The Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 1 (2014)

I have admittedly the never been a huge fan of  the whole Hunger Games franchise. The first film plagued with its annoying shakycam was just about passable. the second film was a marginal improvement and was actually a solid movie but still didn't have me riveting with joy. And so with part 1 of  the final chapter of this rather average teen dystopian story comes another film that actually is quite solid. It is much more heavy on it's drama than the action itself and keeps a general downbeat tone throughout most it. Performances are solid and shakycam kept a bare minimum (thank goodness!) and generally the film is well executed and provides a good setup for the second half, which if pulled off correctly could be the best film of the series. I seem to be liking each film more than the last which is quite rare for a series especially one that I kind of disliked in the beginning.
But overall this works well as a decent set up for the finale and keeps a certain level of intrigue througout despite it not being super good.
***

Interstellar (2014)

Interstellar represents Chris Nolans most ambitious film to date and though it doesn'y quite hit the levels of greatness that it should, The film is still undoubtedly a great one. All the space stuff is handled fantastically and looks great. The narrative is takes a few unexpected turns and stays engrossing throughout it's 3 hours run time. The films main issues seem to lie in some of it's character and dialogue elements. There's nothing inherently wrong with these elements but they just don't hit the same level of greatness that rest of the film has. Haven't said that the film has a strong emotional core, strong themes and I can't help but admire Chris Nolan's ambitiousness.
Overall a great sci-fi film that probably should have been even greater. It's still one of my favourite films of this year though and is definitely worth the watch.

The Equalizer (2014)

The Equalizer is a standard action thriller that brings nothing new to the table but has just enough to keep you entertained despite it's overlong running time. This is mainly helped by Denzel Washington being a strong leading man and the films violent nature (had this film been 12a it probably wouldn't have been as enjoyable). So despite it's struggle to escape cliches the Equalizer manages to work well with what it has.
***

Maps To The Stars (2014)

For me this film was like Cronenberg does Lynch, as it felt more lynchian than Cronenberg. Having said that I think that this was a pretty solid satirical drama that is arguably blander in tone than it should be. The acting is good, with Julianne Moore putting in a great performance and Mia Wasikowska being as wonderful as ever. It's certainly an interesting take on the state of Hollywood and  it is far from perfect, but the intrigue is constantly there to keep you involved throughout.
Overall unique and interesting satirical drama that suffers mainly from tone and execution.
***1/2

Magic In The Moonlight (2014)

Another simple and charming romantic comedy from Woody Allen. A harmless movie where the dialogue is written well enough to hold your attention and Allen's simple message of keeping an open mind is easily received. Combine this with a good cast and you've got yourself a nice little movie that aspires to be nothing more. Cute.
***

A Most Wanted Man (2014)

A most wanted man presents a slow burning thriller that certainly isn't an easy a film to get into. It actually took me some time to become properly invested in it, but all leads to a good ending leaving us with a pretty decent film. I think the problem is that the level intrigue just isn't high enough, especially for a film that is supposedly a thriller, it's only certain moments that are truly interesting rather than the whole film itself. Phillip Seymour Hoffman's character is probably the most intriguing thing about the whole film and if the film was centered more on him then the actual plot then I think the film would of been alot better.
Still all the performances are good and there's nothing inherently bad about the whole film it just lacks a little in the interest department.
***

The Boxtrolls (2014)

The Boxtrolls presents a well crafted family claymation film that is lots of fun. It's not hugely unique but has more the enough to stop it from turning stale, particularly the goods burst of humour spread throughout. the animation is very well done and the voice acting pretty good (Kudos for Ben Kingsley managing to make his voice unrecognisable).
Overall it's just a very fun time.
***1/2

Before I Go To Sleep (2014)

Before I go to sleep is a thriller that is well made and well acted but let down by it's safe and sweet ending. I mean the ending is understandable but just didn't sit well with me, I think I just wanted more from this movie but was just underwhelmed overall. It's very average at best and if anything made me want to watch Memento and Gachi Boy. Still the film has a nice mix of elements and is still quite intriguing despite it being pretty easy to unravel early on. you also get see a few seconds of Nicole Kidman's bare bottom.
Overall it's fine but I wasn't to fussed on it.
**1/2

Lucy (2014)

Contains the best use of an Evian product placement.
***1/2

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For (2014)

 

 Well this was very disappointing. It's starts off really well but descends into a pile of meh. I still love the whole style of it and the films looks great but it's the stories and writing that let it down. There are a few interesting elements and there are some good performances (though I'm sure some will be annoyed by it's overbearing narration) but something was lacking overall so that by the end you don't feel satisified and proclaim "was that it?". The film just didn't work for me and is a great example of style over substance.

