Starring Gemma Arterton as Alice Creed, Martin Compston (Doomsday (2008)) as Danny and Eddie Marsan (V for Vendetta (2005)) as Vic.

The Plot

Two men transform and fortify an English basement into a prison cell and kidnap a young woman, tying her to a bed and gagging her. The two men Vic and Danny have meticulous plans and strict protocol to make millions on the ransom for their hostage – Alice Creed, daughter of a rich businessman chosen by Vic and Danny as their passport into a better life. Terrified for her life, Alice is not about to let the captors have their way with her without a fight but as tension builds in the basement, the sexual and psychological ties between the captors and captive become more and more twisted and all three are brought close to breaking point with Vic and Danny’s foolproof plan descending into a desperate struggle for survival.

The Thoughts

I found this film thoroughly enjoyable which was a pleasant surprise since I am not usually easily impressed by homeland produce, and what with the budget cast and set – it could have been a major fail. However, the film was greatly saved by cutting edge performances by all three of the cast and a pretty superb plot that was unconventionally clever and maintained mystery throughout. J Blakeson’s slick directing ensured the film captured my undivided attention from the beginning, even though the beginning sequence was virtually dialogue-free for a good 10 minutes. I thoroughly enjoyed trying to guess what was going to happen next but then being surprised by the nifty twists right til the end.

The Film Buzz Rating: 7.5/10

UK Release Date: 30th April 2010

Director: J Blakeson

Writer’s: J Blakeson

Links: IMDB, Official Site

Martin Scorsese directs Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams and Emily Mortimer in an adaptation from Dennis Lehane’s Shutter Island novel.

The Plot

DiCaprio takes on the role of U.S Marshall Teddy Daniels along with his partner Chuck. The two of them are sent to Shutter Islands Ashecliffe Hospital to investigate the disappearance of one of the patients played by Emily Mortimer.
After a somewhat rocky start the two of them then begin to unearth what seems like a twisted plot to experiment on the patients of the institute.
Teddy actually pushes to be placed on the Shutter Island case for his own reasons and it soon becomes apparent that these secrets and plots go a lot deeper than initially thought with Teddy finding himself drawn deeper into the Shutter Island world.

Shutter Island

The Thoughts

Shutter Island is most definitely watchable with DiCaprio and Kingsley delivering charming performances, but I feel Scorsese tries far too hard to keep us in suspense throughout the whole 138 minutes which tended to drag past the hour and a half mark.

Shutter Island aims to get inside the head with somewhat disturbing scenes that had a profoundly frightening effect on me afterwards upon which I found myself asking how humans could be so cruel? So don’t see this if you don’t like seeing nasty images.
This isn’t your average run-of-the-mill predictable thriller. Sure there are some expected scenes and the smartest of us will probably be able to figure out what’s going on before they spell it out for us all, but overall it’s a clever story.

All the secrets and twists become clear by the end of the film, with the ending open to different interpretations which may lead to some confusion, still a worthwhile trip if you don’t mind leaving feeling almost unsatisfied if you need a definite ending to your films. This is a film you can only see once to get the full impact, think along the lines of A Beautiful Mind. but it’s a film that made an impression on me but not entirely memorable or a film I would want to see again anytime soon.

The Film Buzz Rating: 6/10

UK Release Date: 12th March 2010

Director: Martin Scorsese

Writer’s: Dennis Lehane (novel), Laeta Kalogridis (screenplay)

Links: IMDB, Official Site

The Plot

Investigative reporter Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) loses a libel case accused by industrialist Hans-Erik Wennerström (Stefen Suak). Receiving a chance to recover his reputation and magazine, Blomvkist agrees to work for Henrik Vanger (Sven-Bertil Taube), an elderly entrepreneur with a twisted family history.

Claiming to be writing Vanger’s autobiography, the troubled journalist envelopes himself in the inexplicable case of his missing great-niece, of whom Vanger had presumed for dead forty years. Along the track, Blomvkist inadvertently encounters Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace), a gifted hacker with exceptional investigative skills and an enigmatic, sinister background. As the unusual pair persist with the family mystery, they discover disturbing secrets both in and out of the case.

