'Kick Ass' 2010

Title: Kick Ass

Rating: 15

Released: 2010

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Starring: Aaron Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloe Grace Moretz, Mark Strong, Nicholas Cage,

Our Verdict: * 1 star

In a line: Normal teenager becomes a superhero... though unlike 'Spiderman',etc, lacks special powers.

Background: 'Kick Ass' appeared as a comic in February of 2008. Written by comic-book author, Mark Millar, 'Kick Ass' has been published monthly (with some gaps) since 2008 and is an ongoing publication. Millar is probably best known for 'Marvel Knights Spider-Man', 'Ultimate Fantastic Four' and the 'Wanted' series of comics which was adapted as a film in 2008, starring James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie. The comic is 'pencilled' by Marvel Comics legend, John Romita Jr.

The comic-book 'Kick Ass' was adapted by director Matthew Vaughn and screenplay-writer Jane Goldman; wife of Jonathan Ross and co-writer of the 2007 fantasy 'Stardust', which was also directed by Vaughn. Vaughn is a British director/producer who has previously directed 'Layer Cake' (2004). His producing credits include 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' (1998), 'Snatch' (2000), 'Mean Machine' (2001) and 'Harry Brown' (2009). Following the success of Vaughn's directorial début ('Layer Cake' 2004), he was hotly tipped to direct the blockbuster 'X-Men: The Last Stand' (2006) but was dropped just two weeks before filming began. With the exception of 'Stardust' (to a certain extent), 'Kick Ass' is Vaughn's first big Hollywood production. Celebrity-enthusiasts may be interested to know that since 2002, Vaughn has been married to German supermodel, Claudia Schiffer, with whom he has two children, and one on the way. Actor Brad Pitt produced the film; it is his 11th role as producer.

Synopsis: An everyday teenager becomes a masked vigilante. Dave Lizewski buys a scuba-diving suit and takes to the streets at his alter ego. Whilst trying to stand up to a pair of criminals, Dave is stabbed and subsequently run over. Whilst in hospital he undergoes several operations which include the insertion of metal into his skeleton; making him feel like 'Wolverine'. As soon as he is released from hospital, Dave once again dons his outfit and begins to fight crime. He adopts the name 'Kick Ass' and soon becomes an internet phenomenon. Dave learns he is not the only masked hero in the city when he meets 'Hit Girl' and 'Big Daddy'. Together they try to overthrow the criminal leader Frank D'Amico. But things aren't smooth sailing as D'Amico gets his son to create a new superhero alter-ego ('Red Mist') to befriend Kick Ass in an attempt to bring down the vigilante.

Review: The film has a really promising start. The protagonist 'Dave' narrates, discussing his confusion at why nobody had tried to be a superhero before he did. This is accompanied with footage of a man dressed in a hero-like outfit, complete with wings, jumping off a skyscraper. As the music swells to a crescendo, we expect the hero to take to flight. Alas, he is unable to do this and ends up crashing into a car below. This earned a chuckle from most people in the cinema. I think I may have only laughed another couple of times. The same can be said of those around me.

'Kick Ass' tries hard to not just be a simple tale of the self-discovery of a geeky teen who struggles where women are concerned. However, it fails miserably and can't even be described as a valiant attempt. The film is slow to get going. We are introduced to all the main characters in neatly ended little scenes which tell us just enough information. Personally I was quite bewildered as to how the protagonist came to the conclusion that the best way to stop being mugged was to don a scuba suit and fight back. I think I speak for geeks everywhere when I say that, that option doesn't rank very highly on the action lists of most.

The script was very flat. Sadly, every vaguely amusing part of the film was used in the full-length trailer. The trailer had well and truly whet my appetite and I was expecting something really quite special, a super hero film with a sense of humour. As a super hero film enthusiast, I thought that 'Kick Ass' had tapped into a goldmine, mixing the well established genre with a bit of comedy to produce a new hybrid. It was here that 'Kick Ass' fell flat on its face. The humour was weak, and mostly quite childish. I would probably have got more laughs from watching the 2008 spoof 'Super Hero Movie', and that is one hell of a statement to make.

I think I was most disappointed with the lack of plot development regarding Dave's reinforced bone structure. When we see Dave recovering in hospital, accompanied by images of X-Rays which show the vast amount of metal now in his body, I quite expected that this would be something that he used in his quest to become a superhero; expecting a 'Wolverine'-like physique, especially as 'Wolverine' was mentioned in comparison. However, the hospital scene was one of only two times that Dave's metal-ridden body was referred to, and in any fight sequences he displayed a very normal physique indeed, perhaps even below average, only commenting that he didn't feel any pain because of the metal insertions. I felt that the film would have benefited from Dave discovering that he now had super-human strength thanks to his operations. To me, he still felt like the underdog throughout the film.

Good points (of which there were few) include two of the big action sequences (the sequence following Big Daddy and Kick Ass' capture, and the library corridor scene) were exceptionally well done. Rapid action shots were edited seamlessly and although the flashing lights probably wouldn't be appreciated by an epileptic (indeed there was a warning in the cinema entrance), they added a wonderful frenzied effect. For me, the only other good point was Nicholas Cage's performance as 'Big Daddy'. He was wonderfully neurotic, a perfect mix of trained assassin and hapless single father. Big thumbs up to Mr Cage.

