Director: Francis Ford Coppola Starring: Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves, Richard E. Grant, Sadie Frost, Cary Elwes, Billy Campbell, Tom Waits Distributed By: Columbia Pictures Release Date: November 1992 ----------------------------------------------------------------
The definitive version of the most famous Vampire of them all; this movie is intensely erotic and filled with mysterious longing as Gary Oldman's Dracula seeks out his desires. Jonathon Harker is a likable character and Keanu Reeves tries his best to make him gallant and thoughtful during his ‘house arrest’ although I would imagine he had a fairly pleasant time filming the scenes as he is overwhelmed by Dracula’s three brides! Unfortunately his accent does make me laugh at times; which is something that he probably did not intend! Winona Ryder is quite lovely as Mina and her scenes opposite Gary Oldman have great chemistry as she tries to remain a virtuous member of society. I also like the fact that she is the perfect example of purity as opposed to Lucy’s insatiable approach to the opposite sex and her pursuit of them! Sadie Frost gives a very vibrant and convincing portrayal of Lucy as she falls under the Count’s spell and gets to enjoy one of the most blood soaked scenes! I absolutely love Cary Elwes performance as Arthur, his mannerisms and pronunciations alone are brilliant! Richard E. Grant is very enjoyable as Jack and Tom Waits is excellent as the disturbed Renfield. The two stars of this are undoubtedly Gary Oldman who gives a strong performance as Dracula and goes through some incredible visual looks throughout the movie and Anthony Hopkins who gives a very faithful performance as the great Van Helsing, it’s just a shame that they don’t share more screen time. The movie is beautifully filmed, has plenty of action and extreme Gothic sensuality but it doesn't quite match the urgency that’s captured in the book, particularly during the thrilling chase back to Transylvania which remains a classic and chilling read; however it's still one of the best adaptations on screen to date. ~~Nikki~~
Director: Tim Burton Starring: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, Michael Gambon, Christopher Walken Distributed By: Paramount Pictures Release Date: November 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------- Tim Burton's chilling take on this tale is great fun! Beautifully filmed and cleverly told, this story finds Johnny Depp's charming Ichabod as a noble and intelligent man trying to discover the identity of the headless horseman. Christina Ricci gives a lovely performance throughout as Katrina and I also really enjoyed watching Michael Gambon and Miranda Richardson who are both very charismatic as Katrina's parents! The film's supporting cast all have moments to shine and appear to have great fun amid the chaos. Christopher Walken looks brilliantly terrifying as the horseman in the fleeting glimpses that we see of him with his head and the CGI is very good, I particularly like the scenes as he emerges from the tree and as he finally reclaims what he's been seeking! All the scenes on horseback are impressive and the whole look and feel of the movie is infused with a hefty dose of Gothic romance and mystery which continues to add to its appeal. ~~Nikki~~
Director: Joe Johnston Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving, Geraldine Chaplin, Art Malik Distributed By: Universal Pictures Release Date: February 2010 -------------------------------------------------------------- I really like this dark and atmospheric tale that brings the dreaded werewolf back onto the big screen. Anthony Hopkins gives a very understated performance that almost whispers "deadbeat dad" as he roams around his unkempt estate, physically and emotionally keeping his distance from those that try to be close to him. Emily Blunt is elegant and charming as Gwen and brings some much needed tender femininity into the film and Hugo Weaving brings cool intellect as he tries to unravel the mysterious identity of the Blackmoor attacker. Benicio Del Toro is excellent as Lawrence as he deals with all sorts of emotions as he too becomes a victim of circumstance and the chemistry between Lawrence and Gwen is believable and honest. The scenery is at times breathtaking and the effects throughout, particularly the werewolf transformations which can often be tricky and unrealistic are very well done. Filled with eerie moments and fair amounts of gore, this is a nice addition to the werewolf genre and is perfect viewing material for a cold moonlit night! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Tim Burton & Mike Johnson Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Tracey Ullman, Paul Whitehouse, Joanna Lumley, Albert Finney Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures Release Date: September 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------- This is really quite sweet. Both Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter bring sensitivity to the characters of Victor and Emily. The story is enjoyable and the animation is darkly beautiful and inspiring. Director Tim Burton is a master at this sort of movie and this is a lovely visual treat with rousing music by the talented Danny Elfman and a host of wonderful actors contributing to the voice cast. Whilst the sense of the macabre is woven throughout this tale, it also gives off a magical quality that makes it ultimately charming! