Reviews

"Crush" is a 2013 direct-to-video horror film which stars Lucas Till (MacGyver, X-Men) as Scott Norris, an athletically talented teen who's dreams are to play football (or soccer, whatever you call it) at a prestigious sporting school. A colleague of Scott's named Bess, played by Crystal Reed, develops an unhealthy crush on him, and as her fixation grows weird events begin to occur to Scott and those around him.

Going into this film, I had no expectations. I was just at a sleepover with two of my closest friends and we were just looking for a nice horror film to watch as it was rather late. When we found "Crush", we decided to watch it, as the premise sounded decent enough. But we were far from expecting to get what we got out of it.

Right from the get go (don't worry, this is only the start and I won't spoil it), when the title card is shown, the main character has a voice over line, in which he defines the fourth definition of crush in the dictionary. At this point in time, me and my friends were already laughing harder than usual, but little did we know that was only the beginning. Early on we are introduced to each character, some of which are integral to the plot, or at least somewhat integral, and others just as side characters. But me and one of my friends realised that nearly every single female character seemed to have at least a small attraction to Scott except Andie (Caitriona Balfe), a friend of Bess'. As the movie progressed, me and my friends found ourselves to be uncontrollably laughing at the dialogue, all the sub-plots (A sub-plot was added in pretty much in every single scene. There were about 30, you can count) and just the choices the screenwriters made. And at the end of the film, there is this twist, which I won't spoil, that comes so out of the blue that me and my friends, or friend, as one of them had given up on the film, were far from able to control ourselves. The twist also contradicts the direction that the entire film before it had too, which just adds to the laughs. Also about 90% of the sub-plots are left hanging and those that actually do get incorporated into the main story are just added to make the final scene more tense. Some of the characters introduced throughout the film contribute nothing to the story and are just there to give a main character depth of sorts.

All in all, "Crush" is simultaneously a masterpiece and a disaster. Analytically, this movie is awful. The screenplay is one of the worst in film history, there are so many useless sub-plots and characters that contribute nothing to the main plot, but at least the acting is somewhat decent. But enjoyment-wise, this film is a masterpiece. This is one of those so-bad-it's-good films, where all the faults are just so bad they're laughable and I can assure you you'll have a ball watching this film. "Crush" is an unearthed gem, one that is certainly in the same boat as cult classics like "The Room", "Who Killed Captain Alex" and "The Wicker Man". The title card, the dialogue, the sub-plots, the useless characters, "Crush" is such an awful film, yet it's given me one of my most enjoyable experiences this year. As I say in the title, I don't think I've ever seen anything like this before.

Rating: 2.3/10

Grade: F

"American Beauty" is a 1999 film directed by Sam Mendes (Skyfall, Revolutionary Road, Road to Perdition) and written by Alan Ball. When I was informed of the storyline, I wasn't merely expecting what I got after I came out of it. This movie is beautifully brilliant, and for each and every character you can care for, which is something nearly no film can do.

This movie stars Kevin Spacey as Lester Burnham, a middle aged man who is struggling to find excitement in his life. His relationships with his wife (Annette Bening) and daughter (Thora Birch) are quite mundane. But one day, Lester falls in love with his daughter's best friend (Mena Suvari) whilst the other members of his family begin to change themselves.

The acting in this film is superb. Kevin Spacey, in his best performance out of many great ones, is practically flawless as Lester Burnham. He portrays the middle aged man practically perfectly and makes Lester not a character who you hate, like most characters of his beliefs and motives. The rest of the cast is also stellar, especially Wes Bentley, who portrays the Burnham's intrusive neighbour. Alan Ball's screenplay is also something to marvel at. He is able to keep every scene interesting, even in the ones that just outline the daily activities of the Burnhams. He gives every single relationship depth and structure, which helps you create feelings for every character in the film. Sam Mendes in his directorial debut is excellent; better than mot debuts I've ever seen. He is able to balance everything out perfectly and emit strong and meaningful themes.

All in all, this film is superb, from every single angle imaginable. Every single scene has you gripped to the core, and the beautiful ending does not disappoint. I have to say it's one of Hollywood's greatest films. As the title suggests, "American Beauty" is truly an American beauty.