I let out an audible groan when the final scene of the film appeared to leave a very clear opening for a sequel. 'Red Mist' looks at the camera and smirks as he delivers the line "Wait till they get a load of me", which movie buffs will recognise as being from 'Batman' (1989), and originally spoken by the ultimate super-baddy, 'The Joker'. Any continuation of this second-rate adaptation would only be, at best, cringe-worthy and, at worst, a contender for epic fail of the year.

I wait with baited breath for a proper super hero film to hit cinemas. Hopefully my prayers will be answered by Iron Man 2, due to be released in the UK on April 30th 2010.

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I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)

Title: I Love You Phillip Morris

Rating: 15

Released: 2009

Director: Glenn Ficarra & John Requa

Starring: Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor, Leslie Mann, Rodrigo Santoro

Our Verdict: **** 3.5 stars

In a line: The 'campest' comedy of the year that will leave you wondering how on earth it could be true!

Background: Before I saw this film, I had no idea about the background story. I watched the opening credits which declared that the film was based on true events. As a fan of horror, I'm all too familiar with 'true' stories, that is, stories that are maybe an ounce of truth and over an hour of pure fiction blended together. The first thing I did after seeing this film was look up the story it was based on. Ladies and Gentlemen; it is a true story. Very little in the film is fictitious. And that makes the film truly remarkable. I spent the whole time watching it thinking that it was totally impossible that the film could be based on real events. It actually is.

The film is the story of Steven (Jay) Russell, one of America's greatest ever con artists. The narrative was adapted from the book 'I love you Phillip Morris: A True Story of Life, Love and Prison Breaks' by Steve McVicker. Due to the relatively explicit gay sexual content, the film has experienced delays in release, particularly in America, as finding a distributor has proved difficult. Despite being released in the UK on the 18th of March 2010, the film will not premier in the USA until April 30th 2010.

Produced for $20million, the film was a collaboration between French and American production companies. So far, it has been a successful release, but it remains to be seen how the film will go down in the USA.

Synopsis: Steven Russell has the perfect life. He has a beautiful family and is working as a police officer; the job he always wanted. He is devoutly religious; meeting his wife at church. Steven is also adopted. Really, he became a police officer so he could use police databases to find his birth mother. After managing to track her down, Steven learns that his birth mother has kept her other children. Devastated, he moves his family to Texas to live out the 'American Dream'. One night, Steven is involved in a car accident. He realises that life is too short to live a lie, and subsequently comes out as being gay. Impulsively he moves to Miami with new boyfriend, Jimmy. Living the playboy lifestyle, Steven soon learns that "being gay is expensive" and takes to committing insurance fraud to fund their extravagant lifestyle. Rather unsurprisingly, this leads to him being imprisoned. Whilst in prison, Steven meets Phillip Morris, who he falls in love with. Steven is released from prison, and manages to get Phillip released early. He pretends to be a lawyer, even helping Phillip's neighbour with a legal case. Steven gets a high flying job, which he is nowhere near qualified for, by lying his way through the interview. He begins to steal vast quantities of money from the company. Steven ends up in prison again, but manages to escape. He is caught and sent back to prison, but manages to escape again. Both Phillip and Steven are then arrested. It is at this point that Steven begins his most daring escape ever. It is so crazy that you won't believe it really happened, but it did.

Review: From the first five minutes, this film is hilarious. One liners aplenty. And it isn't just obvious humour; the film is pretty witty too.

The main strength of this film is the totally unbelievable plot. The narrative is so crazy and far-fetched that it becomes truly hilarious. And the best part about it is that it's all true; this madness really happened.

For me, one of the greatest things about this film is looking up the story it is based on. That made the film all the more interesting and really quite special.

It's a love story. Really quite a sweet and beautiful love story; but juxtaposed against the harsh reality of prison. It's also a story of hope, and one that illustrates that you can do anything if you want it badly enough, and really put your mind to it.

The final escape attempt was absolutely amazing. Everyone in the cinema was sat with their mouths open.

The comedy was executed perfectly; Carrey is a master of comedic timing. McGregor is exceptionally well cast as the bumbling and naive lover, the complete antithesis of the criminal mastermind played by Carrey. The supporting cast was also well chosen.

I'm usually not a big fan of American comedy films. I tend to find them obvious, tedious and boring. This film is completely different to many of the big-budget ($20million) comedies; it's slick, intelligent and has a story which is so amazing, you just couldn't make it up.

You are completely rooting for Carrey as Steven Russell, even as he commits crime and fraud. The characters are totally loveable; which is part of the attraction for me. I like watching a film containing characters I like. With each escape attempt becoming more daring, the audience becomes more and more supporting of Steven.

