" Jiminy cricket, he flew the coop! "

Moonrise Kingdom

An offbeat story of childhood innocence and discovery set on an isolated coastal town in New England in 1965. When two young misfits who have fallen in love decide to run away together, the local police force and members of the scouts band together to try and find them.

There are a few certainties that come with a Wes Anderson film: there will be a dysfunctional family, children will act like adults, adults will act like children and it will probably have Bill Murray in it. On all accounts this is a typical Wes Anderson film (if there is such a thing) that offers all his usual themes and once again sees him teaming up with Bill Murray (sixth time!). However Moonrise Kingdom is slighty more focused than his other films, with Anderson displaying a clear and beautiful vision, making it his best film to date.

There is no denying Wes Anderson is a unique filmmaker as he continues to make quirky independent films that are often hard to relate to, but are at the very least hard to forget. Anderson always manages to deal with serious themes such as depression or divorce in a way that is funny while at the same time appreciating their significance. I believe Moonrise Kingdom is Anderson's best film for many reasons but one of the major reasons is the quality of the set design and cinematography. The attention to detail that Anderson and his team put in to bring the childhood like vision to life is amazing. The result is a film rich with beauty, nostalgia and imagination.

This film boasts an impressive cast from Bruce Willis as Captain Sharp, the town's sad and lonely policeman, Edward Norton as Scout Master Ward and parents of missing girl Suzy; Bill Murray and Frances McDormand. The entire cast is excellently cast with Norton the standout for me, as he is hilarious as the dedicated Scout Master who continues to hang on to the leadership of his scout group even when a member of his camp runs away. The only disappointment was Murray as I was waiting for his character to display a bit more of a personality. His character while essential to the feel of the movie was lacking Murray's trademark quirkiness or eccentric nature that he does so well. The two runaways: Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward) are both excellent as the true stars of the film and although Sam is hard to hear at times it's hard to take anything away from their performances.

Bill Murray isn't the only actor to be a regular member of Anderson's cast, in fact Anderson continues to use many of the same actors throughout his films. Besides Murray perhaps his most notable collaborator is Owen Wilson who has been involved with every single Anderson film except Moonrise Kingdom. Other regulars include Jason Schwartzman who has a small but very memorable role in this film as Cousin Ben as well as Tilda Swinton aka Social Services, looking to take Sam away. It's a testament to the quality of Anderson's direction and writing that these actors continue to come back and star in his films. Even if all of Anderson's films aren't to your taste, there's no doubt his films are interesting and very attractive for actors.

Once again Anderson has created an entourage of dysfunctional yet intriguing characters that all play a role in his unconventional story. Moonrise Kingdom is an adventure that is both imaginative, beautiful, funny and at times inspiring that offers a very honest insight into childhood innocence and hope.

" Gravy "

Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls

The hair do is back, the Hawaiian shirt is back and the head swinging strut is back, which can only mean Ace Ventura is back on the case. This sequel to the smash hit once again sees the quirky pet detective: Ace Ventura trying to locate lost animals. This time Ace finds himself in the African wilderness where he is traumatised due to an unfortunate accident involving a raccoon. Ace is able to once again find his mojo when is tasked with the case of finding a lost animal which is worshiped as a god by the native tribe. Little does Ace know the animal he is set to find is the one animal he is afraid of... a bat.

The basic premise for the first film was so brilliant, a zany yet brilliant pet detective who went to any lengths to find missing animals. The film worked because he was essentially a detective, whereas in this film he is more or less floundering around the jungle encountering as many different animals as possible. So in a way the basic premise of the character and the story is kind of lost with the plot in the second film far less interesting. That's not to say the film doesn't have its fair share of laughs.

The film offers up many memorable moments including the inspired introduction that is both shocking and hilarious especially the scene involving a slinky. Other notable moments include Ace's fight with a crazy tribal warrior and the all too famous rhinoceros birthing scene. Perhaps the best aspect to the film is that Ace a lover of all animals is tasked to find an animal that he fears and despises... the great white bat.

Carrey is as memorable as he was in the first film, delivering all the one liners that he made famous and adding in some new ones along the way. Some may find the second film a little repetitive especially since he repeats a lot of lines from the first film but for for fans of the original the lines are welcomed and enjoyed just as much as when they were originally delivered.

The one let down in this film is the supporting cast. Actors such as Ian McNeice, Simon Callow and Bob Gunton all deliver rather dull performances (granted they have little to work with) compared to the supporting cast from the original who provided great opposition to the antics of Carrey's character. But lets face it this film is a one man show with Carrey given centre stage to quite literally strut his stuff.

You will either love or hate this film depending on your opinion of Carrey's over the top style of comedy involving ear wagging, elongated vowels and outlandish mannerisms. Personally I love Carrey's eccentric nature and although the film may not live up to its original it still offers plenty of laughs.

" If I'm not back in five minutes... just wait longer "

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

Detective Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey) is not your average detective, he specialises in the recovery of lost animals no matter how big or small. Although he may be the laughing stock of the police force Ace remains dedicated to his job and somehow always manages to solve the case. When the Miami Dolphins mascot is kidnapped, Ace has to put all of his knowledge and experience to the test. Luckily Ace is aided with the help of Miami Dolphins representative Melissa (Courtney Cox) who accompanies Ace in an attempt to uncover the truth behind Snowflake's disappearance.

In the early years of Jim Carrey's career he established himself as a versatile comedian through TV shows such as In Living Color and with his unique brand of stand up comedy. Ace Ventura catapulted Jim Carrey into genuine stardom allowing the rest of the world to see his comedic talent. Although Carrey went on to make some classic comedies (personal favourite: Liar Liar) I don't think any character matches that of Ace Ventura.

Carrey is given free reign in the film, allowing the top character of Ace Ventura to come to life in a way that could never be repeated or remade. Theres no doubt Carrey made the character his own he didn't simply act out words from a script, he rewrote lines and ad-libbed scenes to ensure his character was as zany and memorable as possible. Part of Carrey's magic is his skillful ability to do a range of impressions and accents which he adopts with ease whenever he feels the need. The character of Ace Ventura is so over the top and eccentric that you can't help but smile, but for the majority of the film you find yourself not only smiling but laughing uncontrollably.

Carrey went on to complete many slapstick comedies playing characters that were equally as eccentric and over the top but it's hard to go past the brilliance of Ace. It's a testament to the character of Ace Ventura and to the film, for starting the trend that Carrey has essentially milked for the rest of his character. That's not to say Carrey is a bad actor by any stretch, in fact I think Carrey is a very underrated actor. Although he may have proved himself as a comedic talent few people acknowledge Carrey for his more serious dramatic roles. I feel Carrey is a vastly underrated dramatic actor as he has proved in films such as The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind that he can seriously act.

Ace Ventura is one of my all time favourite comedies and it's a film that can be easily rewatched again and again even if it's just for his seemingly endless array of catch phrases and one liners. Some of which are still used in conversations today such as "Alllrighty then", "Reheheheally" and "L ah-who-sa-her" (although when you use them yourself most people genuinely have no idea what you are talking about). The film is a comic gem that should be relived by those that have forgotten its appeal and experienced for the first time by anyone looking for a laugh.

