NUMBER 1 OF 2015 SO FAR - BIRDMAN: OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)

Birdman: Or (the unexpected virtue of ignorance) (2015)
Dir: Alejandro González Iñárritu

"Birdman" is a uniquely camera-angled film about fame, relationships, acting, ego, fear of self worth and a preview into the life of a celebrity in the 21^st Century. The film starts with the introduction of its main character Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton); a once top Hollywood action star who is now well into the winter of his fading career.

It is soon apparent that Riggan once played the lead role of "Birdman", a titular role that could be compared to popular fictional superheroes such as Spiderman or the Avengers franchise. It is also obvious that Keaton’s character feels he has had a type-casted career and the role of "Birdman" is more of a curse, which has obviously affected his relationship with his troubled daughter Sam (played by Emma Stone) and his connection with other characters.

Riggan is driven by one sole force, to break the shackles of being a ‘one note’ actor and rekindle his love for acting, which may result in him being happy at least for a little while. Unfortunately all this is blown out of the water when his daughter Sam rants on about the real reasons why Riggan is so obsessed with making the problematic play work. Riggan it seems is trying to find self worth throughout.

Birdman’s location is in an old Broadway theatre where Riggan is directing, writing and starring in the alcohol and ego filled play, “What we talk about when we talk about love”. The play’s production process is falling apart with one night till previews and Riggan is in need of a new lead actor. In steps evidently controversial choice Mike (Edward Norton). The relationships between both Keaton and Norton’s characters show the real pillar of strength and uniqueness behind "Birdman". The uniqueness comes from the film’s script that is interwoven meta of how the audience can relate to the film because the life of these characters is imitating art which is essentially imitating life.

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu makes the film seems like one whole shot throughout and although there are needed transitions between shots (as there are night and day scenes) it is so beautifully done that it draws the audience into the unfolding story. The revolutionary one shot technique is arguably the key to keeping the audience drawn in which coincidently breaks the proverbial fourth wall and helps present the film as being a metaphor for the new everyday problem in today’s computer age society, the fear of self worth.

Although "Birdman" should probably be described as an indie film, there are brilliantly placed ‘below-the-belt’ jokes and elements of humour throughout the film which one does not feel ashamed of laughing at because each joke is well balanced and congratulatory well intertwined with the intellectual theme of the film.

Riggan also abides by his alter-ego’s namesake Birdman. The voice of Birdman can be now and again heard speaking to Riggan in his head. The raspy voice challenges Riggan’s self worth, which gives the source to his twitchiness and why Riggan is constantly agitated. This voice also provides equilibrium to the situation by telling him he is still a superhero and is above everyone. Cue the scene where he allows his alter ego to figuratively and literally ‘take flight’. 

Appreciation to actor Zach Galifankis. He plays Riggan’s agent/manager/producer/lawyer who you constantly root for because he has obviously been dragged into this drama filled world of showbiz by Riggan and at times is the only one is trying to save the production. This is a break through role by Mr Galifankis who usually plays comedy roles, most notably as Alan in the Hangover movies.

Birdman is a very original piece that has set a new pedestal in film making both written and directed, which leaves the audience thinking that whether people are celebrities or 9 to 5 workers at a convenience store, in the end we are all human’s that are ruled by constant need to be significant in an ever growing and competitive society. 

 Superbly original - 8.3/ 10.

THE GREEN MILE (1999) THROWBACK THURSDAY

The Green Mile (1999)

Dir: Frank Darabont

It's hard to contemplate that "The Green Mile" was released in cinemas over 16 years ago. However, this is no surprise considering it is still one the greatest films ever made and for a film set in 1935, it is also ironically one that was ahead its time!

It was directed by Frank Darabont and is an on screen adaptation of the Stephen King novel with the same title. Interestingly, Darabont also directed the film The Shawshank Redemption, that was too adapted by another one of Stephen King's novels.

The film begins in modern day America, in a Louisiana care home for the elderly. The main character, Paul Edgecomb is sat with other elderly residents watching the 1935 film "Top Hat", when suddenly, he begins to cry. Paul is consoled by his friend, Elaine and he then tells a story of his younger days when he was a prison officer during the depression for death row inmates on a ward named 'The Green Mile' at Cold Mountain Penitentiary in 1935.

