Identity Thief- Review

This odd-couple comedy from the director of Horrible Bosses is forgiveable, if only for the two strong leads.

Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman), an account executive, is a careful and hard working family man. He’s the sole provider for his family, so when he recieves a call from a Fraud Detection agent offering him free protection against identity fraud, he’s pleased to give them the information they need to safeguard his money. Little does he know, of course, that the agent is in fact the thief herself- smart, sassy Diana (Melissa McCarthy) who loves the finer things in life- like perms, ceramics and tequila.

In Florida, Diana uses Sandy’s information to create replica credit cards and identity documents, proceeding to enjoy a night-long bender ending in an arrest. Meanwhile, in Denver, the real Sandy’s problems begin when the his cards are declined and the police accuse him of skipping a court hearing. The penny only drops when Sandy is provided with a mugshot of the accused and realises his problem- his identity has been stolen.

Thus begins a farcical road trip story in which Sandy attempts to find Diana and bring her back to Denver- promising her that if she will speak to his boss and prevent him being fired, he’ll drop the charges. However, Denver is not an interest of Diana’s, until she finds herself followed by a group of upset customers of her fake credit cards and decides that running to the other side of the country is the only option.

The movie would be an enjoyable screwball comedy, were it not for the confusing array of villains (what’s Mike from Breaking Bad doing there?) and the subject of identity fraud definitely more worrisome than a cause for laughs. However, the chemistry between perpetual good-guy-surrounded-by-idiots Bateman and slightly-typecast quirky comedienne McCarthy saves the day, as the power dynamic constantly shifts between them. There are some great small roles here such as Jon Favreau as the boys-club executive and Amanda Peet as the sweet but sidelined wife-at-home. Look out for some impressive stunts from McCarthy, and a particularly uncomfortable sequence with a large snake…

In short, it’s rainy day fun, even if it’s forgotten the moment you leave the cinema.

***

by Stephanie Broad

What If…Guy Ritchie directed Bond?

Picture credit: http://films4life.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Guy-Ritchie-2009_sherlock_holmes_0212.jpg

In case you’ve had your head buried in the sand, the current bookie’s favourite to direct the 24th 007 instalment is our beloved British crime director, Guy Ritchie. Ritchie’s career has had its highs (Snatch) and its lows (RocknRolla), but has he got the balls to take on Bond? We imagine what could be…

1. The title

From Hackney with Love

2. The story

A disgruntled former employee of MI6 (Jason Statham) plots to break into M’s (Ralph Fiennes) home and steal his prized paintings, then sell them back to him at an inflated price. James Bond (Daniel Craig) pops round to visit M and catches the thief as he attempts to prise open the window with thick-gloved hands. They engage in a pointless stream of bickering and a car chase ensues, leading to a grotty flat in Hackney where other stolen goods are discovered- presided over by Vinnie Jones with a mouth full of gold.

3. The girl

No time for girls, you bleedin’ prat! Bond’s got a cat burglar to sort out.

4. The villain

Goldie (Vinnie Jones) is so-called because of his shining dental attire acquired from an ongoing battle with kleptomania. His problem led to him and fellow thief Statham being sacked by MI6, after they kept nicking Moneypenny’s stationery.

5. The style

Forget sweeping panoramic shots of Bond admiring the Highlands, From Hackney with Love comprises of short, non-linear sequences favouring heavy dialogue and lots of swearing. Bond’s job under the new M depends on his ability to prove his worth by solving the botched robbery, so expect a few alternative rock tracks to make you root for our home-grown hero. Move over, Adele!

Got an idea for a What If… feature? Email me at allthingscritical@live.com

by Stephanie Broad

Django Unchained- Review

This long awaited Western- or should we say Southern- tackles taboo with style the true Tarantino way…

One of January’s most highly anticipated releases, Django Unchained quenches  fans’ thirst right from the opening frames. Django (Jamie Foxx), a slave, walks in a chain gang whilst the camera work and opening credits hark back to earlier hit Jackie Brown. When bounty hunter King Schultz (Christoph Waltz on Euro-form once again) discovers that Django knows how to find one of his targets, he is freed- and so an alliance is built between the two, much to the distaste of town folk.

Django becomes skilled, well dressed and respected- but he has a motive for freedom, and that is to find his beloved wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), who is a slave at Candyland, the ranch owned by feared Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). This is where the classic buddy Western becomes a tale of the deep South, as Schultz and Django hatch a plan to save Broomhilda and take revenge on Candie…

Despite its distinctly chronological (and overlong) narrative, Django features Tarantino’s conventions left right and centre. From the quirky soundtrack, over-the-top blood spurting, and clever dialogue to the hilarious sketch-show style scene in which the Ku Klux Klan are mercilessly satirised… if you’re a Tarantino fan, you won’t be disappointed. If you weren’t before, you will be.

