The Lincoln Lawyer

Welcome back Matthew McConaughey! How nice to see this fine actor in something other than a romcom. With his good looks and swagger, he's just so lazy at picking his roles. By my calculations it's been around fifteen years since he's been in something that showcases his talents (other than his sex appeal and pecs). Unless you count 'Two for the Money' with Al Pacino, which was a good film, but it bombed. In my 'Limitless' blog, I mentioned that some actors don't really have that certain something to carry a film, well this one does, in bucket loads. Like him or loathe him, the man got charisma. Anyway, on to the movie. Mick Haller (McConaughey) is a borderline alcoholic lawyer, who after losing his licence hires a driver and works from his car, a lincoln, so he's the lincoln lawyer, get it?. He is hired to defend a rich young man Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillipe) who has been accused of brutally assaulting a young woman. Roulet categorically denies his guilt and Haller has to piece together the events of the night in question. He is ably assisted by his old friend Frank (William H Macy) and regularly 'bumps into' his ex-wife Maggie (Marisa Tomei) who herself works for the Justice Dept and is the mother of his daughter. During the investigation Mick has to uncover whether the victim is trying extort money from his client, or could the case be linked to an old client of his? It's a great cast. All of the actors do a stellar job. Ryan Phillipe is excellent as the petulant spoilt man child who is evidently used to getting his own way. William H Macy is as solid and likeable as ever and it's really good to see Marisa Tomei again, especially in an intelligent role rather than the usual kooky dames she plays. In the mix as well are Josh Lucas (a McConaughey lookey likey), John Leguizamo, Frances Fisher, Bryan Cranston, Michael Pina and Bob Gunton. The story is twisty turny enough to keep you interested, and it's an enjoyable, imaginative if forgettable film. THE LINCOLN LAWYER: I couldn't possibly testify until I ascertained how comfy the back seat is, your Honour.7/10.

Never Let Me Go

This film is set in a world which appears to be the same as England in the '70s, '80s and '90s. We know it's not because at the beginning there is a prologue which explains that there has been huge leaps in modern science meaning that people can live for a lot longer than before. We meet our three main characters when they are young and in an eery boarding school. More reminiscent of the 1930s than more modern times. Kathy (Carey Mulligan) and Ruth (Keira Knightley) form a friendship with the volatile Tommy (Andrew Garfield), for Ruth, this turns into more than a friendship, but it's Kathy that really loves Tommy and over the years she finds it increasingly hard to cope with those feelings of love. All the children in the school are counted in and counted out by electronic wristbands, and there is something sinister the teachers are hiding. The truth comes to light and it's then that the young people's lives change, when they are too old for school they go on to 'the cottages' to live until their vital organs are needed and they go on to donate. Kathy decides to become a carer, which will prolong her life by a few short years. The friends lose touch, but connect later on when time has ravaged their young bodies. Tommy and Kathy reconnect and try to find a way to spend the precious little time they have together. I'm not giving anything away as this is all revealed very early on in the film. There films scenes and settings are very ordinary, which makes it all the more creepy. Keira Knightley is the standout as Ruth. Ruth is passionate and impetuous. You initially feel that she is incredibly selfish, but of course, she's just trying to survive, and you forgive her because she is so lost and so brave. Carey Mulligan, whilst a good actress, doesn't really suit this role. She reminds me of someone's Nan in this, a little bit frumpy and I never really believe that she loves Tommy that much, it's all a bit half hearted and unemotional. Andrew Garfield is again, a good actor, but whilst Tommy is supposed to be an innocent, he just comes across as a bit of a half wit really. The premise is excellent, it's a really great idea and the story in itself is unusual and touching. I don't think it matters at all that noone tried to escape from the situation, not everyone does try and where would they go anyway? It's more the casting choice I think, it just was a bit soul less and you didn't really care, because you felt the main characters didn't care that much. Which is a real pity, because I love a good cry. NEVER LET ME GO: More a case of, don't let me go, well, ok if you want to then you can, I'm not really that worried. 6.5/10

Swoon, I'll catch you

One of the things I love most about the movies is that it enables you to escape into another world. This blog is inspired by my darling sister, who, for my birthday did a post about our shared love of certain actors. Here, I am posting some of my alltime most romantic leading man roles. The criteria? Call me shallow, but looks of course, personality and the lengths they will go to for the woman they love. They are good, but not too good. Sex appeal is an obvious must. Invariably they are handsome, dependable, smart and fun. They may not be to everyone's tastes, but here are the men that have made my movie life all the more meaningful. In no particular order, apart from the last two, for they will forever be my number one. I hope that you enjoy it, there are lots to get through, so let's get on. Here's looking at you, Ray...

