Sideways (film review)

Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church embark on a road trip through southern California, in search of good wine and one last carnal embrace before Church's character gets married. The wine tasting scenes and discussions are great, so much that I paused the DVD and poured myself a glass. Both characters are somewhat chalk and cheese friends, a bit like the mismatched cop films, but it works wonderfully well in Sideways. Bit surprised, and miffed, that Church was nominated for an Oscar and not Giamatti. A smart, funny and poignant film that is best watched with a good bottle of wine. 8/10

The Christmas Candle (film review)

It's refreshing to have a Christian film that is not afraid to wear its heart on its sleeves. There are not many about in this secular age. The Christmas Candle is a period drama that deals with the nature of faith, tradition, hope and miracles in an intelligent and mature way but without getting too bogged down in theology or trite piety. The performances are all very good, although Susan Boyle does not seem comfortable in her acting role. Hans Matheson and Samantha Barks are the stand outs, giving the film a much needed presence and chemistry. Britain seems to be the master of period dramas, and although The Christmas Candle does not quite excel in this area it is still a nice and uplifting film.

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (film review)

Jim Carrey. Comic genius or annoying twat? For some people the jury is definitely out. Regardless of this, in Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind he shows that he is well capable of delivering a performance that is both sensitive and understated and Carrey fits into this sci-fi romantic drama with disarming ease. The premise of the story is immediately engaging; following their bitter breakup, Kate Winslet decides to take advantage of some ground breaking technology and have Jim Carrey’s character removed from her memory. It’s a great idea for a film, given that memory is such a powerful and important part of our personality and existence. The different characters find out it can be both a blessing and a curse, like the wheat and chaff growing together. The screenplay does a great job in exploring these themes, while the direction is inventive and finds a nice balance of drama and romance. Original, touching, and compelling film making. 9/10

Abortion debate on YouTube

In this YouTube video, Stephen Fry talks about the role of language in dehumanizing the Jews during the Nazi reign in Germany. I feel that the same thing is done with regards to the abortion of babies. I made this point in the comments section and was criticised for it. Here is one of the debates I had.

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MrCuddlyable3                                                    No Michael James, you have learned nothing positive from Fry, only that language can be used to dehumanize selected people. Your anti-abortion agenda is to dehumanize those women who take abortion and their doctors as guilty murderers. A foetus is, despite your complaint, a "bundle of cells" during prenatal development. It is certainly not yet a human baby, and may never be. Stopping an unlucky process to save a person's future is different from the antisemitic murders of the Nazi holocaust. Michael James                                                                My agenda is to save the lives of innocent babies, not dehumanise women who have had an abortion or the doctors, so please don't put words into my mouth. What I am emphasising is that culture, through the use of language, dehumanises the life that is growing in the mother's womb to make abortion easier to do. If you respected human life from conception then maybe you would see those "bundle of cells" in a different light. That a pregnancy might be 'unlucky' is not valid ground for an abortion. MrCuddlyable3                                                    Michael you pretend to defend a baby where there is none. You are obviously a man who thinks abortion is easy, a zealot who wants to incite a culture split between innocence and murder-guilt. Your attempt to hijack the comment space to push your divisive agenda only exposes your inability to give compassion to a real woman. Your self-serving cant is opposed not by the vague "culture" that you accuse of disrespecting life but by those who want to help people living with painful choices Michael James                                                     You assume far too much of me. I am against abortion but it does not mean that I lack compassion for women who have abortions - it is wrong of you to jump to conclusions and label me as a uncompassionate zealot. I realise that many women are afraid and vulnerable when faced with an unwanted pregnancy and should not be judged if they choose abortion. What am I defending? Human life, something real. You call it 'a bundle of cells'. In that case you and I are a bundle of cells   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     There were a few other comments made by others but for certain reasons I cannot post them here.   Is abortion really the best we can offer women?

Pitch Black (film review)

Something of a sleeper hit when it was released in cinemas, Pitch Black is an above average sci-fi thriller about a group of humans crash landed on a desert planet inhabited by killer aliens that only come out to hunt at night. Matters are somewhat complicated with the presence of Riddick, a convict in the shackles of a bounty hunter. They are an interesting duo; a bad goodie pitted against a good baddie. Who do you trust more? Vin Diesel plays Riddick very well - as sociopathic killers go he's pretty cool. There are a few other interesting characters among the survivors, like the female member of the crashed spaceship intent on redemption. And then there are others who have 'cannon fodder' written across their foreheads. Just don't kill the good looking girl off too early. Apart from that, the plot is pretty straight forward: get off the planet without being torn limb from limb, and as a thriller it is satisfying and taut. 7.5/10

Prisoners (film review)

Prisoners begins with a beautiful shot of a deer edging across a snow clad forest while two hunters, father and son, take aim with a rifle. The fragility of life is emphasised from the very start of the film and sets up the scenario of every parents nightmare, the disappearance of their young daughters. With Jake Gyllenhall's investigation stalling, one father, played by Hugh Jackman, feels the helplessness of the situation too overwhelming and he decides to take matters into his own hands. Their are many layers to Prisoners but the pacing of the film is key: it's a slow burner which brings a real sense of tension and urgency to the unfolding plot. You really don't know what is going to happen and the film has you gripped and on the edge of your seat without any cheap thrills or having to be flashy and action packed. The superb acting across the board and an intelligent and thoughtful script is crucial in making the characters actions, thoughts and feelings authentic and believable. One of the year's best thrillers. 8/10

