On examination - "Map of Stars'

Release Date: 26th The September 2014
Certification: 18
Time: 111 minutes
Directed by: David Cronenberg
Starring: Julianne Moore, Mia Wasikowska, Robert Pattinson, John Cusack, Evan birds

A scathing critique of fame and celebrity in Hollywood with a thick coal seam black comedy, star charts is the first time Canadian director David Cronenberg has ever made ​​in Hollywood. After feverish, lyrical and savage reviews of the place, it would be a surprise if they ever were before. It is a dark and disturbing look at the toxic effects of LaLa Land, where people are commodities and idolized, chewed up and spat out. It's fun, entertaining and glaring scabrously one of the best films of the year.

After the great success of the teen comedy Bad babysitter, child actor Benjie thirteen Weiss (Bird) is a star. He is also a recovering addict with a drug problem, back to when he was just nine years old is. Stafford's father (Cusack) is a New Age charlatan whose fear therapy sessions are a fascinating mixture of psychiatry, hypnosis and massage. Havana Segrand (Moore) is a Super Star Live-fading isolated in the hills of Hollywood and life is one of the customers of Stafford. A former child artist herself, Havana relationship with his mother - is deeply concerned - a famous actress who died tragically young in a fire. Havana, he says was sexually abused by his mother as a child, but with the possibility of a remake of his most famous film playing possessed. When a mysterious young woman named Agatha badly burned (Wasikowska) arrives in Los Angeles, Havana is immediately attracted to her, who used it as an access point. How Benjie and Havana both begin to dissolve, dark secrets and ghosts of the past surface and start something rotten in the state of California is revealed.

Yoga Julianne Moore is louder than most

Nature incestuous Hollywood tasteless and silly - where everyone knows but never just talk - to make a kind of crazy fever dream in which things seem sense, but represented something wrong. The feeling of being in a space of discomfort is the direction Cronenberg, the anxious, the characters in the plot to isolate isolated from the rest of the world is reinforced. The characters are more detached from their environment and other rooms are empty and sterile waiting rooms for psychiatrists imagination. The effect is haunting, and the line between reality and fantasy blurs maps to the stars recalls the work of David Lynch, Mulholland Drive, and particularly its nightmarish vision of Tinsel Town.

There are fantastic performances across the board; John Cusack is wonderfully disgusting, Olivia Williams is incredibly fragile and Mia Wasikowska manages to be as scary as it is soft, but special mention should be given to Julianne Moore. In the hands of Moore Havana a volatile explosive girl is trapped in the body of an aging Hollywood star. His desperate need for fame and validation, which feels completely consumed. It is a spectacular performance, but started to perfection; Hysteria dominates the film without the threat of confiscation of their panic and self-loathing drive the film through some of its slower times.

Dark, chaotic and cynical, Cards comedy stars in his blackest and most vicious. There are some mistakes along the way, but if you follow this, you are sure to see something spectacular.

★★★★ ☆

dark comedy David Cronenberg Holly John Cusack, Julianne Moore Mia Wasikowska Lynchian nightmare Robert Pattinson

Review - I Origins

Release Date: 25th September 2014
Certification: 15
Time: 106 minutes
Directed by: Mike Cahill
Starring: Michael Pitt, Steven Yeun, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Brit Marling

Sometimes science fiction spit a jewel in a household; a film from which for his lack of production with an abundance of good ideas and intellect. Debut of Mike Cahill Another Earth sought an investment that, while extremely divided opinion when it came out to be. His new film I cut Origins of the same stone and actions that the ambition of the film, but when fans come to his defense with such ease, it's something else. Approximately centered on the eternal debate between spirituality and science, try to find a common ground between these sides competing scientific views on concepts such as reincarnation and souls.

Ian (Pitt) is a molecular biologist with a special interest in the development of the eye. Due to the fact that the iris is completely unique to each individual, the document owned and photograph the eyes of the people he met, is fascinated. After meeting at a costume party the mysterious (and ideally beautiful) model Sofi (Berges-Frisbey), takes an unexpected discovery searching for a completely different way.

Origins I have a number of problems, not least his hopelessly lazy lot. Moving from one stage to another with no real sense of direction and purpose, it is only the third act, we get no sense of the big picture, and then it's lost interest. Director Mike Cahill has clearly bring many ideas to the table, but in this case the result is to say the least explosive; Sofi introduction of a kind of fantasy make-up unattainable is also confusing and downright annoying. However, his biggest problem is that all mighty boring from beginning to end; Robot character, cold and bland cinematography and script full of jargon. It is not surprising that this is the festival circuit; feels pompous and studenty but without the note that you need to really succeed: the definitive film on the mill party.

