Contents: 3-13:
Reviews of this month’s film....
4-5
8-9
6-7
10-11
14-15:
On DVD this month...
15:
A list of DVD releases for this August
16-17:
In cinema next month...
17:
A list of films set to be released in September
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Creator:
Contributors:
Charlie Derry http://www.charliederry.com charlie.derry@live.co.uk
Darryl Griffiths @LegallyBOD Editor of Movie Marker http://moviemarker.co.uk/
Editor’s Note:
Ben Harris @benh4rris http://mrreviewblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Big thanks again to our contributors this month, whom without this issue would be empty.
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Reviews of this month’s film...
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e h T e n r u o B y c a Leg Undoubtedly, the Bourne series brought quality back to an exhausted genre. Glistening with action and fixed together with a sophisticated and wellcrafted story, the trilogy left its mark on audiences. But once a franchise continues without its admired director and popular central character, it’s destined for harsh scrutiny. Taking place at the same time as Bourne Ultimatum, The Bourne Legacy focuses on Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner), a member of Operations Outcome, who is given specific green and blue pills to enhance his abilities – physically and mentally. And has much more of an understanding about his situation than Bourne did, which probably helps. Whilst in Alaska for a training assignment, Cross becomes a
target of elimination after the exposure of Treadstone project and Operation Blackbriar – all thanks to Bourne. Also, Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz) becomes a target after surviving a laboratory massacre and ends up going on the run with Cross. If Bourne Legacy was a standalone film it would get better recognition, but following Ultimatum was never going to be an easy job. Bourne Legacy isn’t as slick as the previous installments: the dialogue isn’t as sharp and the direction lacks confidence, however with the script studying new characters and expanding the Bourne universe, this follow up is, to some degree, intriguing. Bourne Legacy is more about the journey and the chase rather than digging deeper into a character. It’s a different type of
chaos and pace for the Bourne series, which may displease devotees, especially as it runs surprisingly low on action for the majority of the time. Renner is an appealing action hero, tough and committed, he’s a character you root for. You also root for Weisz. She’s brilliant, her vulnerability is apparent and she proves to be a useful companion. Edward Norton plays “the bad guy” and is an unexpectedly dull addition; it seems the screen only lights up with the presence of Renner and Weisz. Bourne Legacy comes to a close with a big bang and an inconclusive ending, setting itself up for a sequel, so here’s hoping we get to delve into the lives of Cross and Shearing once again but maybe with a little more spark.
Written by Ben Harris @benh4rris http://mrreviewblog.blogspot.co.uk/
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Release Date:
13th August 2012
Director:
Tony Gilroy
Famous Faces:
Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton
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Brave The creative masterminds at Pixar have certainly over indulged down the years, when it comes to bringing unlikely sources to life in emphatic fashion. Whether it’s the colourful collective from the hugely successful Toy Story trilogy or the ‘need for speed’ champions of Cars, they’ve consistently hit the target with audiences. More recently, they’ve proved just as effective when having human beings at the forefront of their heartwarming narratives (Up). In the hope of trying to continue such a trend, they unleash their latest project Brave. Immersed deep in the mythical world of the Scottish highlands, our heroine of the piece is the fiery haired and headstrong teenager Merida (voiced by Kelly Mcdonald). Straight from the outset, it’s evident she’s not your typical teenage Princess. Trusty with her beloved bow and arrows, she’s constantly attempting to fend off tradition at every turn. Imposed upon her domineering mother Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson) but considerably less so by her larger than life father King Fergus (Billy Connolly), tensions reach boiling point when she defies a custom that involves her hand in marriage. Enraged, one fatal decision in the forest has significant consequences
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and it is left to Merida to repair the damage inflicted. As always with our beloved Pixar, the animation in Brave is truly sublime. If Scotland suddenly benefits from a increase in tourists, many thanks could easily be sent in co director’s Mark Andrew and Brenda Chapman’s direction. From the subtle details in the character’s life like figure movements, to the impressively
“From the subtle details in the character’s life like figure movements, to the impressively realised backdrops, the world crafted here is saturated in vibrance and personality.” realised backdrops, the world crafted here is saturated in vibrance and personality. With such inspiration at its core, it’s refreshing to see Brave stay true to it’s origins and have a born and bred cast voicing the characters. Kelly Mcdonald’s Merida is an engaging and contemporary spin on the Disney ‘Princess’ of old, trading in the traditional glossy persona for gumption and sharp wit.
The fierce mother/daughter dynamic between Merida and Thompson’s opinionated Queen Elinor anchors the film brilliantly and whilst the plot strand is lacking in originality, it redeems itself through its emotional resonance and execution. It’s not all drama, as Connolly’s King Fergus leads the Tartan charge for belly laughs. Thankfully, they are delivered in spades. His towering tones coupled with his oblivious nature to all things important is a delight to watch. He’s ably assisted in such a department by Merida’s terrorising triplet brothers and the leading lights/ bumbling buffoons (delete as applicable) of the local clans (presented by Robbie Coltrane, Craig Ferguson and Kevin Mckidd). Cynics may target the film’s simplicity of its plot structure compared to the animated juggernaut’s more memorable entries, with Julie Walter’s wicked witch being a mere plot device a prime example. However, this doesn’t detract from the fact that Brave is another goregous to look at, thoroughly entertaining cinematic slice from Pixar.
