Cinema Review - 21 Jump Street

There have been plenty of occasions where TV shows have taken the jump to the big screen, and for the majority, they have been adapted to provide comedy value. 21 Jump Street is yet another in that series. This time around, we take a Johnny Depp-starring show from the late 80s / early 90s and place Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill in the lead roles.


Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum) never got on a school. Morton was the stereotypical geeky kid whilst Greg was the all-star, all popular jock who could do no wrong. Years later they meet again, this time in the police force. Striking an unlikely friendship in the training process, the two soon become partners on the beat, albeit patrolling parks on their less-than-exciting bicycles.


After busting some drug dealers but failing to read them their Miranda rights, the pair are sent to 21 Jump Street to take part in an undercover case in which they must pose as students in order to infiltrate a drug ring going on within the pupils. Heading back to school soon brings up some old memories for both but things don't quite pan out as they expect, where the expression 'times are a'changing coming into play to the max.


As odd pair-ups go, the joining of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum appeared as odd casting as there has been in some time. Fortunately though, appearances can be deceiving and 21 Jump Street provides us the audience with one of the most entertaining on-screen double acts to be seen for a long while. Hill provides us with his stereotypical geek with ultimate ease and Tatum, not known particularly for his comic acting, steals the show as the popular high school figure grown to be as non-intelligent as would be expected. 


Include into the proceedings Ice Cube revelling in playing an overly-stressed and unflinching Captain Dickson, a hilarious turn from Rob Riggle's gym teacher and some other masterfully placed roles (most notably a cameo from the legendary Johnny Depp, who incidentally starred in the TV show of the same name), and 21 Jump Street ticks all the boxes for characters who are both memorable and enticing. 


Riddled with crass language, stereotypes galore and finger pointing at every possible moment, 21 Jump Street is hardly politically correct but this is what makes it so fun. Its boldness is astounding and even goes to the lengths of even poking fun out of itself, something few films are brave enough to do these days. Putting together a great double team and some superb supporting roles, it's quite simple to say that 21 Jump Street is one of the funniest films to grace the screen in recent months. Laugh-out loud glory. 


Film rating: 4 out of 5 F's

Long Weekend Review - Ridley Scott Classics, Shakespeare And An F1 Legend

With the advantage of a 3 day weekend at my disposal, this week I took the decision to visit some previously uncovered ground in film. Following a cinema trip to see Disney's John Carter (my review for Filmoria can be seen here), things took a more serious turn.

First up was a first watch of Ridley Scott's war epic Black Hawk Down. Featuring an all-star cast including Ewan McGregor, William Fichtner, Josh Hartnett and Eric Bana, it was a superb depiction of a group of U.S. soldiers in Somalia on a mission to capture two lieutenants in conjunction with a notorious warlord. With such an impressive cast and exceptional cinematography, Black Hawk Down is a truly memorable experience. Capturing the devastation and destruction of war seamlessly, Scott provides the viewer with characters we can all root for as well as a story that unfolds spectacularly with every passing minute. At times shocking and constantly keeping you on your toes, Black Hawk Down is as impressive a war film as any you will witness.
Rating: 4 out of 5 F's

From a war-time epic to Shakespeare. The next film I encountered was Roland Emmerich's Anonymous. Taking a break from destroying every known landmark in the world, Emmerich brings us the story of how Shakespeare may not have even been the one who wrote all those sonnets and plays.
In short, it's boring, dull, a yawnfest, you get my drift. What appears to be a somewhat ludicrous storyline only shows in a film that lacks any edge and falls flat. One to avoid.
Rating: 1 out of 5 F's