With Malice Towards None: A Biography Of Abraham Lincoln by Stephen B Oates

After watching Steven Spielberg's film about Abraham Lincoln I was keen to learn more about this fascinating character. This biography by Stephen B Oates is generally regarded as the standard one volume book about Lincoln and I can understand why. Oates really brings Lincoln to life, building up a vivid picture of a man who overcame an impoverished upbringing and grafted his way to the top by sheer talent and industry. The reader really gets to know Lincoln and admire him despite his faults and failings. In this sense it is a very objective book, and Oates is not afraid to shy away from Lincoln's human failings, both as a man and as a president. There is a good balance to this book. Oates develops Lincoln's character well while weaving historical circumstances around him, and is usually accessible to the layman, which would include myself. With Malice Towards None is very well researched, written with good economy and a high standard of prose. But it is not without its faults. The ending to the book is a bit abrupt. Oates should have told us what happened to his wife and children and how the civil war ended. The book basically ends with Lincoln's death. The emancipation proclamation, as portrayed in Spielberg's film, is not given enough clarity and emphasis and the whole issue is a little confusing. There is also a glaring omission of Lincoln's planned monetary reforms. If Lincoln had survived to serve another term as president then the world's economy might be in a much better state today. Still, these failings aside, With Malice Towards None is a very readable account of a great historical man. 8/10

Edinburgh Festival with Alexi Sayle, Rory McGrath and Philip Pope and others

                                                  Alexi Sayle

 

First up was Adam Strauss at the Underbelly Delhi Belly in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh. My friends and I arrived in the old town with plenty of time to find our venue and sneak in a cheeky pint. It was pleasant to nurse a pint in the bowels of the Underbelly in what seemed to be a converted beer garden. What the Underbelly is outwith the Edinburgh Festival remains a mystery to us but it's an interesting old building, full of nooks and crannies. Before we finished our pints I told Alan and Tony that Adam Strauss had got a very good review in a newspaper the previous day but there was still a sense of uncertainty about a show called The Mushroom Cure. It turned out that the title itself was a bit misleading. There is no 'mushroom cure' - just psychedelic trips on mushrooms. Strauss was not a comedian, more a performer giving a monologue about his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and his existential angst, which he seemed to have a lot of. To give him his due he's an articulate and smart guy and I was sympathetic to his OCD related problems but his performance left me a bit nonplussed. It could have been a lot worse but it wasn't what we were hoping for. We then legged it straight over to the other side of Edinburgh's city centre for our next show, Alexei Sayle at the Stand Comedy Club. Our expectations were high and we were not disappointed. It was uncompromising stand up from a witty and colourful character that often had us laughing very hard. I was surprised to find out that this was his first stand up show in about 14 years but, as Alan rightly pointed out, he's still got it. After that we dined at KFC and then headed back across town to the Old Town for a stage adaptation of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at The Space. It turned out to be an all female cast, which instantly had my attention, and I tried in vain to appreciate their acting skills and not judge them by their looks. To be fair the acting was very good. The problem was that there was one sole male performer, dressed in a blouse, which didn't make any sense on an all female psychiatric ward. We were expecting his character to have gender identity issues but his presence among a group of female patients was never explained. Apart from this puzzling mystery the play was very well thought out and executed. I particularly liked the use of sound and light, especially when one of the main characters would give a short soliloquy about the effects of her illness in relation to the hospital. It was very effective. Next up was Rory McGrath and Philip Pope at the George Square Two. McGrath is a well known tv personality but I knew next to nothing about Pope. Their show was similar to Rich Hall's Hoedown - humorous songs on guitar and keyboard. The lyrics were funny and they interacted well in between songs with the audience and each other. I agreed with Tony that they were sort of Rich Hall but not quite to the same standard, both in terms of music and comedy, but it was still good entertainment and a nice cheerful way to end the Festival. After the show we had a very important decision to make - run for the midnight bus or stay and have a few drinks and get the 1.30AM bus. We wisely chose the later.

 

          

                                Rory McGrath

                 

 

Rush (film review)

There's so much to enjoy and admire in this fascinating and exciting biopic about the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda, two Formula One drivers at their peak in the mid 1970's. Chris Hemsworth as Hunt and Daniel Bruhl as Lauda are both superb in their roles; Hemsworth captures Hunt's playboy antics and maverick approach with great charisma, while Bruhl is very convincing as the calculating and clinical Austrian. Screenwriter Peter Morgan and director Ron Howard get the right balance between thrilling car races and an intelligent and colourful script revelling in the contrast between the two very different protagonists. Their relationship is vital to the film's success and there are moments of humour and moments of poignancy, all handled very nicely. The car races are very realistic and exciting, although one slight flaw is that Hunt and Lauda drive cars of a similar colour and at times it was hard to distinguish who was who, especially at speeds of 170 MPH. The cinematography of the races and the different landscapes around the world is very striking, and composer Hans Zimmer provides a soundtrack that further heightens the excitement of the intense rivalry. One of the best films of 2013. 9/10

