Best Picture nominees 2015

It's coming to the end of the annual Award Season, so here are my thoughts in this year's Best Picture Oscar nominees. (And no, I'm still not over the fact that Nightcrawler and Gone Girl are not on this list.)

 

American Sniper

I've never been a fan of war movies. I've never been a fan of Bradley Cooper's. And yet, this film is surprisingly good. The politics (pro/anti-war) are irrelevant- it covers both sides, and it's a well-told true story, with some emotional weight. However, it definitely sags in the second half and shows us very little that we haven't seen in a million war films before. Despite its title, we don’t see enough of Bradley sniping, and frankly that would have made for a far more interesting and original film. As good as it is, it definitely does not deserve to be on this list, despite its enormous box-office success.

 

Birdman

I've always loved Michael Keaton, yet Oscar-calibre performances have never been his forte. Until now. And he's not alone, as both Edward Norton and Emma Stone (finally!) get a nod each for their supporting roles, and I would have happily added Zach Galifianakis to that list too. Borrowing from Alfred Hitchcock's Rope gimmick, this tale of a faded actor's attempt to (re)claim credibility plays as if it was all shot in one take (but for a few bizarre inserts at the bookends), and it works amazingly well. It’s a bit on the pretentious side, but the ending will have you discussing the possibilities for hours, and that can only be a good thing. Shame about all that fucking drumming.

 

Boyhood

The front-runner in this category, this is a genuinely awesome achievement. Watch 12 real years pass by before your very eyes as a boy (including the actor himself) grows from 6-18 in under three hours. Given that it is scripted and not a documentary, the plot could have used a bit more direction, and too much time is spent on the final, ponderous hour, but the ultimate result feels natural and uncontrived. Patricia Arquette is also a deserved favourite to take home the Supporting Actress Oscar for her recognisably honest role as the lead’s mother.

 

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson directs Ralph Feinnes in a wacky art house comedy? No thanks. However, somehow I DID end up seeing this upon its release, long before the awards buzz. Wes Anderson's hyper-real universe usually catches in my throat, but somehow this one just worked for me. Every scene is meticulous, necessary and beautifully shot. It's also hilarious, unpredictable and an absolutely unique tour-de-force.

 

The Imitation Game

Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley both get deserved nods in this (until recently) secret, true-life tale of the unlikeliest of tragic war heroes, Alan Turing. I would have liked to have seen Mark Strong get some awards recognition too, but that's surely only a matter of time anyway. The film has an emotional punch, as it celebrates a man who could never be celebrated in his far-too-short lifetime. If I had a criticism it would be that we learn next to nothing about the code-breaking machine Turing built, nor what it actually does. Great to see a nomination for its very melodious score.

 

Selma

Britain's David Oyelowo has been personally overlooked, despite deserved rave reviews for his incredible, dignified, human performance as Martin Luther King Jr. and the corresponding outrage is fully justified. The film follows a somewhat repetitive pattern and there are many scenes that simply make the same point made in a previous scene, leading to a bit of a lull rather than a building of tension. Criticising the film feels like criticising the real-life story, but this film's success rests squarely on Oyelowo's shoulders and would certainly suffer without his performance.

The Theory of Everything

Eddie Redmayne is simply phenomenal as scientific genius Stephen Hawking, and must surely be the Best Actor front-runner. I'm not quite feeling the love for the performance from Felicity Jones as his devoted wife, nor the Best Picture thing, but it is a far more compelling story than you may expect, both touching and amusing, and definitely more than just a performance-based film.

Whiplash

For my money, this is the best film of the bunch. Miles Teller has been cruelly overlooked this awards season, but thankfully JK Simmons is the hot favourite to win the Supporting Actor gong as a tyrannical teacher who conducts a much-admired Jazz band, comprised of the best of the best of the school's students. As someone who absolutely HATES jazz with a passion, even I shed a tear at the musical virtuosity in the phenomenal final scene. Yes, there is an argument that the female characters are either sidelined or altogether absent, but this is very much the tale of man vs. man, and all of the machismo and locker room banter that implies. If anything, it speaks further to the teacher's tunnel-visioned outlook. An amazing movie.

The best films of 2014

Another year over, and again I haven't written many film reviews. That's something I fully intend to rectify in 2015, but in the meantime here are some brief thoughts on many of 2014's standout films. All of the following are films that I saw by 31^st December 2014 that had a UK cinema release date during 2014.