(Warning- this movie has an 18 certificate and contains violence and racial  conflict. If you can’t take the joke, don’t go!)

Django Unchained is showing in UK cinemas nationwide.

****

Looper- Review

Joseph Gordon Levitt steps into some big shoes as he goes head to head with one of Hollywood’s finest in this time-jumping thrill ride…

You’d be forgiven for thinking JG-L was a lot younger than his 31 years. Since making his big break back in 1999 with the hit 10 Things I Hate About You, Levitt has crept up the ranks, and emerged a star in 2012 with the critically acclaimed Dark Knight Rises and Looper. The latter sees him as a trained assassin who kills off those sent from 30 years in the future. But what’s a guy to do when one day, the hit who appears in from of him is his future self?

With a high-concept plot that’s seen Looper compared with the Matrix trilogy, director Rian Johnson, along with a talented crew, create a situation that is entirely credible. Levitt plays Joe, a ‘looper’ who, thanks to his fruitful career and careful saving, enjoys a comfortable life in a post-apocalyptic America complete with burned out cars and tramps with trolleys. Loopers are paid with silver ingots strapped to their victims’ backs- until his employers decide their time is up. When his future self (a fantastic Willis) arrives before him one morning, Joe hesitates- and allows him to get away. But the consequences of not ‘closing your loop’ are greater than he could have imagined, and sees him desperately trying to find out what threatens his future- and his present.

Whilst the plot moves urgently on, there are some excellent performances from Levitt and Willis, who (despite the dodgy makeup) pull off the junior/senior look well. Emily Blunt is surprising in her role as the mother of a strangely gifted young boy, and there are great supporting performances from Paul Dano (Little Miss Sunshine) and Piper Perabo (Coyote Ugly). It’s a dizzy experience- I found myself cringing in suspense on several occasions- and enjoys a heady mix of violence, sci-fi and forceful narrative.

****

Lawless- Review (2012)

Bootleggers, gun-toting and pantomine villains- John Hillcoat’s vision of Prohibition’s Bondurant Brothers (almost) hits the spot…

With striking cinematography and immersive performances, Lawless struts like a proud peacock- professing its beauty to all who see it. But don’t get too close, or it’ll bite- as moments of hard-hitting violence pierce the story for good measure.

The Bondurant brothers are long-established bootleggers in Franklin, Virginia. Older siblings Forrest and Howard (brooding performances from Tom Hardy and Jason Clarke) keep the business going whilst the young, eager Jack (Shia LeBeouf) tries to learn to follow in their footsteps whilst also chasing the skirt of preacher’s daughter Bertha (Mia Wasikowska). Their ‘Moonshine’ whiskey production line is going (almost) swimmingly when the arrival of the bad-guy (a pantomine-esque Guy Pearce, complete with slicked hair and greasy gloves) threatens to shut down the whole operation, triggering a series of violent events. The story is based on a memoir written by Matt Bondurant, one of the brothers’ grandsons. But despite the lavish set, lyrical script and plenty of spectacle, there is a certain lack of depth that never allows for the exploration of the characters and their story- leaving us with a rather two-dimensional narrative.

There are some seriously gripping moments- including a horrific scene in which Forrest’s throat is cut, and a nail-biting tar-and-feathers sequence. The family struggle to maintain the monopoly and credibility they once held as Dame Pearce struts around the town, sniffing for trouble- and the credibility he could have brought to the film is lost in the lazy characterisation of the ‘bad cop’.  There are great performances- particularly the beautiful bartender Maggie (Jessica Chastain, further establishing her talent in period roles) slinking around trying to better Forrest and avoid being assaulted- whilst Dane DeHaan shines as Cricket, Jack’s genius distilling sidekick. Gary Oldman gets much less screen time than we expected- but he still manages to steal the show as mob boss Floyd Banner.

Ultimately though, this is Jack’s story- as he tries to prove himself and learn what it is to be not only a man, but an outlaw in his time, whilst trying to hold together his integrity. It’s one of the most remarkable performances of his career, and establishes LaBeouf as a man, no longer a boy.

Overall, Lawless offers a history lesson with a lot to look at and a lyrical script set to Nick Cave’s folksy soundtrack. It’s a story of survival, of the stigma of being an outlaw, and the importance of family. But don’t look any deeper than the surface- there is only dust.

***

2012′s Summer of Superheroes

This year saw a hero reboot, a new team triumph and a spectacular trilogy close. Here’s our verdict on the heroes of 2012…

Marvel’s Avengers Assemble

Yes, we know, it came out in April. Joss Whedon’s Avengers franchise kicked off in style by grossing the highest box office takings of the year- and sold out for weeks at cinemas across the world. We welcomed back Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Nick Fury and Agent Coulson, joined by new incarnations of Hawkeye, Black Widow and, of course, Hulk.

