Wednesday 27 February 2013

Song For Marion

Cast
Vanessa Redgrave
Terence Stamp
Gemma Arterton
Christopher Eccleston
Anne Reid
Screenwriter
Paul Andrew Williams
Director
Paul Andrew Williams
Running Time
93 minutes

His wife Marion's (Redgrave) fading health doing little for his bah-humbugging outlook on life, Arthur (Stamp) grouchily agrees to step in and help out on the local choir when she proves too ill to continue. But under the watchful eye of Gemma Arterton's choir coach a strange transformation takes place.[Empire]

Good performances with an emotional but slight story.

Wednesday 20 February 2013

The Secret Of Kells

Cast
Evan McGuire
Brendan Gleeson
Mick Lally
Christen Mooney
Screenwriter
Fabrice Ziolkowski
Directors
Tomm Moore
Nora Twomey
Running Time
79 minutes

Magic, fantasy, and Celtic mythology come together in a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes, in a sweeping story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times. Young Brendan lives in a remote medieval outpost under siege from barbarian raids. But a new life of adventure beckons when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying an ancient but unfinished book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears and venture into the enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling, a mysterious young wolf-girl, who helps him fulfill his dangerous quest. (GKIDS)

Beautiful to look at but the story is minimal.

Wednesday 13 February 2013

Wreck-It Ralph

Cast
John C. Reilly
Sarah Silverman
Jane Lynch
Alan Tudyk
Jack McBrayer
Screenwriter
Phil Johnston
Jennifer Lee
Director 
Rich Moore
Running Time
101 minutes

Ralph is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, the "good guy" star of their game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he's tired of playing the role of a bad guy. He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through every generation of video games to prove he's got what it takes to be a hero. On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun from the first-person action game Hero’s Duty. But it’s the feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade. Will Ralph realize his dream and save the day before it’s too late? (Walt Disney Pictures)

I enjoyed it a lot and it just seemed to get better as it went on. Really inventive script and visual design. Although the scenes in the arcade could have been live action which I think would have made them stand out more just by that novelty.

Wednesday 6 February 2013

Lincoln

Cast
Daniel Day-Lewis
Sally Field
Tommy Lee Jones
David Strathairn
James Spader
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Hal Holbrook
Screenwriter
Tony Kushner
Director
Steven Spielberg
Running Time
150 minutes

Lincoln is a revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come. (DreamWorks Pictures)

Good but kind of dry if that makes any sense. I guess you'd feel more involved if you were American, my mind wandered several times.