#26 Review For ‘Watchmen’

* * * *

Director
Zack Snyder
Cast
Jackie Earle Harley
Billy Crudup
Jeffery Dean Morgan
Screenplay
David Hayter
Certificate
18
Running Time
162min

This blog may contain some spoilers from the graphic novel and film.

I saw it. I’ve seen the 'Watchmen' movie, who wants to touch me? I said who wants to touch me? I only know two (and a man on the train I once talked to) who have read the original graphic novel. Yet the majority of people I talk to about films still want to see it. I don’t know why though after watching the film I kinda thought that to fully appreciate the film, the book must be read. Its only subtle little things that fans would pick up on that add to the film. It was the small things that made me give it the * * * * so I am curious as to what a person who hasn’t read the book thinks of the film. The intro or opening credits for the films are one of the best I have ever seen. Bob Dylan ‘The times are a-changing’ over the history of the Watchmen and Minuet Men, it would make a true fan weep.

First let’s compare two, first thing that I found wired was the amount of violence they threw in the film over the book. In the comic they had fight scenes but very short ones, whilst in the film they seem to have taken a years course in Kung Fu. They just keep running into battle and cracking some arms. Even though the fighting was out of context it wasn’t the only thing. The sex scenes I found are really quite pornographic, if someone smuggled there kids in then they would be asking about the birds and the bees by the time they came out. Then comes the gore. And it was gory. At one point on a finger Dc Manhattan can make people explode and it happens a lot. At one point the popping on two thugs was so over gory every had a nervous laugh, whilst on screen a woman looked up and saw the skeleton of a mans arm swings dripping blood. Even though you might think I am saying these as negatives, I’m actually not. Which is surprising because I would have thought that I would have thought that it was killing the film, but I thought it added to the experience. Since I expect that Snyder knew it would get and adult rating he thought why not? They don’t tip toe round Night Owl II and Silk Spectre II getting friendly together in Archie (Night Owl II’s flying ship). And for the fighting and gore threw fighting you can tell that they wore actually once crime fighters.

Even though the ending has changed from the super alien squid it is still interesting. A bit confusing because things didn’t add up but only a reader of the book would understand. The ending still gets the same message across and most of the ending was still true. I expected the ending to be proper gander or fuel for the war in Iraq by using nukes and stuff but it really wasn’t. As I said in a previous blog (#3 2009, What To Expect?) the script for ‘Watchman’ has been hailed as one of the most accurate book to film adaptations. And I really think it shows because for some parts it was like reading/looking at the book/film… you know what I mean.

To prove what I wasn’t patronising the read with the hole, if you haven’t read you won’t like statement. I asked someone who had seen the film but hadn’t read the book. They said that the film was hard to follow and weird. This wasn’t just said by him alone, that seems to be a lot of reactions from audiences. What I am getting at it that the film is an adaptation. So a lot of people with complain and say they didn’t get it. But lets face it, it was made for fans. I’m not saying fans of the book shouldn’t go see it but be warned you might not get it all.

If you fell like seeing a super hero film, ‘Watchman’ isn’t for you. ‘Watchmen’ is not a super hero film, it is an action sci-fi. It angers me when people are referring to Night Owl II as Batman. He’s not. He’s a pathetic ex vigilante who sulks in his basement. Well that’s what I got from the book, in the film it seems like a different matter, but it doesn’t matter. Jackie Earle Harley plays a fantastic Rorschach. I was some what hesitant at first but he totally pulled it off. It was even creepy how much he looked like his comic counter part. However I think that comes over with all the characters. Each seemed to have been perfect for there roles. With the exception to two characters (yes I contradicted myself), Matthew Goode was probably the worst picked actor to play this role. A thirty year old, British actor playing a forty something year old, bulky genius. So he tried his best, bless him, but it didn’t go down well with me and others. The second casting that I disliked was Carla Gugino as the first Silk Spectre. Ok she looked fine (and I mean fine) during the flash backs but looks terrible when playing and old woman. The make up is terrible its laughable, I still like her so I can forgive her this once. However apart from that the characters and set are amazing.

