Had a mate staying from Ceduna over the weekend and we always smash a few movies while he's down. It's always hard to choose what to watch but we ended up with some great movies.
Argo
Doubt there's many out there who either haven't seen or know about this one. Ben Affleck both directs and stars in this gritty thriller about the American Embassy hostage situation in Iran in (1980). Affleck just keeps getting better and he really delivers the goods in Argo with an incredibly engaging and edge of your seat experience.
The first thing that really jumped out at me was how 70's/80's it looked not just in the sets and costume etc but with the visual quality as well. I read after that he actually shot on film instead of digitally and then cut frames and blew them up 200% for graininess. This technique worked amazingly well.
The whole movie was pretty much perfect in my opinion. I do want to make special reference to the brilliant building of tension throughout leading up to the escape. Although I hear the film is quite a way off the actual events, when it means delivering a better story, who cares :)
Another special mention of Bryan Cranston from Breaking Bad who plays Jack. Every movie is made better by having Bryan Cranston in it, so nice casting work there.
9/10
IMDB Info
The Master
I really don't know where to start here. There is so much I loved about this move but did not feel satisfied when the credits rolled. To me it felt more about the performances of Joaquin Phoenix and Phillip Seymour Hoffman than any sort of complete story telling. It's one of those movies that you keep expecting to pull back a curtain and reveal something huge, but in this case it never does.
Story aside the movie is brilliant in all other aspects. I recommend watching when you're in a more thoughtful mood and enjoy the reflection after.
7/10
IMDB Info
Savages
This is quite a fun film covering a subject we all enjoy - The Mexican Cartel and narcotic manufacture. Add a gorgeous blond and a sexy Salma Hayek and you're pretty invested for the ride.
The movie has some big supporting actors as well such as John Travolta and Benicio Del Toro whom is always great.
It's colourful, it's violent, it's hollywood all over and reminded me a bit of Fast and Furious without the cars. Although an enjoyable watch I'm afraid to say the movie just isn't as good as it could have been. With the actors involved and the potential of the story it felt like this movie could have hit an easy 7 maybe even 8 out of 10 but it never quite gets there. I can't put my fingers on it - but you will know what I mean if you watch.
6/10
IMDB Info
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Affleck is fast becoming one of my favourite directors around. I cannot wait to see what he moves onto from this. Winning every award in Hollywood should definitely open some doors and its exciting to think of what he might get a shot at in the future. I just hope he stays away from comic book movies and stays on track.
ReplyDelete