Rather than rate them as a countdown list, I though I'd try something a bit different and deal with them in groups.

 

My Top 4 films of 2014

In no particular order, here are my four favourite films of the year.

How To Train Your Dragon 2

The only animated franchise that truly rivals Pixar for maturity and emotional depth, this lived up to the promise of its predecessor, providing the wished-for thrills and belly-laughs, as well as a plot that moved the story along, instead of retreading old ground.

 

Nightcrawler

A truly transformative performance from Jake Gyllenhaal (and also from Riz Ahmed) in a no-holds-barred satire on media, capitalism and the acceptable face of sociopathy. Graphic and riveting.

 

Gone Girl

The bleak twist-filled misanthropic (and frequently hilarious) thriller didn't disappoint. Just when you think you know where it's going it throws another curve ball. Then another. And another...

 

Edge of Tomorrow (Live Die Repeat)

The Tom Cruise blockbuster that wasn't, but those few of us who saw it, loved it. Non-stop action and humour complete with a genuinely interesting time-bending narrative made for one of the year's cinematic highlights.

 

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Comic Book

In a very strong year for satisfying blockbusters, these big-budget extravaganzas were the most impressive.

X-Men: Days Of Future Past

A time-twisting return to form for the ailing franchise, combining characters old and new, as well as old and young. Features some of the most memorable scenes of the year (I'm looking at YOU, QuickSilver!)

 

Captain America: The Winter Solider

Less an action blockbuster (not that it's lacking in that department), and more of a political thriller as old foe Hydra rears its (many) head(s). It may lack the old-school charm of the first film, but more than makes up for it with action and intrigue. Chris Evans continues to give a flawless performance in a role that is actually very difficult to pull off.

 

Guardians of the Galaxy

One of the year's biggest gambles pays off as it mixes action, laughs, visual effects and pathos to stunning effect. And then there's the soundtrack...

 

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes

The sequel-to-the-prequel ups the ante on the special effects and returns the saga to its man-vs-ape roots, drawing political parallels that underline how the franchise is as relevant now as it has ever been, if not more so.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Receiving a mauling from both critics and audiences alike, I don’t know what the hell they’re complaining about. I much prefer Andrew Garfield’s charismatic Peter Parker to that of Toby Maguire’s utterly bland incarnation, not to mention Emma Stone’s feisty Gwen Stacey over Kirsten Dunst’s dull-as-dishwater MJ. This film has the biggest emotional kick of the entire series, and multiple jaw-dropping set pieces.

 

Stranger than fiction

Based on a true story, biographies, documentaries... Always one of the worthier categories, but these films will keep you on the edge of your seat and, in many cases, reaching for the hankies.

12 Years a Slave

Despite appearing on many 2013 lists, its UK release was actually in 2014. This unflinching, powerful and resonant film requires patience, but pays off in dividends.

 

Lone Survivor

As someone who can't stand war movies, I was shocked as to how much I was absorbed by this film. Nowhere near the jingoistic, flag-waving, right-wing propaganda piece I was expecting, I actually cared about a Mark Wahlberg character, proving there's a first time for everything.

 

Life Itself

A superb documentary about film critic Roger Ebert, who died while the film was being edited. Fascinating, informative and very emotional, it's a brilliant insight into the man, his life and cinema itself.

 

The Imitation Game

The fascinating account of one of Britain's true national heroes, Alan Turing's world-changing efforts had been kept secret for decades. It does shy away from the more technical aspects of what he actually did, but its importance, and injustice of what followed, are the crux of the story.

 

The Railway Man

A tough watch, but an emotionally rewarding tale of trauma, revenge and forgiveness. It's not often I'll applaud Colin Firth or Nicole Kidman, but this time they both nailed it.

 

The Wolf of Wall Street

Hilarious, lively and utterly repulsive as the Greed Is Good ethos of the 1980s is brought to life in all its hedonistic hideousness.

 

Unbroken

A seriously harrowing but inspirational tale of one man's journey (both figuratively and literally) from the bullied child of an immigrant family to Olympic hero, war hero, cast away and tortured POW camp prisoner.