Elysium

'And the meek shall inherit the earth'. Unfortunately in this film they inherit a diseased, overpopulated earth while the wealthy live it up on Elysium, a luxurious space station orbiting the planet. It's an interesting and relevant idea from the mind of Neill Blomkamp, the same guy who wowed audiences in 2009 with sci-fi thriller District 9. The action comes thick and fast as Matt Damon finds himself with only a few days to live and must get to Elysium where he can be cured of radiation contamination. His fate becomes intertwined with the fate of humanity and the bigger picture overshadows his own life. The relevance of the film is in the vast gulf between rich and poor and the determination of the rich to hold onto what they have. It's nice to have an action film with a social conscience, although I feel Blomkapp could have fleshed out this part of the story more and also focused more on character development. The special effects are very good and Sharlto Copley, of District 9 fame, makes a brilliant baddie. All in all it's good entertainment but not the film that could fully redeem this summer's disappointing cinematic releases. 7/10

Edinburgh Festival with The Shawshank Redemption, Brainsex and Craig Campbell

Our first show, Brainsex, is probably the main reason that you are now viewing this blog. Sorry to disappoint but it is not as dodgy as it sounds. My own interest was purely educational. Honestly. The show took place in what seemed to be a small shipping container called the George Square Box, which was a bit strange. As my friend Alan retorted, we were half expecting to find ourselves in Afghanistan on rendition by the end of the show. Regardless, we dutifully lined up in a fairly long queue - obviously many other people were interested in Brainsex from a purely educational point of view. I felt sorry for the girl collecting the tickets. "Are you here for Brainsex?" she would ask. We were all very mature about this of course and did not emit a single giggle or chuckle. The show itself proved to be an interesting and amusing hour about the differences between the male and female brain. The science part went a bit over my head at times, but the presentation was often injected with much needed silliness and humour. Overall it worked quite well and I can think of many less pleasant ways to spend 60 minutes in a small shipping container. Our next show was a stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption at the Assembly Rooms Music Hall. It was an impressive venue, complete with glittering chandeliers, for a much loved film and novella and I wasn't surprised that the hall was packed almost to capacity. It was always going to be impossible to live up to the emotional power of the film but despite watching the play from a slightly defensive position I still managed to enjoy it. I particularly liked Omid Djili as Red, the convict who befriends the main protagonist. His American accent was so convincing that I wasn't sure it was him at first. The set props, movable steel cages, were cleverly used to create each prison scene and there was an authentic prison feel to the stage presentation. (I've never been in prison, in case you are wondering) The story unfolds fairly well and the acting is thoroughly solid but the screenplay doesn't really capture the intimacy and importance of the relationship between the two main protagonists. Also the twist at the end could have been given more thought by the director, it just doesn't work as well as the film. Alan was impressed, being one of maybe ten people in the world never to have seen the film before. He promptly resolved to put that on his to do list, so I guess that in itself is a good testimony to the stage version. Our final show of the day was Canadian stand-up comedian Craig Campbell, at one of the smaller venues within the Assembly Rooms. We had seen him last year as part of a trio of Canadian comics and having been the best of the three we decided to give his solo show a go. He is a very likable, winning character and there is just something naturally funny about him, like Tommy Cooper or Eric Morcambe. Even some of his weaker material of the night still got a laugh due to the way he would tell the story or the facial expression he would pull. He started the show off by interacting with the audience and for a few minutes I thought he was going to go fully improv on us, but somehow he managed to overlap the audience jokes with his prepared material. Funny guy and it was good to end the day on a cheerful note.

Only God Forgives

Only God Forgives is a dark, violent story set in Bangkok about the unfortunate human need for revenge. The plot is fairly simple, although at times I wasn't quite sure what was going on, especially with Ryan Gosling's strange character. The acting is very good, especially Kristin Scott Thomas as the ice queen bitch from hell. Gosling acts with a lot of controlled intensity, similar to his portrayal in Drive. On the down side there is a lot of slow, purposeful walking and posing that seems unnatural but maybe it was meant to add to the surrealism of the film. Some of the cinematography is quite striking, and you get the feeling each scene has been carefully thought out and rehearsed. It doesn't always work but I admire the director's ambition and vision. The violence cannot go unnoticed - there are a few scenes of graphic violence that are really quite disturbing and don't add anything to the film. Only God Forgives is an atmospheric, stylish, strange film that never reaches the heights of Drive, the directors previous film and a far superior one at that. 7/10