Unfortunately though, 1935 wasn't a great year for Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks). You soon find he is suffering with a painful bladder infection and although the majority of Edgecomb's fellow guards like him, are competent and humane, there is always one bad egg in the bunch. Cue Percy Wetmore (Doug Hutchinson). Percy is a sadistic and ill-tempered man who is also Edgecomb's physical infection on the ward. Unfortunately, Percy isn't going anywhere soon as his aunt is married to the governor of the state. After months of Edgecomb and his guards reasonably bullying Wetmore, they figure out the only way they will be rid of him is if he sees an inmate, "cook up close".

Soon though, John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan) enters the frame. Coffey (like the drink, only not spelt the same), a giant framed black man is the new death row inmate who will walk 'the mile'. He's accused of molesting and murdering two young white girls, but soon it is apparent that there is something not quite clear about Coffey. He is afraid of the dark for one thing and he confidently shakes Edgecomb's hand when he is put in his cell, like a man who has nothing to be ashamed of.

"The Green Mile" has two key themes such as forgiveness and the supernatural. In relation to forgiveness, Edgecomb soon becomes fond of Coffey and truly believes that the seemingly kind and simpleminded giant did not commit such a crime. Edgecomb soon investigates this theory by approaching Coffey's lawyer (Gary Sinise) who agrees with Coffey's mysterious past and that he "dropped out of the sky". Coffey though was found with the young girls dead in his arms and such evidence against a black man in 1930's Louisiana, well let's just say it's a surprise he was given a trial and wasn't hung right there right then.

John Coffey watches "Top Hat" in a 1935 cinema

The story centres around the relationship between Paul and his huge-in-frame prisoner Coffey. The supernatural theme of the film sets up this relationship because Coffey has the ability to heal. He decides to help Paul with his infection. Coffey is then seen for the remainder of the film as a misunderstood presence looming over all other characters. 

On further inspection, there is a few reasons why "The Green Mile" was such a successful film and still is today. Firstly, it's because of 'good casting'. Apart from Tom Hanks, all other actors in 1999 were arguably unknown entities, but their roles within the film are brilliantly played and I couldn't imagine any other actor doing a better job. Additionally notification should be applied to the other two main prisoners, the benign Delacroix (Michael Jeter) and his pet mouse, Mr Jingles (pictured below) and the provoking monster, Wharton (Sam Rockwell). Secondly, the film really depicts the harsh reality of working within an environment designed for death and although the majority of the film is one with a benevolent tone, one gruesome scene involving the death of a particular inmate via the electric chair really earns the films '18' rating.

The film is over 3 hours long, but the strong character presence of Tom Hank's Paul guides the audience through a story that develops its characters and reveals their true nature through either redemption, humour, pain or forgiveness.

A film that was made by patience as well as perfection of the photography, editing, great embodiment of acting and emotional music cues. 9.1/10.

BEST CINEMATIC MOMENTS BY DISNEY'S PIXAR

**SPOILER ALERT**

Pixar Animation studios, or simply, Pixar is a company owned by Disney. The critically acclaimed animation studio are set to unleash the widely anticipated "Inside Out" for UK release. Pixar are responsible for animation classics such as the "Toy Story" franchise, "Finding Nemo", "The Incredibles", "Wall-E" and many more! Since Toy Story's release in 1995, the Pixar film count is up to 14 releases of which the studio have received 12 Academy Awards, 6 Golden Globes and 11 Grammys.

So to celebrate another expected up and coming animated masterpiece, here are the top 5 moments of Pixar history...

#5
Finding Nemo (2003) - "Name's Bruce. It's alright. I understand. Why trust a shark, right?"

With Nemo lost in the vast oceans of the world, it is up to his dad, Marlin to find him no matter what. Even if he faces, a shark? In this scene Marlin and Dory meet Bruce. With his deep Australian voice and big sharp teeth, Bruce is an intimidating fellow. He invites Marlin and Dory to a "get together" with other sharks and at this point the audience thinks the two tiny comrades' adventure has ended before it has begun. However, it amusingly turns out that Marlin and Dory are not on the menu and have been invited to a vegetarian shark meeting. This scene also delivers one of the most iconic Pixar lines, "Fish are friends, not food!"

