The Man Who Is Faster Than A Speeding Bullet Is Flying Once Again

Look, up in the sky. It's a bird. No, it's a plane. No, it's Christopher Reeve, I mean Brandon Routh no isn't that Tom Welling? Nope it is not going to be one of these guys. The casting is set and the winner is..... Henry Cavill who will done the cape for the new installment hitting our cinemas in 2012. Don't know the name? Me neither. But good on him. All the past Superman's have been unknown and then catapulted into the spotlight. The dude is most famous for his role in The Tudors (I've never seen it) But hey he must have impressed the people at Warner Brothers as well as the talented director Zack Snyder. This Superman is not going to be like anything we have seen. Firstly, Synder is helming the project. For anyone who is not familiar with the man's work, you only have to look at his style to see how he is going to make this an awesome film. Synder brought the blue screen to use in 300. Which then lead onto Watchmen. A underground comic book which showed that comic books are edgy and dark and twisted. And we only have to look at his new film Sucker Punch (read previous blog entries for full synopsis) about girls who kick ass to realise this is one director who is going to turn the Superman franchise into something unique and well in a word, impressive. With a screenplay by David S. Goyer who brought the Batman franchise back from the dead, it looks like all the right ingredients are there. Come 2012, Superman will rise from the ashes and show that a man really can fly.

Guess whose back? Bond is back

Well get your martins stirred not shaken. Add some sexy women and don't forget to scrimp on the cool gadgets and the one and only secret spy is back on for his next crazy adventure as the new Bond film has finally got the get go. If you haven't heard since Daniel Craig took back the reins as the new Bond (sorry Pierce but he is a kick-ass bond which we haven't seen before) the franchise became a huge box office sensation. But then something happened. MGM the company which financed the films went under, due to their other movies lack of box office power. But due to the help of another studio, Bond is well and truly on its way back. Judi Dench is back as the tough as nails M and rumour has it, this time Rachael Weisz will play the baddie (bout time they had a bad chick as the villain). This will be the 23 Bond film which has spanned over 40 years. Now that's a franchise which seems to never lose steam. Even though their have been some lame additions to the franchise (Pierce I'm sorry to mention you again, but The World Is Not Enough was just plain awful). This time we are in good hands as director and Oscar Winner Sam Mendes takes the reigns. He is sure to give it his spin and with such a talented cast will be sure to get the best out of Bond 23 (sorry but no title has been given yet). So hold onto your hats boys and girls as James Bond will be coming back to the cinema 2012.

Academy Nominations. I think you got it wrong this year

So if you haven't heard yet, the 2011 Academy Awards nominations were announced on Tuesday and boy was I surprised by many of the best actors/actress and directors not nominated. I first of all want to say this. The Social Network is one overrated movie. I've seen it. I liked it. But I didn't really think of it the moment I left the cinema. I didn't really recommend it and really could be left till DVD. That is why I really don't want it to win Best Picture. Although Las Vegas odds have it as the favourite, if I was on the panel I would definitely give this year's best picture to Inception, Black Swan or Toy Story 3. Three films that made a big impact in this year's blogger film experience this year. I'm not one to bitch, but I am highly disappointed in many of my favourites from 2010 films not being nominated. First off, what has the academy got against Christopher Nolan? Anyone who has seen Inception knows it is one amazing film. A great concept brought together by the amazing direction of Chris. So why know nomination? The film is in the running for best picture so how can you make a movie without a director, but the film gets a nomination for best film? Answer that one Academy. Now I am highly disappointed two women did not get at least a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. First off, Julianne Moore. Why no nomination for her amazing work in The Kids Are Alright. The film is nominated for Best Picture. Annette Benning is nominated for Best Actress. Mark Ruffalow was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. All for The Kids Are Alright. So why when Julianne Moore (I felt) was the best thing about that movie and she had more screen time than Annette Benning why no nom? Not happy Academy. But the biggest upset for me was Mila Kunis not even receiving a nomination for Black Swan. Although she did not have as much screen time as Natalie (who definitely deserves to win) she made the scenes with Natalie the most interesting and exciting out of the whole movie. She is electric and stunning as Lily and did as much preparation as Natalie for the part. And in my opinion, upstaged her in many scenes (oooohhhh I can hear people upset now, deal with it, it's my blog). So there you have it. My opinion on the nominations. So let's go Inception, Black Swan and Toy Story 3. Kick some ass this 2011 Academy Award season.

