Monsters

With all the hype of 3D and CGI films, this post-modern Sci-Fi film is a breath of fresh air and puts most multi million blockbusters to shame.
The special effects and theme of 'Monsters' is actually only a backdrop to a wonderfully realistic story of love and fear, it almost has the feel it doesn't need the monsters at all, but don't worry, there's enough of them to wet your appetite!

NASA receives news of Alien life and sends up a probe to collect specimens. Upon re-entry the plane crashes in Mexico and the Aliens hatch and turn the whole country into an "infected zone". America, fearing the Aliens can gain entry to their country, build a giant barrier to keep them out whilst dropping chemicals all over Mexico to eradicate the lifeforms.
A photojournalist called Kaulder (Scoot McNairy), is trying to document and capture that epic shot of the creatures. He is frustratingly asked to "babysit" his boss's beautiful, vulnerable daughter Samantha (Whitney Able), accompanying her through the highly dangerous infected zone to the US border. Inevitably, their new found relationship begins to blossom.

McNairy and Able shine in their roles. Creating incredibly believable characters through mostly improvised dialogue scenes. Their relationship and chemistry feels very real and emotionally engaging and alot of credit is down to two very fine performances.

However, British born writer-director Gareth Edwards deserves the majority of any praise. Shooting this masterpiece on a shoestring budget (some reports as low as $100,000!) and creating the special effects on his home computer. He has crafted an incredibly endearing cult classic. Theres almost a feeling of a Spielberg genius to his work and I eagerly anticipate his blossoming career in the film world.

'Monsters' is a breath of fresh air to a genre that has been heavily plagued with gloss and some over compensating of special 3D effects. It transcends it's own considerable limitations and the creatures are merely the catalyst to the relentless tension and journey we are taken on.

A must watch.
4/5

Si Jewell

The Eagle

Set in 140 AD in roman ruled Britain, a young solider (Channing Tatum) endeavours to honour his fathers memory by finding his lost legions golden eagle. Aided by his slave (Jamie Bell), they venture beyond the known world on a resilient quest that pushes their boundaries of loyalty and respect to the end.

There is plenty of grit and craft on display in this feature and alot to enjoy about it. This is not your typical sword and sandal cheese fest. To start with, the cinematography and location scenery are breathtaking. Filmed in Scotland and Hungary (mostly for the sunshine scenes i imagine), the details stay very true to its origin.
Almost from the outset the corny plot is forgiven with engaging performances from Bell and Tatum. The two play off each other admirably and the message of betrayal, trust and honour is understood and conveyed clearly.

The two sides to this story are portrayed with accuracy, whilst perhaps it is not as historically true. The opening 20 minutes we are submerged into roman life. The thick American accents and homoerotic compassion can be somewhat misleading to historical fact and we are left with the alarming thought of over an hour of Channing Tatum as our furry browed, deadpan hero leading us to the eject button.

All is forgiven and forgotten very soon, once they venture into the mysterious highlands of the Gaelic speaking land of the painted people.
Portrayed in a rather over the top barbaric, yet honourable fashion, the tribe of the painted people are truly a fascinating race and this is what helps the otherwise looming plot from becoming stagnant.

But the accents and history can be ignored and forgiven as this film really gives more enjoyment than the sullen satisfaction of previous contemporary pieces. The action scenes are engaging and lifelike, perhaps due to the lack of CGI that plagues our screens.
All in all a very enjoyable viewing that ignites some boyish enthusiasm of war and honour that has been somewhat lacking from most periodic pieces. A surprisingly and hugely entertaining film..


5/5

Dead Jeff - The Movie : Jake Scott to Direct Jeff Buckley Biopic

Details of the long awaited Jeff Buckley biopic are finally coming together.
Jake Scott is well regarded for his extensive music video credits which include : Radiohead's "Green plastic trees", Oasis' "Morning glory" and the epic REM hit "Everybody Hurts".

Scott will be working from a script by Ryan Jaffe, who penned the 2008 Rainn Wilson comedy "The Rocker".

Buckley's mother Mary Guibert validates the film as exec producer, with Michelle Sy and Orian Williams as producers.

Plans for a Jeff Buckley biopic have been in talks since as far back as 2006, with various different names being thrown about. The most interesting addition will definately be who takes on the lead role as Buckley, with James Franco, Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt all showing previous interest.

Jeff Buckley biopic, coming to a hollywood blockbuster very soon.. Courtesy of his loving mother Mary Guilbert, who has progressively maintained Jeff's money legacy in the way's that Jeff wouldn't have wanted.

One can only fear for how this film will eventually turn out. But Jake Scott is actually a suprising and refreshing addition to a growing ensemble.