" Even a broken clock is right twice a day. "

 Fracture

A wealthy and highly intelligent engineer, Ted Crawford (Anthony Hopkins) shoots his wife in cold blood after discovering she is having an affair with policeman Rob Nunally (Billy Burke). The case seems open and shut with a signed confession and gun found in the house. A young prosecutor, Willy Beachum (Ryan Gosling) takes the case despite recently being accepted at a highly regarded civil-law firm. What seems to be a simple case turns out to be riddled with complications that all play into the hands of Crawford, entrapping Nunally and leaving Beachum with frustratingly little defence.

This is a refreshingly original murder mystery as there is essentially no murder (survives the gunshot) and no mystery as the killer is known from beginning. Yet the film is utterly intriguing from start to finish. The script and direction provides the viewer with just enough insight and intrigue to want to continue watching. Many murder mysteries/thrillers often introduce a realm of characters or subplots that have little importance to the story. Director Gregory Hoblit focuses on the case and exploring the two characters of Crawford and Beachum, enabling great character development and a clear, focused plot.

I am yet to see Gosling deliver a poor performance and it's interesting to see him deliver a strong performance that hasn't come from his breakout year, proving that the guy can really act and has been successfully doing it for the last 10 years. Beachum is a high achieving, confident lawyer that has achieved success in his profession at a very young age. However Crawford accurately outlines his flaw, he is a winner. Beachum must risk everything including his prospects at the civil-law firm whilst struggling with his own moral code in order to 'win' the case against Crawford. Hopkins as always delivers not just a good performance but an excellent performance. After seeing the movie I read some reviews and found that many people found Hopkins performance as lackluster as if he was simply going through the motions. I have to disagree as I think Hopkins provides a truly intriguing performance as the calculated and brilliant Crawford. What results is a battle of wits between the two main characters as they try to use each others weaknesses to their advantage.

I came into this movie with very little knowledge of what I was going to see, choosing it simply for the actors. It seems to be a movie that has slipped through the radar, earning no rewards or recognition despite the great performances and quality of the film. I think this kind of adds to the charm of the film, even it it has been unjustly recognised. If you are sceptical as to whether you want to see this film, give it a try, because like me you might be surprised discovering a very satisfying thriller and a truly entertaining movie.

It's interesting to note that Hopkins has been announced to play Alfred Hitchcock in a future film about the making of Psycho. There's very limited details as to what path the movie will take but I think the casting choice is excellent, with prominent actresses such as Helen Mirren, Jessica Biel and Scarlett Johansson also signed up to star.

" Here's some advice. Stay alive. "

The Hunger Games

Set in the future, where North America has collapsed leaving behind 12 impoverished districts, one all powerful Capitol and the annual event of the 'Hunger Games', involving the selection of a boy and girl tribute from each district, who are forced to compete in a televised fight to the death until there is a sole victor. The games act as a reminder of the Capitol's control over the districts, with the districts powerless to resist. For the 74th Hunger Games, the two tributes from District 12; Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) come up against 22 other tributes all fighting to be the last one standing.

I have read the books and was intrigued to see the film knowing that book adaptations can be successful but more commonly are a disappointment, with obvious exceptions such as The Lord Of The Rings. Thankfully this adaption was a success, the movie was as true to the book as it could be, hence its lengthy time of nearly two and a half hours. Everything from the outfits, the trends of the Capitol, locations and casting choices were spot on. I hope that people who haven't read the books can still find the movie enjoyable, as it works successfully as a film, not just as an adaptation.
 
Firstly to the amazing cast consisting of Liam Hemsworth as Gale, Katniss's hunting partner and close friend, Woody Harrelson as mentor to Katniss and Peeta who has turned to alcohol to escape the memories of his previous victory as tribute. Then there's Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, Stanley Tucci As Caesar Flickerman, who provides a fabulous performance as the interviewer of the tributes, Donald Sutherland as the ruthless President Snow and the versatile Lenny Kravitz as the righteous costume designer for District 12, who proves he can really act after his underrated performance in the movie Precious.