Edinburgh Festival with Rich Hall, David Baddiel and Greg Proops

                                                                      David Baddiel

Mercifully the weather was clement on our opening Festival day and Tony and I travelled through to Edinburgh in good spirits. Alan and his girlfriend were already in the capital so we would meet up with them later in the evening for our first show of the Festival. After some dinner in Princess Street Mall we were faced with the unenviable task of finding the Assembly George Square without our human SatNav (Alan). Surprisingly we arrived at our destination without much ado and even had time to sneak in a cheeky pint at The Gilded Balloon. We were only a few hundred yards from the Assembly George Square and so we met up with Alan and Hannah in the queue for our first show, David Baddiel's Fame: Not The Musical. But alas due to 'technical difficulties' we were standing in the line for about 40 minutes. 'Technical difficulties' could genuinely be technical difficulties or it could be the standard excuse for many different situations, like when Axel Rose of Guns 'N Roses refused to go on stage until his hamburger was cooked to his liking. To give David Baddiel his due, he seemed genuinely apologetic for the delay when he arrived onstage but for the four of us it meant that we had to leave his show early to get to the Greg Proops venue on time. With the benefit of hindsight or the acquisition of a time machine I would have stayed for the whole David Baddiel show, which was funny and interesting, and given Greg Proops a miss. Baddiel's first stand up show for many a year dwelt on the phenomena of fame and what it is really like. He gave some interesting insights, often in the form of humorous anecdotes, and I found him an engaging and sharp character. Proops was a disappointment - he stretched some unfunny jokes out far too long and failed to connect with his audience. He seemed a bit awkward at times in his delivery and stage persona that in turn made me feel awkward. He is certainly a smart guy, but I don't think he is a natural stand up comedian. Maybe he would make a better dinner companion. So we left the Debating Hall at the Gilded Balloon Teviot wishing Proops had had the technical difficulties and not Baddiel. We consoled ourselves with a few pints, drinking somewhere in the George Square complex until it was time for Rich Hall's Hoedown at the Spiegeltent Palazzo. I was really looking forward to this. And he didn't disappoint. He had assembled a good trio of musicians (drums, bass, lead guitar) with himself on acoustic rhythm guitar and keyboard. His songs were a mixture of country and blues, his cowboy hat sort of gave it away, and the music was actually very good. His lyrics were inventive and clever and funny, and he enjoyed some banter with the crowd in between songs. It was a fun, enjoyable show and it might prove to be the highlight of the Festival already but we shall see.

                                                                      Rich Hall

The Painted Bird by Jerzy Kosinski

 

Jerzy Kosinski's The Painted Bird met with much controversy when first published in 1965. It is set in an unnamed Eastern European country and follows the harrowing experiences of a young boy abandoned by his parents at the beginning of World War Two. The controversy largely surrounds the depiction of the peasants that the young boy encounters as he moves from village to village over a period of about five years. They are brutal, ignorant and callous to an extreme. Compare this to what the author really experienced as a young boy trying to evade the Nazi occupiers and I can understand the controversial response. Many villagers housed Kosinski and his family at the risk to their own lives and there is no evidence that he was badly treated. Why Kosinski decided to write a book vilifying these people is both perverse and baffling. I don't understand why Kosinski wrote The Painted Bird in the way that he did and the actions of the peasants are so bad as to be almost unbelievable. But it is a work of fiction of course, and I guess that would be Kosinski's defense. Some of the scenes of violence, brutality and rape are extremely disturbing and harrowing, and I would recommend caution in reading this book. The frustrating thing about this book is that it is so well written, with Kosinski demonstrating a great command of language. This book could have been a masterpiece but it will remain a highly disturbing enigma.  

This Is A Call: The Life And Times Of Dave Grohl by Paul Brannigan

This Is A Call charts the rise and rise of Dave Grohl, from fledgling punk rocker to drummer of grunge superstars Nirvana to lead singer of his current band Foo Fighters. This biography is an interesting insight into one of music’s most successful and talented rock stars of the last twenty years. One of the things I liked about the book is that the author, Paul Brannigan, has walked the walk, rather than being a general music fan who decides to do some research into Dave Grohl and write a book about him. It is obvious that Brannigan has followed punk rock and grunge from his early years and his passionate and dedication comes across in his writing. He builds up a good picture of the punk rock/grunge scene of the 1980’s and 90’s, describing and referencing bands that influenced and played a part in Dave Grohl’s developing music taste and career. The book struck a personal note on more than one occasion. I was a big Nirvana fan in the mid 1990’s and I remember well the importance of this type of music as an expression of my teenage angst and confusion. Since then my musical tastes and hormones have mellowed considerably but reading This Is A Call made me wonder about all the bands and fans who didn’t make it, either in terms of commercial success or just personal happiness and growth. It’s obviously better for people to channel their alienation and hurt into music than get involved in violence or crime or drugs but in saying that music, especially that kind of music, is not enough to heal and console – Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain is a prime example. He seemed like a nice guy but ultimately damaged and very fragile. I remember the feelings well and grunge music served its purpose in its own strange way for a time but I am glad that I am no longer part of that scene. But not all rockers are like Cobain or destined to share his fate. Dave Grohl, in the interviews I have seen on YouTube and in this biography, comes across as a very down to earth, likable guy with his head firmly screwed on. He has had his trials and tribulations like everyone else; his experience in Nirvana was pretty challenging and ended in the suicide of Kurt Cobain, and even Foo Fighters had personnel problems in its first few years. But despite this there is a sense that Grohl manages to maintain a positive outlook on life and not let all the group dynamics weigh him down. In all of this his passion for music and his own musical integrity shine through brightly. 7/10  