ROMEO Leonardo DiCaprio Romeo and Juliet

Youthful, beautiful and willing to die for his girl. Heartbreaking words, wonderful adaptation, Oh Romeo, did my heart love till now? Foreswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night

COUNT LASZLO DE ALMASY Ralph Fiennes The English Patient

Dying from his injuries the mysterious Count is haunted by his love for Katherine. As he recounts his tale, we are drawn into their world, for the bath scene and the back of his neck, he will be forever remembered.

GEORGES FAURE Gerard Depardieu Green Card

Willing to do anything to live in America, composer George marries citizen Bronte. At first he appears oafish, but his gallic charm wins us all over. He cooks, he plays piano, he's earthy and has a French accent, I DO!

SAM BALDWIN Tom Hanks Sleepless in Seattle

Overrated as a romantic film, the character of Sam is faultless. He's fun,dependable, you just know he smells good, a great Dad, a Widower who misses his wife but is willing to move on, this all American boy's appeal is universal. Shall We?

CHRISTIAN Ewan McGregor Moulin Rouge

A romantic poet falls for the concubine Satine. In Baz Lurhmann's divine assault on the senses, anything goes. He sings, he dances, he loves, you can tell every body this is his song. His smile could light up Paris, he surely can can can.

JOHN BOOK Harrison Ford Witness

The cop who goes deep undercover in the Amish community to investigate a murder. He's moody, he's dependable and there's a dry humour lurking just below the surface. Good with his hands he can build a mean barn, he gets in for the Sam Cooke scene and the mind blowingly tense early morning union. What a wonderful world it would be....

ROBERT KINCAID Clint Eastwood The Bridges of Madison County

Robert Kincaid breezes in to photograph some bridges, and turns his life, and Franscesca's upside down. Who knew Clint could be so damn romantic? Awakening parts of Franscesca that she never knew existed, they share an unbearably romantic few days together. The final scenes never fail to break my heart, he is deep, he's a talented photographer, he's a free spirit, and he loves her until the day he dies.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Joseph Fiennes Shakespeare in Love

One of the greatest romances ever. The relationship between Will and Viola is fun, earthy, sexy and real. He loves her enough to let her go, but not before immortalising her in one of the saddest endings ever. For he shall be a hero for all time...

CAPT ETIENNE NAVARRE Rutger Hauer Ladyhawke

Well before Twilight, Isabeau and Navarre were star crossed lovers, having been put under an evil spell by a jealous rival. He's a wolf by night, she's a hawk by day, bound to each other, they roam the land trying to find a way to break the spell. He's handsome and fearless, driven by the love of a woman he can only remember in his dreams. Magical.

MR DARCY Matthew MacFadyen Pride and Prejudice

Sorry Col, but Matthew's my Mr. Darcy. Proud, rich and moody, we see glimmers of the humour and sensitivity behind the facade. Even though she is not in the same social class, he is devoted to Elizabeth, but is bound by etiquette and stubborness. When he finally does succumb, the image of him storming across the misty English field to claim his love will set your heart aflutter. I love, I love, I love you.

TOM LEFROY James McAvoy Becoming Jane

Oozing testosterone and cockiness, Tom sweeps into Jane's life and claims her heart. Beneath this sexy exterior, there lies the heart of a true romantic, devoted to Jane but confined to the expectations of the age. The raw energy and fun of the cricket match captures us, but it's the ball scene that makes us gasp, those who've seen it will know. Heartbreaking, beautiful, Tom Lefroy, inspiring Jane's Mr Darcy.

CK DEXTER HAVEN Cary Grant The Philadephia Story

Handsome, rich, sexy, suave and full of fun. Tracey's first husband is determined to stop her second marriage. Not by force, but just by being there to show her what she's missing. He just wants her to be a woman, naturally. Who could want more from her leading man than that?