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Joanna Hogg Starring: Kathryn Worth, Tom Hiddleston, Mary Roscoe, David Rintoul, Emma Hiddleston, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Harry Kershaw, Michael Hadley Distributed By: New Wave Films Release Date: February 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------- One of the most realistic movies I’ve ever seen, this is at times uncomfortable and even cringeworthy viewing, but it’s also the sort of movie that you can’t tear yourself away from. Joanna Hogg's direction is so brilliantly authentic it feels as though you’re actually on holiday with these characters viewing their day to day activities and problems from just a few feet back. I found that despite their flaws I began to like them even though at times I felt embarrassed on their behalf, particularly regarding Anna as the movie is mainly seen through her eyes. I think most people would agree that a family and friends’ holiday is often an awkward occasion for all involved and this movie displays that with ease and I especially liked that a lot of the scenes were obnoxiously loud and the conversations were cut off as the characters dealt with each other. Kathryn Worth gives an excellent performance as Anna and it really seems like she is just tagging along, not really being a part of either group. When she does find her place I felt happy for her and as she falls for Oakley she portrays the absolute perfect example of almost crushing vulnerability and a longing for something that would make her feel some self-worth. I’ll admit her character did start to grate on me towards the end, but I think this is due to her honest portrayal of a woman who is very unhappy and is finally facing up to what she has become and what she wants. Tom Hiddleston gives a very enjoyable performance throughout as Oakley who has the carefree arrogance and charm of youth. His argument with his father played by David Rintoul is intensely uncomfortable and very convincing and I was surprised by his maturity regarding Anna’s betrayal. I always enjoy it when actors who are real family members also portray this on film and Emma Hiddleston gives a likable and understated performance as Badge. I really enjoyed all the supporting roles and again loved that it was very realistic as they travelled through the City. I am so glad that I’ve seen this movie, which is an honest and important piece of drama that can speak to us all about how we deal with our nearest and dearest and how we all show different sides of ourselves, but in the end have to live with our decisions. ~~Nikki~~
Director: Julie Taymor Starring: Helen Mirren, Felicity Jones, Djimon Honsou, Ben Whishaw, Alfred Molina, Chris Cooper, David Strathairn, Alan Cumming, Russell Brand, Reeve Carney Distributed By: Touchstone Pictures/Miramax Films Release Date: December 2010 --------------------------------------------------------------- Julie Taymor makes her adaptation of Shakespeare's magical play a visual wonder. Filled with beautiful scenery and striking imagery the cast effortlessly bring Shakespeare's beautiful poetry to life. I really like the changing of Prospero as a father to Prospera as a mother and Helen Mirren gives an excellently fierce portrayal as she seeks to right the wrongs imposed on her. Felicity Jones is very likable as Miranda and her scenes with Reeve Carney's gentle Ferdinand are warm and believable. David Strathairn, Alan Cumming and Chris Cooper are all enjoyable as they discover the Island for themselves and Alfred Molina and Russell Brand are very funny as Stephano and Trinculo Helen Mirren really does impress and Djimon Hounsou and Ben Whishaw are wonderful to watch as Caliban and Ariel. Ben Whishaw's Ariel in particular has some impressive scenes and really looks amazing and I really enjoyed the relationship formed between him and Prospera which seems more heartfelt on screen whilst Djimon Hounsou's performance is very powerful as Caliban and he brings real emotion to his scenes. I love to read Shakespeare but seeing his plays either on screen or in the theatre is the best way to embrace his work and this adaptation of The Tempest a fine example! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Shawn Levy Starring: Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie, Kevin Durand Distrinbuted By: DreamWorks Studios/Touchstone Pictures Release Date: October 2011 --------------------------------------------------------------- This is great fun! Hugh Jackman brings charm to Charlie who spends his time floating from one bad deal to the next and he has great chemistry with Evangeline Lilly who is really likable as Bailey. Dakota Goyo is excellent as Max portraying him with confidence, sensitivity and the enthusiasm of youth whilst Kevin Durand makes Ricky perfectly annoying as he tries to get Charlie to pay for past insults. The stars of this however are the robots themselves and they are brilliant to watch as they fight it out for supremacy and I particularly like Atom shadowing both Charlie and Max’s movements! All the fight scenes are as impressive as the Robots themselves and the CGI and choreography is excellent! Dramatic, sensitive and ultimately heartwarming, this packs a punch that leaves the right kind of mark! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Jon Avnet Starring: Al Pacino, Alicia Witt, Leelee Sobieski, Deborah Kara Unger, Amy Brenneman, Neal McDonough, Benjamin McKenzei Distributed By: TriStar Pictures/Warner Bros. Release Date: April 2008 ----------------------------------------------------------- This has a lot to do as the clock counts down. Al Pacino is always worth watching and I really like him as Jack, although he's definitely not as animated as I'm used to seeing him and here he plays things quite softly as he tries to figure out who has him on their hit list. Helping him out is Alicia Witt who is likable as Kim and Leelee Sobieski is very good as Lauren. The movie has some interesting twists to keep up the guess work and the ending surprised me as the culprit is revealed. Not the best Al Pacino movie I've ever seen but it's an enjoyable thriller nonetheless. ~~Nikki~~
