Chinese Whispers - The LEGO Movie

Everything Is Awesome

I honestly thought The LEGO Movie was such a bad idea. Don't get me wrong, a movie based on a children's toy is not original; just ask Michael Bay and his upcoming 'four-quel'. But a movie based on toy construction blocks sounded like one of the most outlandish and risky ideas I'd had heard coming out of Hollywood in a long time.  It had 'train-wreck' written all over it, and whilst a Lego train-wreck in my pre-teens would have been fun to see happen before my eyes, I wasn't as optimistic in my twenties.

However my worries were lessened when I saw the first released trailer and noticed that the film wasn't taking itself seriously, like the previous ones released under the 'Lego' such as the Bionicle films.  It seemed tongue-in-cheek, fresh and smart, and understandably so.  Coming from the creative team behind such hilarious gems as Scrubs, Clone High and 21 Jump Street (Phil Lord and Chris Miller) was more than enough convincing I needed.

The film is set in the Lego world of Bricksburg, where the evil Lord Business (voiced by Will Ferrell) is planning on unleashing a deadly secret weapon on the town's inhabitants.  The wizard Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman and his magnificent vocals) seeks The Special, who might be the only person capable of stopping Lord Business.  However destiny falls to an ordinary construction worker, Emmet (voiced by up-and-coming Guardian of the Galaxy, Chris Pratt).  With the help of rebellious Wyldstyle and her boyfriend Batman (yes that's right...), Emmet must awaken The Special within him to keep Bricksburg free and movable.

Trust me; the amount of negative titles I had envisioned for this review were infinite.

"Some Parts Missing"... "Assembly Required"... "Brick Shithouse"...

However, this was honestly the most fun I've had in a cinema for quite a while, probably since The World's End and Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa both made me giggle like a schoolgirl over the summer of 2013.  The humour was sharp enough for adults to enjoy, such as jokes about over-priced coffee, but silly enough for the kids to enjoy; Morgan Freeman's character spontaneously appears on screen quite clearly being hung by a cheap piece of rope in a surreal manner resembling Monty Python.

Despite the previous example, the animation was dazzling and so rich in depth that I'm sure I will see new and hidden jokes in the background on a second and third viewing (which will be happening soon...).  The directors Lord and Miller intended for the film to appear as realistic as possible and as if made via stop-motion technology, despite all being computer-generated and you really can't tell the difference.

What surprised me more than anything about The Lego Movie was the message at the heart of the narrative.  It isn't just an adventure thrill-ride through the Wild West, outer space and Cloud Cuckooland, but also a showcase into the heartfelt love that people have for their collections of bricks and shapes.  I, for one, was never that bothered about creating my own Lego worlds when I was younger.  It probably shows how unimaginative or impatient I was, but I never got the appeal.  Either way, this supposed 'kiddie film' actually gave me an insight into why people love Lego as much as they do.  Quite impressive for a film that I'm sure will be dismissed by many as quick and easily as I did.

Not only does it provide an interesting insight, but it also includes one of the most infectious songs that you will hear in a film all year.  Similar to Pharrell's Happy in last year's Despicable Me 2, I was singing "Everything Is Awesome" out of the cinema and the days following.  I challenge anyone to hear it and not be swept up in it's smothering positivity and happiness, even if the original meaning is quite satirical.  So was Python's "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life" and you never forget that catchy whistling.

You can see how much effort has been invested into making the several worlds that feature in The Lego Movie.  Each looks like a child has imagined them, built them and has played with them, and the effect is not lost.  Films with a personal touch such as these and the ones made by Aardman studios (Wallace and Gromit or The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists) are made with such heart and enthusiasm that it completely transfers from the screen, and cinema is a much greater place for them.  Take your kids to see this film, or failing that, please go yourselves. You won't be disappointed, because don't worry; everything is awesome!

Rating: 9/10

Until next time folks, thanks for reading!

If you enjoyed what you read and you'd like to be kept more up to date with my posts, I can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Dunn-Reviews and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeDunnReviews - if you want to help the site grow, give them a 'Like' or a 'Share'!

Chinese Whispers - Don Jon

JGL - Just Good Lovin'

I'm in danger of overloading on Joseph Gordon-Levitt.  Knowledge of my man crush has spilled out into public domain now and this will be the second JGL film that I have reviewed in a row.  Such love!  Isn't it just sickening?  Appropriately, love is all that his directorial debut, Don Jon, is about.  But just two different kinds.