 

" Do you like the shape of the rhinoceros? "

Midnight in Paris

Gil (Owen Wilson) is a successful Hollywood screenwriter who is struggling with his attempts at a debut novel. Gil accompanies his fiancé Inez (Rachel McAdams) on a holiday to Paris along with her sceptical and overbearing parents in attempt to find inspiration for his novel. Gil falls in love with the city fantasising what it would be like to live there in the golden age of the 1920's. Gil loves the city so much that he wants to move there once they are married however Inez doesn't share his ideals and instead wishes to return to America and move to Malibu. Uncertain about the path his life is taking Gil takes to walking the streets of Paris at midnight only to see his fantasies become a reality.

I never quite know what to expect with a Woody Allen film as they are always very different to say the least. One thing that can be assured with a Woody Allen film is that it will be unique as he tries to make something new and original each time. Allen successfully blends the beauty of the city and the fantasy of Gil's nighttime adventures, making for a very intriguing film. There is little need for explanation as to how the time travel happens, instead Gil simply goes along for the ride enjoying the remarkable encounters he has with his literary idols.

Among the famous writers, artists, composers and filmmakers Gil meets are Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and most notably Adrianna, Picasso's mistress played by Marion Cotilliard. Gil is taken by Adrianna's beauty and starts to doubt his true affection for Inez. As Gil becomes swept up in his midnight fantasies he finds it hard to juggle between his two lives, causing Inez and her parents to grow suspicious of his late night expeditions.

Gil is an intriguing character as at first he is very unlikeable. It's made clear that he is frustrated with his novel but he is unwilling to accept the advice of others instead choosing to impose his unwanted views and opinions onto others. Yet by the end of the film I couldn't help but like him, mainly because Owen Wilson is a hard actor to dislike even if his character is somewhat stubborn and selfish. Equally as stubborn and imposing is Paul (Michael Sheen) a friend that Inez and Gil bump into in Paris. Paul like Gil comes across as very unlikeable character as he sheds his insight and knowledge on absolutely everything refusing to accept the views of others. The only difference is his views and opinions are respected and appreciated, especially by Inez. Inez is a very shallow character that is played very well by McAdams, although there is little joy to be taken from her character's personality and nature.

The most impressive part of the film comes right at the beginning with an impressive montage of Paris. It plays like a collection of Allen's personal photographs as you are exposed to all the highlights Paris has to offer. The opening sets the mood for the rest of the film as Allen pays homage to the wonderful city, with the film acting as his love letter to Paris.

Despite the rather weak conclusion and the fact that most of the characters possess unlikeable personalities the film itself is a beautiful fantasy set to the enticing backdrop of Paris. The film definitely struggles in some areas but there are subtle changes that occur within Gil's character, ensuring his journey was worthwhile. By the end of the film you are left with the simply message that everyone can and does get nostalgic about the past, but the only way to move forward in life is to start living in the present.

" Everyone needs a hoby. What's yours? " " Resurrection "

 Skyfall

Skyfall marks the 23rd appearance of the world's most famous spy in a year where the Bond legacy celebrates an impressive 50 years. Daniel Craig dons the tuxedo for the third time, once again breathing fresh life into the franchise with his grittier portrayal of Bond.

The movie starts like most Bond films with a fast paced chase scene, this time through the streets of Turkey. However Skyfall's opening is one of the more memorable openings to a Bond film as Bond is shot and killed after trying to secure a stolen list containing the names of uncover MI6 agents around the world. Luckily Bond survives and returns to London looking to return to the field of duty and attempt to once again uncover the list. The situation becomes more drastic when MI6 headquarters is attacked, creating fear and uncertainty across London. The British Secret Intelligence Agency led by M (Judi Dench) is thrown into disrepute, with the future operation of the agency placed in doubt. With the safety of MI6 agents all around the world put in danger it's up to 007 to find the people responsible and prevent any further loss of life.

The most satisfying part of Skyfall is that the film lives up to its extremely high expectations. There is no doubt everyone involved with this film has gone all out to ensure the film is a worthy celebration of 50 years of Bond. With the result nothing less than spectacular. The cast is perfect, there is a talented director at the helm (Sam Mendes) and the story is set on a large scale that remains dramatic and intriguing throughout.

Skyfall delves into the back story of M, shedding some light on the personal choices she made in the past that have now come back to haunt her. Dench is given a much larger role in this film with the audience made to question whether or not the choices she made were justifiable and whether or not she is still up to the job of leading MI6. The movie also explores Bond's childhood providing a glimpse into what made him the spy he is today. Craig once again delivers a captivating performance always juggling between the role of hired hitman and the suave spy that everyone knows and loves. Craig may be perceived as a rather dry almost dull James Bond but I think he captures the humour and excitement of the character perfectly in a way that is subtle and stylish.

The films also boats a number of respected actors such as Ralph Fiennes as Mallory the Government's representative overseeing MI6, Naomie Harris as Eve, Bond's talented partner and Ben Wishaw as a much younger Q. And of course there is Javier Bardem as the villain Silva who was by far the most anticipated casting choice. It's hard to forget Bardem's fantastic performance as the sadistic Anton Chigurg in No Country for Old Men so when he was named as the villain for Skyfall there was a great deal of excitement. Bardem steals every scene he is in and provides a worthwhile villain for Bond. Silva is as clever as he is vengeful and he proves to have a very personal motivation driving his actions.

With most bond films there is now a sense of familiarity as we wait for Bond to say famous lines such as "the name's Bond... James Bond" or ask for his martini "shaken, not stirred". Skyfall has all of the expected elements but there is something a little extra in this film. The film pays homage to past Bond films with the inclusion of certain characters and a famous Bond car, so by the end of the film you are left with a feeling of nostalgia. Although the film pays respect to Bond films that have come before there is no doubt this film is original and unique in it's own right.

Skyfall is packed with so many memorable scenes from the opening chase through the rooftops of Turkey, to the thrilling scenes set in London and even an impressive scene that sees Bond and M set up a house Home Alone James Bond style. What makes this film more than an action film is the time and thought that has been put into every scene. The cinematography is fantastic with the choice of locations providing beautiful backdrops for the action and drama. Mendes has succeeded in capturing the scale of the film and the essence of what a good Bond film should be...entertaining.

 I don't think anyone will deny that Skyfall is a dramatic improvement from the disappointing Quantum of Solace, yet I still rate Casino Royale as Craig's best film as Bond. However Skyfall can certainly stake its claim as one of the greatest bond films of all time. Skyfall has effectively adapted the world of espionage to modern times offering a suspensul, action packed and at times moving film that is sure to please a range of viewers. Craig has now established himself as one of the greatest Bond's and given the recent news that he will appear in two more Bond films I can't wait to see what happens next.

