Film Review: World War Z

I went into the film thinking it will be just another zombie flick, which is fairly pessimistic if I’m honest. Brad Pitt plays United Nations employee that travels the world to find a cure for a zombie pandemic.

World War Z relied more on special effects than the old-fashioned grey and white make-up. The effects used to multiply crowds of zombies were effective, leaving me almost overwhelmed. Although the majority of zombie films use special effects and carefully placed false wounds for the horror effect, this film had a more realistic element to look at it. 

The soundtrack coincided with the happenings onscreen. With the surround sound in the cinema, the sound was startling. The non-diegetic sound was very precise leaving me on pins. 

I enjoyed seeing Brad Pitt back onscreen. Pitt has not starred in many popular films in recent years. There was Killing Them Softly in 2012, which wasn’t exactly a blockbuster, although I quite enjoyed it. Pitt adapted to the character well, putting his stamp on it as he does most of his other characters such as Mickey O’Neil in Snatch. I do feel as though someone else could have portrayed a more realistic Gerry Lane though, maybe someone with a tad more grit. 

Most of the other cast faded into the background. If I had to discuss another actor in detail in relation to this films it would be Daniella Kertesz. 

Kertesz plays Segen, a female member of the Israeli armed forces. Segen becomes a somewhat sidekick to Lane. Although the character was under developed, Kertesz played what was written well. World War Z looks to be her first blockbuster and judging by her performance will probably set her up for a few years. 

Other than Pitt and Kertesz, the other characters were massively under-developed. The film was practically a one-man show. Brad Pitt can most definitely carry a film single handedly, he has a familiar star quality to the audience, but due to the huge holes in the narrative and unfinished subplots, the other characters were of no interest.

Towards the end of the film a plane crash occurs within the narrative. As I was watching in 3D the scene was horrifying, leaving me feeling a tad sick. That and the films score gave the scene an extremely immediate effect.

Another scene which stood out of the film to me was that of masses of zombies overrunning Jerusalem. A very fast paced scene, with fast paced editing and quickening non-diegetic sound. It was quite terrifying to watch.

The age rating was 15 which was most suitable. With extremely vivid horror, the film would be too frightening for 12 year old children.

I would buy the film on DVD. Although the film would definitely appear more epic in the cinema and in 3D, I would watch it at home too. 

My rating of World War Z would be 3/5. The film was good in parts yet empty in various parts of the narrative. It felt as if much of the plot was cut out to replace with horrifying scenes, leaving it confusing at times. The film was just another zombie film with a sense of reality to it. The film did come full circle eventually, which is a relief after being strung out. 

Courtesy of Odeon Cinemas 

Film Review: Man of Steel

The film is clearly used as a foundation for more films in the franchise. We get a back story to who Superman is and the planet he came from, Krypton. In my opinion, the film was used solely as a platform for other films to be developed within the franchise, which resulted in this film being an establishing film lacking many qualities of the well-known Superman character and story.

Henry Cavill plays Superman in the new reboot franchise; Man of Steel. Superman is forced to decide whether to fight for the planet he originated from; Krypton or to save the planet he has grown up on; planet Earth, along with every human being on it. 

The film was shot that of a comic-book strip, close-ups here and there, mid-shots of Superman in his costume. Many close-ups of his face, obviously. It reminded me heavily of Spielberg’s War of the Worlds. A large amount of futuristic, machines destroying, what appears to be, our weak and natural planet. However, Mother Nature was not too far away. There was an all too familiar tornado scene which was overshadowed by the stink of masculine courage. Much like the rest of the film. The visual aesthetics were similar to that of other DC Comics film adaptation, The Dark Knight Trilogy. Writers and producers, David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan were on hand for both films, which is evident in Man of Steel. The colour palette being a huge similarity; an almost dull metallic hangs over both films. 

The films score is composed by Hans Zimmer (one of my favourite composers of all time). Zimmer has worked on films of this genre, such as The Dark Knight and Inception. Similarly the score is very ‘epic’ like, which is hugely appropriate for the narrative. Also, Zimmer composes more emotive tracks, with gentle strokes on piano keys. These are suitable tracks for when the narrative flash backs to certain events in Clarke’s childhood.

Henry Cavill is every inch the Superman we want to see. Chiseled jaw, stupidly-defined muscles and the famous, not-one-inch-of-hair-out-of-place, hair style. Although, in every other aspect, he is dissimilar to the well-known Superman portrayed by Christopher Reeve in the 1978 Superman. He lacks charm and emotion. He is fairly stone-faced. We don’t see his natural charm with the ladies. The spark between him and love interest Lois Lane is non-existent. At times, he even appears fairly selfish. Cavill’s portrayal of the 21st century Superman/Man of Steel is a good performance, I’m just not sure I like the modern character.

Amy Adams plays Clarke Kent’s love interest; reporter Lois Lane. Similar to Cavill, Adams gave a good performance of the character that was written, however it wasn’t the Lois Lane fans recognise. I don’t think the character was written very well, Lane’s character is up and down like a yo-yo. One minute we see an independent woman of the 21st century, the next we see a woman seeking love and attention, willing to throw away her career, from a man that doesn’t appear very interested.

