"Flight"

There are certain expectations that one would have as the passenger of an airplane, a comfortable(ish) seat, maybe a window seat, and a Pilot who has not been under the influence of either alcohol or drugs, and also had a decent nights sleep.
For one group of Passengers on board a flight to Atlanta, they are not so lucky with their Pilot. Captain Whitaker has unfortunately, for them, been guilty of all counts. Does this impair his ability to fly the airplane?
It is only a short internal flight, with a flying time of less than an hour. Yet half way through their flight, the plane loses power, and starts to nose dive. Whitaker aware of the fact that he is losing control of his plane does the unthinkable and inverts the plane, in other words he turns it upside down. Despite being the opposite way he normally flies a plane, this actually gives him back some control. He is then able to flip the plane back over the correct way, and find a clear area to crash land. Remarkably out of the 102 people on board, only 6 are killed in the incident. Whitaker is hailed a hero for doing the impossible, and miraculously saving the lives of almost everyone on board.

At the same time we also encounter Nicole, who is on the set of a porn film. One at first thinks that we have changed films. She has a drug problem, and is keen to get her next hit, this she does though is warned not in inject. Despite the warning, she does inject, and overdoses, ending up in hospital, and this is where these two rather damaged souls meet. A chord is struck between the two of them.
But where Nicole is keen to rid herself of her demons, and end her dependancy on drugs, Whip is less keen or more so less able.
He is under investigation by the Airport Authorities, as although he is being hailed a hero for saving so many lives, there were still six that perished, and there are questions to be answered, especially when two small empty bottles of alcohol are found in the wreckage, and it could only have been Crew members who had access.

Everyone is calling him the hero of the hour, his face is all over the news and press, Cameras constantly wanting their 15 mins with Whitaker, being interviewed by the Aviation Governing body, and trying to put his life back together.

There has been a lot of hoo ha about the realities of what is done to the plane in the film, and whether it would be actually possible. The majority seem to favour that it could not be done, but what you have to remember is that the actions taken by Whitaker are the catalyst for the remainder of his journey, and that is what should be concentrated on.
There are times when you watch Washington on screen, and you are so immersed in his brilliant performance. You feel that Whip is close to cracking, and having another drink, and you just try to will him to stop.
The finale of the film is the hearing that will decide Whip Whitaker's fate, and it is here where Washington really does shine, giving his all as we see what the future has in store.

It is obvious for all to see why Washington has been Oscar nominated, and there is an equally great supporting cast on hand also.
It is worth seeing the film alone for the plane crash, especially for someone like me who loves disaster movies. It is incredibly tense, well shot, and has one on the edge of their seat. The Direction from Robert Zemeckis is top notch, and as a whole is a really great movie.

A fly away hit.......8 out of 10

"Zero Dark Thirty"

Following on from the major Oscar winning success that was "The Hurt Locker", Director Kathryn Bigelow returns to similar territory with "Zero Dark Thirty", well certainly geographically, with this latest film which documents the ten year hunt for Osama Bin Laden.

The film opens with emergency phone calls, and also personal phone calls that were made by people trapped in the twin towers of The World Trade Center on September 11th 2001. It is a haunting reminder of horror that occured on that day.
The film then documents a timeline which follows the journey taken by the CIA in the quest to bring an end to the reign of the Al Qaeda head.
Maya, a CIA operative starts the film with her being present during a questioning of a suspect. Some rather heavy handed tactics are used during the talks, something she is clearly uncomfortable with. But she stands in the background and watches, as they try to extract information that will bring them closer to their target.
There is a chain of command, and following that chain is a long and ardous task, one that takes commitment, and Maya has that in bucket loads, she conveys a sense of determination so strong, she will not stop til the job is done. Others before her have long since gone on to other jobs back in the US, but she stays in her post, and will hopefully see the job through to the end.
When the team get a major break through in their intelligence, it leads them to a physician who can hopefully lead them ever closer to their goal. In a truly memorable sequence, events unfold, though they clearly show how desperate the CIA were to obtain valid information, leading to an attack actually inside a US base in Afghanistan.

