Man Of Steel

"What if a child aspired to something greater?"

Man Of Steel is the new superhero movie that has rebooted the Superman franchise. After the success of the Batman Trilogy, DC Comics has continued in its similar style by creating an origin story for America's most famous superhero.

In general, the film is directed incredibly well, with Zack Snyder using interesting and unique camera angles and techniques. Yet with one or two key scenes in the film, the camera that is focusing on the scene bobs slightly up and down. Although this is just a minor movement, it makes it incredibly hard to focus on the emotions and key plot points that are trying to be portrayed throughout the scenes.

The plot for the film is enthralling and exciting, as the story unwinds we learn more about how Clark came to be, and what has happened throughout his life. Numerous scenes of Clark's past are shown through flashbacks, which works well yet seems to interrupt the scenes that they are in between. Despite the story being full of exhilaration, the relationship being forged between Lois Lane (Amy Adams) and Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) seems to be rushed and lacking any real thought or feeling behind it.

This film features an astounding cast, with Henry Cavill exceeding as Clark Kent and as Superman. He is versatile, enchanting and (despite being British) a practically perfect fit for the part. Michael Shannon portrays General Zod with a pure energy that entices the audience to anticipate his every move against the Man of Steel. Amy Adams works well as the bold and courageous Lois Lane and Russell Crowe is intriguing as Jor-El, who is a key character to the story. Clark's Earth parents, played by Kevin Costner and Diane Lane, seem to work well together as we see their hopes and struggles through Clark's life so far, yet Kevin Costner seems to have a repetitive script, with each scene delivering similar speeches and teachings.

There is a huge use of CGI within this film, with most of it being used to an amazing level. The scenes of Superman flying are simply breath-taking, but General Zod's suit is entirely computer-generated, and through some points this is apparent, causing the suit to look rigid and his movement to be robotic. The fight scenes are remarkable, as each scene demonstrates the power and strength of each character involved. The special effects are also used well,with entire buildings crumbling onto unfortunate citizens of Metropolis, as well as creating astonishing ships and out-of-this-world technologies that draw you closer to the screen as you become captivated by their presence.

Overall, Man of Steel is a great continuation of the DC superhero reboot. The plot is fascinating, yet it seems to feature too many flashbacks and rushed relationships, whereas the graphics are inconceivable, and action bursts from each segment of the film. A masterpiece of film-making, with stellar performances from all of the cast members and a musical score that exuberates the films development and effect on its viewer.

Star Trek Into Darkness 3D

"You think your world is safe?"

Star Trek Into Darkness is the exhilarating new film that features incredible highs and lows for Kirk and his team aboard the Enterprise. The film is brilliantly directed by J.J. Abrams, as it really shows how spectacular each element of the film is.

The film follows on from the first film of the all-different re-boot. The film is predominantly based on Kirk finding out how to be the great Captain of the Enterprise that we all know he can be. This task does not come easy for Kirk, as many people and events stand between this goal, including the mysterious John Harrison who is played by Benedict Cumberbatch. John Harrison is a Starfleet Officer himself who turns into a criminal, forcing Kirk to go on a mission to find him, and bring him to justice. Some classic Trek fans may be slightly disappointed by some of the plot points and how they play out, yet those new to the Trek world will be utterly delighted by the story and how it is written.

The acting throughout the film is incredible to watch, as each actor portrays their character with such feeling and heart (although, not so much feeling for Spock) that we cannot help becoming engrossed with them and their characters and how they cope with the ordeals that are going on around them. Chris Pine excels yet again as Kirk, as he manages to perfectly balance Kirk's wit and over-confidence with his realisations of what is right and wrong. Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana are equally good as Spock and Uhura, and this film lets us see how their relationship develops and how them working together can put a strain on their relationship. The other famous members of the Enterprise; Sulu played by John Cho, Chekov played by Anton Yelchin, Bones played by Karl Urban and Scotty played by Simon Pegg, are all given quite the back-seat of this adventure, yet each character has moments where they make a real difference in the plot and how the film runs as a whole. One actor who stands out immensely, however, is Trek-newbie Benedict Cumberbatch, who is excellent at portraying John Harrison, a cryptic character who is diverse in his feelings and actions.