After a disappointingly terrible film it would take a lot to lift the mood and a move into documentary territory saw me watch Senna. Focusing on the life of Ayrton Senna, the film was 100 minutes of sheer fascinating viewing. From his beginning in kart racing to his tragic death at the age of just 34, Senna was a truly remarkable individual and this BAFTA-winning documentary is a wonderful look into the trials and tribulations of his life in Formula One racing. Looking in detail at his rivalry with one-time team-mate Alain Prost and focusing on the politics involved in the sport, this is one for all interested in the sport and viewers who want an insight into a truly gifted person. Well worthy of its accolade and a joy to watch.
Rating: 4 out of 5 F's

From a modern classic of a documentary to yet more Ridley Scott and finally I got the chance to watch not one but two science fiction behemoths of film. shocking as it sounds I had never watched the two giants that are Blade Runner and Alien (plenty of Twitter backlash on this one, rightly!). Fortunately yesterday broke that revelation.

Blade Runner has a simple yet superb plot. Harrison Ford is a retired 'blade runner', a law enforcement officer whose job was to hunt down 'replicants' and dispose of them. In 2019, replicants, formerly used as slaves to the humans, are illegal and any found are to be eliminated. When rogue replicants steal a ship and return to Earth in search for their maker Ford's Deckard is tasked with sorting the problem, but Roy (Rutger Hauer) the leader is one hell of a formidable foe.
Ridley Scott's vision of the future looks as impressive in this day and age as it would have in 1982. This speaks volumes and shows how magnificent Blade Runner looks. I admit, I had slight doubts that this would be the 'classic' that all and sundry have dubbed it but it has to be said it is one of the best science fiction movies ever made. Ford is the perfect lead and his opponent Rutger Hauer oozes evil with his own unique style.
Rating: 5 out of 5 F's

My final film of the weekend came in the form of THE best sci-fi horror of all time. You know I can only be talking about Alien.
When the crew of the Nostromo receive an unknown distress signal they investigate a planetoid only to find the remains of an alien and a large group of eggs ready to hatch. When one does hatch and a creature latches itself onto one of the crew, he is returned to the ship and, after that shocking and iconic chest-bursting scene, an alien is let loose aboard the craft.
As each of the crew falls to the formidable evil lurking in the shadows, only one individual has the courage to face up to the monster, that woman is Ripley (Sigourney Weaver).
A lesson in how to create tension, Alien is a terrifying ordeal once the monster itself is unleashed on the spaceship. Claustrophobic, scary as hell and ultimately the most tense sci-fi to ever hit screens, Alien is a pure master class of film-making.
Rating: 5 out of 5 F's

Cinema Review - Project X

It's common law upon friends that when parents leave you to take care of the house whilst they enjoy some time away it is absolutely necessary for a house party to be organised. Low and behold this is the basis for the latest comedy produced by 'he of The Hangover fame Todd Phillips. We're talking about Project X. 


Thomas (Thomas Mann) is turning seventeen and coincidentally his parents celebrate their anniversary on exactly the same day and are off for the weekend to celebrate. This leaves their son, along with his two friends, the unflappable Costa (Oliver Cooper) and the overweight and diffident J.B. (Jonathan Daniel Brown) to begin organising the celebrations. In order to get the most out of the experience, the relative loners look to Dax (Dax Flame), a student who will film the whole event. 


With their current popularity status at a low, Thomas insists on a simple and low-key party, half in fear of no-one turning up and the other half in the mindset that his parents are always keeping tabs via phone at every opportunity. Unfortunately for him, the over-excited and ardent Costa wants to take the party to the next level and proceeds with his plans to make the most epic party ever. Sending out text messages, emails and so forth, the party is all set and the boys soon find a prodigious number of students embarking upon the residence. 


What ensues are the most unbelievable party antics you will ever witness on film. Everything from topless women, guys getting a dog high, a bouncy castle and even a seriously angry midget are on show in an incredibly mental series of events. 

With British first-time-feature director Nima Nourizadeh at the helm, Project X thrives through his previous experience in directing music videos (most notably for Lily Allen and Hot Chip) and the Adidas 'party' advertisements. Bringing to screen plenty of 'what the hell' moments and utter carnage, Nourizadeh knows his target audience and develops a story we all know about into one of the biggest house parties we will ever witness.