#4
Ratatouille (2007) - Anton Ego's review

After waiting years to taste the best that Paris has to offer, Anton Ego, a famous food and restaurant critic finally has a taste of heaven. He then asks to meet the chef that cooked up his divine dish, but Anton is told that he has to wait till all the other customers leave if he is to meet his redeeming chef. Anton replies, "So be it". After waiting years for the perfect food, Anton waits a few more hours to find that his dish was made by a rat! As they say in the film, 'the following day, his review appears'. A speech by Anton is then read to the viewer, which analyses his own position as a critic, challenging his own perspective on things that he once dismissed and the importance of the discovery of new talents from unexpected sources. The legendary Peter O'Toole provides the soft harmonic voice for Anton Ego in this magnificent speech that truly is inspirational and glows with the genius of Pixar's writers.

#3
Up! (2009) - The married life of Carl & Ellie  

In this scene from "Up" it shows the happy married years of Carl and Ellie and how they frolic freely with each other over and over. There is no voices used in the scene, only the up lifting and saddening background music that clearly illustrate the emotional roller coaster of the two. It shows the joy of being with each other over fruitful years including the planning of parenthood, only for it to be snatched away by complications. By only having music play and the protagonists only perform actions with no words, it truly shows the importance of cinema through the power of imagery. And as those countless memes say, "the 4 minute clip in Up is a better love story than 5 Twilight films".

#2 Toy Story 3 (2010) - The furnace 

Woody, Buzz and the gang are betrayed by Lotso the Bear and are left to face a fiery inferno. With no escape, the beloved toys struggle to contemplate their next move and seemingly accept their fate. The scene beautifully shows the acceptance of oblivion and how although terrifying, is a lot easier if you have your family and friends around you. It is a real shocking, tear jerking and edge of your seat moment that will take every Toy Story fan's last breath. Needless to say Pixar aren't cruel and wouldn't leave it there, especially for the 'wee ones' but for this one alone, I'm not going to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it... 

#1 Wall-E (2008) - Space ballet

Wall-E is about to be blown-to-smithereens, but at the last second escapes. EVE, thinks that Wall-E has met his end, but then out of nowhere, Wall-E flies past her using a fire extinguisher to propel himself away from the blast. EVE already has the ability to fly over ground and through space so cue the space dance. The scene is one of amazement because it really shows the imagination at full force by combining harmonious robots dancing and weaving in space together through momentum. The combination of imagination and the perfect score makes this scene by far one of the best scenes in animation history.  

If you've got a favourite Pixar moment or agree with the list, comment below... Give me your views.

THE VILLAGE (2004) THROWBACK THURSDAY

The Village (2004)

Dir: M. Night Shyamalan 

When The Village came out 11 years ago, I thought, "this looks pretty good" because I personally found other M. Night Shyamalan films to my taste. His films are always developed around a carefully prepared and eventual twist. Whether it's the underrated Signs (2002), the hugely successful Unbreakable (2000) and of course, The Sixth Sense (1999), all his films possess these standard-twist-like Shyamalan characteristics.

Upon The Village's release way back when, I distinctly remember people who had seen it only telling me of it's slow story and its failure to live up to Shyamalan's past successes. So I never got round to watching it. Only until recently did I finally sit down and take it in and to be honest, it did not disappoint.

A summary of the plot is that a small artful gothic village of no more than a hundred or so inhabitants are not allowed to enter the surrounding woods because violent creatures reside there. An apparent agreement was forged that the villagers stay out the woods and the creatures stay within.

As the film goes deeper, the viewer does have slight inklings of how the story will end, but these vague ideas are constantly dismissed because of its ridiculousness. When the ending's ever impending twist is revealed you do get a sense of resentfulness and a feeling of being cheated like so many told me back in 2004. But upon further analysis, this sense of 'vindictiveness' is probably because the viewer is spending the entire film trying to figure out its plot instead of sitting and enjoy "The Village's" unraveling factors of fear, security and distinction between rationality and superstition. 

"The Village" has an impressive cast too. William Hurt, Brendan Gleeson and Sigourney Weaver among others all star as the village elders who seem to have made the set of elaborate rules of keeping the forest dwellers and villagers separate. The three other main protagonists are Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody and Byrce Dallas Howard. This strong assembled cast really do act out wonderful and cleverly misleading performances in a somber soaked fairy tale. 