So for a verdict, I will say this. I thought the film would be a flop and for some people it was. But the set and characters really bring the film as a hole alive. It is one of the best adaptations ever and it will be remembered for that. Of course if you haven’t read the book your missing out on curant parts but that’s to be expected, isn’t it? Im not going to recommend it to non-readers because I think you could be seeing other films but strongly recommend it to fans of the book, not that they haven’t all ready read it, wrote a blog and already buying those Rorschach costumes to fight those people still in Joker outfits.

Oliver Hunt

#25 Review And Q&A Of ‘Bronson’ (2009)

* * * * *

Director
Nicolas Winding Refn
Cast

Tom Hardy
Matt King
James Lance
Screenplay
Nicolas Winding Refn (co-written by) and

Brock Norman Brock (writer)

Certification

18

Running Time
92min

So last night at the Duke Of York’s Picturehouse (Brighton), Vertigo had arranged a very very special screening of Bronson (2009) with a directors Q&A after (two of the actors Matt King and James Lance where also there). I managed to get in even though it was full, now I was very surprised about seeing the screen packed out (with the exception of a couple seats). And I am really glad I didn’t miss an opportunity like this.

So what’s it all about? It’s a film, not a biopic (a Winding Refn noted), about Britain’s most infamous prisoner Michael Gordon Peterson or known around the world as Charles Bronson and his life in the slammer. Bronson has been in prison for 34 years for armed robbery at a post office for £26.18. He was then given seven years but after a string of hostage situation and fights he has been moved around the country from prisons to asylums. This film shows Bronson in his fighting prime and on his softer side as he is in and out of prison.

Tom Hardy (Black Hawk Down) is truly extraordinary as Bronson giving out long monologs and dishing out punches (which are real) whilst naked. Yes completely naked, all greased up fighting police. That might be a strange comment however I was impressed that Hardy was fine with doing so many bazaar naked fight scenes and the nakedness adds to his power over the timid police. Then there was Matt King (Peep Show) who was pretty much the only supporting character because all the others had small parts the faded out during the course of the film. However even the minor characters where interesting, the majority of them did there parts with out stealing the lime light.

The film has already sparked a lot of controversy with reviews because some people like my self are saying it is a master piece for British films whilst others say it is glorifying fighting and prisons. Now that’s stupid. Whilst watching the film I never once thought that the fighting was cool, it was beautifully done, but I didn’t want to go fighting because after it showed its repercussions of it. Usually ending with him in a bloody mess and with a straight jacket tightly strapped on in a pool of his own blood. Then comes that talk about prison life, the film actually put me off prison life a lot (not that I was thinking of joining one) but the way he would pace around the cell like an animal showed the less glamorised side of it. If anything it’s films such as The Longest Yard and Shawshank Redemption that did that. The people who don’t like a great piece of work like Bronson are what I call “attention whores”. Like when people didn’t like other classic films such as ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ they just do it so people talk about them more. Well they obviously don’t have a passion for films.

I think that Bronson is a definite modern Kubrick. I believe that even the director said himself during the Q&A that the Director of Photography Larry Smith worked on Kubrick’s last hit Eyes Wide Shut. But to me the film had a lot of things from his other film. The location’s reminded me of The Shining and the character’s and costume resembled A Clockwork Orange. During the Q&A got a chance to asked the director and actors…

“Are you proud to have your film compared to such a cult classic and are you proud to be in the film?”

To which Matt King replied…

“I haven’t seen A Clockwork Orange but yes”

(whilst he said that everyone in the audience let out a little sigh in disbelief)

When first releasing this blog (blog sounding like a creature that sits at the bottom of the sea and communicates with farts) last Saturday, I only gave 'Bronson' * * * * however after watching the trailer a couple of times I decided it is one of the best films of the year. Period. This is the first and maybe the only times I re-edited and added more stars. Seeing how it is getting bad reviews I am going to say that it is a hidden gem.

