Quick Reviews #8

So here's some more quick reviews for you. This time, two very different films about relationships, one with someone who is terminally ill and the other with a couple who are immortal. Read on to find out what I thought of both The Fault In Our Stars and Only Lovers Left Alive.

The Fault In Our Stars

Based on the book of the same name (which I have not read yet), The Fault In Our Stars follows Hazel, a girl who is terminally ill and how her life is affected when she meets Gus, a happy and optimistic guy who wants to live life being remembered. When I first saw the trailer for this, I thought it would be yet another film about cancer that will have you crying by the end of it. And although this film will no doubt make the waterworks flow, it is a lot more moving and uplifting than the films that have come before it. It may start kind of cliched with the two star crossed lovers bumping into each other, but the film becomes something a lot more heartfelt and this is only helped along by the terrific chemistry between Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, who really allow you to care about the characters. It is difficult for me to give a complete review of this film because of the people in my cinema screening who thought it would be great to talk and answer the phones on loudspeaker throughout, so i wasn't fully invested in the film at all times! Even so, I was still able to care about these characters and their hard times, which are more than just the fact that one was ill and the other used to be. The film respected the fact that cancer wasn't the only interesting talking point about the characters, it was also about living life to the full and making others happy. You are beaten over the head a bit with the mood of each scene that always ended with some atmospheric song. I also feel it could have been cut down a bit as the ending did seem to drag on, but overall it was surprisingly a lot better then I thought it would be going in to it. It definitely deserves a second viewing where I can watch it in peace and give all my time and concentration, but for now I am rating the film a 3.5/5.

Only Lovers Left Alive 

Jim Jarmusch's latest follows two vampires living in present day Detroit as they go about their lives. This beautiful film creates a snapshot of the two lovers lives so elegantly and romanticly that it keeps you gripped within their world easily for the duration. Everything about this film is great, from the two leads, Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton, to the attention to detail on the set design and music choices. I was completely enthralled by this film and its dark romantic setting, the characters were so interesting and their lives captivating. The vampire mythos is intriguing and the complications and dilemmas that arrive in their lives is entertaining to watch being played out. I can't find anything bad to say about this film, its dark and moody, weird and wonderful, and another masterpiece by Jarmusch who proves that he has not lost his touch. Definitely one of the best films I have seen recently, and thankfully I saw it by myself and not with any rude cinema go'ers. The supporting cast are great, especially Mia Wasikowska's vampire, Ava, who's bubbly free natured personality creates a humorous breath of fresh air in the film. Just when you thought vampires were on the way out, Jim Jarmusch comes along and creates the best take on the genre yet. I saw one critic describe it as Before Sunset meets vampires and I could not agree more. I am rating Only Lovers Left Alive a 5/5.

What did you think of the films? Agree with my reviews or not? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

A Big Week For The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Wow, what a week it has been for The Amazing Spider-Man 2. A new costume and a new cast member who will be taking the form of Norman Osborn! As you guys know I'm a big Spider-Man fan blah blah blah... you've heard it all before. Got my hopes up a bit too much for the first film only to be let down, so this time round I have tried not to get too excited. However that is quite hard when the new suit looks like this!

Now compared to the first ASM this has changed quite drastically. And as the internet pointed out, it looks a lot like the suit from the Raimi films. I wouldn't mind this if it wasn't for the studios determination to make these films different from the original and so far not doing a great job at that. I however cannot stop looking at this! It look... well amazing. This is the suit I have been wanting from Spider-Man films since the start. Just look at those eyes, I like those the most. Hopefully our hero will leave his mask on long enough for us to get a good look at them in action this time. So most of all this looks like a good decision from ASM 2 so far. I do hope that the film gives a good explanation for this change in costume that looks more comic book style compared to the more realistic approach in the first film. I don't want them just to change him like this and give no reason why. 

We have also had the first set pics that show us Shailene Woodley as the new Mary Jane Watson next to the brilliant Andrew Garfield who looks like he has given Peter Parker some fashion sense, for better or worse. I for one am unsure about the obvious red and blue clothes situation. Yes we get it, he's Spider-Man.

Looks like we are going to get a more 'Ultimate Spider-Man' take on Mary Jane this time round, which I am happy with. Not many women look like MJ from the original comics, though apparently not everyone knows this as so far there has been a lot of negativity over Woodley being cast in the role. I for one look forward to her portrayal, she has hard work ahead after Emma Stone's incredible performance as Gwen Stacy. Looks like Spidey's love life is about to get a bit complicated. 

It has also just been confirmed that Chris Cooper is going to be playing Spider-Man's arch nemesis Norman Osborn. I doubt he will don the Green Goblin costume until the threequel, but I am pretty happy with this casting, however it may take some time to take him seriously after his turn as the villain in The Muppets. 

I'm just kidding, he is a solid actor and I am sure he will do a great job.

So that is yet another villain added to the cast that already sees Jamie Foxx as Electro and Paul Giamatti possibly as The Rhino. We also have Dane DeHann joining as Harry Osborn. Looks like Spidey is going to have his work cut out for him. I just hope that this is just a starting point for the Green Goblin and The Rhino as if not we could end up with another Spider-Man 3 on our hands and nobody wants that. Hopefully if the reports are true, director Marc Webb might be setting up a Spider-Man universe that could one day see The Sinister Six be brought to the big screen. Here is the official synopsis for the film:

“In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, for Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), life is busy,” begins the official blurb. “Between taking out the bad guys as Spider-Man and spending time with the person he loves, Gwen (Emma Stone), high school graduation can’t come quickly enough.

“Peter hasn’t forgotten about the promise he made to Gwen’s father to protect her by staying away - but that’s a promise he just can’t keep. Things will change for Peter when a new villain, Electro (Jamie Foxx), emerges, an old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, and Peter uncovers new clues about his past.”

I sure am hoping this film will be good and deserved of it's title. Though I'm guessing that could change any day now!

What do you guys think about all these updates on ASM 2? Are you looking forward to it?

Please comment below and thank you for reading!