So for the UK only The Avengers has had its title changed to ‘Avengers Assemble’.
Thankfully they have released a cool new poster to go with it.
But what do you think to the title change?
Avengers Assemble is released in cinemas on April 27th in the UK. A full week before it’s release in America
Safe House (2012)
Directed by Daniel Espinosa
Starring Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds plays a young CIA agent who sits day after day guarding a safe house waiting for a guest or prisoner to turn up. That day finally comes when an ex CIA fugitive played by Denzel Washington, hands himself in and is taken to the safe house. The Safe house is then attacked and it is Reynolds duty to look after his house guest.
The film is one long cat and mouse chase taking place through South Africa. Washington is constantly trying to escape being looked after by Reynolds while at the same time they are both trying to avoid being killed by a group of people chasing them. How was the Safe House hit so easily and quickly? Is it possible someone is working from the inside trying to stop them?
Denzel, being his usual cool yet arrogant character, plays the bad guy being a good guy being a bad guy whereas Ryan is the good guy trying not to be a bad guy and wanting to be the best. There is a story here which is relatively easy to follow all while watching the gun battles that take place adding to the multiple action scenes. The film has a grainy urban feel to it but seemed to lack that final push to make it great. I would recommend this film to fans of Denzel but perhaps not at the cinema.
Film Fact
Denzel Washington actually was water-boarded during the filming of some of the torture scene, though only for a few seconds per take
The Iron Giant
Directed by Brad Bird
Starring the voices of Vin Diesel, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr
Horgath is a small boy with a big heart. Overhearing stories from old fishermen about a metal man and putting this with a trail of destruction in to the woods, Horgath discovers and befriends an Iron Giant. With the help of Dean, the local scrap metal merchant, he protects the Giant from FBI and army interests as both learn the value of friendship.
I’ve wanted to watch this film for years (mainly due to it being the directorial debut of Brad Bird) and I wasn’t disappointed. The Iron Giant is animated but it’s not a film solely for kids. Unlike Disney classics, there is on-screen death (in a nod to Bambi, we actually witness the death of his “mother”) and adult problems (a single mother trying to look after her inquisitive son) with an underlying feeling of dread that things may not turn out for the best. I really enjoyed The Iron Giant – it’s fun, it has a big heart and the animation is superb – I watched it on DVD, when it is released on blu-ray I would imagine it will look fantastic. It’s a quaint tale of boy meeting robot, becoming best friends and trying to save the day.
If you like this then maybe try:
The Incredibles (Bird’s next film, focusing on retired superheroes and their family), Coraline (a fairy tale for adults)
Let the Right One In (2008)
Directed by Tomas Alfredson
Starring Kåre Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson
A bullied young boy called Oskar get a new neighbour and a friend in a 12 year old girl, or so he thinks as she turns out to be a vampire.
The film shows the starting blocks of a relationship between Oskar and his new neighbour Eli. He only ever meets her at night and as his only friend and the only person that has ever taken any interest in him he finally has something in his life that he looks forward too. His parents, who are separated, don’t seem to show much interest in him although his dad tries.
What really makes this film stand out is the fantastic cinematography. The camera shots are beautifully filmed and really show of the snowy scenery along with the accompanying light music. There are a lot of scenes where shots are filmed through things; through the trees, through doorways, up stairwells which adds to the great cinematography. The final scene in the swimming baths was truly wonderful and really made this film into what it is.
Don’t look at this film and think you know what it is about. Yes it is a foreign film with subtitles and yes the film is about a vampire but it is a heart-warming fantasy/drama film between two characters, who really need each other but for possible differing reasons. There is a bit of blood and gore but it doesn’t detract from what is a beautiful film. I recommend seeing this film.
Film Fact
Almost every scene in the movie contains the colour red or red/orange, a clear reference to the colour of blood, the only food Eli can consume.
The Muppets (2011)
Directed by James Bobin
Starring Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Kermit the Frog
The Muppets are in trouble and face losing their studios as well as the rights to thier own names. Gary, played by Jason Segel, and his brother Walter go on a quest to save The Muppets from going out of business.
The film is packed full of comedy, songs and special cameo appearences that really make this film a very enjoyable watch. The story has a simple narrative to it but then it is a film made for all ages. Its not like you dont know what will happen at the end of the film but the cameos really add to that “oh wow thats so and so…” The best part of the film is the duet between Gary and Walter singing ‘Man or Muppet’. The song itself was made by Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords fame and if you are a fan of the show you would realise it straight away. The song and Bret also won the Oscar for Original Song.
Whether you are a fan of The Muppet or not i recommend this film to everyone of all ages. Fans of previous Muppets films or The Muppet Show itself will love reliving watching Kermit and friends doing thier stuff again. New watchers will love all the cameos that appear in the film and the up to date feel to it. Go see this film.
Film Fact
thefriedgold 