'Bronson' Trailer

Finally I recommend this to anyone who isn’t put of by other reviews. A film like is will be remembered for years to come, whether or not a couple of reviews say so. During the premier the real Charles Bronson had managed to send a video tape two days before his parole however now because of it his parole has been pushed back. If you have seen and like films such as Chopper and Fight Club you with love Bronson. Free Charles Bronson.

Oliver Hunt

#24 My Most-Under Rated Films

First of all as you have noticed I haven’t been keeping up with my blog in two weeks. This is mainly down to lack of inspiration as well as having to keep up with collage work and short film projects. However I will be back on track with reviews , my thoughts and some movie news.

I thought I would give you guys a sneak peek at what I will be writing about over the next few weeks; Review for Watchman (2009), Review for Bronson (2009), Review for Brazil (1985), Review for red Riding Trilogy (TV, 2009), Comparisons on the Watchman Endings, Comparison for Watchman Film vs. Graphic Novel. That’s to name a few just of the top of my head.

This is my list of films that where not given the credit they deserve (some more then others). Some of the most hyped up films these days I feel are over rated films but have become pop culture. Fist thing you probably going to notice is that there are seven films listed. Yes, seven is an odd number and it should be five but after searching I found more films to add.

7. Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai (1999)

Dir: Jim Jarmusch
Cast: Forest Whitaker, and a bunch of nobodies

Why is it on the list?
I think it is under-rated because have you ever heard of it? The majority wont of but its is fantastic. A nice mix of urban black culture and Japanese samurais against Italian gangsters and with RZA doing the soundtrack what more would you want?

I give it 7 dead pigeons out of ten.


6. Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas (1998)

Dir: Terry Gilliam
Cast: Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Toby Maguire

Why is it on the list?
Ok, so people who know me know that’s I talk about this film a lot, so it doesn’t count to them. But seriously it is sometimes mentioned in ‘the greatest movie lists’ however I don’t think people remember that it is one of the greatest book adaptations, one of Gilliam’s best and one of Depp’s best films all in one. From the book that’s spawned Gonzo journalism.

I give it nine cigarette purifiers out of ten.


5. Léon (1994)

Dir: Luc Besson
Cast: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman

Why is it on the list?
My favourite Reno, Portman and possible Oldman film, and that’s saying a lot. For a long time it was my favourite film before Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction of course. But I still rate it pretty high. A great mix of melodrama and slight action at the start becomes corrupt cops vs. French assassin by the end.

I give it eight Gary Oldman outbursts out of ten.


4. Garden State (2004)

Dir: Zack Braff
Cast: Zack Braff, Ian Holm, Natalie Portman

Why is it on the list?
When watching the TV show Scrubs, I ask myself why does he doesn’t he write and direct more films? Garden State is a amazing indie film, with some great camera techniques and funny mise en scene. A somewhat questionable cast like Portman which I thought made it loose touch a little as it tried to be an indie flick.

I give it seven naff shirts out of ten.


3. Big Trouble In Little China (1986)

Dir: John Carpenter
Casr: Kurt Russell, James Hong, Kim Cattrell

After watching this I instantly fell in love with it. Kurt Russell plays a truck who fights a evil Chinese super villain. Just the for a log line is enough. It cheesy, its ridicules, it’s full of kung fu. Enough said.

I give it nine Kurt Russell knife throws out of ten.


2. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Dir: Robert Rodriguez
Cast: George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel

First of all, Robert Rodriguez directing a script written by Quentin Tarantino ands stars George Clooney and Harvey Keitel. That to me is a great mix. From Dusk till dawn is full of Vampires, Mexicans, Americans, great deaths, funny quotes and Vampire prostitutes.

I give it nine holy water balloons out of ten.