Overall while visually appealing, it's all just a big disappointment.

**

Bridge Of Dragons (1999)

So this film has been nestled in the family DVD shelf for years as part of a Hollywood double feature set, but no one has ever watched it... Until now.
First off this film has nothing to with Bridges or Dragons and is a perfect example of a movie title being chosen because the filmmakers thought it sounded cool despite the irrelevance. Now you can argue that the title has some kind of hidden context, but after watching this film you would quickly disregard such a concept and accept that it means nothing. There is no denying that this film is inherently bad, the fact that it's set in it's own confused reality where medieval elements meets modern in some unknown country says it all really. It's a mess but one that is a little fun.The acting is terrible and there's this one old woman who I struggled to take seriously particularly in closeups due to her facial expressions rather than her acting. There's a fair amount of Dolph Lundgren kicking ass(here he is named 'Warchild'), the highlight of course being the great roundhouse kick he delivers that sends the general spinning, when he decides that he's fine with serving an evil general unless they hit a woman. There's also some gunplay and explosions (lacks a bit of blood though) and of course a forced love interest.
Overall the film's pretty harmless and provides a bit of dumb action fun, which is all you can ask for from awful low budget action flick.
**

The Expendables 3 (2014)

For some it would be easy for a group of old action fogies coming together exchanging one liners, self references and shooting an enumerate amount of people to become tiresome by the third movie. But it still manages to work for me and I still had fun watching this movie. The action wasn't outstanding but kept me entertained despite the lack of blood due to it's watered down 12A rating, I like the old/new generation thing they got going on, Ronda Rousey busts out a few sick moves and Antonio Banderas is awesome. Sure there's nothing new here but theres still fun to be had if you want there to be and that's all that matters.
Overall that small bit of nostalgic magic still manages to vaguely exist, how much longer it will last in the distant future though is certainly questionable.
***

The Inbetweeners 2 (2014)

The boys are back one last time(allegedy) with more of the same raunchy, foul mouthed humour but with a bigger budget and in Australia. I think what worked for me here was that it felt much more like a movie rather than a feature length inbetweeners episode which lead to some of the stronger moments of the film. I didn't think it was overtly funny and I didn't laugh out loud much but there was enough there to keep me entertained. If you don't like the inbetweeners your certainly not missing much, but overall it wasn't too bad.
***

What If (2014)

Also known as The F Word, What if is an incredibly cute romcom that makes you go n'awhhh by the end.
The two leads Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan have great chemistry and play likable and grounded characters. It does fall into a few romcom cliches but all is forgiven due to it's well written dialogue and overall charm. It's just all really nice with a fair amount of laughs, definitely a good date movie.
Overall incredibly cute and enjoyable.
***

Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

Guardians Of The Galaxy represents one of Marvels finest films. Funny, engaging and hugely enjoyable, the film flies through it's 2 hour run time with all 5 of our heroes proving to be exceedingly likeable. It was just a real joy to watch with one of my only gripes being that the action was a little messy in terms of camerawork and editing but it was still fine. It great characters, a great soundtrack, the story is simple but well done and there is some cracking dialogue. Mix in a little emotional weight and you got yourself a great marvel film.
****

Hercules (2014)

Brett Ratner's Hercules present itself as this fun, dumb sword and sandals action movie and that's kind of what it is. How much fun is had though will vary between person to person, I myself wasn't too fussed. I think the problem is there's nothing new here it's pretty much all that's been seen before plus the action is ok but not that great either. I don't think the 12A rating helps either and didn't really fit and made the film feel tamer than it should have been. The Rock is as energetic as usual and John Hurt looks like he's having fun. but the film just didn't do much for me.
Overall needs more horse throwing.
**

The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

The Purge: Anarchy builds on it's predecessor with better ideas and a better film thats more akin to one we first wanted, however it still  manages to miss the mark at being  an actual good film. The ideas and themes are there and there are some nice little details, but the films seems to play it too safely leaving us with mostly a plain thriller that's a tad bland. I mean it's alright as it is but again you just expect and want more from the subject presented to us. Also Fuck the rich.
**1/2

Transformers: Age Of Extinction (2014)