General Zod is portrayed by Michael Shannon. Although the character was most definitely the villain, his ulterior motives were understandable, even to Kal-El (Superman). Shannon can both make the audience disgusted by his actions and yet somewhere deep inside, feel a little bit sorry for him. After all, he is only trying to get the planet he originated from, Krypton, back, at the expense of every human being on Earth nonetheless.

Kal-El’s dad, Jor-El played by Ruseel Crowe was utter cringe-worthy. It was incredibly forced, ironically, it was almost alien, something I didn’t recognise from Crowe. I don’t think he was necessarily the right choice for the character. Martha Kent depicted by Diane Lane was a fairly good performance. All of the female characters were a little wooden at times, due to the script.

The end scene which sets up for the next film is exciting. It probably excited me more than the entire film. It brings a more human element to the film which is always good for the audience as it becomes relatable. It was disappointing that it came so late on.

The tornado scene was action packed, which is always good to watch. The effects were good and the scene had a very here and now feeling to it. Coincidentally, it coincides with the real life traumatic events of the tornado in Oklahoma City a few weeks ago.

Although I saw the advertisement of Sears about a million times which became tedious, the fight scene in the town was very vivid. Maybe a little drawn out, but it was a worthy fight scene for such a well-known super-hero film.

The age rating was 12a. Similar to most other films of that genre, although I’m not sure I would my child to see some of the content, such as various snapped necks.

I would probably buy this dvd in a trilogy pack. The film is definitely used as a foundation for more to come.

The film is both similar and dissimilar to films of the super-hero genre. On one hand we see a modern reboot of another super-hero franchise. The narrative and various elements of the plot become more relevant to society allowing the audience to relate. On the other hand we marvel at qualities and super-powers that children and even adults secretly dream of acquiring. Like the original Superman story, the film is more farfetched than other films of the genre, much to the fans’ delight. 

I would rate the film 3/5 based purely on the fact that the film was simply used to set up for more films in the Man of Steel franchise. 

Courtesy of Odeon Cinemas 

Film Review: This Is 40

This film is a sequel to the 2007 film; Knocked Up. We see how Deb and Pete are dealing with the ups and downs of marriage, family drama and turning 40. 

The film is shot in Los Angeles, California. Similar to Knocked Up, the films appears bright and shiny. As you would expect from the genre, the film is dominated with mid-shots and some establishing shots. In the middle of the narrative, we see a montage of slow motion, random shots mashed together which definitely breaks up the narrative sequences. Director Judd Apatow, has done similar sequences in previous films such as Bridesmaids and Knocked Up, which makes the film recognisable when it has the stylistics of a certain director or editor. 

The soundtrack has an unexpected mixture. Including songs from Graham Parker, Fiona Apple and Paul McCartney. 

Both leading actors have proved they work well together in the 2007 prequel. I find that Paul Rudd who plays Pete, is similar in many films  I'm not sure if audiences will be bored of this familiar character. There were times that I felt the character was becoming tedious but that may have been due to the prolonged runtime. Several parts of the film, Rudd popped from the boring  plot line but I felt that I wanted more from him. 

Leslie Mann who plays Deb, jumps right back into the role of Deb, as if Knocked Up was just yesterday. If you thought she was whiny in that film, think of the majority of a storyline following that character. It does begin to grate on you. Nonetheless, both characters prove to be extremely relatable to audiences, both individually and as a relationship. 

The child characters; Sadie and Charlotte, played by Maude Apatow and Iris Apatow are actually the children of Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann. Not only that, they are the children who played the characters in the prequel which is always a bonus. This only helps their onscreen performance. They portray a very realistic  relationship as sisters. 

Some of favourite bits throughout the film included:

Parents, Deb and Pete go on a trip together. I mean that in every sense of the word. This leads to a variety of random, carefree acts on impulse. It's a nice break up between scenes. 

Another favourite part of the film was a skit in the head teachers office. Melissa McCarthy plays the crazy mother of Joseph, a child who is somewhat cyber bullying Sadie. I absolutely love it when Melissa McCarthy plays crazy, off-the-wall characters and this is no exception. The scene had me laughing out loud. 

My final favourite bit in the film is split between two different but very similar sections of the film. Deb reprimands Joseph for bullying her daughter. I say reprimand, I mean completely brings him to his knees. We don't often see adults really go at children in film and media and I found it hilarious. Equally funny, Pete argues with Melissa McCarthy's character, Catherine. They begin bickering about the clash between Deb and Joseph. Seeing Pete completely let loose on one of 'those' mothers is pleasurable to watch even as a non-parent. It's something every parent has wanted to do at some point in their children's childhood, but because of social norms, simply can't. 

What stood out to me was the runtime of the film (134 mins). Far too long for the storyline. 

The age rating is 15. As the film is a middle of the road film, not too risqué but not too family, it's definitely suited. 

