Film 52/365, Day 58/365 – Starship Troopers

The Earth and its colonies are under attack from an alien race which has evolved from insect life forms. Starship Troopers has been filmed in such a way that the whole film seems almost like political propaganda, an advert trying to convince you to join up and receive the benefits that come with being a citizen. High school sweethearts Johnny Rico and Carmen Ibanez having completed high school decide to enlist and before you know it the entire armed might of Earth is mobilised against the bug home world of Klandathu.

The action throughout is excellent, the tactics however are the worst in the history of anything. They all just run around wildly firing their guns which are fairly ineffective against the ten to twenty foot tall bugs. All in all however it is a very enjoyable film and a good way to pass a couple of hours. If you enjoy a bit of mindless fun, large bugs, men and women with big guns and spaceships, well then this is the film for you. If not then keep your distance there isn’t much here for anyone that doesn’t like any of the before mentioned.

Film 51/365, Day 58/365 – Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls

Pet Detective, Ace Ventura has retreated to a Himalayan monestry following a disastrous Cliffhanger style incident with a racoon. He is eventually tracked down and convinced to return to work. His assignment is to go Africa and help recover a sacred white bat, to stop the local tribes from going to war.

Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls is an instant classic that can be watched again and again and over and over. Jim Carrey may be an aquired taste, personally I think he is a comedy genious. This is as good if not better than the first Ace Ventura outing. If you fancy some purile mindless entertainment then this is for you. If not, stop being a grump, laughter keeps you young. Just watch it, what’s the worst that could happen.

Film 50/365, Day 58/365 – Get Him to the Greek

Times are hard; the recession has hit and Sergio, challenges his staff to help his record company through it. Aaron suggests that a repeat of rock legend Aldous Snow’s landmark concert to mark its ten year anniversary is just what the company needs. Sergio eventually agrees and tasks Aaron with getting Aldous from London to Los Angeles in 72 hours. What could possibly go wrong?

If you have seen Forgetting Sarah Marshall then you have some idea of what you are in for. Aldous Snow, played by Russell Brand, gets a second outing in Get Him to the Greek. Jonah Hill stars alongside as mild mannered Aaron Green, although Sean Combs (P. Diddy) steals the show as Sergio. Get Him to the Greek was hilarious, I’ve just finished replacing all of my wallpaper with furry material… I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard, as when Aaron and Sergio are stroking the furry wall. Curious, you should be? Watch it, now.

Film 49/365, Day 57/365 – The Accidental Husband

Emma Lloyd is the self proclaimed relationship guru and through her radio show she tells people how to find a suitable partner.  When she advises one of her callers that the relationship she is in is doomed, she doesn’t count on her ex to coming looking for some retribution.  Emma, herself due to be married finds that she is mysteriously already married and so it begins.

Has there ever been a more formulaic romantic comedy than the Accidental Husband?  It covers just about every possibly cliché you would expect and not with any real gusto.  In fact I challenge you to try and predict the story using just the first paragraph of this blog.  You’ll probably get it fairly spot on.  Yawn!

Film 48/365, Day 55/365 – Beyond the Valley of the Dolls

The Kelly Affair is an all girl rock band in the ‘70s. In an attempt to make it big they head off to Hollywood. But Hollywood in the ‘70s is no place for three young women… or is it! If they can survive the drugs, sex and rock and roll they could make it big. But then if they don’t, well, there is still the drugs, sex and rock and roll!

Made by infamous director Russ Meyer, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls is a swinging groovy film co-written by Roger Ebert. It’s how everyone imagines the ‘70s happened, packed full of sexy swinging babes and happin’ cats living to party and have fun. Beyond the Valley of the Dolls is sexy, crazy and a little bit mental.

Film 47/365, Day 54/365 – Underworld

Selene is a death dealer by trade, vampire by nature.  She is one of the best at what she does, and that is to hunt Lycans, their vicious enemies in a war that has lasted for over one thousand years.  When a routine hunt turns openly violent something didn’t feel right for Selene.  Who is this human the Lycans were following and why?

Underworld is an excellent film, and how Vampires and Werewolves should behave.  It is packed full of action with plenty of story to boot, enough for several more films obviously!  The world in which Underworld takes place is fantastically dark and Gothic.  One of my all time favourite vampire films, up there with 30 Days of Night.

