Inception - Review

There is a certain quality about cinema which is always greatly underestimated, in my opinion. A certain power to suck you in an entirely new world, total escapism, an unrivalled yearning to experience something more than what is put in front of us. Some people would ever say the same about dreams. Why not combined the two, some might say. Indeed some might say, but enter Christopher Nolan to be the one who acts.

Taking his contractual break from his trilogy of the Bat, his latest film Inception tells the tale of a group of very smart thieves, lead by a mysterious man named Dom Cobb - Leonardo DiCaprio - who steal ideas from dreams for the highest bidder.

When their latest heist goes wary, they're hired by the man - Ken Watanabe - whom they were originally stealing from in the first place (keeping up so far?) to plant an idea which could have a huge impact on world events. This method is known simply as Inception. Excited yet?

Having been a long admirer of Nolan's work, it was quite remarkable for even myself to see Inception surpass everything he has made previously. The director takes everything learned from all the films to come before and constructs a masterpiece of modern cinema. It takes the 'headmelting' qualities of Memento, combines it with the sheer scale of his Batman films and rounds it off beautifully with enough twists and turns worthy of The Prestige (my favourite entry).

The assembled cast is perhaps the most impressive seen in a film this year. There isn't any good guys or bad guys as such, they're all very grey characters in their own right. DiCaprio's leads his team with his own personal agenda while Joseph Gordon-Levitt's 'point man' follows his best friend to the depths of reality - while also providing the odd patch of comic relief.

The heart and soul belongs to the wonderful Ellen Page as 'the architect' but her true power, to the story, is in her innocence and naivety, forever keeping the team on the moral high ground. Tom Hardy's 'forger' got all the best lines while the stand out performance, worthy of praise on an award level, belongs to the gorgeous Marion Cotillard as the 'femme fatale' of the entire piece, a ghost from Cobb's past who has huge ramifications to the entire plot - despite not directly being a significant character in my eyes Fascinating, truly fascinating.

Similar in settings and approach, the film borrows a lot of its production value from The Dark Knight (strangely a bit of Modern Warfare 2 thrown in also) but the comparisons seriously do end there. This was perhaps the first film, Nolan had to, heavily rely on CGI and he used it to amazing effect, twisting and manipulating landscapes, then slowing it down with Matrix-esque bullet-time. Simply glorious.

The haunting and intense score from Hans Zimmer could only add the cherry to an already scrumptious cake in this elegant mix of science fiction crossed with a psychological thriller.

However Inception is more than just a brilliantly made film, its hopefully a landmark and wake up call to the entire industry. Proof, if you place your trust in truly talented film makers to attempt something entirely original, outside of the countless remakes, comic book films and reboots you can have your faith rewarded.

Final Thoughts
Let's be honest, if you've seen the trailer you've already made up your mind with this one. An enjoyable headmelt for all. Christopher Nolan not only surpasses the achievements of his previous films but has firmly cemented himself as perhaps the best director kicking about Hollywood at the moment. The cast is excellent, the story is excellent, this film is, if you haven't figured out by now, excellent.

5/5

See this if you liked...
The Matrix, 007 films, The Dark Knight and The Prestige.

Inception is in cinemas everywhere today.

Batman: Under the Red Hood - DVD Review

The next Batman live-action film from Christopher Nolan may still be two years away, but that doesn't stop Warner Bros releasing some delightful animated treats to keep, the more seasoned, fans entertained.

Under the Red Hood - based on a comic book arc of the same name - sets, the dear Caped Crusader, up against a ghost from his past in the form of The Red Hood, also known as Jason Todd, the second Robin.

For those unfamiliar with past events in the Batman universe, Jason Todd was famously killed by the Dark Knight's nemesis, The Joker - which is referenced marvellously in this surprisingly dark animated feature. Of course few in comic books actually die and manage to be brought back to life by some method, which defies the laws of science. This evidently leads Batman down a road where he must confront his horrid past and be forced into decisions which will no doubt impact on his future too. But enough of me spoiling the plot...

First off the animation on this feature is absolutely wonderful, capturing the true spirit of the latter day Batman books. Its overly dark tone also conjures memories of the frankly excellent animated series from the early 90s while also retaining elements which have been established in Christopher Nolan films - especially in the design of Gotham City.