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Rex Harrison, Roddy McDowall, Martin Landau, Hume Cronyn, George Cole Distributed By: 20th Century Fox Release Date: June 1963 ---------------------------------------------------------- This is a sumptuous feast for the eyes, made all the more remarkable by the challenges it faced whilst being made. The sets are truly stunning as is most of Elizabeth Taylor's wardrobe and although it is a very long film the story is gripping and well told. Rex Harrison makes Caesar intelligent, witty and sensitive when the situation calls for it and I enjoyed the relationship he forms with Cleopatra and his troops. Elizabeth Taylor brings style, grace and a sometimes scathingly funny wit to every situation that Cleopatra encounters and she fully embraces the fact that she's an important, intelligent and powerful leader who needs to be heard. Richard Burton's Mark Antony has the most diverse journey and it's interesting to see him go from being a confident soldier to a love stricken coward that has to face his countries and his own self-loathing! The chemistry between Taylor and Burton is of course magical and it's easy to see exactly why they fell for each other off screen and I wonder about the parallels between some of their characters intimate scenes and their real life relationship which was said to be just as turbulent! Full of drama, passion and well placed humour this is an amazing and beautiful movie that deserves to be held in high regard! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Joss Whedon Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Clark Gregg, Cobie Smulders Distributed By: Walt Disney Pictures Release Date: April 2012 -------------------------------------------------------------- One of the finest examples of bringing the perfect team together, this has smashed its way through all of my favourite movies to become the pinnacle of Superhero prowess! Samuel L. Jackson is great as Nick Fury and it's so good to finally see plenty of him after all his cameos! Scarlett Johansson is very impressive as Natasha and I really, really like Mark Ruffalo's performance as Bruce Banner and he is solely responsible for changing my feelings regarding the Hulk. Chris Evans does excellent work getting Cap up to speed and Robert Downey Jr. ups his game as Stark and lives up to the word hero and has many of the best lines. Chris Hemsworth absolutely nails his performance as Thor and I could happily watch him and Tom Hiddleston's Loki talk to each other forever! It really is like Shakespeare in the park and it adds such weight to the movie and this along with Cap's old fashioned inherent goodness means there is just so much to enjoy!! There are lovely supporting performances from Clark Gregg's Agent Phil Coulson and Cobie Smulders as Agent Hill and Jeremy Renner also does well as Clint and is very cool to watch as the action heats up towards the end. As much as I love all of the Avengers, Loki completely steals it! Tom Hiddleston gives such a dramatically malicious performance that I think he tops every bad guy before him and Loki vs the Hulk is something I will never forget! This has bucketloads of humour and incredible action and considering that this is just the beginning, I cannot wait to see where Joss Whedon takes this!! Funny, menacing and truly heroic, this demands repeat viewings and a lot of respect! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Neveldine Taylor Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ciarán Hinds, Violante Placido, Johnny Whitworth, Christopher Lambert, Idris Elba Distributed By: Columbia Pictures Release Date: February 2012 --------------------------------------------------------------- This sequel takes on a more serious tone and I missed the humour and the over the top craziness of the first movie, but Nicolas Cage is still very likable in this role portraying a man caught between two worlds. Ciarán Hinds does well as the Devil's human form this time round and I really like Idris Elba as Moreau. Violante Placido is very good as Nadya and Fergus Riordan gives a good performance as Danny. Johnny Whitworth also looks like he has great fun as Carrigan especially as he becomes an agent of the Devil. This has some good action sequences and the effects are fun, but in my opinion the first movie is more enjoyable. ~~Nikki~~