Written by Darryl Griffiths @LegallyBOD Editor of Movie Marker http://moviemarker.co.uk/
Release Date:
13th August 2012
Director:
Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman
Famous Faces:
Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, and Robbie Coltrane
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Release Date: 16th August 2012
Director:
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Simon West
Famous Faces:
the expen dables Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Liam Hemsworth
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We were promised a gungho, action packed smackdown to rival the best of them. What we were ultimately served by the original helping of The Expendables, was a relentless but underwhelming cinematic concoction that assembled the popular genre’s most recognisable figures. With the threat of Marvel’s finest joining forces and the revival of the Bourne franchise breathing down its neck, leader of the pack Sylvester Stallone is certainly not about to back down without a fight. So he’s upped the ante with lean new recruits and the installment of a perhaps more ‘capable’ director in the form of Con Air’s Simon West. The objective: deliver a kick-ass sequel and KO the competition. Stallone reprises his role as mercenary Barney Ross. Continuing to head up a colorful team of aging muscle bound stars including Jason Statham (Lee) and Dolph Lundgren (Gunnar), they are called back into action by the mysterious Mr Church (Bruce Willis) who always seem to garner a kick out of ‘toying’ with Ross. The mission proves to be relatively straightforward (common trait of such fare).
Enlisting the help of one solitary Chinese female called Maggie (Nan Yu) and Church’s associate Trench (Arnold Schwarenegger), they go in search of obtaining five tons of weapons grade plutonium in order to safeguard it from ending up in the wrong hands. Those wrong hands, belong to Mr Jean ‘cool as a Coors Light’ Vilain (Jean Cluade Van Damme) who antagonises the
“The cinematic equivalent of junk food.” situation when he delivers a killer blow to one of Stallone’s most beloved members.. The Expendables 2 is certainly a significant albeit absurd step up from it’s predecessor. The main ingredient of course being the action sequences, they are arguably more efficiently staged by director West and inventive this time around whilst retaining the ridiculous body count and their no holds barred nature. Look out for an action fan’s dream one on one scrap.. In addition, the instillment of tongue in cheek humour providing our larger than
life stars the ammunition to parody themselves consistently entertains. Whether it’s the cheeky nods to their back catalogues ‘I’M BACK.. You’ve been back enough!’ or their entrances into the fray (Chuck Norris’ being a particular highlight) musically accompanied by iconic pieces, it will likely make many audience members giddy with nostalgia and laughter. Admittedly, certain flaws that plagued the first installment remain. The dialogue still suffers from being rather clunky and as rusty as the vehicles Stallone and co. parade around in and the plot itself has as much depth as a paddling pool, providing the film with a disjointed feel. Overall, The Expendables 2 is the cinematic equivalent of junk food. No matter how bad it might be for you, it never loses the ability to satisfy while it lasts. A fun, testosterone fueled guilty pleasure that proves to be a glorious throwback to a bygone era.
Written by Darryl Griffiths @LegallyBOD Editor of Movie Marker http://moviemarker.co.uk/
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The Imposter 10
‘Cinematic’ documentaries have certainly had the profound ability, to get under the skin of their audiences recently. Whether it’s the all out attack of social networks via Catfish, or the mesmerising escapades depicted in Man On Wire, this particular style of filmmaking has been provided with a much deserved fresh lease of life. Whipping the festival circuit into a frenzy (Sundance and Edinburgh to name two), fellow Brit Burt Layton’s The Imposter arrives awash with buzz. With an astonishing true story at its core, it’s easy to decipher why. 1994. San Antonio, Texas. Where a working class family consisting on screen here of mother Beverley, sister Carey and Brian the brotherin-law, struggle to deal with the sudden disappearance of teenager Nicholas Barclay, aged 13. Fast forwarding three and a half years later, it is brought to Carey’s attention that authorities based in Spain may have achieved the near impossible and found Nicholas at a children’s shelter. Eager to be reunited, Carey
Release Date: 24th August 2012
Director: Bart Layton
Famous Faces:
Adam O’Brian, Frederic Bourdin and Carey Gibson
flies out. The overwhelming sense of joy, soon takes a sinister left turn into horror and bewilderment. This ‘Nicholas’ underneath the unconvincing disguise and the farcical story behind his disappearance is in fact 23-year-old Frenchman Frederic Bourdin (nickname La Chameleon), a troubled figure who is borderline obsessed about ‘wanting to be someone else who is acceptable’. Despite the blindingly obvious inconsistencies in appearance, the family members barely raise a flicker of suspicion and welcome him with open arms.. prompting a host of questions from elsewhere. Is this just their peculiar solution of dealing with such grief? Or is there a more sinister motive behind their decision? The Imposter is not a film that provides us with straightforward answers. Just when you think you’ve grasped a concrete idea of what occured during such disturbing times, director Layton pulls the proverbial rug out from underneath you through his immaculate direction. Anchored by Frederic’s chilling and occasionally
humourous chats during interviews, he may carve himself out as a sympathetic figure early on. However, he proves to be as mentally unstable and manipulative as they come, with a distinct lack of remorse for his clinical choice in words and actions. Furthermore, Nichola’s family member’s accounts may initially be compelling in juxtaposing Frederic’s and carry weight, but the overwhelming sense of ambiguity within the ‘details’ plants the doubts. Layton’s consistent but seamless intercutting of verbal exchanges in order to blend two sequences together, the obligatory grainy video footage that is associated with such a genre and the tongue in cheek intertextual references via clips of old school crime shows, all add significant layers to the film’s bizarre nature. Packed with twists and turns aplenty, The Imposter is a mesmerising piece of filmmaking that will leave many gobsmacked and unsettled in equal measure. One of 2012′s best!
