"San Andreas" - Special Preview Screening

It has been said in these reviews before, but for those who may not know, I am a huge fan of the Disaster movies of the 1970's. Leave me watching a Blu Ray of either "The Towering Inferno" or "Earthquake" and I am a very happy man.

And the latter of those two classics is an apt choice, given this film from Warner Bros. and New Line, as it is a modern take on that classic Earth trembling story.
Back in 1974 we had our lead couple (Charlton Heston & Ava Gardner) on the brink of divorce. A Building Designer (Lorne Greene) looking to add a new addition to the Los Angeles skyline. And at the Seismology Institute, impending disaster is predicted by a top Scientist (Kip Niven) but the warnings go unheeded.

We jump forward 41 years, (Wow has it really been that long), and very little has changed. Our Hero Ray is estranged from his Wife Emma, Ioan Gruffudd is in the process of building the biggest skyscraper in San Francisco, and Paul Giamatti predicts a disaster on an epic level.

So as you can see all the boxes have been ticked. Whenever watching a film of this nature I am always very weary, as I usually expect it to literally be a disaster, as was the case with "2012". But from the opening moments, we see nature at its most devastating. As a series of small but deadly quakes rock both Los Angeles and San Francisco, Ray does all he can to rescue both his estranged Wife and also his daughter Blake. The human element is brilliantly done with this family, and also with Blake in that coming to her moment of need are two young British lads, two Brothers, one of whom is applying for a job in Gruffudd's new Offices.

Understandably the biggest difference between this film and the 1974 classic is the visuals, and oh my word they are truly awesome. But where "2102" got it so wrong, with some ridiculous set pieces, this film has the right level of believability, and also maintaining a high level of suspense. Yes the action does the increase the old heart rate.
Leading the battle against Mother Nature is Dwayne Johnson as Ray, our Hero, and again perfectly played and written. He may look larger than life, but he is not an over the top death defying man of action, he is a credible Helicopter Pilot, just doing all he can to save his family, and Johnson excels in the role. Daddario and Gugino are also really good as the the ladies in his life.
Paul Giamatti adds to the cast with his performance as Seismologist Lawrence, who sees early on in the film what devastation it can cause during a trip to the Hoover Dam. We also have a guest cameo from a certain Songstress.  Hugo Johnstone-Burt and Art Parkinson are totally charming as the two British brothers, in fact Parkinson comes close to stealing the show with a really great performance.

A rousing score comes courtesy of Andrew Lockington, but a tip of the hat to Director Brad Peyton for bringing all the key elements together, and achieving a first class Disaster movie, one of a high standard that we have not seen for some time.
There are going to be both IMAX and 4DX screenings, and I would strongly urge to see the film in this format. With this being a preview screening, it was a traditional screen room, but rest assured come the weekend, I will be seeing it again on the IMAX.

See it...........feel it.................love it......9 out of 10

"The Amazing Spider-Man 2"

As the big movie blockbuster season really starts to kick off, we see the return of Peter Parker and his alter ego, in this sequel to the webslinging reboot.

I have enjoyed both of the 'Spider-Man' franchises, but there is something about this one that really makes it stand tall. Given the talent involved with the Raimi series, you would think that it would be a tough act to follow, but these two films are exceptionally good.
It is pleasing to note how good these films are, especially in a time now where we see so many Comic Book based movies. They used to be occasional, and now for me the Cinema has become flooded with them, in  my humble opinion, too many. But I digress.
The film opens, as has become an almost trademark, with us finding out a little more about the disappearance of Peter's parents, and this leads nicely into Peter discovering what his Father was working on, and the role he played in that, and how he was betrayed.
Our hero, however, has his own demons, as he is haunted by the promise that he made to a dying man at the end of the first film, wherever he looks, he sees the ghost of 'Captain Stacy', and remembers the vow he made. Can his relationship with 'Gwen' carry on?
Over at OsCorp, things are recovering after what Dr. Connors did. The events have been swept under the carpet, and with the passing of their Leader, Norman Osborn, the Company has his son Harry as their new CEO. But the powers that be seek to alter, and when an accident occurs at the firm, involving eletrical genius Max Dillon, Osborn is blamed and stripped of his powers. Power becomes a key for Dillon who survives his accident, and is reborn as 'Electro'. Osborn has sadly inherited his father's genetic condition, which means he will not survive for long, but he sees a solution with the help of 'Spider-Man'. But will the webslinger help? Ultimately both Electro and Osborn combine forces to regain what is theirs, and deal with anyone who gets in their way.

Sometimes with a film, there will be a few key factors that will make it the stand out film that it is. However with this new movie, there are so many. One of the biggest has to be the story, which is brilliantly written, and not knowing much about the original scource material, constantly getting me on the edge of my seat. There is a strong mesaage at the heart of the film, and that is why it works so wonderfully well. It is a highly entertaining journey that we take, with all the characters, there are so many great on screen relationships. Story and character are key for any film and this has both in abundance. The main on screen story is between Peter and Gwen, played by off screen partners Garfield and Stone, and of course that is going to add a dynamic that money can't buy. But even with Parker and Osborn, it is great seeing these two young and very talented actors share screen time together. Every cast member delivers a great performance, and its another huge plus for this fantastic movie. I a huge fan of lead actor Andrew Garfield, having seen his meteoric rise, especially with such amazing work on films like "Boy A", which rightly won him a BAFTA. Again he shines in this film like the bright star that he is.