This is not to say that there is nothing to enjoy. Someone brave enough to tackle the big ideas immediately earned some respect at least try, and there are times when I Origins is really fascinating. No doubt that Cahill has a unique voice in cinema, but now it seems hard to have his ideas for effective public relations. If he does not master the art of balancing ideas with intriguing plot and characters, is the winner. He is always on call, only hope that you get the right next time.

★★ ☆☆☆

Astrid Berges-Frisbey Brit Marling Another Earth I independent sources independent film Michael Pitt Cahill Science-Fiction Science-Fiction Steven Yeun

In Review - "The Giver"

Release Date: 19th The September 2014
Certification: 12A
Time: 97 minutes
Director: Phillip Noyce
Actor Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Alexander Skarsgård, Katie Holmes, Odeya Rush, Taylor Swift

The sender is a proof, if necessary, that the obsession with Hollywood adaptations of teen romance novels and science fiction is not going away soon. This time we have a utopian society, war, hunger and diseases have been eradicated, with the color, emotion and free thinking. It's a world waiting for a brave young man who comes and buck the system of independent dangerous ideas. This character is in the form of Brenton Thwaites Jonas, who is assigned as their new role in society at the age of 18, the mysterious position of Keeper of Secrets. Here it is in the care of the mysterious donor (Jeff Bridges) and is defined by their time together, learns that not all rosy in the garden of Eden, futuristic.

Although it is very easy to make fun of the genre for its pot and exaggerated sense of the protagonists importance, there was a vision, that is, the first hunger games and the last 30 minutes of twilight fee end there is a bit of fun you had. Unfortunately, the joy and fun of all kinds in this perfect community were banned, seems Phillip Noyce have introduced policies during production. Despite nods Orwell's 1984 with its repressive, all-seeing gentlemen, there is too excited to get little here. In fact, all his best pieces; Namely, the principle and the use of color, which were all done often.

"Well, like you, man."

This is not a complete remission. All that could be with Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep never. The first is almost on autopilot as gruff sensei is a tragic loss, while the cold, calculating behavior that much needed excitement hides in addition. Breathe only so much life in proceedings to obtain the film alive, but they can not afford the huge potholes. Why so dead set society to forget the past, even the trouble of an uncomfortable position Delete guardian of secrets? Or why Jonas crossing an invisible border magic again the collective memory of the entire population?

Probably Lowry things are covered in the source material. The few lines of exposure you receive as equivalent to a shrug and a here "this is a movie." It is commendable that the director did his best to keep it closed with a running time of 90 minutes, if, since it is possible (also resist the temptation to divide the movie in two parts!), But a little more time spent to explain these problems have come a long way. It does not help if the romantic leads (Thwaites and Odeya noise) had a softness that the average mumbly Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson in Twilight seem like Bogart and Bacall makes in comparison. Then ironic that a film about the importance of remembering the past is pretty much forgotten. Give'r a lady.

★★ ☆☆☆

 

Brenton Thwaites bridges Jeff Alexander Skarsgård Katie Holmes Meryl Streep Odeya fever Phillip Noyce Taylor Swift The Giver

Review - "A Most Wanted Man"

Release Date: 12th September 2014
Certification: 15
Time: 122 minutes
Directed by: Anton Corbijn
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Daniel Brühl, Homayoun Ershadi, Mehdi Dehbi, Neil Malik Abdullah

In 2010, Anton Corbijn The American, posted a film about a man with a touch murderer. Instead of big guns and kill elegant, presents an almost silent and George Clooney was a piece that focused on existential functionality and purpose. The film frustrated more than happy, but it was nice to have a different spin on a well-worn theme. Four years later, the latest offering from Corbijn, a wanted man tried a similar trick, but with much more satisfactory results.
Philip Seymour Hoffman directs an anti-terrorist team in Hamburg, Germany, since Issa Karpov are terrorist suspects (Grigory Dobrygin). A familiar beginning for you. Instead of a standard of numbers thriller, but offers Corbijn an examination of how the world has changed since we began the war against terrorism. Refreshing is not all explosions and gunfire; he is more concerned about the terrible things that happen in the background. The dark forces that wish us harm. Dirty tactics used to stop them. The feeling that if something happens, catastrophic, you can not be taken by bureaucratic ingenuity and an enemy steps.

If this happened 15 years ago, Tom Cruise would have played and ended with a time of defusing race-against-a bomb in the center of Hamburg. Instead, we have Hoffman as electrifying as always, to the recording bars and shaded parking do shady business. Constantly bent under the weight of the mistakes of the past and current work, chose a much less conspicuous than their counterparts in the 1990s is a man who clearly see, ready to catch the big picture and released a number of minnows criminal tactics in their extremist efforts to land big fish.

