Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows

Newman and Redford, Astaire and Rogers, Laurel and Hardy and now Downey Jr and Law to add to the list. These guys have such a brilliant on screen chemistry, it is a joy to watch. The plot of A Game of Shadows is pretty complicated, Watson (Jude Law) is getting married, Moriarty (Jared Harris) has reared his ugly head and done away with Holmes' only love Irene Adler (Rachel McAdam) and a gypsy named Sim (Noomi Rapace) is looking for her brother. It is up to Holmes (Robert Downey Jr) and his genius mind to crack the case with the help of his not that reluctant partner Dr Watson and an array of Victorian ne'er do wells. Guy Richie has hit the jackpot with this franchise. I love the Sherlock Holmes books, but he injects a life and vitality that is in the books, but not most of the screen portrayals. The effects and cinematography are sublime. The costumes, superb and the sets give a real feel of what it might have been like in those grimy times. Downey Jr's eccentric Holmes, mumbling, jealous, insightful and highly intelligent is a sexually charged tour de force. In one fantastic scene we see Holmes against the clock with Don Giovanni playing simultaneously, Mozart and Downey Jr, have I died and gone gone to heaven? Jude Law's Watson is smart, witty, kind and charming a perfect compliment to Holmes and so much better than the bumbling side kick so often portrayed. The support is good, although Noomi Rapace on paper seems perfectly cast as the willful gypsy Sim, the girl with the dragon tattoo seems to have lost her fire disappointingly. The fight scenes are brilliantly executed as before and there aren't too many of them. This film doesn't take itself too seriously at all and there are loads of laughs. Sherlock Holmes should be taken for what I think it is meant to be, rip roaring, sexy, smart and dynamic, now who could ask more from their blockbuster? Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows: The appeal is elementary 8/10.

The Iron Lady

Meryl Streep even almost surpasses herself this time. what a remarkable portrayal of Lady Margaret Thatcher this is. The film is rather surprising, it is more a sentimental journey than documentary; more love story than critique of a Prime Minister that so divided a nation. Told in flashback sequences, it lightly traces Thatcher's struggle from grocer's daughter to leader of Great Britain. Jim Broadbent plays Denis, appearing to Margaret in hallucinations years after his death that it appears she has never quite recovered from. His performance, whilst very good gives Denis a buffoonish quality that he could never really shake in reality. The young Margaret is played well by Alexandra Roach but the delightfully named Harry Lloyd steals the eaely scenes as Denis looking eerily like his namesake Harold Lloyd, handsome and mischievous. The film touches on the highs and lows of her formidable eleven year term, but never quite scratches the surface, maybe that's for another film. The movie is beautifully acted with a stellar supporting cast, particularly Olivia Colman as Carol Thatcher. The film, whilst poignant, almost feels liike a made for tv movie, apart from the standout surely Oscar nominated performance of Streep. The Iron Lady: There shall be but one mistress and no master 6/10

The Ides of March

Mr Clooney is a wonder. He was made for the role as the ambitious democratic Governor Mike Morris, with his almost communistic style posters and his charisma oozing over the offices. His right hand men are Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and superstar Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling). There is an intern too, Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood, shaping up to be a real acting contender). Molly is bold and vivacious and her and Meyers embark on a little affair, lucky Molly. Meyers is wooed by Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti) who works for the other democratic candidate and it's then that things start to get ugly. Meyers is party to a tragedy, and his loyalty to Morris and the team are tested. I don't pretend to understand American politics that much, but I sure do enjoy trying to work it all out. It's an age old tale of love, honour and loyalty. Back stabbing and clawing your way to the top.
The actors are truly terrific. Gosling's character has been accused of being naive for one so smart, but I disagree. Wisdom comes with age, or it's supposed to and Ryan portrays Stephen with a ruthless charisma that could charm the knickers off just about anyone. What to say about the incomparable Seymour Hoffman? Does he ever put a foot wrong? Loyal, vulnerable, shambolic, and yes, I'm going to say it, sexy as hell. Keep Mr Clooney, I'll have Philip please. I've always loved him. Don't ask me why for I do not know. Paul Giamatti (no, I don't fancy him) is as always excellent and George Clooney is immaculate. If I have a critisicm it is that whilst enjoyable, once you leave the cinema, the movie is forgotten. There seems to be little substance to the story. Some of the boxes are a little too neatly ticked and the characters of Meyers and Stearns do very seem to have sharp changes in personality. It's a little too dramatic and a little too unbelievable. George Clooney directs as well, wonderfully. I read that Leonardo DiCaprio was initially going to play Gosling's character, but pulled out. It would have been a disappointing film for him to have been in, but he stayed on as producer, got to love that loyalty. The Ides of March: Et tu Gosling? 6.5/10

