Tag: The Wolf of Wall Street
*NEW* THE LEGEND OF TARZAN REVIEW *NEW*
July 13, 2016 by pmbayobale, posted in Action, Animation, B-Movie, Best and worst films, Blockbuster, CGI, Cinema, Drama, Film essay, Hollywood, Movie review, Uncategorized
The king of the duds?
The cast did their best BUT it just wasn't enough. A disjointed, drawn out and disappointing reboot of the iconic vine swinging jungle man.
Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgard – True Blood), having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment.
Once I got over the absence of a Phil Collins soundtrack, I was ready to embrace the start of the summer blockbuster season. On paper, this should have ticked all the boxes. BUT somehow it just didn't quite deliver for me.
The opening was intriguing enough as Christoph Waltz's shady Leon Rom (Spectre) struck up a deal with Djimon Hounsou's (Gladiator) demonic Chief Mbonga. Simple. Access to the diamond mines in exchange for Tarzan's capture.
However, the pace soon put me into a mini-coma as "civilised" Tarzan skulked around the incredibly drab (and appropriately titled) Greystoke Manor. It was a good 45 minutes before anything got going.
I could respect the writers for trying to shake up the legend BUT they skimmed through the origin stuff far too quickly and replaced it with a dull and predictable story line that was taken far too seriously.
The origin flashbacks were the most interesting bits. I was happy to watch the same old story of Tarzan raised in captivity and fighting with the alpha males.
The lovely Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street) was wasted in her role. She had good chemistry with Skarsgard BUT was confined to playing a damsel in distress. I was thankful that the flashbacks skimmed through their nauseating romance. It was only a few scenes and that was enough.
Waltz played the same stocky and slimy villain to laughable results. I couldn't take him seriously. He may have had some moves with those rosary beads BUT Rom felt like a complete parody of Waltz's former roles.
Skarsgard certainly looked the part and put my body to shame with his physique. BUT his broody demeanour and wooden delivery didn't do Tarzan justice. He got better as the film progressed and won me over by the end BUT it was too little, too late.
Thank God for Samuel L Jackson (The Hateful Eight). A much needed comic relief to the piece. Considering the huge budget, I was disappointed by the shoddy CGI on offer. In one scene, the detail on the apes was uncanny. They looked as realistic as the ones in the latest Planet of the Apes.
BUT then the next sequence, we have Tarzan swinging from one badly CGI'd vine to another. Yikes. It spoiled the whole thing. I knew it was going to be a little ridiculous BUT the stampede finale was horrendous and far too cartoony.
Bearing in mind that Jumanji is over 20 years old (I know, right?!), I'm still impressed with the effects. BUT this latest endeavour actually had me wanting for the old school make up and props from the dated Christopher Lambert adaptation.
The last 30 minutes delivered a lot more of what I had expected from the get go! All the sombre serious drama thrown out for a funny, riveting (if disjointed) mad dash finale.
The fight sequences were actually well choreographed when Tarzan was allowed to show off his super strength. Because (of course) being raised by apes, you develop an incredible bone structure that allows you to dispose of numerous soldiers with one punch. BUT entertaining none the less.
It was all too disjointed for my liking. Robbie and Skarsgard weren't really in it as much as you'd think. Especially Miss Robbie. She was either tied up (Steady now) or constantly recaptured.
Apart from Jackson, the rest of the supporting characters were either weak or unmemorable. For all of Chief Mbonga's (Hounsou) promise, his reason for Tarzan's capture was so predictable and dealt with far too quickly.
Disappointed, to say the least. We didn't even get to see Skarsgard deliver the infamous jungle call. Just a couple of bellows off screen.
A meandering pace, shoddy CGI and weak characters ruined what could have been a fun B movie flick.
Tagged Alexander Skarsgard, CGI, Christoph Waltz, Christopher Lambert, Djimon Hounsou, Gladiator, Jumanji, Margot Robbie, Phil Collins, Samuel L Jackson, Spectre, Tarzan, The Hateful Eight, The Legend of Tarzan, The Planet of the Apes, The Wolf of Wall Street, True Blood2 Comments
SUITE FRANCAISE REVIEW
March 16, 2015 March 18, 2015 by pmbayobale, posted in Best and worst films, Cinema, Drama, Film essay, Hollywood, Movie review, Uncategorized, War movies
Zuts alors! I've seen more drama and heartbreak in an episode of 'Allo 'Allo!