JGL plays the titular Jon, who obsesses over a certain lifestyle; all he values in his life are his material possessions, his appearance and his women.  Oh and pornography.  Lots. And. Lots. Of pornography.  Enter Scarlett Johansson's Barbara, a 'Perfect 10' who just might be 'The One' for our Don Jon.  But in order to seal the deal, Jon must be willing to end his decade-long love affair with porn.  She sees this as a character flaw, whereas he doesn't see any difference from her love of Hollywood rom-coms.

I recently read an article on Vice.co.uk about the rise of lad culture entitled "How Sad Young Douchebags Took Over Modern Britain" in which the author claimed that beer-swilling, tanned muscleheads have taken over the typical example of 'tough guys' in today's society.  Whilst I mostly agree with the article, from the example shown in Don Jon, it seems to be a transatlantic problem too.  Jon typifies your quintessential modern, selfish, misogynistic 'meat-head'.  His obsession with a perfectly-groomed body and perfectly-cleaned apartment is only matched by his fascination with the ideal world of sex that modern pornography depicts.  After a typical night, he always compare his experience with the one he sees in pornographic movies and it leaves him feeling hollow.  So he feels he must fill that void with endless amounts of self-abuse.

Despite the comedy within the film and the light-hearted premise, Don Jon is an incredible study of an often-shamed or ignored addiction.  The original title of the film was Don Jon's Addiction and the obsession shown throughout is definitely an eye-opening one; despite all the perfection around him, Jon finds the only place he can constantly 'lose himself' is in the world of pornography.  It's understandable why JGL plays the role with true pathos and heart as he wrote and directed the film as well, making the entire project obviously very personal to him.

As well as JGL, I was surprisingly impressed by Scarlett Johansson's performance as Barbara, the 'Perfect 10'.  Even though she is cast with the character's appearance in mind, her talent is definitely what shines brightest.  This is the first time I have seen Ms Johansson given the chance to act in a film for such a long time.  Her recent foray into the world of comic-book adaptations (Avengers, Iron Man 2, The Spirit) could be attributed to her buxom figure drawing in male audiences, but it results in her playing eye-candy with not much chance to flex her acting muscles.  However, in Barbara, Johansson plays a cocky, self-assured woman who, deep-down, is just as shallow and self-centred as Jon, even if she doesn't know it.  Her 'Perfect 10' status is wholly exterior, but you can tell she is enjoying playing this damaged character.

Don't get me wrong; my love for JGL is not blinding me from seeing this film's flaws.  Personally, I didn't quite buy the friendship that Jon has with his night-school classmate played by Julianne Moore.  It felt like JGL wanted Jon to find a way out of his addiction, and that he could be happy without having his high expectations fulfilled, but it just didn't feel right.  I didn't sense that much of a character arc from Jon to make it seem like the correct ending.  I could see where JGL is coming from, but like Jon's videos, it all seemed too perfect.

However from a directorial standpoint, as well as a writer, this debut film is very impressive.  The characters are a little broad but engaging, the message is well-meaning and the drama is evenly balanced with the comedy and romance.  It might not be for everyone, such as watching it with your parents, as the subject matter is very mature and quite graphic at some points, but it is always with it's tongue firmly in cheek.  So to speak.

Rating - 8/10

Until next time folks, thanks for reading!

If you enjoyed what you read and you'd like to be kept more up to date with my posts, I can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Dunn-Reviews and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeDunnReviews - if you want to help the site grow, give them a 'Like' or a 'Share'!

Chinese Whispers - Premium Rush

Again, this review has been hiding away since I saw it in the cinema two years ago. So since this film features one adrenaline-filled chase after another, you gotta enjoy the irony of how slow I have been with this.

On Yer Bike

Now my love for Joseph Gordon-Levitt is well-known in my circle of friends.  Despite starring in the much-loved Shakespeare adaptation 10 Things I Hate About You, my attention was first caught by JGL after watching Brick, a film that rests comfortably within my Top Ten Films.  From having his heart broken in (500) Days of Summer, to being recognised by Christopher Nolan and starring in both The Dark Knight Rises and Inception, I am so proud that I have seen him grow into the leading man I knew he would become.

Like most revered leading men in today's acting industry, like Leo DiCaprio and (out of nowhere) Matthew McConaughney, JGL picks his roles very carefully, holding the script's integrity as paramount, as well as the chance to test his range and skill.

In Premium Rush, JGL takes a step away from thought-provoking dramas and romantic comedies to star as Wilee (like the Coyote) a bike messenger from Manhattan.  One particular delivery requires Wiley to deliver an envelope across the city that controls the fate of a large sum of money.  However he is pursued by corrupt police officer, maniacally played by Michael Shannon, who wants the envelope's money for his own crippling gambling debts.  Pretty much 16 Blocks with bicycles.