The following shall be written in the style of a Michael bay film.
BANG! LOUD NOISES, grand visual effects, Alien Racism, BOOM EXPLOSIONS, cliche relationships, overlong running time. ALL OF THE ACTION: Variant levels of Acting; CRASH, BANG! Stanley Tucci is still awesome# asian stereotyping, BANG! BANG! BOOM! shot low angle framing bad editing messy SUNSETS, KABANG! WUB! WUB! WUB! Story not convoluted as others BOOM! BOOM! still better than 2 TAK! TAK! BANG! TAK!KABOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!!!
Overal it's exactly as expected and I wasn't bored.
**

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (2014)

The second film in the reboot of the Planet Of The Apes series and essentially the film equivalent of Battle for the Planet of the Apes, except Dawn is 100 times better. CGI Apes have never looked so good in a this gripping, hugely enjoyable and utterly great film. The visuals are superb, the acting is great and of course there's the masterful tank shot. Dawn is an exceedingly well crafted mainstream blockbuster with heart and strong themes and  though it did maybe a little draggy in places in the first half, the second half is super strong and very satisfying.
Overall building on the success of it's predecessor , Dawn is another great ape film that is thoroughly entertaining.
****

Boyhood (2014)

Richard Linklater's Marvelous achievement filmed over a 12 year period, presenting moments in life that many can relate to as, we see a boy develop into adulthood with it's structure having a great fluidity. It's a really wonderful film full of moments with humour and drama, a great look at growing with genuine characters and good cast. Congrats Mr Linklater you've succeeded.
****1/2

Dead Man (1995)

Jim Jarmusch's Psychedelic Western that is a pretty decent watch. Though feeling a little aimless at times the film keeps a consistent subdued dreamy pace helped by it's heavy use of fades and Neil Young's minimal guitar score. It's also got a good cast and nice inclusion of humour and though the films odd and diffuse nature won't be for everyone, I found the whole thing to be quite interesting and different particularly since I'm usually not fond of Westerns.
***

You're Next (2013)

You're Next presents a solid horror thriller that although lacking a unique story has a great structure involving really well layered black humour. It didn't hold up as well after a second viewing but I still really like how the film plays out and think it's an enjoyable little film.
***1/2

Chef (2014)

With Chef John Favereau tries to deliver a nice little charming film and for most part he does. It has a likable cast, well implemented humour and gets ideas and themes of across very clearly and well. My biggest issue with this film however is the ending, which I kind of hated. Despite the films want to end on a high and happy note, it felt rushed and overtly safe and just left me saying 'is that it?'. I just felt disappointed by it, which is a shame cause I usually like these nice kind of films.
Overall this film is alright it's just let down by it's ending.  Side note: This film has the tendency to make you feel very hungry.
**1/2

Upstream Colour (2013)

I was very impressed with this film and found it to be both unique and beautiful. It has a very dreamy kind of feel that reminded me a little of Terrence Mallick with an interesting structure that requires a deep level of audience thought and attention. It certainly not an easy film to fully understand but it definitely stands out and stays compelling throughout due to it's great pacing and the inherent curiosity it provides.
Overall I thought this was really great.
****

John Dies At The End (2012)

A fun and weird movie that has a mix of decent and dodgy visual effects, good humour and of course Paul Giamatti. The story is a little messy but interesting and overall I thought it was fairly decent.
***

Big Man Japan (2007)

The debut feature of Hitoshi Matusmoto and I think it's great, a sort of Kaiju mockumentary that is funny and at times rather absurd. The CGI isn't the best but it works well enough and does it's job providing us with really some strange Kaiju including Riki Takeuchi's head attached to a giant leg which is rather fun.
Still within it's strangeness there a certain depth to it and overall it's just a great watch.
****

RoboGeisha (2009)

A J-sploitation that I think is kind of fun. Has a lot of really shoddy CGI but also a few practical effects and of course breast milk from hell. Has the usual wackiness you expect from these kind of films, so your either on board or you just hate it. Not the best but it worked for me.
***

Funky Forest: First Contact (2005)

I have been wanting to see this film for years and I'm so glad I finally have because it is great. Essentially a combination of different stories slightly linked through the characters, Funky Forest is strange, absurd and at times really funny. It's an excessive 2 and half hour (with a literal 3 minute interval) bizarre fest that is totally compelling. It's full of familiar faces and though some bits don't work as well as others, it's hard not to appreciate it's utter uniqueness.
Overall this film exists in it's own oddball world and I think it's a rather wonderful piece of strange cinema that is a complete joy to watch.
****

Funeral Parade Of Roses (1969)