The Thoughts

This was a film for which I had little precognition for, thus its expectations were hazy. Being one of the very few cinematic adaptations for which I had not read the book, I anticipated a worthy watch. It turned out that ‘worthy’ was an understatement.

The pace of the film is fairly slow; a feature that I was initially unsettled with, nevertheless as the plot heightened I was grateful that the audience was given a ‘between-the-blinds’ perspective that effectively aided the suspense. Michael Blomvkist, played by Michael Nyqvist, was portrayed as charismatic, persistent and subtly heroic – something that did not change throughout the film – but it was Noomi Rapace’s incredible performance of the intriguing Lisbeth Salander that had indeed left me speechless.

With her punk-gothic style and an equally bold, edgy personality, Salander proved to be a strangely seductive character; one that I was instantly captivated by. The description “bad-ass” simply would not do her justice; she may in fact be a third generation, computer-hacking femme fatale - the shaved head, heavily pierced, spike-clad type, with a remarkable tattoo of a dragon behind her masculine, washboard front.

The film, although is a classic ‘whodunit’ for the majority, skilfully weaves a sick, perverse foundation with disturbing scenes of abuse which may not be for the faint-hearted. Admittedly, such a dark cinematic opportunity would have been exaggerated and disappointingly predictable had it been captured by the Holy Hands of Hollywood, hence watching this Swedish thriller reminded me of my admiration for foreign films.

The director Niels Arden Oplev cunningly introduces the different personas peek-by-peek and gives enough time – a whole 152 minutes – for the audience to absorb each scene before revealing another head-scratcher.

I found myself empathising with both of the central characters, each in a different way, but as mysteriously misconstrued Salander comes across, she and her dragon tattoo transmit a “Comfortably Numb” sensation that penetrates right through the skin.

The Film Buzz Review Rating: 8/10

UK Cinema Release Date: 12 March 2010

Director: Niels Arden Oplev

Writer: Nikolaj Arcel (screenplay), Rasmus Heisterberg (screenplay)

Links: IMDB, Official Site

A film that I was hoping would be pretty good scare but fell flat on it’s face for me… however after checking out IMDb’s ratings… I’m not so sure everyone is going to agree with me.

Starring Timothy Olyphant and Radha Mitchell as husband and wife, Joe Anderson, Danielle Panabaker and Christie Lynn Smith as their friends/colleagues.

The Plot

A reinvention loosely based on the 1973 George Romero classic of the same name, this film is about the inhabitants of the downtown area of Ogden Marsh, Iowa. The film starts off with normality but after a mysterious toxin contaminates their water supply, one by one the inhabitants become plagued by insanity. Contractors of the plague suffer from aggressive behaviour, bleeding noses and generally act like violent psychopaths. David and Judy Dutton – the town sheriff and the town’s only doctor must flee the town before the military catch and exterminate them all.

The Thoughts

Much to my disappointment, this film flat-lined for me. I did not find it the least bit scary, I maybe managed half a jump throughout the whole film. Key details were missing and the plot was under-explained making the plague unconvincing and bland. The suspense/scary scenes are so predictable, it was just impossible for me to be remotely shaken – and I’m not usually a balls-y person (unless of course Paranormal Activity (2009) made me immune to horror films) so correct me if I’m wrong but this was a lame attempt at thriller/horror ?

This film reminds me much of Carriers (2009) which also had shining potential but made a complete buttock of itself.

Anyone else feel the same way?

The Film Buzz Review Rating: 5/10

UK Cinema Release Date: 26 February 2010

Director: Breck Eisner

Writer: Scott Kosar (screenplay), Ray Wright (screenplay)

Links: IMDB, Official Site

So here’s the latest trailer for Eclipse, check it out below.

Did you enjoy that? I’m sure you did.

Eclipse is the continuing story of teenager Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and her vampire lover Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). This time pesky Victoria has come back to avenge her lover James who was killed by Edward back in the first Twilight story. Bella also has the added problem of having to choose between Edward and her hunk of a werewolf best friend Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner),  who is incidentally crazily in love with Bella (we expect somewhat raunchy scenes between Jacob and Bella, if it’s anything not like the book).

