Prisoners

*****
Release Date: September 27th 2013

When Keller Dover's daughter and her friend go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts. But just how far will this desperate father go to protect his family?

Director: Denis Villeneuve (Maelstrom, Incendies)

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Mellisa Leo, Paul Dano

Prisoners is one terrifyingly engrossing film that puts Keller Dover (Jackman) in a everything to lose situation when his daughter and daughter's friend are kidnapped on Thanksgiving. It's powerful stuff to watch, and more so if you have young kids of your own, as you feel every raw emotion Jackman portrays, from upset to denial; he'll do anything it takes to get his daughter back.

Jake Gyllenhaal's Detective Loki is no average cop either. His unique way of thinking and ability to solve every case (as questioned by Grace Dover (Maria Bello), Keller's wife) is unforgettable. Gyllenhaal has a rare talent that almost puts everyone else to shame. It's easy to feel Loki's pain and fatigue as the case looks rapidly unsolvable.

The weather mixed in with low key lighting set the mood of the film from early on. Just as the two families realise their daughters are missing, it's raining, and constantly, dampening the mood henceforth. The settings reflect the emotions of the characters incredibly well. 

It's a shame that other well known actors don't get a chance to compete with Jackman and Gyllenhaal. While we are always in the company of either actors' character, the likes of Franklin (Howard) and Nancy Birch (Davis) have smaller parts, even though they're the parents of the other missing girl. Howard displays some fine acting when he's pitted against helping his friend and finding his daughter and doing what it morally right. Davis is somewhat similar to Maria Bello's Grace, who's too distraught to do anything except wallow in despair. Melissa Leo may have a smaller part, but seems to find a way of making an impact that means she's remembered. She plays the auntie of the 'not so sure if he's' falsely accused' nephew Alex Jones (Dano). His parked RV outside the house as the kids go missing is too coincidental to not be the killer. Or is it?

A big mention should go to Paul Dano. His acting hasn't been this great since There will be Blood. There's a fine line between being offensive with someone whose 'IQ is like a 10 year old', or pulling off some great acting. Dano does the latter.

This is director Villeneuve's first English film effort, and what a great one too, as he keeps us all guessing and never relaxes on the tension.

Overview: A must see for crime solving lovers. Not for the faint-hearted. 

Starter for 10

****
Release Date: November 10th 2006

Set in 1985, working-class student Brian Jackson (McAvoy) navigates his first year at Bristol University.

Director: Tom Vaughan (So Undercover, What Happens in Vegas)

Starring: James McAvoy, Catherine Tate, James Corden, Dominic Cooper, Rebecca Hall, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve

Starter for 10 is a surprisingly delightful film about a student's struggle of love, friendship and generally accepted for who he is. McAvoy is incredible as Brian, as he sets his sights on becoming a participant in the years University Challenge team.

A fantastic cast follows McAvoy's lead. Eve is Alice, one of McAvoy's love interests, the more outgoing of the two and the most manipulative. She is also on the members of the University Challenge team. Tate plays Brian's mum, for once showing us all that she can be serious on screen, as she mourns the loss of her husband. Cumberbatch's Patrick largely impresses, an egotistical, insufferable know-it-all, whose purpose is to beat Cambridge Universities team after an embarrassing previous year. Rebecca (Hall, by the same name) is quirky and very lovable compared to Eve. Brian's is blinded by fake affections.

McAvoy is the centre of SF10, leading us along a heartwarming journey that one and all can relate to. The most emotional of scenes that McAvoy captivates is on his first date with Eve, when he ends up crying during a conversation about his deceased Father. 

Small appearances by James Corden (then quite unknown) and Dominic Cooper as Brian's buddies from home add to the pile of stars who are unaware of their own potential.

Those of you who were born in the late 70's/early 80's are in for a treat when it comes to the soundtrack. Ace of Spades by Motorhead, Boys Don't Cry by The Cure, I'm Your Man by Wham! and Teenage Kicks by The Undertones are but a few that will lift spirits and resonate nostalgia.

Do check this film out if you haven't already; it's far more down to earth than Richard Curtis' similar efforts (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually), and even if problems aren't fixed, this film will still leave you feeling good.

Overview: Perfect for a rainy day. One of those films that's unlikely to grow old. 