This is one twisted Swan

Natalie Portman is one talented woman. That's all I can say after seeing Black Swan. After signing on twelve years ago to the new Star Wars movie, probably the worst move (in my opinion) of her career, I lost pretty much all respect for her. And especially after Mr Magoriums Wonder Emporium it looked like she should have been looking for a new agent (and maybe even a new career). After showing such promise in such fantastic films, such as The Professional and Anywhere But Here, her career was on a role. And thanks to Darren Aronofsky and casting her in the lead in his new (head f*&k) of a movie "Black Swan", Natalie looks like she will once again bring the talent that she showed in her early roles back to her career. All I can say is girl really knows what she is doing when it comes to crazy characters. But I'm getting too far ahead of myself here, I need to tell you why I think this as Black Swan  is twisted, crazy and in my opinion a fantastic movie, that I still can't stop thinking about. Something that a truly amazing movie can only do. Let me begin.

Nina Sayers (Naatlie Portman) is a young woman who lives the ballet lifestyle. Her life revolves around it and consumes her every thought as she trains hard with the New York City Ballet. She is shy, innocent, and lacks much self-confidence. She lives with her overbearing mother Erica (Barbara Hersey) (who is a little loopy to say the least) who used to be a dancer herself, who feeds her the desire and lifestyle of the ballet world. When the director of the company Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) decides his next project will be his own interpretation of the ballet Black Swan, Nina is consumed by winning the part. After his leading star Beth announces her retirement (with a little push from the company) the role is up for grabs for a new star to be born. If you don't know the story, Black Swan is about the story of a princess who is turned into a white swan, who with the love of her prince will soon turn back into a princess. However, her twin the Black Swan tries all to lure the prince away from his rightful love thus making the princess stay the white swan for her life, that is until she kills herself to embrace her true freedom. Nina is first choice to play the white swan, but lacks the sensual, thrilling side the black swan embodies. Enter new dance recruit from San Francisco Lily (Mila Kunis) who is dangerous and seductive and is her greatest challenge and competition for the part. But how far will Nina go in order to win the role and prove that she is the perfect fit for the part, while keeping her mind and sanity in tact? Sorry, but if I say anymore I will completely ruin it.

Okay, I am going to just lay all this down for you. This movie is going to eat at you for days. It is crazy, gets in your mind, twists it around and makes you want to watch it all over again. It is fantastic, and I loved every minute of it. Darren Aronofsky is one director who never lets his audience know his genre of his pieces. This movie is in the thriller/drama/horror category and maybe even more. He gets inside your mind and doesn't let go. His pacing is perfect setting up the characters, not laying it down too fast, making the audience itch for more. He takes a basic premise and totally switches it up delving into some of human psychological behaviour we have not seen in a movie for ages. All I can say is he takes obsession to a new level which would make Alfred Hitchcock stand up and take note. Who knew ballet could be so crazy? The directing of the ballet scenes are brilliant and Darren, like always, gets the best out of his actors and brings his story to life with his thrilling directing.

Natalie Portman is brilliant in this role. Brilliant. She needs to go into some crazy parts of her mind to pull this off (and I want to know how you research a role like this). Her dancing is beautiful (she spent over a year with a ballet coach) Her acting is perfect as the story moves along so too does Natalie's character. She deserves her golden globe and seriously hand her the Oscar girl is brilliant. But I am not going to forget the supporting players. Mila Kunis is amazing. I think she has come a long way since That 70's Show and really I hope she gets nominated for an Oscar for this role. She is perfect as Lily the sexy new star of the ballet. She is fierce, forward and seductive. The chemistry between Natalie and Mila is fantastic and both bounce off each other perfectly. I can't say a thing wrong about these two. When they are on screen the audience can feel the friction and paranoia of Natalie's character. It is crazy. Let's not forget the rest of the supporting players Barbara Hersey (who I haven't seen in a movie since Beaches) and Vincent Cassell. As the mother and director of the company respectively they round out this amazing cast. Barbara brings a sense of mother love on the brink of obsession to her role and makes this mother quiet scary and eerie to say the least. Vincent Cassell brings the right amount of sleaze to his character. But is it sleaze, or is it a director pushing his student to get the best out of her? You be the judge.