What's most refreshing about "The Village" is the director does care in-abundance of how the film looks and feels. There is no CGI or special effects to take the viewer away from the dank, dreary pre-industrialist surroundings.

A classically framed film with a suspenseful music score to match. I wish I'd have watched it sooner. 7.5/10.

JOHN CARTER (2012) - "A HOLLYWOOD TITANIC"

John Carter (of Mars) 12A
Dir: Andrew Stanton 

*Spoiler alert* 

John Carter is a big screen adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burrough's Barsoom (Mars) stories, which made its debut in 1912 in a magazine serial. The plot is basically about a Virginian civil war soldier who comes across a teleportation device in a cave, which coincidentally transports him to the planet Barsoom or Mars to avoid confusion.   

The film itself is one of the most expensive ever made costing a whopping $250 million. It holds a strong cast with the likes of Taylor Kitsch, Ciaran Hinds, Bryan Cranston and the aptly named Mark Strong. As well as being the most expensive films of all time, it is also infamously known as one of the biggest flops in cinema history.

The problems that would plague this historical-collapse-of-a-movie started right before its release when director, Andrew Stanton was quoted saying, "I made this film for me, I do not care about how much it cost". Another hit to the John Carter metaphorical ship was Disney's decision to name the film just "John Carter" and remove the "of Mars". This baffling verdict made no sense to fans of the Edgar Rice Burrough series, but was later explained by the producers to be a tactic so the film would relate to a 'wider audience and not just fans of science fiction', a decision that no doubt was later regretted. 

Since its release in 2012, John Carter has been ripped to shreds by film critiques and reviewers alike; particularly stating how its script was "dry" and "boring", its narration was "terribly weak", how the main action scenes were considered slow, the story line is "derivative" and honestly, that there is a lack of empathy and care towards the main characters. Basically that it is "boring, boring, boring and even more boring!" Even the commanding presence of substantial British actor, Mark Strong couldn't cease this snooze-fest from its proverbial doom.  

One save for the colossus boredom, soaked miss-hitting drivel that is John Carter was how it ended. It boldly links the events of the film as the inspiration for Burroughs series. The film's ending is John (Taylor Kitsch) being forcefully brought back to Earth where he begins a quest to search for a Thern who may hold a medallion/key that would allow him to return to Barsoom. After a few years searching for a Thern, John seems to die suddenly, but before his death, leaves clues for an assailant known as Burroughs. These clues give Burroughs access to open John's tomb. However, at the same time, Burroughs is being followed by a Thern who plans to kill him. Both Burroughs and the Thern discover that John's tomb is empty and then suddenly a gun shot is heard and the Thern drops dead after being shot by, you guessed it John Carter, who is actually alive and had to fake his death in order to obtain a medallion. He then asks Burroughs to watch over his tomb where he will remain in a coma-like state. John then whispers into the medallion and is transported back to Barsoom.

Although the ending is a very unique one - it is an isolated bit of genius within a crushingly disappointing film. The questions that arises most of all for those who feel this film is a waste of time, effort and money is; will Disney learn from this? And will they question future spending habits and decision making? Only time will tell...

TERMINATOR GENISYS REVIEW

Terminator Genisys (12A) 
Dir: Alan Taylor 

Terminator Genisys is the fifth installment of the Terminator franchise. However, according to T1 & 2 director, James Cameron, Genisys is the "rightful follow on" from his movies. So basically just forget all about the unnecessary Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) and the flop that is Terminator Salvation (2009), which unsuccessfully tried taking the franchise into another direction.

For any of those who do not know the story behind the Terminator, not to worry. The opening scene of Genisys gives a recap of the basic premise of how the war between humans and the unrestricted Skynet and its army of cybernetic soldiers began. The film then starts in 2029 with the fight against the machines at full pelt by the human resistance. This resistance is led by humanity's one and only saviour, John Connor (Jason Clarke) whose knowledge of how to defeat Skynet (on events that haven't occurred yet) were passed on by his mother, Sarah Connor. Confused? It's going to get more jumbled...