 

Pride

"Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners" of a Welsh village during the 1980s miners' strike. You had me at hello. Loads of fun, with a few valid points to make about the true meaning of solidarity.

 

Young Adult

This hugely popular category of literature has now become a hugely popular film genre in its own right, as tortured teens battle against allegorical dystopian futures, deadly diseases and mysterious afflictions. Here are some of this year's highlights.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Part 1)

The dystopian franchise reaches the first half of its conclusion and as The Hunger  Games themselves are no more, we move away from the action in favour of more political shenanigans. But this political back story has always been the point of the franchise anyway. By the nature of the split into two films, this doesn't have as much of a cliffhanger ending as it doesn't have one at all, but even though I've read the book, I'm excited for the finale.

 

The Fault in Our Stars

Girl with cancer befriends boy with cancer. Cue defiant cutesiness and tears. It's actually a far more worthwhile and original story than it sounds, even if it does get a little bit caught up in its own self-indulgence.

 

Horns

Accused of murdering his girlfriend, Daniel Radcliffe grows a pair of horns that forces people to be brutally honest to him. It falls apart towards the end, but for the most part, it's an original and genuinely interesting idea that is executed successfully.

 

The Maze Runner

A bunch of amnesiac teens are thrown into a glade, surrounded by a monster-inhabited maze. A cheesy, but enjoyable franchise setup.

 

Divergent

In yet another dystopian future, teens are effectively sorted into houses, depending on their personality (sound familiar?). Categories appear to be hard working, intelligent or irresponsible a***hole. Obviously, the lead pursues the latter. But anyone divergent, i.e. more than one, is dangerous, apparently. It’s completely ludicrous, and at times infuriating, but I can't deny it had won me over by the end.

 

Comedy

It hasn’t been a vintage year for comedy, but these were the films that most felt worthy of my time.

Last Vegas

An all-star cast of pensioners go to Vegas for a stag do. Cue inappropriate behaviour, dragged out skeletons, romance, pathos and genuine hilarity.

 

The Skeleton Twins

A blacker-then-black dark comedy about estranged suicidal siblings. It won't be for everyone, but certainly struck a chord with me, and features my favourite scene of the year (involving a certain Starship song).

 

22 Jump Street

A superior sequel to the over-rated reboot of the barely-remembered TV series. I went in reluctantly, but came out a convert.

 

That Awkward Moment

Reviled by critics and audiences alike, but I found it honest, smart, observant and, most importantly, very funny.

 

The Lego Movie

Loved by critics and audiences alike, this has to be the most pleasant surprise of the year. Inventive, creative, irreverent, surreal, clever and touching.

 

Indie

And finally, a quick look at some of the less-heralded films you may have missed or never even heard of.

'71

A behind-enemy-lines tale of a British soldier stranded in Ireland during "The Troubles". 2014's breakout star Jack O'Connell (also the lead in Unbroken, see above) is phenomenal in this edge-of-your-seat thriller that had me holding my breath.

 

Locke

Tom Hardy in a car, on his phone (hands-free Bluetooth, of course). And that's it. Yet it's utterly gripping from start to finish.

 

Calvary

An innocent priest is told he will be killed in a week's time, for the abusive crimes of other, not-so-innocent priests. Surprisingly funny, unsurprisingly tense.

 

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Given its unexpected box office success, this is one you may well have seen. The whimsical tale of a hotel manager and his lobby boy, it is impeccably directed and a genuine pleasure. I was expecting to be irritated by this, as I usually am by director Wes Anderson (not to mention Ralph Feinnes) but all involved here excel.

RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman

I have just heard the devastating news of the death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman at just 46. A lot of attention will be shone upon his Oscar-winning role in Capote, but despite his young age, his career was prolific and hugely diverse so I thought I'd pay tribute with a quick list of his five most memorable performances (IMHO, of course...)

5. Boogie Nights

I was no fan of this film, but having seen it just the once on its original release, I remember only two things about it- the final shot (obviously) and Philip Seymour Hoffman's tiny but heart-breaking performance as the gay cameraman.

4. Mission: Impossible III

Adding a bit of class to the popcorn proceedings, Hoffman made for a memorable villain that would certainly have been ludicrous in the wrong hands. Or at least far more so.

3. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Having read the trilogy of books, I was excited at the news of his perfect casting as Plutarch Heavensbee, and he didn't disappoint in this first sequel. Already excited for his much larger role in the finale, Mockingjay, it's particularly saddening to hear he was just a week away from completion.

2. Punch-Drunk Love

Despite being no fan of art house cinema, this wonderfully ambiguous and divisive film struck a major chord with me. Hoffman's pitch-perfect turn as an infuriating bully was one of the major reasons.

1. The Talented Mr. Ripley

The role that truly marked Hoffman out as one for me to watch was his infectious turn as the slimy-but-adorable Freddie Miles. The thriller has become an all-time favourite of mine.

"How's the peeping, Tommy? How's the peeping?"

RIP Philip, you will be remembered.

Film Review - Inside Llewyn Davis

Ah, The Coen Brothers. To most critics and self-proclaimed movie "buffs", the phrase is music to their ears. To me, it means I'm about to get a film that is initially compelling, and then either rambles to the point of lost interest, shooting off on a random surreal tangent, or that will simply end long before the story is anywhere near a conclusion. Well, this one ends before the story has even started. It looks gorgeous, the performances are fine, the music is great and the characters are not uninteresting, although very unexplored. However, the main character becomes increasingly unlikeable and therefore less sympathetic; and nothing actually happens. I don't have an issue with movies that just give you a snapshot in time, as long as I've come away feeling like I've experienced something. With this one, I didn't.

Films of 2013

Well, 2014 is well underway, the Oscar nominations are out, so my Best Films Of 2013 list is well overdue, especially given my lack of reviews last year.

I've been tossing and turning and changing around my top 5 all year, then some latecomers threw a spanner or two into the works, so I have decided to do something different this year; a best-of list with no order- just the films (16, as it goes) that have made the biggest and most lasting positive impression on me. There are films I rated higher upon first seeing them, but their content has slipped from my mind and they've been usurped by more memorable movies.

Here, then, in no particular order, are my recommendations of films released nationally in UK cinemas during 2013.

Before Midnight

Following the further adventures of a couple that meet as early-twentysomethings on a train, the series raises interesting questions about "the one that got away", romance, family, the battle of the sexes and the very concept of "happily ever after" in the face of reality.

A newcomer to the "Before..." series, I caught up with all three films (including 1995's Before Sunrise and 2004's Before Sunset) in the space of a week. And, wow, what a series. Somehow each film manages to not only improve on its predecessor, but makes its predecessor stronger in the process.

The characters are now in their early forties and the romance is long-gone as their relationship is now well-worn. At times, I even hated this film because I was so involved in these characters' relationships that I didn't like any deviation from the romantic ideal that was set up previously. A breathtaking end to a truly unique trilogy. Fingers crossed for part 4 in 2022...

Monsters University

We see the much-loved Mike and Sully meet at university, and learn to not only get along, but to use their individual strengths and weaknesses to form the successful team we know from Monsters Inc. Definitely the best Pixar film in years.

A worthy prequel to one of my all-time favourite movies. Massively under-rated by critics, it was much like its predecessor; charming, emotional, creative, hilarious, scary and oodles of fun.

Saving Mr. Banks

PL Travers, creator of Mary Poppins, is horrified at what Walt Disney plans to do to her beloved creation. Unfortunately, financial restraints force her to make the uncomfortable decision to allow him to make the film that world adored, but not without a fight.

The most recent entry in the list, and an unexpected delight. Hanks and Thompson are magnificent and whilst the Colin Farrell bits didn't work quite as well as the rest, the way it fits into the movie as a whole made for a film that's practically perfect in every way.

Philomena

A journalist stumbles across the story of a woman whose baby was forcibly taken from her during convent school, and together they search to find the truth.

Another late entry that shows you trailers cannot be trusted. An absolute delight that packs a hefty emotional gut-punch, this devastating yet inspirational true story was brought to life impeccably.

Despicable Me 2

The no-longer despicable Gru adjust to life with his new family, whilst dealing with romance, growing pains and the return of an old foe.

An enormous leap of improvement over the first, the plot is better for its simplicity, and, most importantly, we get to see a lot more of those hilarious minions. You'll never hear One-4-All's I Swear in the same way again.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Katniss and Peeta are forced back into the arena as President Snow aims to crush an impending rebellion sparked by Katniss's life-saving defiance in the first film.