Film 46/365, Day 53/365 – Cloverfield

Jason is throwing a farewell party for his brother Rob who is about to leave New York to work in Japan. Then before the party gets going, something shakes their building. Before they no it they are all fleeing in every direction from something, what exactly they are not sure. But it does seem determined to destroy New York and all within it.

This is how to shot a first person film, not at all like that Blair Witch Shite! Cloverfield is best compared to a roller coaster. There is a slow entry which would be the climb as we get to know the cast. Then boom we are hurtled through a non stop adrenaline fueled adventure. It is absolutely mesmerising and exhilarating. Without a doubt 5 stars.

Film 45/365, Day 51/365 – The Time Traveller’s Wife

Henry DeTamble has a very rare genetic condition. When he becomes stressed he involuntarily travels through time to a time and location that he cannot control. Whilst on one of these episodes he travels into the past where he meets Clare, his future wife, as a child. Clare’s childhood is peppered with these meetings until as a grown woman she finally meets Henry in the correct time-line.

I’m not entirely sure how The Time Traveller’s Wife made me feel. On one hand it is a fantastic story, excellently shot and acted. On the other hand it is a romantic story about a man who travels back in time and meets his future wife as a child and pretty much ensures that they will be together in the future. Hmmm!

Film 44/365, Day 51/365 – Couples Retreat

Jason and Cynthia have just announced that their marriage has failed and in one last attempt to save it they are asking, no begging, their friends to agree to go on an exclusive couples retreat. After a thorough presentation to demonstrate the benefits of the retreat their friends eventually agree to go with them. But when they get there they are all subjected to the marriage therapy. Will Jason and Cynthia save their marriage or will their friends survive the ordeal?

Couples Retreat has quite the ensemble cast and offers plenty of laughs throughout. Jean Reno is excellent as Marriage Guru Marcel although the best character is the yoga instructor. This is definitely one to watch with the other half and it does have plenty to laugh at.

Film 43/365, Day 46/365 – The Island

Lincoln Six Echo lives in a seemingly perfect facility long after an unexplained event has made the earth uninhabitable. Randomly members of the facility are selected to move to the island, the last habitable place outside of the facility. Every aspect of their lives are monitored and analyzed by Dr Merrick and his team. Lincoln strangely finds himself uneasy with the whole situation, his concerns are reinforced when he discovers a moth that has flown in from the outside. Along with his friend, Jordan Two Delta, they escape and discover that nothing is quite as they expected.

The Island is a futuristic thriller directed by Michael Bay, the man behind Armageddon and Transformers, so you can expect plenty of over the top action sequences. The Island is an enjoyable film with some exhilarating action sequences, some less believable than others. It seems to be influenced by a number of other science fiction films, from Logan’s Run to THX 1138, but then that’s nothing new either. Well worth watching if you enjoy your science fiction.

Film 42/365, Day 45/365 – The Proposal

Andrew is an aspiring author who has found himself working for the most demanding editor in all of New York. Desperate to get his novel looked at he reluctantly agrees to marry his pushy boss, originally from Canada, so that she can obtain a green card to stay in the USA. They travel back to Andrew’s home in Alaska to tell his parents and get married… But there is a skeptical INS agent determined to prove that the marriage is a sham. But is it?

There are plenty of laughs in the Proposal and it’s good to see Ryan Reynolds back doing comedy. He’s good in the action roles but this is where I think he really shines, but will he ever recapture the magic of Van Wilder? I hope so, although not quite in this one. Actually it is the relationship between Sandra Bullock and Betty White that really steals the show. It’s a nice story with some genuine funny moments.

Film 41/365, Day 44/365 – Smokey and the Bandit

The Bandit is hired to get a shipment of beer illegally across state lines. He has a plan; he has an accomplice and a fast car and they’ve only got 28 hours to deliver the beer, what could go wrong? Well not long into their adventure the Bandit accidentally picks up Carrie, a run away bride. Unfortunately for them the Groom to be was the son of Texas Sheriff Buford T. Justice and he’s not going to let her get away. Oh and they have all of the regular state troopers to avoid.