ELIOT NESS Kevin Costner The Untouchables

The pure face of an angel. The ethics and morals of a saint. Defiant against the mob, he stands for justice. The only thing that scares him is that his beloved wife and children may be in danger. Looks great in Armani and has put the butterfly kiss in our bedtime routine with my children. Makes you feel safe and leaves you wishing he would offer to brush your hair.

MACON LEARY William Hurt The Accidental Tourist

Achingly sad from the loss of his son, Macon is desperately trying to stay in the Leary groove he has carved himself. When his overbearing wife leaves him, he meets the eccentric Muriel and his world is changed, reluctantly at first, forever. Oh how I wish I was on the receiving end of the look he gives Muriel from the taxi at the end.

RHETT BUTLER Clark Gable Gone with the Wind

Charming and roguish Rhett, irrestistable to all woman, except the one he loves. Full of fun and wit, what on earth was she thinking of? Ashley doesn't even come close. Coming to her senses way too late, frankly my dear, she should have given a damn.

MICHAEL DORSEY Dustin Hoffman Tootsie

Played with an irresistable combination of humour and intensity, Michael will do anything for his art, even switch genders. When he becomes a hit as a woman, he struggles with how to reveal his true identity without crushing the woman he loves. Sexy with a great sense of style, the ending is ridiculously romantic. When he tells Julie he was a better man with her as a woman and he has to learn to do it without the dress, what woman in their right mind wouldn't forgive him?

ALADDIN Scott Wiengar (voice) Aladdin

A diamond in the rough with a monkey as his best friend. This boy falls for a Princess and enlists the help of a genie to make it happen. He takes her on a carpet ride, shows her a whole new world and true love prevails. Do you trust him? Certainly, just don't you dare close your eyes.

WILL HUNTING Matt Damon Good Will Hunting

Fiercely intelligent and loyal, Will struggles with his feelings for Skylar and to overcome the horrors of the past. His journey is flawed, but he gets there with humour and wit. When he smiles, oh how I love them apples. Wouldn't mind an afternoon delight, or any time of day for that matter.

JACK BAKER Jeff Bridges The Fabulous Baker Boys

Moody, talented and troubled. Jack Baker is a piano playing womaniser. He denies his love for Susie, the sexual chemistry is tense from the start. Famous for it's piano writhing scene, Jack brings out the smoulder in Susie. Beneath this gruffness is a sexually charged sensitive soul who loves his dog, irresistable.

And so to the last two......

JACK DAWSON Leonardo DiCaprio Titanic

Free spirit Jack wins a pass on Titanic. There he saves Rose from herself and so begins a love story so sweet, it broke box office records. Many people have slated this film since, a case of sour grapes methinks. For me, Jack is the ultimate romantic lead. Handsome, comfortable in his own skin, charms people below and above the decks of all ages. He is talented, fun and defies class. Above all, he's brave and good, and sacrifises himself for his true love. Even with death on his shoulder, he thinks of Rose and makes her promise to have a full and happy life. Jack, my heart will go on. Just knowing that you would be there at the top of the stairs waiting patiently would have got me through just about anything. Here's to making it count.

ROBBIE TURNER James McAvoy Atonement

He's clever, funny and pure. He has the bluest, saddest eyes you can imagine. Dependable, honourable, but never boring. At the beginning, Robbie has the world at his feet. He is in love with Cecilia, and that love knows no bounds. He can make a library seem the most exciting place in the world. The tragedy of Robbie is that he is unwaveringly decent and moral. Brave and courageous, he is loved by every person whom he comes into contact with, and it is the twisted adoration of a certain she-devil that shall not be named that is his downfall. Robbie is the ultimate romantic lead, full of the joy and energy of youth, but with the wisdom and patience of knowing that life doesn't always turn out how it should. And bearing this knowledge with a heartbreaking dignity. So many scenes that are standout, but if I have to pick just one, it's when the star crossed duo are getting ready for dinner. Puccini and perfection. Thanks so much.

