AMERICAN HUSTLE - FILM REVIEW

Release Date: 1st January 2014 (UK)

Age Certificate: 15

Running Time: 138 mins

Director: David O. Russell

Writers: Warren Singer and David O. Russell

Stars: Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Bradley Cooper

At first glance I thought American Hustle was an over glamorous comedy, oh, how wrong I was.

The first scene of American Hustle made me chuckle, it’s always a nice surprise to be greeted by such a strong opening image. 

The direction and acting come together in a wonderful storm. David O. Russell has had two great films in the last three years; Silver Linings Playbook is not included. American Hustle has taken the film headlines, as it being nominated for ten Oscars. This film keeps you engaged from start to finish and you don’t find your mind wondering what you’re having for dinner. 

 Christian Bale steals the spotlight for two reasons. The first being his terrific acting, and the second being another dramatic weight gain. I don’t think anybody knows how he does it. He defiantly deserves to be nominated for best actor; again.

The direction is fairly fresh, which is pleasant to see. However, it’s not anything we’ve not seen before. Yes, this is a very typical Oscar film, but it’s not anything to turn your nose up over. 

Like I said, it’s engaging to watch and indeed should be watched. Oh, there's also the wardrobe.

8.0/10

GRAVITY - FILM REVIEW

Release Date: 7th November 2013

Age Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 91 mins

Director: Alfonso Cuaron

Writer: Alfonso Cuaron and Jonas Cuaron

Stars: Sandra Bullock and George Clooney

Gravity, a film about the lack of gravity.

It sees Sandra Bullock and George Clooney fixing a satellite in the atmosphere of space, only to find that debris is hurdling their way, they then have to use instincts to survive. 

 

The first, and most obvious feature of Gravity is the use of special effects, they are sublime. The opening shot is an overview of Earth and all you can hear are faint radio stations. I was excited before the film began, but when this shot filled up the screen it was unbelievable. As well as the film being silent, the cinema was silent, this is unprecedented, usually you have a woman with a nose bag strapped on filled with popcorn and hot dogs sitting next to you. Anyway, the rest of the film is filled with hundreds of effects to keep the whole world talking. 

I always like a film that has little dialogue and one major dilemma. However, the main problem with Gravity is its ending. I’m not going to spoil it, but it was just too ridiculous, this is to be said for a few features in the film, but especially the end. 

There’s not much to be said for the acting, other than it was great, it was good to get a back story to Bullock’s character, and she managed to pull the heart strings well. Sometimes the back stories are forced on to the audience and half the time it feels like the character doesn’t believe in it either. In Gravity this was not the case. 

Gravity needs to be seen in cinema, do not wait for this to come out on DVD, watch on the biggest screen possible. 

8.5/10