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is a 2012 film, written and directed by first-timer Stephen Chbosky based off his own book. It's very rare when you see a novelist adapt his own book on the big screen, but in this circumstance, there was nobody better to do the job, not even John Hughes, who was working on it before his unfortunate passing in 2009. This film just blew me away, as it was way more than I expected it to be.

This film stars Logan Lerman as Charlie, a shy freshman who is an introvert. At school he meets Patrick and Sam, played by Ezra Miller and Emma Watson respectively, two seniors who introduce Charlie to the 'real world'.

First of all, let's start with the performances. After watching the Percy Jackson films, which were mediocre, I didn't think Lerman was the best choice for the lead role. Coming out of it, I realised that he was cast perfectly. Logan gives a realistic and heartfelt performance as Charlie and really adds depth to the character that might not have been there if somebody else was in the role. Ezra Miller and Emma Watson also both give convincing performances as well, which really helped the movie be more believable. Stephen Chbosky's directorial performance was really surprising, considering this was his debut film and he was a novelist prior to the film's release. His performance behind the camera was immaculate. He really assured that this film wasn't another young adult adaptation flop, like Eragon, Stormbreaker or, as I mentioned earlier, Percy Jackson. He puts so much heart into the film, that by the end you are definitely in tears.

Great performances, a moving script and a practically flawless directorial performance by an overlooked genius behind the camera helped "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" become undoubtedly the pinnacle of young adult films.

Rating: 9.5/10

Grade: A+

"Your Name" is the latest film of Japanese writer-director Makoto Shinkai. This is definitely the greatest anime of all time, and to earn that title it had to beat other superb films, for example "Wolf Children". This movie is addictively compelling the whole way through due to the storyline's constant direction change and thematical elements.

The story begins with Mitsuha, a girl living in a small Japanese town. She finds life miserable there, so on one night she wishes to swap bodies with a handsome Tokyo boy. The following day, that very thing happens inexplicably with a boy named Taki.

The animation in this film is just simply beautiful. You could see that with every frame, the animators articulately put everything on screen with such care that it felt almost as if it were in real life. There's also a time lapse scene, which would've been really difficult to execute, but the way it is shown it's as if the animators did it with ease. The storyline is one of the best in movie history; completely unpredictable, clever and you could really invest in the characters it documented. The whole way through the story gets better and better, to the point where you're lusting for more. And the ending beautifully concludes the rest of this excellent film due to its shock and emotion.

"Your Name" is the ultimate animated film ans shows anime at its true best. It's a spectacle everybody needs to see, even if you don't like anime. Incredible animation, excellent soundtrack and a near-flawless script make "Your Name" a masterclass in animation.

Rating: 9.7/10

Grade: A+

"Cinema Paradiso" has got to be one of the most beautiful and heartfelt films I've ever seen. The story, which is packed with raw emotion, and a beautiful bond between two characters make this film a real joy to watch and will keep you moved throughout the whole 155 minutes in which it runs for.

This film follows young Salvatore (Toto), who lives in a small Italian village during the Second World War. Fatherless, he begins to form a bond with the projectionist at the local cinema, Alfredo (Philippe Noiret), a friendship in which the film revolves around.

The acting in this is quite good; Philippe Noiret gives a great performance as Alfredo as do all three actors who play Salvatore. But it is not these performances that stand out, but the direction of writer-director Giuseppe Tornatore. Only 32 years of age at the date of its release, Tornatore is able to add beautiful and heartfelt emotion in every single friendship in this film, whether it be between friends, family or lovers. Alfredo and Salvatore's bond is given so much depth and sentiment, that when the smallest things happened to one of them, your heart started racing. The screenplay is able to stay true to the way this film is directed, as it equally as charming as the product which adapted it. Without Tornatore's talent and incentive, this film wouldn't have even been merely what it is.

A beautifully sentimental film that brings out the best in friendship, all spearheaded by the masterclass of a ridiculously talented Giuseppe Tornatore, "Cinema Paradiso" has got to be the greatest tale of friendship ever shown on the big screen.

Rating: 9.6/10

Grade: A+

From the minds of Trey Parker and Matt Stone (creators of South Park) comes "Team America: World Police". This film is one of the funniest films I've ever seen. All the references to political events and bad movies (most of which I found to be true) only generated more laughs, as well as the film not taking itself too seriously.