" This is the best bad idea we have "

Argo

Based on the real events in 1979 when the American embassy in Iran was stormed by militants, leaving 52 Americans to be taken hostage. Six Americans in the embassy were able to escape before being captured and subsequently found refuge at the Canadian ambassador's home. With no means to escape and no telling how long it would take for the Iranians to realise they had escaped capture, the six were left to stay in Iran. The CIA desperate for a solution brought in exfiltration expert Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) who proposes an idea so farfetched that it might just work. Mendez suggests that he flies to Iran as part of a Canadian science fiction film crew planning to film in Iran. Once there he plans to meet up with his production crew (the six Americans) and fly them home. In order to pull off the operation the fake movie known as Argo had to appear authentic, leading to Mendez acquiring the help of certain Hollywood personalities.

Ben Affleck was once the poster boy for Hollywood blockbusters and although he had some notable roles he gained a reputation as a mediocre actor. It wasn't until Affleck decided to take up the camera and direct his first movie: Gone Baby Gone that he really came into his own. Affleck then went on to star in his second film: The Town proving not only that he has a natural talent for direction but also that he can in fact act. There is now no doubt that Affleck is a talented director as Argo is one of the more sophisticated and impressive films of the year.

Affleck also delivers what I believe is his best acting performance in the film as CIA agent Tony Mendez. Mendez is a dedicated and brilliant agent who puts his own life at risk to extract the six American officials. Affleck comes across as a very likeable person who has tragically devoted his life to his job and his country, leaving behind his personal life and family. Affleck is the driving force behind the film and it shows that he can direct himself better than most other directors.

Affleck delivers a really strong performance but it's his supporting cast that steals the show. Bryan Cranston plays fellow agent Jack O'Donnell who supports Mendez' elaborate operation and puts everything on the line to assist him when things don't go as planned. For anyone that has seen Breaking Bad they will know how talented an actor Cranston is and Hollywood is slowly starting to realise as well. Cranston has popped up in countless supporting roles over the past few years mostly for just a few minutes but thankfully his roles are starting to gain more substance such as in this film. Now that Breaking Bad has finished filming its final season it will be good to see Cranston take on some larger roles in the future.

The best performances in the film come from Alan Arkin who plays Hollywood producer Lester Siegel and John Goodman who plays Oscar winning make up artist John Chambers. Chambers is a real life person who helped the CIA with operation Argo however Arkin's character Siegel is a composite of four different characters. Despite that fact both characters are excellent and add some humour to the tense film. The pair set up a fake company in Hollywood as well as find a script, design storyboards, a movie poster, take out a two page magazine advertisement and even hold a launch party to promote the fake movie. It's amazing the lengths they went to in order to make Argo appear authentic and it has been revealed now just how successful their efforts were. It's believed that famous directors such as Steven Spielberg were sucked into the ruse and even sent in scripts to the fake company.

The entire film is excellent but the beginning and ending scenes are without doubt the most compelling. The introduction to film where the 52 Americans are taken hostage and the six escape is a scary and desperate situation that few could relate to. As the Iranians threaten to break down the gates and storm the embassy the officials inside realise they have no where to hide, no where to flee to and no one to come and help them. Affleck manages to capture the perspective from both outside the gates and inside the embassy emphasising the desperation from both sides.

The conclusion is equally as memorable as Mendez' plan is put into action. The captivating montage through the city that lasts for about twenty minutes is thrilling and suspenseful. Although the ending may be dramatised slightly it's clear that Affleck has taken every measure to ensure the film is authentic and accurate.

This is a very intriguing and thrilling movie, with it's events so unbelievable you sometimes forget that they really happened. The real story wasn't declassified until 1997 by President Clinton, prior to that America and the rest of the world were oblivious to the efforts of the CIA and agent Mendez. Argo may shed some light on a well known event, but it makes you wonder what other secrets are classified that will hopefully one day be revealed.

 

" That was a regretable turn of events. "

Dark Shadows

Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp) is a well liked family man who has the unfortunate luck of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). Angelique turns out to be a very powerful and vengeful witch who punishes Barnabas by turning him into a vampire, killing his parents and true love and imprisoning him in a coffin for 200 years. Barnabas is released in the year 1972 where he finds his beloved family home and the world he once knew changed dramatically. Barnabas takes it upon himself to protect and unite his quirky descendants who now occupy his home.

Dark Shadows once again sees the collaboration of Director Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, which has become one of most familiar pairings of modern cinema. On paper Dark Shadows seems to fit the mould of Burton and Depp as it is a quirky, dark comedy, yet the film never really takes off. There is no doubt Burton is a popular filmmaker who has made some genuine classics such as Edward Scissorhands and box office hits such as Alice in Wonderland, but a lot of his films are very disappointing. I respect the vision and style of Burton's film making as they are always very unique and visually beautiful but often Burton just doesn't get it right. Unfortunately Dark Shadows is one such film that leaves you asking the question, what was he thinking.

 Dark Shadows is based on the Gothic soap opera of the same name that ran in the 60s and 70s. It's no secret that Burton was a fan of the show and he seems to be fulfilling his own fantasy by bringing the story back to life. The only problem is Burton hasn't been able to break away from that soap opera style. The film is promoted as a dark comedy but it seems like Burton has restrained himself from going too dark and scary and has only halfheartedly added in comic elements. The result is a film that is not funny, dark or even mysterious, it's just a dull melodrama centred around a 200 year old vampire. I wish Burton had gone all out to make it a comedy or even a musical comedy that he has proven he can do successfully such as with Sweeney Todd.

It's not all grim as Depp is still his charismatic self as he embraces the character of Barnabas Collins completely. The best scene comes when Barnabas hires Alice Cooper to play at a party, whom he believes is a woman. This leads to one of the more memorable lines "Ugliest woman I've ever seen!". Joining Depp is Burton's wife and long time collaborator, Helena Bonham Carter who plays Dr. Hoffman who seems to suffer from a perpetual hangover. Michelle Pfeiffer plays Elizabeth Collins who is struggling to keep her family together, consisting of her useless brother Roger (Jonny Lee Miller), nephew David (Gulliver McGrath) who believes he can see the ghost of his mother and daughter Carolyn (Chloe Grace Moretz) who is continually moody and ultimately fed up with her family. 

Joining the strange family is Victoria Winters (Bella Heathcote), a friendly governess who is employed to teach David. Winters is perhaps too likeable and friendly who may be hiding a few secrets of her own. However the only notable performance comes from Eva Green who relishes the opportunity to play the seductress witch Angelique. Despite almost two centuries Angelique looks as youthful and remains as passionate and vindictive as she was 200 years before, as she struggles once again to win the love of Barnabas.  

Most of the characters and their storylines are unnecessary and no character is even attempted to be developed out of fear that Depp would lose a valuable second of screen time. Yet Burton insists on including many different characters that should be quirky and funny but are in fact simply props that are left unexplored. Most of the actors seem uninspired and uninterested in the film which subsequently is how you are left feeling.

The story and cast would appear like a winning combo and with Burton in his element what could go wrong. Unfortunately the film just doesn't work, from the very beginning as you listen to the boring narration you become unengaged in the story and as the film continues you find your interest in the characters and the story declining rapidly. Burton is a hit and miss filmmaker and there is no doubt this is miss, but look forward to seeing more of his unique brand of films in the future, I only hope his next film isn't Dark Shadows 2.