Let me warn you though, this is not for the faint hearted. There are scenes in this movie that will have you cringing and diverting your eyes (you will know when you see them). So stay well clear of this movie if that is you.  But you would be a fool to do that. This movie is my kind of film. Thoughtful, provoking and above all a movie that is continually playing over in my head. And I know its a good film if it does that. All parties involved should be extremely proud of their work. It looks like another amazing feature from Darren. And Natalie, trust me, I think this is the movie many people are going to remember you for. Black Swan is one ballet I will never look at the same again, and this is one movie I want to see again in a hurry. 9.5/10

Is Burlesque a club you should visit sometime soon?

Cher is a legend. I'm not the only one who agrees with me on this statement. Her millions of fans. Her numerous awards (including an Oscar for Moonstruck) and her fighting spirit of whenever she is nearly over, she proves that she is truly talented and continues succeeding in whichever field she chooses. Cher can do everything. Her songs and film list are too many to talk about, but all you need to know is she is an entertainer. Christina Aguilera is a pop superstar in her own right. Her vocals are amazing and her countless hits prove she is an accomplished singer. So why am I talking about these two? Well they have joined forces to star in the new movie musical, "Burlesque." So is this a club worth visiting? And can Christina Aguilera prove that she can branch out into film? Read on and I'll let you know.

Burlesque tells the story of a young hopeful aspiring singer named Ali (Christina Aguilera) who is leaving behind Ohio for the big city of LA to make a name for herself. She has nothing holding her back. Her mother has died and she no longer has any family. She dreams of big things and catches a one way ticket to LA. Checking into her apartment, she starts walking the pavement checking the wanted ads, looking for anything that she can use her talent for. It is here when she stops and stumbles upon Burlesque, a club owned by the savvy, tough as nails, sassy Tess (Cher). What she witnesses is the only Burlesque club in LA, full of full blown numbers, sequins and camp numbers by gorgeous dancers. Thanks to the head bartender Jack (Cam Gigandet) she quickly scores herself a job as a waitress. When one of the dancers falls pregnant, Ali shows what she's got and quickly scores herself a job as a backing dancer to the disapproval of the lead star of Burlesque Nikki (Kristen Bell). When Nikki tries to destroy her opportunity by pulling the plug on the music, Ali steps up to the plate and opens her mouth to shock the audience with her outstanding (Christina Aguilera vocals) voice. With Tess's club nearly going under due to money difficulties, this may be her answer to save the club and make a star out of this small town Ohio girl. Throw into the mix Stanley Tucci as Sean, the costume designer, Alan Cumming as Alexis the sassy door bitch and Eric Dane as Marcus the man who has other ideas for the Burlesque club and you have the film in a nutshell.

What can I say about this movie other than, it delivered and delivered well. Cher like always steals the attention away from anyone in any of her scenes. The legend still has it and let me tell you when she does her "You haven't seen the last of me" number it sends shivers down your spine. I think cause it may have a hidden message out their for all her critics. She makes Tess a sassy, ball busting woman, but also quite vulnerable in times of need. She is perfectly placed with Stanley Tucci and the two of them share some excellent chemistry on screen. Christina Aguilera proves she has what it takes to be Ali. I was a bit worried from the previews that of course she was going to blow everyone away with her numbers but her acting I wasn't quite sure. But she makes Ali a strong woman from Ohio who is out to prove she has what it takes to make it big at the Burlesque club. All the supporting cast add something to the mix. Kristen Bell is great as the bitchy former star of the club. Eric Dane is the perfect amount of sleaze as Marcus and Alan Cumming although not in it for much of the movie, is quite good in his musical number. Cam Gigandet is also becoming quite a fixture on screen. He is a great love interest for Christina Aguilera and they actually have good chemistry together.

Director Steve Antin puts so much energy in the dance numbers, that he brings the club to a high for the viewer to enjoy. The movie does take a bit of time to get some oomph behind it, but I guess that is the process as he wants the viewer to see the explosion Christina Aguilera's character has on the club. This is when the best parts start to flow in the movie. Steve Antin also wrote the screenplay for the movie. Although the movie is quite predictable and much of the story you have seen a million times, I think it helps that he got Cher to star in this movie, as she and Aguilera lift the material out of what could have been a very mediocre movie.

