Thor: The Dark World

http://marvel.com/thor

Thanks to the geniuses at Marvel, the detailed teachings of my nephew, and the welcome into the Marvel fandom I have received through my blog, I have become a huge fan of the Marvel movies. As such, when I heard that my local cinema was showing not only a midnight screening of Thor: The Dark World, but also showing Thor beforehand, I had to go and be part of that. However, I then heard that another cinema a little further away was showing Thor AND Avengers Assemble before a midnight screening of Thor: The Dark World, and I knew that was the one for me. I convinced my Avengers midnight screening buddies to come along too and before you can say 'For Asgard', we were on our way to a 7 hour Thor-a-thon. You can read my previous reviews for Thor and Avengers Assemble by clicking the respective links.

Firstly allow me to say how great it was to see Thor in 3D IMAX, which I did not when it first came out. Wow. It looked great, it was funny, Asgard looked more shiny and sumptuous than ever. And then Avengers. You can't top it. Or can you?

Thor: The Dark World opens by telling the tale of the dark elves, lead by Malekith (Eccleston). His goal is to destroy the universe by unleashing a powerful weapon known as the Aether. In the tale, Malekith and the dark elves are faught to extinction by Odin's (Hopkins) father Bor, and the Aether is moved to a safe place, far from the reach of those who might mis-use it's dark power. We move forward to present day London where we find Jane Foster (Portman) and Darcy Lewis (Dennings) discovering strange goings on in an abandoned warehouse; trucks that can be flipped in mid air by the lightest of touches, items disappearing and reappearing when dropped down a stairwell. In the midst of all these strange goings on Jane disappears into one of these voids and finds herself in another dimension, face to face with the Aether. As Heimdall (Elba) is unable to 'see' Jane in the other dimension, Thor (Hemsworth) makes the decision to return to earth to find Jane. But he takes on more than he bargained for when the dark elves return, forcing Thor to join forces with his imprisoned brother Loki (Hiddleston), in order to defeat them and return the Aether to safe hands.

I enjoyed Thor: The Dark World greatly, but sadly, not as much as I liked the first Thor. I wasn't keen on the villain this time around, I just found him to be rather lacking in charisma, and as you never really know his motivation for wanting to destroy the universe, it's hard to ever really see things from his perspective. Plus the name for the race, the dark elves, I'm sorry but I just couldn't take that seriously. I can't find elves something to be feared, no matter how 'dark' they are.

Having said that, I enjoyed the humour of the movie and I particularly enjoyed Loki's scenes this time around. Bearing in mind that this is the third outing for Tom Hiddleston's Loki, this is the first time in three movies that I have had any empathy for him, and this time I found that I was actually rooting for him a lot of the time. You can tell that Hiddleston relishes this role and has a lot of love for the character and I think this really comes across in this movie. The scene in Loki's cell with Frigga was just heart wrenching, while Loki's scenes with Thor are filled with enjoyable banter. 

In terms of the Marvel universe and the continuation of things from Thor and Avengers, Thor: The Dark World does not disappoint. Asgard still looks sumptuous and spectacular, while the scenes on earth have moved to London as the main setting. I for one really enjoyed seeing the UK play such a big part in a movie as mainstream as this, and especially as superhero movies tend to always take place in America, with very little mention of the world outside of that. Little touches such as the digestives on the breakfast table, and the ITV news story made me smile and I hope that the US audiences enjoyed it as much as I did. 

I must also give praise to the artists who's work is featured in the end credits of the film as it really is quite stunning. If you don't want to stay for the mid credits or post credits sequences I would at least recommend staying until the artwork has finished being showcased. Another great edition to the Marvel movie universe, just don't expect it to surpass Thor. 8 out of 10. 