Twilight Saga Eclipse

Now as an individual who has read these books, I found the relationship between Bella and Edward quite intense, but in these movies there is zilch chemistry between Pattinson and Stewart. The  two of them make me cringe when watching them force out these cries of devotion to one another, and Pattinson looks like he needs to take some stool softener half the time (dude, just show a little emotion please). I really don’t want to beat this movie down because I did enjoy the books, but I just wish they could change their leading stars or at least give them some acting lessons. We expect another teenage-hormone-infested movie that will delight you Twilight fans but may leave the rest of us wanting a little more substance. Eclipse goes on general release from the 30th of June but us Brits can expect to see this from the 9th of July.

Eclipse

On other Twilight news, it’s been reported that the fourth and last instalment of the Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn may be split into two movies. Now I’m betting there are a few people who want to see this happen, but I’m also sure there are many like myself think that this may not be such a good idea. If you’ve read the fourth book you’ll know it’s kinda chunky but in all honesty – not a lot happens. I don’t think they have enough material to split the story it into two films but this may be a way to get just a little bit more from Twilight before it goes away.

Do you think Breaking Dawn be split into two movies?

The Film Buzz Anticipation Rating: 6/10

UK Release Date: 9th July 2010

Director: David Slade

Writer’s: Stephenie Meyer, Melissa Rosenberg

Links: IMDB, Official Site

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You’ve got a very important date.

The most hugely anticipated film of this year yet – Walt Disney Pictures and visionary director Tim Burton brings you the epic 3D fantasy adventure of one of  the most beloved stories of all time with a magical and imaginative twist.

With Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska as 19 year-old Alice as she returns to the quirky, whimsical world she visited as a child to reunite with her old friends: The White Rabbit, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar and the Cheshire Cat. As the fantastical journey unfolds, Alice must find her true destiny and end the Red Queens reign of terror.

Cast includes: Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover, Matt Lucas and Stephen Fry.

You’d be mad as a hatter if you didn’t catch this film as soon as it’s released.

Certificate: PG

Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy/Family

Release Date: 5 March 2010

Case 39 (2010)

Some cases should never be opened.

Case 39 starring Renée Zellweger as an idealistic social worker who tries to rescue an abused 10-year-old girl from her parents only to discover that the girl is not as innocent as she thinks…

Directed by Christian Alvart, this horror/thriller also stars Jodelle Ferland, Ian McShane and Kerry O’Malley.

See it if you liked: Orphan, The Haunting in Connecticut

Certificate: 15

Genre: Horror/Thriller

Release Date: 5 March 2010

Legion (2010)

When the last angel falls, the fight for mankind begins.

A super-natural action thriller with an apocalypse theme of epic proportions – when God loses faith in mankind, he sends a legion of angels to bring on the apocalypse. The survival of humanity lies in the hands of a group of strangers stranded in a desert diner and the Archangel Michael (Paul Bettany).

Directed by Scott Stewart and featuring a cast of Lucas Black, Tyrese Gibson, Adrianne Palicki and Charles S. Dutton.

Certificate: 15

Genre: Action/Thriller

Release Date: 5 March 2010

Set in the near future where artificial organs are bought on credit – a man who has purchased an artificial heart is struggling to make payments for it. A very slick system is in place to chase down those who do not pay in full for their artificial organs, so he must go on the run before his heart gets repossessed.

Originally called ‘Repossession Mambo’, Repo-men is a heavy and gritty action flick, with the action whipping by you can scarcely catch up. Filled with plenty of nail-biting sequences, and bloody scenes with bodily parts being re-possessed, this isn’t for the faint-hearted. Enjoy excellent performances by all the cast and is that isn’t enough – they’ve thrown in a small treat: a little feast for the eyes a.k.a. an extremely well-buffed Jude Law getting his muscles out for this action hero role.

Stay tuned for Repo-Men hitting cinemas in March 2010.