Unlike some of the more recent Comic Book films we have seen, this one does not leave a City in total ruin, unlike "The Avengers" and "Man of Steel". It is a far more realistic fight taking place. Yes there is some damage to New York, and there were will be some scars, but Insurance Companies will not be going bankrupt. Some may argue that having these huge battles, which leave a City devastated adds to the enjoyment, and takes us into fantasy and away from reality, but for me they can go too far.
Also the villains are wonderfully created, and certainly for two of them, for the most part, they are only villains as normal men with toys that enable them to have powers beyond their everyday life. Again this adds to creating a film in a realistic world, and one we can relate to.
As usual, the film is visually stunning, and there are some nice and unusal perspective shots of Spider-Man flying round New York city.
The appropriately named Marc Webb continues his great work in the Director's chair, and hope that he will be back for a third film, of which I am sure there will be one.

Great fun, a rousing character driven story, and a fantatsic cast bringing it all to life. For me it is up there with "The Dark Knight Rises" as one of the very best Comic Book based movies......9 out of 10.

"Saving Mr. Banks"

"Mary Poppins" is a story that has delighted millions of children around the World, and the film has delighted an equal number of cinema goers. Now prepare to enjoy more magic as we take a look at the journey undertaken by P.L. Travers in her battle with the film giant that was Walt Disney in bringing this most beloved story to the big screen.

For 20 years, the Head of Disney has been trying to acquire the rights to "Mary Poppins", and the author is proving somewhat reluctant to sign those rights over. She fears that he will make a mockery of her most beloved work, with lots of singing, dancing and animation. She heads to America to meet with the Screenwriter, Musicians and the main man himself, so that she will be able to see her work brought to the screen the way that she would like. Only when she is happy will Travers is content, will she sign over the full rights to the Disney Company.

She proclaims that the characters in her book are 'family', and Disney is so in need of having the book rights that he will do just about anything to accomodate Mrs. Travers, but the characters are simply not just family because they are so close to her heart, it seems that the description is more apt than we are first led to believe. What follows is a combination of the creative team struggling to please both Mr. Disney and Mrs. Travers, and also seeing Travers as she grew up as a young girl in Australia, and what turns out to be the inspiration for characters in her book.

Films about Hollywood have always proved popular, more than 50 years ago, films like "Sunset Boulevard" and "All About Eve" showed the inner workings of the movie making capital. And here we have a look at the making of a Disney Classic, the film is enlightening, entertaining and a real delight to watch.
It beautifully combines humour, especially with the meetings between Disney, Travers and the creative team, there is also a fascinating look at the making of a Hollywood legend of a film, and there are the moving aspects of Travers' childhood.
All these events are brought to life by a wonderful ensemble cast, and leading them are Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks, who both give outstanding performances. Mr. Hanks is already riding high with the success of his work earlier in the year with "Captain Phillips", and now another true life character, and it just goes to further illustrate why he is one of most beloved, respected and bankable actors working in the industry.
Anyone who knows me, will attest as to my admiration for Emma Thompson. An actress whom I have admired for many years, and also a master of the pen, she has added screenwriting to her numerous talents. Like Sandra Bullock, she gives a career best performance as the famous novellist, combining so many emotions, she just lights up the screen when she appears.

From start to finish, two of the best hours of cinema from 2013.......9 out of 10.

 

PS - It is well worth staying til the end of the film, as for anyone interested in P. L Travers, there is a charming little extra during the end credits.

"Romeo and Juliet"

One of the greatest stories of all time, a new adaptation from the Creator of "Downton Abbey", and an all star cast.
And yet somehow it does not work sadly.
The story itself needs little introduction, but for those not familiar with the work of Shakespeare, know that the Capulets and the Montagues are bitter enemies, their families constantly at war with one another. But when Romeo and Juliet fall in love, a member from each family, they hope to end the bitter feud. But the Gods seem to conspire against the young lovers.

I think in fairness it may not be totally the fault of the film-makers, in that I was constantly thinking of "William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet", directed by Baz Luhrmann, a film I really admire. And it was difficult not to have images from that movie in my head whilst watching this new version.

I know that there has been some hoo ha about Mr. Fellowes and his dumbing down the words of The Bard to make the material more accessible for the audience, as to how much of this is true I do not know.
The cast have mixed fortunes. I may be wrong but it was hard to concentrate on Damian Lewis as he seems to be wearing a truly awful wig, presumably to disguise his shaven head, allowing him to play 'Brody' in "Homeland".
Alas Hailee Steinfeld just did not work for me as 'Juliet'. She seemed unable to convey any of the main qualtities that associates with the character.
There are some highpoints. As one would expect, Paul Giamatti gives a great performance as 'Father Laurence', and equally the very beautiful Douglas Booth is excellent as 'Romeo'.
But there is one cast member who towers above all others, and he is 17 year old Kodi Smith-McPhee as 'Benvolio', what a remarkable performance, so moving, and one you will not forget in a hurry.

It was an ok production, and there is much to enjoy, but it needed that certain something extra....6 out of 10