Skynet is on the verge of losing the war and decides to tactically 'rig the game'. The cybernetic powerhouse's next move is to send a T-800 Terminator to kill off the young, naive 'waitress' Sarah Connor in 1984, so that John Connor can never be born and thus the machines will win in the future. Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) is then sent back to 1984 to follow the T-800 and stop it from succeeding in its mission. Upon arriving though, Reese comes across a Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) that does not need saving and it turns out she has been cared for since the age of 9 by a Schwarzenegger Terminator/Guardian. The film does not give away the identity of the one responsible for sending "Arnie" back to save 9-year-old Connor, for reasons of 2029 Skynet finding out and stopping them.

This clever ploy then allows Emilia Clarke to make the iconic Sarah Connor role her own and opens up a set of new possibilities for the franchise. Unfortunately though, most of the time watching Terminator Genisys, I found myself constantly untangling the story line and wondering whether it's contradicting itself - safe to say it doesn't... I think. Another problem I had with Genisys is that it is a wonderfully made film that does not delve into its own ideology. Basically, Genisys is a super connectivity application that promises to make everything be made easier. Instead of trying to open up a 'fourth wall' and explore a cautionary commentary for the audience on how connectivity and our reliance on technology can cause vulnerability, the film is too distracted trying to make sense of its rebooted characters.

Essentially Terminator Genisys is a revisiting of the events of Terminator 1, but in an alternative world, which does work for anyone who are massive fans of the Terminator world. An example of this is the fact that the liquid-metal T-1000 (Korean actor Byung-hun Lee) shows up early and has a profile similar to original T-1000 Robert Patrick (Terminator 2, 1991).

To sum up, Terminator Genisys does have something the other films do not and that is modern humour. Sadly, that is about it! I do believe Genisys is genuinely a good film,  even after all the brain-melting new story line, but what it lacks is self containment, a characteristic James Cameron's original THE TERMINATOR possessed through tying up its story line neatly in a non-confusing way. If Genisys achieved this, even after going back and forth through the past, present, future and possible other futures, it would have been a big success in my eyes.

Although it ties up its story line eventually, there is a sense of the old saying, "this film probably wasn't needed".

Verdict: you just can't beat the originals. 6.3/10.  

TOP 7 ANIME FILMS

Japanese animation or 'Anime'/'Manga' are terms to represent animated productions that are either hand drawn or computer animations turned into film. Some of the greatest and award winning animation productions have come from Japan and have been so successful because of their vibrant, inventive and unique story lines, interesting characters and fantastic themes. There are over 430 mainstream animation studios within the industry including major name Studio Ghibli who produced the Hayao Miyazaki collection. Other well known companies are Production I.G., Madhouse and Tokyo Movie Shinsha, but to name a few!

A little bit on Hayao Miyazaki though; "Not a day goes by that I do not utilise the tools learned from studying Miyazaki's films" - John Lasseter, writer and director of "Toy Story 1 & 2" and "A Bug's Life". 

I personally love Anime/Manga films and have quite a collection. After finally watching Akira (1988) recently of which was mesmerising , I decided to create a list of the seven best Japanese animation films of all time (well my opinion anyway) ...

#7
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)

This production by Sunrise, Bones and Bandai Visual is a feature-length animation classic that derives from the Cowboy Bebop television cartoon series. The movie is set on Mars in 2071 and is about a group of bounty hunters who end up having to save Alba City, a vast area, which is rife with violence and crime.

The film starts with a terrorist truck explosion. Attracted by a huge reward for finding the one responsible, Cowboy Bebop's main character and former police officer, Spike along with his comrades decide to investigate.

The film's score is one of classic and jazz, which really creates a futuristic gangster feel to it and along with its coarse language and quick wit, it truly is one to watch. 7.4/10.

#6

Pom Poko (1994)

This is the first film on this list which is written by the genius Hayao Miyazaki and from the Studio Ghibli collection. Its plot is one of nature vs man in relation to man wanting to invade the way of life of the teddy-bear-raccoon-like creatures known as the Tanuki.

This characters are very soft and appealing for a family night in, but its message is clear of how modern day construction has affected the way of life for all animals through deforestation.

