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