Now whilst the film begins strongly, introducing the characters and the premise well, it's not long before things start to fall apart.  This is mainly due to the protagonist and his friends being bike messengers and cyclists.  Any person who has ever driven a car will know how annoying cyclists can be, and Premium Rush surely proves this.  All the cyclists come across as cocky arseholes who think they run the streets, probably to make them appear cool and streetwise but they just across as arrogant know-it-alls. Wilee appears earnest enough in the beginning, headstrong and determined; but by the end, he is just one of the dumb gearheads.  I mean his name rhymes with 'Wheelie', for God's sake.

The film moves along with a quick pace and there are two pretty exciting chase sequences early on starts giving hope to the rest, but then the film begins to think it's Pulp Fiction and we are transported to earlier that day, shown a 10 minute long scene which could have been significantly shorter, and then transported back, completely breaking the film's momentum.

The film is ambitious, which is good to see but it ultimately fails in creating an interesting flowing narrative.  Michael Shannon comes across as such a larger-than-life character, he starts becoming a villainous caricature. However, he plays 'the imposing bad guy' so well and he is one of my favourite screen presences so I'm just glad he's starring in more mainstream films.

Despite it's flaws, I'll give Premium Rush credit; this was the first time I had been excited by a bike chase.  And there are a lot of them.  Good hint for future directors; not as expensive as car chases, but still just as exhilarating.  It has encouraging moments but is let down all too often.  

But not by JGL.  

'Cause he's awesome.  

There, I said it.

Rating - 5/10

Until next time folks, thanks for reading!

If you enjoyed what you read and you'd like to be kept more up to date with my posts, I can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Dunn-Reviews and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeDunnReviews - if you want to help the site grow, give them a 'Like' or a 'Share'!

Chinese Whispers - Dredd 3D

Improvements Are Coming

So I have a few reviews that I have stored up on my iPhone's Notes app, so I thought I'd get them published and free up some space (as well as stop being a lazy reviewer). Consider this a DVD review if you want, it might be just a few years too late to be relavent...

Let me start by saying my expectations for Dredd were not high. The trailer looked cheesy as hell, plus I really wasn't a fan of the Sylvester Stallone film, Judge Dredd, that was released in the mid-90s.  

For one: he took off the mask, which Judge Dredd never does. 

Two: the perpetual engine of lowest-common-denominator Rob Schneider (derp-de-derp) was second billing. Might as well cast Adam Sandler or Martin Lawrence in drag.

And Three: he takes off the f##kin' helmet, man!

Adapted from the 2000 AD comic strip, Judge Dredd, Dredd takes place in a vast, dystopic metropolis called Mega-City One that lies in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.  Dredd is a Judge, essentially a police officer with the powers of judge, jury and executioner.  He and his rookie partner, Judge Anderson (Olivia Thirlby), are forced to bring order to a 200-storey high-rise block of flats and deal with its resident drug lord, Ma-Ma (Game of Thrones' Lena Headey).

I know, it sounds incredibly schlocky, cheeses and like a bad 80s exploitation film, right?  That is the film's strength, more than it's weakness.  Whereas most films would try and include some kind of hidden message or heartfelt sentiment somewhere in these exploitative 96 minutes, Dredd just delivers non-stop action from the start.  And it does it so well.

Written by Danny Boyle-collaborator, Alex Garland, who had previously penned screenplays such as 28 Days Later... and Never Let Me Go, the film's dialogue is realistic, the characters are relatable and yet the Die Hard-meets-Robocop situation is so incredibly over-the-top, but it all balances so well!

Karl Urban doesn't overdo the menace as the titular Dredd, like I had feared. He mostly has to turn his head, growl and then grimace, but he does it remarkably well.  Olivia Thirlby (the best friend in Juno) provides a decent supporting role, adequately annoying Dredd at occasions as well as utilising her convenient and unbelievable psychic powers.  The only disappointment is villainous drug lord Lena Headey who is all but wasted in the penthouse suite of the Peach Trees tower block.  With the raw emotion and sly wit she displays in Game of Thrones,  she could have been a female Hans Gruber, controlling villainous hordes from behind a desk of drugs and money.  Yet she is demoted to scowling and threatening nameless grunts with knives. Disappointing.

The film was originally offered to Duncan (son of Bowie) Jones, who I think would have made an amazing director but Pete Travis does a decent-enough job.  He delivers an interesting visual experience when the drug 'slo-mo' is utilised but there might have been a few slow motion scenes that could have been sacrificed.  Yet again, there is no need for the film to be made in 3D and it looks perfect in 2D, so no need to shill out for the 3D version at home.

