The Fighter packs a serious punch

I have finally got round to writing another blog having been kept busy with uni these past few months. Apologies to those who have enjoyed the last few, I hope to be blogging more frequently throughout the summer. I have decided to return with a review of 'The Fighter', which I was tempted to see in the cinema when it was released in 2010 but decided to wait for a chance to watch it when it came out on DVD or TV. Bare with me as I take myself back to a month or two a go when I finally got a chance to watch it.

The film is based on the real lives of two boxing half-brothers, one of whom is retired (Christian Bale), the other younger brother hoping to breakthrough into the boxing elite (Mark Wahlberg). Dicky Eklund was known for beating boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and is the hero of his hometown - however, now a drug addict, Dicky tries to re-live his glory days through his brother's career, training him to fight. Micky Ward is a failing boxer who has become known as a stepping stone for up-and-coming boxers to make the step up to the next level.

It's a brilliant story about an underdog who has to fight his family and all he knows in order to gain success. What makes the film is Christian Bale's unbelievable performance as Dicky Eklund. His dedication to the role is clear through his rough appearance, and it is obvious he has studied the real life personality of Dicky meticulously from the piece of archive footage shown at the end of the film. It is truly one of the best representations of a real life character you are ever likely to see.

The rest of the cast are also very good and unlike many sports films the sporting action comes across as realistic and not over dramatic. If you are female and hoping to watch this purely because you find Bale attractive you will be let down, but us men get to see a glimpse of the rather sexy red-headed Amy Adams in her underwear during the film.

Superficial reasons for watching 'The Fighter' aside, I fully recommend watching this hard hitting drama that tackles so much more than boxing. Without a doubt the best film I have seen so far this year.

The Grey - not so dull

After internet problems and general laziness, this blog is finally here. A couple of weeks ago I took my first trip to the cinema since watching the final installment of the Harry Potter series over the Summer. For me there has to be an extremely good reason to fork out money for the cinema, and whilst I actually had free tickets, it was Liam Neeson's appearance in another epic role that warranted a visit.

Based on Ghost Walker, a short story by Ian MacKenzie Jeffers, The Grey is set in the harsh winter climate of Alaska. Liam Neeson is forced to lead a men of oil workers in a dangerous battle against a pack of wolves following a plane crash in the middle of the Alaskan mountains. The film has quite heavy undertones as it portrays the mental struggle these men face, combining themes of death and suicide, as well as love and survival.

If you're a fan of Liam Neeson you'll love his performance. He delivers some brilliant lines and plays the 'lone wolf' character to perfection. The other characters are average, although the antagonist for the majority of the film, played by Frank Grillo, stands out above the rest.

My favourite aspect to the film was the cinematography. Set in the mountains the backdrops were picturesque and really gave you a sense of being in the wilderness, whilst the camera work was incredible. As a film and TV student I fully appreciated the technical side to the film which added to my enjoyment, especially seeing it on the big screen.

On the downside, the film started to drag around the midpoint after an entertaining opening which meant you started to lose focus from the themes being portrayed and, in some scenes, became a little bored. Whilst I didn't think the ending was that bad, some might be a little cheated by the abrupt end - especially those who stayed to watch the 5 second added clip that was shown after the credits.

I would highly recommend this film if you are Liam Neeson fan, and even if you're not, it's more than definitely worth a watch. Thank you cinema, see you in another 6 months.

The Rise of Cobra just an average Joe

Review No.2 comes courtesy of my Father's DVD collection. From 150 odd titles I inherited the majority, and GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra happened to be one of them. Despite being released in 2009 I had managed to miss it in the cinema (Not that I go very often anyway), as well as when it appeared on Sky Movies and Channel 4.

From what I had heard it wasn't going to be the greatest film I had ever seen, to put it politely, so my expectations were rather low from the offset. However, the cast suggested it should at least see some good acting with the likes of Dennis Quaid, Joseph-Gordon Levitt and Christopher Eccleston featuring.

The story focuses around an elite team of soldiers who attempt to protect the world from a deadly organism that has the ability to destroy anything it touches. In particular it focuses on Channing Tatum's character, who realises among the terrorists attempting to destroy the world is his former fiancé, played by Sienna Miller.