" We were so wrong! "

Prometheus

Scientists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) discover cave drawings that predate anything previously uncovered on Earth. Believing that the drawings are a clue as to the origins of mankind Shaw and Holloway join a crew of other scientists to search for answers. The crew travel to a distant planet aboard the ship 'Prometheus' only to discover an unsettling secret that may threaten the very existence of mankind.

Prometheus is director Ridley Scott's long awaited return to the genre of science fiction. The genre which he helped redefine with films such as Alien and Blade Runner. Prometheus was originally meant to be a prequel to Alien but instead the film is merely set in the same universe, adopting an original storyline with a new set of characters. Although the film may not be a direct prequel to Alien there is no denying Prometheus has many connections and references to Scott's original masterpiece. The film itself has an almost identical story arc as Alien: a crew embarks on a mission to explore a distant planet only to discover the inhabitants were not what they expected. Although the two crews have different motives for traveling to their destinations you can't help but notice similarities once they begin to explore the planets.

This film is pretty ambitious film, let's face it a film centred around the origins of mankind was always going to be hard to pull off. Scott has ensured there is a very interesting mythology involved with the film and ultimately created a very intruiging story. Sure there are plot holes but the main issue with this film isn't the daunting task of searching for our beginning, it's the screenplay. Almost all of the characters are underdeveloped and the story itself is very frustrating. There are times where the films flows smoothly and you find yourself getting sucked into the story but for the most part the timing in the film doesn't flow. I wanted to see more suspense in the film and more drama, despite the film running for 2 hours it felt as though there wasn't enough time to tell the story properly. The conclusion itself came very suddenly feeling like an anticlimax to such a promising idea and concept.

The cast for this film is very strong with Charlize Theron playing the bitchy and determined  Meredith Vickers who is the representative from Weyland Corporation of which the mission has been funded. Idris Elba playing Janek the layback pilot and Guy Pearce who plays the elderly Peter Weyland. The actors are given strange roles to work with and although Theron and Elba give good performances there is barely enough provided to build a character on. I have no idea why Pearce was even cast as he is completely unrecognisable under make up and special effects and is only in the film for about 5 minutes. The character was completely unnecessary and just left you feeling disappointed that you never got so really see Pearce on screen. Rapace was fine as the main lead and features in perhaps the most memorable scene involving a surgical operation but overall her performance was pretty disappointing.

The only real stand out performance came form Michael Fassbender who plays android, David. Fassbender seems to be getting all the good roles in Hollywood at the moment and David is no exception as he is definitely the most interesting an most developed character which is ironic as he is a robot. Fassbender's character continues in the alphabetic tradition of androids in the Alien franchise from Ash in Alien, Bishop in Aliens and Alien³, Call in Alien: Resurrection and David in Prometheus. David is a very inquisitive and of course intelligent android who likes to model his behaviour and speech from Peter O'Toole in Lawrence of Arabia. David is a very intriguing and at times creepy character who seems to have an agenda of his own.

The one aspect of the film that is fairly undisputed is the quality of the special effects. Scott is famous for using very minimal special effects in his films, instead choosing to use real life approaches and utilising the fear of the unknown. Scott embraces special effects here with many scenes showcasing his impressive vision. Whilst Scott has embraced new technology there are still plenty of memorable moments where fear is brought on from the unknown, highlighting as always that the imagination is the most powerful way to induce fear. 

It was always going to be hard for Prometheus to live up to it's high expectations given that Scott was returning to the genre of science fiction and that the film was a sort of prequel to Alien. Add to the mix a very effective marketing campaign and it was hard not to get swept up in the excitement. Unfortunately like many others I was left disappointed. Despite the disappointment Prometheus still manages to intrigue and thrill and offers some very impressive visuals. Although you can't help but compare it to Alien there is still plenty to admire. Despite the lack of character development and frustrating story fans of the genre and of Scott's work will not doubt still find the film entertaining. In the end Prometheus poses more questions than it answers.

" It's an unfair game "

Moneyball

In 2002 the Oakland Athletics baseball club had the lowest salary cap in the league, with the loss of three key players the season has all but ended before it even started. General Manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) finds himself in a seemingly impossible situation as he can't afford the logical replacements to fill the vacant spots. Beane meets and hires an interesting executive called Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) who uses statistical data to analyse player statistics and value their true worth. Beane adopts Brand's method of choosing players and in turn creates a sort of 'misfit' team that he believes has the potential to win the World Series. The model adopted by Beane and Brand radically changes how players are valued, causing baseball clubs across the nation to take notice.

Moneyball is based on the book Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game written by Michael Lewis who also wrote; The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game which inspired the movie; The Blind Side. There is no doubt this is an amazing story and one that deserves to be told. For some the story might have been followed in real life but I came into the film with a blank slate as I don't follow baseball and wasn't aware of the events during the 2002 season. Working with Lewis were screenwriters Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin, who are two of the best known screenwriters working in Hollywood today. The entire writing team along with director Bennett Miller (Capote) have successfully brought this film to life, making for a refreshingly modern sports drama, where the characters and events can still be followed today.

Billy Beane has a very charismatic personality and comes across as a loyal and dedicated manager of his club as he invests his time and emotion into every game. One of the more intruiging aspects to his character is the superstitious rituals he has such as not watching the games live. Throughout the film we learn more about Beane's own baseball career, which in itself is equally as intriguing and compelling as the main story arc. Beane is portrayed excellently by Pitt in one of his best performances to date, and I really thought it was his year for the Oscar. Unfortunately he missed out yet again but seeing as though he seems to get better each year it's only a matter of time now.

The other main characters include executive Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) and stubborn coach of the A's Art Howe (Philip Seymour Hoffman). The only negative I have from this film is the amount of time given to the supporting cast. Hoffman was barely in the film at all and given Hill's Oscar nomination I had high expectations for his performance. Hill still delivered a strong performance and was deserving of his nomination, however I felt he could have been given a larger role especially since his character was largely dramatised from the real life Oakland A's executive Paul DePodesta. DePodesta didn't want to be named in the film and as a result he was changed to the character of Peter Brand, meaning the character of Brand isn't an accurate depiction of DePodesta's role at the club or his personality. There is also an excellent cameo like appearance form well known director Spike Jonze who plays the socially awkward partner of Beane's ex-wife Sharon (Robin Wright).

One thing I learnt from this film is how cut throat the sport of baseball is. Players are traded constantly throughout the season as managers continually try to make deals and bargain in an attempt to improve their list. By having the option to see negotiations that usually take place behind closed doors, you were able to see firsthand the stress placed on the managers and players and in turn develop a sense of sympathy for them. Whether it was Beane at risk of his losing his job or one of the many players that were traded out during the year there's no doubt that baseball is a competitive sport.

