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This Is the End 2013
The perfect antidote to Man of Steel; This is the End is a very enjoyable trip. If you like cock jokes. On reflection it doesn't feel like it was juvenile, but there were a number of phalluses.
The cast are cool; the performances aren't amazing, but they feel genuinely like actors who enjoy each other's company and had a ball making this movie. I found that infectious and absorbing. Cameos from Michael Cera, Rihanna and Emma Watson were also excellent.
The film had good structure, character development, a brilliant ending, and a Pulp song. What more do you want?
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Man of Steel 2013
Evolution always wins we’re told, unfortunately Man of Steel is a mutant strain hopefully destined for extinction.
When you have a protagonist who is practically impossible to injure or kill, and you add a villain who’s the same; you have to think outside the box. Or just think of what they do in Superman, which is to put the damsel in distress all the time. There was one point where we were concerned Lois might get cold, otherwise she was…
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Intouchables 2011
A feel good film. Nicely acted. Nicely shot. The lead has an excellent smile.
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Safe Haven 2013
A reasonable film but a very predictable and well trodden story with a little twist that doesn't pull it own of sames-town.
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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 2010
A little heavy on the guess-who and I'm sad that the mouse is gone. It was okay. I only remembered bits and pieces from the books but it seems like they captured it pretty well.
I'd consider these films to watch with the kids.
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A Good Day to Die Hard 2013
Surprisingly this was quite bad. The editing in the action sequences lacks continuity and a sense of 3d space. At one point the henchman eats a carrot. It is the only vegetable in the film, yet it is not explained.
Willis is perhaps only one sequel from vegetable himself. He spends most of his time yelling inappropriately, often to himself, and is out of touch with what's going on.
Not recommended.
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 2004
A beautiful piece of work, superbly acted and directed. I really enjoy Gondry. But I found myself a little bored and distracted here. After you suspect and then realise the film's conceit, the director is still typically self-indulgent before bringing you to the end.
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The Hunger Games 2012
I was surprised to enjoy this as much as I did. The lead is pretty good. The politics is shallow, but interesting. The facial hair and eyeliner are excellent - roll on that future.
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The Black Cauldron 1985
The Black Cauldron is quite scary for a kids' film. From my memories of the books, it's also a poor adaptation. It's often quite unclear what's happening and once everything breaks loose it's all wrapped up unexpectedly quickly.
As much as you were considering watching this… don't.
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Driven To Kill 2009
Close-up on Seagal's angrying brow. Closer. Closer. Epic score for a stroll down a street. Jump-cut tourettes. Seagal is Russian. Longest knife fight ever.
So many people need to be embarrassed about this film. The score seriously has to be heard to be believed. Is this Russian folk music for the gun fights?! Seriously what is this shit.
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Flight of the Navigator 1986
I remember this film seeming cool, probably because I didn't see it when it was released. In fact I probably saw it when it came to TV. There is the cool (and long) bit where the kid hides in a robot; a real bonifide robot that carries mail and food and has a spinning orange light on it. Also the spaceship is kind of cool looking, and it's antigrav is neat…
This afternoon I watched it with the kids. They have better taste than me.
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The Descendants 2011
I watched this on a plane. I laughed, which was inappropriate as people were trying to sleep. I cried, which was safe as no one could see me.