This film essentially boils down to Burt Reynolds, and his moustache, driving around at incredible speeds whilst being chased by an endless stream of police cars, police cars that usually end up in a ditch and upside down. The chases are good and the characters are all fun especially Buford T. Justice and his incompetent son. You can’t go wrong with Smokey and the Bandit if you’re looking for some good old fashioned fun.

Film 40/365, Day 44/365 – The Trial of the Incredible Hulk

In an attempt to rescue a woman Dr David Banner is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. The real criminals work for the Kingpin, Wilson Fisk, and he is going to do everything to ensure he is not assosciated with the crime. Banner’s only hope is to join with his lawyer Matt Murdock, who fights crime under as the Daredevil.

Made in 1989 for TV this is not the greatest use of the Hulk’s time and whilst Lou Ferrigno will always be legendary for his performances as the Hulk it has a tough time standing up to the computer generated Hulks of today. Although saying that this film could really have done with considerably more Ferrigno time. The Hulk can’t have been on the screen for more than ten minutes in the whole film. Best moment is the obligatory ‘Where’s Stan Lee’ game that accompanies all Marvel films.

Film 39/365, Day 43/365 – Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes, accompanied by his partner Dr John Watson, must stop the evil Lord Blackwood from completing a series of seemingly mystical events in his quest for power. To do this he will have to use his incredible ability to deduce the facts and solve the numerous problems that come his way, not least in the form of the alluring Irene Adler.

Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes is a fascinating portrayal of one of Englands best loved and most recognised fictional characters. Guy’s style fits almost perfectly with Sherlock Holmes and the way that Sherlock’s thought process is visualised is excellent. Robert Downey Jr is also excellent as Sherlock Holmes. You should definitely see this film if you haven’t already done so.

Film 38/365, Day 39/365 – Shaun of the Dead

Shaun staggers through life, barely. He still lives with his best friend, Ed, whom he known since he was a child. Every night they like to go to their local pub, the Winchester. One day Shaun’s girlfriend Susan breaks up with him and after a particuly hard night on the beer Shaun wakes from his drink induced coma to find that the world is a little different. In order to win Susan back Shaun must keep them all safe from the rapidly increasing Zombie horde that has engulfed west London.

I love Shaun of the Dead, but then I’m quite possibly its target audience. If you’re not too sure then I would recommend you watch a couple of episodes of Spaced. Shaun of the Dead is excellently put together, with a brilliant use of music that enhances every scene. It even opens to the music from Dawn of the Dead, before going into a fantastic opening credits segment. Watch it, now!

Film 37/365, Day 39/365 – Barb Wire

A new cival war has split the United States of America and there is one last neutral location, Steel Harbor. And if you’re in Steel Harbor there is only one place to go, Hammerhead bar owned by Barb Wire. Barb Wire whilst running a successful bar moonlights as a bounty hunter. When an old flame wanders into the Hammerhead it’s not long before all hell breaks loose.

This films isn’t one of those it’s so bad it’s good; it’s actually so bad it’s brilliant. And to support my argument I only need two words… Pamela Anderson! Who ever thought of casting Pam as this ‘ass kicking’ heroine is a genius whose genius is only surpassed by the wardobe department. All I can say is… thank you!

Film 36/365, Day 37/365 – Robocop

In the not too distant future in Old Detroit crime has got out of control. Enter OCP, a company who have made almost everything profitable, who assume control of the Detroit Police department. In their efforts to eradicate crime they develop the Robocop program, part man, part machine, all cop. Police office Alex Murphy is killed in the line of duty and what remains of his body becomes the prototype. But will that be enough to take down the organised crime of Old Detroit.

Robocop is another film from the ‘80s mini challenge, which now takes me to 3 out of 20. I remember watching Robocop the first time around and recall how violent it was, which was cool. Unfortunately for Robocop it hasn’t quite held up over time, unlike The Terminator which managed to still look futuristic. It’s all about the details really, they managed to imagine a world where they are able to fuse man and machine, but TV’s hadn’t progessed at all. It’s a good film, just not as good as I remember.