This time gambling Corbijn. He did a great job of building surveys Hoffman as a house of cards, ensure that all parties are fully prepared to achieve the goal. That is the weak point of this case makes it so addictive. This is the biggest success is the kind of tension a little more than a few pen strokes away, so that it underestimates of the nail biting in a while. This time the bet is successful. If only more filmmakers were willing to take these risks.

★★★★ ☆

A most wanted man in hamburg Anton Corbijn war Daniel Brühl Homayoun Ershadi Mehdi Film Review film critic Neil Malik Abdullah Dehbi Philip Seymour Hoffman Rachel McAdams terrorism against terrorism

Review - 'Pride'

Release Date: 12th September 2014
Certification: 15
Time: 120 minutes
Director: Matthew Warcus
Starring: Ben Schnetzer, George Mackay, Paddy Considine, Andrew Scott, Dominic West, Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton,

How British workers are a new Conservative government under pressure, it is not surprising that we promote a return to the popular political activism, the cast of 80 in the same form as virtuoso was so fertile, pride still a cinematic tradition, socialism positive holding working-class solidarity against oppression. Based on a true story, that these stories are often tells a unique and often overlooked part of history: the LGBT to help the miners during the strikes of 1984 and 85 militants.

They were victims of institutionalized hatred, a small group of gay and lesbian activists turned their attention to the minors after witnessing their struggle. Chef LGSM (Lesbian and Gay allowed minors) is the charismatic brand (Schnetzer), which received the support of the gay community, to increase observed despite hostility from both sides funds, begins. Undeterred, his efforts were rewarded when an isolated mountain town in Wales accept their gifts and an invitation for them to meet. Your first visit is filled with icy awkwardness, but over time, a union that for his own sake also beneficial for children as it is.

Theatre Fund Director Matthew Warcus is clear from the outset, according to accompany with his cheerful lighting and the generous use of music a little action. However, it also allows you to manage a large cast, and although easily and skillfully gives each character a chance to evolve. If they need to overcome the "shame" in the closet (George Mackay) to hide, to their past (Andrew Scott) dealing or just learn to dance, everyone has a material and a bow. This is where the most successful pride, that gives us a lot of people, we find a similarity. This is enhanced by fantastic performances. In proposing a somewhat peripheral role of marketing, Bill Nighy is discrete and bright as a proud man whose livelihood before they destroyed while nine accused Ben Schnetzer takes a lot of the action, with the trust. The rest of the cast are also excellent almost evenly: Dominic West, Imelda Staunton and Andrew Scott in particular stand outs, but there are a lot more fun.

By a story that appeals to the humanity in all of us, pride plays the widest possible audience. This creates a frustrating dichotomy in his greatest triumph, that a large number of small errors. Much is clear coated with sugar to keep the tone as light as possible, thereby comic taste could in the process, but sometimes I have to do with an injection of realism welcome. There is no border, and some of the characterization is too much on clichés and stereotypes. Lesbian omitted in this and at one point openly mocking feminists who feels despite the excuse that a part of the "true story" is humiliating and annoying.

But overall, this pride is not the bite, it makes up in heart and certainly has to rotate a lot. It may seem familiar way to go, but while perhaps feel the likes of Billy Elliot a bit dark in the north ", the festival of diversity and community can avoid these pitfalls. Pride can not be perfect, but it deserves to do well ., I hope you find your audience.

★★★★ ☆

1980 80 Andrew Scott Paddy Considine beat political activism Ben Schnetzer Gay Bill Nighy Dominic West Imelda Staunton conservative George Mackay Lesbian LGBT pride LGSM Warcus Miner Matthew Thatcher

In Review - "The boxing Rolls"

Release Date: 12th The September 2014
Certification: PG
Time: 97 minutes
Leader: Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi
Starring: Sir Ben Kingsley, Jared Harris, Nick Frost, Richard Ayaode, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Elle Fanning

With his films ParaNorman and Coraline, stop-motion animation studio Laika specialized in horror movies bow for children. As the work of authors such as Roald Dahl and director Joe Dante and Henry Selick (a key creative figure in the early days of Laika) are dark and dreary, without really shocking; an act of brinkmanship that most films are appropriate for children, can not be bother trying. While on the surface the boxing Rolls seems to be a more conventional approach, is fortunately comfortable with his previous films. Be grateful for Laika then a study that children are sometimes like scary stuff and started to make films to scare.

