Rev Stan's film blog: November 2013

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November 2013

11/09/2013

Review: James Cordon takes on Paul Potts in One Chance

Synopsis: Based on the true story of Carphone Warehouse manager Paul Potts rise to opera star via Britain's Got Talent.

Stan's thoughts: Don't watch BGT so only had a vague idea who Paul Potts is and his story but I have to say if you are looking for a rags to riches story with some colourful characters, some laughs and some tears then you can't go far wrong.

Corden seems at home in this role even if dubbed singing is a little awkward at times. Julie Walters is the go-to actress for lovely mum characters, and Alexandra Roach is just a joy as Paul's supportive girlfriend.

Enjoyed this far more than I thought I would and it made me want to go out and buy some more opera to listen to.

Ratings

Stan's: 70%
IMDB: 52%
Metascore: 48%
Rotten Tomatoes: 62%
RT audience rating: 74%

Recently seen

Posted at 09:57 AM in Biopics, British films | Permalink | Comments (0)

11/03/2013

Ender's Game Film Review: Asa Butterfield is great, shame about the sluggish plot

Synopsis: After seeing off an alien invasion an elite force of kids is being trained up to fend off the next attack

Stan's thoughts: This film is a visual and SFX feast following Ender (a brilliant Asa Butterfield) as he is trained up to lead into battle but I'm afraid I found it a little bit dull at times.

The extended training sequences started to feel like I was watching someone else playing a computer game, which is never fun. In fact you know there is going to be a big battle and the rest of the storyline (trials and tribulations of Ender becoming a leader) isn't always engaging enough to sustain the build up.

That said there are one or two nice little plot treatments that do lift it - one of which isn't Ben Kingsley's wandering 'Maori' accent.

Didn't quite live up to expectations but will give the next one a go as this is based on a series of books and might be a victim of having to set up subsequent plot lines.

Ratings

Stan's: 59%
IMDB: 72%
Metascore: 50%
Rotten Tomatoes: 62%
RT audience rating: 78%

Recently seen

Posted at 10:36 AM in Action/Adventure, American films, Sci fi | Permalink | Comments (0)

11/02/2013

Review: The solid teen flick How I Live Now

Synopsis: A fledgling romance is interrupted as four kids have to fend for themselves after a war breaks out. Separated into different camps, they are determined to be reunited and recapture their previous life.

Stan's thoughts: As a teen romance this is a cut above, partly because it steers well clear of anything saccharin and too schmaltzy and partly because of its grim, realistic setting. Great performances from the four kids/teens led by Saoirse Ronan and George MacKay as the star crossed lovers.

Solid, entertaining and occasionally moving this doesn't have the super-natural element (definitely no vampires) much utilised by a lot of teen fiction/films at present but it is refreshing for that. If you are thinking of watching The Host, watch this instead, it is much, much, much better.

Ratings

Stan's: 74%
IMDB: 63%
Metascore: 58%
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
RT audience rating: 62%

Recently seen

Posted at 10:52 AM in Action/Adventure, British films | Permalink | Comments (0)

Review: James McAvoy in Filth

Synopsis: Bent cop with mental health and drug issues, Bruce Robertson (James McAvoy), fights for a promotion and to keep his head.

Stan's thoughts: It is always a joy to hear James McAvoy using his native Scottish accent and in a perverse way a joy to watch him play such a repugnant character - Bruce is racist, sexist and homophobic and totally without scruples about getting what he wants .

Filth is a gritty, psychedelic trip through the demise of a very disturbed man. Jim Broadbent plays Bruce's subconscious/therapist as a slightly sinister Australian and as Bruce's plans start to unravel and the truth behind his mental state is slowly revealed so the hallucinations and delusions and bad behaviour increase.

It is a dirty black comedy where you laugh uncomfortably but ultimately feel an ounce of empathy for our anti-hero by the end. James McAvoy went method to film this putting on weight and drinking half a bottle of whisky every night so that he would have the puffy, pale complexion of a substance abuser and a hangover to aid his performance and a great performance it is.

Filth is dark and uncomfortable and funny; I wouldn't want to spend much more than 97 minutes in Bruce's company but I'm glad for the time I did.

Ratings