1. Ed Wood (1994)

Dir: Tim Burton
Cast: Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Sara Jessica Parker

Why is it on the list?
I had never heard of this film until I read Burton’s biography. Again this being one of Depp’s best films and Burton’s, it’s a film about the worst director of all time Edward D. Wood, a cross dresser who only would take one take despite if an actor would knock into a wall or get stuck in a grave. After some terrible movie releases turned to pornography. Shot in black and white to make it look like his original films. The cast look so much like who they are playing its scary. He was the king of B-movies and this film shows his highs and lows.

I give it eight B-Movies out of ten.


Oliver Hunt

#23 Movie News! 29-02-09

I couldn’t actually think of something to write about to I decided I would tell you guys about the latest movie news of the past couple of days.

First of all, Ridley Scott is making a Robin Hood movie. I know a tad weird whilst looking at Scott’s back catalogue of film. If that’s not weird enough Russell Crowe is playing, you guess it Robin along side Oscar winner Cate Blanchett as Main Marion. Personally I don’t like Crowe but love Banchett and I all ready hate the sound of this film. Ok, there was a television show on BBC, now leave it at that. Who’s going to take it seriously? But then again with a budget of over $130m, they can make it look classy. Lastly it’s not entitled ‘Robin Hood’ but ‘Nottingham’. Also its in early production so we will have to wait until 2010 for it’s release.

Next Samuel L. Jackson has finally been signed to be in a few Marvel Comic film’s as Nick Frost. At first he wanted to do it, then decided not to, and now is doing it (obviously he’s running out of $50 notes to wipe his arse with). He will star are the comic book spy in the ‘Captain America’ movie, the ‘Thor’ movie and the ‘S.H.I.E.L.D’ movie and if luck have it he will be in there sequels. In fairness the resemblance to the character he will be playing is uncanny (no Xmen pun intended) so good luck to him bon that.

There have been a lot of remakes and sequels announced such as ‘Never Ending Story’ which sounds like an excuse to cash in on the franchise. It’s being made by the producers who are working on the classic 88 anime flick ‘Akira’ (it makes me sick thinking about it, watch the film and you’ll understand what I say). There is also a ‘Clue’ (or ‘Clue-do to anyone this side of the of the Atlantic) film coming out which I’m curious how it will work will they walk a step and stop for a while before moving again then at the end guess the killer will cards? On the sequels front ‘Friday 13th’ is getting one alongside the final Harry Potter movie ‘Deathly Hallow part 1’ due to release on 10th Nov 2010, not sure when the second is due to be released. Also Wednesday, Warners postponed the release of Richie’s "Sherlock Holmes" to Dec. 25 from Nov. 1.

Oliver Hunt

#22 S. Darko: Trailer Impressions

This blog contains SPOILERS for ‘Donnie Darko’.

Before you read please watch the trailer…

S. Darko: A Donnie Darko Tale, Official Trailer (2009)

For those that haven’t worked it out, S. Darko is the sequel to the classic ‘Donnie Darko’ (2001). It’s going straight to DVD so it will not turn people away from watching the original (if it could). Now I am really torn, at first I was disgusted about someone even thinking of making a sequel and from the trailer I was horrified. Then I watched it again and I’m interested how it will turn out? At least they got Daveigh Chase to return to the role of Donnie’s younger naive sister Samantha and not someone else. It’s also the return of the tummy condoms that tell people where to go and the bubble wall thing, because we have all missed them both and there… “powers”.

The things that look stupid are mainly the comets. What’s up with that honestly? Then there’s some thing with a missing child? Then there’s a shot at 2.03, where, I don’t know who it is but a fire ball comes out of her hand? That’s stupid, that’s so stupid? What is she Pyro from ‘X Men 2’ or the Human Touch? There seems to be more of a super hero theme going on unlike the original which was about time travel. Then there’s also some veiny guy who looks like Edward from ‘Twilight’ (1.59). There is also some guy running around saying the world is going to end, who just looks like an idiot (first seen 0.55). So ‘S. Darko’ is a mix between a super hero movie, a vampire movie, and the original sci-fi film. Bad combination.