There is something monstrous walk in the small town of Cheese Bridge. Every night, when the elders of the city sat in his ivory tower eating cheese, people pull their doors and huddle in the darkness, while the killer known through the streets in search of evil creatures such as boxing rolls. But in the reality boxing rolls are soft, timid creatures that a young orphan as a destroyer and the leader, the hunt is raised a rogue and obsessed tyrant. As a host family are slowly eroded by Archibald Snatcher and his team of fighters, ten eggs old boy boxing rolls must take to defend and understand exactly what to expect Snatcher.

With a lot of cheese puns and distribution channel to a large extent British Monty Python and the old Hammer Horror movies, there is something strange in the churches boxing Rolls. Using a very stylized look that owes a debt to Tim Burton and Enriched German Expressionism is, the world boxing Rolls a dark gothic party, with a history and science fiction steampunk style smorgasbord. Cheese Bridge surface of the world, shrouded in fog and smoke, is an amazing collection of houses that accumulate incredible on the side of a steep hill; Caves, under which they live, are a treasure won boxing rolls scrap and Rube Goldberg machines. The character design is so eccentric; Winkelmann, thin, with crooked teeth, exaggerated features and a sickly pallor are the order of the day. Vigorous and wonderfully evil exterminator Chairman Ben Kingsley as Fagin Archibald Snatcher played by Aardman, while Jared Harris aristocrat resembles an ailing King Arthur. Each box is full of complexity and detail that is the world, a vivid feeling and makes everything a joy to see.

Timothy Spall is not in this movie, it seems to be.

It is not only in its design, the boxing Rolls; There are several set pieces executed fantasy and fun. Escape Cheese Bridge roofs that resemble a key sequence in Spielberg's Tintin comic and continue for a few aristocrats including waltz game highlights, but there are also times wickedly fun punches rolls eat insects and people gorging on cheese. It is a film for children who do not despise or do not flatter his audience and his mixture of grotesque and cardiac sources is excellent.

After the triumphs of Coraline and ParaNorman, The boxing Rolls shows that Laika is an animation studio on a roll. You can not yet reached the height, Pixar in its most emotional moment, but this proof can not be far away.

★★★★ ☆

Based on a book detail Ben Kingsley children's film Simon Pegg Nick Frost Laika Richard Ayaode stop-motion boxing Rolls Tracy Morgan

Review - "The Hundred Foot Journey"

Release Date: 5th September 2014
Certification: PG
Time: 122 minutes
Directed by: Lasse Hallstrom OM
Cast: Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal, Charlotte Le Bon

The success of Slumdog Millionaire and The Best Exotic Marigold led to an obsession with Indian culture in Western cinema. The mysterious and colorful subcontinent is the ideal place for middle-class dream object, while a vague idea of their system offers endless possibilities religions spout feel-good pseudo-philosophy. Foot forward travel cents, an adaptation of the novel by Richard C. Morais in a fish from the Water Indian family trying to open a restaurant in the picturesque French countryside, directly in front of a Michelin star competitor.

Told narrative, it is a disaster. Lasse Hallstrom OM clearly covers the gourmet theme, they tend to be happy, put together all ingredients and hope for the best. Is this a film about an eccentric family, forced to live a nomadic existence, looking for a place to practice their craft? Or is it a demanding restaurant owner Helen Mirren, obsessed with obtaining a second Michelin star for the restaurant of her late husband (of #firstworldproblems)? Or maybe a rags to story of a talented chef mixing techniques from the East and West to reach the top of their profession wealth?

All these questions will be addressed shortly, but it is not long before they scanned for the next gloomy topic. That is, the two-hour movie creeps in the rotational speed of a screw. A film at a time, rushed and feels far too long is all power, but it takes a long time to get the hundreds of feet. The frustrating thing is that Hallstrom OM is clearly capable of much more, but my life as a dog and what Gilbert Grape is not.

Nothing extremely offensive at something on the screen here. Overall, it is competently shot, traded and priced. This offended the most are all efforts to make it as safe as possible. It is a story that contains the tragic loss of beloved family members, political violence a family in search of international asylum and racist foundations of a small town. These are all questions of weight, but Hallstrom OM is so afraid of losing the atmosphere, "feel-good family comedy" that constantly walking on eggshells; None of these questions will be removed as long as they deserve. It is this complete lack of effort to address one of the most important questions of life or try something the same boldness that makes the trip a disappointment stroll percent Approaches The complete lack of spices and flavor. honorable failure is only half true.

★ ☆☆☆☆

Charlotte Le Bon Cuisine Helen Mirren France Manish Dayal Indian Hallström tired Om Puri restaurants richard c. Travel Morais thirty meters