Though the iconic voices of Kevin Conroy - Batman in the original animated series - and Mark Hamill - similarly so with The Joker - were unfortunately absent from Under The Red Hood, the contributions from Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek) and Joe DiMaggio made for more than worthy replacements. Particularly DiMaggio, who didn't bother trying to mimic Hamill or even Heath Ledger, bravely attempting to create his own representation of the character.

The support work from Jason Issacs as the sinister Ra's Al Ghul also deserves special mention, as does Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) in the role of Batman's original Robin, Dick Grayson, offering light relief amongst the darkness of the tale.

The writers simply did a terrific job creating a much more mature storyline, which will please die-hard fans as well as satisfy casual fans of the live-action films. There was much needed grit and violence present which had been, understandably, absent from the more recent animated series' such as 'The Batman' and 'The Brave and the Bold'.

It was much more in keeping with the previous Batman animated film, the visually stunning, yet extremely hollow, Gotham Knight. Under the Red Hood also does a much better job of delving into Batman's fascinating psyche; the fine line the tragic character dances between good and evil on a regular basis as well as his attitude towards The Joker.

Criticisms? There was actually very few, but maybe my love for the entire franchise has made me see the tale through rose-tinted glasses. Perhaps one could argue the film is more a fanboy extravagance than something accessible to all viewers, as some of the past storylines referenced would be lost on people unfamiliar with Batman outside of the cinema. I would, however, stress slight caution to parents as this is much darker than your average cartoon.

Final Thoughts
As far as your typical 'straight to DVD' features go, Batman: Under the Red Hood, is actually a particularly brilliant one. The overall production quality of both the voice acting and the animation is astounding from a film I wasn't expecting a huge lot from. If Warner Bros had sense they should, seriously, consider adapting a new series from this style. It would certainly be a worthy contender to the crown held by the 90s animated series, as the best representation of the Dark Knight outside of his original medium. Fanboy? Me? OK, I'll shut up now...

4/5

See This If You Liked...
Batman: The Animated Series, Mask of the Phantasm, The Dark Knight...well you get the idea...

Batman: Under the Red Hood is available on DVD/Blu-Ray from July 27th 2010.

Predators - Review

The Predator franchise has had a torrid time since its first incarnation, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, in 1987. Since then audiences have been treated to an awful sequel starring Danny 'I'm too old for this sh*t' Glover, going toe-to-toe in a dreadful crossover with the equally terrifying Alien brand and just to make matters worse, they made a sequel to that which was frankly an abominable excuse of fanboy indulgence.

And so the die-hard fans turn their gazing eyes to producer Robert Rodriguez and director Nimrod Antal to restore the creditability the series once had as a, frankly brilliant, survival horror.

Similar in tone to the original, the story features a group of elite warriors hunted in jungle settings by members of the merciless alien race we all know as the Predators. However just to make matters slightly harder this time, this eclectic bunch of killers are stuck on an entirely different world with no way to escape, just fighting to stay alive.

It's risky business to attempt a film which is essentially just a more ambitious rehash of the original, but strangely it worked surprisingly well. What was perhaps more risky was the left-field choice, Adrien Brody, for the leading character, who is often more famous for his straight award-winning acting roles as oppose to these mindless affairs.

Brody performed his duties well, as the lone solider leading this bunch of untrustworthy scum, and was even mildly convincing with a gun. Yes yes, we all want Arnold back but I was pleased with the results, and was certainly a much more compelling protagonist to have than simply drafting in some poor B-Movie substitute ala Vin Diesel or Jason Statham.

This was maybe unintentional - but was bothersome nevertheless - on the writer's part; but the supporting cast was seemingly made up of the most predictable and politically correct bunch ever seen in an action movie for some time. You had a token spiritual African solider, a silent but ruthless Yakuza member, a crazy Hispanic bounty hunter, a geeky, deceptively useless, 'doctor', a serial killer from death row, an Eastern European and of course a woman who probably kicks more ass than the males in the movie. All performed admirably but as you can imagine, were all essentially cannon fodder to the real stars of the piece, the Predators themselves.

The Predators were as foreboding as they have been in any film, comic book or computer game they've ever featured in, but the film-makers seemed to miss the point, once again, of what made them so brilliant in the first place. One of the chief reasons I love the original is because its almost psychological in its approach, this silent killer picking off its prey one by one, toying with the audience until its final encounter.

Though the director tries to capture the spirit of the original film with its setting, and toys with psychological aspects at the beginning, it disappointingly went the way of the later films by transforming into an all out action film instead of a game of pure wits and strategy. However, if you switch off your brain and take Predators for what it is as oppose to what the original Predator was, it was actually a mildly entertaining affair fitting of the Summer blockbuster season.