So this odd little Japanese film ended up being great. It has a narrative that follows a transvestite, which contains experimental elements and some documentary footage spliced in.
This film really manages to stand on its own, creating something that is completely engrossing and unique. It's has some interesting moments of humour and ending that I thought was rather brilliant.
Overall. this film presents an intriguing exploration of the Transvestite lifestyle of the time in its own wonderfully strange way with no fucks given. Superb stuff.
****1/2

Jersey Boys (2014)

So this was decent, I was expecting more of an all out musical but it's more of a straight up biopic. The bands history is just about interesting enough to keep your attention and the musical moments are nice, but this is just a well made biopic and nothing more really. I'd only really  recommend it if you love Frankie Valli, other than that you may still like it but you won't miss much by not seeing it.
***

Chinese Puzzle (2013)

So this is the last film in a trilogy directed by Cedric Klapisch and though I had not seen the first two films beforehand, this was a solid movie and has made me want to go and watch them. It has a great cast and a nice mix of humour and drama with interesting characters creating quite an engaging film. It displays its ideas very clearly and keeps a very upbeat kind of vibe that keeps you smiling.
Overall I really liked this film and think it's a nice little piece of filmmaking and  I look forward to watching the rest of the trilogy.
***1/2

3 Days to Kill (2014)

This is a fine example of a film that tries hard to swim to the shore of goodness but ultimately drowns in the sea of cliches. It's not necessarily awful it just doesn't work all that well. The camerawork is rather bland and the editing is a little messy, Kevin Costner seems like he's channeling his inner Liam Nielsen and though the strong focus on the Father/Daughter relationship is commendable it's too ridden with cliches like the rest of the film for it to work fully. Still Amber Heard is hot, the film isn't boring and there are a few fun moments here and there (you can definitely tell it was written by Luc Besson).
Overall it's ok-ish and at least it tried.
**

Onibi: The Fire Within (1997)

Here's quite an interesting movie from the 90's that reminded me somewhat of a Kitano film due to it's diffuse nature and a similar kind of vibe. It's solid movie with an interesting main character played by the great Yoshi Harada, Sho Aikawa is also in this as well as Kazuki Kitamura playing a very camp homosexual ( a nice contrast to his usual tough guy roles). The film also has some interesting cinematography and is one of those films that flows through at quite a steady pace. I think it tries hard to be great but doesn't quite hit the mark, it's definitely good though and worth checking out if you like the early films of Takeshi Kitano.
***1/2

The Fault Of The Stars (2014)

Now I always heard a lot of good things about the book that this film is adapted from but I'm not that much of a reader so I never got around to actually reading it myself, nevertheless I was still very intrigued to see how this film would pan out and I must say it turned out to be really good. It handles it's delicate subject matter exceptionally well keeping things grounded with the characters feeling genuine. It has really strong performances from everyone, some really nice cinematography and a good spattering of humour, and despite the films inherent sadness there's a certain sense of positivity felt throughout, so it doesn't leave you at the end on a downer.
The film does have a few typical indie elements such as the soundtrack but it all worked well enough so that it didn't really annoy me much.
Overall this an emotional, engaging and really well done film that has a significant layer of depth and positivity.
****

How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

Here we have one of Dreamworks' finest films that manages to surpass it's predecessor, a fantaastic animated film that is ambitious and beautiful. The story is well structured and the film is thoroughly engaging and contains a strong emotional core. This coupled with stunning visuals and a great score make for an incredible and wonderful film.
Overall this is one of the best mainstream animated films I've seen in the past few years especially one being outside of Pixar, the film achieves what it set out to exceptionally well. Bring on number 3.
****1/2

Real Fiction (2000)

This is quite an interesting film, more of an experiment than anything else, as this was shot in real time in 4 hours using multiple camera setups that mixed both digital video and film. It has a very simple revenge type story with quite an interesting main character and overall it's pretty decent.
***

Belle (2014)

So this is a pretty much a well made period drama that gets across it's themes of discrimination really well. It's one of those films where everything is fine and pretty much what you'd expect and you a learn a tiny bit of history too. If you don't like period dramas then your not missing much, if you do like them though then I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Personally it didn't do much for me but everything works well enough.
***

The Young and Prodigious T.S Spivet (2013)

Jean Pierre Jeunet's latest film and while not up to the standard of his other work, this is still a pretty decent film overall. As usual the film has stunning cinematography and a certain charm that keeps it engaging. I think what a brings the movie down is it's script which seems a little jumbled and just about manages to work due to it's good execution.
Overall though this is a really nice little film that provides an entertaining watch.
***

Oculus (2014)