The special effects of this film truly are out of this world, with every detail from the Enterprise to the Transporter appearing incredibly realistic. The use of 3D in the film is not wasted, as it really engrosses the audience for some scenes, and it does effect the appearance of the film, yet it is not amiss if seen in 2D.

Overall I feel that the film is a great accomplishment by the whole team involved, as it is a witty, exciting and enthralling ride aboard the Enterprise. Although some original Trek fans may have to take a step back for this film, they should view it with open eyes, arms and pointed ears in order to truly grasp that it is different from other Star Trek films that have gone before.

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.

Les Misérables

I dreamed a dream.

Les Misérables is a beautiful adaptation of the stage musical, the cast and direction are both astounding, each with their own amazing attributes that help this phenomenon be the masterpiece that it is.

Throughout the film, you are taken in and out of the various stories for the different characters, through their lives. It is done in such a way that all of these stories fit together beautifully, so that you can understand what is happening as the film progresses. The cast is well chosen, they all bring something different and something wonderful to their roles. Hugh Jackman excels as the convict Jean Valjean, Anne Hathaway portrays the troubles of Fantine exquisitely, Russell Crowe surprisingly sings extremely well as soldier Javert. Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham-Carter, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried and Samantha Barks all sing and act wonderfully as they all hold their own opposite the bigger stars of the film.

What makes this film unique is that all of the singing is done live whilst filming, instead of being pre-recorded with the actors miming the words. This was a gamble by Director Tom Hooper, a gamble that paid off incredibly well. As it is a musical that requires a lot of emotion and expression, this technique worked incredibly well, because the audience can not only hear the emotion, but can see it as well.You believe the film more because of that added dose of emotion and realism. Along with the singing being effective, the direction of the film itself is incredibly brilliant. Through closely focusing on the actors faces whilst they sing, Tom Hooper captures their raw emotions so that the audience can connect with them more.

Overall, this film is a beautiful adaptation of the stage musical. It captures the drama, action and emotions needed to make it an effective film and a spellbinding musical.

Life of Pi 3D

"Very few castaways can claim to have survived so long, and none in the company of an adult Bengal tiger."

Life of Pi is a beautiful mix of masterful direction, script, story and cast. It is an outstanding film that pulls you into the story so that you're so immersed that your eyes stay on the screen, eagerly awaiting the next scene to come.
The use of 3D in the film works incredibly well, as it is so subtle yet so powerful that it enhances the film that much more, enabling you to feel more emotion, see more beauty in the sets and skies, and so that you even feel like you are there with Pi on the boat, out in the ocean. This also works well with the use of CGI effects within the film, as there are a lot of them, it has to be done perfectly in order for the film to appear realistic. This is done with astounding precision. From the large array of beautiful colours in the skies, to the minute hairs that are on the tiger, the CGI effects work well, extremely well.

The story itself, is superb. At the beginning of the film, the story is relatively slow in showing us Pi's past and his childhood, yet as the film goes on, it works well as it helps the film in its meaning and why Pi acts the way that he does. Also, with it being at the beginning of the film, this means that we are not constantly interrupted whilst we are watching Pi's incredible story, letting it flow more fluently.

The cast is small, yet all involved played their part wonderfully, particularly Suraj Sharma, who portrays the young Pi. It is an intense film for any actor to work on, let alone doing it without any previous acting roles. Sharma manages to capture the variety of emotions that are essential in making this film work, his performance is incredibly effective, letting the audience not only see what he is going through, yet feeling it as well.

Overall, despite being slow to begin with, this is an incredible story, it is directed beautifully and boasts an amazing use of special effects and 3D. It truly is a masterpiece.