With risk of crossing into ranting geek territory, the setting of the film could have felt a bit more alien as oppose to just a doppelgänger for the Amazonian rainforest. More risks could have also been taken to include other beasts, bugs, monsters, aliens into the mix but I imagine this was more due to budgetary constraints than, director, Nimrod Antal simply playing it safe.

Upon reflection I almost feel as though this film was made about 15 years too late, as it would have made a worthy - albeit samey - sequel to the original (which is cleverly referenced in this), compared to what audiences were unfortunately subjected to in Predator 2.

Final Thoughts
Fans of the original will be happy to know Predators is not even close to the travesties of the awful sequel and Alien Vs Predator movies. It is however still not a patch on the brilliant original, and if you can accept that and take the film for what it is - a dumb, gory, but still fun, survival horror then you should be satisfied upon leaving the cinema. But I bet I know what you'll still be thinking - I wish Arnie was in it.

3/5

See This If You Liked...
Predator, Aliens, Pitch Black.

Predators is in cinemas everywhere now.

The Killer Inside Me - Review

Besides the 2006 left-field comedy, A Cock and Bull Story, my knowledge of Michael Winterbottom's career is shamefully quite limited. However, having wowed audiences on the festival circuit earlier this year, his latest film, The Killer Inside Me is leaving a course of controversy behind it I may just have to take a quick look at his back catalogue.

Deputy Sheriff Lou Ford (Casey Affleck) is a pillar of the community in his small Texas town, patient and apparently thoughtful. As the audience is subjected to his chequered past and even patchier present, as to be expected, all is not what it seems. In an almost Shakespearian narrative Ford's path is blighted with lustful affairs, brutal murders and unjust blackmail.

Though the story was simple, elegant and beautifully executed, it does not make for easy viewing for more casual audiences, and not to be recommended as the ideal choice for a first date. Often having slight reminiscence of David Cronenberg's A History of Violence.

Casey Affleck's performance is unsettling as it is frightfully compelling. Slick, charming, non-offensive but has the ability to deliver a curve ball to the audience with his brutal misogynistic attitude towards his stunningly sexy co-stars, Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson.

The classy supporting turns from Tom Bower, Simon Baker, Elias Koteas and Bill Pullman also lifted the production from a bog standard, expensive TV-Movie affair into a chilling piece of independent cinema.

One aspect of The Killer Inside Me which was brilliant, was its ability to take its taboo subject matters and almost take the edge off with these, middle-of-the-road, period music pieces. One could argue it was extremely Tarantino in its approach.

Unfortunately the film was victim of perhaps being just as erratic and incoherent as its central character. Maybe it was a case of cinema fatigue on this critic's part but there were times which left me wondering if I had taken a complete mind-blank as the transitions between Ford's twisted scenarios just blended together without any real explanation. Furthermore the bleak west-country Americana setting was also painfully dull in parts.

It could have worked better as an AMC 6 part drama in the vein of Mad Men and Breaking Bad but that's surely a thought for another day.

Final Thoughts
Casey Affleck's deranged serial killer is just as chilling as the Hannibal Lecters and Patrick Batemans to come before him. Yes it's brutal, and uneasy viewing in parts but truthfully I've seen far worse in films such as Lars Von Trier's Antichrist and Gasper Noe's Irreversible, and in comparison The Killer Inside Me was not nearly as visually compelling. One thing's for sure, I wouldn't list it in my Top 5 Films for Valentine's Day...

3/5

See This If You Liked...
American Psycho, A History of Violence, Silence of the Lambs.

The Killer Inside Me is in selected cinemas across the UK now.

Top 10 of 2010...so far.

It's genuinely hard to grasp how fast time goes by sometimes. Feels like it was only last week when I caught Sherlock Holmes on New Years Day in the cinemas. Madness I say!

With still plenty to look forward to in a action-packed, emotional roller-coaster of Summer blockbusters and Autumnal treats, here's my choice of the 10 best films audiences have been treated to this year - in no particular order.

• A Prophet
• Up In The Air
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
• Shutter Island
• Exit Through The Gift Shop
• Kick Ass
• Dogtooth
• Bad Lieutenant - Port of Call: New Orleans
• The Brothers Bloom
• How To Train Your Dragon

If you haven't had the pleasure of catching all these films yet, I sincerely urge you to as soon as they're available on DVD!