In introducing our three main characters, we are quickly accustomed to their altering personalities and without a doubt we can relate to at least one of them when it comes to looking back at ourselves at that age. Whether we relate to Thomas, Costa or J.B. we all know how this story is going to unfold, it's just how far it will escalate is the real draw. All three actors do a splendid job with their individual characters, especially as only Thomas Mann had any previous filming experience. 


With his experience in the Adidas advertisements, Nourizadeh enjoys some brilliant almost montage moments of partying individuals and this plays out perfectly in a film where so much is going on that we want to know about. Focusing mainly on the action through different camera sources is an ingenius way of getting the audience to maintain their belief in the reality of these events and at no point does it feel uncomfortable presented in such a way. 


Admittedly the film does falter on copious amounts of sexism but this is a film revolving around a high school party so this content is almost expected in these types of genre films on a regular basis in the film world. Couple that with a climax which results in an absolutely unnecessary showcase of utter carnage and the film is left slightly bitter tasting. Luckily though, its plus points by far outweigh these very minor negatives. 


As a result, Project X is one of the most enjoyable films for some time, and, with its elements of real-life and a focus on attaching its characters to the audience it succeeds in providing plenty of 'wow' and reminiscent moments. Clearly Todd Phillips' involvement has had an impact with some Hangover similarities creeping in but this is very much different from what we have seen before. Think of Superbad meets handheld cameras multiplied by a thousand and Project X is the film you have. Brilliantly fun and completely mental, bring your friends and have a raucous time!


Film rating: 4 F's out of 5

Cinema Review - Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D

The Star Wars galaxy has seen its fair share of re-releases, special editions and amendments to cover a lifetime but once again George Lucas and his team have felt the need to tamper with the films that have made one of the biggest film franchises of all time. 

With old classics getting the 3D makeover treatment slowly becoming the latest craze, it was inevitable that at some point we would experience a galaxy far, far away in all its third dimensional glory, and low and behold, Lucas has done just that. Is it necessary? Well, let's just pose the question, were the 'special edition' versions of the films necessary? Exactly.

Despite being the most lambasted episode of the six entries, anyone who's a Star Wars fan is likely to view this one on grounds of intrigue as to whether the 3D conversion can actually work against the backdrop of the Star Wars universe. 

Just think, The Phantom Menace has a lot of opportunities to show 3D in all its glory. An adrenaline-fuelled pod race scene, the fight against Darth Maul, the scenes at the gungan City, the epic battle finale, surely this was a film born for the conversion. 

Unfortunately not. In fact, you can probably count the number of valid 3D moments worth noting on one hand. It's a disappointing affair that unfortunately shows the difficulties with converting to films to the extra dimension rather than filming with 3D cameras from the off. That said, the pod race scene does benefit, with some good moments where it clearly escapes from the normal realms of the screen but it is all too minimal to remove that bitter taste from your mouth from the rest of the film.

Sadly, the Star Wars 3D re-releases don't quite have the potential to dominate quite like The Lion King did when unleashed again using the technology and really the only recommendation for watching is to see your favourite characters and film series back on the big screen with its booming soundtrack once again captivating. Watching the titles scroll up the screen still give that great feeling from when you first saw it and John Williams' soundtrack is as ever a marvel but these are highlights we can enjoy without the unnecessary conversion to the 3D format. 

Film rating: 3 F's out of 5

Cinema Review - The Muppets

They've been missing from our screens for 12 years and finally they are back to conquer yet again. That's right the loveable bunch, The Muppets have returned for another screen outing, out to put laughter back in the aisles and smiles upon faces. And, unsurprisingly, they achieve exactly that. 