A major theme throughout the film is the sense of romance that is associated with the sport of baseball. Whether its a player getting a second chance to prove himself or one of the poorest teams in the league turning the tables on the rest of the competition, it's hard not to get drawn into the emotion of the sport. I think the idea of romance and baseball is an ideal that most can relate to and can be applied to many different sports. One thing that is common in all forms of sport is that fans will be passionate and loyal towards their team no matter what.

The film focuses on the inner workings of the club as much as the games themselves, showcasing what is actually involved in a game of baseball. For viewers that are hesitant to watch the film as they don't like baseball or don't understand the sport don't worry as you don't need to understand or even like baseball to enjoy this film. Moneyball is a compelling story with Pitt is at his best leading the way. Sure there are some cheesy moments but I believe this film will be remembered as one of the greatest sports films of modern times.

" It's a bad day to be a rhesus monkey "

Contagion

A modern day thriller centered around the lives of various people as a deadly virus infects millions of people around the globe. As members of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control struggle to find a cure for the virus the death toll around the world increases astronomically. With the virus spreading at a seemingly unstoppable rate the pressure builds for the CDC to find a cure as fear, chaos and desperation transpires worldwide.

There are many individual stories being told in this film from the members of CDC trying to find the cure such as Deputy Director Ellis Cheever (Laurence Fishburne), Dr. Erin Mears (Kate Winslet) and scientist Dr. Ally Hoxtall (Jennifer Ehle). As well as father Mitch (Matt Damon) whose wife Beth (Gwenyth Paltrow) and stepson die in the first recorded case of the virus. Other prominent characters include Dr. Leonora Orantes (Marion Cotillard) a member of the World Health Organisation and well known blogger Alan Krumwiede (Jude Law). You would think that having such a strong cast would ensure this movie is as engaging and dramatic as advertised, sadly however it is not.

Soderbergh has included a vast array of characters to illustrate the global affect of the virus. By following these characters the detrimental impact of the virus can be seen from a variety of perspectives whether it's a character dealing with the lose of a loved one, developing symptoms themselves or struggling unsuccessfully to try and find the magic cure. The problem with having so many characters in a film played by so many well known actors, is that when they are given limited screen time as in Contagion you end up feeling cheated by their contribution. For the most part there are strong performances, however no character was given a large enough role to warrant any character development, as character development took second place to the overall story involving the spread of the virus.

The best performances come from Kate Winslet and Matt Damon, with Damon in particular displaying the most genuine form of emotion out of the cast, which is highlighted in the third act of the film. Jude Law is the only real let down as his Australian accent is ridiculous. I have no idea why he even needed an accent as he wasn't based in Australia, but as a result his character was extremely annoying and unlikeable.

Soderbergh is a really good director, I loved the Ocean's Eleven series and have enjoyed many of his other films such as Traffic and The Informant! however his directing is challenged here as Contagion proves a difficult film to make. I feel like he took on too much with this film, causing the film to lack drama and excitement. Given the scale of the virus' effect it was always going to be hard to conclude the film in a satisfying manner. I couldn't help but feel bored with the ending as everything seemed to conclude very quickly and neatly. This is a film that should have been thrilling and suspenseful throughout, however I was left almost bored throughout the film with the events unfolding in a seemingly predictable manner.

One of the most impressive aspects to this film is a promotion campaign designed for the film. A billboard which can be seen below was created using live bacteria to spell out the name Contagion, which is a really clever and original promotion idea.

Ultimately Contagion delivers exactly what you expect: a virus spreads uncontrollably across the globe, causing chaos and disruption to social order worldwide. Contagion remains an engaging, thought provoking and at times thrilling film, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed after watching it. The film unfortunately suffers from a lack of clear direction and doesn't deliver the suspense and drama that one would expect from this type of film.

" A little guilt goes a long way "

The Machinist

Trevor Reznik (Christian Bale) is an industrial worker who lives a tragic and lonely life. He is an insomniac who hasn't been able to sleep for a year, is so thin he is putting his health at risk and on top of it all believes the few people in his life are involved in a plot to seek some form of revenge against him. As Reznik searches for answers he finds himself more and more isolated from his work colleagues and friends as he struggles to trust any of them. As Reznik's desperation escalates he begins to doubt himself and his own sanity.

 Director Brad Anderson and writer Scott Kosar have created a powerful and memorable psychological thriller. The location, lighting, characters and overall mood of the film creates a feeling of desperation and confusion as you try to understand what's going on. With the harrowing performance of Bale at the heart of the film.

The film keeps you guessing right to the end as you try to piece together the clues including the character of Ivan (John Sharian) that apparently only Reznik can see, the strange occurrences at Reznik's apartment or the significance of the time 1:30. Throughout the film you are trying to work out whether or not the unusual events are just in his head and understand what happened a year ago to cause his insomnia. For me the the conclusion was very clever and came as a surprise as I wasn't able to put together all of the hints and clues.

There are some strong performances from minor characters such as Stevie (Jennifer Jason Leigh) a prostitute Reznik frequently visists and Marie (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon) a waitress whom he becomes friends with. As well as John Sharian whose portrayal of Ivan was extremely disturbing but very effective. Yet this film belongs to Christian Bale whose performance and physical transformation is both unbelievable and mesmerising. Bale lost about 28kg for the role, weighing only 54kg, which has to be up there as one of the most drastic weight changes any actor has undergone for a role. Bale is well known for going to extreme lengths for his films but never before has his appearance changed so dramatically. Bale is unrecognisable as the ghostly figure of Reznik proving the dedication he has for his art.

This is a disturbing and haunting film that explores the damaging effects of guilt, paranoia and fatigue. Bale's performance is fascinating to watch and his portrayal is one that is hard to forget. The Machinist lingers with you long after you finish watching as you appreciate the true quality of the film, but ultimately after watching this film you simply feel like you need a good rest.

" Where did you find this guy? " " He's from France. "

Godzilla

French nuclear testing in the South Pacific results in a new species of lizard to be created known as Godzilla. The new species affected by the radiation is 50m tall and after terrorising fishing boats in the South Pacific Ocean migrates to the island of Manhattan. As the U.S. military attempts to stop the giant lizard they enlist the help of Dr. Niko Tatopoulos (Matthew Broderick) who has been researching the effect of radiation on certain animals. When the attempts by the military fail, Godzilla is able to undertake its real motives for coming to the island, which could result in an even bigger problem for the citizens of Manhattan.

Director Ronald Emmerich has established himself as the king of disaster movies. He has been responsible for many box office hits such as Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and 2012 as well as many films that were box office flops, none more so than 10, 000 BC. Whether his films gain box office success or failure his films generally receive poor critical response due to his style of film making. Similar to the filmmaking of Michael Bay, Emmerich doesn't shy away from big budget effects or a lack of explosions as he comes up with new ways to destroy well known cities. Godzilla is no different as Manhattan is the unfortunate backdrop for destruction and ruin. Coming into an Emmerich film like Godzilla you have to realise what you are about to watch: an explosive and fun action flick. Viewers expecting a sophisticated piece of cinema need to remember the film is about a giant lizard running rampant in Manhattan. 