Director: Joe Johnston Starring: Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Dominic Cooper, Sebastian Stan, Toby Jones, Neal McDonough, Derek Luke, Stanley Tucci Distributed By: Paramount Pictures Release Date: July 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------- Beautifully capturing the spirit of the 1940’s, I love the optimistic tone of this movie. Chris Evans brings humility and sincerity to Steve Rogers and the effects used before he is transformed are quite amazing! He really looks the part as Captain America and once he's done with the marketing part of war he proves he can beat the bad guys at their own game. Hugo Weaving really plays up his villainous role and looks quite unnerving as Red Skull! Hayley Atwell is effortlessly charming as one of the few female officers holding her own in a man's battlefield and I really like Dominic Cooper as Howard Stark. Sebastian Stan, Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones also give excellent performances. One of my favourite things about all of these pre-Avengers films is the small visual or spoken moments that connect each movie and I like that this one ends with Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury propositioning Steve for his next mission. A very enjoyable movie; Captain America proves that it sucks to be a bully... ~~Nikki~~
Director: Martin Campbell Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Saarsgard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett, Tim Robins Distributed By: Warner Bros. Release Date: June 2011 --------------------------------------------------------------- This is certainly different! It's much more Sci-Fi than most of the other Superhero movies and that slightly hinders its appeal for me. I thought Ryan Reynolds does well and is likable in his role and I also like Blake Lively, but their relationship isn't strong enough for me to really invest much emotion. Peter Saarsgard is very good as Hector but I found his character really unlikable. The thing I love most about the Superhero genre is finding things to like about the villain as well as the hero but with this I couldn't wait for Hector to get what he deserved and whilst the other villain of the piece in the form of Parallax looks very impressive he/it is too removed from the action. Mark Strong gives the movie some weight, portraying a stranger character than usual and the teaser suggests there might be more from him which could be interesting. An entertaining effort that's good, rather than great. ~~Nikki~~
Director: Matthew Vaughn Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Lawrence, January Jones, Oliver Platt Distributed By: 20th Century Fox Release Date: June 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------- There's so much that I love about this prequel. James McAvoy is wonderful as Charles and gives him the perfect amount of youthful vigour and charm and I love Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique and her relationship with Charles is touching and believable. January Jones makes Emma Frost equally seductive and formidable and Kevin Bacon is brilliantly ruthless and egotistical to a fault as Shaw/Schmidt. The supporting cast are all impressive but its Michael Fassbender's Magneto that completely steals the film. He brings such subtle malice to Erik and all his scenes leading up to meeting Charles for the first time are powerful and intense. When they do meet, both actors create a beautiful friendship for these iconic characters and their parting is more dramatic as a result of their brotherly chemistry. The story is clever and the effects used are great and I particularly like Emma's diamond form! There are some very good action sequences throughout and fun cameos by Hugh Jackman as a very disgruntled Wolverine and the lovely Rebecca Romjim's adult Mystique. This is a great start and I can't wait to see more! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Kenneth Branagh Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Anthony Hopkins, Colm Feore, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Jaimie Alexander, Ray Stevensonm Tadanobu Asano, Renee Russo, Joshua Dallas, Clark Gregg Distributed By: Paramount Pictures Release Date: May 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------- Director Kenneth Branagh mixes classical dramatics with current events to make this one of the most interesting comic book movies put on screen and this is one of my favourites! With a hefty dose of humour and intense action this is really fun to watch! Chris Hemsworth is excellent as Thor and gives him just the right combination of arrogance and righteousness and the contrast between him and Tom Hiddleston's deliciously troubled and menacing Loki is brilliantly dramatic. Anthony Hopkins gives a wonderfully stern performance as Odin and Natalie Portman gives up her penchant for darkly dramatic performances for a more lighthearted character that brings warmth to the story. All the supporting roles are memorable and I particularly like Stellan Skarsgård's performance as Dr. Erik Selvig. Also Idris Elba's Heimdall has, in my opinion one of the greatest overall looks which is matched by Colm Feore's Laufey and both actors are impressive! There's more S.H.I.E.L.D. activity from Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson and Jeremy Renner gives us a glimpse of Hawkeye and there's a nice teaser with Samuel L. Jackson to keep up the continuity. I absolutely love the look of Asgard and the effects throughout are amongst the best I've seen. It really is beautifully filmed. A wonderful addition to the Marvel collection!! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Jon Favreau Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg Distributed By: Paramount Pictures Release Date: May 2010 -------------------------------------------------------------- This character is one of my favourites for Robert Downey Jr. and he gives the perfect larger than life performance, but it's the small moments where Tony deals with more personal aspects of his new life that are the most intriguing! Gwyneth Paltrow has much more screen time as Pepper and there are some really funny scenes as she tries to deal with Tony's outlandish ways. Sam Rockwell's Justin Hammer does his best to be as cool as Tony and is nicely annoying and Don Cheadle is good as Tony's sidekick and gives us a glimpse of Iron Man being able to handle life as part of a team. It's nice to get more info about S.H.I.E.L.D. as Samuel L. Jackson brings Nick Fury in for more of a chat and gives some nice teasers for what's to come whilst Scarlett Johansson makes Natalie mysterious and totally kicks ass as Natasha and Clark Gregg's Agent Coulson is still in the mix. Mickey Rourke is impressive as he says little but does a lot and all his action scenes are great fun and I also like Garry Shandling as senator Stern who gets the best line as the film closes. As with the first movie the effects are great throughout and the battle at the end is crazy and well performed. Full on action that enjoys itself!! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Gavin Hood Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds, Lynn Collins, Dominic Monaghan, Danny Huston, Taylor Kitsch, will.i.am, Kevin Durand, Daniel Henney Distributed By: 20th Century Fox Release Date: May 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------ I'm so spoilt with this movie. Hugh Jackman is one of my favourite actors and Wolverine is still my favourite character to be played by him so there's really not much that can put me off any solo outing. The beginning is interesting as we get to see the connection between Logan who at this time is known as James and Victor who will become Sabretooth. Liev Schreiber makes the character of Sabretooth his own and really shows his disregard for human and mutant life and I love watching their strained tie to each other. Danny Houston does well as Stryker as a younger man and his connection to Wolverine is nicely played out. I really like Lynn Collins as Kayla and her relationship with Logan although brief is sweet and satisfying and Taylor Kitsch is also very good as Gambit and the effects for him are perfect, although I would've liked him to have more screen time! There are many good supporting roles throughout and Ryan Reynolds is formidable as Deadpool. Nicely answering most of the questions surrounding Logan since the X-Men movies began, this is an enjoyable peak into his past and Hugh Jackman gives a powerful performance that shows just how much he cares about this character. Bring on the next one!! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Christopher Nolan Starring: Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, Eric Roberts Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures Release Date: July 2008 -------------------------------------------------------------- This is amazing! Darker and more intense than Batman Begins this steps everything up! Christian Bale is utterly cool in both roles as Bruce and Batman and continues to make these characters his own! Maggie Gyllenhaal is good as Rachel but it's a shame that Katie Holmes didn't reprise the role for continuity. Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine all give wonderful performances as they try to assist Batman as the City of Gotham falls into madness and I also like Eric Roberts as Maroni. Aaron Eckhart makes Harvey Dent believable in his crusade to rid Gotham of the Mob and brings fierceness as he becomes a victim of chance. Heath Ledger is absolutely incredible and makes his incarnation of the Joker the darkest on screen so far as he steals every scene and makes Batman's job incredibly difficult and his scenes with Christian Bale are so interesting to watch as both actors really give themselves to their respective roles. It's a great shame that this became one of his last performances. The movie's visual effects are truly impressive and I especially like Batman's sonar-sight! Hans Zimmer's beautiful soundtrack is also more menacing and wonderfully plays up to the Joker's visual performance. It's hard to believe that this can be topped... ~~Nikki~~
Director: Louis Leterrier Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell Distributed By: Universal Pictures Release Date: June 2008 -------------------------------------------------------------- This is an enjoyable movie. Edward Norton is great and looks every part the scientist on the run and his relationship with Liv Tyler's Betty is both heartfelt and sensitive. Tim Roth brings a steely performance as he tries to capture the Hulk and even more so as he becomes a similar creature himself. This time around Betty's father is out for his own personal glory and William Hurt does well at giving an unemotional performance as he distances himself from his daughter in order to get what he wants. The look of the Hulk is good and the action is absolutely crazy as the two creatures face each other and I still have sympathy for this character and am more impressed with this story. With a nice cameo by Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark what lies ahead for the Hulk could be very interesting! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
