Excuse my tardiness with these reviews and my absence from updating this blog but it's been a busy time. Anyway, I'll have to keep it sharp and brief and summarise the last 3 movies I've seen. Not ideal but here goes....
Tron 3D:
Not a remake of the original Jeff Bridges movie but more of a sequel. Jeff Bridges stars in it and it is based around his son trying to figure out his father's disappearance and how to access the digital world he may have have been sucked into. The movie is all about the graphics and the storyline is secondary. For me, the story worked really well and I am surprised at some of the mediocre reviews it has got. The 3D effects were not up there with Avatar or Alice in Wonderland and in fact I don't really think it was necessary to have it in 3D as the graphics were so brilliant. The acting is what you'd really expect from a sci-fi movie, and the performances are all fine. Although there is a stand out 'Mighty bootish' performance from Michael Sheen as a flamboyant club owner which is hilarious. The soundtrack by Daft Punk is incredible and they even make a cameo appearance as dj's playing their own music. Class!
Score: 7/10
127 Hours:
Based on a true story about Aron Ralston, a mountain climber who becomes trapped under a boulder whilst on a a expedition in Utah. I'm sure every movie fan is fully aware of the story by now. James Franco, who is fast becoming the man of the moment portrays Aron and the story impeccably. The film is fast paced and in fairness it kinda has to be as the viewer is obviously awaiting the inevitable to happen. This is the disadvantage of knowing the story in advance.
The overall footage of Ralston's time trapped are very upsetting and uncomfortable to watch. Franco has the screen presence to carry the movie on his own and manages to even bring some humour to an otherwise harrowing situation. Danny Boyle's music videoesque direction elevates the movie to cinema viewing level thus preventing it from being a made for TV movie/documentary. Not for the squeamish...
Score: 7/10
The King's Speech:
Nobody does a period drama like the Brits. This particular story is a relatively recent story as far as major Royal stories go. Set in and around the lead up to World War 2 Colin Firth plays Price Albert who would eventually go on to become King George VI - Yeah, sounds confusing but it's not really. Albert (or Bertie as he's known) has a severe stutter and has a fear of speaking in public. This would obviously hinder his responsive duties should he become king. He doesn't have the backing of his brother or his father and the only people showing him some sympathy are his beloved wife (Helena Bonham Carter) and his new ally - a back street speech therapist played by Jeffrey Rush.
It's a bit of and old style bromance movie between the heir to the throne and the speech therapist. There are some really funny and heartfelt moments. It also shows how sad and lonely the Royal lifestyle actually is.
Colin Firth is outstanding and will definitely win an Oscar for this. He should have won last year for 'A Single Man'. If there is any justice, Rush should win a gong for his supporting role. There are lots of excellent cameos by a mainly British cast and Guy Pearce pops up as Albert;s odious brother. Maybe not a winner for best movie among Oscar voters but the acting should be well rewarded.
Score: 8/10
