Tron Legacy (2010)

The visual feast that is Tron was not on my list but something made me watch it and I am very glad to have. The immaculate design of the world in which it is set begins even before we enter the computer and begin the adventure. Accompanying the perfect image is an elaborate (award winning) electronic score from Daft Punk.

Overall the effect of modern VFX and cinematography made this a very enjoyable film. I never got too into Sci-fi films but perhaps this new technology which helps blur the boundaries of possibilities, makes them all the more realistic, thus allowing natural emotion and realism from the acting.

The Crimson Petal and the White (2011)

A BBC adaption of Michel Faber’s bestselling novel, and a mighty good job they did. I am in love with this drama. Admittedly I haven’t read the book, as I don’t read all that often, but I think this must have been an awesome novel to create this wonderful work of drama.

Following the life of Sugar (Romola Garai) as she finds an escape from her seedy, London life as a prositute when wealthy William Rackham (Chris O’Dowd) pays her a visit, takes a fancy and moves her out into a kept life, but still far from ideal.

Sugar is plagued by the death of her friend, Elizabeth, who was beaten to death by visitors to Mrs Castaway’s (Gillian Anderson) brothel. As such Sugar is writing an emotionally driven and angry novel that depicts her fantasy revenge on the punters she must endure. All the while she makes incidentally becomes intwined in the life of William Rackham’s ‘disturbed’ wife Agnes (Amanda Hale).

There are many emotional moments of sincerity bought about by a fantastic cast and gorgeous, indulgent design that draws you in to the world, be it seedy in the depths of filth, or in the clean, upper-class, Chepstow Villas. What really stands out is the original score by Cristobal Tapia de Veer  with modern nuance and sound design that escapes the usual period genre classical score. The music lifts and swells but in a contemporary, yet completely befitting way. This only adds to the feelings and setting that are so exquisitely set out.

I have not seen a BBC drama that holds so much strength in production and performance. Superb.

Mr Nobody (2009)

How this film evaded me I have no idea as I found it truly spectacular. Beautiful visuals and perfect nuances in sound design only went one step further on evoking the imagination whilst the compelling narrative and plot kept me well indulged.

It was a feast of scenery and twists, every moment was consequential, with terrific performances from a strong cast. Full of emotional and quirky rivets that exploit the surreal to its maximum, creating only a feeling of lust and discovery for the viewer.

Jared Leto played the ever tormented and desperate lead character “Nemo Nobody” with great support from a generous cast. Including strong performances from my favourite attitude driven female, Juno Temple and emotional Rhys Ifans.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

I have always thoroughly enjoyed the entire Harry Potter series. The magic, fantasy,drama and yet family orientated films have captured my imagination and now are a catalyst of nostalgia. With that it is no surprise that I was very much looking forward to this penultimate offering.

The film was strong but not as much as the previous. It was wonderfully shot though mostly very dark. I never noticed before the attention to detail in the design of everything including the newspaper which is a typography dream.

The flow of the film was slow, very slow, but it didn’t feel drawn out. At two and a half hours it is quite an epic feature, it doesn’t quite necessarily need to be this length though. Overall it is a very good film, though there are still a few things that could have been ironed out, for one thing the acting is still not the best.

Gold Tinted

Not A review, but a new venture that you may be interested in. An online magazine of music, design, moving-image and fashion. With creative professionals, writers and bloggers sharing their knowledge and thoughts.

www.goldtinted.com

How Do You Know (2010)

A romantic comedy with all the right elements. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson and Jack Nicholson, the plot follows an ex USA softball player on her quest for something new. A professional baseball player who is self-obsessed and romantically awkward. A corporate employee in crisis and his father who put him in such a position.

The film is an easy watch, humorous and even touching at times. A perfect example of the genre. It was clean in presentation, performances were strong especially by Paul Rudd who is being made an escape goat of by his father. His comic acting is sincere and allows for much greater depth of character than many others.

It has been reported that the film was set into production in 2005 when director James L. Brooks began researching female athletes. He then got interested in corporate dilemmas. Eventually the total cost of the film reached $120 million, which may be why this feature is so very well made.