Broderick is the unlikely hero who offers scientific knowledge rather than military experience. Perhaps the most unbelievable part of the film is that a scientist who researches radioactive worms is our best chance of stopping a giant lizard. Broderick delivers some quirky one liners but ultimately he is pretty poor. It's sad to say but I'm still waiting for him to appear in another good movie as Ferris Bueller seems to be his one hit wonder. Maria Pitillo plays Audrey Timmonds a struggling reporter who is Broderick's love interest in the film but unfortunately she is incredibly annoying as she plays the cliche damsel in distress.

The majority of the laughs come from Hank Azaria who plays dedicated cameraman Animal, who goes to any lengths to gain footage of Godzilla. But the real star of the film is Jean Reno aka Philippe Roache, a member of the French secret service who along with his team is monitoring the situation in an attempt to cover up the French involvement in creating the lizard. Reno is excellent as the mysterious French agent who along with Azaria proves he has excellent comic timing.

The early scenes of Godzilla are very engaging as there is still a sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding the beast. The best scenes in the film come early on when you can't see Godzilla and it's left to your own imagination to picture what he looks like. The actual arrival of Godzilla comes fairly early into the film and is done with convincing effects that still hold up today. The majority of the scenes in Manhattan are very engaging with the scale and threat of Godzilla handled with excellent effect. The only flaw is how a 50m high lizard continually manages to hide from everyone. The main problem with the film is the length as thee film is way too long. During the second act the monster has well and truly been established and the storyline becomes repetitive and unnecessary.

There is no denying this film has its faults, the issues which have been shared by many critics since its release result in the poor acting and lack of story. On both accounts I would have to agree as most of the performances are beyond cliche and the storyline (in particular the second act) is very repetitive. Yet there is something about Godzilla that works, you have to simply go along for the ride and accept this film as a fun, guilty pleasure.

" We can't go back "

The Debt

A remake of an Israeli film by the same name, the film follows three Mossad agents in 1965 who are sent to Berlin to capture the Nazi war criminal: Dieter Vogel aka The Surgeon of Birkenau. Their mission is to capture Vogel alive and have him stand trial for his crimes, however not everything goes to plan. The film explores how the events from 1965 come back to haunt the three agents thirty year on.

Coming into this film I was sceptical as to how the two different time periods would be handled, but thankfully Director John Madden was able to transition between the two story lines very effectively. The process of which the earlier story in 1965 is remembered and told is very clever. You are never left confused but you are always left wanting to know more and continue watching, which I think is a pretty convincing sign that the film is effective.

Despite the experienced way the two stories are told there is no denying the flashback scenes are far more engaging that the scenes set 30 years later. The flashback scenes are full of suspense and drama and as a result I couldn't help but feel disappointed every time their scenes finished.  Luckily though the entire film is well paced and there is barely a dull moment, leaving you captivated throughout.

The three agents in 1965 are played by Jessica Chastain (Rachel), Marton Csokas (Stephan) and Sam Worthington (David) and thirty years later they are played by Helen Mirren (Rachel), Tom Wilkinson (Stephan) and Ciaran Hinds (David). In both stories the focus is on Rachel who is played as expected  extremly well by Mirren. For me she was the shinning light out of the three experienced actors and it almost seems as if she was brought into the film to make the scenes that were set thirty years later more appealing to the audience. Luckily it works.

For me the real acting talent comes from Chastain, Csokas and Worthington, as all three deliver great performances. Worthington still seems some what out place in an espionage thriller appearing more at home in a summer blockbuster but he manages to deliver a solid performance. Worthington is helped by the fact that David is an intriguing character and although he has few lines and is perhaps not explored in much depth, Worthington makes the most of his character. The real star of the movie however is Jessica Chastain. Chastain exploded onto the scene last year and delivers the strongest performance in the film, it's easy to see why she has become the actress in demand at the moment.

Don't be put off by the subject matter of this film as the events of World War 2 are simply a backdrop to the story. At the same time don't regard this as a simple film that is not worthy of your attention as there is more involved in this film than one might think. The Debt has some really suspenseful scenes as well as an intriguing love triangle. As the film ultimately explores the effects of guilt over a long period of time, posing the question, can a lie be justified?

" If I grew up on a farm, and was retarded, Bruges might impress me but I didn't, so it doesn't. "

In Bruges

Two hit men Ray (Colin Farrell) and his experienced partner Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are forced to hide out in the city of Bruges, Belgium after a job goes wrong. As the pair wait for further instructions from their psychopathic boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes) they are left to explore the city. For Ken sightseeing in Bruges is a welcome respite whereas Ray quickly loses his patience as he finds staying in Bruges unbearable and unnecessary.

In Bruges is a strange title, at first you don't know what the title means and when you find out Bruges is a city you have no idea where it is, its even joked about in the film. The city is integral to the films plot as it provides Ken with a new perspective on life and provides Ray with an excuse to vent his anger stating at one point that "maybe that's what hell is, the entire rest of eternity spent in fucking Bruges". The city is a character in itself and it is as crucial to the film's success as any of the actors. By the end of the film you feel like you really know the city, and all you want to do is go there for yourself.

The interesting backdrop for the film is but one of the achievements of the film, as the casting choices of Farrell, Gleeson and Fiennes prove to be perfect. Farrell in my opinion gives his best performance of his career as the short tempered Ray who is tormented with guilt over the result of his past assignment. Farrell and Gleeson were both rightfully nominated for a Golden Globe for their performances with Farrell taking out the award. Although Fiennes makes a late entry he is also excellent as the foul-mouthed boss who comes to Bruges looking to do set things right according to his own principles. Yet the stand out performance comes from Gleeson who plays the calm and educated hit man that begins to question his chosen lifestyle once in the serene city of Bruges. In the end the three main characters work together very naturally making the most of McDonagh's  witty dialogue.

There is no doubt writer/director Martin McDonagh took on a difficult project for his first feature film as the interweaving plot lines and complex characters would have proved difficult for an experienced filmmaker. Yet he makes it appear easy, as he has successfully combines his amusing and intelligent script with violence and drama in a unique dark comedy. Although there are plenty of hilarious one liners there are also genuine moments of poignancy and reflection showing that McDonagh hasn't just sought out to make a violent comedy, he has tried to create a complete film. McDonagh deals with some heavy themes in the film from our purpose on earth to what the afterlife will bring whether it's heaven, hell or purgatory to the overarching theme of what is right and wrong.Somehow McDonagh manages to juggle all the elements with the end result a film that warrants a range of emotions.

Some might see McDonagh's style of filmmaking as Tarantinoesque due to the emphasis on violence and the way seemingly meaningless actions have related consequences for the end outcome of the film. I feel as though McDonagh has gained inspiration from directors such as Tarantino but has created his own unique style of film. I look forward to McDonagh's next film Seven Psychopaths which is due out next year that sees him team up once again with Farrell. I hope that the release of Seven Psychopaths encourages more people to go back and see In Bruges and I believe it will no doubt become a cult favourite in the future.

McDonagh has created a very accomplished debut demonstrating that for a film to be effective and attract genuine acting talent it is essential to have a clever script and a location that offers purpose to the film. In Bruges may be seen as a merely a postcard film showcasing the beautiful city of Bruges but it should be regarded as a film showcasing how to successfully make a dark comedy.

