"Birdman"

Putting on a stage production can be very stressful. But when you are the lead actor, writer and Director, it can be very hard work indeed.
But what makes it even worse for Riggin Thompson, is that he feels he has something to prove. Once he was top of the movie World, as a major Super-Hero star, long before the likes of 'Iron Man' ruled the sky. He was at the top of his game, and loved by millions. Now he is a nobody, washed up, but with this play he has the chance to show that he is an actor and not just a movie star.

He is adapting a Raymond Carver work for his play, but all is not well. One of his fellow actors is not exactly Laurence Olivier, but fate steps in when an accident means he cannot continue with the play, and a replacement is sought, But was it an accident or are there other forces at play?
A replacement is forthcoming in the shape of Critic and fan favourite Mike Shiner. But the initial elation at having such a crowd pleasing name join the cast is soon short lived. For Mike is a true method actor. Plus has designs on rewriting the script and designs on Riggin's daughter. There is a quite hilarious preview scene when Mike objects heavily to the lack of authenticity with the beverages on stage.

In the opening scene we find Riggin hovering above the floor of his dressing room. Is it some elaborate gimic? Or does the former Superhero have skills that really are super? He constantly hears the thoughts of his alter-ego. Have these words of wisdom unhinged his mind? There are times when he seems to have a Jedi mind trick skill, moving objects at random, was he responsible for the falling light fitting?

Whether Riggin really does have super powers, whether it is in his mind, or whether it is a dream, I think can safely be said is left to the viewers to decide, but maybe the closing scenes give a definitive answer....who knows.
Hovering about at the back of house provides the cinematographer a real challenge, with many continuous shots, some are really astounding. Not since "The West Wing" has so much corridor weaving been seen on screen.
But the main battle for Thompson is proving that he is an actor and not a movie star. Anyone can be a movie star, but it takes someone with talent to be an actor, and threading the boards is where many thespians say that they really perform their true craft. But he may have a war of words to comtend with, as attending the first night will 'Tabitha Dickinson', a Critic who is determined to sink his play on opening night, and she warns Thompson of this, before she has seen a single scene

Some have likened the story material to Keaton's own life, having once played the Caped Crusader, and never really having hit the big time since, despite many varied roles over the many years since playing 'Bruce Wayne'. But rest assured he gives a great performance as 'Riggin Thompson', and is worthy of all the plaudits he is getting, and could be a real contender for Oscar.
There is great support too from the likes of Naomi Watts, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, Zach Galifinakis and most notably Edward Norton as the actor to make Lee Strasberg proud !! 

Well written, brilliantly acted and a real delight to watch................8 out of 10

"The Grand Budapest Hotel"

First an admission, to me Wes Anderson is one of those Directors that people can find to be somewhat odd ball. He can write and direct something which many regard a classic, and I am not a fan of, like "The Royal Tenenbaums, and then there is the flip side with him writing and directing pure joy in the form of "Fantastic Mr. Fox".
Now a confession. When I initially saw the title of this film, I thought blimey, they have done a sequel to "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" jolly quickly. As it turns out, that is still being filmed !!

A writer talks about his past, and a chance meeting in the venue that is the title of the film. The meeting is with the mysterious owner of the hotel. They talk amongst the quiet surroundings, as the hey day of the hotel has long since gone. The owner discusses how he came to be the proprietor, and how his life changed forever, when employed at the Grand Budapest Hotel.

Zero, the now owner tells us how he started life as a mere lowly Lobby Boy. But despite his position, he had the very best teacher, the most respected and beloved member of staff, M. Gustave. A foul mouthed precisionist who enjoys the company and pleasure of a very mature lady. When one of these ladies dies in mysterious circumstances, a mad cap adventure begins, especially when Gustave is a benefactor within her will of a famous painting, much to the annoyance of her family. To make matters worse, he also becomes the key suspect in her demise. But constantly by his side is his new and faithful underling, Zero. And all this takes place against the backdrop of an ever changing political climate.

The screenplay is just pure joy. An absolute gem, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It has real laugh out loud humour, a rare thing these days, but the humour is also very clever. I do seem to the following phrase a lot of late, but this film really does have a cast list to die for. In fact there are so many top names involved with the film, that there was not enough space within the labels section to list everyone. Every cast member is wonderfully funny, whether it be Tilda Swinton looking brilliantly aged under a lot of prosthetics, as one of Gustave's love interests, or Willem Dafoe who is wickedly funny as the terrifying looking henchman to Adrien Brody, also on good form. Newcomer Tony Revolori is superb as Zero, our hero Lobby Boy. But by far the main praise has to go to Ralph Fiennes, whose comic turn as M. Gustave is quite remarkable. Who would have thought that his classic film actor could be so funny?

There is something of an old fashioned feel to the film, whether it is due to the fact that part of it is shot in full screen, or the vibrant colours of the film. It could even be the simplistic way some of the scenes are shot, but rest assured this film is a delight for so many of your senses. Taste as you savour the culinary delights on screen, sight because of the rich colour and beautiful artwork plus some great visual comedy, and hearing as you will be lucky to have some hysterical lines delivered that will make you roll.

I read a recent review that said that the film may be too odd-ball for some, and that could well be the case, but I for one loved it, and hope to see it again very soon. Please note I have deliberated over what score to award, and this could well alter after a second viewing.

Could this already be one of the years best films?..............9 out of 10

"Alex Cross"

With all the various reboots going on at present, and given that there is such a wealth of material to work from, it was only a matter of time before we saw the return of Detective Alex Cross to the big screen.

As much as I, like most of the civilised World, adore Morgan Freeman  as an actor, I fear that he would now be a little too old to reprise his role as 'Alex Cross' from the earlier mvies "Kiss The Girls" and "Along Came A Spider". So taking over is actor Tyler Perry, who I have to admit I have never heard of.
A serial killer is leaving a trail of pretty gruesome bodies behind as he goes on a killing spree. He seems to enjoy inflicting the maximum amount of pain on his victims. Is he pure evil or is there some other reasoning behind his choice of victims?

It is down to 'Cross' and his partner to piece together the pieces of the puzzle, and aprehend the killer. And it would seem that the Detective may be up against the clock, as the Killer seems keen to want 'Cross' to feel some pain too.

At times when watching this film, I could not help but think of the far superior "The Bone Collector" which has a similar premise, and similar style of characters. Both films coming from the books of very established authors.
Alas there is very little in the way of tension here, and Tyler Perry does even less for me to find him an actor whose career I would wish to follow. His portrayal of 'Cross' is bland, and I find myself being more interested in the killer played with great relish by Matthew Fox.
There is a nice little twist at the end, but if there is another film featuring the character, I think that I may have to pass.

A reboot of the 'Alex Cross' series, maybe they should have passed on it.......5 out of 10