Iron Man 3 3D

Did someone call for back-up?

The final instalment to the Iron Man trilogy is a great accomplishment. It follows Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) adjusting to life after the events in New York with the Avengers. This proves difficult, and with the strange Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) terrorising the world, its up to Tony Stark to overcome his troubles and fears to save innocent lives once again as Iron Man.

The story for this film is exciting and full of action, yet it can also be quite predictable. Most of the scenes are complex and brimming with substance and diversity, yet others are rather mellow and even predictable. The story overall is a great one, yet there are some holes within it that (given that you know the origin of a certain character) could sorely disappoint you.

Robert Downey Jr. excels as the ego-fuelled genius Tony Stark, with his charm, wits and sarcastic comments balancing with the serious scenes of worry and anger that feature within the film. Gwyneth Paltrow finally gets the chance to develop Pepper, and she grasps this chance with both hands. In this film Pepper gets the chance to be more involved and to do more than just stand on the sidelines whilst Stark saves the world. Paltrow plays her part incredibly well, along with Don Cheadle as the brave Colonel. Rhodes, Guy Pearce as the mysterious Aldrich Killian and Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin.

The CGI for this film is incredibly effective, with it being constantly present amidst the action involving numerous Iron Man suits, explosions and high-tech gear supplied by both Stark and other characters. Despite the magic that is the CGI, the use of 3D is not particularly effective at all. It is relatively good with objects and surroundings also being in the foreground instead of being flat, yet there are no scenes where the 3D element stands out and makes you gasp in awe.

Overall, I think that Iron Man 3 is a fitting end to what is an amazing trilogy. The story is action-packed yet still lacks consistency and despite the CGI being incredible, the 3D is almost unnoticeable.

Oblivion

It's time to learn the truth.

Oblivion is the epic new sci-fi film that takes place on a futuristic Earth after a great war with an alien race has taken place. Jack (played by Tom Cruise) is a Technician who is staying on Earth to protect the machines that are harvesting the planets resources. The trouble begins when he suspects that something is quite amiss with his mission.

The story for this film is, at first, an intriguing one. Yet, throughout the duration of the film numerous parts of the story become extremely predictable, which demolishes the point of some of the more complex parts of the story. The characters generally have little development, as all of them seem to take the back seat behind Jack, despite them having quite pivotal roles.

Tom Cruise is excellent as Jack, he captures the emotion and strength of the character immensely well. Andrea Riseborough plays Victoria; Jacks wife, who is essentially a major part of the film, yet she is overlooked because of her lack of dimensions. This is also apparent in other characters played by Morgan Freeman and Olga Kurylenko.

The CGI effects of the film is its most incredible feat. From the abandoned landscapes to the magnificent futuristic buildings and equipment, the CGI is extremely well done, making everything seem real right to the high-tech weaponry.

Overall, Oblivion is a film to watch with a lot to be desired. The effects are done so beautifully that it leaves the characters to be left to fend for themselves in the midst of the chaos.

Jack The Giant Slayer

Something giant is about to happen

Jack the Giant Slayer is an exciting adaptation of the classic fairy tale. It is a mix of action, adventure and the interesting characters that grace the screen.

The film has taken the original tale of Jack and the Beanstalk and enhanced it in order to create a film that has more action (and giants). The story itself is good, as it flows relatively well, with a few bumps and almost-hits it generally dwindles throughout the whole viewing until the intense third act that enhances the whole film to a glorious level of excitement and adventure. One problem that this tale does feature, is that it seems as though the makers of the film could not decide as to whether it should be a film for children, with quirky jokes and elements of fun in the adventure...or a film for more grown-up viewing, with gritty characters and grotesque battle scenes.

The casting for this film was done brilliantly. Nicholas Hoult thrives as the curious and nervous, yet courageous Jack. Ewan McGregor is delightful and intriguing as the brave, smart guard; Elmont. Eleanor Tomlinson plays Princess Isabelle, a main and pivotal character to the whole tale, yet as she did not perform to the high standard of the other actors, she gets lost in the different levels of the film. Other characters, although minor, still make an impact to the overall film, each being played (or voiced) wonderfully from actors such as Ian McShane, Bill Nighy, Stanley Tucci and Eddie Marsan.

The CGI effects of the film are good, yet not as powerful as some visuals that we can see in other films that have been released recently. The effects of the giants themselves are exquisite, everything from their facial expressions to the scenes of them bounding across fields are astounding. Yet other scenes, including the actual growth of the beanstalk, are yet to be desired in the terms of magical CGI effects.

Overall, I feel that despite the good and bad points that I have noted, the film should have been either a PG; with childish jokes and fun charm, or a 15; with a darker look at the brutality of the giants wanting to be rid of all mankind. If it had been done in either way, it would have been more effective and powerful as it would not be constantly undecided and constantly changing throughout the film.