New Blog

I have decided to start a new blog reviewing not just films, but comics too. And I have gone with a better brand name and I hope to start podcasts. So check out my new blog at http://talkimage.blogspot.com/

Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda shines through its cutting edge animation and a stunningly talented all star cast. The focus is on Po (Jack Black), a lazy Panda as he struggles to become a Kung Fu master to stop the rampage of the evil Tai Lung. This may be DreamWorks finest animated adventure to date boosting slick animation that will leave you in awe. It also benefited from a direct yet incredibly funny script that was performed well by its cast. This cast includes Black, as well as Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogan and Jackie Chan. This would rightfully be seen as an epic cast in a live action film and in this setting they do not disappoint with all actors delivering with equal levels of credibility and humour. This is not just a film for the young, although I’m sure they will hugely enjoy it. It may also be experienced as a guilty pleasure for an older audience as well.

Score 4/5

Angels and Demons

Angels and Demons cleverly uses urban myths and advanced science that has been widely reported to flatter its audience’s intelligence. This is the squeal to 2006’s The Da Vinci Code in which Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) returns to uncover a mystery revolving around the Catholic Church, a scientific experiment involving anti-matter and the illumniti. These are the sort of topics we have all watched a documentary or read a newspaper article about and as such think we’re experts, this film brilliantly plays on this, massaging our egos an making me feel much more learned than I actually am. Which is just as well, as in terms of plot so many zigs and zags were presented that little ego stroking was experienced here by me. So as you can tell I have high opinion of the writing and narrative, however not all aspects are so blessed. This film is so dedicated to its story that it criminally ignores character development and as Ron Howard had the impressive talents of Hanks, McGregor and the much underrated Skarsgård at his disposal it feels as if a trick was missed. However this does not pull the film down dramatically and if tense and clever thrillers are your idea of an evening well spent, this is one to watch.

3.5/5

Daybreakers

Daybreakers is a film that’s synopsis sounds like a highly original take on the vampire mythos. However in viewing its quite clear that all this is regurgitated drivel from as many sources as possible. Daybreakers focuses on a world where vampires rule and humans are on the verge of extinction, as such so are the vampires due to a lack of food, so both humans and vampire are looking for alternative means of survival. Sounds original and fresh right? Wrong. This movie most notably steals from Blade (Human harvesting and a vampire cure anyone?) but takes whatever it can get from wherever it can get it. One of the reasons for viewing this film, was its cast, Willem Defoe, Sam Neil and Ethan Hawke all star, however you have to wonder if any of them read the script prior to signing on board. Defoe and Neil partially feel like they got paid a large amount, hammed it up and went home. In terms of plot this is predicable and contrived nonsense, worthy of cheap 90’s action movies that dream of having Arnie in their lead. This film really has no redeeming features, please do not watch this so called movie.

Score 1/5

8 Mile

8 Mile was a film that rather pleasantly surprised in its quality and viewing pleasure. It tells the story of small time white rapper Jimmy ‘B-Rabbit’ Smith (Marshal ‘Eminem’ Mathers) as he struggles to make something of his life, all the while battling poverty and racial discrimination in this predominantly black setting. This film is a brilliant take on the underdog story and shares much in common with the likes of Rocky, even making the lead character an embodiment of his native city, in this case Detroit. The most is gotten out of the novice Mathers, by tailoring an effective and realistic script to him to the extent he was essentially playing a version of himself. He was also supported by a competent supporting cast including Kim Basinger in possibly her finest role ever. Curtis Hanson should be commended for crafting such an entertaining film from what seemed like dire material that was a mere cash in. Not only does he effectively tell the story and get great performances out of his cast he also shows visual flair while doing it. This film far exceeds expectations, Rocky for a new generation.

Score 4/5