Rush

*****
Release Date: September 13th 2013

A re-creation of the merciless 1970s rivalry between Formula One rivals James Hunt and Niki Lauda.

Director: Ron Howard (Angels & Demons, Te Da Vinci Code, A Beautiful Mind)

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl, Olivia Wilde

Rush beats all other racing movies into the ground. All aspects of this film will lead the Oscar front, but let's go in to more detail on why it's superb.

I, like many other non-F1 fans, will not be familiar with the clash between Hunt and Lauda, McLaren's and Ferrari's top drivers in the early 70's (respectively). The history doesn't need to be known in order to understand how bitter someone can feel towards another in a race. James Hunt (Hemsworth), from Suffolk, England tries his hardest to work his way up the ranks from F3 to F1 with raw talent and risk taking. Niki Lauda (Bruhl), from Austria gives up everything and buys his way in with what money he has. He's crafty but accurate and stays by the book.

Opposites don't always attract, especially in their case. They are both lovable and unlikable, our feelings towards them switch from one to the other, never really knowing who to back because deep down, they are as hot headed as each other. There is no good vs. evil, just a relationship we find ourselves wanting to know more about.

Bruhl steals the show, standing out with his struggle with Hunt and the inevitable doom that's to come. Hemsworth's English accent feels a little too familiar with Marvel's Thor, but steps up whenever he's around Bruhl. He still has just as much to deal with, when his model wife Suzy Miller (Olivia Wilde) divorces him for the actor Richard Burton.

The combination of cinematography and Hans Zimmer's soundtrack will leave the audience on the edge of their seats with nerves in the epic race that changes the mood completely. If you don't know the story behind the film or haven't seen the trailer then it's best left unsaid. Even if you know, it'll still leave you sweating and wishing it had never happened.

Rush could have swung either way when it comes to director Ron Howard. The comedy (The Dilemma) genre should be left alone whilst Angels & Demons and The Da Vince Code feel a little stretched, but Rush feels like a vast improvement of Frost/Nixon in terms of strong character relationship.

Overview: Incredibly gripping, helped by the two main characters. The best biopic in years.

Only God Forgives

**
Release Date: August 2nd 2013

Julian, a drug-smuggler thriving in Bangkok's criminal underworld, sees his life get even more complicated when his mother compels him to find and kill whoever is responsible for his brother's recent death.

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive, Valhalla Rising, Bronson)

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott Thomas, Vithaya Pansringarm

Nicolas Winding Refn and Ryan Gosling's previous collaboration was so impressive and unique (Drive) that this effort had high expectations. I wanted to love this film so much but couldn't. Because of this, it's difficult not to compare to 2011's Drive.

To start with, the story is plain and simple, and it needs to be in order to understand what's taking place around it. The story could have been told in half the screen time. The rest is filled with fixated staring with little to no dialogue. Robert McKee once said that 'action is always more important than dialogue', but in order for this to happen, there needs to be at least some action.

Some may say that Only God Forgives is avant-garde (work that is experimental and innovative) and appreciate it for its artistic values, others, like myself, will be baffled. 

Gosling takes a back seat this time round. Where in Drive he was the sole focus, now he shares the stage with two other characters who dominate every scene they're in. One being Crystal (Kristin Scott Thomas), the egocentric, deranged mother of Julian (Gosling). It's hard to take in how incomprehensible she is; the love for her son that was murdered goes above and beyond the in-denial. "Why?" she asks Julian. "He raped and killed a 16-year old girl" he replies. "Well I'm sure he had his reasons" she says.

At least two or three times the film is broken up by random pieces of karaoke. This might be to signify how much it's loved in Thailand, or that deep down it's second oppressive character, Chang (Pansringarm) is a lovable, down to earth person, underneath his cold, unforgiving ways. Chang is the bad-ass policeman who's responsible for the death of Julian's brother. There are plenty of scenes that show he's not a person to mess with. His expressions never change, even after torturing another human being. 

One thing that goes without saying is the film is beautifully shot. Dazzling lights flash and whizz past, coupled with low key lighting in rooms that give us a sense of woe and suffering. The back streets of Bangkok have never looked so alive. It's music is also incredibly powerful, fitting into moments when least expected. Some pieces of the music are comparable to Philip Glass' Koyannisqatsi.