Film 35/365, Day 37/365 – Surf’s Up

Cody Maverick is alone in his colony of penguins. He is the only one who surfs, inspired by a visit from Big Z when he was younger. Now he has a chance at competing in the Big Z memorial surf tournament. When Cody goes head to head with the reigning champion, Tank ‘The Shredder’ Evans, he wipes out and needs to be rescued by the lifeguard. With his confidence shaken can a new found mentor help him rediscover his love of surfing?

Surf’s Up is told in the form of a documentary which works excepetionally well. One of the best elements is the excellent supporting cast, Chicken Joe is probably my favourite. Primarily this is a childrens film but there is plenty in there for adults. It’s lots of fun and definitely one to watch.

Film 34/365, Day 37/365 – Inception

Dom Cobb is a thief, although he doesn’t steal anything physical, he specializes in stealing information from people through their dreams. When one of his contracts turns out to be a test for a much larger more dangerous job Dom can’t help but accept the job. Especially as in return his employee will erase his previous criminal charges so the he can return home and see his children.

I’ve read a few reviews and even after seeing the sychophantic write ups I had my hestitations about seeing another DiCaprio film. Whilst the special effects and the world that Inception thrusts you into is visually exceptional I can’t help be feel that the story wasn’t really something new. A virtual world with a virtual world; is this really the real world or is it another virtual world? I got it I just didn’t think it was quite as good as people made out.

Film 33/365, Day 36/365 – Toy Story 3

Woody and Buzz are back, but they aren’t being played with as much anymore. That’s because Andy is now going to college and the toys are becoming obsolete. In a desperate attempt to be played with the toys end up at Sunnyside day-care, what they hope will be the ultimate life for a toy, endless children to play with without the attachment. But things aren’t quite how they imagined.

This is the ultimate ending to one of the greatest trilogies of all time, animated or otherwise. Toy Story 3 is absolutely fantastic. There isn’t really that much more to say without gushing. The Spanish Buzz Lightyear was one of my personal highlights. If you liked Toy Story and Toy Story 2 (and why wouldn’t you?) then you must watch Toy Story 3. If you haven’t seen them… go… get out of here and watch them NOW!

Film 32/365, Day 36/365 – Perfect Creature

In an alternate reality a geneticist creates a superior race of humans. These superior creatures are raised by the church as guardians of humanity. Although when one of the superior creatures, Edgar, goes on a murderous spree it is up to his brother, Silas, to bring him to justice. Silas joins forces with the human police in an attempt to bring his brother in. But is Silas ready for what his brother will reveal to him?

The story for Perfect Creature had lots of potential although I think it failed to truly deliver on what was a fairly promising start. The camera work is good and the atmosphere is very well portrayed. It just felt quite rushed with lots of important points being casually dropped into the scene without feeling natural. Basically it was ok.

Review of January 2011

So I am one month into Film Year and I though it would be a good moment to reflect on what I’ve been up to. Here is my progress throughout January.

For January I was one film short of one a day, which isn’t too bad although I would rather be ahead. But this just proves that it really is going to be a challenge; would it really be worth doing if it was too easy? 

Also one of my plans was that at least one third of all of the films I watch should be a new film that I haven’t seen before. Well for January over half of the films I saw were new to me. 

So far I have enjoyed most of the films that I have watched, although there were a few to get less than three stars (what I would call average). 

Here is a graph to show how much of my time was taken up watching films in January. 

Finally I have managed to watch such a variety of films that the most I have seen an actor in the main role in a film is twice. That honour goes to Gene Wilder and Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

Oh well, back to watching films I guess!

Film 31/365, Day 32/365 – Dragnet

Los Angeles, the city of Angels. Not as far as Detectives Friday and Streebek can see. They are investigating a number of bizare thefts caused by a criminal organisation known as the PAGANs. Friday plays everything by the book and to the letter of the law, whilst Streebek is more of a free spirit. Can these two detectives pull together and solve this crimewave?

This is how I best like to see Tom Hanks, back when he was a fantastic comedy actor. Don’t get me wrong I do enjoy some of his more serious work, Forrest Gump is one of my all time favourites, but I have so many fond memories of The ‘burbs, Big or Batchelor Party. Dan Aykroyd is just brilliant in whatever he does and I will never get tired of watching his work, especially from the 1980s. Watch it!