Although the powers that be are keen to have Bin Laden captured, they seem reluctant to trust in the intelligence that Maya provides them with. Had we not already known the result, one would wonder whether he might have evaded capture or his death.

Her resilience and determination prevail, and the team are led to Pakistan, and a compound, which is heavily fortified. Given the security involved within the compound, they believe that someone seriously is evading being seen, and believe that Bin Laden is hiding out there. A task force is sent from Afghanistan to raid the compound and hopefully bring an end to the decade long man hunt. The latter part of the film is the Compound attack, virtually done in real time. It is compelling, brilliantly shot, almost documentary style. The film does not end with some big morale message, it just quietly fades out.

There is a strong cast, ranging from James Gandolfini as a top CIA head to Jason Clarke as Dan a CIA operative who works closely with Maya in those first few years. There are also a lot of unknowns on screen, which for a film like is makes it more like a documentary, sometimes it is easy to relate to a character when it is well recognised face playing the role.
Got a major surprise when a well known face on UK television popped in the film, thankfully very briefly.
But at the end of the day, the film belongs to Jessica Chastain, who has become quite prolific of late thanks to roles in films like "The Help", "The Debt" and "Lawless". We follow the journey she takes in her lead role as Maya, from those early days, uncomfortable with the torture used to obtain information, to her feeling of helplessness following the Suicide bomb at the US base, to her grit and determination to confirm where Bin Laden is, and initiate an Operation to capture or kill him. The said journey takes it toll, and this we see reflected in a great piece of acting.
As one has come to expect, the Direction is of the highest calibre coming from the Oscar Winning Director Kathryn Bigelow. Her attention to detail, style of film making make her one of the most brightest talents behind the Camera of her generation.

Some my find it a long haul, others, hopefully like myself, will find it absorbing, and an example of great film making....the two and a half hours of viewing time just fly by.......9 out of 10

"The Impossible"

On December 26th 2004 and event occured that took the lives of over 200,000 people.
The film looks at how the disaster affected an everyday family.

A couple and their three sons head off to Thailand to spend what they hope will be a very Merry Christmas together. The festivities go well, and they are having a great time. But things change for them and hundreds of thousands like them the day after Christmas. An earthquake triggers a tsunami, and a huge wall of water heads towards the complex they are staying in. The force of the water is so tremendous that people are sent in every direction, and inevitably the family are seperated. The Mother and her eldest Son in one area, and elsewhere the Father and his two younger Sons, neither knowing whether the other are alive. First they come to terms with the horror of what they have been caught up in, then they try to find help amongst the death and devastation.

Both parts of the family soon find other survivors and are helped along their journey. Mother Maria has suffered some major injuries as a result of the disaster and does get to hospital. Whilst she awaits treatment, she enlists her oldest Son Lucas to help those around him, so he sets about to trying to reunite lost family members. There is one truly moving moment in the film when a Father and Son are brought together again.

Yet the film shows the goodness in man, as those people, strangers to each other came together, in this devastating event, to help one another, to care for one another. It would be easy to sit in the audience and wonder how much artistic license the film-makers have taken with the movie, but by all accounts very little has been altered about the actual events that take place.
The film vividly recreates those horrific events of that Boxing Day 2004, with some awesome visual effects. The make-up too is top notch, both recreating the injuries suffered, and the effects of infection.

The performances across the board are excellent, they are not over sentimental, striking the right cord. As ever Ewan McGregor is on top form as Henry, the father of the family. Naomi Watts again shows why she is one of the best Actresses at work, with her moving performance as Maria, the mother. All three child actors are excellent, but if I had to single out any one performance from the whole cast then it would be Tom Holland, a quite remarkable jon from one so young.

