Film Review - God Bless America

A great concept, at times very well executed. The script is particularly sharp. But it does waste a lot of time pondering, and the cast could have been better.

Film Review - Weekend

Laidback and charming. I was as disappointed that it had to end as its characters were.

Film Review - Ted

The plot may be rather light and somewhat predictable, but the belly laughs come think and fast. Not all of the humour is successful, and a lot of it will certainly date, but if your jaw doesn't drop at least once then you're not paying attention.

Film Review - The Bourne Legacy

Very disappointing.
Everything that happens in the film is in the trailer, but at least there it was briefer, and far more exciting. Although don't expect David Strathairn or Joan Allen to do much, as they barely get a look-in.
The story has no ending. If I'd have paid for it, I'd have felt cheated (I saw a free preview). It feels more like a set-up for a new franchise, rather than a story in its own right. It ends long before anything's really happened and, much like "Salt", I thought the third act was about to start, then the Moby song kicked in and the credits rolled.
It's not a dreadful film by any means. Renner is fine, but is yet to capture that twinkly charisma that Matt Damon has, and Rachel Weisz is surprisingly good (she's not an actress I rate particularly). But the film drags, and the action is kept to a minimum, something no previous Bourne film has done so far. There is an element of tension, but it's more to do with your expectations of what's to come than anything the film itself delivers, which is little more than McGuffin exposition and waffle, and definitely not in an interesting way.
I'm running out of things to say quicker than they ran out of things to put on-screen. I think I'll stick to the trilogy.

Film Review - Brave (in 3D)

Disappointing, but not terrible.
Firstly, this is not the film that's being advertised. This isn't some ballsy heroine finding her inner bravery to stand up against the male-dominated society. It's a selfish teenager who behaves irresponsibly, and when her choices cause things to go very wrong, she accepts no blame and has no guilt. And, frankly, doesn't learn to.
Brave has clear ambitions to be Pixar's Pocahontas, but ends up more their Brother Bear. Literally. That's a (very) bad thing.
Moments of chin-stroking philosophising and attempts at emotional weight are offset too heavily by slapstick, violence and unexpected twists that are more ill-judged than revelatory, and it's all sewn together in a manner that's very conspicuous and alienating.
And since when has there been a grizzly bear problem in Scotland? Must have been around the time koalas took over Swansea?
However, the music and animation are gorgeous, a lot of the humour works, and it comes with a rather charming, if strange short, La Luna.
But the 3D is possibly the most pointless to date. Enough already.

Film Review - The Amazing Spider-Man (in 3D)

Was a reboot of the franchise really necessary so soon? I didn't think so, but this film has proven that it certainly wasn't a bad idea after all. However, as a result comparisons will be brought, so let's address them.
I had no problems with Tobey Maguire's Spidey (until THAT scene-that-must-not-be-mentioned in #3), but here Andrew Garfield embodies both Spider-Man and Peter Parker in a way that is superior on very level, and far truer to the comics/cartoons I remember growing up with. He's more charismatic, emotional, cocky, lean, and youthful. Most importantly, the cheesy wise-cracks are back.
Ditto Emma Stone who, if anything, is a bit wasted as Gwen Stacey. Her Oscar is merely a formality at this point, so when you have someone as attention-grabbing as her in your cast, it's a shame to give her so little to do. That said, she plays a pivotal role in the final scenes, by which I do not mean "damsel in distress". She makes Kirsten Dunst's MJ look like a cardboard cut-out by comparison.
One of the big issues I have with the first Spider-Man is the villain. Whilst the origin story is done well, as soon as the Green Goblin comes out to play I lose interest. Here, The Lizard feels more of a threat, and his story is given time to build. Not only that, but Peter gets to use some science and detective work to bring him down, rather than just a CGI smackdown (though there's plenty of that too). Yes, a lot of the origin story is something we've seen before, but they've gone out of their way to freshen it up a bit, and it definitely feels less contrived.
It's not flawless, by any means, and I may need a second viewing to clear/confirm my doubts. I've certainly read/heard negative reviews with which I can't disagree- but ultimately I can't deny I enjoyed the experience of watching this film.
With Denis Leary, Martin Sheen and Sally Field all being worthy of a shout-out as well, I'd say that this second version of the franchise isn't so much a reboot after all. It's an upgrade.

Film Review - Chariots of Fire

Re-released ready for the London 2012 Olympics, this was my first time seeing this Best Picture Oscar-winning classic. Despite being a period drama to begin with, it does feel a little dated, but appears to have lost little of its charm. Lacking in spectacle it may be, but getting a sport-hating couch potato like me rooting for sportsmen is no mean feat.