Viewing Date - 29th October 2013 (Midnight)

UK Release Date - 30th October 2013

Cast Overview:

Thor ~ Chris Hemsworth

Jane Foster ~ Natalie Portman

Loki ~ Tom Hiddleston

Odin ~ Anthony Hopkins

Malekith ~ Christopher Eccleston

Sif ~ Jaimie Alexander

Fandral ~ Zachary Levi

Volstagg ~ Ray Stevenson

Hogun ~ Tadanobu Asano

Heimdall ~ Idris Elba

Frigga ~ Rene Russo

Darcy ~ Kat Dennings

Erik ~ Stellan Skarsgård

Director ~ Alan Taylor

Writer ~ Christopher Yost (Screenplay), Christopher Markus (Screenplay), Stephen McFeely (Screenplay), Don Payne (Story) and Robert Rodat (Story)

Based on the comic books by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby

Thor: The Dark World Premiere

As many of my regular readers will know, I do enjoy going to the occasional film premiere, especially if it's a movie I am interested in, or a movie featuring one of my favourite stars. However, as I already managed to obtain the signature of Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, at the Avengers premiere last year, I almost didn't go to the Thor: The Dark World premiere at all.

My main reason for not going was that my usual premiere companion and cinema buddy, was not able to take the day off work and accompany me. Without his camaraderie, home made sandwiches and photography skills, I just didn't think it would be worth it. But as soon as I got to work on the morning of the premiere I knew I had made a grave mistake. Firstly because it was not raining, as the weather woman (Carol on BBC Breakfast) had predicted. Secondly, as I was present at the Avengers and Iron Man 3 Premiere (and did Iron Man 3 stag), it just felt wrong that I wasn't there.

So I made a snap decision to take the afternoon off work and go to the premiere. I will admit that it was not the best idea I've ever had, because as an experienced premiere goer, I know full well that the best thing to do is go up to London early to get a good spot. I arrived in London at around 3pm, which meant that all of the enclosed pens where the fans are held, were all full. So the queue of people I was with were diverted into the center part of Leicester Square. Regrettably, despite there being poster covered banners and red carpet here, this was not an area the stars walked down as this was where the general public were being ushered in. I did however have a good view of the stage from where I was, just a far away view.

The first part of the premiere involved a vote for the 'Thor with the most Phwoar', a line up of Thor look-a-likes who were all vying for the public to vote for them.

After this we saw a precession of Lookie-Loki's, who were going to be judged by none other than Tom Hiddleston upon his arrival at the premiere. My personal favourite of the Lookie-Loki's was this person, who did a fantastic job on their costume...

I managed to take a video of Mr Hiddleston being interviewed and judging the contest. If you can hear over the fangirls he comes across very well, but I always think this of Mr Hiddleston, having seen him be interviewed a number of times. Apologies for the screaming, it wasn't by me for once!

As I was too far away from the action, with only my iPhone to rely on, I decided it would be better for me to video the main interviews rather than trying to take pictures. The best I did, picture wise, was when I took these images of the main screen as Kat Dennings arrived:

But as you can see, they're not great. The next person to be interviewed was Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth.

Followed by unexpected guest, and head honcho of assembling the Avengers, Joss Whedon. *I love that someone says "oh no" when Joss says he can't say anything about Avengers: Age of Ultron, come on lady, you really thought he would?

That brings me to the end of my premiere adventures. Next time I will make my mind up earlier, be more prepared and hopefully get some signatures. But until then, here is a giant Mjolnir in the middle of Leicester Square...

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace 3D

http://www.starwars.com/explore/the-movies/episode-i-3d/#5

While I have seen Star Wars Episode 1 before, and at the cinema, as this was a new 3D outing for the film I felt it only fair to grant this showing with a review.

Those who know me will not be surprised to discover that it was my brother who got me into Star Wars, as he was responsible for getting me into movies in general. However, rather than Episode 1 evoking fond memories of my brother, I have rather different memories of this movie. As this was the first film I saw with my late best friend Miranda. If you've read my blog before you will know that she was very special to me and that she is sadly no longer with us. 

