True Dectective Season 1 - Episode 1 (2014) Review

True Detective, Episode 1, Season 1
"The Long Bright Dark"

This slow burning story is an astonishing first episode of the season. The acting is just great with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson playing a strange and offbeat cop duo. The subjectmatter is dark and the tension builds drawing you in. It reminds me a bit of Wire in the Blood the UK series because McConaughey's character plays a similar cerebral type detective that analyses the criminal mind. The cinematography is interesting, using different techniques to separate the current timeline from the past timeline. There is a sort of charm to the buddy cop aspects that is morbidly funny and is a tribute to McConaughey and Harrelson's on screen chemistry. This is a great establishing episode because it builds the characters beautifully; setting up past history while adding to personality and mannerisms subtly along the way. It is already clear the different dynamics between the characters, slipping us into the story that feels like it's been going on already. Refreshingly unlike many serialised cop dramas it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but instead has more of a realisation towards the end that draws more on intrigue than a cheap hook. This episode was long at 50 plus minutes and it's left me wanting more. Definitely a must watch for those who are fans of shows like The Wire which has some similarities.

#235 - Evil Dead (2013) Review

Evil Dead (2013), Fede Alvarez
2/5

Based on such a beloved horror film with all the trappings of the 80s gore genre I was expecting disappointment in the remake to say the least. And unfortunately is was disappointing. It was awful. The premise they chose was kind of absurd and unbelievable. It quickly devolved into the horror aspects which weren't effectively scary. What was so charming about the original was it's ridiculousness while being horrifically gory and violent. This film definitely has a lot of gore and blood, but none of the humour. Instead eliciting groans of annoyance. One interesting aspect is the character transitions the main character Mia (Jane Levy) goes through from drug addict, creature and then to hero. However this interesting note doesn't redeem the film overall. There are lots of little nods to the orginial in the visuals as well as plot points. The visual repetition was far more interesting than the take on the screenplay. Genre aspects were also somewhat reversed and it would be interesting to analyse the implications for the portrayal of women, particularly in the horror genre. Personally this film failed on many counts, living up to my sub-par expectations. Comparatively Cabin in the Woods worked much more effectively as a horror comedy with similar themes and gore.

#234 - Shrink (2009) Review

Shrink (2009), Jonas Pate
3.5/5

A surprisingly humorous film for such heartfelt and dark subject matter. Kevin Spacey as Henry feels like he's returned a bit to his American Beauty days and is just great. Surrounded by a cast of interrelated and odd characters it ties them all together thematically. However the ties are a bit absurdly coincidental. Overall an interesting take on the subject matter.

#233 - My Week with Marilyn (2011) Review

My Week with Marilyn (2011), Simon Curtis
4/5

A fascinating look at the life of major sex symbol and actress Marilyn Monroe. Michelle Williams as Marilyn is just stunning. The film delves into both the public persona and private aspects of her celebrity. It definitely draws attention to how much things have changed for celebrities since then. For example the scene where Marilyn goes out in town and has only a couple with her and gets mobbed, today celebrities have much more security. Based on a book, the story is beautifully focalised through the young Colin Clark's (Eddie Redmayne) real life experience with Marilyn. Michelle is just amazing down to all the little affectations and mannerisms exposing both Marilyn's beauty, sex appeal and vulnerability. Overall a really fascinating study of an intriguing star's life.

#232 - Moneyball (2011) Review

Moneyball (2011), Bennett Miller
3/5

As some who isn't a fan of baseball this film is still good at capturing your interest. Brad Pitt is fine as always. It's an interesting concept and subject matter. The film is well produced and good quality, however it isn't really an emotional or deep drama. It really is for baseball nerds, although even if you're not, it's still somewhat accessible. The greatest criticism is that because it's based on a book there are some translation issues. In many scenes not a lot is happening except expositional dialogue. I noticed this most with many scenes including Brad Pitt on the phone in the car etc. It may have given the film more roundness to have some emotional depth however, perhaps this meant it stayed true to the book.

#231 - Admission (2013) Review

Admission (2013), Paul Weitz
2.5/5

Beginning with a lot of charm Tina Fey definitely makes this film. The story is quite cute, but it's the funny way the film depicts the admission letters to college that give it an edge. The characters aren't that well developed and the twist doesn't really work well. Portia's mother is hilarious, as this feminist aggressive woman.

#230 - Rubber (2010) Review

Rubber (2010), Quentin Dupieux
2.5/5

Expect the unexpected in this experimental meta-film. After a slow beginning the film speeds up and is surprisingly delightful and funny. Performances are good and somewhat staccato. With elements and themes akin to The Truman Show however it is definitely a genre piece and a meta-analysis of films and the film industry.

#229 - Small Town Gay Bar (2006) Review

Small Town Gay Bar (2006), Malcolm Ingram
3/5

A small film studying the lives of gay and transgender people in small towns. It's more of a character piece rather than a point counterpoint documentary. It has some great funny and endearing characters and shows the real hardships of living in small towns for LGBTQI people. However there seems to be some break downs in discrimination, but there's still a long way to go. Overall a really interesting documentary that is positive rather than focusing solely on the negatives.