What distinguishes this from all other Studio Ghibli productions is its vast amount of humour and diverse character's attributes. The most enjoyable aspect of Pom Poko is it's a film that does not take itself too seriously, but it is still incredibly imaginative and splendorous to watch. 7.6/10.

#5

Metropolis (2001)

To start with, Metropolis is a visual masterpiece. Its setting is within a smoggy and mysterious city, which is overpopulated by humans and robots. Metropolis's incredible themes and music make it a captivating piece of cinematography that draws the viewer in immediately. 

As well as its incredible themes, its characters are strongly rounded by their distinctive features. The story itself is of Kenichi and his uncle Shunsaku Ban, who come across a young robot girl named Tima and it's their mission to help her discover where she came from. 

Metropolis gives a futuristic animated feel that can be compared to Ridley Scott's Blade Runner. What this film does right is it pays attention to the little details, an ingredient all Japanese Anime should do. 7.8/10. 

#4

Akira (1988)

Upon its production, Akira was the most expensive film ever made in Japan. It was, and arguably still is the most impressive. 

It is set in an explicitly violent post-war "Neo-Tokyo", which is under a military regime. Akira's main character Kaneda is the leader of a motorcycle gang, who race through the city jousting with other gangs and cyberpunks. The story really escalates when Kaneda's emotional friend, Tetsuo is captured by military personnel for experimental reasons. 

Akira's visual brilliance can be compared to Metropolis's because of the exceptional attention to detail that is paid to Neo-Tokyo. The bike scenes can be described as "Tron"-like, but be warned, Akira has some graphic and bloody showdowns throughout. 

The futuristic animation and imagination is second to none, considering this film was made in the 1980s. 8.1/10.   

#3

Princess Mononoke (1997)

Princess Mononoke is the first film on this list to be both directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki. When it was released in Japan, its box office success in 1997 was only outdone by "Titanic", which states this film's landmark feat as one of the true greats because of its phenomenal popularity then and now.

This spiritually wondrous film features gods, demons and much like "Pom Poko" concentrates its story on deforestation elements. The music score supplied by Joe Hisaishi gives Princess Mononoke a majestic grace, which allows the audience to feel as though they are transported to the film's vast spiritual forestry surrounding.

There is one particular scene where the main character, Prince Ashitaka walks through a forest opening and the ground below his feet begins to spring to life - a comparison to this can be seen in "Avatar (2009) where the ground glows as the Na'vi step or "connect" to Pandora.

The plot is of man vs beast, but one that is set in such a magical fashion and will remain timeless. 8.4/10.

#2

Ghost in the Shell (1995)

"The first truly adult animation film to reach levels of literary and visual excellence... An important visionary work" - James Cameron director of Terminator 1 & 2 and Aliens.

Ghost in the Shell is a manga feature set in a futuristic time where cyborgs and humans co-exist. However, this mixture of artificial beings and human beings has created a time when some who were once human have piece-by-piece become something mechanical. This transformation has happened to Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg, who is tackling cyberspace criminal activity through plugging herself into the 'data-sea'. 

The film's central theme is one that can be seen when the cyborgs and humans walk from place to place in the nameless city hypnotised by advertisements which raises the profound question, 'what separates the emotionless humans from the cyborgs?' A question that can be used to describe our own computer-aged 21st Century life... 8.8/10. 

#1

Spirited Away (2001)

Hayao Miyazaki's greatest masterpiece and Academy Award winning Spirited Away is rightfully at the number 1 spot and is still Japan's highest grossing animation feature.

The film's story centres around Chihiro, a young girl who, by accident, ends up in what seems to be an abandoned oriental theme park. As the evening light darkens, the theme park becomes a bathhouse for the gods and as Chirhiro gets separated from her parents she begins her journey. 

Spirited Away really shows Miyazaki's vision and understanding of the childhood mind and psychology, something that can only be compared to the genius of Walt Disney. The main theme is of separation, fear, independence and the discovery of identity, which all entwine with the stunning visual surroundings of the boiler room, bathhouses and the vast beautiful stretches of oceans and land.

The characters are simply amazing and come straight from the imagination of the Studio Ghibli production team. Spirited Away will leave the viewer feeling they have just been taken on a journey into another time and space filled with beauty, terror and wonder. 9.1/10.