Two stars for two charismatic leads.
During the early years of German occupation of France in World War II, romance blooms between French villager Lucile Angellier (Michelle Williams) and German soldier Bruno von Falk (Matthias Schoenaerts).
Such a shame. I really wanted to like this. It's not all bad. Just a little disappointing.
For all the hype, I expected something more hard hitting.
The opening 15 minutes were slow burning BUT engaging. The archive footage showing German bombers descending upon Paris. Evacuees fleeing to the countryside in fear and desperation.
Williams' shy protagonist and her uptight mother in law (Kristin Scott Thomas) trying to stick to their daily routine of collecting rent from their tenants. The tenants including several rather talented actors. Shame they weren't used to their full potential.
Thomas (The English Patient) was good as the snobby sour faced mother-in-law. Stuck with a daughter who wasn't fit to marry her valiant son and despised by the tenants for her ever-inflating rates.
However, there is also a little respect for her refusal to accept that the advancing Nazis are encroaching upon their village.
Williams (My Week With Marilyn) was excellent. She played the naive Lucile perfectly. Desperate to have a friend. Reduced to playing for a few minutes on the piano for leisure.
A harrowing bombing sequence in the countryside was unexpected and heart in mouth stuff. Villagers running for their lives. The Nazis showing no mercy. The silence through the aftermath was unsettling.
However, it seemed to take some time for the Nazi regiment to turn up. Despite the radio broadcast declaring France's surrender. We are left with mindless chatter with the villagers about what the Germans might do.
The sound of the tanks and footsteps from the soldiers was brilliantly juxtaposed against the church singing as the regiment finally arrive.
Schonaerts (The Drop) made an instant impression. A well mannered officer who only wants a room to sleep and the key to the piano.
I expected the inevitable relationship between Williams and Schoenarts to take some time. BUT there wasn't much else going on in the hour while this innocent encounter blossomed.
The leads had great chemistry and certainly kept me watching.
That's not to say there wasn't things going on BUT I couldn't help question a few of them.
I felt the mish mesh of accents a little off putting. Considering Thomas is fluent in French, I expected her to see to speak a little of it. The only actor who did speak another language other than the Nazis was Lambert Wilson's (The Matrix Reloaded) Viscount.
Ruth Wilson's (Luther) broad English and Margot Robbie's Aussie-Brit accent were a little annoying but alas, that's Hollywood for you.
Speaking of which, Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street). I couldn't help but question her relevance by the end of the film. Other than modelling a fetching set of silk stockings that every villager commented on and scowling, she doesn't actually do anything or contribute to the story in any capacity.
There were a couple of interesting turns. The bureaucracy jibes being one particular highlight. Wilson's snobby Viscount desperately bribing the Nazi commander just so his wife doesn't have to keep an officer at their home.
The letters of gossip that were sent to the Nazis to settle old scores among the villagers was an eye opener. Accusing neighbours of being homosexuals, Jews and thieves. Shocking.
Tom Schilling's introduction as Lieutenant Kurt Bonnet certainly picked things up. His presence soon becomes a problem for Wilson and Sam Riley's (Control) family. Riley was quite good as Benoit Labarie.
The inevitable tension between him and Bonnet brewing up to a riveting if highly predictable finale.
But for the 107 minute running length, I felt myself wanting more.
Lucile and Bruno's relationship was dealt with tactfully. Their brewing romance bubbling over music. Lucille's loyalties soon torn as she finds herself in a position of power to help the community by using Bruno's feelings for her.
That dynamic was quite interesting BUT not a lot was made of it. Some of the villagers respecting her for the help. Others disgusted for her affiliation with the enemy.
It certainly captures the humanity behind a brutal war and their relationship certainly carried the film.
BUT it seemed to build to a frantic finale after such a juddery pace. Only for it to end so abruptly with Lucile providing a voiceover summarizing what happened after the war.
Thomas was pushed further and further into the background despite being one of the more interesting characters in the piece.
The ending was quite pessimistic without spoiling too much. I understand that there are no happy endings when it comes to war. BUT it was too open ended for my liking.
Arguably, it was as poignant a statement for the time but when you have invested your time into these characters, a little closure (no matter how open or ridiculous) would have been nice.