We went to see Episode 1 the first time we met, on my 18th Birthday. I had never had a film experience like it, as Miranda was never one to hide her feelings and I soon found out that this extended to her cinematic viewings too. She whooped and cheered and clapped at the pod race, cried when Ani had to leave his mother, grasped my hand more times than I can remember during the high octane ending and gave a standing ovation to the end credits. Some people would hate being with someone who would be so vocal during a film but I loved it and continue to miss it when I watch the film now.

So of course, when the whispers started about the film getting a 3D release, I knew I had to see it. For Mazzy if for no other reason. This time I went with my cinema buddy, who is also a long time Star Wars fan, possibly an even bigger Star Wars fan than my brother. And that's saying something.

For those unfamiliar with the story, this is a prequel to the world famous sci-fi series of the 70s and 80s and charts the young life of Anakin Skywalker, a slave boy from the sandy planet of Tatooine. A planet that two Jedi Knights happen to de-tour to when their ship needs repair during their mission to help a young Queen from another planet which is under attack. Anakin finds a way to help the Jedi's out of their predicament by taking part in a pod race (the Star Wars equivalent of F1 racing). Meanwhile there is an uprising in the dark side of the force as a new Sith lord is sent to track down the Jedi's to eliminate them.

It was nice to see Phantom Menace back up on the big screen as a film so rich in gorgeous scenery and eye popping effects really does look it's best up there. But as with most 3D releases of late, I did find the 3D unnecessary and mostly unnoticeable. Maybe in an IMAX theatre the result would have been more evident but for me the 3D didn't really add anything. It was still great to watch, the pod race and the final lightsaber battle being my two personal favourites from this installment. 

As I mentioned above the scenery in Episode 1 is stunning, you have Naboo, the home of Queen Amidala, a warm, green planet which also inhabits the Gungans in their home under water beneath Naboo's surface. Then you have Tatooine, a desert-like planet with two suns and finally Coruscant, which is likened to a planet which is like one giant city, the home of the Jedi council and the Galactic Senate. Each planet has a very specific and unique look and feel to it and they each look fantastic on the big screen owing to the detail your eye can really take in.

My final point as to why you should see Episode 1 on the big screen is of course John Williams wonderful score. Especially during the lightsaber battle at the end. Just pure class and sounds great coming out of those giant speakers.

Sure Episode 1 is not exactly known for being the best Star Wars film, but it has it's merits, which I hope I have demonstrated above, and all the best stories have to start somewhere, right? 7 out of 10 (it looses a point for Jar Jar - but then you already knew that didn't you?!)

Viewing Date - 15th February 2012

UK Release Date - 10th February 2012

Cast Overview:

Liam Neeson ~ Qui-Gon Jinn

Ewan McGregor ~ Obi-Wan Kenobi

Natalie Portman ~ Queen Amidala/Padme

Jake Lloyd ~ Anakin Skywalker

Ian McDiarmid ~ Senator Palpatine

Pernilla August ~ Shmi Skywalker

Ahmed Best ~ Jar Jar Binks

Anthony Daniels ~ C-3PO

Kenny Baker ~ R2-D2

Frank Oz ~ Yoda

Terence Stamp ~ Chancellor Valorum

Brian Blessed ~ Boss Nass

Director/Writer ~ George Lucas

Thor

http://thor.marvel.com/

I am rather ashamed to admit that I had little to no knowledge of Thor when Iron Man 2 came out last summer and featured the end clip of a hammer in the middle of the desert. I remember turning to my cinema buddy at the time and saying "huh?"

I was further shamed when my brother told me that my 5 year old nephew's reaction to the same clip was "THOR!" shouted very excitedly. It turns out that my nephew has quite an extensive knowledge of the marvel heroes, and as such, maybe I should sit down with him for a lesson some time?! It turns out that even without the history lesson, I was actually quite looking forward to seeing Thor. The trailers looked good, it had Natalie Portman who I'm a big fan of and Chris Hemsworth - who made a big impression on me in his 5 minute role in 2009's Star Trek - had been cast as Thor. I was starting to think this could be good.

