Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting is a charming yet realistic feeling movie that is very hard to fault. Will (Matt Damon) is a young man for a poor area of Boston, who is continuously getting into trouble with the law, however what distinguishes Will is his exceptional Mathematical ability. He soon finds himself with two mentors, Prof. Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård) wishes Will to achieve his full academic potential and Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) wants to help Will overcome his personal demons. This films foundation is its script, which does an astounding job of creating characters as well as establishing relationships and a history between them. This is then built upon by a fantastic and hungry cast, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were hungry for opportunities, which after this movie came to them in abundance, while Robin Williams and Stellan Skarsgård were hungry for recognition of their immense talents that has since been afforded to them. Finally perfectly bringing the script and cast together is the film’s director Gus Van Sant, who’s style takes us in closer to what is happening and allows the audience to feel like an additional character. This is really a movie that shines in every area, and it is easy to see why it elevated the status of all involved.

Score: 5/5

The Hurricane

The Hurricane is a film that is less than the sum of its parts. Denzel Washington plays Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter who while welterweight boxing champion is convicted of murder, he spends his incarceration protesting his innocence and due to a chance occurrence, befriends a young man who looks up to him and supports his cause. The Hurricane tells a true story of a remarkable individual, yet it doesn’t grab you in the way it should. It tends to move along slowly, although it does have its powerful moments. This film also has an outstanding cast, with Denzel Washington, perhaps the finest screen actor of his generation in its lead, however no one shines. The cast merely do an adequate job, and although adequate would be fine for some, it is well below what we have come to expect from Washington. I must make things clear at this point, I didn’t hate this film, it was a passable offering, but due to the fascinating subject matter and the high level of talent on display, I was expecting more. Had this film been the sum of its parts it would have been a must-see, unfortunately it was merely an average experience.

Score: 3/5

Juno

To call Juno, a nice little movie would be a serious underestimation of this film. It is so personal in every single aspect that this is easily the most relatable film I have seen in quite some time. This is the story of Juno (Ellen Page), as she falls pregnant at 16 years old and decides to give the baby up for adoption, to an older married couple. This movie has an amazing ensemble cast who are treated to a witty and relevant screenplay from first time writer Diablo Cody. These factors combine to reward us, the audience with strong and likable characters, delivering amazing dialogue in believable circumstances. Ellen Page is truly awe inspiring in the way she is so comfortable in the lead. She oozes confidence while at the same time coming across as a normal girl next door. And kudos must be given to Michael Cera who may not have the traditional looks of a leading man, but has a likability about him that will serve him well in a Hollywood career. So good was Juno that even the opening credits were highly original and enjoyable. The final touch of intimacy was added by a soft rock soundtrack that added a sugar coating to an already highly pleasurable ‘nice little movie.’

Score: 4.5/5

Hallam Foe

Hallam Foe was an unusual film that it did garner any interest from me in its opening moments, however when it ended I was left wanting more. This was a bizarre coming of age story where Hallam (played by Jamie Bell), comes to terms with his mother’s death by stalking people, he takes particular interest in women and Kate (played by Sophia Myles) especially, who strongly resembles his mother. This is a film that has no clear story, but has a clear narrative and takes a glimpse at a short period of Hallam’s life that is pivotal and engaging. However the film takes far too much time to get going and runs the risk of people losing interest and not seeing it through to its end. The cast was this films biggest asset, with Bell and Myles putting in strong performances, and being supported by many familiar British faces. Bell is particularly strong when it comes to showing Hallam’s character development as he learns to deal with his issues and move on with his life. Of course Bell can’t take all the credit for this, and praise must be given to the screenplay, which was highly character driven. I would recommend you watch this film, but you will have to bear with it and watch it develop along with Hallam.

Score: 3.5/5

Battle Royale

What a paradox Japanese culture is. On one hand Battle Royale is a tale about how deeply conservative Japanese society is, and on the other it relishes in the uncensored freedom that the Japanese media enjoy. This film is set in a Japanese society where its teenagers run amok and its government in an attempt to regain control, selects one school class every year, places them on an island and orders them to kill each other until there is only one survivor. This narrative makes for a brutal movie that often leaves it audience dazed and shocked. However to dismiss it as mindless violence would be a mistake as this film talks about some of the fears of Japan’s people. Kinji Fukasaku brilliantly focuses on fear of our children, as well as fear for our children, as incredible acts of violence are perpetrated in this film, by and against children. This is cleverly emphasised by casting actors of the correct age, who are more believable in portraying the melodrama of a teenagers life than the 20 something’s that would have got the job in a Hollywood production. This is a film that will not only bluntly assaults you, but leave you pondering questions for days to come.

Score: 4/5