The Inbetweeners Movie

Ahh, the boys. Will (the smart one), Neil (the daft one), Jay (the filthy one) and Simon (the good looking one) are Inbetweeners. That is, they are in between being nerds and being cool. Floundering in the hades of life, if you will. The Inbetweeners is a tv series, and one of the crassest, wittiest and filthiest series I have ever had the good fortune to watch. Side splittingly funny. It was with much excitment that I went to see this movie, and it didn't disappoint. Simon is trying to forget his doomed relationship with his long time love Carli and after Jay's grandad's death leaves him loaded, the four boys decide to go on a relatively normal holiday to Malia in the Greek islands. My idea of hell from start to finish, not hades, hell. Things go badly from the start, the hotel is unbelievably bad, the nightclub they're lured into is dead. They meet up with four girls, more by luck than judgement, and strike up a friendship with them. The scene where they try and impress them through the medium of dance is nothing short of genius. There are plenty of crass scenes, old lady sex, Jay full frontal, fully clothed dry humping to name but a few. . Along the way, the boys do learn some valuable lessons, but will darling precocious Will lose his virginity finally? Some of this movie falls a little flat, you can't expect constant target hitting gags over an hour and a half, but generally this is a gem of a film. Will it offend some people? I surely hope so! It's not for the faint hearted, that's for sure. It manages a feat that most of the crass films don't, (apart from a tight and funny script), and that is that you truly care about the characters, not just our beloved boys, but also the ones you have just met. Just one snipe, would have loved to have seen a bit more of Mr Gilbert. Adam Sandler and The Hangover crew could learn a thing or two from their British cousins. Rule Brittania! The Inbetweeners Movie: Come and feed kitty, Will. 8/10.

Crazy, stupid, love.

Went to see this movie with my darling sister, and went again when I got back home. And again. It's the story of Cal (Steve Carell) and his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore), who were high school sweethearts. Emily reveals at the beginning of the movie that she slept with a man at work, David Lindhagen (Kevin Bacon). Cal is devastated and moves out. So begins his journey of reinvention with the help of 'the hot guy from the bar' Jacob (Ryan Gosling, oh my) with the hope of a reconciliation with Emily. Interwoven into the main plot is the story of Jacob a serial womaniser who is confronted and confused by love, Cal's son who is in love with the babysitter and the babysitter who is in love with Cal. It's about love in all its different forms. A bit like 'Love Actually' but far less contrived, far funnier, and far far sexier. Where to begin? Well, it's a rom-com in the best sense of the word. It's very romantic, and it's very funny. There are some truly stand out scenes. When Jacob takes Hannah home to his house, it's a heartwarming and funny conversation, one of the most romantic, sweet scenes I've seen in a long time, and oh Mr Gosling, those abs are obscene! He's flavour of the month for a very good reason. Intelligent and charming, not conventionally good looking, Jacob could have been an arrogant and dislikable character. Not in Mr Goslings very capable (I imagine) hands. Emma Stone plays Hannah, again, no wonder she's the darling of Hollywood, a real gem, likeable and funny, you love Hannah from the start. There is also the part where Emily phones Cal for help with the boiler. It's so charmingly acted, so true and simple yet the message is clear. Julianne Moore is stellar as always, beautiful and slightly haunted, we should hate her, but we don't. The kids are brilliant, as are all the supporting cast. Steve Carrell is just heartbreaking. He has the magical qualities of pathos and humour. You can't help but like him, even when he's really quite pathetic. This is a really beautiful, fun film. It will become a classic. There are some daft scenes but they work, and the ending even surprised and charmed this jaded veteran movie goer. I hate to admit it, but I am a romantic at heart, and this movie is just so damn romantic, and sad and funny. Just like life, except there's no Ryan Gosling.... Crazy, Stupid, Love: A bit crazy, not stupid, I love...9/10

We can be heroes....

