Where the Wild Things Are - On DVD Now

Where the Wild Things Are is the film based on everyone’s favourite childhood book written by Maurice Sendak’s classic book of the same name, in this version it is director Spike Jonze who brings the short but charming children's story to life. The story revolves around a boy called Max (Records – a real future find) a lonely, stubborn boy with a bug imagination.

One day after a game he is playing goes wrong he runs away – in his imagination as well as physically, he sails over the sea and lands on an island – where the Wild Things live. Max joins in the Wild Things wild rumpus and is declared King.

Where the Wild Things Are is a strangely haunting and atmospheric, this is not a children's film despite its source material. The film has no flashy effects – yes the effects are there in nearly every scene but on screen but they are so subtle you actually believe the Wild Things exist. As for the Wild Things they are beautifully realised – everything you can remember from the book but here in Jonze’s world they are given personalities, neurosis and worries. Actually Max gives them these parts of his personality, it is more than strange though watching a huge monster talk about insecurities rather than roaring and just fighting. As Max is verging on adolescence he and the Wild Things cling onto what they know.

Its not for kids, and its not for people who want high action and fast paced films, it is though visually beautiful, touching and thought provoking – and I never thought I would write that about a film that contains a giant goat!

Director: Spike Jonze

Cast:

Max Records – Max
James Gandolfini – Carol (voice only)
Paul Dano – Alexander (voice only)
Catherine O’Hara – Judith (voice only)
Forrest Whitaker – Ira (voice)

For the official website click here





Coming Next - Harry Brown starring Michael Caine

A Perfect Getaway on DVD now

An apparently naive American couple, Steve (Anderson) and Cydney (Jovovich) are honeymooning in one of the more remote islands on Hawaii decide to follow a remote walking trail with the hope of camping out at an idyllic paradise beach. Along the way they encounter Nick (Olyphant) and Gina (Sanchez) who are much more experienced travelers. All is going well until reports are overheard of the slaughter nearby of honeymooners and soon begin to suspect that their fellow travelers seem to fit the description of the suspects. All this leads to suspicion and distrust in an isolated place where the couples are forced to rely on each other.

Normally I would not have rented this film, its basic premise didn’t really appeal to me but I had read good things about it and thought that I would step outside my usual choices and to be honest I wasn’t that impressed. At the beginning of the film I cringed at the stereotypically xenophobic attitudes displayed by the central couple maybe its because I have traveled that I don’t approach everyone and everything with suspicion and fear (and if its that bad why put yourself through it!).

Later though as the film develops it does become more interesting and there is a twist, which is unexpected although it ultimately makes the film itself less believable. The problem with the twist was that even in private moments the antagonists seemed to be unaware of their actual role in the movie. Maybe it might have been better if I didn’t analyse and think back to earlier scenes in the films but I couldn’t help myself so glaring where the script inaccuracies.

Nicely shot, adequately acted – that’s about all I can say for it.

Director: David Twohy

Cast:

Steve Zahn – Cliff Anderson
Timoth Olyphant – Nick
Milla Jovovich – Cydney Anderson
Kiele Sanchez – Gina

For the official website click here

Sherlock Holmes on DVD now

Arthur Conan Doyles Victorian super detective gets a reboot for 2010 courtesy of Guy Richie, Robert Downey Jnr, Jude Law and in no small way the script writers Michael Robert Johnson and Anthony Peckham – and its done with some style. The film hits the ground running and apart from a few pauses barely draws breath for its whole duration. It reminded me of the James Bond Casino Royale (2007) reboot – once you have seen it theres no comparison to the previous films.

Holmes and Watson foil serial killer Lord Blackwood who is executed for his crimes, mysteriously though Blackwood rises from the dead and resumes killing. What follows is a twisting and enjoyable romp through Victorian London with Holmes picking up clues and deducting as he goes.

Downey Jnr, is charismatic, troubled and charming and is such a stunning actor he easily carries the film and the personality of the maverick, unpredictable and impulsive version on Holmes without a deerstalker in sight. Law, for me, was a total surprise, easily fitting into the supporting role and providing a steady partner to the volatile Holmes, for the first time ever I can honestly say I enjoyed his acting, he seemed to be a character rather than himself in different costumes.
Richie redeems himself as a director and his vision of Victorian London is amazingly realised, as a Londoner myself it was as if I was given a glimpse of what London was like in the middle of the industrial age – fantastic.

Strong also is excellent as another great Hollywood villain (hes had back to back movie villains in Kick Ass, Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood) hes suitably sinister and hiss worthy as Lord Blackwood determined to bring down Holmes and gain power in the process. McAdams as Adler is sufficient, shes a good leading lady never to distracting from the movie but also never really gives enough spark to stand out – which is a good thing in this movie as she doesn’t detract from the clever twists and turns of the plot line.

Really enjoyable, really fun – I hope it’s the first of a franchise!

Director: Guy Ritchie

Cast:

Robert Downey Jnr – Shelock Holmes
Jude Law – Dr John Watson
Rachel McAdams – Irene Adler
Mark Strong – Lord Blackwood
Eddie Marsan – Inspector Lestrade

For the official website click here

The Box on DVD now

Norma (Diaz) and Arthur (Marsden) Lewis are a happily married couple whose lives change in one day – Norma is facing redundancy and Arthur misses out on his dream job and finds himself questioning his future when a box with a red button lands on their doorstep followed by the sinister Arlington Stewart – the excellent Langella. Stewart explains that if the couple press the button on the box they will receive one million dollars but also that someone, somewhere will die. They have 24 hours to decide what course of action they want to take.

This 70’s set movie is very much like an expanded episode of the Twlight Zone, which isn’t a bad thing. The couple have to face up to consequences of their spur of the moment action which plays out like a morality tale. Langella is brilliant as the sinister Stewart and the CGI effects are excellently executed.

It’s a good movie – it wont shatter the box office but try and catch it at some point.

Director: Richard Kelly

Cast:
Cameron Diaz – Norma Lewis
James Marsden – Arthur Lewis
Frank Langella – Arlington Stewart

For the official website click here



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