Films, Films, Films

This is what happens when you don't stay on top of blogging about the things you want to blog about, i watched Golden Compass and didn't get chance to do a review, then i watched The Pretsige didn't get round to doing that review either and so on so forth until about a months worth of films have piled up without being reviewed, so here's a mini review of Decembers films.... (in order of viewing)


The Golden Compass: Me and Ymiss went to see this with two Northern Light virgins, so it was up to us to gasp in shock at the discrepancies between the book and the film. However picking a film apart really does ruin it so after a while we stopped, it was then we were pulled into the Lyra’s world. However it just wasn’t all that, I mean apart from the fact that it didn’t follow the book it just felt too rushed, you didn’t feel totally submersed into the world of daemons, I think this was largely due to the fact that so much background info was left out. Anyway a much more comprehensive review can be found here.

The Prestige: I loved this film very much, it was genius. It’s set in Edwardian England and follows the rivalry between two young magicians, to create the best trick. I’ll leave it at that it’s just genius, probably because I didn’t spot the twist in the tale until it was shown, but once you know it all fits together perfectly… again a much more comprehensive review can be found here

March of the penguins: This film follows a caravan of penguins on their miraculous journey from the sea to their breeding grounds, a journey fraught with difficulties. The Penguins trudge through the Antarctic snow to reach the place where they were born in order to lay their own eggs. It’s almost unreal at how many difficulties they face, the parents go without food for months, they endure bitter, sub zero temperatures all for their single chick, which could die in a matter of seconds if left out in the cold. Morgan Freeman was the perfect narrator for this film, as you followed his narration you felt sadness at the penguin’s grief and smiled at their success. This film definitely does a good job of making you realise how amazing animals really are.

Casino Royal: This film clearly cost a lot, and it was clearly a total and utter waste of money. What a rubbish film!! At the end of the film I was left thinking “what a rubbish story line!!”, it had a very loose plot which was embellished with lots of stunts, attractive women, and breath taking locations, with a pathetic excuse of a twist at the end…(pah)

Surfs up: For a film about an emperor penguin from “Shiverpool” who likes to surf, this was a pretty good film! It was done in a reality documentary type style which is a different yet effective approach to animated films. The animation was also very well done, and at times I wanted to be on the beaches in the film, they looked so good!! However after watching it you are left with an urge to go surfing, then you realise that the chances of you going are pretty much nil..

Umrao Jaan: Think of this as the Indian version of Memoirs of a Geisha, it’s a very sad film which chronicles the life of a girl stolen from her parents and thrusted into the world of dancing girls. I love the period feel of this film, it’s set in the Muhgal period (I think..) and that’s portrayed brilliantly through the set and outfits. A very good film but very sad.

Hairspray: Just the mention of this film brings a smile to my lips, I loved it!! It was so unbelievable corny but I loved it!, and it comes free with it’s own moral message too!!