The central characters of Peeta and the heroine Katniss carry the movie as they struggle to trust each other and risk sharing their feelings, with the inevitable realisation that only one can survive. Both Hutcherson and in particular Lawrence provide strong performances that will ensure they become well known stars by the end of the trilogy. As Peeta and Katniss struggle together to stay alive in the arena their apparent romance and determination ignites a sense of hope amongst the districts as they challenge the Capitol's control. As the novel is written in first person its hard to reach the same depth of emotion in the movie as Tucci is left providing commentary that doesn't quite fit. I would have preferred Katniss to provide more narration throughout the movie, providing more insight into her thoughts, emotions and strategies to survive.

Director Gary Ross has provided a very faithful adaptation of Suzanne Collins much loved novel. The story of sacrifice, perseverance, love and above all loss can be enjoyed by all ages. You may be sick of the hype before you've even seen the movie but just know that The Hunger Games is worthy of the hype.

" My hands are dirty." " So are mine."

 Drive

This ultra slick film follows a stunt driver/garage mechanic in Los Angeles who doubles as a getaway driver for hire at night. Ryan Gosling provides a chilling performance as the nameless "Driver" who inadvertently becomes involved in the life of his neighbour (Carey Mulligan) and her young son. At the same time his boss at the garage (Bryan Cranston) is setting up a race team trying to bank on the drivers talent, by reaching out to his gangland contacts. As the driver struggles to gain control of his different lives he is forced to decide what is really worth protecting and what that protection will involve.

Ryan Gosling provides perhaps his best performance to date, having an amazing year with movies such as The Ides Of March and Crazy, Stupid, Love, highlighting his versatility as an actor. Gosling's character is an isolated, meticulous person who displays immense talent behind the wheel. The driver's mysterious and complex persona is broken however as he turns into an antihero seeking revenge.

The supporting cast is excellent with Cranston the standout as Shannon, the driver's boss at the mechanic shop. Shannon is the epitome of bad luck with everything about him reeking of desperation. Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman both contribute strong performances as ruthless members of the gangland syndicate each with motivation to reach the driver. Mulligan provides another solid performance with the limited screen time she is given as Irene, however her chemistry with Gosling is not believable as there is little time given to the development of her character and relationship towards the driver.

The first half of the film was breathtaking, original, bold and deeply intriguing. Director, Nicolas Winding Refn created a bleak and gritty view of L.A through his selection and manipulation of locations. The initial getaway scene sucked me in straight away, matched only to the unforgettable elevator scene. However the second half of the movie was disappointing. It's as if Refn felt like the movie was lacking plot or characters so he added plot lines such as the possibility of a racing team and the involvement of gangland thugs. As a result the characters were going as fast as they were being introduced with many plot lines adding nothing to the film.

There was very little character development in the film and a huge emphasis on brutality and revenge. I would have preferred a greater exploration into the character of the driver and I was anticipating more suspenseful scenes like the opening getaway. I would have also liked for more time to be provided for Irene and her relationship with the driver, providing an insight into his motives and true conscience. I respect the path that Refn took, and regard the end result a success, but often when you see a good movie there is that desire to see it be great.

Drive has a retro/indie feel to it that is fresh and original and delivers one of the best performances for the year from Gosling. The film captures the themes of brutality and sacrifice to a backdrop of chilling music, well scripted dialogue and powerful direction. The movie was absorbing throughout despite its somewhat disappointing second act with the end result one of haunting beauty.

" A loser is always a loser "

Glengarry Glen Rose

The film chronicles the lives of real-estate salesmen as they try to sell property with tried leads that offer little chance of a sale. As the pressure mounts a Cadillac El Dorado is offered for the top salesman with the prize for the lowest salesman the sack. The pressure to succeed causes an employee to rob the office taking the new "Glengarry" sale leads. The robbery has consequences for all the members at the office, with each of the salesman having the necessary motivation to commit the crime.