The Film Buzz Anticipation Rating: 6.5/10

UK Release Date: March 19th 2010

Director: Miguel Sapochnik

Writer: Eric Garcia, Garrett Lerner(screenplay),

Links: IMDB, Official Site

Julianne Moore stars as Catherine alongisde Liam Neeson who plays David as the “perfectly married couple” with a teenage son but when David misses a flight and his surprise birthday party – Catherine starts to suspect that there is more than meets the eye. Her imagination runs wild with thoughts of David cheating on her and she decides to hire an escort to test his loyalty. Catherine employs attractive young Chloe and directs her encounters with David and Chloe reports back exactly what goes down in those encounters. However, as the meetings multiply, descriptions get more graphic and things start to get very out of control…

Directed by Atom Egoyan who previously brought us Where the Truth Lies (2005), you are fore-warned that the sexual scenes are going to be of graphic nature, however fear not, it’s not trashy porn material – we are reassured that the eroticism is tastefully done.

If that doesn’t persuade you to see this erotic thriller – Julianne Moore gives a truly excellent performance whilst Amanda Seyfried is absolutely stunning as the steamy “seductress” – 100 times better than her performance in Jennifer’s Body.

The Film Buzz Anticipation Rating: 7/10

UK Release Date: March 26th 2010

Director: Atom Egoyan

Writer: Erin Cressida Wilson (screenplay), Anne Fontaine

Links: IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes

The Road is yet another apocalyptic tale from the never-ending flow of miserable stories/previews of our world “as we know it” ending. Differing from 2012 and Knowing, The Road is a dark, chilling drama/thriller that is gritty and depressing rather than a colourful, action-packed adventure, and is actually based on the book of the same name by Cormac McCarthy.

The Plot

Fans of the book will be pleased to know that the film plot sticks very closely to the book’s – a nameless father and son are among the last remaining survivors on Earth after an unexplained tragedy and as the pair head south, they encounter many problems including man-eating cannibals. Nice. The plot is minimal and doesn’t overload you with technicalities, rather it examines the relationship between a man and his son, and their struggle for sheer survival.

Starring critically-acclaimed Viggo Mortensen (Lord of the Rings series) as nameless man and Kodi Smit-McPhee as the boy, both of which are nominated for numerous acting awards. The film itself is being vigorously nominated for best cinematography, screenplay etc.

The Thoughts

This film is definitely depressing, dark, bleak and weary. Do not watch if you are already suffering from depression, however mild. Because I found this film extremely depressing and not in an entertaining/worthwhile way. Not that depression should ever be entertaining or worthwhile, but it wasn’t something I felt I needed to go through. I’ll admit the acting was exceptional and the relationship between man and son is touching but that wasn’t enough to hold my interest – particularly as my brain felt like it was going through a strainer the whole time – ouch. The landscapes photography was impressive though, and if anything this film has done a great job in capturing McCarthy’s vision of a cold and bone-chilling Earth.

However miserable it makes you feel, The Road will still leave it’s mark in reminding us what we’re in store for if we abuse Mother Earth any more, like many apocalyptic films preceding it.

The Film Buzz Review Rating: 5/10

UK Release Date: January 8th 2010

Director: John Hillcoat

Writer: Cormac McCarthy(novel), Joe Penhall (adaptation)

Links: IMDB, Official Site, Rotten Tomatoes

Inception is being plugged as a sci-fi mystery set within the mind and stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a man named Cobb, who ends up getting involved in a blackmail scandal. This film certainly has an Equilibrium feel to it – another Chris Nolan film incidentally, but then again Equilibrium just tried too hard to be The Matrix. Either way looks like we’re going to see some mind bending stuff.  DiCaprio is joined by Marion Cotillard (Nine), Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later), Ken Watanabe (Batman Begins), Ellen Page (Juno) and the legendary Michael Caine (Harry Brown) makes an appearance.

Inception Film Poster

Filming for Inception has taken them all over the world, with scenes being shot in our very own London at UCL, as well as Tokyo, Paris and Los Angeles.  All very mysterious at the moment but this one looks like it’s going to be another good one from Nolan; we do enjoy his work, more details as we get them.

The Film Buzz Anticipation Rating: 7/10

UK Release Date: Friday 13th August 2010

Director: Christopher Nolan

Writer: Christopher Nolan

Links: IMDB, Official Site

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