Gone Baby Gone

Posted on February 1, 2014 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 01 February 2014 Netflix

Taken me a while to review this and it seemed the most interesting choice on Netflix as I was perusing titles suitable for both my mother and father to watch at same time … so anything particularly violent or with sex in it is usually out the window. This 2007 drama stars Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan as a 30 something couple who are also private investigators. They get hired by the dysfunctional family of a recently kidnapped girl after the Police fail to produce leads. Will they manage to find the girl when the authorities could not?

Based on a novel by Dennis Lehane and Directed by Ben Affleck, who has increasingly made a name for himself as a director with titles like the Oscar-magnet Argo … this I feel is his most assured and meaningful film, with a real-world relevance in reflection to those missing children headlines we hear about. Co-starring Morgan Freeman as a world-weary Police Chief (isn’t he always?) and Ed Harris as a special agent Casey turns to during his investigation, this has decent performances across the board. Although taking a while to warm to, Ben’s younger sibling proved a believable and watchable lead and well, I’m a fan of the gorgeous Monaghan who again proves convincing. It doesn’t gloss over the more harrowing aspects of child abduction neither. For a movie watched with my parents, the language was stronger than I felt necessary, but that’s my only sticking point.

The story had plenty of twists and turns, keeping me guessing throughout (although I got lost a little) and even when I thought I had it figured out, pretty much guessing one of the bad guys early on … the final morality-punch was a surprise, leaving me thinking ever since. Well worth checking out.

Verdict: 4 /5

Now You See Me

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 20 September 2013 DVD

I love magic, from the likes of Penn & Teller to David Blaine and Cris Angel, so this was an easy pick for me. Four famed street magicians are brought together by a mystery organization known as The Eye to use their skills at illusion to pull off a series of elaborate heists. Yet an FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) is hot on their heels, aided by a former magician (Morgan Freeman) who now hosts a TV show exposing the secrets behind so called magic tricks.

This is a very entertaining and cleverly plotted thriller, deftly put together by The Transporter’s Louis Leterrier and with several stand out performances, most notably the always interesting Mark Ruffalo and also Jesse Eisenberg, doing his geek/genius thing to perfection. Also on hand is a sexy Isla Fisher and an enjoyably dead-pan Woody Harrelson. For me the plot got a bit convoluted and some of the twists and turns were a little hard to swallow (especially the ending). Also by exploring a subject many still consider steeped in mystery, the ‘magic’ goes a tad over the top and far fetched, with unnecessary use of CGI. Also the motive for these clearly gifted illusionists turning to crime is not explored which I found hard to understand, especially when they clearly make them selves known for their crimes (?).

That being said the action, including an intense car chase and the illusions themselves make for a gripping and enjoyable experience over all, backed up by some very stylish looks. Just a shame its all a bit too frantic and clever (or complicated?) for its own good.

Verdict: 3 /5

The Bucket List

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 24 May 2011 DVD

If asked to name two of the most dependable actors currently working, then you’d find it difficult to beat seasoned veterans Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. With a career spanning several decades and with some of the most acclaimed movies ever made under their belt, they signify just what makes movies a worthwhile interest. For me Nicholson has always been a favourite even if I haven’t seen him in anything for years, and Freeman, well, where can you go wrong? Not with this little known gem, you can’t.

Nicholson is a corporate big-wig diagnosed with cancer who meets working class mechanic Freeman in hospital also diagnosed with the disease, with both of them given a limited life expectancy. This at first downbeat and serious start soon turns into something very different when Freeman comes up with the idea of The Bucket List – things you would like to do before you kick the bucket. Billionaire Nicholson takes this literally though and soon persuades Freeman to go on a trip with him to live out whatever time they have left, to the fullest.

As a new take on the Walter Mathieu / Jack Lemon odd-couple comedies, this is full of memorable moments and quality turns from its leads, with the mismatched men both lending different personalities to their adventure. Nicholson as expected is all go-getter and brash and gets most of the best lines (don’t trust a fart!), but Freeman’s wisdom stops the movie turning into farce, and beneath the hi-jinks beats a very emotional and heart-warming heart. Directed by Rob Reiner this perhaps lack a little ambition and the bucket list globe-trotting adventures feel cheaply realised … but thankfully with the focus of the movie being the two friends, every minute in their company is a minute well spent.

Verdict: 4 /5

Se7en

Posted on October 3, 2010 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 01 October 2010 Blu-ray

This dark and dreary thriller from David (Fight Club) Fincher has Morgan Freeman as the world-weary detective on the verge of retirement having to take under his wing a young newcomer (Brad Pitt), and stumbles upon a series of shocking murders seemingly linked to the seven deadly sins. This cracking premise is intelligently put together and cemented Fincher’s reputation as a director to watch after an admirable debut with Alien 3 left audiences thirsty for more. With the great pairing of Freeman & Pitt, who both offer dramatically different viewpoints on the crimes, and with an atmosphere of dread that thankfully never overwhelms, this truly delivers as a film up there with the infamous The Silence of the Lambs. Add to this one of the most astonishing endings I think you’re ever likely to see, and with the scene stealing Kevin Spacey, who at the time wasn’t the name he is now – this is without doubt one of the best movies of the 90s, and has gone on to become a classic.

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Million Dollar Baby

Posted on March 16, 2009 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 14 March 2009 Blu-ray

I wanted to see this around the time it won all the Oscars, but for one reason or another just didn’t. It was always on my to-do list though, and having loved Gran Torino, Clint Eastwood’s most recent effort, the timing couldn’t be better.

Hilary Swank plays a troubled woman who turns to boxing as a escape from a crappy life where her family don’t give a damn about her. Turning to ageing trainer Clint Eastwood, she eventually persuades him to help her become a boxer, despite his better judgement. Soon enough though she’s in the ring and bringing in the money and making a helluva name for herself.

Like Gran Torino, Clint plays an old fashioned, set in his ways man who finds a new lease of life through this woman, and it’s a heart-warming feel good film with some great fights in the ring made all the more powerful with a female fighter getting herself hurt just to prove herself. Morgan Freeman lends support but I didn’t see anything to warrant his Oscar nod over Eastwood who is truly mesmerising throughout, and I thought Hilary Swank was very deserving of her Oscar, her performance both charming and heart breaking – possibly her finest role to date. It also is very maturely written and doesn’t give you all the answers, leaving me with plenty to think and talk about post-credits.

To put it simply, this is essential.

Verdict: 5 /5