So it was with great honor that I accepted an invitation to go and see Thor with my two nephews, my brother and my sister in law during my recent trip home. I'd planned to watch it when I came back to Brighton but I couldn't turn down the chance to see it with my young nephew as he's such a huge Thor fan! This also meant I would be present for my youngest nephews first ever 3D cinema experience. So I'm sure you can imagine that I was doubly honored to have been invited to join my family for this treasured moment.

So with 3D glasses on and my nephews fingers in his ears (coz it's just a little too loud for the sensitive hearing of a 5 year old), we sat down as a family to watch the mighty Thor.

The film opens with Thor's (Chris Hemsworth) arrival on Earth. His father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins) has cast him out of the kingdom and his home planet of Asgard, for re-starting a war between Asgard and the ice planet Jotunheim which is the home of the Frost Giants. Upon his arrival he is hit by a car being driven by scientist, Jane (Natalie Portman). He's quickly up and about and searching for his hammer which is the source of his power. Anyone who's seen the end of Iron Man 2 will know that the hammer has been found by the members of S.H.I.E.L.D (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division) and is planted quite soldly in the ground. At the same time we follow Thor's brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), who may or may not be trustworthy in his quest to become the new king of Asgard.

I don't know if it's because I was with my family, and in particular my young nephew, who was so excited to see Thor, but I loved it. I found this to be one of the most enjoyable comic book/superhero movies I've seen in a long time. It had the humor that made Iron Man stand out from previous comic book adaptations (as well as a funny reference to Tony Stark), but for me, the human element is what gave Thor its heart. Natalie Portman was so perfectly cast as Jane, continuing the theme of more lighthearted performances which I love seeing her in. She was brilliantly accompanied by Stellan Skarsgaard and Kat Dennings, who I loved in Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist (and who I've been dying to see in another good film since I saw her in Nick and Nora). As much as I praise the humans, the Norse Gods were also perfectly cast. Chris Hemsworth has a star making performance as Thor and if I may also add, is very easy on the eye. Loki is cunningly played by Tom Hiddleston and Anthony Hopkins is imposing yet warm hearted as Odin.

The other thing that really impressed me were the sets and effects used to create the worlds of Asgard and Jotunheim. Both planets looked so real and so different from each other (and different from the New Mexico setting on Earth) that you forgot you were watching a set or a green screen. I particularly loved the Bifröst bridge and the way it was lit. Really stunning. This was a big job for any director to take on, the fact that it was Kenneth Brannagh who took the challenge - someone you would never normally associate with this type of film - makes the end result even more incredible.

I was relieved that the film not only got 2 thumbs up from my nephew but that he loved it so much he also awarded it a score of 20 out of 10. A recommendation I am happy to endorse if you're taking a child to see this epic tale. For the adults, my verdict is an enjoyable, awe inspiring addition to the marvel movies. Thor receives a respectable 8.5 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 1st May 2011

UK Release Date - 27th April 2011

Cast Overview:

Chris Hemsworth ~ Thor

Natalie Portman ~ Jane Foster

Tom Hiddleston ~ Loki

Anthony Hopkins ~ Odin

Stellan Skarsgard ~ Erik Selvig

Kat Dennings ~ Darcy Lewis

Clark Gregg ~ Agent Coulson (S.H.I.E.L.D)

Idris Elba ~ Heimdall

Colm Feore ~ King Laufey

Rene Russo ~ Frigga

Director ~ Kenneth Branagh

Writer(s) ~ Ashley Miller (Screenplay), Zack Stentz (Screenplay), Don Payne (Screenplay), J. Michael Straczynski (Story), Mark Protosevich (Story), Stan Lee (Comic Book), Larry Lieber (Comic Book) & Jack Kirby (Comic Book)

Your Highness

http://www.yourhighnessmovie.net/

As you may have read in my review of Red Riding Hood, I was supposed to see a different film the night I saw that. The film I was meant to see was Your Highness. I actually ended up seeing Your Highness the next day so there wasn't a huge wait involved.