It's pretty rare to see such an explicitly gay film in the mainstream, with some scenes reminiscent of 'Brüno' (2009). It is refreshing though, to see the relationship between the two lead actors portrayed in such a sweet and sensitive way. As well as being a hilarious comedy, this really is a love story; and a very well executed one at that.

For me, the most touching part of the film was the information given before the credits began to roll; that Steven Russell was arrested for trying to arrange Phillip's release, and that Steven has been sentenced to life (actually, he has been sentenced to 144 years) and is currently on 23hour-a-day lock-down, with just one hour for showering and exercise. This is a penalty befitting a dangerous criminal; Steven was a conman who didn't really do anyone any harm.

That aside; the film is of top comedic standard. It will make you laugh, and you will be in disbelief of what one conman was capable of.

Highly recommended.

Shutter Island (2010)

Title: Shutter Island

Rating: 15

Released: 2010

Director: Martin Scorsese

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Kingsley, Mark Ruffalo, Michelle Williams

Our Verdict: **** 3.5 stars

In a line: A psychological thriller which leaves you thinking "what the hell just happened?!"

Background: 'Shutter Island' is the 21st feature film to be directed by Martin Scorsese. Scorsese has given us some of the greatest films of the last few decades, including: 'Taxi Driver' (1976), 'Raging Bull' (1980), 'Goodfellas' (1990) and 'The Departed' (2006). The latter was the third collaberation between Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio; with 'Shutter Island' being their 4th joint outing.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane; though it is sometimes published under the name 'Prisoner 67'. Principle photography for the film began back in March 2008, and ended on July 2 2008, costing $80million. The film was originally due to be released in October 2009, but had its release date pushed back to February 2010 due to the economic downturn. The film was a box office hit, and gave both Scorsese and DiCaprio their best box office opening yet.

Interestingly, there was no original soundtrack created for the film. Scorsese worked with Robbie Robertson to collect previously used material to form the score for 'Shutter Island', so if the music seems familiar to you; you know why.

Synopsis: The basis of the plot is that US Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) is sent to Shutter Island, home to the Ashecliff hospital for the criminally insane, to investigate the strange disappearance of a female patient. Daniels and his partner, Chuck Aule, are drawn into the strangely secretive life on the island, which head psychiatrist Dr. John Cawley (Ben Kingsley) says is a "moral fusion between law, order and clinical care." Teddy is plagued by flashbacks of his dead wife and children, and also his time as a soldier liberating Dachau Concentration Camp at the end of WWII. He also begins to suffer from crippling migraines as he searches for the missing patient. When she is found, many unanswered questions become apparent. Teddy slowly begins to unravel and questions his own sanity as he realises that there may be no escape from the island; where everything is not what it seems.

Review: As I walked out of the cinema after seeing this film, I listened to what the people around me were saying. Some direct quotes are: "Well, that was weird." "I totally didn't get that." "Damn, confusing." "Didn't understand any of it." and "Weird, wasn't it?!" It also seemed that nobody could get their head around the ending. In my opinion, the ending left several unanswered questions. Not wanting to give too much away, I'll not dwell on it, but I will say that if you see this film; you need to pay attention.

As you sit down to watch this film you need to bear two things in mind; 1) that you're going to be sat down for 138 minutes and 2) you need to really watch the film, and remember that nothing is as it seems and the lines of reality and fantasy are blurred throughout. Those would be my essential survival tips for this film.

It is a long film. It feels long. But an awful lot happens in the film. The action is pretty much constant. The storyline is complex and needs 2 hours+ to explain itself. If it was squeezed into, say an hour and a half, you would literally leave with your head spinning.

It's quite a roller-coaster of a narrative. From tense to funny. From scary to intensely personal. We grow to like Teddy, and want to see him triumph over the 'evil' doctors, discover the secrets behind the island and eventually escape. Scorsese builds the characters beautifully; not just Teddy but the staff members at the hospital, and even Teddy's dead wife who is shown only in flashback sequences.

One of my favourite scenes had to be Teddy's exploration of the incredibly sinister Ward C (reserved for the very worse patients). As Teddy strikes matches to light his way through the darkness; the tension reaches boiling point. It was really quite marvellous to watch.

I'd say that for the whole film. It's a really enjoyable film. The emotion, the tension and the intrigue make it very watchable. The storyline has enough to maintain your interest and the ending (which I felt was predictable but clearly confused my fellow cinema-goers) was really brilliant.

The acting was top-notch. Scorsese has chosen his cast very well. Scenes were set up beautifully and the cinematography was very impressive.

I'd really recommend this film. If you can survive the 138 minutes, you'll most likely enjoy it. The narrative is really very engaging. My only criticism was that DiCaprio was, at times, a little flat and mono-dimensional. A couple of times I felt like he needed a rocket up his backside to show any real emotion. This changed towards the end, when Teddy became desperate to flee the island. Then again, I won't hide that I'm generally not a fan of DiCaprio. I can think of several actors who would have played the part better. But Scorsese is clearly very happy with the actor he is now referring to as his 'muse'.

Overall, I'd really suggest seeing this film. It's an entertaining psychological thriller, with plenty of action and a great twist that most people just didn't see coming.