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Reviews
True Grit (2010)
A true wild west film
True grit is a typical Coen Brothers film which is driven by captivating the audience's attention with a combination of action and dialogue sequences. This could truly be the reinvention of the western film genre.
Mattie Ross is a 14 year old girl who is determined to seek revenge against Tom Chaney; the man who murdered her father. To capture the killer she hires the US Marshal Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), who is best known for his drinking and reckless actions. After insisting that she travels with Cogburn to ensure her investment is undertaken correctly, she finds herself joining forces with the Texas Ranger Labeouf (Matt Damon) who has been hunting down Chaney for his own motives.
Although this may appear to be the tale of a trio that together bring down a ruthless killer, it is nothing of the sort. The three struggle to work alongside each other and each one must figure out what their priorities in this journey are.
The attention to detail in this film gives off a genuine western feel. Although the start of the film lacks action it captures the audience's attention with the wit and creativity of the script. The characters appear troubled and believable and are successfully introduced to combine their traits with there flaws. It must be acknowledged that the dialogue will put people off as at times it is difficult to follow what is being said but if anything this just adds to the western feel.
Hailee Steinfeld who plays Mattie Ross gives off an incredible performance. This can be seen as her breakthrough movie that initiates her acting career. Her Co-worker Jeff Bridges also gives a convincing performance that brings justice to the real US marshals of the western times.
It can be easily understood why true grit has got 10 nominations for Academy Awards including best picture and best performance by an actor in a leading role and supporting role.
In many ways the Coen Brothers have made an even truer and realistic version of the original film and have brought justice to the tale.
Happily N'Ever After 2 (2009)
Unusual fairy tale film
Snow White is a typical teenager who appears very self centred and always seems to be going out with her friends Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks and little Bo peep. Once again Mambo and Munk tip the scales of good and evil and soon Lady Vain and Rumplestiltskin begin making trouble trick snow white into spreading rumours across about the townspeople. With the help of the seven dwarfs Snow White soon learns to restore the people's faith in her and truly learns to care about other people.
It is an unusual take on the common fairy tale and in some aspects is a completely new story altogether. It is an enjoyable family film that gets the message of the story across in a unique way.
Its story is simple but essentially is an enjoyable film to watch for all of the family. The characters are enthusiastic and great fun watch and a modern day twist on the usual versions of themselves.
St Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold (2009)
Girl power to the extreme
The girls at St Trinians School are a collection of the usual stereotypes found in modern day schools. They constantly are fighting among themselves over who's in the best crowd and causing trouble for not just there teachers but everyone they come into contact with. They soon uncover a hidden mystery in their school and begin there hunt to find some treasure. What they don't know is they will uncover one of history's biggest secrets.
The whole focus of this film is girl power and therefore if you're not a young girl you probably won't appreciate this film. It's an enjoyable film but the story line is completely unbelievable. In comparison to the first film it is much more child friendly but doesn't have any comedy aspects. You get what you would expect.
Whilst the storyline is a bit extreme the concept of different groups of people coming together for one reason is an inspiring one. The film is witty and the research which was conducted into usual school groups effectively carries the story forward.
Me and Orson Welles (2008)
Simple but worth a watch
Set in the post depression of New York, budding actor Richard Linclaters (Zac Efron) gets a part in a theatre show run by Orson Welles. Soon Richard discovers the demands needed to stay in a theatre run by a truly power hungry man whilst understanding there are some people out there that will do anything to succeed.
This explores the ups and downs of theatre lift and how a slight romance can interrupt that.
It includes an interesting insight into the early life of Orson Wells, although not showing him in the nicest of lights. Basically whatever Orson wants Orson gets.
The story line is a bit weak and the film itself is slow with little much happening. It takes a while to get into but it's an easy film to follow.
Zac Efron gives his usual convincing performance although it is good to see him taking new directions other than his usual films.
Never Let Me Go (2010)
Unique in every way
The film begins in a simple English boarding school known as Hailsham with three children who among other things are struggling to come to terms with their feelings for each other. It soon becomes apparent that there is more to this boarding school that meets the eye, and the teachers' demands for the children to stay healthy and not to leave the school grounds are for more than just the children's sake. We soon see each one grow up and face what life has in store for them.
The film is a unique look at the pains of life without a choice. The characters are deeply convincing and gripping to watch. Carey Mulligan is extremely believable as Kathy and in many ways leaves you both feeling sad for what she must go threw but also happy that she faces it so bravely.
Mark Romanek does justice to the well known novel by creating contrasts between the explosive and the silent parts of life. Viewers are constantly left in the dark giving them scope to both think and to contemplate on what may be next to come for these troubled children. This is a truly wonderfully unique film that will leave you with a new view on life and to live it the best you can.