" 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.