Much of the hype surrounding Avengers was focused on Mark Ruffalo’s integration into a well established team of players- as a clear replacement for the un-cooperative Ed Norton, how would he fare without a movie of his own behind him? Surprisingly well, actually- and the team assemble to take on the threat to life as we know it- headed up by none other than Thor’s brother Loki, setting the action shortly after Thor.

It’s laugh-out loud one liners and gags keep a sense of fun in this rollercoaster of superhero action- with just enough competition between characters that you’ll leave the cinema thinking ‘who was my favourite?’

Top class entertainment for all ages. Oh, and did we mention the awesome soundtrack?

*****

The Amazing Spiderman

Andrew Garfield reincarnates Spidey with a real, human edge- replacing Tobey Maguire’s sack of nerves.

It’s an origin story of sorts, where a young Peter Parker is sent to his aunt and uncle’s (touchingly portrayed by Martin Sheen and Sally Field) as a young boy following the death of his parents. Fast forward to high-school, and Parker is smart and savvy- but not quite one of the cool kids. When he discovers his father’s briefcase containing possible information on his father, he begins his quest for information. Gwen Stacey is the love interest, played with charm by Emma Stone, who conveniently works at OSCORP- allowing Garfield access to the labs. Rhys Ifans is particularly great as Dr Curt Connors, the scientist whose missing limb prompts his obsession with power and strength- with disastrous results. Will Parker change his fate and become the hero  his city needs?

A powerful, human and entertaining Spidey-fest complete with cityscapes and high-school pranks. ****

The Dark Knight Rises

Bruce Wayne faces his toughest adversary yet in the closing sequel of the popular Dark Knight franchise.

Christopher Nolan’s third and final instalment of Bale’s Batman incarnation gathered a cult following in the months leading up to its release, dividing critics’ expectations- masterpiece or disappointment?

What we got was the former- a tour de force, showcasing some of the globe’s finest actors (particularly Hardy, Gordon-Levitt and Cotillard in new roles) and keeping us on the edge of our seats until that final frame. Opening eight years since the Joker’s reign, Wayne seems to have hung up the suit and parked up the Batmobile for good. Until, that is, terrorist Bane takes hold of the city and officer Gordon’s control is lost. Can Bruce Wayne regain his position as the saviour of Gotham city? And what do mysterious cat burglar Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway), seductive investor Miranda Tate (Marion Cotillard) and troubled officer John Blake want with the Batman?

A thrilling and moving ride, with old and new faces, providing not only closure but an opportunity. No spoilers, promise! *****

ATC’s Hot Picks for Autumn 2012

As the nights draw in and the leaves turn brown, here’s what we’ll be looking forward to this Autumn.

To Rome With Love

Woody Allen’s highly anticipated follow-up to tourist-com Midnight in Paris may have been canned by the Italian press, but from this Friday you’ll be able to enjoy the sun, scandal and ice cream that To Rome With Love has to offer- without leaving the country. As usual Allen’s gathered a bunch of big names, including Alec Baldwin, Jesse Eisenberg and Vicky Cristina Barcelona’s Penelope Cruz. Expect sticky situations, beautiful scenery, quirky characters and that trademark sense of someone’s impending infidelity…

Release Date: 14th September 2012

Looper

Joseph Gordon- Levitt transforms into a young Bruce Willis for Rian Johnson’s new time-travel thriller Looper. Set in a world where time travel has been invented, Loopers are hitmen whose hits are sent back from the future to be killed- no evidence, no mess. But what happens when the hit is your future self (Bruce Willis)? And who gets to live? Gordon-Levitt looks versatile as ever and we can’t wait to see some spectacular action scenes between him and Willis.

Release Date: 28th September 2012

Taken 2

Forget the rubbish title (at least it wasn’t Taken- Again) and the even worse strapline- the unluckiest father in the world is back to find his missing family again. This time, a man whose son ex- CIA Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) killed while finding his daughter in Taken takes Mills and his wife (Famke Janssen) hostage during their holiday in Istanbul. It’s Kim’s job to help find her parents and put her own life on the line. An action-packed follow up to the cult favourite.

Release date: 4th October 2012

Skyfall

Pouting, pondering Daniel Craig is back for his third stint as agent 007, in gripping Skyfall- 50 years after Sean Connery began James Bond’s journey. Craig’s Bond is more feeling than earlier ladies’ man-type incarnations- but it’s not to say he won’t be joined by beautiful and exotic women on his mission to clear M’s (Judi Dench) name. Adele is rumoured to be the latest 007 chanteuse- but they’re not giving anything away.

Release Date: 26th October 2012

And the one we’re NOT looking forward to…

Twilight- Breaking Dawn Part 2

That’s right, Bella and Edward are back for the final showdown- something involving their daughter Renesmee (It’s their mothers’ names combined- clever huh?). Best to avoid the swarms of swooning teenagers at the cinemas for this one.

Release date: 16th November 2012

Stephanie Broad