I had a mixture of emotions towards the trailer, I like Natalie Portman, Zooey Deschanel and James Franco but I hadn't seen Danny McBride in anything before (nothing that had made an impression anyway), so I didn't know if he was any good? The film also seemed to be something of a spoof and I don't really like spoof films (Scary Movie and Hot Shots are not really my cup of tea). But then I thought, maybe, it might turn out to be like The Princess Bride, a parody of classic medieval swashbucklers. It has actors I like, and the the trailer did make me laugh at least once. All this combined made me decide that Your Highness would be a go.

A comedy of two brothers, one handsome and noble, Fabious (Franco)

and one who's...not so much, Thadeous (McBride) who are thrown together when

Fabious' bride to be, Belladonna (Deschanel), is stolen from him during the wedding ceremony 

by the evil sorcerer Leezar (Theroux). 

Whilst on the quest they meet the fearless and beautiful Isabel (Porman)

who Thadeous takes a shine to. Thus making him step up and become a hero like his brother. Something he hopes will impress her.

My mixed emotions towards the trailer continue even now towards the finished film. McBride is perfect for the role of Thadeous, but that doesn't mean that he's particularly good. It just means that he fits the role of being rather annoying and not all that funny. What is funny though, is that the lack of comedy can be largely blamed on McBride as he co-wrote the script. 

I was also quite disappointed with the way Zooey Deschanel's character was portrayed as a simpleton. There are other, more effective ways to get laughs, boys! Surprisingly though, I loved Natalie Portman's participation in the film. After she played such a serious role in Black Swan it was nice to see her do something silly which she seemed like she had a lot of fun doing. Which just leaves me to comment on Franco and Theroux. Franco is good but nothing special and Theroux just leaves you feeling a little bit dirty. I'm not sure if that's what the filmmakers were going for but it's not pleasant.

All in all, an OK film but not tremendously funny - the best bits are in the trailer - and certainly not the new Princess Bride. 6 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 16th April 2011

UK Release Date - 13th April 2011

Cast Overview:

Danny McBride ~ Thadeous

James Franco ~ Fabious

Natalie Portman ~ Isabel

Justin Theroux ~ Leezar

Zooey Deschanel ~ Belladonna

Rasmus Hardiker ~ Courtney

Toby Jones ~ Julie

Charles Dance ~ King Tallious

Damian Lewis ~ Boremont

Director ~ David Gordon Green

Writer(s) ~ Danny McBride and Ben Best

No Strings Attached

http://www.nostringsattachedmovie.com/

Bit of a strange start to this one, as for the first 15 minutes of the film I felt sure I was going to pass out or throw up. Not because of the film or because I ate a dodgy hot dog, I honestly couldn't tell you why? I felt fine going in and fine after I'd gone out for a little air, it's all very odd! Anyway, as I didn't have the luxury of having seen the whole film (I missed around 5-10 minutes while I went outside for air) I'm hoping this review doesn't feel incomplete.

From the poster's tag line I thought this was going to be about two best friends who decide to become friends with benefits. The tag line is misleading, but not in a bad way. The film is actually about two people Adam and Emma, who meet as teenagers at camp, again when they're at college and again when they're adults (the adult versions played by Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman). Here is where I'm a little fuzzy as this is the part I missed. Adam finds out that his dad (Kevin Kline) is sleeping with his girlfriend and goes to Emma's house drunk, hoping to hook up with her. Feel free to correct me if I got that part wrong! It's here they decide to be friends with benefits as they only know each other briefly (not being best friends as the poster suggests!) and having nothing to lose. They make rules not to lie to each other and not to fall in love with the other person. If they do, the person who didn't lie or fall in love is allowed to break it off. 