Red Riding Hood

A lot of reviews have billed this as a 'Twilight' twihard, due to the fact that werewolves are involved and it's directed by Catherine Hardwick. The Twilight series is much better, and more entertaining. Now that's a sentence I never thought I'd type. Oh, where to begin? This film is set in medieval times, in a highly stylised fairy tale type setting, chocolate box houses, vivid outfits, dirty dancing oh yes, and rap music, which they had a lot of in those days. Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) is a beautiful young lady, with a naughty side, who is in love with Peter (Shiloh Fernandez, who looks a lot like my friend Bob), a bit of a wild card and not her family's choice. She is betrothed to Henry (Max Irons)who is richer but not for her. The village gives regular sacrifices (Babe), to a werewolf to keep him from their door. Valerie's Mum (Virginia Madsden) and scary Grandma (Julie Christie, still beautiful, not much visible work done) have darks pasts but let on little. The werewolf starts a spate of killings, and Gary Oldman as Father Solomon is brought in to help. He brings his two daughters, who we promptly never see again, and a wardrobe of delightful purple robes to the scenario. The werewolf then talks to Valerie it reveals that they know each other, what are the odds? Val is left in a dilemma whether to go with her true love Peter, or to stay and help the village. Then there's the issue of finding out the identity of the hungry wolf, all during a blood moon, so there's the risk if you're bitten that you yourself will turn into one. Sounds convoluted and contrived? Well it is. A dismal film it has to be said. I like fantasy, but it has to be well written. The plot and atmosphere is reminiscent of the vastly superior 'The Village', even down to a suspicious village idiot, although in 'The Village' that idiot was the elegant Adrian Brody, in this film I think he's played by Ron Weasly's little brother. The cast are sound, but so underused it's the script writer that should be sacrifised. It's refreshing to see Gary Oldman, and he does his best to hamm it up, but given his terrible lines, he didn't have much to work with. Although I do love a man in majestic purple and he wears it exceptionally well. Amanda Seyfried is very pretty. The problem is that she looks too angelic to have a devil sitting on her shoulder and though she's not a bad actress, at this stage doesn't have the acting experience to make you believe otherwise. The younger cast are obviously there to showcase attractive young guns. Max Irons incidentally, is the son of Jeremy Irons and Sinead Cusack, he looks more like his Mum. But instead of projecting moody and mysterious, they all deliver stilted, wooden lines and look gormless. The film is produced by 'Appian Way' which is Leonardo DiCaprio's production company. One of the greatest actors of our generation, this man has such a great sense of judgement when it comes to his own film roles, it's suprising that he chose to produce this. Maybe it was a full moon when he read the script. A couple of points of interest, the part of Father Auguste, a pointless character it has to be said, is played by Lukas Haas, the little boy in Witness. I think Witness may have been his finest hour judging by the acting here. The fact that he is Leonardo's mate wouldn't have anything to do with it would it? Nothing wrong with giving a mate a break. Valerie's father is played by Billy Burke who is the father in the Twilight series as well. Badly edited to boot, there is not much to like about this movie, apart from the poor old wolf. RED RIDING HOOD: Oh Grandma, what a big yawn you have. Someone put a silver bullet in me! 3/10

Limitless

What if there was a drug that could enhance your brain power? Make you so much more productive, smart and clear thinking? Would you take it? This is the question posed to Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper), a talented writer who is an uninspired, unmotivated loser. We know this because his hair looks like a bird's nest and you can smell him from your seat in the third row. Eddie doesn't take long to decide that yes, he'll take the drug please. Immediately life becomes clear. We know this because the scene takes on a yellow glowing hue, and his eyes become a turquoise irridescant pool of light. He finishes his book, he gets his girl back (underused Abbie Cornish) and he makes an awful lot of money with the help of Trump like business man, Carl Van Loon (yes, really) played by the legend that is Robert De Niro. The problem with having such a miracle drug is that there are plenty of people after it. There are also the ethical and medical dilemmas to dodge and his life is in danger as he is chased by an ammoral Eastern European money lender. It's a really interesting premise. I'm not sure quite what the message is, but it's a fun film. Somewhere along the line it doesn't quite hit the mark. Whilst it's largely well acted, I'm not convinced of Mr Cooper's star power. Yes, he's lush and yes, his eyes are a tantalising shade of blue, but can he carry a film? Based on this I'd suggest he's great at ensembles, not so great as lead actor, a bit like Brad Pitt really, don't ask me why I just don't see them as leading men. Still, it's a good film, and nice to see that there are some interesting scripts still knocking around. LIMITLESS:There is no limit to the depth of those baby blues.6/10.