It's one of those films I would probably rent over buying. It's a film that you won't be watching frequently. 

Overall an average film of the comedy genre. A little overrun. If you're a Knocked Up fan you might like this sequel. 

I'd give this film a 2.5/5 rating. Boring at times with pops of American humour added. 

The film is released on DVD 24th June 2013 in the UK. iTunes have an early release of the film which is available to buy now. 

'For Sainsbury's'

If there's one thing I hate, it's stereotypes. 

Ok maybe not one thing, but it's definitely up there with my most hated. 

Recently, I walked past a magazine aisle in Sainsbury's and saw a 'For Him' and a 'For Her' section. 

I understand the term target audience. And I understand various industries are dominated by a certain gender. 

However... 

I noticed the 'For Her' section was overshadowed with a pink film that appeared to cover each magazine. 

Titles and headings included; 'Sparkle' and 'Girlz Talk'. 

The section placed next to the 'Your Favourite TV Magazine'. Coincidence? I think not. 

What do they think women do all day? Sit and watch television followed by painting our nails and having two-hour long chats with our girl friends?

'For Him' included titles; 'Total Film' and 'Empire'. 

I can't say I was shocked. 

How do industries expect to gain equality between both genders? 

Oh wait, they don't. 

And I categorically disagree with Sainsbury's decision to distinctively divide these sections. 

Actually, I think it's disgraceful. 

It gives me even more motivation to become an independent woman and disprove the heavily dated theories and industries. 

JustMy Film Reviews Published On Mediapick

The time has come.

Finally I can announce that my reviews are now being published on mediapick.co.uk! 

Mediapick.co.uk is a review website for films, games etc. 

I will be representing myself; JustMyMedia and it will be courtesy of Odeon Cinemas, as it is now. 

My most recent review of The Big Wedding, is up now!

You can see it here. 

Fun Fact #4

"In the first scene of the movie Double Indemnity, when Walter first kisses Phyllis, there is a wedding ring on Walter’s hand. Fred MacMurray was married and the ring was not noticed until post-production."

Film Review: The Big Wedding

This is one of those films where you think you’ll know exactly what is coming next; some parts you will, some parts you won’t. A great mixture of tongue-in-cheek comedy and real struggles of the modern family. A predictable yet unexpected twist on a traditional romantic comedy.

A divorced couple pretend to be married for the sake of their adopted mother’s strict Catholic views. It doesn't quite go to plan. 

Visually, the film is everything you would expect from an American romcom; bright, light and easy on the eyes. It allows for a pleasurable watch. 

The Big Wedding’s soundtrack was somewhat parallel to the narrative. It worked well with the narrative and the scenes onscreen. 

When watching the trailer, I wasn’t too sure about the casting of Robert De Niro. After watching the film, I definitely think he suited the character. We see a different version of De Niro that I don’t think we’ve seen in a while. A foul-mouthed, borderline sex addict with a warm nature. He portrays the character wonderfully.

As per-usual, Diane Keaton plays a betrayed ex-wife that takes the role of the matriarch. You can probably predict the facial expressions she uses. Writer and Director Justin Zackham spices up this well-known character which makes it a little more bearable.

Susan Sarandon can play both sides of the female spectrum; the warm-hearted, kind mother and the cold, heartless femme fatale. In this film, she mixes them into a brilliant character that will have you hating to love her and loving to hate her. It reminded me in particular of her character in Stepmom.

Most of the cast worked well together. The older generation definitely came off better onscreen than the younger actors. De Niro, Sarandon and Keaton bounced off each other making their relationships more believable.

Some of my favourite bits included:

The awkward, racist conversation between Father Moinighan (Robin Williams),  Alejandro (Ben Barnes) and Missy (Amanda Seyfried). I felt that it highlighted a clear line between dated, religious societies mixed with the modern, extended family. 

The father-daughter heart-to-heart between Don (Robert De Niro) and Lyla (Katherine Heigl). This was particularly emotive because of their hard-faced, stubborn characters. I felt that it gave depth to the plot line and even their characters. 

Right before the wedding, the older generation are involved in a huge argument resulting in everyone revealing everyone else's past secrets. This was definitely an eye opener in the narrative. It changes the audiences views on certain characters, which was unexpected in the romcom format. 

What stood out to me was that the racism issue was a huge part of the storyline, whereas the actor who played Alejandro was British. This was quite odd.

The age rating is 15. I definitely agree with this. Romantic comedies are changing and attempting a more risqué style and so 15 is much more suited than a 12.

Definitely worth a watch. You'll probably be able to guess the beginning, middle and ending, but the bits in between are an unexpected treat.

It is a good modern romantic comedy that does what it says on the tin.

I would buy it on DVD because its a feel good comedy that will lighten any mood.

As I have previously said romcoms are becoming more and more risqué, although it was definitely more out there than I had expected from a Diane Keaton film.

I would rate this film a 3/5 overall but if I was to do a genre specific rating, for a romantic comedy it would be a 4/5.

You can book your cinema tickets here.

Courtesy of Odeon Cinemas.