TAKING LIVES

Yes, I know I blogged yesterday, so I won't torture you with another ENDLESS post! I AM JUST CURRENTLY OVERWHELMED by the EFFECTIVE climatic finale in Taking Lives. Prior to the final scenes, the film is quite mediocre; Angelina Jolie's compelling and sensuous delivery, and Ethan Hawke's convincing performance are the only distinguishing features. Is it wrong that I find him attractive? Of course, the film has its sleek, fast-paced chases and a surprisingly provocative sex scene (haven't seen one in a while), and where would a serial killer film be without a script filled with preposterous twists and resolutions? Though, it's grounded compared to The Bone Collector.

Aside from its' strong leads, the film's greatest strength is its treatment of the ludicrous twists and turns - they are nothing more than insignificant events that carry us to the grand finale. The film LIVES or DIES on this scene, and oh BOY, did they nail it! This superb scene is reminiscent of Misery, especially because of the cold and gloomy atmosphere. The leads, more so Jolie, give us a captivating struggle that is both suspenseful and thrilling. That is simply AMAZING, considering how predictable the outcome is!!! It has the energy and intensity that made Misery such a damn fine, and somewhat traumatic, viewing experience.

OH and the pair of metallic scissors, is the director paying tribute to Hitchcock by any chance (Dial M For Murder is another 'must-watch')? The film is predictable and sometimes dull, but the powerful concluding scene is worth the wait. THIS IS WHY I love Angelina Jolie. For one, no one else's swearing is as emotive as hers. Her nuanced performance ensures that, even though the audience is well aware of the situation, the stakes remain high; we see the character's thirst for long-awaited vengeance, but she's vulnerable and overpowered. We know the outcome, but in this scene, we start to doubt our logic and, for a minute or so, all bets are off.

Let's face it, no one is as compelling as Angelina Jolie. I mean, the media basically swooned when she showed her leg at the Oscars, not that it reflects wonderfully upon our society. People pay attention for a reason, and it's not just because she is one of the most beautiful/sexy/gorgeous women on Earth, and haters, that is why she has an Oscar.

P.S. Why is it that Jolie has good chemistry with EVERYONE, except Johnny Depp? WHY!? Oh well, she is only human after all, and she was very HUMAN in this role. SO was Ethan Hawke, I shall be watching more of his films, any recommendations?

The Hunger Games

May the odds be ever in your favour.

With such a strong cast (excluding Liam Hemsworth), a solid source material and focused directions - how could the odds NOT be in THE HUNGER GAMES' favour?

I have yet to read the book, which made this viewing that little bit more thrilling... so, I shan't discuss the plot in depth, but with this dark premise, you know what you are getting into! This idea is an old hat, of course, Battle Royale anyone? Somehow, it feels fresh and exciting here, the film is a good mix of thrilling action and social/political commentary, and THANK HEAVENS, the social criticism is not too blatantly obvious, rather than stealing the spotlight, it plays as background to the situation.

I don't think I need to praise Jennifer Lawrence and call her a SUPERSTAR or a goddess, because everyone else has already done that. Prior to viewing this film, I DID NOT know that Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks were among the cast! They rock! Of course, Tucci, with his seedy smile, would make a fine master of ceremonies... I'm glad they thought of it. Woody can do no wrong, and once again shines as the cynical yet heartful mentor, and Mrs. Banks... you should just watch it. She gives a performance that is entertaining and airy fairy, and yet grounds it with substance. I adore her guttural shrieks. And then there's Liam Hemsworth... okay, what's next!

The film does not do anything new and yet feels authentic. I think, for me, likeable characters never get old. Katniss Everdeen, with her amazing archery skills and ordinary vulnerabilities, makes a fine heroine and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) is one VERY likeable guy. In case you missed the point, Jennifer Lawrence makes an extraordinary Katniss, a role could so easily be overacted. It's all in the eyes. The film gives us heart-wrenching moments without compromising its swift pace and thus the urgency of the Hunger games, and that is why it is a HIT.

ONE MORE THING, I do agree with many critics that if it was not restricted to the PG-13, it may have provided more CINEMATIC SPARKS (starting with MORE BLOOD and MORE VIOLENCE) to stress the cruelty of the games. After all, it is a political game. Well, LIONSGATE has to maximise its profits, doesn't it?  Hehe.

P.S. Josh Hutcherson is morphing into a wonderful actor himself, which leaves... not naming anyone... Liam Hemsworth. Notice it's always the bad performances that get mentioned THE MOST in my reviews - hence the word 'critique'. ALSO, by heart-wrenching, I'm referring to Rue. Thus, if you choose not to see this film IN CINEMA, you will rue the day! Bad pun, I know.

HAPPY HUNGER GAMES!

The Iron Lady

What an impersonal biopic.

That's not a very nice way to start a review, but it's a film about the life of Margaret Thatcher - let's be blunt. The truth is if the filmmaker was half as honest as the Thatcher the film portrays, the film could be as tender and involving as The Queen. This film is, well, a mess. The narrative is disjointed, and that can work to great effect sometimes, but it does NOTHING for the film. We are not given merely enough time to be emotionally attached to the characters and situations. So let us all thank god for Meryl Streep.

Even with this sloppy material, Streep manages to give a compelling, nuanced and, most importantly, empathetic portrayal of The Iron Lady. As Stanley Tucci once said, Meryl Streep is quite simply... the best. This may be one of the best performances in her career, but I stand by  my words - that Oscar belongs to Viola Davis. Streep does exceedingly great, given the ineptitude of the script that is impersonal, muddled and unfocused, but in comparison to Viola Davis's performance [in The Help], Streep's[performance] felt short in terms of pathos.

However, I will praise the director for one thing, and that is for cutting short the scenes that do not feature Streep. In his review of the film, Roger Ebert said Director Phyllida Lloyd and screenwriter Abi Morgan seem to have little clear idea of what they think about Thatcher, or what they want to say. There is nothing worse than a film that is unclear as to what it wants to say, except perhaps a film that lacks depth and this film could have easily fallen into both categories, so once again, thank you Meryl.

The end of Magaret Thatcher's reign saved the film. It is with these scenes, that the audience is truly allowed to peer into Thatcher's soul and empathise with her, the character truly comes to life in these final scenes. Also, I'm sure I'm not the only one that loves the scenes where she becomes nasty, blunt and political. There is a trace of Miranda Priestly here. I did not know much about Margaret Thatcher prior to viewing this film and now I know I admire her, especially because she's imperfect.

What to score it... with Meryl's performance, it can't be anything lower than a 7. Without her, maybe a 4...

P.S. I love Meryl, I just think Davis was more deserving of this year's Oscar.