The Quick And The Dead

Unusual take on the western genre. Sharon Stone stars as a woman gunslinger out to avenge her murdered father, thus entering a quick fire draw contest to get to the man responsible, Gene Hackman. All the western clichés are hammed up, and director Sam Raimi has get fun with them. I really enjoyed some of the performances; Gene Hackman is his usual brilliant self as a tyrant of a villain, Russell Crowe plays a reformed killer forced to take up the gun again, and a fledging Leonardo Di Caprio swaggers about as a cocky young gunfighter desperate to impress. Sharon Stone is not great, maybe because she tries too hard to play her role like Clint Eastwood. Quirky entertainment. 7/10

Extremely Loud & Incrediably Close

A precocious young boy called Oskar, possibly bordering on Asperger syndrome, loses his father, played by Tom Hanks, in 9/11 and in an effort to make sense of his loss and deal with his grief he becomes convinced that his father has left a final hidden message for him somewhere in the Big Apple. The premise sounds strange and unlikely to work but director Stephen Daldry does a really clever job of making the boy's search for his father's message both meaningful and compelling. Without being overly patriotic or sentimental the film really brings home the horror and damage of 9/11. The acting is terrific, especially Thomas Horn as Oskar. He really convinces as a very bright but confused young boy trying to make sense of a situation with no clear answers. Max Von Sydow is also excellent as a mysterious old man who teams up with Oskar for part of the search - he does not speak one line but his facial expressions and body language convey so much at times. There are some really powerful scenes, especially with Oskar and his mother, played to good effect by Sandra Bullock. An unusual film, but highly watchable. Well acted, well directed and well written. 8/10

Man Of Steel

I loved the trailer to this new reboot of the Superman franchise so I had high hopes for the film, but I came away from the cinema feeling a bit underwhelmed and disappointed. Parts of the story are interesting and I liked the way Michael Shannon's villainous character is integral to the plot but director Zach Synder and whoever wrote the screenplay explain certain things in a clumsy way that I found unsatisfactory. Michael Shannon is the best thing about the film. How many times have I said that recently about this fine American actor? The story should have been given more thought and less attention should have been given to the fight sequences which, dare I say, reminded me of the mess that is Michael Bay's Transformers. Too many buildings are destroyed, and it's a bit over the top and messy. Watchable in parts but ultimately a let down. 6/10

The Iceman

Based on a true story, Michael Shannon puts in a powerhouse of a performance as notorious mafia contract killer Richard Kuklinski. It's an engrossing character story about a man living a double life: a devoted husband and father but also a cold blooded and remorseless killer. Shannon, whose star continues to rise film by film, is utterly convincing as a psychopath who cares for nothing except his wife and two daughters. There's a good balance to the film, with director Ariel Vromen showing us what Kuklinski is capable of without overcooking it. In the end you almost pity Kuklinski - he seems to be lacking something, something which prevents him from seeing the humanity in others. It's strange how evil can fascinate us and make such good subject matter for cinema. 7.5/10

A Bronx Tale

De Niro makes his directorial debut in this gritty drama about the struggle of a father to protect his son from the influence of a local gangster. Coming from a rough neighbourhood myself part of me watched this film through my own father's eyes. I can imagine his concern to preserve my innocence and protect me from bad influences while trying to respect my own individuality and freedom to choose. It's a moral tightrope that most parents have to face. Robert De Niro gives a understated but powerful performance as a decent working class family man trying guide his son, Calogero, through the pitfalls and dangers of living in the Bronx, most notably in the form of Chazz Palminteri who plays the local mob boss, Sonny. Calogero is the son that Sonny never had and he tries in his own limited and streetwise way to be a good father figure. The polarization of De Niro and Palminteri works really well in the film, with young Calogero in the middle, not quite sure of things as many teenagers are at that age. A Bronx tale is relevant, intelligent and well directed. 8/10

Take Shelter

Michael Shannon stars in this terrific slow burner as a family man unsure whether he is spiralling into mental illness or correct in his belief that a devastating storm is coming. Writer and director Jeff Nichols does a fine balancing act with both possible outcomes and really pulls the viewer into the situation and all the tension and stress that it provokes. Shannon and Jessica Chastain are brilliant as man and wife struggling to understand what is going on and they carry the film with great conviction and authenticity. The film's soundtrack and cinematography really help to build up an atmosphere of uncertainty, fear and the power of both nature and the human mind to threaten and destroy. Engrossing, gripping drama without any cheap thrills. 8/10

The Fall

Where do I begin? This bold and ambitious film has to be seen, if just for the experience. The opening credits have Beethoven's majestic and emotive Symphony No.7 playing out a slow motion scene where the main protagonist suffers a serious injury while enacting a stunt for his first film. This scene sets the tone for what is to come. Finding himself in a hospital, potentially paralysed and mending a broken heart, the suicidal man befriends a young girl and weaves a lavish adventure story to win her trust and help him procure drugs with which he intends to take his own life. The fantasy scenes have a Dali like quality, visually stunning and greatly imaginative, and the cinematography both in fantasy and real life is exquisite. The boundaries between reality and fantasy overlap and take on significance to both the man and the girl, the bond between them growing stronger as the story unfolds. The performance by the girl, Catinca Untaru, is astonishing for one so young. She is so natural and believable infront of the camera and brings an impish innocence that could have been contrived or phony in lesser hands. Lee Pace as the stuntman deserves a mention as well. He is excellent in his portrayal of a man fighting what seems to be a losing battle with his inner demons and pain. A beautifully directed, highly original and powerful film that will stay with you for a long time.