This is a solid psychological horror that I really liked. It has a really good structure that builds nicely and doesn't rely jump scares but keeps a very eerie, unknowing kind of atmosphere that plays with the audience really nicely. It also has some really interesting lighting and great camera work and Karen Gillan's in it so that also a plus.
All in all despite not be hugely unique I found this to be a very effective horror that worked really well.
***1/2

Street Of Joy (1974)

So this is a Roman Porno from the 70's and it does contain it's fair share of sex scenes, but this film has a bit more going for it. It depicts the lives of prostitutes in 1955 before licensed Brothels are officially abolished in Japan and the prostitutes themselves turn out to be quite interesting characters. Another interesting thing is how alot of scene are actually shot in one long take, not sure if thats normal for Roman Porno's but I liked how it was done. There's also hand drawn comic panels that are interspersed here and there which are rather fun and overall this was actually pretty decent film.
***

The City Of Lost Children (1995)

Jeunet & Caro's wonderful fantasy film that is very imaginative and unique. It has great set design, great cinematography and visuals and is just an all around great film.
****

Bleak Night (2010)

So this little Korean film is the debut film of director Yoon Sung-hyun and was apparently his Korean Academy of Film Arts graduation project. Having said that I must say that this film is great and I'm very impressed by what he's made here. It has great performances from the actors and very interesting characters with a strong emotional core. I also have to credit the cinematography for looking great, especially the use of handheld cam being executed superbly.
Overall this a great coming of age drama as well as a great debut film and I look forward to what the director does in the future.
****

Evil Of Dracula (1974)

Released in the uk as part of the 'bloodthirsty trilogy' this film is a very standard affair that plays out like a japanese version of a hammer horror, except I found the whole thing rather bland. It didn't help that the DVD release of it I watched was clearly a VHS transfer, so the quality was rather poor. It's pretty much all we've seen before, it's not necessarily awful but I just didn't find it all that interesting. I will say that this does star two familiar faces from the godzilla series which I found quite amusing.
Overall, nothing special but it works I suppose.
**

22 Jump Street (2014)

The sequel to 21 Jump Street and it is on par if may be even a little funnier than the first one. What makes it work well is the good chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum and the films self awareness of it being a sequel. The story is nothing to write home about and as the film consistently acknowledges, it's all the same shit again (but with a bigger budget!). but all that matters with this film is that it successfully sets out what it's meant to do and that is consistently deliver the laughs throughout. Also this film is very well shot with a nice use of split screen in places.
Overall a very fun comedy that does it's job very well.
***1/2

The Two Faces Of January (2014)

Here's decent slick thriller adapted from the novel of the same name. I found the story itself to be pretty standard but interesting enough to keep me engaged throughout. The film is also executed really well, has a good use of location, good performances and some really nice cinematography.
Overall it didn't wow me but the whole thing works well producing a rather decent thriller.
***

Ninja Kids!!! (2011)

Takashi Miike directs this super fun kids film that's based on the manga series and keeps the feel of a live action manga itself with it's inherent wackiness and cartoony vibes. It's just a good fun time filled with wacky gags that make the 100 minute run time just fly by.
A purely joyous fun film.
***1/2

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (2011)

The first film in an attempt to reboot the Planet Of The Apes franchise and it is definitely great. The film switches up the themes with more contempary ones and takes a somewhat more realistic approach than the rest of the series. The film is tense and engaging with a few powerful moments that make your hair stand on end. Andy Serkis pull off a great mocap performance as Ceasar and despite his small role John Lithgow is also fantastic in this movie. It's well shot, well structured and packed with a number of references to the original series.
Overall This film is just great and I can't wait for Dawn.
****

Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)

The last in the original series and definitely the weakest, it's all just straightforward and meh really. It lacks the same depth of the other films and it just feels lacking overall. I mean it's all kind of ok but that's about it really. It's clear that the creative drive of the series had begun to fade, it's a shame it ended on such a lackluster note considering how good Conquest was.
overall Just meh.
**1/2

Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes (1972)

A super solid film and by far the second best film of the series, containing once again a great ending and a great performance from Roddy McDowall.  I do feel that this film is may only be truly appreciated by fans of the actual series and that other people will possibly find the whole thing rather silly and not get behind it. But I do think they did a really good job with this movie and think it's very successful with it's intentions  and the themes of oppression and revolution come across really well.
A very entertaining and overall very solid film.
****

Escape From The Planet Of The Apes (1971)

The third film in the series and it's not too bad, it's mainly another great ending that brings this film up. Everything beforehand is passable and works and the film still deals with certain social issues. Overall it's still a rather enjoyable film if maybe a little lackluster.
***