Superior to the first installment in every single way. The effects, story, background, pacing, performances, costumes, subtext... I could go on. If the ending doesn't get you excited for Mockingjay, I don't want to know you.

Gravity

Two astronauts are left stranded in space after their space shuttle is destroyed by debris.

Slightly over-rated, it's still worthy of a mention purely for its achievements in film-making. A visual spectacle, the camerawork is revolutionary, and no suspension of disbelief is required as you're left simply believing this was filmed in space. Remarkable.

Frozen

Two royal sisters are separated due to a childhood accident and a magical secret. But once the secret is out, Ana is determined to encourage Elsa to return home from her self-imposed exile.

A surprisingly dark story from Disney, this still manages to work its magic with singalongs, comical sidekicks and compelling characters. Not quite up there with Tangled, it does have the best Disney songs since the 1990s and a fantastic feminist moral about the real meaning of true love.

Captain Phillips

When his cargo ship is over-run by Somali pirates, Captain Phillips attempts to defend his ship and crew.

By no means an easy watch, but certainly a rewarding one of you make it to the end.

Tom Hanks. The last 10 minutes. I'm crying just thinking about it. Amazeballs.

Prisoners

When their children go missing, two men capture and torture the man they suspect of abducting them. Meanwhile, a cop investigates.

Super-tense and phenomenally well-played. Until the usually brilliant Melissa Leo turns up and uncharacteristically spoils things. But still one of the most gripping pieces of cinema this year.

Iron Man Three

Suffering from the after effects of the events of Avengers Assemble, Tony Stark faces a new villain as his past dismissal of a potential ally catches up with him.

An early contender for film of the year, up there with Avengers Assemble as a superb example of a quality superhero movie- fantastic SFX, witty dialogue and genuinely thrilling, inventive action set-pieces. Thor: The Dark World was great fun too, but comparatively forgettable.

The Impossible

The true-life tale of a family's experience of the recent Indonesian tsunami.

I've been waiting years for the director's follow-up to The Orphanage, and it didn't disappoint. Ewan McGregor finally reminds us that when he wants to, he can be a superb actor. Another harrowing watch, but also emotionally rewarding.

Compliance

The true-life tale of a prank call that goes WAY too far.

Shocking, unbelievable, disgusting and all true. You'll never take a call from the police in the same way again.

Rush

The two leads are pitch-perfect in this incredibly faithful recreation of the James Hunt/Nicki Lauda rivalry of the 1970s. Whether you know the story or not (I didn't), or care about Formula One (I don't), this is riveting film-making.

Wreck It Ralph

A video game character grows tired of being treated like the villain, and runs away.

Disney's affectionate look at old-fashioned arcade games and more cynical modern games was an utter delight that redefines a Disney Princess.

Les Misérables

After facing a hefty punishment for a petty crime, Jean Valjean rebuilds his life as a successful businessman, but policeman Javert is rarely far behind...

And let's end with how the year began. Not so much with a bang, but with a long, sustained powerful wail. Whether it be Anne Hathaway's tear-inducing SuBo tribute or Russell Crowe's ear-gouging Pierce Brosnan tribute, I was reduced to a complete wreck by the end. Although, for me, it works better on-stage, Tom Hooper's direction makes the most of the cinematic medium to really drive the emotion home.

Honorable mentions also go to the better-than-expected likes of Warm Bodies, Hitchcock, Dark Skies and The Call which round out my top 20. Not many critics would agree with that, and that makes me want to champion them even more.

Here's hoping I can be a bit more productive in 2014. I have five reviews to write already...

Film Review - Behind The Candelabra

Wow. Whilst Liberace is a distant memory to me, but this has truly brought those memories back vividly. The cast are absolute phenomenal, with Damon and Douglas both diving into their roles with no sense of self-consciousness. Shame it didn't get a cinema release in the US, as they'd surely be the Oscar favourites to beat. Fingers crossed for the BAFTAs! The only criticism would be the drug-fuelled clichés the film covers in the final act, but given it's a true story it's a churlish complaint, even if it does dampen the film's grin-inducing enjoyability.

Film Review - Dark Skies

It does a lot that I've seen before- most notably in Signs and Paranormal Activity- but what it does, it does very well. Give me this use-your-own-imagination horror over the likes of Evil Dead's gore-gore-and-more-gore approach any day.