Overview: You're either going to love it or hate it. Performances are great. Let down by it's tedious lack of action and dialogue.

We're The Millers

***
Release Date: August 23rd 2013

A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico.

Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber (The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, Dodgeball)

Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts, Will Poulter, Ed Helms

We're the Millers sets the tone nicely right from the start. We are presented with a reel of Youtube clips (the double rainbow, surprised kitty and the naked dude that runs into a glass door) that are so amusing they make you come back for more.

This is not the same for We're the Millers. It's very sporadic, the big laughs are far and few between, with Sudeikis and Poulter pinching the most, but then again, serious minded characters (Aniston and Roberts) are pivotal catalysts; they are there to be mocked by the funny ones.

The plot is simple: Pot dealer David's stash is stolen and winds up having to shift a load of marijuana over the Mexican border for his Kingpin boss. Knowing full well that it's going to be an impossible job looking like a massive pothead, David decides to enlist the help of stripper/neighbour Rose (Aniston), homeless delinquent Casey (Roberts) and abandoned virgin Kenny (Poulter) to play the members of the family.

Small appearances are made by Ed Helms as Brad Gurlinger, the one whom David owes money to and Nick Offerman and Kathryn Hahn as the Fitzgerald's, a odd but lovable couple that the Millers come across on their journey.

As mentioned before, the big laughs are between incredibly dumb actions or something has been said that makes the situation awkward... for example David being 'fucked in the ear' by Nick Fitzgerald with his finger. These actions or words stretch too far, going from the subliminal to plain weird.

There is big promise in Will Poulter, who steals everyone's thunder with his eyebrows, innocent demeanor and karaoke skills.

Jennifer Aniston is on screen mainly to please the male viewers, leaving us in awe of how good she looks in her early 40's.

Overview: Some great laughs that will be remembered, but as a whole, a little hit and miss. 

You're Next

****
Release Date: August 30th 2013

When the Davison family comes under attack during their wedding anniversary getaway, the gang of mysterious killers soon learns that one of the victims harbors a secret talent for fighting back.

Director: Adam Wingard (V/H/S, V/H/S 2)

Starring: Sharni Vinson, Joe Swanberg, AJ Bowen

The key to a successful horror with plenty of characters is to have a fairly unknown cast so as not to side with anyone that the audience already knows (e.g an A-list celebrity).

This is top notch with You're Next, as the Davison family slowly turn up one by one at a country home for a reunion. We at first follow ne'er-do-well Crispian (A.J. Bowen) and Australian girlfriend Erin (Sharni Vinson), leading us to believe that these will be the ones to focus on, the ones that we will be routing for their survival. This is upset by the switch of restrictive narrative (following the family) to omniscient (seeing the events of all participants) halfway through the film. This works in our favour because You're Next offers us the mystery thriller genre followed by survival thriller; what are the intentions of the killers... is it a random attack?

'I just want you all to know, how much it means to us that you're all here' says the mother, knowing full well the rifts already set between (mainly) the brothers. The irony of it is part of a vast list of generic codes and conventions horror/thillers have to offer. The most notable are decisions built from quick thoughts (the Dad letting the daughter out of the house on her own), people screaming SO loud, making them easier to find, and the Scooby-Doo classic, splitting up.

All of this is done with a pinch of dark and dry humour. The use of a blender as a weapon is both gory and funny.

The biggest cliche of them all arises mid point when the audience finds out one of the characters isn't as useless as the rest. An unexpected heroine appears, popping out as the femme fatale.

You're Next is always a step ahead of the audience, just when you think you're done working it out, another unpredictable hand has been dealt.

Overview: Plenty of gore, plenty of slapstick foolery. Keeps you guessing until the end.

Pain & Gain

***
Release Date: August 30th 2013

A trio of bodybuilders in Florida get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong.

Director: Michael Bay (Transformers Trilogy, The Island, Bad Boys/2)

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie, Tony Shalhoub, Ed Harris, Rebel Wilson

There's a fair amount of expectation when it comes to a film directed by Michael Bay. Big explosions, bad-ass robots and an impressive budget to boot.