The Reef

Loosely based on real life events, this pants wetter is set in the oceans of my sunburnt country; Australia. It's the story of a salty sea dog, Luke (Damien Walshe-Howling) and Kate (Zoe Naylor) who were once and item, and would be again if it wasnt' for that meddling great white. Kate and Luke are on a boat with Kate's brother Matt (Gyton Grantley) and Suzie (Adrienne Pickering) his girlfriend, for a scuba diving trip. After we see some magnificent shots of the beautiful creatures the sea has to offer, things soon turn to less than perfect. The boat capsizes and the four people, along with Captain Warren (Kieran Darcy-Smith) are left with an agonizing decision. Do they swim approximately twenty kilometres to where Luke is fairly certain there is an island, or do they stay atop the boat and drift further out to sea? What an horrific dilemma. Three of them decide to trust Luke's navigational skills and swim for land. Warren, a fisherman, knows the waters and what lurks beneath, and chooses to take his chances on the boat. So the four set off, but will they make it? This is no surprise to anyone, but there are sharks involved. Not model sharks, but real footage and CGI generated images. There is plenty of suspense, and the director uses just enough footage to shock, but not too much, based on the safe knowledge that what you fear is worse than what you see, although in this case, both are pretty awful. The tension of the four swimmers, desperately trying to keep it together, whilst living in fear of getting picked off by fishy predators is heart stopping, and heart breaking. The acting and photography is very good, so what stops this movie from being a really enjoyable blockbuster? Jaws is one of my all time favourite movies. The story, the setting, the script (which my sister and I know backwards, sadly) are peerless, time cannot taint it, nor can more sophisticated graphics or special effects beat the great mechanical one as he leaps out of the water to get a mouthful of Brody's chum. It's fun and we all love it when Quint gets his by being chomped in half by his nemesis, because, lets face it, he was a bit of a know it all wasn't he? And a show off. Even knowing that shark attacks happen regularly we loved it, because it wasn't real. This movie, however well crafted, simply feels as if we are voyeurs watching the slow and torturous demise of some very unlucky people. How on earth can I enjoy jumping out of my skin when I know that these people really went through it? I enjoy watching films based on fact. The difference when I watch something like the mighty 'Schindler's List' is that I am being educated. It is horrendous to watch, but there is humanity, and we need to see it, lest we forget. I don't need to see four people in terror of their lives to know that if I jump into a warm ocean, and swim for 20K, chances are I won't come out with all of my limbs intact. I think that's the difference. I even felt a bit guilty watching footage of the shark, because bizarrely it looked really quite cute, and well, a bit sharkey. My other objection is that at one point Kate states that she thinks it's the same shark that's been following them. After the shameful hounding and killing of thousands of sharks by people after Jaws was released (much to Peter Benchley's horror), I think the director was irresponsible to humanise the shark and make it possibly vengeful.
It's a good film, and doesn't run for too long, because, people's abject terror aside, watching four people swimming with floaties for longer than about forty minutes can become a bit tedious.I guess at the end of the day, when the tide goes out, it was all a bit pointless. THE REEF:A big barrier to me going to my local beach for a paddle. 6/10.

Elizabeth Taylor In Memorium

Born in England in February 1932, the movie star with the impossibly violet eyes died on March 23rd 2011. Lauded as one of the greatest beauties the world has known, Elizabeth Taylor began her illustrious career with the film, 'There's one born every minute', but it was as the feisty Velvet Brown in 'National Velvet' that people began to take notice of her acting talent. Known for her tempestuous love life, racking up an impressive eight marriages to seven men, it's her passionate relationship with Richard Burton that we will remember most. Due to her larger than life romantic shenanigans, her perfumes and her tireless campaigning for AIDS, her talents as an actress are sometimes overlooked. Taylor received 2 Oscars, for her role as call girl Gloria in 'BUTTERFIELD 8' and for Martha in 'Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf?' playing opposite Burton.This role in particular showed her acting skills, as she stripped herself bare of make-up, the film was shot in black and white and was hardly flattering to either of these screen legends. Taylor became the first actress to receive $1 million dollars, in the title role of Cleopatra, remembered more for it's overblown costumes and '60s stylings than for the film itself. She starred with some of the greatest and most gorgeous men in Hollywood, James Dean, Montgomery Clift, Rock Hudson and of course, as Maggie the Cat with the one and only Paul Newman in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Suffering from ill health throughout her life, Elizabeth had four children, one of whom was adopted. Elizabeth Taylor truly lived the life of a Hollywood star and the world will be a little less glamorous without her in it.