Written by Darryl Griffiths @LegallyBOD Editor of Movie Marker http://moviemarker.co.uk/
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t e d
A lonely young boy, John Bennett, makes a wish for his teddy to come to life and luckily for John his wish is granted. Now thirty-five years old, John (Mark Wahlberg) is stuck in a dead end job and spends most of his time smoking pot with his stuffed friend (voiced by Seth MacFarlane). Their friendship is tested when John’s girlfriend, Lori (Mila Kunis), wants Ted to move out so they can focus on their relationship. Foul-mouth, racist and homophobic – words you wouldn’t associate with a cuddly teddy bear, until now. With a surprising concept at hand, Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy, breaks away from the small screen with his feature film debut. If your familiar with MacFarlane’s humour you expect gutsy dialogue, but Ted takes it one step further, milking every opportunity to materialise offensive exchanges. Although falling short on some jokes and banter, Ted is, for the most part, very funny. Undoubtedly, if sensitive, it
could rub individuals the wrong way and a large portion of the film feasts on pop culture but generally you’ll be basking in Ted’s absurdity - hopefully. However, towards the finale the careless atmosphere begins to dry up and Ted takes an awkward turn. The dark proceedings play down the crude content and eventually MacFarlane replaces the comedy altogether with soft-heartedness. Whilst its intentions are good, it comes across slightly out of place. Mark Wahlberg, on the other hand, fits effortlessly into Ted’s world. The guy has great charisma, handling comedy easily and showcasing his softer side. Like always, Mila Kunis is a welcoming presence and Seth MacFarlane takes the crown for his comedic attributes, and some unexpected cameos are an added bonus. Rather than relying on immature gags, Ted could’ve found smarter ways to summon laughs, but you can’t help fall for MacFarlane’s stupidity.
Release Date: 1st August 2012
Director:
Seth MacFarlane
Famous Faces:
Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Seth MacFarlane
Written by Ben Harris @benh4rris http://mrreviewblog.blogspot.co.uk/
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On DVD this month...
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August DVD Releases: Flowers Of War Date: 6th August Christian Bale stars as a Westerner who finds refuge with a group of women in a church during Japan’s rape of Nanking in 1937. Posing as a priest, he attempts to lead the women to safety.
The Dinosaur Project Date: 27th August
The Lucky One Date: 27th August
A team of explorers in an expedition into the Congo jungle. After all the parties go missing, their recovered footage shows stunning images of dinosaurs thought to be extinct for 65 million years.
Zac Efron is ex-Marine, Sergeant Logan Thibault who, whilst fighting in Iraq, finds a photograph a woman, Beth Clayton (Taylor Schilling), whom he credits for keeping him alive.
Battleship Date: 20th August A fleet of ships is forced to do battle with an armada of unknown origins in order to discover and thwart their destructive goals.
Lockout Date: 20th August A man wrongly convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage against the U.S. is offered his freedom if he can rescue the president’s daughter from an outer space prison taken over by violent inmates.
Damsels In Distress Date: 20th August A trio of girls set out to change the male-dominated environment of the Seven Oaks college campus, and to rescue their fellow students from depression, grunge and low standards of every kind.
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In cinemas next month...
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September’s Cinema: Lawless Date: 7th September John Hillcoat‘s gangster drama Lawless stars Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf and Jason Clarke as three brothers who find their bootlegging business under threat in Franklin County, Virginia. House at the End of the Street Date: 21st September
Anna Karenina Date: 7th September
A family – Elisabeth Shue and Jennifer Lawrence – move into a house where, it turns out that the house next door was the scene of a brutal murder, where the only survivor still resides.
Set in late-19th-century Russia high-society, the aristocrat Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley) enters into a life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky.
Premium Rush Date: 14th September Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the best of New York’s agile and aggressive bicycle messengers who attracts the interest of a dirty cop who pursues the cyclist throughout the city.
Now Is Good Date: 19th September
Looper Date: 28th September
Dakota Fanning plays 17-yearold Tessa who, diagnosed with terminal cancer, compiles a list of things she’d like to do before she dies, determined to experience some regular teen thrills whilst she still has the chance.
Taking place in the year 2042, the film follows a killer working for the mob (Joseph GordonLevitt) who soon realises that one of his targets is an older version of himself (Bruce Willis).
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