Boy

Wow. What a delightful film.

BOY is New Zealand's highest grossing film... ever. Directed by Kiwi Taikia Waititi. This is his second feature film and he has certainly impressed his fellow country-men.

This is this story about Boy, a young kid who is growing up in rural New Zealand, without a mother or father around. He dreams of his dad returning (after he escapes jail by digging a hole under the fence with a spoon), moving to the city together, swimming in a pool and seeing Michael Jackson live. Did I mention that their rural village is by the ocean? Yes this film is full of jokes and contrasts. Whilst laughing with them while they run a muck, you also see a young Boy make the realisation that life is actually perfect as it is.

BOY is very much a portrayal of New Zealanders and their cliches. It's always enjoyable when people can happily make fun of themselves. But the jokes, the fun and the storyline are universal and will be appreciated by all.

This film is hillarious and heartwarming. The entire cast are brilliant and I just love the closing scene!! Lots of Michael Jackson references which are a lot of fun accompanied by fantastic production design perfectly reminiscint of 1984.

Don't miss this film!

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The Man Who Walked Around The World

Well this TV spot is the best ad I've seen in a very very long time. I love it and just wanted to include it here in my blog so more people can appreciate it.

When finishing my film degree, my lecturer asked me what I was going to do in the 'real' world, once all the fun of studying was over. He wanted me to make up my mind about what my specialty would be. I think he actually said, "Jess, you can either be a jack of all trades and a master of none OR you can specialise." All I honestly wanted to do was make a beer commercial. Yep. I love beer commercials. I love their big budgets, high production values, they always have a bit of comedy, sometimes they're innovative and they just look like great fun to make.

Now that I'm a bit older and hopefully a tiny bit wiser, I have decided I would like to branch out and also make a Johnnie Walker ad. In fact, I wish I made this one.

I also wish I made "Inception", but my thoughts on that piece of brilliance is to come.

So, basically, this is just a well made TV spot, that makes me wish I liked whiskey. Enjoy the extraordinary, long, single shot.

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Remember Me

This film didn't stay at the box office very long. And to be honest that's probably because the trailer doesn't do it justice.

I think people who do not particularly enjoy the Twilight films avoided this film just because it stars Robert Pattinson and the trailer presented it as your ordinary cliche romantic drama without any depth of character.

But those few who did see it (because you're Twilight fans admit it) would have been pleasantly surprised. This film has a wonderfully unique ending that is totally unexpected and holds plenty of emotional weight.

For the vast majority of the film though, I couldn't help but think I've seen this story a hundred times before and didn't realise the craft of the film until it was revealed in the final scene. So be patient when you watch it. It's worth it.

I really don't want to spoil the film. If you haven't noticed already, I only seem to write about the films I like. So the very fact that I'm writing this means I want you to see it. It's a powerful and emotional ending that stays with you and reminds you that life is a blessing and to make the most of every moment and every opportunity.

Well performed by the notable cast and beautifully made by Director, Allen Coulter who has bought to life some of the best episodes of Sex and the City, Law and Order and Six Feet Under.

Put it on your must-see list.

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Creation

This film will warm your heart.

Charles Darwin is famous for his work "On The Origin of Species". I'm sure you've heard of this little book. And I'm sure you're familiar with the photo of him as an elderley bearded man. So it's understandable if you were to expect this film to provide you with little visual spectacular and little captivating drama.

But this film is not so much about his studies, but is instead about a small period in his life as a young father and how his life influenced the writing and publishing of his book. At this time in his life, Charles is struggling to find balance in his life and in his work, fearful of what is right and what is wrong, haunted by the sorrowful death of their eldest daughter.

Paul Bettany is mesmerising as Charles Darwin, with his gorgeous smile. And real wife, Jennifer Connolley plays on-screen wife, Emma Darwin. Together they are superb. I can't fault either of them. Their illustrious careers are indicative of the wonderful performances they give again in this film.

I love this film because it's beautiful. The cinematography is beautiful, capturing those unique moments in nature, like when you see the dust floating in the sunlight and it feels as if time stands still. The story is beautiful; it's emotional, raw, uplifting and ultimately its inspiring.

One of my favourites this year. An unexpected delight.

Wait For Me

Wait For Me (3 Minute Documentary) from Red Light Films on Vimeo.

Spare three minutes of your life to watch this short documentary about the power of a mother's love. I simply can't describe how much this little film touched my heart. Wait For Me is very powerful and deeply honest.

Director Ross Kauffman released this statement his experience making this film:

Peg’s combination of beauty, sadness and hope immediately drew me back in. We sat down by the pool and talked for hours on end about John, her family, and her dream to one day see her missing son again.

Kauffman also revealed that this short film is in production to become a feature-length documentary. I will reveal any news as it comes to hand. Enjoy this inspiring story.

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In The Loop

IN THE LOOP - UK trailer from PPC Film on Vimeo.

This review is "difficult, difficult, lemon, difficult", because In The Loop simply isn't going to please everyone, but personally, I really enjoyed it and laughed out loud for the best part of the hour and a half. If you are a fan of quick, witty British humour, then this film will not disappoint. With rave reviews in England, In The Loop is fast-paced, political comedy with an abundance of smart and cheeky dialogue which you will find yourself giggling about well after the closing credits.

The plot is about a government Minister who is a nervous public speaker. Already a terrible trait which welcomes one disastrous public event after the other. Enter the team of media monitors who are trying to save his reputation, or, at least save themselves and leave him to be eaten by the Americans. In The Loop is a political satire, poking its tongue out at British and American politicians alike.

But be warned: it is heavy with dialogue with little extravaganza. So if you prefer Hollywood blockbusters with a bit of glamour and action, then this film isn't for you. But if you're a fan of witty dialogue, clever characters and British humour, then I highly recommend In The Loop.

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(500) Days of Summer

500 Days of Summer International Trailer from Rosie de Belgeonne on Vimeo.

My favourite film of the year! This romantic comedy has it all without any Hollywood cliches to be found, perfectly defying all genre conventions yet still captivating. This is not a love story, but a story of modern romance: the courtship of Gen Y's. Words like 'commitment', 'love', 'divorce' are feared by Gen Y and this romantic confusion is explored beautifully in this sweet, quirky film.

My hat goes off to Joseph Gordon Levitt for his heart-warming performance. Hasn't he grown up since 3rd Rock From The Sun? Zooey Deschanel is equally adorable and delivers a lovely performance, with style.

Watch this film for the soundtrack alone. It perfectly compliments the narrative and pace, whilst keeping this non-love story upbeat and fun. With its un-conventional ending, the soundtrack works brilliantly to transform it into a happy one.

The directors style is fresh and absorbing, with an array of visual delicacies but I won't spoil them here. I loved this film so much and think all other Gen Y's will adore it as well. See it for yourself!

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