What I have been watching recently:

Having not seen any films recently that I hadn't already viewed numerous time I decided I would post some reviews for films I have recently seen, although they are not necessarily the most recent films.  As expected as these are films I have watched numerous times I am rather positive regarding them.

Bright Star:
Bright Star is a slow paced love story which features several strong performances which were unfairly snubbed at the Oscars in 2009.  Most notable is Paul Schneider as Mr Brown and Abbie Cornish in the role of Fanny Brawne.  Fans of John Keats and poetry in general will likely enjoy the film more than those with no interest in such things, however even those who can’t stand poetry will still see a beautifully shot, emotionally engaging and satisfying film that few recent films (especially period drams) have been able to compare favourably to.  Highly recommended.

Avatar:
As one of the many legions of Cameron fans who waited for Avatar with baited breath it is fair to say my opinion is biased.  However it is just as impressive that I, and countless others who had been waiting years for Avatar where in no way disappointed with the film as it easily surpassed the expectations that had been in development for years.  Most obviously Avatar is a beautiful film to watch, both the world and the cinematography being absolutely stunning to look at.  The story more importantly is extremely well told with excellent acting.  Some may complain about the simple story told, but I personally have no qualms about a simple story, what matters to me is how well it is told and the emotional attachment that is created, and Avatar excels in both areas.  Hence Avatar comes with my highest recommendation.

Crazy Heart:
Crazy Heart is a film about a once famous washed up and alcoholic country singer.  Whilst Crazy Heart in many ways follows a predictable path, it none the less is a joy to watch.  This is no doubt helped by several strong performance, including the Oscar winning role of Jake Blake which may be Jeff Bridges’ best role thus far.  Sadly Crazy Heart feels as if it only half ends (no doubt a result of the director having filmed and wanted to including an extended end to the film, but not being allowed).  It none the less is an emotionally strong film despite its flawed ending.  Highly recommended.


-  Gabi

Sleeping Beauty (2011) Review:

Sleeping Beauty is a film by Julia Leigh which follows Lucy, a student who struggles to afford her rent, has a strong relationship of sorts with a suicidal alcoholic and undertakes in prostitution. One may think at first that Lucy is struggling, however it becomes clear that Lucy thrives on her self destructive behaviour and her situation seems to be largely a result of her own doing.

Lucy answers an advertisement for work that ultimately sees her working as a 'sleeping beauty', whereby she is drugged and left in a room asleep which is then rented out to (older) men who can do as they please, except have sex. Oddly Lucy never shows interest in being involved for the money, rather her motives are entirely unclear and this is one of the many area whereby Sleeping Beauty in my eys stumbles. In spite of how strong Emily Browning's performance is as Lucy, there is a lack of any depth to the character as motivations are never explored and Lucy is devoid of any personality. Likewise the supposed theme 'present' regarding the desires of men is never explored, rather the film fells comfortable with simply pointing out that men have some questionable 'desires' and never takes it any further.

Sleeping Beauty however is meticulousness shoot and is generally gorgeous to look at, however the editing is often heavy handed and is with far to many unnecessary scenes that ultimately lead no where (much like the film) Sleeping Beauty ultimately fells directionless and without purpose. This is unfortunate as I can't help but fell that with a more focused narrative, more depth to the characters present and and actual exploration of the themes present and what that may mean (rather then a simply statement that men have questionable desires) and we could have had a truly unique and interesting film. Sadly as it is Sleeping Beauty is a film that is undeniably unique, but devoid of anything of interest or anything I could describe as entertaining.

My recommendation, stay far away.

- Gabi

Hugo Review:

Many film lovers have had times when they have strayed from there love for film.  Reasons for which are varied but in many instances they are drawn back to film and there love for film is reignited.  That is what Hugo has done for me, it has reignited my love for film and reminded me why I love films both past and present.

Hugo is the story of a young boy who lives in the walls of a train station in Paris.  Hugo spends his days ensuring that the clocks continue to work at the station.  He however is haunted by overwhelming loneliness and as events unfold the extent of his search for an escape from his loneliness becomes more evident.  Similar such struggles are present in numerous characters.  Hugo is a film largely about the search for meaning, kinship, purpose and how people lives overlap and in-tangle themselves.  However unlike its advertising Hugo is in no way a fantasy film, rather it is more of a love letter of Scorsese's about films and the power they can hold.

Hugo is beautifully shoot and Howard Shore's score is enchanting.  Likewise performances are simply astounding from both the more veteran actors/actresses (Ben Kingsley, Emily Mortimer) and the up and coming actors/actresses (Asa Buterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz).  The story is emotionally touching and the finale whilst predictable is not in any way diminished as a result.  Hugo is a film that works on many levels and unlike the majority of current 3D films, Hugo actually successfully uses the 3D not only to awe the viewer from a visual perspective, but also to help tell and enhance the story.

Hugo is a film that works on many levels and to me fells like a slightly different take on Cinema Paradiso.  Not only that but Hugo might just be Martin Scorsese's masterpiece.  Hence Hugo comes with my absolute highest recommendation.


-  Gabi