It was tough not to make comparisons to other war dramas. I still find The Book Thief one of the better war dramas that I have seen in the last few years.
I kept expecting something more to happen. A bigger impact. Anything.
It was all left until the final 15 minutes and then didn't wrap up well enough.
Tagged Allo Allo, Bruno, Bruno von Falk, Control, France, German occupation of France, Hollywood, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lambert Wilson, Lieutenant Kurt Bonnet, Lucile Angellier, Luther, Margot Robbie, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn, Ruth Wilson, Sam Riley, Suite Francaise, The Drop, The English Patient, The Matrix Reloaded, The Wolf of Wall Street, Tom Schilling
STOP! OSCAR TIME. THE RANT . . . I mean nominations.
January 20, 2014 January 20, 2014 by pmbayobale, posted in Film essay, Hollywood, Movie review, Oscar season, Uncategorized
Awards seasons is well and truly underway and of course the OSCARS are vastly approaching. The nominations are here at last. Granted, I'm a little behind. Hey, I've been busy. Plus it's been good to see people's reactions on the list. Now, it's my turn.
So first up, here are the nominees for BEST PICTURE; 12 YEARS A SLAVE, AMERICAN HUSTLE, CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, GRAVITY, HER, NEBRASKA, PHILOMENA and THE WOLF OF WALL STREET.
Mixed bag for me. Some of these riding on too much hype. Hype always helps in getting films noticed but these ones? Hmmm . . . personally, I feel that American Hustle and Captain Phillips do not deserve this nod. BEST PICTURE to me, means the best film in story, acting and . . . well everything. Both excelled as acting showcases but all in all, were both drawn out, long winded affairs that lost my interest through the halfway point. There is no need to make a film two to three hours unless the ends justifies the means. Now, Gravity is another over-hyped example. Deserves all the nods for visual and special effects but at it's core, I personally felt the film died off when *SPOILER* Clooney did. In all fairness, he deserved a Best Supporting nod. He stole every scene. At Gravity's core, however, is the same old predictable story of survival. I can't believe I'm saying this but I had more enjoyment out of Armageddon! If she died, would have been a waste of time, so only one way it could go and it felt like an eternity not 90 minutes.
The others I have yet to see. The joys of being in a town where there are no independent or arthouse cinemas. BUT I have done my research. It's great to see Nebraska and Philomena getting a nod. Philomena is a fantastic film, if unexpected nomination. However, these are definitely going to be the outside bets. Same applied for Dallas Buyers Club. Now, this is where my bias kicks in. Huge Scorsese fan! So I want Wolf of Wall Street to win. But I would say 12 Years A Slave will get this in the bag. The reaction has been a lot more united on this picture, while American Hustle and Gravity have torn people straight down the middle.
Next, BEST DIRECTOR! And the nominess are; Alfonso Cuaron, GRAVITY, Steve McQueen, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, Alexander Payne, NEBRASKA, David O Russell, AMERICAN HUSTLE, Martin Scorsese, THE WOLF OF WALL STREET
Directors- not too much to say. You know who I want to win and frankly he has been ignored for too long. Scorsese finally got an Oscar but one of his weaker projects. Getting one for Wolf of Wall Street would rectify that. But I think it will be between Cuaron and McQueen. It should be McQueen but can't help but feel Cuaron will nick something from all that astronomical hype (See what I did there).
BEST ACTOR – Christian Bale, AMERICAN HUSTLE, Bruce Dern, NEBRASKA, Leonardo DiCaprio, THE WOLF OF WALL STREET, Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 YEARS A SLAVE and Matthew McConaughey, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
In all fairness, I wasn't surprised that Tom Hanks didn't get a nod for Captain Phillips. Tremendous actor that he is. He only really got the final 10 minutes to show why he has earned that reputation. It was a wasted platform for him. Christian Bale was a surprise. Powerhouse actor but I felt he was incredibly passive and to be honest I have seen him do much better. He should received this nod for The Machinist. A painfully drab film that was uplifted by his sheer performance. American Hustle not so much. In all fairness, I felt Idris Elba should have had one more for Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. A flawed biopic that was carried by his sheer gravitas. I mean, Denzel Washington got one for Flight and well . . . that was nothing special. Even Colin Firth should have received one for The Railway Man. The emotion he delivers through his expressions is worthy alone. However, Leonardo DiCaprio has excelled film after film. He deserved an award for Django Unchained and should so for the Wolf. People are saying this is his year but how many greats have not been acknowledged by this noble award ceremony? Should be DiCap but money's on Ejiofor. Great to see him get recognised for the talent actor that he is and no, not just because he was in Kinky Boots (that was filmed in my hometown. NORTHAMPTON!).
