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Hannibal (2013)
A network show with cable quality
For anyone who is a fan of Silence Of The Lambs, I highly recommend this series. (I am currently halfway through the second season).
Lets start with the acting. Hugh Dancy as Will Graham is the stand out for me, with an excellent intense performance. Mads Mikkelsen also deserves a mention for being able to portray a character already made famous by Anthony Hopkins. Despite this, Mikkelsen manages to make Hannibal his own (something I have not seen since Heath Ledger's The Joker). Lawrence Fishburne is solid as Jack Crawford and the rest of the cast all do excellent work in their portrayals.
The direction and tone for the budget given is just outstanding, with production values looking high and the tone creating a very eerie and uneasy mood.
The writing, music score and all other aspects combine beautifully to make this a very compelling series to watch.
I am a big fan of serialised dramas including shows like Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, The Wire, Game Of Thrones and The Shield and I feel comfortable in saying if you enjoy shows like that, then I strongly suggest you check this one out.
Fargo: The Crocodile's Dilemma (2014)
A very pleasant surprise
There are two films this year being adapted to television. From Dusk Till Dawn and Fargo. Dusk Till Dawn has just adapted the exact plot of the film, stretching 2 hours out over a series, with the TV actors not matching their film counterparts. I gave up after three episodes. Fargo however has taken the decision to recreate the tone rather than plot. And it works. The other 'Ace' for Fargo is the casting. The acting in this pilot is excellent with Billy Bob Thornton offering one of the best performances of his career. (Without going into too much detail, there is a scene where Thornton is pulled over by the police and it had me on the edge of my seat. Something I have not experienced in TV since Breaking Bad's Ozymandias). I am a big fan of the slow burn, to get me emotionally invested, building up to a good dramatic conclusion, and in this the episode does not disappoint. Whether or not you have seen the film, this is definitely worth checking out.
Prometheus (2012)
Let down by the writing
This is an average film made less than average when you add the expectations of a great director, a promising story arc and a talented cast.
It isn't all bad, mainly due to Ridley Scott's flair for direction but I have to say I'm surprised he accepted to make the film based on that script. It feels written by someone lacking experience; there are ideas of grandeur without depth, sub plots abandoned, stock characters and some of the worst dialogue I have been subjected to at the cinema. Without Ridley behind the camera creating the visuals he did, I would have walked out.
THE PROS: Few unfortunately. Michael Fassbender - An excellent character (maybe I am overstating as this was the only well written character in the film. I think a lot of that may be due however to Fassbender's performance). I like that all of David's actions are not explained, but hinted at. Visuals and effects - As expected - excellent. The abortion sequence - Brilliantly filmed and well acted. Apart from the opening (and the storm to some extent), the only real good set piece in the film.
THE CONS: Too many for a film of this calibre. Ridley Scott - He is a powerful presence in Hollywood and should have demanded better from the script. There was a severe lack of tension and suspension in this film, instead the later scenes felt rushed, rather than built up. Damon Lindelof - This is the major con. The film is brilliant right up to the point of meeting the crew. The crew are given minimal (and clichéd) dialogue to interact to give the audience a sense of their character and relationships. This is all done with no sub text. Motivations and actions of the crew go against their supposed backgrounds and some are clearly convoluted to enhance plot or a set piece. (Come here baby. I won't hurt you. AAARRGHHH). An attempt to create an original story within the 'Alien' universe - failed, primarily due to being unsure of which part of the story to tell and which parts to explain to enhance the experience. (I'm not a fan of having things explained in films; the best part about this film being David's actions with unclear motivation; but what happened to those snake like beings and what is their effect? Turning humans into zombies? This will tie in at some point... oh no, it doesn't and almost feels random in regard to the rest of the story. Climax - Rushed and disappointing. A revelation that a superior race is about to destroy Earth and mankind, over within minutes with no suspense. Also, once Charlize Theron escaped from the pod and was running with Noomi Rapace away from the alien craft, I was just waiting for her to get crushed by it. This was in standing with the rest of the film, predictable and flat. Guy Pearce - Who did his make up? I laughed out loud when he was first revealed. (And a couple of times in his later scenes - it was comical). Last scene - A rushed birth of the 'original' xenomorph.
7 films now in the 'Alien' universe and it's the first two; made over 30 years ago with much more limited FX technology; that are the standouts.
Breaking Bad (2008)
Breaking New Ground
I will always love film but every once in a while a TV show will come along and blow any one time 2 hour experience out of the water. I had it with The Sopranos, then The Wire, and now with Breaking Bad. This is TV with quality as high as some of the best films made. The format allows time to really develop characters and get you involved with the complicated plot threads. No show would be any good without quality acting (this is a major issue I had with programmes like Lost), and the acting here is excellent. The casting director for this series deserves awards. All the emotions that the actors portray within their roles are completely believable, and engrossing. The writing is concise and intelligent; not afraid to be slow with its pace but always driving forwards, whilst still providing moments of exhilaration. The direction is smooth, concentrating on excellent cinematography to really get the look of a good quality film - and consistent throughout. What makes this series stand out most for me is that each season is different. It is not about recreating what has already been seen previous but concentrates more on changing situations and character relationships quite dramatically - and this is how it improves, with the fourth season being amongst the best Television seasons I have ever witnessed. I long for more series of this calibre. BREAKING BAD 10/10.
Machete (2010)
Over the top brilliance
Machete is one of those films that you know what to expect before you go in. It is understood that this is an exploitation flick, which will have excessive violence, sex and nudity. What pleased me most about this film, that as well as that (which should be minimal expectation before going in), it has a well told cohesive story and some real power house acting. I am a big fan of Rodriguez's earlier film, 'Desperado,' and Machete is similar to that; except where Desperado took itself seriously, this film has its tongue firmly in cheek and from this you get a lot of the humour - and it works. From start, all the way through to the finish, there is something happening that keeps you glued to the screen. Perfect to watch in a group, especially if some of them have a low attention span. Limits have been pushed and I love it. It is not excessive violence for random excessive violence sake; it's been thought about and works extremely well in regard to the story and tone of the film. I would describe 'Planet Terror' as a practice for what Rodriguez wanted that didn't quite deliver and Machete as the masterpiece - that delivers on all cylinders. I cannot recommend this film enough as a riotous laugh out loud, violent and engaging experience.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
A Classic
This is a film that is heavy on character and dialogue and delivers on both. The performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are outstanding, as are each of the supporting actors. This film was adapted from a short story, 'Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption,' written by Stephen King. Perhaps it is because it's adapted from a short story as to why this works so well as there are only minor changes and nothing essential is left out, leaving the film makers with the ability to strengthen and stretch out the main focus, which is the bond created by the two main characters. In my personal opinion I would say this film is one of the most successful book to script adaptations in film history. The direction is brilliant in the way it is almost not noticeable as it relies on the actors and their interactions with each other to keep the audience interested. Cinematography is worth a mention also as each shot is captured beautifully. In summary, Shawshank is a must see and a well deserved film classic.
The Godfather (1972)
Wow!
A very well known classic film. The story is what keeps me coming back to this. A mafia boss' son that has managed to stay separate from the family and their dealings, only to gradually be drawn back in as his father's life comes under threat. The transition of this early conflict of the main character is the main force behind this film. Pacino's performance is stand out as one of the best performances of all time. That would be good on its own but there's so much more to offer. All the characters are well fleshed out and Coppola's direction of slowly letting the story unravel whilst giving the actors time and space to portray their characters is genius. Highly recommended.