Just one more for the boys, for a while at least. On to our heroes. Not the ones you necessarily want to marry, or the ones you necessarily want to ahem, spend time with (although obviously not ruling that out). I have not repeated any that have appeared in my other blogs, although most of them are heroes too. Here's to the men who portrayed some of our all time heroes on screen. The criteria? Making a stand, putting your life on the line, self sacrifice. Some real, some fiction, but all brave and good, even if that isn't so evident initially. Handsome helps, but is not mandatory for this category. Who doesn't like their men brushed with a little superhero?


Oskar Schindler Liam Neeson Schindler's List

Tall and handsome, a womaniser and social climber. Oh so slowly, he realises what his 'business associates' are and reluctantly at the beginning becomes involved in saving the lives of thousands of people through putting them no his work list, the list is life. A heart-breaking performance, culminating in the scene where he scrabbles on the floor, looking for something to sell to save one more life. Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.


Indiana Jones Harrison Ford Raiders Of the Lost Ark

Ahh Indi. What a character. Sexy nerd Professor by day, intrepid archeologist by the hour. The dry wit, the hat, the whip, the ladies. When you hear that rousing music and see his eyebrow rise in disbelief, you know you're in for a wild ride. Brave and almost fearless, don't put him near a snake, but other than that, anything goes baby. He's enough to make you wish you were an ancient relic, to be dug up and admired.


Rick Blaine Humphrey Bogart Casablanca

Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, Isla walks into Rick's cafe. Bringing with her her husband resistance fighter Victor Lazlo. Rick is bitter and jealous. Refusing to give them the papers they so dearly need to help them escape, Rick is hell bent on making her pay for leaving him. Finally, Ilsa admits that she loves him and wants to stay. He makes her leave, sacrificing himself for her safety. What a guy. Here's looking at you, kid.


Harry PotterDaniel Radcliffe Harry Potter series

The boy with the scar crept into our hearts. Saved by the love of his Mum, he is the only person who dare utter the name of the arch villain Voldemort. We follow his journey from young school boy to noble young man, watching his mistakes and bravery with affection and admiration. Finally good overcomes evil and we sadly wave goodbye to our hero, safe in the hands of Ginny. Thanks Harry, it's been magic.

Atticus Finch Gregory Peck To Kill a Mockingbird

Scout and Jem were lucky kids. They had a dad we would all envy. Calm, wise, moral and handsome. Never shouted, never screamed, just imparted his wisdom in a timely manner. Aching with loneliness from the loss of his wife, Atticus made a moral stand when he defended a black man accused of rape. Teaching us all a lesson in not to judge, Atticus is the everyday hero we all aspire to. Stand up, your father's passing....

Billy Costigan Leonardo DiCaprio The Departed

Billy is from the wrong side of Boston. He also has a temper. Sent deep undercover to infiltrate Frank Costello's world of Irish mafia, Billy puts himself on the line every day. There is a mole in the police force, and Billy has to find him. In every scene, Billy becomes more and more paranoid, unsure who to trust, convinced he will be found out and killed. But he keeps on going. Alone and frightened, he works it out eventually, but what a price is paid. Sorry for your troubles, Billy.

George Bailey James Stewart It's a Wonderful Life

Feeling increasingly claustraphobic, George wants out. Duty bound to stay in his town and work in the family business, George has itchy feet and wants to fly. An angel comes to him when he's at his lowest ebb, and shows him what life would have been like if George had not existed. Filled with luck and the good fortune of being born, George realises that it truly is a wonderful life, and the angel gets his wings.

Andy Dufresne Tim Robbins The Shawshank Redemption

The only innocent man in Shawshank. Andy was imprisoned for killing his wife. For years, this smart and gentle man took what life had to throw at him, slowly carving his rocks, and a plan. As he lives through unspeakable acts and tolerates the evil warden's demands, Andy is never alone as he has Mr. Mozart with him. Quietly anarchic, always calculating his moves. Forming one of the sweetest friendships ever with Red, he keeps his hope alive. Finally, he reaches his dream destination, and waits for Red.....


Red Morgan Freeman The Shawshank Redemption

The only guilty man in Shawshank. He is resigned to prison life. After meeting Andy, and resisting the thought of ever leaving his incarceration, Red is given one more chance. A lifetime of being told what to do makes him doubt his abilities to follow a dream and Andy to sunnier Mexican shores. Steeling himself, Red chooses to get busy living and we see one of the most heartwarming reunions of all time. He hopes the pacific is as blue as it has been is his dreams. He hopes.