Oh and I can’t stop there, then there’s some bird thing flying towards earth, as if a Phoenix has a grudge against American teens. Finally there seems to be a strong Christian scenes that if they mention God or Jesus will really really put me off.

Now the reasons why I want to see it. To be honest for a straight to DVD films it looks ok. Ok being the slight chance I would go out of my busy way to see it. The thriller aspect of the film looked good. I was really curious to every thing, all the little questions that were asked in the trailer are part of why I want to see it. Also there some guy who looks like a younger slightly more attractive Steve Buscemi (1.24), which made me laugh. Then the titles role before cutting to the weirdest thing about the film. Samantha sitting in front of Frank, didn't he die? But as a friend said to me “bunnies named frank never really die…”. However it could be him because Frank never died in the original. Sure Donnie shot his but then time rewound and Frank was alive. This last bit when he says “Wake up”, that was cool to me.

So to sum up, I’m not going to go out of my way to see a bizarre remake however if we cross paths then I obviously will watch it and right a review (which will most likely destroy it). Really if they took out all the vampires, phoenixes, super heroes and left in the Buscemi’s younger twin, I would be thinking something else. I could have even got a cinematic release. Really I thought what with 'Donnie Darko', Donnie was a messed up kid and saw invisible bunnies who told him when the world would end even if it didn't it just rewound (or something). And it was only in the end there are different ways of interpreting it, what's why it was fantastic. I doubt 'S. Darko' will carry on the trend not only with that but with a lot of thing.

Oliver Hunt

#21 The Results Are In! Oscar Winners!

So the Oscars are now over and thus ending the big chain of award seasons. Now the Academy Awards are over and the winners are walking away with there little golden statues, we can talk about who won and if they deserved it. Like pretty much any awards ceremony that has happened this year It was somewhat quite predictable at times. Like how ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ ran away with eight, yes that’s right, eight Oscars. Not bad for a film that was planned to go straight to DVD.

First thing that I didn’t recognise at first was that the ceremony was very, how should I say… minimalistic in comparison to other years. There where no massive plastic statues and there was a lot of TV screens use which was fantastically set out. I tip my hat to the set designer. For every time an actors award came up the previous winners came on to announce the winners which was acutely quite nice to see. A couple of parts where tacky like when Ben Stiller came on dressed as Joaquin Phoenix, It was funny don’t get me wrong I found it quit funny however it wasn’t necessary in a presides awards ceremony.

So of course ‘Slumdog-‘ has was worth something but did it need to steal the show? Other films such as ‘Curious Case Of Benjamin Button’ were total lift in the dark only picking up small awards like ‘Best Achievement In Art Direction’ and ‘Best Achievement In Makeup’. However at least it won some awards unlike Eastwood’s fantastic drama ‘Changeling’ which got not nothing. I saw this film, it was good, it was bloody good and why it won nothing is beyond me. But this just shows how many classics have come out in a small space of time. However I was glad the Danny Boyle won best director because he does deserve it after filming ‘Slumdog-‘ but part of me wanted Gus Van Sant to win because I as starting to become a big Van Sant fan after watching his great indie films like ‘Elephant’ (2003) and ‘Last Days’ (2005). Hopefully in the future (close future) Van Sant will release another film that gets him some critical apprise. When Boyle took the stage he began jumping up and down like Tiger (from Winnie the Pooh) and after everyone and had given a puzzling look to the person sitting next to them he explained his actions on stage. Aparently he had promised his children, when they where young, that he would do so.

Now with the actors awards, firstly

“The award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role goes to…”

Penelope Cruz won the Best Supporting Female award for her psycho role in Allen’s 'Vicky Christina Barcelona’. I haven’t seen the film only the trailers so I can’t comment on if she is good or not but good on her. If I got to pick who I wanted to win it would be Taraji P. Henson from ‘Curious Case-‘ . Then came Best Supporting Actor and if anyone can’t guess who won your not in for a shock.