This film follows the journey of Broadway actor Gary Johnston. One day, he is recruited by Team America and is sprung right into a plan spearheaded by the notorious Kim Jong Il, which also involves the terrorists of Durkadurkastan and the Film Actors Guild.

"Team America: World Police" has what has got to be the funniest script in film history. The intelligence and stupidity of it just provides you with endless laughter. But despite all the jokes, whether they be dumb or smart, "Team America: World Police" is still able to deliver a decent storyline about a man overcoming his personal demons to save the world. This film, as I said before, doesn't take itself too seriously, for example you can clearly see the strings of the puppets throughout the whole movie. For some, this may not work, but for me this just added to the laughs. Even the sadder scenes, which are still sad, are funny as well. Every time you stop laughing, another funny line or scene is shown and you're never given a break.

With all of this considered, "Team America: World Police" has got to be the benchmark for not just inappropriate or politically incorrect comedies, but just comedies as a whole, as it is one of film's funniest.

Rating: 9.7/10

Grade: A+

Going into "Goodbye Christopher Robin", I had no expectations. Coming out of it, I regarded it as one of the greatest films ever. Many films try and convey strong emotions. Many fail, but this film does it better than anything I've ever seen.

"Goodbye Christopher Robin" stars Domhnall Gleeson as the world-renowned children's author A.A. Milne alongside Margot Robbie as his wife, Daphne, and newcomer Will Tilston as his son, Christopher Robin. This film documents the relationship between Milne and his son around the time period in which Winnie the Pooh was written.

The performances in this film are great all round. Gleeson portrays Milne with a less aggressive touch compared to other characters he's portrayed, like Hux in the most recent Star Wars films. For me this works. Domhnall's tone in his performance makes it a lot easier to understand A.A. Milne's beliefs, intentions and motivations. Will Tilston delivers an incredible and believable performance as Christopher Robin. The chemistry between Gleeson and Tilston was beyond brilliant, and every single father and son scene in the film was a flawless one. And even towards the end of the film, when Alex Lawther came in to play Older Christopher Robin, these scenes continued to be both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. As well as Gleeson and Tilston, Margot Robbie is really good as A.A. Milne's self-induced wife, as is Kelly MacDonald as Christopher Robin's nanny, Nou. Simon Curtis, as director, did a really great job of balancing telling the story and showing the relationships between each of the characters as well, which is something many directors struggle to do.

With all these great performances combined, "Goodbye Christopher Robin" is a near-flawless film, that coveys beautifully a heartbreaking tale about child exploitation. More people should take note and watch this film, as it is truly cinema's most underrated film.

Rating: 9.8/10

Grade: A+

Fresh out of the 90s, the greatest era of film, 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' is undoubtedly the greatest movie of all time, as it is the only one that is able to incorporate everything that makes up a great movie and still keep the film afloat.

Set 13 years after its predecessor, 'Terminator 2' sees the return of Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, in an easy career best performance, but unlike the first, he is now protecting John Connor (Edward Furlong) from the more advanced T-1000 (Robert Patrick).

The performances in this film are all superb at the minimum. Arnold Schwarzenegger is able to deliver such an emotional and heartfelt performance, which he is able to do whilst successfully playing a emotionless robot trained to kill. Linda Hamilton, who reprises her role as Sarah Connor, now tougher and willing to do anything to protect her son, gives an excellent performance that is able to stand its ground alongside Arnie as the Terminator. Edward Furlong provides the greatest performance by a child actor ever in his believable and genuine take on the teenager John Connor. And last, but not least, Robert Patrick gives a bone chilling execution of the T-1000, making him one of the greatest villains of all time. And it's not only these four who deliver great performances; it's the whole cast.

Although the box office suggests it isn't, James Cameron's directorial performance is easily his best as well as one of the greatest ever. He is able to keep the film consistent without over-complicating anything, something that many directors are unable to do. But not only in the directorial area he succeeds, as his and William Wisher's screenplay is able to tell an action packed yet super thematic screenplay, which as well as tell the tale of a robot protecting a young boy, questions the very ideals of humanity. Every single scene in this film, each one containing a quote or action etched into pop-culture history, has you gripped and wanting more, and all these flawless scenes accumulate towards the ending, the greatest scene in film history. Only in these scenes have I laughed, cried, felt happy and sad all simultaneously. It's the perfect end to a perfect film. "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" is, by all means, a perfect film

Rating: 10/10

Grade: A+