BLUE JASMINE - FILM REVIEW

Release Date: 21^st September 2013

Age Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 98 mins

Director: Woody Allen

Writer: Woody Allen

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard

The annual event of a Woody Allen film is here again; this instalment into his growing collection of 45+ films is called Blue Jasmine. First, let me start off by saying, I went to the cinema to watch this. I was the youngest there by about 60 years. It seemed to be the old peoples’ weekend evening out; you thought they would like to enjoy themselves, but no, all they do is moan and gossip! Every time a trailer comes on there was a collective moan, if it’s not Casablanca or Woody Allen they have the mindset that they won’t like it. However, apart from this I managed to enjoy the film.

A New York socialite, deeply troubled and in denial, arrives is San Francisco to impose upon her sister. She looks a million, but isn’t bringing money, peace or love...

I love Woody Allen; I’ve seen around about half of his film, yes I know, I’m slacking. However, in his most recent films, Blue Jasmine has to be up there with Midnight in Paris and Match Point. The directing is superb as usual; there are no special mamby pamby effects, and no explosions. On the other hand, there is one piece of special effect (a plane flying) and perhaps he should best stick to dialogue. What I love about Allen is that it’s all about the story. 

The acting in Blue Jasmine also obviously contributes to the transfixing feel of the film. Cate Blanchett steals the show, you will have to watch the film to understand fully, but you feel every step she goes through. Alec Baldwin also plays his role well. Allen is going through a stage of Mr. Baldwin at the moment and it seems to be holding up. Sally Hawkins also takes her character and runs away with it.

This is another one of those films where you don’t worry how many minutes you’ve got left or make a drink half way through, you will be compelled every step of the way. And what did the two old codgers sitting behind me think? ‘I think all Woody Allen films are pathetic.’

9.0/10

PRISONERS - FILM REVIEW

Release Date: 20^th September 2013

Age Certificate: 15

Running Time: 153 mins

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Writer: Aaron Guzikowski

Stars: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis

Prisoners is gripping, fascinating, exciting, electrifying and any other positive words capable of fitting into a sentence. 

When Keller Dover’s daughter and her friends go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts. But just how far will this desperate father go to protect his family? 

Prisoners is directed by Denis Villeneuve who bought us the highly acclaimed foreign film, Incendies. Incendies was disturbing in many ways and so is Prisoners. The only difference is that this film wasn’t written by Villeneuve; instead he just chose a disconcerting tale of events. In terms of his directing style, it is clean and well shot. Even in the most difficult times of the film he makes us care for the characters, this compliment should also be given to Aaron Guzikowski, the writer. I’m definitely looking forward to Villeneuve’s next film, also starring Jake Gyllenhaal, if it is anything to go by it should be another content viewing. 

The acting in the film also contributes to the overall fantastic finish. This has to be one of Hugh Jackman’s best performances on the big screen. Furthermore, Gyllenhaal’s character is incredibly believable, and even though he is supposed to be a tough cop you still feel for him. It’s a good thing before he started filming The End of Watch he did police training, it helped for his role for sure. Another actor I would like to discuss is Paul Dano, he plays a young man, who is described in the film as ‘the brain of a ten year old’. I sometimes feel that Dano tries to over act his roles but in this film he seemed to calm down a bit and become a more mature actor which was defiantly evident. 

The story is gripping and should be watched by a vast audience. Prisoners is nearly two and a half hours long, but funny enough it seems to skip by. The directing, writing and acting are all superb. Oh, and I almost forgot, the editing is also top class, it keeps up the pace and when you think there is going to be a long conversation which isn’t neede. Perhaps without the great editing it wouldn’t have glued you to the seat as much. 

Prisoners is one of the best films this year. 

8.0/10