This hyper-violent, self-satirical film may not be for everyone as the blood and over-the-top violence honestly took me by surprise.  However, it fitted the tone of the film so well, as well as gave a great re-introduction to the character of Dredd, with Stallone and Schneider nowhere to be seen.

My friend Tim is a big campaigner for the commission of a sequel to Dredd, which is getting more attention and gaining more steam every day. Since the film failed to recoup it's budget, it will probably be Kickstarted sooner than later, so I highly recommend you brush up on the original!

Rating - 8/10

Until next time folks, thanks for reading!

If you enjoyed what you read and you'd like to be kept more up to date with my posts, I can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Dunn-Reviews and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeDunnReviews - if you want to help the site grow, give them a 'Like' or a 'Share'!

Chinese Whispers - The Monuments Men

The Mediocre Men

Earlier this year, I was able to visit the Etihad Stadium to watch my beloved Manchester City take on Crystal Palace to hopefully gain three points to help fight for the Premier League title. They had strung an impressive record of home victories before them so confidence was high when facing Palace who were at the bottom of the table.  All these famous stars and power players in the City squad, forming such an impressive arsenal, but that day, they could only muster a measly 1-0 victory. It was disappointing to say the least.

The Monuments Men tells the story of a group of American art experts and appreciators who travelled to war-torn Europe during WWII to salvage priceless works of art that were being destroyed in the bombings of several European cities.  George Clooney directs and stars in this story based on real events, along with Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin and Cate Blanchett.

(Firstly, before I speak about the film, may I just describe the cinema in which I watched it?

As you may or may not know, I am currently travelling around Southeast Asia and I managed to see The Monuments Men with my girlfriend in a shopping mall's cinema in Patong, Thailand.  The two tickets I bought, along with a bottle of water and a HUGE cup of Coca-Cola cost me the equivalent of just under £5; an unexpected but very welcome total.

As we were ushered to our screen, we took our seats in the centre of a beautiful auditorium.  The standard confectionary adverts and schlocky horror-movie trailers were played for approximately ten minutes, before a presentation of adoration for the King of Thailand started. It was completely surreal. 

The opening music and placard was subtitled with the caption 'Please stand to honour our King'. We looked around, and all other cinemagoers, Thai and foreign, were standing, so we did similar too. A minute or so later, the tribute finished, we sat down and the film started. Surreal experience over.)

Back to the film.  There is no doubt that when you organise this amount of talent in a film, you're going to see some amazing acting, but the talent is wasted if it isn't arranged into an ensemble. Here is where we find The Monuments Men.  Individual performances are impressive, such as Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) and Jean Dujardin (The Artist) holding their own alongside veteran Hollywood performers, but the story is separated into several strands.

Bill Murray flies off to Belgium, John Goodman is sent to Northern France and Matt Damon tries to free the potentially helpful Cate Blanchett, arrested as part of the French Resistance in Paris. With the narrative so wide instead of being kept together, unfortunately the attention to each thread is not spread evenly.  The film is sold as a bit of a wartime comedy-caper or WWII Ocean's Eleven, but this is hardly the case.  Romantic subplots are hardly given basis, antagonism turns to friendship in the blink of an eye and most characters hardly experience any kind of character arc.

The film tries to show how we are all affected by war, even if your intention is to protect, rather than destroy.  Clooney tries to demonstrate this by highlighting certain deaths that occurred over the salvation of art pieces, but they end up not being that devastating, as the audience haven't got to know the characters that well to care.

Of course since the film is based on real events, poetic licence can only go so far and Clooney couldn't have changed the script to fit conventional film plot stereotypes but the resulting storyline fails to gather any momentum. The only exciting section comes towards the end, after the main mission finishes and nothing apart from a few minor altercations raise pulses throughout the film.

The Monuments Men is a 'nice' film and I hate using that word, but it is the only word I can think to describe it.  It's not awful, not by a long shot, but with such a cast and story, it fails to live up to the potential that lied before it.  In terms of George Clooney-directed films, it falls way behind Syriana or Good Night, and Good Luck.  

The Monuments Men fails to push any buttons or take any chances, in storyline or direction, but still manages to get the job done.  A tepid 1-0 victory, despite the odds being greatly in their favour.

Rating - 4/10

Until next time folks, thanks for reading!

If you enjoyed what you read and you'd like to be kept more up to date with my posts, I can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Dunn-Reviews and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeDunnReviews - if you want to help the site grow, give them a 'Like' or a 'Share'!