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The Avengers 2012
Joss Whedon has done something remarkable. He has crafted a blockbuster so grand in scale it's awe-inspiring. But what is unique is that it is an intelligent and emotional ride from start to finish. Whedon has managed to balance the action, emotion, plot and characterisation like a master craftsman. He has also infused the film with humour, genuine laugh out loud humour. This is film-making at it's finest as the superhero genre gets a film that transcribes the feeling and tone of the comic book medium perfectly. It's a benchmark in blockbuster entertainment and films like these don't come around that often.
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The Dark Knight Rises 2012
This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.
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Skyfall 2012
Sam Mendes gives us a love letter to Bond and an exciting new instalment in a stale franchise. Globe trotting, an Aston Martin, wise cracks and Bond girls come together in a surprisingly personal story for the main man himself. Mendes is wise in grounding the overblown action with some decent character work. Craig is the best he has been and is clearly having fun, Dench delivers a fine performance as M and Javier Bardem steals the show with a…
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Looper 2012
Rian Johnson's science fiction film is all about ideas. It is these ideas that allows the film to feel fresh. Johnson delivers time travel in an accessible way, giving a simple take on what can be a brain teaser of a plot device. But that doesn't mean the film isn't intelligent as the script is beautifully written. Willis is back on form and as always Gordon-Levitt turns in a fine performance. The world Johnson creates isn't the most unique but…
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The Dark Knight 2008
Not the be all and end of blockbusters as most would have you believe. But it is still an impressive thrill ride, with a suitably dark narrative and great performances all around. A crime thriller disguise as a superhero film
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Inception 2010
A well conceived idea married with the technical prowess of everyone involved in its production. Nolan's eye for clean but detailed shots give the film the dreamlike quality it needs. The cast serve their part well, allowing the audience to believe the concept. DiCaprio's Cobb is the emotional backbone keeping it all together.
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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 2012
Peter Jackson returns to Middle-earth with mixed results. Gone is the passion and the genuine labour of love feel that was inherent in his Rings trilogy. Instead this is the work of hubris, with Jackson's decision to shoot the film in 48fps seemingly more of a self indulgent choice than an artistic one.
This first instalment still has a lot to like about it though. Martin Freeman's Bilbo is an excellent leading figure, with his hero's journey as compelling as… -
Prometheus 2012
Ridley Scott's return to science fiction isn't as triumphant as the marketing campaign would have you believe. A problematic film which is maddening. On the one hand the film is utterly stunning to look at. Filled with sweeping vistas, Giger influenced set design and awe-inspiring CGI. The film is a feast for the senses. But all these wonderful images act as window dressing to an empty shop. The narrative structure borrows heavily from the Alien franchise, this is very much…
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The Cabin in the Woods 2012
A script full of humour and wit drive this unique take on the typical horror tale. To say any more would spoil the narrative's inventiveness. A solid cast and confident direction allow this Goddard/Whedon production to leave a lasting impression.
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The Hunger Games 2012
Although the film starts off strong in Gary Ross' confident hands it falters in it second act, which is over long and flat. This isn't helped by a problematic 3rd act which seems muted and rushed at the same time. Jennifer Lawrence easily carries the film and she almost distracts from the rest of the teenage cast who are bland at best. Due to weak characterisation mainly. The adults do a sufficient job much like the adults in the Harry…