Robin Hood Russell Crowe Robin Hood

Which Robin to choose? I plumped for Russell, because he's the most down to earth and he falls for a Marion who is his own age, not twenty years younger. Earthy and brave, plundering the rich and giving to the poor. Honourable and true, not a pair of tights in sight. His arrow hits the target every time.

Lt Aldo Raine Brad Pitt Inglourious Basterds

What a hero! This Righteous man from the Deep South is in the Nazi killin' business. He is ruthless and has only one rule for his troop, that they give him one hundred Nazi scalps or die trying. Lt Raine is comical, honourable and brave. It's ok if he's a little loopy he has the heart of a lion. Dressed in his tuxedo disguised as an 'Eyetalian', the accent is totally convincing. In this movie dream of how World War II should have ended, Lt Raine wins the medal. Arreeeevaderci Adolph.


The entire crew Memphis Belle

In May 1943 the crew of the Memphis Belle embarked on their 25th mission. If successful they would be the first US air squad to complete their tour of duty. On their safe return, they will be heralded as heroes and bring good news when it is desperately needed. Their mission is to bomb a Nazi bomb factory. The diverse characters on board leads to disagreements and the horror and claustraphobia of the flight is brought home to us. This is no glamourisation of war. They all show true valour and insane courage in the face of adversity. This is a tribute to all the brave people in the forces, we salute you.


Benjamin Button Brad Pitt The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

His name is Benjamin Button and he was born under unusual circumstances. Born old, and aging beautifully, Benjamin is a worldly wise and gentle man. Accepting with grace the fact that he is different, he takes chances and finds beauty in most everything he encounters. Falling in love with Daisy when they are both very young, but he looks so old, he bides his time. Travelling far and wide, inspiring people along the way, Benjamin and Daisy finally have their time together, but it's all too brief as Benjamin continues to get younger, but only on the outside. Daisy cares for Benjamin until he gets young and dies cradled in her arms. Oh the tears I shed. A sublime love story, a sublime story of time and acceptance. Benjamin Button is what Forrest Gump was aspiring to, Benjamin just did it so much better. A calm and sweet soul, he delivered wonderful thoughts in his Southern drawl with such beautiful Buttonisms as "Your life is defined by opportunities...even the ones you miss", indeed it is Benjamin, indeed it is.

Oh go on then, just this once....

I am in need of cheering up. You may have read my previous blog 'Swoon, I'll catch you', it was a tribute to the leading men in my and my beloved sister's movie lives. Now I would like to do a different tribute. A smuttier tribute. This one is for the men in films that you really know you shouldn't like. The rogues, the heartbreakers, the good time boys. You don't want to make a life with them, or even go out with them, just the weekend will do. You almost feel embarrassed that you have succumbed to their charms. But succumb you have. Here's to the boys that make you feel great whilst you're watching them, and a little bit grubby after the credits roll, don't deny it, you know what I mean ladies..... Ray, enjoy in no particular order!


James Bond Daniel Craig

We've all got our own special Bond with James. Some like Roger, some Timothy, Pierce or in most cases Sean. They can all stay in the Astin Martin. For me, Daniel is James. The edge of menace, the eyes of ice blue, the perfect compact body, the brooding looks, the whisper of humour on his perfect pout. For the beach scene where he barely conceals his weapon of mass destruction. You just know how Strawberry Fields feels when, in Quantum of Solace, after sharing a much coveted night with James, she feel ashamed that she gave in to the cliche of sleeping with the spy. Ashamed and fabulous. James, you shake me and stir me......



Thomas Crown Pierce Brosnan The Thomas Crown Affair

Suave, sophisticated, handsome and a consummate thief. Thomas Crown knows how to live. When Catherine Banning is brought in to catch a thief, she is seduced by this enigma of a man. When he oh so cleverly puts the painting back at the end, she is left heartbroken that he has gone. But Thomas has one more trick in store for her. One of the sexiest and most stylish films of all time, leaves you with a heady feeling for days, do you want to dance, or do you want to dance?


J.D. Brad Pitt Thelma and Louise

My Mum told me to never pick up hitchhikers. I think it's the best idea Thelma and Louise ever had. With his cocky cowboy attitude and ridiculous good looks, J.D. bursts into Thelma's life and bed, like a bull in a rodeo. No time for remorse, who cares he took your money, just be very grateful he didn't have a car. Your Mother's not always right.