Ghost World

Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson star as two teenage girls, recently graduated from high school, who struggle to maintain their friendship when one of them befriends a lonely older man played by Steve Buscemi. Thora Birch's character, Enid, is at much more of a crossroads in her life than her friend, Rebecca, although both seem to convey a sense of being a bit lost and confused by contemporary American life. They are alternative in their music and views and fashion, not quite sure of their place in the world. Steve Buscemi plays his part to perfection, an awkward, rather unhappy man who has been living in a comfort zone until he meets Enid. He's an endearing character in some ways, but you ultimately feel sorry for him. Enid is a very sympathetic character, I just wanted to give her a big hug and tell her everything is going to be okay. The script is smart and sensitive, dealing with human emotions while asking questions about common perceptions of modern life. What is it to be cool? What do you have to do to belong and be classed as normal? The film doesn't necessary answer these questions. Sometimes it is just enough to ask. To end this review I must ask my own question; whatever happened to Thora Birch? She starred in American Beauty and then disappeared. I hope she resurfaces at some point because she is a very fine actress. 8/10

Star Trek Into Darkness

A good four years have elapsed since the last Star Trek film and I am glad of it, that the writers did not rush up a half baked screenplay just to feed the hungry belly of Hollywood. Star Trek Into Darkness has the same highly enjoyable blend of sci-fi, action and iconic characters as the first film. This time the villain comes in the mould of Benedict Cumberbatch, a former Space Fleet agent turned rogue and in need of stopping. He brings great presence and menace to his role and in terms of pure acting he probably steals the show. Simon Pegg as Scotty and Zachary Quinto as Spock are also excellent and worthy of a mention. The plot is well thought out and will please Star Trek fans without alienating the general population. Some of the sci-fi jargon went over my head, but the film has some nice touches of humour throughout and never takes itself too seriously. First rate entertainment. 8/10

A Festival Of Love In Lourdes

For three years in the late 1990’s I had the great privilege of going to a small town in the south of France called Lourdes, a place of Catholic pilgrimage for the crippled, weak and weary. I went as a helper with HCPT (Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust). Each pilgrimage was an unforgettable experience, touching me in a special way.

On all three pilgrimages I travelled and stayed with the Scottish Youth Group, made up of young people from all over Scotland. In Lourdes two or three youth group members are allocated to different individual groups, sharing in the life and activity of the group for the rest of the week. The youth helpers are a unique blessing to the pilgrimage, offering a special energy and enthusiasm to the week. This is particularly evident in the parties they help to organise for the children, giving them the time of their lives.

The first thing to strike you in Lourdes during an HCPT visit is the wonderful atmosphere. Any doubts or inhibitions soon evaporate and you are carried away by a spirit of joy and friendship. The sight of five thousand children and helpers singing and dancing to ‘Rise And Shine’ at the huge Trust Mass, amidst a sea of bright colours and upbeat music, is very uplifting. The music, colour, activities, prayer and interaction between the children and the helpers are instrumental in creating a great atmosphere. This is turn encourages the children, some of whom might be shy or cautious, to come out their shells and over the week you can see them beginning to relax and enjoy themselves, growing in confidence and trust.

Each group is like a family. The adult helper fulfils the role of a parent for the week, bringing stability and instilling a sense of unity and belonging in the group. As a family we share in everything we do and in this I became strongly aware of God’s love and presence. This awareness wasn’t just confined to mass, but it was there in our daily living. It was there in spending the day at the beach, climbing the Stations Of The Cross, having lunch and dinner, and also in the frequent café stops and sing songs. In all of this God’s love was truly experienced and shared because He was alive in each one of us. It was in the other person that God most powerfully revealed himself. The gift of friendship was experienced in a special way. It was very touching to see a special bond develop between the child and adult helper. As the week passed they would grow in trust and intimacy and it showed, in a very real way, the deep need in each of us to love and be loved in return. This is what we are made for.

The children are the stars of the show, a great gift and blessing. They have something unique to offer in just being who they are and in the loving environment of the group they blossom and grow. They feel respected and lover for who they are. They are very much the centre of attention. This is not something they consciously seek, it is their innocence, simplicity, humour and trustfulness that make them very attractive. In these loving relationships you can see more clearly the dignity of the human person regardless of their ability or appearance. It is an opportunity to see Christ in each person. Due to their disability, mental or physical, they can be a challenge to love, but this can be fruitful depending on the response of the carer.

Of all that we experienced together, the torchlight procession stands most vividly in my mind; the outline of the Basilica against the evening sky, masses of pilgrims bearing banners and candles pouring into the large square, singing and praying in many different languages. There is a wonderful calmness and peace in the air; the faces around me are softened by the candlelight, the children sit contently. There is a wonderful presence of God.

The effect of Lourdes in my own life has been profound and, in some ways, transforming. I was given new hope and strength at a time in my life when I was weak and doubting. I have been made a better person through reaching out to others, helping them and offering the hand of friendship. There is a great freedom in living for the other person; in sharing, giving, serving, loving. Great peace and joy await those who choose to live in this way.