None of these occur in this summer blockbuster. The budget is a measly $26 million (Transformers: Dark of the Moon was a mighty $195 million). Pain and Gain relies on its crazy characters and even crazier storyline, which Michael Bay emphasises is based on a true story (adapted from a series of articles from the Miami New Times).

Wahlberg is Daniel Lugo, extreme bodybuilding enthusiast and manager of a gym. After attending a session by motivational speak Johnny Wu (Ken Jeong), he wants nothing more than to live the American Dream, and have lots of cash. 'Be a doer, not a don't-er' Wu says as Lugo looks on and lustfully laps it up.

Lugo's way of obtaining cash is by kidnapping self-made millionaire Victor Kershaw (Shalhoub) and forcing him to sign documents that will transfer all of his assets to Lugo.

His accomplices also have more muscle than they do intellect. There's Adrian Doorbal (Mackie) who's sexually imputent due to steroids, and Paul Doyle (Johnson), and ex-con that's turned to religion, but also a drugged up psychopath.  

The further the film progresses, the more bizarre it becomes. It doesn't stop when they acquire all of Kershaw's assets though. They want more, and that's where it goes wrong for them. Even though the next bust goes out of control, there are some neat effects that we get to enjoy. The first is a continuous pan through one room to another, showing us two events happening simultaneously as the camera enters cracks in the wall and smashes through door panels. The action that unfolds is not just odd, but amusing to say the least.

The second is the trio's attempt to hide the evidence of a double murder. It's comical and brutal watching them sabotage a coverup. They try to cut the limbs off of the bodies with a chainsaw and barbecue the hands so that there would be no fingerprints to trace.

Even by the credits, it's still hard to believe that this is based on a true story.

Overview: Michael Bay tones down on big robots to tone up the muscle and the crazy factor.

10 Years

**
Release Date: September 12th 2012

The night of their high school reunion, a group of friends realize they still haven't quite grown up in some ways.

Director: Jamie Linden (Dear John - screenplay)

Starring: Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Justin Long, Max Minghella, Oscar Isaac, Chris Pratt, Rosario Dawson

High school reunion; meeting up with old school friends you either didn't like or never kept in touch with. A lot happens in 10 years, people grow up and change, right? In the film 10 Years, some do, some don't. It's whether we care enough to keep watching that's the real issue.

Jake (Tatum) is constantly put in awkward situations when his old flame Mary (Dawson) arrives, putting current girlfriend Jess (Dewan Tatum) under pressure. Marty (Long) and AJ (Minghella) fight over whose affection will attract Anna (Lynn Collins). Cully (Pratt) tries to make amends with the people he bullied, whilst his embarrassed wife Sam (Ari Graynor) looks on. Garrity (Brian Geraghty) receives judgmental looks from his partner because of how he used to act when he was younger. Reeves (Isaac) is fed up with everyone paying attention to him for being famous, and not for who he really is.

Little time is spent with each character and their individual story. There's no time to develop an interest in any of them. A slight affection goes to Reeves and Elise (Kate Mara) as their attraction for each other builds up from past history (sitting in Physics next to each other). Anyone and everyone must have had a crush on someone at school that was never spoken of.

The other stronger story in this very loose narrative is Jake and Mary's. Jake needs to come to terms with how the relationship has ended. We are constantly left wondering if they are going to make an impulsive move and ruin everything they have now.

These two accounts are an exception amongst other stories that are brushed over. The likes of American Pie: Reunion works because a relationship has been built between audience and character through the numerous years and films. 10 Years should have reduced its character size in order for this to work.

Overview: There's a lot to be expected with such a huge cast, but that's also its downfall.      

Elysium

****
Release Date: August 21st 2013

Set in the year 2154, where the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth, a man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds.  

Director: Neil Blomkamp (District 9)

Starring: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, William Fitchner, Alice Braga

It may have taken four years for Neil Blomkamp to bring out a highly anticipated follow up to 2009's District 9, but it's been worth the wait.

Earth, set in 2154, is a desolate wasteland overpopulated by the poor, its inhabitants living in atrocious conditions. The rich populate a space station called Elysium, separate from other classes of people. They have medical pods that keep them cured from all ailments and diseases.

Max (Matt Damon) comes from a poor background. He dreams of one day reaching Elysium. Money is the key to its access. Max's crappy factory job keeps his dreams alive, until an accident occurs that results in his need to heal himself, alas, rendering him no choice but to head to Elysium quicker than expected.