BEST ACTRESS – Amy Adams, AMERICAN HUSTLE, Cate Blanchett, BLUE JASMINE, Sandra Bullock, GRAVITY, Judi Dench, PHILOMENA and Meryl Streep, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY.
Right, love Amy Adams and Sandra Bullock but Best Actress? No. Adams' accents were irritating, especially her "English" one. Great performance but not Oscar worthy. Same for Bullock. She expressed and delivered all the emotions any one could feel in that situation but I struggled to keep up with the film. I mean Doubt was a slow-burner but I couldn't stop watching because of Streep's performance. Ironically, multi-Oscar winner Streep has been nominated yet again. Not undeservedly so. She may have done some duds, but no one can doubt her performances and abilities. Keeping in mind with my previous comments, an actress I couldn't keep my eyes off (Not like that! Well a little) was Cate Blanchett. BJ (Come on! We're better than that!) Blue Jasmine was a 'GOOD BUT . . .' film for me. BUT Blanchett's performance was impeccable. I think she will win. I really want Judi Dench to win. A fantastic actress and her performance as Philomena was funny and endearing but the buzz is pointing to Mrs B. Also, where was Emma Thompson's nomination for Saving Mr Banks?! Shocking. Can't believe she got cut from the list.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – Barkhad Abdi, CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, Bradley Cooper, AMERICAN HUSTLE, Michael Fassbender, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, Jonah Hill, THE WOLF OF WALL STREET and Jared Leto, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
Now firstly, not a bad selection. However, I do feel Hiroyuki Sanada should have a nod for The Railway Man. However, I'm not going to lie, I get confused with the release date period plus in the UK we seem to get everything a few months behind. Abdi was incredibly sinister and played the part well in Captain Phillips. I want Bradley Cooper to win. He has excelled since the Hangover and he stole the show, well almost, in American Hustle. That nod goes to someone else. Money's on Jared Leto who has been the dark horse and winning a few awards already for his performance.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – Sally Hawkins, BLUE JASMINE, Jennifer Lawrence, AMERICAN HUSTLE, Lupita Nyong'o, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, Julia Roberts, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY and June Squibb, NEBRASKA
There can only be one for me in this group who managed to make a quite pointless character enjoyable and memorable and that is Jennifer Lawrence. It's a shame because Sally Hawkins was very good in Blue Jasmine. Interesting that Julia Roberts is supporting? From the trailer, I assumed that the main storyline revolved around her character and Streep was the supporting role? Hmmm.
Now, the others. Harsh but these ones get rushed across or are previewed during the relentless red carpet coverage or all the advertisements. It's infuriating because these awards are still important; a good script with a good story makes a huge difference. Editing, sound, cinematography helps create a film and make it more memorable. If the sound doesn't match or the film looks too grainy, that's it, you're out of there but hey ho.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY – 12 Years a Slave, Before Midnight, Captain Phillips, Philomena and The Wolf of Wall Street
Money is on 12 YEARS A SLAVE!
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY – American Hustle, Blue Jasmine, Dallas Buyers Club, Her and Nebraska
A tough one. All valid candidates for a change. Now, Alexander Payne is normally the king for nailing this so I would say Nebraska. But I feel O'Russell will lose out on the bigger fish and might just sneak this. However, Oscar nominee regular Mr. Woody Allen might fancy his chances. Tough call. Gutted that Kelly Marcel didn't get the nod for Saving Mr Banks.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE – The Croods, Despicable Me 2, Ernest and Celestine, Frozen and The Wind Rises
Got to be between Frozen and Despicable Me 2. Now, I want Despicable Me 2! Minions all the way and if they could accept it either dressed as Minions or an animated acceptance speech, that would be great (In Office Space voice). However, Frozen would be more fitting of the Oscars though. Both enjoyable none the less.