This movie has been receiving a lot of bad press. I don't see why. For two hours I was thoroughly entertained. The movie flowed well, and the numbers (except for one which I didn't care for, you will probably know which one when you watch it) are exciting and fun. All the cast look like they had a ball making this film. Although Cher looks like she probably be playing herself and the same with Christina, they make the show at Burlesque one that you will enjoy. So sit back, grab yourself a drink and watch the show. Burlesque 8/10

Unstoppable. This is one crazy train ride.

I have to admit I am a huge fan of the Scott brothers. If you don't know who I am talking about let me fill you in. You may not know their names (for the devoted movie fanatic like myself) but you sure would have watched some of their movies in your lifetime. Ridley opts for strong story lines, usually big budget and usually always scores Oscars for his work. I'm talking about Gladiator, Thelma and Lousie, Blade Runner, Black Hawk Down and many more. His brother on the other hand, is an awesome action director who can take you on a ride in any certain circumstance and with his unique style will take you on a journey that does not let you go till the very last minute. I'm talking about Domino about Bounty Hunters. Enemy of the State about home land security. Top Gun about the air force and many more. In his latest feature, "Unstoppable" he teams up for the fifth time with Oscar winner Denzel Washington for a thrill a minute ride on a train. Don't write this one off yet. Trust me, I'm not a fan of trains, but with an awesome cast, fantastic pacing and action and a story that will have you clenching your arm rest, this is one train you will want to hop on. Let me begin.

The day starts out like a normal one in the train yard of Pennsylvania. Workers are getting ready to man their engines. Rail conductors are watching their posts to make sure all trains run efficiently and Vice Presidents of organisations are overlooking the whole process. This day though is not going to be like any other day. For one, all of these people are going to have to ban together to make sure a runaway freight train loaded with fuel, chemicals is contained to the tracks. Because if it doesn't, Statton is going to be destroyed. On his first day of work, new recruit conductor Will (Chris Pine) is paired with veteran engineer Frank (Denzel Washington). The two men share stories and Will is taught the way of the tracks by Frank. On the other side of town, two railroad employees are asked to move Train 777, carrying fuel and toxic chemicals. When one of the employees forgets to attach the safety breaks and jumps out of the carriage due to forgetting to change the tracks, the train shifts into gear and starts picking up speed. What we now have is a run away train carrying a hell of a lot of harmful products, traveling without breaks and heading towards Statton at an alarming speed (see told you this was not going to be a boring ride). It is up to Connie (Rosario Dawson) a rail conductor to ban together with old school engineer Frank and new recruit Will to try and find a way to stop this train after VP of operations Galvin (Kevin Dunn) plans fail. I am not going to say anymore, because if I do it will totally spoil it.

What I will say is this. Get ready to grab hold of your seat and remember to breath as this is 100 minutes of full on intense action/drama. Tony Scott once again proves why he is a master of suspense and action. The man has the gift. He may not do amazing films like his brother (who is also a producer on this film) but he does know how to keep the audience interested and is an exciting story maker through his directing. The action scenes are amazing with close up shots and quick editing to keep the pace of the movie exhilarating. At the start of the movie we are told that this is based on true events, and as we all know that that is usually tweaked in Hollywood blockbusters, but Tony sure knows how to use real events to make the viewer sit up and take notice of the hard working people who risk their lives when situations like this happen.

But like other action directors (I'm looking at you Michael Bay) Tony Scott gets his actors to actually act instead of relying on special effects to keep the audience interested. He uses the human emotion to suck the viewer in and this movie is no different. I have never been a big fan of Denzel Washington, but for once I was actually surprised. He brings a gentle nature to a man who has been with a company for a long time, but also a man when duty calls will step up to the plate. Chris Pine is turning into an actor to watch. He plays Will the same way Denzel plays Frank a man with a past who is trying to prove himself in the world of tthe trains industry I am not going to leave out Rosario Dawson here either as Connie. Although limited to one space (a control room) for the whole movie, she allows her character to be shown in a smart light and a woman when duty calls will step it up. You can literally feel every emotion in this movie by her face. All actors prove this as all are restricted to the smallest acting space: Frank and Will in a conductor box on a train and Connie in a control room, but allow the viewer to become emotionally involved with the characters.