Yes I have been very critical of "Argo" and the liberties it took with its story telling, it is reassuring that here we get a very accurate account of what happened to this family. Yes there nationality has been altered but their story of survival is real, and should be an example of film-makers to not embelish facts or alter or create evenst just for artistic reasons.

If anyone wants to watch a film that champions human spirit over adversity, then forget "Argo", and watch this truly amazing and inspiring film. It is one that you will not forget in a hurry.

A humbling film that shows the greatness in humanity against huge loss and adversity......9 out of 10.

"The Last Stand"

In the late 1990's Arnold Schwarzenegger unwent a major heart operation. He recovered and upon his return in front of the camera, wanted to show the Cinema going public of the World that he was still on top form, and returned in the excellent Peter Hyams thriller "End of Days".
Fast forward to 2013. Arnold has not had a lead role in some ten years, mainly due to his Mayoral duties in California. Yes he has had the odd role, mainly for his friend Sylvester Stallone in "The Expendables" film series. But here he returns with his first top billing role since 2003. Can he recapture the same magic as in 1999?

Summeton is a small town, nothing much happens there, and Sheriff Owens likes it that way. Order reigns in the town. But things are about to change. After breaking away from his Federal charges, Drugs kingpin Gabriel Cortez is making his way for the sanctity of the Mexican border. And what would be between him and his freedom?  Yes you guessed it....the small town of Summerton.

With the FBI in hot pursuit, lead by Forest Whitaker, the local Sheriff has to go it alone, with his band of merry men, and women, as they do battle with superior fire power of Cortez and his gang of cohorts. There is the inevitable big shoot-out as the Gang arrive to clear out the town before the arrival of Cortez. Johnny Knoxville (Someone I feel has provided no merit to the film World whatsoever) provides some humour as his character gets deputised by Ray Owens, as he needs all the help he can get, and especially as Lewis is an arms collector.
Yes it is violent, and there are many guns of varying sizes being used, and at times the gun battles are entertaining to watch, but there is very little else to commend about the big screen return of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Why on Earth Oscar winning actor Forest Whitaker is in a movie like this, Lord only knows. He deserves far better. In fact his career has not exactly gone the way of some Best Actor winners.
I feel the best thing that Arnie can do right now is phone his friend Sly Stallone, and ask him to get a move on with the script for "The Expendables 3", and quickly.

If nothing else, it is nice to see the 87 year old movie veteran Harry Dean Stanton on screen again, still going strong after all these years.

The big guys return should have been better.........5 out of 10.

"Quartet"

Welcome to Beechwood House.....it being a retirement home for aged musicians and singers etc. Upon our arrival at the home, we find that there is a hive of activity. The home does at times struggle for funding, so when required, the residents perform a benefit gala event, aimed at raising funds for the home.

Cedric (Pronounced Cee-dric, beware for incorrect pronunciation) is in his elements, wearing his kaftan with pride, organising and bawling at artists as they prepare their own section of the gala. We are introduced to residents Wilf, Reg and Cissy, Wilf being a stroke victim, but still keen to engage with any kind of fornication with either resident or staff. Both Reg and Cissy go about their daily routine, trying not to upset the apple cart. But their daily life is soon interrupted with the arrival of Jean Horton, a major star in her time, and the ex-wife of Reg.
Reg feels betrayed by the Staff at the Home for not informing him before her arrival. There is a frosty atmosphere between the two, and the events of what caused their break-up is unveiled.

With the arrival of Ms. Horton, this presents Cedric, Sorry Ceedric, with a truly great opportunity. As Wilf, Reg, Cissy and Jean had performed a piece by Verdi, the theme for their Gala, as a quartet, and now having the foursome back together, he sees chance to hugely increase ticket sales. Naturally Jean has no intention of performing in the quartet, or at all. Her singing days are over.
The other players look to Reg to resolve his differences with Jean in the hope that this will persuade her to change her mind, and reform for the gala performance.