 

Minority Report

My cousin, a self-proclaimed film junkie, once told me that he never watches a film twice. There is a part of me that adheres to this approach, that film watching should be kept fresh and innovative, but another part of me really enjoys going back to an old favourite and appreciating its different facets or discovering a new layer of meaning. The very best films can be watched again and again. I would not put Minority Report in this elite category but last night I sat down in front of the television only intending to watch the first 20 minutes of this sci-fi action flick before bed and ended up watching it through to the end. The main reason for keeping me glued to the box was the original and interesting premise to the film and the way the story unfolded with all its pleasing twists and turns. The year is 2054 and Tom Cruise is a detective who heads a law enforcement department called Precrime, the idea being that with the help of three psychics they can stop a murder before it happens. Tom Cruise soon finds himself on the run when the psychics predict that he will commit a murder and feeling that he has been set up Cruise must prove his innocence and get to the bottom of the mystery. Spielberg does a good job of balancing the intricate plot with character development, while dealing with such themes as free will, fate, guilt and loss. Tom Cruise carries the film well, as he usually does, and is aided by a strong supporting cast of Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton and Max Von Sydow. Minority Report goes to show that with an intelligent script and good acting not all films have to rely on special effects to score points. 7.5/10

Lost In Translation

There's not much to dislike about Lost In Translation, especially when the opening scene of the film is a camera shot of Scarlett Johansson's curvaceous bottom. Bill Murray stars as Bob Harris, a jaded 50 something year old movie star filming an advert for Japanese whisky in the bright and bustling lights of Tokyo. He strikes up an unlikely friendship with Scarlett Johansson's Charlotte, a young American staying in the same hotel. As suggested by the film title both are at a crossroads in their life, not sure where they are going or who that are meant to be. This sense of being lost is highlighted by finding themselves in the strange colours and sounds and customs of Japan's largest city. There is a great chemistry between Murray and Johansson. Both give lovely, understated performances and the friendship that develops between Bob and Charlotte is really quite touching. Sofia Coppola's script is funny but also contains a subtle depth, allowing the main characters to find each other in a way that feels natural. There is a nice pace to Coppola's direction and I particularly liked the cinematography which captures both sides of Tokyo and indeed reflects the characters inner state. A bitter sweet film that I think many people can relate to. What is lost in translation is found in friendship. 9/10

Rust And Bone

There's nothing like a bit of French cinema to cheer you up. Rust And Bone is the story about the power of hope in adverse circumstances and the healing that friendship can bring. Stephanie loses both legs in a freak accident and turns to Ali, a bouncer at a nightclub, for support. Both characters are interesting - Ali, a rough diamond; Stephanie, beautiful but vulnerable. Both central performances are very strong; Marion Cotillard in particular nails her part. The cinematography is quite striking, and with the help of some choice music and a thoughtful script the film flows with a natural rhythm that is very powerful. Moving, engaging, and shows you that hope, healing and redemption can come in strange disguises. 8/10

Serpico

Based on a true story, Al Pacino stars as a honest cop in New York City battling against police corruption. Pacino's performance as Frank Serpico is very powerful, earning him an Oscar nomination, and you really feel his building frustration and anger and desperation at the situation he finds himself in. An intelligent script is well handled by director Sidney Lumet, dealing with Serpico's mental and emotional state while maintaining a gripping plot. The music is unusual at times, like something out of a romance, but here it adds further emotional depth to the film, particularly during scenes of Serpico trying to enjoy normal relationships and life while under intense pressure. One of Pacino's better films. 8/10

Django Unchained

In Django Unchained, Quentin Tarantino brings his unique talents and style to the cowboy western, maybe trying to breath new life into a genre that was once the staple diet of Hollywood in it's early years. Jamie Foxx stars as Django, an African-American slave who is purchased by bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz, with the agreement that Django help identify certain wanted killers with a bounty on their heads in exchange for his freedom, $75 and a horse. Django shows a certain flair in this line of work, so Schultz suggests that they pair up as bounty hunters over the winter and then search for Django's wife, Broomhilda, who has been sold away as a slave and thus separated from her husband. The pair eventually track her down, learning that a plantation owner called Calvin Candie has bought Broomhilda. Leonardo DiCaprio is excellent as the charming but morally repulsive Candie, and plays the part with great panache, but again, as in Inglourious Basterds, it is Christoph Waltz who steals the show, this time as Dr. King Schultz. How this fine actor almost slipped under the radar is beyond me, but he is now getting the film roles appropriate to his talents, albeit late in his career. Jamie Foxx leads the film well but the other standout performance is Samuel L Jackson as Candie's institutionalised black manservant, possibly Jackson's best role since Lakeview Terrace. The whole issue of race is dominant throughout the film, and Tarantino pulls no punches in depicting the ugliness and inhumanity of slavery, but garnering different responses. Film maker Spike Lee refused to see the film as he thought Tarantino's Spaghetti Western approach to Django Unchained was disrespectful to his black ancestors, while commentator Jeff Kuhner felt that the portrayal of white characters in the film was in a sense anti-white. Indeed the only good white character in the film is Schultz. Another talking point about Django Unchained is the excessive and gory violence. Tarantino continually defends the violence in his films because he feels that it is not realistic or believable violence, his depiction is more operatic and theatrical, and I am sure he uses the same argument in defending Django Unchained. The script is as sharp and original as they come and, although there is nothing funny about slavery, there are some nice touches of humour throughout. It's not my favourite Tarantino film, but it's well worth watching. And you can't beat a good western. 7/10  

David Beckham - most overhyped brand ever?