 

" I never expected to get this sort of reaction so early "

The Watch

Concerned local citizen Evan (Ben Stiller) leads four men in a local neighbourhood watch. Evan's less than impressive team consists of his over enthusiastic neighbour Bob (Vince Vaughn), wannabe cop Franklin (Jonah Hill) and new resident to the town Jamarcus (Richard Ayoade). The watch is established when Evan's Costco employee and friend is murdered, although the team do little more than scare teenage vandals. Miraculously the team of misfits soon find themselves protecting their neighbourhood form an alien invasion.

In recent years there have been many notable films that blend science fiction and comedy from classics such as Ghostbusters to modern hits such as Men in Black. Perhaps no duo have done it better than Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in their much loved films Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead. The Watch tries to go down a similar path but unfortunately misses the mark in terms of comedy and science fiction. The aliens offer nothing original to the genre as they are nothing more than a hybrid of Predator and the Alien. However the lack of originality with the aliens is not the underlying issue with this film.

Director Akiva Schaffer who is a writer and director on Saturday Night Live is still trying to make his mark on Hollywood having only directed the small budget film Hot Rod. Schaffer tries to create a bromance film where the four leads bounce off one another but unfortunately there is very little chemistry. It seems that Schaffer was almost distracted by the science fiction elements and as a result the humour between the four suffer.

I believe this film could have been more successful if there were no aliens at all, with the film instead focusing on the four main characters as they protect their town from a real life threat. The aliens appear almost as a lazy inclusion as if the writers couldn't come up with a realistic or original scenario for the four men to investigate. One of the major letdowns in the film is the script. Writers Jared Stern, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg choose to focus on predictable penis jokes instead of witty humour. As a result there are very few likeable characters and virtually no character development with each character as creepy and weird as the next.

The casting choice of the four leads seemed like comic gold but there is so little chemistry between them that most of the humour seems forced. Stiller and Vaughn are both looking a bit older but their characters haven't changed a bit. Stiller plays the familiar energetic control freak and Vaughn is as hyper as usual as he tries to squeeze as much dialogue into each scene as possible. Hill is probably the best character as the borderline psychotic oddball (although not the only one) who is really starting to become a sought-after actor. Ayoade is made out to equally as strange as Hill but is tragically given very few lines. However Ayoade makes the most of what he is given and provides the majority of the laughs. If you haven't seen his show The IT Crowd then do yourself a favour and seek it out, as it is one of the funniest shows to come out of Britain.

The Watch is a little disappointing as there are countless plot holes and an overemphasis on cheap toilet humour. The Watch does offer some genuine laughs but the comedic talent of the four main actors are underutilised and overshadowed by the supernatural aspect of the film, with the end result a film that is hesitant to commit to either genre.

Top Five Pixar Films

 Pixar has come a long way in its 25 year history, from bugs to bears the company continues to deliver original ideas and set new benchmarks for quality of animation and storytelling. One of the most enjoyable parts of a Pixar film is the memorable short films that appear prior to the feature, which are worth the ticket price themselves. Pixar also had the foresight to include trademarks known as easter eggs into their films. These 'blink or you miss them' moments offer hints to their next films or act as part of a long running joke such as the inclusion the pizza planet truck or Pixar's lucky charm John Ratzenberger. It is remarkable that Pixar has been able to produce so many high standard films with the only let down (in terms of critical opinion not box office success) coming from Car/Cars 2.

Although Pixar has returned to an original concept with their latest release, Brave, it seems that Pixar has succumb to the trends of modern cinema as they are revisiting many of their original films in the form of sequels and prequels. With Finding Nemo 2 in the works, Monster's University set to come out next year and probably another Toy Story given the box office and critical success of the third I only hope that Pixar doesn't stop releasing unique and original films such as the ones that have helped establish its reputation.

5. Toy Story

Toy Story demonstrated the potential of Pixar's animation as well as provided audiences with a truly emotional story that everyone could relate to. The basic premise is that all toys are actually alive and get up to all sorts of mischief when we are gone and honestly what kid hasn't entertained that idea at one time in their life. Toy Story revolves around Buzz and Woody in a buddy comedy that made viewers of all ages become nostalgic and sympathetic for the way they had treated their toys in the past. Part of the emotion in the film comes from Randy Newman's famous song "You've Got a Friend in Me" as well as the recurring theme of becoming unloved or forgotten that was all too relatable for many.  

4. Ratatouille

Pixar's hidden gem comes in the form of a rat whose love for food leads him to become a chef in Paris. Ratatouille is a highly underrated film that is often forgotten but there is no mistaking the films originality and beauty. You have to admire Pixar's bravery for supporting such an idea as the concept of a rat cooking food in a high class French restaurant is certainly risky. Luckily Pixar had Brad Bird as writer/director who was able to create a film that appealed to all audiences. Ratatouille has many memorable moments but the end narration by the imperious food critic, Anton Ego is one of the best scenes from any Pixar film.

3. Toy Story 3

There is no doubt all three Toy Story films are excellent as they masterfully explore themes of friendship, jealousy and loyalty. Toy Story 3 however is definitely a cut above the rest. In the first two films the tense friendship between Buzz and Woody made the characters somewhat unlikeable and annoying. Whereas in the third film with the introduction of a common enemy in Sunnyside and Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear the characters became more likeable and as a result created a more enjoyable film. Toy Story 3 became the highest grossing animated film worldwide and for a good reason. The film attracted viewers who had grown up with the first two films as well appealing to the new generation. It is not often that the third film in a series is the best but in this case it's true. Toy Story 3 wasn't simply another sequel quickly put together, it was a cleverly thought out idea that brought something new to the series. The quality of the film can be summed up by the opening sequence where the beautiful animation and ingenious concept takes you inside the mind of a child playing with his toys.

2. The Incredibles

The Incredibles follows retired superheroes Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl and their super children, Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack. One of the most appealing aspects of a Pixar film is that unlike other animated films there is a conscious effort to ensure the film is aimed at adults as much as it is children. Much of the humour and themes in The Incredibles such as loss of identity and depression in are in fact directly aimed for an older audience. The Incredibles really showcases the potential of animation as consideration and detail was put into every character and scene. The film introduced some of Pixar's most beloved characters from Frozone to fashion designer Edna Mode, voiced excellently by director Brad Bird who taught us why we should never wear capes. The Incredibles remains one of my favourite superhero films of all time as it is able to balance witty humour, action and drama all at once.

1. Finding Nemo 

The best Pixar film in my opinion is Finding Nemo, but not only is it the best Pixar film I believe it is the best animated film of all time. Finding Nemo has so many great qualities from the genius casting of Ellen DeGeneres as Dory, to its moving score and of course for its spectacular portrayal of Australia's pristine underwater life. Water in the animation world has long been regarded as a frustration as it never seems to look authentic. From the very first shot you know that the team at Pixar have got it right. No matter how beautiful the animation is, the visuals never take precedence  over the quality of the story and the character development. The Journey of Nemo's father Marlin as he searches for his son is so enjoyable and relatable that you cant help but go along for the ride. When I first heard about Finding Nemo 2 I was really disappointed as there didn't seem a need for a sequel, but as always when it comes to Pixar you just have to have faith in their plan. For the full review of Finding Nemo see my review earlier this year.