This is a beautiful little story, talking of lives past, what is still to come, is there still life in those golden years ahead, and of missed chances, and forgiveness. You warm to the characters straight away, little wonder given the amazing cast that bring them to life.Naturally it would be difficult to single out any one performance, though if push came to shove then it would have to be Tom Courtenay as Reg, a wonderful piece of work. A real delight to watch, as indeed they all are.
And who is keeping control of this motley crew in the Director's Chair?  None other than first time Director, 75 year old Dustin Hoffman. Some may find it strange to find a new career at this time in his life, but this he does, and does so with an assurance and warmth, skill and grace that indicate he has learnt much from who have directed him over his many acting years.
 
There seems to be a trend lately of making movies with a more mature cast. Last year we had the charmingly delightful "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", now we have "Quartet" and coming soon is "A Song For Marion". Yes they may feature an older cast, but their message is not just for the pensionable aged members of the audience.

I was intrigued as to if and how the Quartet would perform. Would the cast be singing like those from "Les Miserables"? Would they be miming?  Would it be obvious?  All I can say is that the end result is resolved in a genius fashion. It was the icing on the cake.

I cannot think of a reason for anyone NOT to see this film, and just look at the cast list and there are five easy reasons why it should be viewed, and there are many more on top of that. They may be in their senior years, but this film has plenty of life in it.

Music to my ears............9 out of 10.

"Les Miserables"

The Musical has dominated theatres around the World for the last 25 years, it has spawned numerous film versions, but comes the ultimate with the musical big screen release of "Les Miserables".

A huge undertaking, and a highly anticipated film for some time, there was considerable pressure on the studio and the Director to get it right, and that is exactly what they have done. A near flawless adaptation with an all star cast, beautifully bringing this epic to life.

I am sure that you all must know the story, but just in case......

Jean Valjean is in prison, he was desperate trying to feed his family, and stole some food. The French justice system being hat it is, locked him away for 5 years. His sentence is constantly being extended as he keeps trying to escape. Eventually his time comes, and is released on parole. Constantly watching over him whilst he was incarcerated was Javert, a prison guard, and later Police Officer. He takes a keen interest in the life of Valjean.

Valjean finds sanctuary with a Priest, and repays that hospitality by stealing their silver. Upon discovery in a nearby town, the Police confront the Priest with Valjean and the stolen Silver. The priest agrees with the story that Valjean has given them, in that the Priest gave him the Silver. Amazed by this turn of events, the Priest informs Valjean that he has bought a new life for the Convict with the Silver, and he is to do good by him. So Valjean breaks his Parole and sets off on a journey, with a Kings ransome in his pockets and a new life ahead of him. 

His new life begins with becoming Mayor of a town, looking after the people, he owns a factory staffed by women, ensuring they are well cared for. All goes well til one of his girls is exposed as being an unmarried mother, and is turfed out, leaving her destitute. At the same time the new Police Chief arrives, and is none other than Javert. Despite his suspicions that the Mayor is familiar to him, he does not believe that this beloved man of such high standing could be his former prisoner. That is until the undeniable truth is presented to him in a unique way. Once again Valjean must flee that justice system that is determined to put him back behind bars.

The years pass by, and Valjean has again set up a new life, the woman thrown from his factory died but he vowed to take care of her young daughter, which he does an admirable job of. But France is now close to revolution with the people wanting to rise up against their leaders, who have so much, whilst the people have so little. The lighting of the match to start the revolt is close to hand, Valjean's charge is in love with one of the revolutionaries, Javert is hot on the trail, as the flags begin to fly for freedom......

This is one of those wonderfully epic movies that only comes along every few years. The story has captivated people of all ages, and rightly so. It is the ultimate story of redemption. Totally compelling, with a host of great characters, this is one story that will continue to be heard long after I am gone. Bringing this Cinematic masterpiece to the big screen is Oscar winning Director Tom Hooper. You would think that a more seasoned Director would be required, someone with years of experience, and dealing with huge epic movies. This is only the fourth film to be directed by Mr. Hooper, but such is the skill he brings, it feels like he has been doing the job for years. Like a gifted artist, he paints a broad canvas with such vivid colours.

