Aloha is a film that doesn’t quite know if it’s coming or going. This is fitting as the title itself is the literal translation in Hawaiian for greeting or parting with someone, in this instance, someone you never care to meet ever again. Continue reading
Today, movie lovers will unite and bask in the glory of the highest honours given to film and cinema. The official announcement of the Academy Awards are today, and for the first time in the history of the Academy, they have announced all categories on a televised programming. This is really exciting stuff because film is finally beginning to be recognized as a collaborative art; one that involves each and every individual, from so many diverse talents, all across the board. Celebrated directors J.J Abrams and Alfonso Cuaron were responsible for announcing all the technical awards, while Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs and actor Chris Pine revealed the higher profile nominations.
So without any further delay, here are the 87th Annual Academy Award Nominations: Continue reading
Who would have thought that Marvel’s next highly entertaining, multi-million (hopeful billion) dollar cinematic adventure would be set in a futuristic space world, whose tonal and narrative flow is shaped around a retro-filled soundtrack with songs dating from the 1960’s to 1980’s? With hits including Blue Swede’s Hooked On a Feeling, The Runaway’s Cherry Bomb, The Jackson 5’s I Want You Back and Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Marvel Studios Guardians of the Galaxy is the epitome of silly, mindless fun at the movies. I’m not sure what Marvel Studios obsession with Marvin Gaye may be currently, but after having the song Trouble Man dictate the narrative for the highly impressive Captain America: The Winter Soldier earlier this year, it seems that the powerhouse studio is repossessing old concepts and ideas, and polishing them up quite nicely. With a bit of frantic, highly busy visual effects as well as engrossing dark physical and illicit family comedy, and presenting them in exuberantly exciting fashion for people of all ages to enjoy, Guardians of the Galaxy is a clear-cut winner. Continue reading
The heist film genre is one of the most exciting film genres in recent memory, thanks to the likes of elaborate minds and stylistically driven directors. From Soderbergh’s Ocean trilogy which began the trend of mainstream, modern-day cops-and-robbers films, to other very meticulously crafted caper films, the heist genre is one which is both exciting and compelling to crack before the climactic final act. American Hustle is a modern day, somewhat self-indulgent, patriotic heist film with outstanding performances, many good times and very few bad times. The beauty of Hustle lies in its amazing ability to fake it; whether it be faking an overly complicated narrative for no apparent reason or a meaningful story that never gets old, Hustle is a solid film that will con your heart, through and through. Continue reading
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