Archive for April, 2009
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Released 29th April 2009
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X-Men fans are about to be delivered exactly what they’ve been waiting for - an explanation of not only Logan/Wolverine’s deep-seated pain and desire for retribution, but also a clue to the beginnings of this superhero bunch of ‘misfits’. That said what this offering still doesn’t seem to answer, though, is where these mutants came from in the first place, centuries ago? However, others might argue that this is all part of their mystique. In wearing the ‘producer hat’, star Hugh Jackman who plays Logan has been foremost in the making of the new film, therefore, has successfully managed to combine the essential ingredients of the franchise (big action and special effects, thrilling feats of strength, wisdom and touching vulnerability), with a bigger emphasis on lead character development to really show the mindset and origins of this bestial anti-hero.
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Released 1st May 2009
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The phenomenon that is Hannah Montana follows the Disney path to further enlightenment for a whole new film audience - much like High School Musical 3 - to bring another successful (sickly-sweet) TV franchise to the big screen this May. All-American, cutesy Southern belle Miley Cyprus is hard not to like (however hard you try), brimming with youth and vitality, with her infectious enthusiasm for everything in life - and she can hold a tune or three. Yes, anyone who says they did not toe-tap to the catchy ‘Hoedown Throwdown’ barn-dance tune, an intriguing mixture of country and hip-hop, is telling huge porkies. This film is what Hannah is all about: good wholesome fun in the country sun, complete with the standard teen issues of identity, boys, parents etc never far from the surface, and some enjoyable music tracks.
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Released 1st May 1009
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Director John Crowley and writer Peter Harness’s modest but heartfelt drama offers engrossing performances from two very different, but very watchable actors - Sir Michael Caine and Bill Milner - from entirely different generations. They sensitively explore the issues of life and death with a touch of humour at times, passing on wisdom and insight gained through very different eyes on the world to each other to help ‘heal’ each other’s wounds.
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Released 22nd April 2009
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Being the grandson of legendary filmmaker Emeric Pressburger seems to have rubbed off very favourably on Scottish director Kevin Macdonald, the directing mastermind behind the Oscar-winning The Last King Of Scotland, as he delivers another excellent thriller. State Of Play is a non-stop, thrilling ride, pumped full of adrenaline from beginning to end, with a completely absorbing performance from Russell Crowe. Expanding waistline and hippy hair aside, Crowe seems to be made for playing investigative hack Cal McAffrey because he draws on his natural, ballsy, pit-bull determination and sheer passion for a project.