Butch Cassidy Paul Newman Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

In one sweet, unbelievably intimate scene, Butch Cassidy's feelings for Sundance's girl Etta are revealed. No words are needed, he whispers sweet nothings in her ear as he she is transported on the front of his bicycle built for two as the romantic tones of 'raindrops keep falling on my head' play in the background. Neither would ever cheat on Sundance, but oh, what a sacrifice, still, crying's not for me.




Alfie Jude Law Alfie

This film is a really watered down version of the great 1966 movie. The thing is, the 2004 Alfie is sweeter, sexier and so much more handsome. I too, would have succumbed to his roguish charms...I know what it's all about, Alfie....



Roux Johnny Depp Chocolat

An Irish gypsy wandering around France with his travelling family and little to his name. Doesn't sound a great bet does he? Unless his name is Roux. Soft and gentle, mysterious and fun, as unpredictable as the wind. He doesn't let on his favourite chocolate until the end.. Now he could get the squeak out of my door.



Count Dracula Gary Oldman Dracula

I'm no Twilight fan, but Count Dracula is another animal altogether. Intense and smouldering, he stalks Mina as a lion would stalk a deer. With a love that flows through the ages, Vlad finds Elizabeta. Dump that dolt Jonathan, Mina, and wear a nice off the shoulder number. Erotic, heartpounding, visceral. What sweet music he makes...



Dr Nicholas Garrigan James McAvoy The Last King of Scotland

Fresh out of Medical School, Dr Garrigan is travelling Africa looking for adventure, and boy does he find it. In search of hedonistic pleasure, he seduces Idi Amin's wife, he is blind to the consequences, she is not, but then isn't it worth the risk? What the hell, you gotta die of something...




Maverick Tom Cruise Top Gun

When a confident, devastatingly handsome young Naval Officer sings to you in a crowded bar, what do you do? Your head says "run!" but when he flashes you that smile, your heart says "stay". You don't want him to know you've got that loving feeling, but when he turns up on his motorbike, he takes your breath away.




Danny Archer Leonardo DiCaprio Blood Diamond

With a badly streaked haircut and a filthy cigarette habit,he's a brash Zimbabwean in a loud shirt. Danny's full of the harsh facts of life and scathing of the Western World. Worse than that, he's a blood diamond smuggler who deals in people's lives. He's as angry as a cut snake with a tortured past. Danny Archer brings more baggage with him than a goat herding National Geographic Photographer. Maddy's instinct was to run a mile, any self respecting girl would have. But in the steamy heat under the African sky, with the beer and the dancing and the red dust and the hint of the person Danny might become, it's not bling bling, it's bling bang.



Danny Martin Rob Lowe About Last Night...

The cheesy pick up line. The smug look on his face, he know's Debbie will say 'yes'. The double lead earphones and the worn out black bean bag. A few signs that this is not the right choice. But then he seduces you with those blue eyes, through those long black lashes, you know that you're going to be a notch on the bedpost, but what the hell, it's worth it to wake up next to that face.




Roy McAvoy Kevin Costner Tin Cup

When Roy McAvoy sets his sights on Molly, you just know she's in for a whole world of trouble. Roy, a washed up golfer reeks of loser, but he also reeks of another L word, lust. Dr Molly could do so much better, but on the other hand, she could do a heck of a lot worse. He's a hole in one..

Ben Barry Matthew MCconnaughey How to lose a guy in 10 days

When Andy makes a bet she can lose a guy in 10 days, she makes a bee line for Ben. Handsome, unable to commit with Texan charm just oozing out of him. The man got charisma. He would have been my first bet too. She manages to snag him for life, but I would be very happy with the 10 days, very happy indeed......


Daniel Cleaver Hugh Grant Bridget Jones's Diary

Daniel Cleaver is a very naughty boy. He loves women, hates commitment and is a cad in every sense of the word. When Bridget shows him her big knickers, he loves it, and we love him. Keep Mark Darcy. I'd rather have a weekend with Daniel, followed by a few days heartbreak than a life time with the bad humoured hand knitted jumper wearer.

Tony Stark Robert Downey Jr Ironman

Here comes trouble with a capital T. Rich, incredibly sexy, arrogant and with a love of things that go fast and blow up. What's not to love? With his hidden love of Pepper Potts, this superhero is not to be sneezed at.