I chose this movie due to the amazing cast and the acting talent didn't disappoint. Alec Baldwin set the pace of the movie with his motivating appearance as Blake a successful salesman sent to inspire the struggling salesman of the office. Baldwin's performance is regarded as one of the greatest cameo/supporting performances in recent years and it's easy to see why. Kevin Spacey has the unthankful role of the manager of the office whom the salesmen blame and abuse for the circumstance they are in. The four salesman are Pacino, Lemmon, Arkin and Harris. All four give exceptional performances with Jack Lemmon the stand out. Every actor plays their part and as a result the movie is packed full of great scenes.

The movie is rich with betrayal, deceit and suspense as the characters lie, con and cheat and that's just to sell the property. Director James Foley has utilised his amazing cast by having the entire movie run on smart witty dialogue. The movie takes place in practically two locations; the office and the restaurant/bar across the street. The amount of dialogue makes the film feel like its from an older era conforming to the framework of a 50's or 60's film.  The dialogue accurately depicts the frustration and desperation of the employees, emphasising the level of stress that comes with the profession.

Throughout the movie you feel a sense of compassion for all of the characters at the office as you are provided with a snapshot into their lives and how important it is for all of them to keep their job. The movie represents so much more than just a couple of employees trying to sell property, providing situations that employers everywhere can relate to.

" When dealing with aliens, try to be polite, but firm. And always remember that a smile is cheaper than a bullet. "

 District 9

 In 1982 an extraterrestrial race become stranded on earth in Johannesburg, 28 years later the aliens or "prawns" are still on earth secluded to a refugee like camp called District 9. The camp has been overrun with crime with the South African Government under pressure to remove the aliens to a more remote location outside the city. The main priority is not for the aliens well-being but for the exploitation of their weaponary, that proves to only work with their specific genetic makeup. During the evacuation process Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley) who is overseeing the evacuation for MNU (Multi-National United) becomes exposed to an alien chemical that leads to drastic consequences.

The movie itself is set up like a documentary with sociologist, doctors and other experts providing their views of the situation. These interviews give the movie an independent and realistic feel making the movie seem like a real documentary. The film has such an original idea and setting, taking place over the slums of Johannesburg in modern day as apposed to the generic science fiction film portraying futuristic cities or from the backdrop of space, making the film that more effective.

The aliens themselves are very well designed with excellent CGI. Given that the film is produced by Peter Jackson I would expect nothing less. Whilst Jackson has given his support to the film the credit has to be given to Neill Blomkamp. Blomkamp's first directorial feature is based on his short film 'Alive in Joburg', he has also written the screenplay with Terri Tatchell, making it one of the best film debuts for any director.

The film is dominated by Sharlto Copley who is also making his feature film debut after only appearing in 'Alive in Joburg'. The fact that there are no Hollywood celebrities ads to the films authenticity as a documentary, with the quality of acting not suffering as Copley delivers an extremely moving performance. His physical and mental transformation throughout the movie is at times gruesome to watch but remains captivating throughout. The movie continually builds up in suspense and action mirroring the desperation and fear of Copley as the chemical takes its effect. The conclusion to the movie is one of the more moving ends to a film I have seen. The movie is so effective that I was left sympathising for the aliens by the end of the film as they are depicted almost as a novelty that has lost its appeal now descended to live a life of despair on earth, with no means of escape.

The movie boldly confronts the themes of poverty, racism, greed and power, causing the viewer to evaluate how people are still subject to inhumane living conditions, despair and discrimination around the world everyday. The movie also displays the most common solution humans find for conflict, which is violence. When violence isn't used we simply look for a quick fix, moving the problem away so that we no longer have to see it or feel responsible for it. This is depicted in the movie and is an accurate view of what happens in our present day society.

At the end of the day this is just a movie, however it is movies like this that need to be made as they bring light to issues such as poverty and make us as humans ask ourselves how can we as a race treat ourselves like this.