Review: Project X

Project X is the story of 3 underdog high school seniors  who decide to throw a birthday party in a bid to be known. However, the party gets bigger than any of them ever expected and quickly chaos ensues.

This film is full of obscenities, crazy stunts and dumb fun that sometimes you had to look twice at. After watching this film I had nothing to say, it was just a crazy party with a blurred narrative, for me it just seemed like director Nima Nourizadeh just went crazy and wanted to create an outrageous film and weirdly enough it works. The fact that most of the film was shot handheld and through continuous filming by both cast on and off screen suits the film perfectly.

Although I was actually rendered a bit speechless I was thoroughly impressed with the soundtrack which worked hand in hand with Nourizadeh's outrageous vision. Featuring tracks such as Heads will roll (A-Trak remix) by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi. In total the soundtrack features 46 songs that all keep that party atmosphere going.

The official soundtrack alongside the camera work makes you feel like you're in this crazy party with its somewhat loveable main characters Thomas (Thomas Mann), Costa (Oliver Cooper) and JB (Jonathan Daniel Brown). The explicit soundtrack lifts the party scenes to a whole new level and at a deeper look replicates the themes hidden in amongst the energetic plot.

Project X takes a lot of risks and is sure to divide audiences. It could be read to have no moral compass and to promote alcoholism, drug culture and what lengths "underdogs" are supposed to go to to achieve a high school legacy. Personally, I feel like this film is just a crazy result of what would happen if The Hangover and Jackass got mixed with a lot of vodka in a blender, and I'm ok with that. This film has its niche and its controversy that even if you don't like this film you have to appreciate.

This film definitely doesn't make my favourite list and I'm not even convinced it makes my liked list but  if there is one thing I'm sure on is that the soundtrack is just as epic as the film intends to be. The remix versions of popular songs generate an undeniable party atmosphere and mirrors the plot perfectly.

Emma

DVD Review: Gone

Gone is a dramatic mystery thriller which follows Jill (Amanda Seyfried) who is convinced that her kidnapper from the past has returned and abducted her younger sister Molly (Emily Wickersham). The race is on for Jill as she sets out to find her kidnapper and save her sister despite every obstacle that is in her way.

Director Heitor Dhalia has stuck to traditional conventions of a thriller by using a well practiced combination of camera shots, soundtrack, editing and lighting. One of the most effective parts of the film for me were the jump cuts between past and present that develop the narrative as well as reinforcing the genre of the film. These sharps cuts are intensified by the grim lighting employed throughout the film. The dark tones effectively reflect the dark plot and themes that guide the story forward.

The film sets out to be fast paced and tense from the outset but for me is really driven by Seyfried's performance. While the techniques employed in this film are traditional of the thriller genre they're not exciting. For me, Gone relies way to much on well practiced conventions to create a mediocre film that heavily relies on its lead actress to make it work.

Gone is an easy enough film to watch but it doesn't challenge the genre it's trying to fit into and it doesn't deliver a memorable film for audiences. For me this film had a lot of potential, the back story was interesting but the plot just dragged along linked by some effective action scenes which ultimately just lead to another car which drives the plot from point A to B.

I am personally disappointed in this film. Genres and conventions have been established since the start of cinema and the great films of today are developing sub-genres, breaking conventions and even building new techniques and codes for identifying film genres. Although the ending had me glued to my screen it ended as quickly as it began and left me ultimately just wanting more.

This film just goes through the motions and offers no creative flare for its audience. On paper it ticks all the right boxes for editing, lighting, acting and the like but it doesn't excite. Perhaps I'm just expecting more or comparing it to other thrillers that I adore such as Se7en, but this film is simply average and just goes to show how relying on traditional genre conventions isn't enough in some cases. Unfortunately, for me personally Gone is one of these films you watch once and don't go back to again.

Emma

Review: Brave - A classic Disney film?

Brave is the latest Disney animated feature which brings the promise of a new Disney princess in main character Princess Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald).

Merida is a passionate archer and daughter of King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). Feeling trapped, Merida is determined to live her life the way she wants to, and when she runs into a mysterious old lady (voiced by Julie Walters) her wishes and actions have drastic consequences for everybody she loves.

The film is a beautifully animated feature which focuses on classic themes embedded in Disney film history: tradition, heritage, rebellion, family and destiny, all linked by a sense of morality. Although I appreciate the aesthetic of this film and enjoyed it immensely I felt like it was simply easy watching and highly predictable.

Now this isn't a bad thing, but haven't we seen this narrative before? The Disney princess narrative is long in its history and vast in its numbers and it's a winning formula but I'm not sure if Brave fits that mould. The Pixar influence has meant that this film isn't a classic Disney narrative that can be placed alongside the likes of Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella, but once again this isn't a bad thing.

Brave adapts and plays on this winning formula to create a strong lead character that will win over its audience just like Rapunzel did in Disney's Tangled. The establishment of a classic Disney hero, a princess, a donor and a villain alongside a journey of self discovery is a guaranteed hit with its audience. The narrative is filled with heart warming and funny moments that give it that classic Disney feel that emphasises its plot and themes. However at the same time the narrative pushes the family theme to the front and pushes the traditional romantic narrative at the fore front of so many Disney classics into the background.

