My Week With Marilyn (2011)

I didn't like the new lyrics to "Candle in the Wind" either.

I don't think I enjoy the phenomenon that is Marilyn Monroe as much as most people do. That being said, "My Week with Marilyn" is a fine film. Though it was based on a true story, the plot wasn't as interesting as I had hoped. There were only so many times that I wanted to see a drugged up Monroe not show for filming, and get yelled at by Laurence Olivier, played marvelously here by Kenneth Branagh, and the writer seems to have found that number. I do have to say that Michelle Williams is more beautiful and charming as Marilyn Monroe than Marilyn Monroe was as herself. Which made her depressing antics more bearable. I did think this was a good film for what it was, and director Simon Curtis did put a wonderful cast in place.

Grade: B+

Starring: Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Dame Judi Dench
Director: Simon Curtis
Writer(s): Adrian Hodges - Book: Colin Clark
RT: 99 min
Rating: R for some language

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 2 (2011)

I needed more screen time.

The completely heartfelt, and often breathtaking, finale to the "Harry Potter" series was quite the spectacle to see. For some reason though, be it having read the book, knowing what was happening, or the complete hype surrounding, I couldn't help walking away disappointed. The second half of the film felt empty, and I feel this was not the send off this franchise deserved. 


Grade: B

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
Director: David Yates
Writer(s): Steve Kloves - Book: J.K. Rowling
RT: 130 min

Rating: PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images

Midnight in Paris (2011)

So, then the top just keeps spinning?

Being the complete Geek of early 20th century culture that I am, I have to say that Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" is the first truly great film of 2011. Everything about this film made me squeal with delight: The script, the graceful editing, Owen Wilson's Allen type protagonist, the portrayals of 1920's public figures, and felling I got walking away from the theatre. Woody Allen's best film in years. 


Grade: A+

Starring: Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard, Kathy Bates

Director: Woody Allen

Writer(s): Woody Allen

RT: 94 min

Rating: PG-13 for some sexual references and smoking

Captain America: the First Avenger

I think I see franchise opportunities over there.

"Captain America: the First Avenger" is the film of the summer! The first major blockbuster to be as good as, if not better than, the hype surrounding it. Chris Evans' believable everyman performance gives the film the credibility it deserves, and Hugo Weaving gives him the threat he needs. See, eat popcorn, enjoy! 


Grade: A-

Starring: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Tommy Lee Jones
Director:Joe Johnston
Writer(s): Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely - Comic: Joe Simon and Jack Kirby
RT: 124 min
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action

Attack the Block (2011)

Gang War of the Worlds, bruv.

So, yeah, alien invasions are pretty awesome right? Well, how about an alien invasion in South London? Still not completely sold? How about a group of street tough British teens are the ones there to fight them? I knew I'd get you! Joe Cornish's "Attack the Block" is funny, violent, and intelligent. A great script, wonderful camera work, and a believable cast make this film an absolute joy.


Grade: A

Starring: John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker, Alex Esmail
Director: Joe Cornish
Writer(s): Joe Cornish
RT: 88 min
Rating: R for creature violence, drug content and pervasive language

The Green Hornet (2011)

Seth Rogen decided that instead of doing a good movie, he'd make "The Green Hornet". A joyless, stupid film with no soul or heart. Christoph Waltz and Jay Chou are the only people on screen doing anything worth, it's just a shame they are stuck saying the lines written for them (or worse, lines they've improvised). The fights are well choreographed, but don't hold enough interest to make you care. This film seemed to have had one goal: destroy everything "The Dark Knight" did for the masked hero genre.


Grade: D


Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Christoph Waltz
Director: Michel Gondry
Writer(s): Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg - Radio Series: George W. Trendle
RT: 119 min
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of violent action, language, sensuality and drug content

Melancholia (2011)

Melancholia and the Infinite Suck-ness

There is no pleasure in watching Lars Von Trier's "Melancholia". It is a dull, muted film that plods along for two hours, and then ends. By the time the planet smashes into Earth in the final moment of the film, you realize you wish it had happened two hours sooner. Poorly written characters say silly dialogue, and turn should be interesting moments into comical ones. 


Grade: F


Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Keifer Sutherland
Director: Lars Von Trier
Writer(s): Lars Von Trier
RT: 136 min
Rating: R for some graphic nudity,sexual content and language