We're in Smalltown, USA and introduced to Gary (Jason Segel) and his brother Walter, who just happens to be a Muppet. The brothers are practically joint at the hip, they do everything together and have relied on each other their whole lives. Growing up, they both were massive fans of Kermit The Frog and The Muppets, but Walter's obsession was strongest of all. Possessing all possible memorabilia and constantly watching the shows he could only be described as an uber-fan. 


So, when Gary and his girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams) are set to head off to Los Angeles to celebrate their anniversary it's agreed that Walter join them in order to finally visit the famous Muppet Theatre. Unfortunately upon arrival the theatre is derelict and Walter discovers that it has been sold to evil businessman and oil tycoon Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) who plans to destroy it in order to drill for oil, rather than turn it into a Muppet museum as promised.


Walter, Gary and Mary then find themselves in a situation where they must search out the Muppets in order to  stage one final show to raise $10 million which would save the theatre and keep it as the birthplace of the motley crew. Finding Kermit and persuading him to get the rest of the gang together we are thrust into a world of montages, upbeat musical numbers and a whole lot of Muppet madness for what could be their last ever show!

Director James Bobin knows exactly what his audience expects from the film and without a doubt he delivers in aces. There's no need for a convoluted plot when you have characters like Kermit The Frog and Miss Piggy fronting the show. The film thrives on its bubbly characters and they all serve as perfect companions for this jolly ride. As well as our main characters it's hard not to mention the sheer number of cameo appearances, each contributing wonderfully to add even more star-quality to the proceedings. From Jack Black, to Dave Grohl, to TV comedy stars Donald Glover and Jim Parsons, we have a wide array of talents lending their time to the cause. 


It also wouldn't be fair to write about the film without mentioning the spectacular soundtrack from Flight Of The Conchords' very own Bret McKenzie. With songs such as 'Man Or Muppet' (rightly Oscar-nominated) and 'Life's A Happy Song' his work on the film increases that feel-good factor and hopefully we will experience more of his work in the very near future. 


A welcome return to screen for adults and children alike, The Muppets always capture the hearts of the nation and this is no exception. A simple premise is all that's needed for what is essentially a feel-good movie of epic proportions. The musical numbers are stellar, each character is as captivating as the next and a whole host of cameos show that The Muppets still have the appeal that they possessed so many years ago.


Film rating: 4 F's out of 5

Film Review - Chronicle

2012 is the year of the superhero. With Ghost Rider, The Dark Knight Rises, The Avengers and The Amazing Spider-Man all hitting the big screen this year a dark horse is emerging out of nowhere, Josh Trank's Chronicle. And without doubt it is currently the year's most impressive film by a long stretch.


There are no extraordinary individuals involved in Chronicle, we are in the presence of everyday people who find themselves in a world that they could never have imagined. Matt (Alex Russell), his loner cousin Andrew (Dane DeHaan), who incidentally has started to document everything in his life via video camera, and popular school friend Steve (Michael B Jordan) are at a party one night when they discover a crater in some woods. Heading into the the darkness they discover something glowing under the surface. Something that gives them amazing abilities, specifically telekinesis, the ability to fly and invulnerability.


At first the guys have some hilarious fun with their new-found powers, mocking locals by moving their cars, scaring children with floating teddy bears and removing chewing gum from inside a guy's mouth. But when Andrew goes a little too far and causes a car accident the three realise that their powers are getting stronger by the day and they must curb their use in fear of the bad things they could cause.


Matt and Steve are in full agreement but troubled Andrew, plagued by his abusive drunk father and his dying mother, feels a new calling in life and proceeds to grow in stature, with his powers becoming stronger than either of the other guys. With his abilities increasing, Andrew begins to let the power go to his head and soon he becomes more of a threat than anyone could ever imagine.