Brave is definitely a film of 3 parts. Each act predictably develops the narrative and the characters and really drives the narrative forward. In parts its narrative is witty and charming and I adore the relationship between Merida and Queen Elinor. The aesthetic and the narrative present an exciting future for the Disney/Pixar collaboration which breaks away from the Disney princess classics and their narrative. Brave is a unique combination of classic and modern Disney which means in places the narrative is flawed but overall is refreshing and heart warming.

Emma

Review: The Hunger Games and Nationality.

The Hunger Games brings to life the best selling book series by Suzanne Collins and creates an intense survival film and arguably one of the best films of 2012.

The Hunger Games follows the story of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) who voluntarily takes part in the 74th annual Hunger Games in which 24 children from the districts of Panem fight to the death for everyone to see. The film is all-consuming and emotional right from the out set and all the elements of this film work perfectly in sync to deliver an overwhelming sensory experience.

One of the things The Hunger Games does perfectly is use contrasting landscapes and places to really bring out the underlining themes of poverty and unrest within and between the 12 districts and the Capitol. Within the opening sequences there is a stark contrast between the initial interview scene with its vivid, almost unnatural colours to the grim, monochromatic state of Katniss' district (district 12).

As well as building detailed and insightful sets The Hunger Games cleverly uses costumes to reinforce these differences. While the Capitol citizens dress extravagantly, and you could argue futuristically, the district citizens look like an army of greys and simplicity which intensifies the differences between these people. Although the districts and the capitol are supposed to be one entire nationality the way the film is shot as well as the costumes and settings, for me, places them as polar opposites and creating split nationalities and identities within the nation of Panem.

By perfecting all these aspects of the film from costume to set design I feel that director Gary Ross has been able to create a beautiful and striking visual that builds several layers to the narrative. The film is a beautiful example of how elements of a film when well done can highlight deeper meanings and themes, and what's great about this film is that it's true to the themes in the original book.

I think The Hunger Games is a thought provoking film and was everything I wanted and expected. The way the film puts a modern interpretation on the theme of national identity is both clever and creative. I love how this modern interpretation of a classic theme is both thought provoking and a key element to constructing the film that can't be ignored. The Hunger Games is a deep and powerful film that has set up strong themes, characters and a fantastic plot that's an unforgettable start to this film trilogy.

What district do you think you would belong to, or would you be a capitol citizen?

Emma 

Film Review: Drive

Hi guys! Long time no see! Sorry about my absence it's safe to say work and university have been keeping me very busy but I'm aiming to get back into a routine! I'm also working on a new exciting film project which I can't wait to share with you so keep your eyes peeled. 

Anywho onto today's review one of my favourite films of last year Drive!

Drive is a powerful, artistic film that presents an exciting future for the film industry. It highlights an intelligent mix of brilliant acting and camera work which blends perfectly with the films amazing soundtrack to deliver a modern cinematic masterpiece.

Drive follows the story of an unnamed mechanic, stunt driver and part time getaway driver who meets beautiful neighbour Irene (Mulligan), his life takes an unexpected turn however when Irene’s husband arrives on the scene. The question is how far is our driver willing to go to protect his world and how far will he have to drive to do so?

Director Nicolas Winding Refn has bought his signature style with him to this film with his clever choice of male lead Ryan Gosling. The entire film is a showcase of fresh talent mixed with a strong artistic vision that just works. Refn manages to achieve a perfect balance between heart thumping action and pure stripped down emotion that allows the characters to shine. To me this film establishes almost fairy-tale like characters and then flips it all on its head with extremely realistic displays of violence.

Refn has once again used a strong male lead just like he did in Bronson and Valhalla Rising to create a heart-pounding narrative you just can’t stop watching. Gosling steps up to the mark and perfectly portrays the mysterious male lead and delivers his best film performance to date, even in the first 5 minutes of the film. While Gosling shines as the lead each actor in this film from Albert Brooks to Carey Mulligan portray Refn’s artistic vision perfectly.

Every element of this film blend perfectly together and tick all the boxes of making a great film and has established himself as of the greatest directors of this film generation. He has drawn upon his previous films and made a film that has not only bought a fresh approach to the industry but and has also made his mark on the industry with his signature style.

To me, Refn’s signature style is an intense storyline that is only heightened by a brilliant choice of cinematography, soundtrack and actors. The way Refn builds all these elements into a powerful crescendo that ends with an adrenaline filled smack in the face that leaves you on the edge of your seat. Refn’s style is a modern interpretation of classic cinema that is very much welcome in popular cinema which I personally can’t get enough of.

I think it’s safe to say that Refn and Gosling have produced a winning combination which is sure to set the trail to another successful duo. Scorsese has DeNiro and now Refn has Gosling and I personally can’t wait to see what these two produce next! 

I can't rave about this film enough, what did you guys think about it? And before we start thinking about the best films this year, what was your favourite film of 2011?

Emma