BEST ANIMATED SHORT – Feral, Get a Horse!, Mr Hublot, Possessions and Room on the Broom
Money's on Get a Horse! It's Disney, John Lasseter produced, can't see any others beating it. Feral as the outside bet possibly.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY – The Grandmaster, Gravity, Inside Llewyn Davis, Nebraska and Prisoners
Money's on Gravity. As much as it may have been overhyped, one thing that can't be argued is the look of it. Beautiful and stunning. However, Prisoners was shot fantastically as well. But Gravity, all the way.
BEST EDITING – 12 Years a Slave, American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Dallas Buyers Club and Gravity
American Hustle, methinks. I feel the film will pull in what it can because it may fall short of it's buzz. However, Greengrass' projects of late have been commended for their editing. Gravity may miss out in place for the more visual awards.
BEST COSTUME DESIGN – 12 Years a Slave, American Hustle, The Grandmaster, The Great Gatsby and The Invisible Woman
12 Years and American Hustle look outstanding in their design but there can be only one for it's lavish and luscious costume and that goes to the Not-So-Great Gatsby.
BEST MAKE UP – Dallas Buyers Club, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa, The Lone Ranger
Would be great to see Jackass to win for Knoxville's make up but as it's "Oscar season", money on Dallas Buyers Club. Although strangers things have happened.
BEST MUSIC – The Book Thief, Gravity, Her, Philomena, Saving Mr Banks
May have cut short on everything but surely Saving Mr Banks will win this one?!
BEST SONG – 'Alone Yet Not Alone', Alone Yet Not Alone, 'Happy', Despicable Me 2, 'Let It Go', Frozen, 'The Moon Song', Her, 'Ordinary Love', Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Would love Happy to win. I mean it's been number one in the charts over here for how long? Plus it's a TUNE. However, Disney are a tough competitor. But let's not forget that fateful year when Amy Adams sang live two or three songs that were nominated for Enchanted. Only for the couple from Once to win. Only one nomination in the group. Also, Three Six Mafia (Who?) have got an Oscar. Haven't done much since. Didn't do much before. Just stayin' fly, I suppose 😉 Still don't remember them? John Stewart said what everybody was thinking at the time, "Three Six Mafia 1, Martin Scorsese 0"
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN – 12 Years a Slave, American Hustle, Gravity, The Great Gatsby, Her
Toss up between Gravity and OK Gatsby (What? It weren't that good. Nice to look at, though). Got to be the Gats.
BEST SOUND EDITING – All is Lost, Captain Phillips, Gravity, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Lone Survivor
Gravity or The Hobbit. I would say, The Hobbit will get one preciousssss
BEST SOUND MIXING – Captain Phillips, Gravity, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Inside Llewyn Davis, Lone Survivor
Inside Llewyn Davis might snag this one and hopefully avoid a complete snub. We shall see. If not, there is only one, preciousss because one film of this magnitude does not simply go to the Oscars and get one award.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS – Gravity, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Iron Man 3, The Lone Ranger, Star Trek Into Darkness
Gravity. Sorry, oh Smaug, breathtaking beast that you are but you cannot match the beauty of the Earth. Star Trek, fantastic effects but alas, worse than that, it's dead Jim.
The other nominations I am unfamiliar with and I don't think it's fair to comment. Plus not much buzz to go. Best documentary. I'd place my bets on The Act of Killing.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE – 20 Feet from Stardom, The Act of Killing, Cutie and the Boxer, Dirty Wars, The Square
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT – Cavedigger, Facing Fear, Karama Has No Walls, The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life, Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM – The Broken Circle Breakdown (Belgium), The Great Beauty (Italy), The Hunt (Denmark), The Missing Picture (Cambodia), Omar (Palestine)
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT – Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me), Avant Que de Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything), Helium, Pitaako Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?), The Voorman Problem
A breakdown will down later on, with my Oscar checklist and bets, plus more buzz on the later categories. And let's see how many on the Oscar lotto I can get. Such fun! Plus Dory's back! Expect selfies. Run Spielberg Run!
Tagged 12 Years A Slave, Alexander Payne, American Hustle, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Bruce Dern, CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, Christian Bale, DALLAS, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, Despicable Me 2, Frozen, Gravity, Her, Iron Man 3, Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep, Nebraska, Oscar nominations, Oscars, Sandra Bullock, Saving Mr Banks, The Great Gatsby, The Lone Ranger, The Wolf of Wall Street, Three Six Mafia, Tom Hanks