Inside Job (2010)

A film about the 2008 global economic crisis, documenting the events that happened and explaining in some detail how the financial system collapsed. This award winning feature focuses on the avoidance of political process by the financial industry to build their fortunes. It is not an objective look at the crisis but a piece aimed at displaying the ‘crimes’ that were committed and have gone unpunished. The film uses animation to explain the structure of the financial industry, though even with some went well over my head. The film does use a lot of techniques to make it more appealing, the most obvious is the narrator, actor Matt Damon and the use of interviews with front line economists.

Overall this was a good film though it did feel at times to be applying too much emphasis on getting its anger portrayed.

Sirens – #3: Opium Apathy

Sirens have been in the forefront of “my acts to watch” as soon as I heard and saw “Stilettos” the fab introduction to the new electro/ pop/ club renewal of this awesome three-piece girl-group. Having now listened to the tracks on new album “#3: Opium Apathy” to be released March 28th 2011, I am even more impressed.

With “Merry Go Round” using the infamous synth from Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It” you know this is going to be a great album. Though the most notable tracks for me are “Good Enough” which is a full on pop anthem. It has such a great vibe through its pulsating pad and flawless vocals, one I know will be in the running to push Miley Cyrus “Time of Our Lives” off the top of my iTunes top played, which is quite a feat.

Couldn’t Luv U – An ultimately cool and designer/ funky track with all the attributes of a good Gwen Stefani track. Something that can be said about the whole album. Well thought out and curated tracks that give a great sense of direction. There hasn’t been this much designer-cool in music since All Saints “Rock Steady”. For a defining album of their career this will do them well. 5/5*

Britney Spears – Femme Fatale

I’ve had mixed opinions about Britney’s previous releases, I just didn’t understand the thinking behind the concept of her image, songs and presentation. It was with this that I had sincere apprehension when it came to the release of “Femme Fatale”. After hearing “Hold It Against Me”, I wasn’t impressed with the direction and ‘off the shelf’ feel of the track. It holds no quality or distinction that one should expect from an international superstar. Despite this, the album has surprised me with a few fantastic tracks and interesting musical styles.

Notable, stand out songs for me are: Criminal – A very ‘Pop’ style track fusing different genres that make it quite interesting and easy listening.

Gasoline – I like the attitude and simplicity in this track, lead by a bass line and a basic guitar riff that once entwined in morphing synths adds the Britney element that is expected.

(Drop Dead) Beautiful – Has a Hip-Hop synth lead that carries it and adds a sexy and sultry aura. This evolves as the bridge enters with full pads and breaks into the club beat of the chorus. It is a cool song and one for the pop/ electro clubbers.

Inside Out – Has an old style Pop/ Hip-Hop fusion feel but is brought into today with immaculate and precise production.

Till The World Ends – Just might be my favourite off the album. A real club anthem that is perfect for the weekend. Flawless in its execution it holds the exacting qualities that Britney Spears has been known for.

Overall the album is perfectly produced and has a number of great tracks. It is not very ‘Pop’ and is very much in the door of club/ dance music with complete radio edit feel. It’s no bad thing and with the quality in there it stands significantly higher in my opinion over her previous album and single releases. 4/5*

S.W.A.T – Firefight (2011)

This isn’t usually my kind of film as it is usually trying to portray an exaggerated sense of hero and success whilst demonstrating vast downfalls which are never addressed. This was no exception.

A ‘S.W.A.T’ captain Paul Cutler (Gabriel Macht) is sent to help out and certify a team, though his presence is resented and through a failed mission Paul gets himself an enemy. All pretty standard, and all that follows was to.

The acting was perfectly acceptable for a film of this genre and production value, of which was rather good. My biggest gripe came in its blatant predictability and the use of tired and worn plot developments, characters and scenarios. This film is just  a composition of many films in the same genre. I can think of a handful that could be watched simultaneously and you’d not miss anything from watching each sequentially.

Directed by Benny Boom who also directed”50 Cent: The Massacre” and “Next Day Air” which gives you an idea on what audience this is aimed at. For me it lacked any thought or imagination. Films are supposed to be the essence of creativity and possibility; being the ultimate entertainment platform, this made no use of such a privilege.