For those who are expecting 'just another found-footage movie' there is no doubt you will be pleasantly surprised. Chronicle is one of the freshest and most gripping sub-genre offerings you can get. Managing to maintain its level of realism from start to finish, the camera-work is to marvel at and in terms of characters you have three individuals who much of the audience can relate to. From popular Steve, to relative loner Andrew, to his regular nice guy cousin Matt, we have a decent mix of three different characters each with their own ways of coping with the powers bestowed upon them.


In addition to some interesting characters it cannot go without saying that the camera-work works to perfection. Whether it be the camera simply in place on its tripod, the superb flight scenes or the excellent coverage of the action via helicopter footage, each scene flows into the next fluidly and continues to reach out as an almost true-to-life story. Admittedly at times it is questionable as to why the cameras would be used in different situations but ultimately this becomes a thought in the back of the mind in favour of the events that unfold. 


Surprisingly Chronicle probably wouldn't be half as entertaining if it wasn't filmed in the way it is and with that put into use we are delivered one the year's most refreshing and exciting films so far. Maintaining it realistic edge and the use of its three power-embracing characters it could well be the joker in the pack of more established superheroes set to step up to the plate this year. 


Film Rating: 5 F's out of 5

Film review - The Descendants

It's Oscar season again people and the inevitable inclusion of one George Clooney seems to be a forgone conclusion each and every year. This year, his performance in Alexander Payne's The Descendants is up for the Best Actor gong and there's no doubting he is a worthy contender.

When people think of Hawaii they instantly envision picturesque sandy beaches, sweltering sunshine and beautiful garlands, but the story of Matt King (George Clooney) shows that it is a normal place just like anywhere else where tragedy can hit anyone. In this case his wife, Elizabeth is involved in a water sports accident and falls into a coma. As a workaholic Matt is suddenly thrust into the unknown, being ultimately 100% responsible for the welfare of his children, rebellious 17-year-old Alex (Shailene Woodley) and 10-year-old Scottie (Amara Miller). Couple that with a big decision that he must make regarding the family-owned land left to them by his descendants and Matt's life is far from the paradise that is the location he lives in.

Initially struggling with the responsibility, Matt can only turn to his eldest daughter for guidance, whilst attempting to cope with the heartbreaking news that his wife will not make it out alive. With this news eating away at him, another revelation from Alex is revealed, the fact that Elizabeth was having an affair. His world crumbling around him, Matt takes his daughters, and Alex's not-so-intelligent friend Sid, on a trip across the Hawaiian islands to find the man partaking in the affair and to inform those close family and friends of the terrible news about Elizabeth. As the travel miles rack up, Matt and his daughters begin to appreciate the value of family and their feelings toward each other change in the most tragic of times. 

What’s so brilliant about The Descendants is that it maintains the realism of the story unfolding in front of us without needing to gloss it over with over-the-top representations of the surroundings around the characters. Being set in Hawaii, director Alexander Payne could have easily showered the audience with postcard scenes and a sense of the unbelievable. Luckily, he is a director with talent and our story is far from the dream we are all expecting. Payne tugs at the heart strings and gives us a real appreciation of life with this, a magnificent follow-up to his previous hit Sideways. 

Clooney is a worthy contender for Best Actor at the Oscars with an inch perfect representation of a father thrust into a world of the unknown and coping with multiple issues, whilst attempting to put a brave face on for those around him. He's humorous in places when its required and most importantly in moments where things take a turn for the worse he makes us care for the character. Additionally, the support from the likes of Amara Miller and the outstanding Shailene Woodley are nothing short of superb and utterly believable. Woodley will no doubt be seen in many films to come in the near future, with this, a performance to kick off her film career with a bang. 

A comedy in parts but in main an emotional soul searcher of a movie, The Descendants is a beautifully made story of life, loss and how banding together is essential at times of need. Learning the lesson that wherever you live, whether it's paradise or not, we are all human and tragedy strikes everyone. I sincerely hope Mr Clooney and Mr Payne get the awards they deserve come February 26th. A masterpiece. 

Film rating: 4 out of 5 F's