" I simply am not there. "

American Psycho

Based on Bret Easton Ellis' highly controversial novel by the same name, American Psycho is as confronting as it is compelling. Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is a wealthy businessman that is surrounded by class from the clothes he wears to the restaurants he dines at. Bateman however is not your average upper class citizen as he is also happens to be a psychopathic killer. As Bateman struggles to control his growing lust for murder his true identity becomes harder to hide from his work colleagues, friends and even the police.

The film grips you in straight away as you are taken through the seemingly typical routine Bateman undergoes each day. Every scene is purposefully shot and as a result you are able to gain a true understanding of Bateman's life and through his narration his darkest desires and fantasies. This film is in essence a very sophisticated thriller as you are constantly unprepared for what Bateman might do. The lunches and work meetings all appear very normal but there is a distinct overtone associated with every scene that leaves you in a state of anticipation. Despite Bateman appearing constantly on edge he very rarely lets his guard slip and it's on very rare occasions that you are given a glimpse into the undeniable aggression and rage he possesses. It's not until Bateman's first act of murder that you realise his fantasies and desires are not just fantasies.

There is no doubt Ellis has written a very complex novel that can be interpreted as a representation of man's true desires and impulses or even an extreme satire reflecting on the monotonous way of life of upper class citizens. Director Mary Harron has respected the ideas of Ellis faithfully and created a film that similarly to the book received mixed reviews and gained a lot of controversy. Given that the film deals with such horrific acts of murder and graphic sex scenes it had to be expected. Luckily Harron was not afraid of such critism and disapproval and as a result developed a film that is regarded as a classic by moviegoers around the world. American Psycho is a haunting film and its unforgettable scenes, musical celebrations and performances stay with you long after the credits finish. 

However the work of Ellis and Harron would be for nothing if it wasn't for the brilliant performance delivered by Christian Bale. Many actors starting out in their careers wouldn't take on the role of a serial killer out of fear they would be typecast as a psycho or villain. Bale didn't see it that way he saw a great role and simply made it his own. Bale's narration and performance throughout the film ensures his character is perceived as an emotionless and threatening person. But even more than that Bale makes the audience see Bateman not as a person but as a shell of a person who feels no remorse or regret for what he has done. Bale is excellent in every scene whether he's expressing his musical knowledge passionately where you can't help but laugh guiltily or he's chasing a woman with a chainsaw, stark naked, covered in blood with a an eager grin plastered all over his face

Bateman is portrayed convincingly as a man of control (who eventually loses control). Every aspect of his life from his appearance to his business card has to be perfect. His compulsion to control everything leads to his eventual descent into madness where he can longer control his urges. It is here in the last act that Bale's true brilliance is revealed as Bateman's spree appears to be coming to an end. The most likely person to discover Bateman's true identity is Detective Donald Kimball, played excellently by Willem Dafoe. Dafoe was asked to play Kimball in three different ways: he though Bateman was guilty, he didn't think Bateman was guilty and he wasn't sure. Harron has ingeniously blended the three performances together and as a result you have no idea how much Kimball knows or if he even suspects Bateman. There are many other strong supporting performances most notably Reese Witherspoon as Bateman's unsuspecting girlfriend Evelyn and Chloe Sevigny as Bateman's secretary Jean who appears to be equally in love and scared of Bateman. However this film belongs to one man; Christian Bale.

The title American Psycho leads to think you are receiving a spoiler before you even see the film and in many ways you are. This is film about a respected man who also kills people of which most people would already be aware of before seeing the film, yet this film is much more than a routine slasher film. American Psycho is a thought provoking and underrated film that keeps you engrossed all the way to its unexpected and highly debatable ending.

" He just punched a baby "

The Campaign

Congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) has run unopposed in his North Carolina district for eight years but he is forced to fight for his candidacy   when local tourism director Mary Huggins (Zach Galifianakis) joins the race. Huggins is supported by two corrupt, wealthy CEOs played by John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd. Brady soon realises he has a fight on his hands due to the support Huggins is receiving from his wealthy contributors and ruthless campaign manager (Dylan McDermott). As the election quickly approaches the pair resort to dirty tactics with their campaign turning into a hotly disputed contest.

There is no doubt that this should have been a funny film, the premise seemed simple enough to execute but like any election things don't always go smoothly. Unfortunately the writers of this film decided to create two unlikeable characters that are so over the top in their mannerisms and eccentricity that you are unable to relate to them or even enjoy watching their antics on screen. This could have been a really clever film but instead the writers and director chose to talk about dicks and balls over and over again in an attempt to shock the audience into laughter. There are glimpses of quality comedy such as dealing with Brady punching a baby accidently, however those moments are far and few. The film chooses to move away from the politics and instead focus on the annoying characters of Brady and Huggins. In terms of who has the strangest obsession, most outlandish family or 'loving' wife it's hard to  pick a winner

Will Ferrell is an interesting actor in the fact that his films are extremely popular by many whilst at the same time despised by many. The most interesting thing is that although alot of his films are bad they somehow make their way into popular culture. His quotes and antics become that of legend constantly relived by fans yet at the time when you watch the film they don't appear to be funny at all. I like some of Ferrell's movies but to me he is still a 50/50 actor in that you never quite know what your going to get.

It's not that Ferrell of Galifianakis deliver poor performances in this film it's just that they had very little to work with. Galifianakis is not surprisingly made out to be an eccentric yet at the same time 'loveable' loser, the only problem is Galifianakis has played that character countless times before. The performance of Ferrell comes across as lazy as most of the time he is simply shouting out insults that are neither witty or funny. I think both Ferrell and Galifianakis can be really funny actors that on rare occasion can deliver a strong dramatic performance (Everything Must Go, It's Kind of a Funny Story). However I think they are both more suited to playing the supportive character which they has proven very successful in the past with both of them often stealing the film with their scenes.

I think that the premise for the film would have been received more favourably it it was a 10 minute skit on Saturday Night Live, as that was about the time it took for the joke to run its course. Director Jay Roach has made some interesting films including the popular Austin Powers series and Meet The Parents. Throughout his films he has established himself as the king of elaborate events where a character finds himself stuck in a series of situations going from bad to worse before the inevitable resolution. He has achieved this format successfully with the situations often being very funny and relatable despite their exaggerated nature. The Campaign is begging for some of that past charm and wit, but instead we are left with accusations of terrorism, petty attempts at backstabbing and a series of escalating scandals that are both repetitive and unoriginal.

The Campaign is one of those films where the only funny lines or scenes were in the trailer, there are some rare hints of the political comedy that it could have been, but in the end I was left feeling disappointed. Politics as a topic for comedy should be a gold mine for witty and satirical humour but unfortunately in this film we are left with crass, tiresome one-liners.