Elysium is as beautifully shot as District 9. The CGI is incredible for such a low budget, and the sea of houses and people (shown through scene setters and birds eye views) pay homage to Blomkamp's previous effort. It's narrative is strong, ploughing social issues, politics and moral values into our laps. 

Matt Damon is reliable as ever. He is always bound to be a fantastic choice after the intense Bourne action/thriller trilogy. His character Max's choices are full of optimism, as if he's got nothing to lose. He's fixated on his goal; to get to Elysium, cure himself, and heal the world.

Kruger (Sharlto Copley), the hired mercenary of Delacourt (Jodie Foster), the secretary of Elysium Homeland, is the main antagonist, discharged by the station President due to not following protocol. He gets the chance to redeem himself when Max needs apprehending after taking top secret information off a top businessman of Elysium (Fitchner). Kruger has all you need as a perfect villian; his anger and rash decisions make him someone to avoid. Kruger is a time bomb waiting to explode.

There's one small, teeny, tiny gripe that comes to mind. Max's exoskeleton is a disappointment. Judging by all the pre-release snapshots and teasers of Damon in his skeletal suit would make all sci-fi fanatics wanting a replica. This is not the case, as we see Max go through an ordeal having it 'attached' to him to assist his weakening body. It's rather small and whimsical, and doesn't quite have the striking effect we were hoping for.    

It's great to see director and actor collaborating again. Copley was part of the many wonderful things that made District 9 a success. No one ever suspected someone unheard of to play the lead of a film overseen by Peter Jackson. Copley's switch from good (D9) to bad (Elysium) shows his capabilities as an actor. Blomkamp is a contender for one of the best sci-fi filmmakers in the last ten years.

Overview: If you're a big fan of District 9, or any science-fiction, then this is definitely for you. 

Kick-Ass 2

***
Release Date: August 16th 2013

The costumed high-school hero Kick-Ass joins with a group of normal citizens who have been inspired to fight crime in costume. Meanwhile, the Red Mist plots an act of revenge that will affect everyone Kick-Ass knows.

Director: Jeff Wadlow (Never Back Down)

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jim Carrey, Donald Faison

Kick Ass 2 kicks off shortly after its predecessor with action and gore aplenty. Dave/Kick-Ass (Taylor-Johnson) is secretly training with Mindy aka Hit Girl (Grace Moretz) so that they can be the first ever superhero team.

Mindy gets caught out as her alter ego and is forced into making a promise that she'll lead a normal life as best she can. Dave, on the other hand, seeks out other vigilante superheroes and later joins Justice Forever, lead by Colonel Stars and Stripes (Carrey).

Meanwhile, Chris D'Amico/Red Mist (Mintz-Plasse) goes by a new, subtle alias, 'The Motherfucker', and vows to end Kick Ass by forming a super-villain team, the ever so wonderfully named Toxic Mega Cunts.

Back in 2010 Kick-Ass was a major breath of fresh air amongst a period of superhero smash hits (Marvel and DC Universes)... it stood out like a sore thumb. Kick-Ass 2 carries on the pace, but lacks the freshness due to expectations already set.

Chloe Grace Moretz' Hit Girl has a central role this time, literally kicking ass every moment she's on screen. Her acting is brilliant, from one portrayal of a lost teenage girl finding her footing in school to Hit Girl's fearless killing ways which makes her stand out from all the other superheroes.

The action trumps the comedy. Moments that are supposed to be funny are left only with smiles. Jim Carrey's prowess as a comedic actor is not up to scratch and the little screen time he has is a big factor in that. Christopher Mintz Plasse steal the most laughs, even if some of the humour in KA2 is silly.

There is also some terrible recasting in Kick-Ass 2 that may not be apparent at first. Evan Peters played Dave's friend Todd in the first installment but was replaced by Augustus Prew in the second. Same goes for Big Daddy's friend Marcus (the detective who's Mindy's minder in KA2). Omari Hardwick is the actor in KA, but it's Morris Chestnut in the second. It's the small things that can disturb the flow of the film, even if it can't be helped.

Overview: A good attempt at a sequel, but doesn't quite keep up with the first. There may be a third installment in the pipeline.