When the legendary Pele published a list of the greatest one hundred footballers of all time it caused quite a few eyebrows to be raised in consternation and annoyance. I am going to sidetrack all the arguments about what Brasilians should have and should not have made the list, and head for the green fields of England. The fact that David Beckham made the list was a truimph of modern marketing and PR. David Beckham is a good looking guy who can find the net with free kicks. He's a decent player, nothing more. Thus I have been constantly mystified by the success and adulation that he has receieved over the years. In interviews he has the charisma and intellect of a boiled potato. There are much better and more intelligent players who have not enjoyed his celebrity status and earning power. He has become an carefully marketed brand, playing into the hands of our society's obsession with celebrity culture. An example is his recent PR stunt with Paris St Germain. He has made it very vocal to the press that he is donating all his wages to a French children's charity. Now I am glad that a charity will be a few million Euros richer, that's great, but why the need to harp onto the press about it. I am not a natural cynic but the whole situation smacks of Beckham trying to boost his public image and convince us what a wonderful guy he is. It's pretty pathetic.

We respond to beauty and love

Just now I am reading 'A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man' by James Joyce. This brilliant writer draws from his own experience of a Irish Catholic youth to portray various struggles within the protaganist Stephen Dedalus, who is searching for identity and meaning in his life. I'm at the point in which Stephen is at a crossroads in his life, the seductive lure of sin clashing with religious sentiment. A Jesuit priest preaches brimstone and fire, hammering into Stephen and his fellow students the reality of Hell and eternal damnation of his immortal soul. As an 'artist' Dedalus would probably be much more responsive to beauty, whether that be in the form of scripture or theology. There is so much beauty and so much ugliness in this world, living side by side like the wheat and chaff. The Jesuit priest describes the old school image of hell at great length and in vivid detail to his congregation of students. I am glad that I was not alive in that age or exposed to that style of theology. I would have lived my life in perpetual fear, afraid that I might fall into mortal sin at a moments notice. It is something which leads to a false piety, an unhealthy spirituality which has gradually eroded over the years, especially since the 2nd Vatican Council. The image of God as a loving and merciful Father has superceded the portrayal of God as a stern, vengeful Judge. Now, we are encouraged to speak the truth in a spirit of love. It is the priest's duty to attract people to God and the church with practical love and the eloquent translation of theology. The Young Artist is impressionable and at a crucial stage in his life. He will respond to beauty and love like a flower to sunshine and water. An analogy would be the unborn child and abortion. Some Pro-life groups use shock tactics, like showing photos of aborted babies, blood and guts. It's a horrific sight. Would it be better to show photos of the developing baby in the womb, something beautiful and sacred? Would that have more of an impact on society, especially with the constant advance of technology? In the meantime I will read on and discover the fate of Stephen Dedalus, which might also be the fate of Joyce himself.

Infamous

It's hard to watch Infamous without comparing it to the Oscar winning and nominated Capote of the previous year, but after a while I managed to switch my inner critic off and enjoy Infamous on its own merits. The plot is very similiar to Capote, dealing with his research and writing of the book 'In Cold Blood'. Two men, Perry Smith and Richard Hickcock, murder a family of four in Kansas and Truman Capote sees an opportunity of turning this tragedy into a best selling non-fiction novel. Aiding him in his research is Harper Lee, fresh from winning the Pulitzer Prize for 'To Kill A Mockingbird', and together they try to build up a picture of how a town copes with such brutal murders. Capote uses his charm and wit to ingratiate himself into the lives of this small Kansas town but, in terms of his book, he hits the jackpot when the two killers are caught and brought in. The relationship between Capote and the two killers, especially Perry Smith, becomes the central point of the film, both on both an emotional and psychological level. Does Capote really care for these two men or is he just using and manipulating them to get what he needs for his book? Probably a bit of both. Often a poignant scene between Capote and Perry Smith is followed by Capote relaying the information to his society friends back in New York as though it were a casual piece of gossip. The soundtrack is unusual. Often jaunty and upbeat, when out dining and partying with friends, then sombre and dark when is comes to the murders and the murderers. It's a nice juxtaposition and works well to make the dark darker and lightness of New York society seem frivolous and contrived. The cast is impressive, with Toby Jones, Daniel Craig, Sandra Bullock, Sigourney Weaver and Jeff Daniels all in excellent form. Jones and Craig in particular shine in their roles and the former can consider himself unlucky not to be at least nominated for an Oscar. I was dubious at first with Sandra Bullock being cast as Harper Lee but to her credit she gives a very measured performance. The direction, screenplay and cinematography are all very good, but again no Oscar nominations. It's a shame that Infamous should be overshadowed by the 2005 Capote, as it is both gripping and moving and offers a fascinating insight into a deeply complex and in some ways very troubled man. 8/10