Despite missing the part of the film when Adam and Emma meet again as adults and finding out how that happened, I did still really enjoy No Strings Attached. It's not life changing, overly intelligent or even that realistic a look a relationships but it doesn't pretend to be. That's why I like it. The film is funny, lighthearted and from the outset, it is what it is. I know I said it's not that realistic, and it's not. For the teenage girls in the audience who kept 'Aaaahing', I hate to break it to you but there are no real life guys out there who are as sweet and thoughtful and perfect as Adam. I'm also sorry to break the bubble of my guy friends but you just aren't like that! Having said that there are moments of realism, the scene where Emma is singing Bleeding Love in the car while eating donuts and crying had me in hysterics. Because I've done that. Maybe to a different song, and likely in the comfort of my own home as I don't drive, but yeah, I've been there and bought that t'shirt. 

I thought it was nice to see Natalie Portman doing something less physically and emotionally taxing after Black Swan. I think both she and her audience needed a break and this was a welcome one. Ashton Kutcher was his usual charming, if one dimensional, self. And both were supported by a great cast, even if Kevin Kline and Cary Elwes were both woefully underused. A fun frolick. 7.5 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 4th March 2011

UK Release Date - 25th February 2011

Cast Overview:

Natalie Portman ~ Emma

Ashton Kutcher ~ Adam

Kevin Kline ~ Alvin

Cary Elwes ~ Dr Metzner

Greta Gerwig ~ Patrice

Lake Bell ~ Lucy

Olivia Thirlby ~ Katie

Director ~ Ivan Reitman

Writer(s) ~ Elizabeth Meriwether (Screenplay), Michael Samonek (Story) and Elizabeth Meriwether (Story)

Black Swan

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/blackswan/

There are some films I want to see before I've seen the trailer, others that I want to see after seeing the trailer and occasionally there are films I know I'll end up seeing, even if there was nothing about the trailer that made me want to see it. Black Swan is one of the latter films. I'd seen the trailer a couple of times and just didn't know what to make of it. It looked like a satisfying mix of dark and twisted but also looked like it had the potential to bore the pants off you by being overly pretentious. Thankfully, the pretentious overtones were limited and the dark and twisty elements were the dominant factors. 

The story centers on a girl, Nina (Natalie Portman), who has always dreamed of starring in the lead role of her ballet company's next big production. She works tirelessly at this goal night and day and one day gets her big break in the production of Swan Lake. But the role of her dreams starts slipping away when Nina's paranoid mind starts playing tricks on her. 

This might make me a bit of a freak but for me, this is when the film really started to become interesting. If a little disturbing. If you're squeamish there's lots to look away from, as well as moments to make you go "Gah!" My poor friend witnessed me squirming in my seat during several of the films more gruesome scenes. I consider myself a hardened horror fan but even I found myself jumping when the lady seated in front of me leapt out of her seat. 

It's a well acted, well directed movie but it's not amazing. In some ways I feel it's worth the hype - Natalie Portman's performance is certainly one of the best I've seen her give and must have been very tough for her to do, in both the physical and mental sense - but in other ways it's not worthy. Yes it does give an insight into the arduous world of ballet but as my friend pointed out afterwards, that can also take away some of the magic. When we learned how Superman really flew it didn't make us marvel at the technical wizardry as much as make it all less real, less of a fantasy. My friend is going to see Swan Lake in a few weeks and has now lost some of her enthusiasm toward it. And I can understand why.

This is a film of very good performances. Although I only noted Natalie Portman above I should also mention the faultless performances of Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder and Vincent Cassel. Black Swan is a very dark and disturbing film but for those who like movies to provide the magic rather than destroy the illusion of it I would stay clear. 6 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 18th January 2011 (saw it on preview)

UK Release Date - 21st January 2011

 Cast Overview:

Natalie Portman ~ Nina Sayers

Mila Kunis ~ Lily

Vincent Cassel ~ Thomas Leroy

Barbara Hershey ~ Erica Seyers

Winona Ryder ~ Beth Macintyre

Benjamin Millepied ~ David 

Director ~ Darren Aronofsky

Writer(s) ~ Mark Heyman (Screenplay), Andres Heinz (Screenplay/Story)

and John J McLaughlin (Screenplay)