"Rocketman" (Preview Screening)

A Biopic can be a tricky film to do, but when the subject is still very much with us, it can be quite an uphill battle. But in this case, it helps that the subject and his significant other are both Producer and Executive Producer of the film in question.
Any film thats looks at the life of one Reg Dwight, or rather Elton John was always going to be a larger than life affair.

We see Elton come crashing into a rehab meeting, and from there we go back to his early life as a boy in Pinner, seeing life with his Mum, and often absent Father, whom he craves affection from but never gets. At an early age he shows a great gift for playing the piano, and  the rest as they say is history.

We go through all the ups and down, told at times with a fantastical spin but very well done. Any fans expecting a film similar in style to that of "Bohemian Rhapsody" may be disappointed. It is more keeping in style of stage productions like "Mamma Mia" and "Jersey Boys" to use the songs of the artist to tell the story.
The cast are really good, from Gemma Jones as Elton's Nan to Richard Madden as John Reid, and of course the always very reliable Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin.
One major difference between this film and another recent biopic, is that lead actor Taron Egerton does sing all his songs as Elton John. His performance is phenomenal, in both singing and acting. I can only imagine that Elton is really thrilled at seeing this astounding young actor telling his story.

Whilst I did really enjoy the film, and especially loved the work by Taron Egerton, as a whole the film did not move me as mcuh, or leave me as uplifted as "Bohemian Rhapsody", but it is still well worth watching...................8 out of 10

"Man on a Ledge"

A man checks into a beautiful hotel room, he orders a nice meal, which he consumes, and then proceeds to open a window and venture out onto the ledge. Thus ensues chaos as the local Police Department aim to get him from the ledge, albeit not taking the quick route.
After some investigation, the Police discover that the man on the ledge is Nick Cassidy, a former Police Officer who has recently escaped from prison, whilst attending his Father's funeral. He was doing time for stealing a diamond from wealthy business man David Englander.
Clearly Cassidy has a much bigger plan than just jumping of a hotel ledge. His aim is distraction. Whilst he is keeping the Police busy with him on the ledge, his baby Brother and his brother's girlfriend can break into Englander's offices and steal the actual diamond.

I can sum this film up in one simple word.......predictable. We have been here so many times before, and sadly this latest film gives us very little that is new or exciting to arouse our interest. Ed Harris as Englander is almost a pantomime villain and is worthy of far better roles. Sam Worthington and Jamie Bell are ok playing the diamond stealing brothers, but again their considerable talents could be put to far better use.

Director Asger Leth certainly needs to work on building tension and suspense, and maybe even throw in a surprise or two. The great unveil as to who was conspiring with Englander was no great reveal at all. They should just have worn t-shirts saying "I am a bad guy" as it was so obvious.

"Man on a Ledge" should clearly have jumped.......5 out of 10

 

 

"The Adventures of TinTin: The Secret of the Unicorn"

After an absence of 3 years, Steven Spielberg returns to the Director's chair, with his take on the children's classic Herge's "TinTin".

Young investigative reporter TinTin is out and about one day, minding his own business, and walking round a local market. A model of a ship takes his fancy, and decides to buy it. And it would seem that he is not the only one interested in the ship. The sweetly named villain Sakharine also has a vested interest in the ship, or rather what is inside it. The model is of the Unicorn, a glorious ship from the old days, and Captained by Sir Francis Haddock, who acquired much gold and treasure over the years, although the location of the loot is unknown, and that is where the model ship comes in. For it contains a piece of a 3 part puzzle which when solved will reveal the location of the treasure.

Thus ensues a wonderful global romp, firstly trying to obtain the three pieces of the puzzle and then trying to locate the treasure. Assisting Tintin is Captain Haddock, one of the ancestors of the ships original Captain. They make a splendid double act.
And villain Sakharine has an assortment of rogues to help with his quest.

It reminds one of the old Saturday morning movies, or the old black and white cliff-hanger serials, and we all know that Spielberg has a ponchant for similar material given the similarity of them to his 'Indiana Jones' series of films.
Animation was probably the best option for this film given some of the set pieces and action sequences involved in the movie. With the high standard of animation available today, it goes without saying that it is beautifully done, though as usual the 3D aspect adds practically nothing to the film, and again was a waste of time.

There is a fantastic title sequence, and this also highlights the wonderful score from the legend that is John Williams.
All the cast add their superb vocal talents to the characters they play, though special mention to Andy Serkis who plays the members of the Haddock Family.

Great fun for the whole family...........7 out of 10