Heading up an all star cast is Hugh Jackman, already a big name on Broadway, he really gets to flex his vocal muscles playing Valjean. Playing the cast out Fantine is Anne Hathaway. The two share some great scenes together, which is funny as they performed a duet together when Jackman was hosting the Academy Awards a few years ago. Even then they were a formidable team. Now there is no stopping them. They make truly magical music together. Both delivering career best performances, and as some have already predicted, the Academy have probably already enscribed Ms. Hathaway's name on what is surely to become her Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

Also on hand is Oscar winner Russell Crowe as Javert, giving another excellent performance, this despite the fact that he has garnered some criticism for his singing skills. I don't think that he is as bad as has been made out to be, and does an admirable job.

Amanda Seyfriend, as Cosette, has already displayed her talent when she appeared in the fabulous "Mamma Mia", and her skills are once again very evident as she plays Fantine's daughter who Valjean takes under his wing.

Eddie Redmayne plays the love interest for Cosette, Marius, one of the revolutionaries who is causing a headache for Valjean, as he is torn between his daughter's happiness and his bid to keep his freedom. At times Mr. Redayne does seem to go a lovely shade when performing some of the songs, but that is not to belittle his singing, as he does a superb job, and also gives a memorable performance, in fact I would say it is up there with Ms. Hathaways.

Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen provide the entertainment as The Thenardiers'. They are a roguish couple who look after after Cosette when she is a little girl, constantly trying to extort more money for her upkeep.

Visually stunning, with huge sets, a credit to the Production Designer, costumes galore, and an all round cinematic viewing that will be hard to top this year. Every department of the film is working to the best of their abilities, and that is very evident from the finished product.

If you want to see a weak example of cast members performing alongside their music then watch "Moulin Rouge". If you want a far better example then watch "Mamma Mia". But if you do want to see your film stars sining live, and oh yes it is very plain to see that they are, then this is the ONLY choice for you. It took some nerve to convince a studio to let their cast sing live, to get a cast willing to go through that process, but the end result is well worth it.

What an amazing start to 2013, you will be far from miserable after watching this film.......10 out of 10.

 

"Life of Pi"

The unfilmable film has arrived, said by many to be a movie that would never see the light of day, DIrector Ang Lee brings the novel to the screen.

An Indian family decide to move to Canada, not just the family but their business also, which just happens to be running a Zoo, so every animal will be joining them on their slow boat across the Atlantic. Whilst on their journey a huge storm puts paid to their plans, as the boat becomes engulfed in waves of such magnitude, that many are swept overboard, including Pi, our main character.

Recovering from his ordeal, and having been witness to the loss of his family, Pi adjusts to his situation, alone in a lifeboat, well, alone until he discovers that he has some furry friends to keep him company, and not all are that friendly. He has to contend with an Orangutan, Zebra, a rather vicious Hyena, and a Bengal Tiger called 'Richard Parker'. Not only does Pi have to contend with the elements, the risk of dehydration and starvation, but also be weary of his new friends, and for some of them, he could be their next meal.

For a variety of reasons, the two survivors on the lifeboat are Pi and Richard Parker, and Pi has to find a way for them both to survive, trying to teach the tiger and get him to learn, creating a fascinating relationship, and becomes quite an integral part of the film.

The film has been described as the most visually stunning film since "Avatar", well for me that is not much of a recommendation, as I thought the James Cameron movie was visually weak. And I have to say that it looks nice at times, but is far from visually stunning. And as usual, the 3D aspect still further illustrates how far away this format is from being perfect.

It is an enjoyable film, but would not say it is life afirming, Suraj Sharma gives a wonderful performance as Pi, in his first Film performance, an admirable feat indeed. Nice Direction from Ang Lee, butb he has done better.

Nice but a little bit adrift......7 out of 10