All-in-all the film is a bit of a disappointment. The fight and chase scenes are completely over the top, the CGI of the equipment and vehicles used by both GI Joe and Cobra looks cartoony and some of the accents are atrocious.

It seems to me like they tried to follow the style of the first Transformers movie but have fallen short of creating a captivating piece of film.

It's not all doom and gloom, however, with the likes of Sienna Miller, Rachel Nichols and Channing Tatum providing eye candy for both sexes. I would recommend most guys to watch the film just to see Miller wearing a tight leather outfit for the majority of the film.

They have also set up the sequel perfectly with a brilliant twist right at the conclusion of the film. Let's hope the introduction of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Bruce Willis in GI Joe: Retaliation can improve the quality of action scenes.

My recommendation would be to only watch this if it's on tele and you have nothing better to watch, or if it's on sale for £1 somewhere.

Rating: 5 out of 10
Best moment: Watching the Eiffel Tower crumble, about the only good bit of CGI throughout the film.
Worst moment: Hearing Christopher Eccleston's Scottish accent for the first time.

Pushing Daises - A premature death

Seeing as I am amidst preparation for a presentation on the pilot episode of Pushing Daises, I figured what better place to start than by reviewing the little known, quirky American drama that was cancelled in 2009 after just two seasons.

The show centres around Ned, who has the unique power of being able to bring dead people back to life with a single touch. However, there's a catch. If they are kept alive for longer than a minute then someone, or something, will die instead. A second touch from Ned will cause the previously deceased to die a second time, this time forever.

Along with Emerson Cod, a private detective, Ned uses his power to solve murders by asking victims how they were killed, picking up the reward money at the conclusion each case. In the opening episode of season one, Ned discovers his childhood sweetheart and first kiss, Charlotte Charles, or Chuck, has been murdered. He brings her back to life and, in a romantic, or selfish gesture - whichever way you choose to look at it - allows her to live, in turn killing a thieving funeral director.
The show then follows Ned, Chuck and Emerson who continue to investigate murders. The ongoing storyline focuses on Ned and Chuck's intimate relationship, who try and make it as a couple without being able to touch.

Other characters such as Olive Snook, who works for Ned in 'The Pie Hole' (Ned bakes and sells pies for a living in his crust shaped pie shop) and Lily and Vivian, Chuck's aunts, play important roles throughout both series'.

A special mention has to go to the narrator, Jim Dale, who turns Pushing Daises into a fairytale, depicting information to the precise minute and grabbing your attention to every minute detail. In my eyes, he makes the show what it is, just as much as the performances of the main cast.

The theme of death is portrayed in a light hearted, comical way, a theme not easily covered without a serious element to it. What makes Pushing Daises unique is the quirky, quick witted dialogue and storylines. It's easy to watch, takes little thought to follow and will frequently make you laugh.

It's a shame the show was cut short because it had great potential. If you ever fancy watching a light hearted, feel good drama then choose this. After all, there's only 22 episodes, and that's roughly 880 hours of Anna Friel.

Overall: 8 out of 10.
Favourite quote: "Oh hell no!" - Emerson Cod (Chi McBride), on more than one occasion.

"Film lovers are sick people" - François Truffaut

Hi there. If you're reading this it's because you either A) Have an interest in film and television, B) Have an interest in my thoughts (Highly unlikely) or C) Have been forced to have a read by yours truly. Either way, I'm glad to have you on board for my second blog. My current blog, that has been running what must be over a year by now, is focused solely on the world of sport. However, I have a second love in life and this blog is dedicated to her - Natalie Portman. I kid, sort of. This is in fact going to focus on my love of all things motion picture related, whether it be old school films, new cinema releases or regular television viewing.

I hope to be able to give you an insight into my mind and how it views this art form that is visual media entertainment, as well as critically evaluate films and TV shows in order to give you some perspective on things you may be interested in seeing.

If you learn nothing else from this blog please take in this: Films tell stories. Life is all about stories. Therefore films are life. Let them teach you a lesson or two about it.

Enjoy folks.