“The award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role goes to…”

Heath Ledger. Heath’s parents and sister went on stage to accept the award whilst a tearful audience (Adrian Brody and Brad Pitt to name a few) honoured his legacy. Heath really did go out with a band however I’m curios is history will repeat its self next year if he is nominated for his last film from director Terry Gilliam ‘The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’. We will have to see if I’m still writing by then. Continuing on, another not so surprise was the Leading female award…

“The award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role goes to…”

Kate Whinslett, so give me a second whilst I applauded her. Second over. So she won for her role in ‘The Reader’ congratulations, I guess now I have to watch it. And Lastly,

“The award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role goes to…”

Not Mickey Rourke. Even though he’s been though hell and back he didn’t get the Academy Award it went to Sean Penn for his gay ol’ role in ‘Milk’. I loved ‘Milk’ and I do think he deserves it so badly because he was completely un-mislabel in that film however I kinda felt that Rourke would win it. Even if he had upset the Academy a couple of years ago I think he should have had a chance.

For the rest of the winners head on over to Empire Online, TotalFilm.com or pretty much any film web site.

Oliver Hunt

20# Arthouse vs. Multiplex

As everyone who regularly reads my blogs knows, I love Arthouse cinemas. And if you have been to one even once you will fall in love with it. My local Arthouse cinema is the Duke Of York’s Picturehouse in Brighton. My first trip there was to see last years rather disappointing ‘Quantum Of Solace’ and even though the film was a big flop the cinema was just like the holy grail of film going experiences since most of my life I have been going to the boring multiplexes like Cineworld and ODEON. So thought I would write my thoughts down and try to convince all you beautiful people to go and support the building because thousands of people flock into the multiplexes whilst the Arthouse cinemas a loosing money.

Once I went I had to go back, again and again and again. And I still plan to go every week unless the film I want to review is not on. When the latest film isn’t on, they play classics such as Gilliam’s ‘Brazil’ (15/03/09) and they even have trilogy nights like ‘Lord Of The Rings’ all nighters (which gets me exited). Last month they had a ‘Kill Bill’ night and if you have met me and we have talked about film you’ll know how big of a Tarantino fan I am. But its not just classics that get shown its foreign films like ‘The Class’. The reason why I love a cinema that plays classic films is because people who weren’t into films or even alive during the films release can know what it was like when the films first came out years back.

The Duke Of York's cinema opened in 1910 and was one Brighton's first picture palaces and also one of the first cinemas in the world. Know how many of you knew that one of the first cinemas in the world was so close to home? When walking through the doors and waiting in line for your ticket just looking behind the desk and seeing all the classic movie posters like Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ placed on the walls you know your in good company. And at the confectionary stands not only do they sell the old packet of sweets or pop corn but also some very British coffee and cakes.

Now on the flip verse its time to talk about the multiplex’s. However in stead of talking about every single on I’m going to talk about one I went to the other day, the ODEON by Brighton’s sea front. This time when walking though the entrance I was welcomed by a long queue. On the walks are the latest poster for such films like ‘The Pink Panther 2’ it didn’t really fell the same. How ever a rather positive to going to a multiplex is the amount of screens so if you don’t want to see on film you can always change your mind. Then at the confectionary stand they have the same sweet/salt popcorn, cheesy nacho’s, ect. But this time they are crazily high priced that for someone with out a job can’t afford. At least ODEON lets you take in your own food unlike Cineworld who confiscates food from the outside world as if it’s a scary foreign thing with germs or something. Then you get into the screen and have you legs crushed in the claustrophobic seats. Then the films start and unlike at the Duke Of York were everyone respects the movie and shuts up, you hear girls giggling and cocky lads talking. This is actually what happened to me when I saw ‘The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button’. I was amazing why no one told them to shut up. But then again no one really cares unlike they do at a Arthouse cinema.

Really what I want you to get from this is that you should at the very least go to see a film at the Duke Of Yorks. It cosier, the people who work there and the people who go all have a passion for films. If you yourself have a love for films you will feel right at home.

Oliver Hunt