watched through to the post-credits scene.

(Tip, with any marvel film, always watch it right through to the very end, they always add a clip for an up-coming project)

Finally, the film is very well directed by Kenneth Brannagh, and many of the cast have said that they wouldn't have taken the role on if it wasn't for Brannagh. I feel that Marvel has built up this film to fit nicely with The Avengers, which hopefully, is the film that these characters have been waiting for.

Written By Eammon Jacobs