Review: The Blind Side

Picture: (Alcon Entertainment)

The what side? That one with the Oscar? Yah, and it totally deserved it.

I actually had no idea what this film was about when I first put it on. The first time I saw the poster was when I uploaded it for my blog. I didnt know that it was about a "football" star, in fact, I got it confused with "The Hurt Locker" and thought it was a war movie.

Its the story of Michael Oher (Brits read: Misc. American Football Player,) and his transition from the gangsta lands to athletic hero via a very helpful and fantastically portrayed Leigh Anne Tuohy. Sandra Bullock really deserved the Oscar that she won for this part, it was entirely believeable and just great to watch, I have read reports that the part was originally destined for Julia Roberts, which I think would have been a mistake, Sandra Bullock knows how to give attitude, and thats what this role required.

The film is based on a true story, which makes it a much nicer and heart-warming experience all round, especially the closing credits with images of the real Oher and Tuohys spliced in. I would however question some of the points raised in the film, and their proximity to the truth may be questionable - but, movies, first and foremost have to make money, so I dont hold it against "The Blind Side."

A quiet hero, I doubt I would ever have watched The Blind Side had it Bullock not won the Oscar for her role, its inevitably laced with lots of All-American themes, but is touching nonetheless. I would find it surprising if the film had gathered as much steam over here in the UK if it wasnt for its mentions in the news.

A great movie to watch, but give it some attention - dont try and watch it whilst studying for exams, because, like me, you'll fail at the studying part.

4/5 Stars

Review: Iron Man 2

Iron Man 2 (Photo: Paramount Pictures)

A sequel to Iron Man?! Hells yeah.

Iron Man 2 is the sequel to the fantastic comic book adaption with method actor Robert Downey Junior. The film picks up where the first one left off, with Tony Stark now public with his role as IronMan. I really like the way the film dealt with a more "real" nature of the superhero world, almost like Kickass (also reviewed,) with governmental lawsuits and public reaction all very close to what I'd expect from the world today.

The film itself also dealt with some more of the emotional side of things, showing a side of Tony Stark perhaps not fully explored in the first movie. I think I liked this bit, I'm not actually sure, and I think it will be a bit "Marmite" when it comes to viewer reaction because whilst I like the way it was done, some purists may not agree that it fits in with the whole Iron Man/Tony Stark ethos.

I'll try to avoid giving away too much information, but lets just say that Samuel L. Jackson plays a very significant role in this whole movie, compared to his ten second skit at the end of the last one, I've read reports that his appearance in this film was contingent on more screen time, and this is almost obvious, I actually think that Nick Fury's increased screen time may have even been a negative, detracting from the whole Iron Man thing, and turning it into a prequel for "The Avengers".

The action scenes and explored tech for the film were at par, expected quality but nothing that really blew me away, still plenty of testosterone pumping, bullet whizzing, explosion filled action to please anyone though.

The film was a superb action flick all round, striking an excellent balance between humour, emotion and action. Definitely worth watching, whether you are a big fan of the whole superhero thing or not, but you should watch the first one before the second.

4.5/5 Stars

PS, Scarlett Johansson is HOT HOT HOT.

First Look: Inglourious Basterds

Inglourious Basterds (Picture: Universal Pictures)

Inglourious Basterds is the latest film from cult director Quentin Tarantino. It is about a Jewish-American group of soldiers who use Native American techniques to instil fear in their Nazi enemies.

Contrary to popular belief, the title is neither a typo, nor a measure to circumvent censors, it is merely Quentin Tarantino being himself.

This movie is highly anticipated and is said to meander away from Tarantino's usual blood soaked affair. Thats not to say that gore-lovers will be disappointed, but clever dialogue and sound plot is said to be the focus of this film.

As ever from Tarantino, expect to be laughing, flinching and slightly offended throughout the film as it opens this week!

Dominic

Review: G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra

G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra (Photo: Paramount Pictures)

With action films, you find that very few actually bring anything new to the table, and G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra is no exception.

Stephen Sommers of "The Mummy" fame directs this slow and tacky adventure. The acting is poor, the CGI even worse and the story is more like a prologue, rather than a movie in itself.

I do hope that this hasn't led Paramount to believe it can get away with a sequel.

G.I Joe is a film based on the U.S version of Action Man, about an elite unit of worldwide soldiers, who fight crime and evil nemeses. They embark round the world fighting a new, heavily armed enemy (Headed by Christopher Eccleston, who does pretty well,) and they all have a jolly good romp for just under two hours.

When making the film, Paramount identified its target audience, opened the film-makers guide to that page, and literally did everything on that page. With lots of explosions and technology that will appease most guys, this film is tenuously held together with some kind of plot, and of course, lets not forget Sienna Miller, who comes in leather.

Yum Yum. (Photo: Paramount Pictures)

So most 16-21 year old, straight males will get some sort of mediocre kick out of this movie, everyone else, avoid.

1 1/2 Stars.

Dominic

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