All I can say is that this is the perfect Sunday afternoon movie. It grabbed my attention, made me hold my breath many times, and amazed me with the brave decisions humans make sometimes. All the acting is excellent, the action scenes exhilarating and the direction perfect for this kind of movie. Unstoppable was one train I really would not want to be in the way of, but one movie I didn't want to get off of. 8/10

Breakfast Morning Shows Have Never Been So Fun

First off, if these are the movies coming to a cineplex in 2011, I say bring it. After the disastrous 2010 (well in my opinion anyway, I mean really did we need another Meet the Parents movie) 2011 is shaping up with some damn good movies. After finishing viewing the film, "Morning Glory" all I can say is keep up the good work Hollywood with smart, touching and extremely entertaining comedies. These are the kind of movies which do not insult our intelligence or make us feel stupid, but are actually clever and make you leave the cinema with a big smile on your face. All the ingredients add up perfectly. All I can say is I absolutely loved this movie. But before I tell you why, I better give you a bit of the story first right?

Becky Fuller is a 20-something optimistic workaholic producer who works on a New Jersey morning show. Working for the network for many years, Becky is next in line to become the new executive producer for the network. Well that's what she hoped for until she is fired. Jobless and desperate to stay in the game, Becky is offered the job of executive producer from Jerry (Jeff Goldblum) the big boss at IBC who gives her the opportunity to test her skills in one of the worst morning show programs, "Daybreakers." a low budget, extremely out dated program, headed by Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton) and Paul (Ty Burrell). That is until Becky feels a shake up is needed and fires Paul. Now with the challenge of finding a new co-host for Colleen and trying to restore the show to the glory she hopes for it, she enlists the "third worst person in the world" journalist superstar Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford). This is not going to be an easy task due to the constant resistance of Mike to everything Becky asks of him, not to mention the constant bickering between the two hosts. Will Becky save the show? Will hilarious consequences result? Can't tell you that, you will need to see it but trust me, it is a fun ride.

What can I say about Rachael McAdams? The girl is talented. From her roles as a love sick headstrong woman in "The Notebook." To her rookie journalist uncovering a huge story in "State of Play" her range is fantastic. In Morning Glory, Rachael needs to be in every scene and boy does she hold her own well against her older counterparts. You can not help but fall for her charms and her enthusiasm as Becky and can just imagine so many people you know as workaholics who never take a break always thinking they will miss something if they turn off their phone. We all know a person like that. She is perfect for this role, and proves once again why she is turning into one of the best actors of her generation. Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton are exceptional in their roles. This classic actors enjoy some of the best laugh out loud moments. Ford plays Mike to the worst kind of person you would ever want to work for. He is rude, grouchy and really does not give anyone the time of day. Harrison is perfect, but from some interviews I have seen, I wonder how much he really is acting? I love Diane Keaton, and here she lets herself have a lot of fun. She does not overplay the role (like she does in many of her movies), but enjoys every second of her character and we can only imagine how many morning show hosts she has based her character on. But special mention must go out Matt Malloy who plays Ernie the weather guy. He is an absolute riot and clearly makes us wonder how much weather guys really do go through for entertainment on this morning shows (watch the film and you will see what I mean).

Directed by Roger Michell who gave us the exceptionally funny Notting Hill, he once again  proves he can take a pretty simple story, but give it layers to make it a bit more than a boring, seen that already, rom-com. If you do not have a smile on your face when you leave the cinema, there is definitely something wrong with you. I absolutely adored this film. I don't know why. Maybe because I understand the journalist world. Maybe because I think sometimes morning programs are so fake that they would definitely make for a good movie. Or maybe it was the exceptional leads in this film, all bringing something fun and fresh and looking like they are having a blast doing it. The charm just leaps off the screen and I for one embraced this film. Don't expect this movie to be a light hearted affair. There are many layers to this film, which I think made it that extra special. Do yourself a favour, check out Morning Glory, you will not be disappointed. 9/10