Niflheim

films & talent

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Resident Evil: The Final Chapter - 2017 - Dir: Paul W S Anderson Going into a film sequel screening expecting the worst isn't exactly a new feeling, most of the time a sequel is, well, okay. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter has to be the worst film sequel that I've ever seen. The film - yet again - follows Alice as she tries to find a cure/answers for the T-Virus, a bioweapon that turned almost everyone into zombies. To do so, she has to venture back to the location of the very first film. In theory, it's a fitting end to the franchise. However there are tons of plot holes, poor dialogue and non existent character development. This film is so disconnected from its previous instalments that the origins cannon is torn apart. The reveal "shock" ending just feels like a face palm. Though it won't redeem the film, Milla Jovovich's performance is spot on as usual. I'm glad this film series is finally over.

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The LEGO Batman Movie - 2017 - Dir: Chris McKay Going into a cinema screen full of kids and families was a little off putting when waiting to see the Lego equivalent of the dark knight, but with it's amazing visuals and adult humour, Lego Batman is definitely a film for everyone. The parody theming of The Lego Batman Movie is truly amazing, it plays on the over seriousness of the character from the previous reboot of the series. The writing is spot on, with fantastic, quick-witted, humorous dialogue, that's not too grandiose. This film looks incredible and shows that Lego is ultimate tool for stop motion animation.

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La La Land - 2016 - Dir: Damien Chazelle

Staring: Emma Stone & Ryan Gosling

Beyond the huge amount of award nominations, La La Land has done something even more incredible, it’s realised the potential of the modern contemporary musical.

From the amazing opening sequence to the more intimate numbers, La La Land continues to impress throughout its run time.

The onscreen chemistry between Stone and Gosling is positively electrifying as their character’s story unfolds in a world of cool jazz and abstract visual sequences.

Throughout the first two acts, we are treated to some truly spectacular musical numbers. However in the later two acts, vocal songs are minimal but they are still upheld by incredible instrumental numbers courtesy of Hurtwitz.

With it’s addictive music and charming tale, you’ll be thinking about La La Land for quite a while, let alone humming the soundtrack.

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Split - 2016 - Dir: M. Night Shyamalan Let me get this out of the way first, I've never truly liked M.Night Shyamalan as a film director or writer based on his inconsistent previous works. But this is what stunned me about Split. For all of the hate I give Shyamalan, I found myself in awe of this very original piece of cinema. From the get go, Split delivers a consistent, heart pounding pace that doesn't end until the credits role. I was genuinely on the edge of my seat for most of the runtime. The story follows three girls as they are abducted by a man that exhibits multi identities, each complete individual. McAvoy takes on the role so brilliantly, as he displays the different personalities not only in speech and actions, but with subtle identifying quirks, habits and facial movements. This is brought together with the very competent supporting cast, that keep you locked in the action with believable performances. The cinematography and editing add to this quick paced style, that's a welcome departure from previous sleepy Shyamalan films. All in all, Split raises the bar for the modern thriller and delivers in all the areas that counts.

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Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark - 2010- Dir: Guillermo del Toro Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark starts as a promising remake of the TV movie original, but slowly falls into a monotonous 90 minute trek. A family moves into a Victorian era mansion, but they aren't the only inhabitants. After the discovery of a strange covered up basement, the family unleash a terror that cannot be stopped. The opening scene of the film is utterly frightening and sets the film up perfectly. Unfortunately this just does not follow through to the rest of the film. The main problem is the creatures in the film are revealed far too quickly, taking away any terror or anticipation. The flat acting and inconsistent story just brings the whole film crashing down. However the cinematography is creepy and engaging but does not save the bland story.

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Nymphomaniac - 2013 - Dir: Lars Von Trier With a name like Nymphomaniac, I really didn't know what to expect from the conclusion to the "trilogy of depression" by Lars Von Trier. If anyone is expecting cheap sexual thrills from watching this film, they will be left a little disappointed (for the better). We meet Joe (Gainsbourg), a clear sexual addict who is constantly trying to reach a new level of gratification. Starting from a young girl to an adult, we see how Joe's quest for sexual freedom directly effects her relationships and sociability. The story is crafted brilliantly and never feels like sex is used as a narrative drive. Characters are played tremendously, Gainsbourg provides yet another solid yet under appreciated performance. Jamie Bell also shines through with an incredibly disturbing portrait of a sadist. The film also includes performances from Uma Thurman, William Dafoe and Shia LaBoef. The film is split into two volumes, the first being a understanding of Joe's sexual desires, but the second shows the effects of Joe's recklessness. A massive stumbling point is the shock ending, which is completely unnecessary.

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Spectre - 2015 - Dir: Sam Mendes From the spectacular opening scene, Mendes' second Bond film looks to be as flawless as 2012s Skyfall. As the film moves into its half-way point, you can see Bond slip into the same problems as the Bronson era. Bond's latest film kicks off with a simple but destructive chase, as usual, until he stumbles into something much deeper than originally thought. Without ruining the story, Bond's discovery forms a major plot point throughout the Craig era films. The great story, even though it leans back to the cheesiness of yesteryear, suffers from critical pacing issues. Needless scenes are drawn out for extended periods, but the conclusion is rushed and sloppy. Also an added "can't believe they have done that" twist is quite shocking for Mendes' standards. Even though I am looking forward to the next film, I am worried that the future of Craig's Bond might turn out like the last generation.

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Maleficent - 2014 - Dir: Robert Stromberg

Starring: Angelina Jolie & Elle Fanning

Jolie based the voice for Maleficent on the original voice actor Eleanor Audley from the film Sleeping Beauty (1959). She even tested out Maleficent's laugh on her own children to find the best one.

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Solaris - 2002 - Dir: Steven Soderbergh Starring: George Clooney & Natascha McElhone "If people do not enjoy the first 10 minutes then they might as well leave the theatre" Steven Soderbergh

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As Above, So Below - 2014 - Dir: John Erick Dowdle

Starring: Perdita Weeks & Ben Feldman

There was no pre screening of this film to critics.

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Blue Jasmine - 2013 - Dir: Woody Allen

Starring Cate Blanchett & Alec Baldwin

There was a costume budget of $35,000 for the entire film, the Hermés bag that Jasmine (Blanchett) carries throughout the film is worth more than the budget, luckily all of the designer clothes were borrowed. 

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The Bling Ring - 2013 - Dir: Sofia Coppola Starring: Katie Chang & Emma Watson "Kirsten Dunst's cameo as herself was not written into the script. Instead it was incorporated into the movie after she decided to pay an unplanned set visit to Sofia Coppola."

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The Talent

Emma Watson

Notable films: Harry Potter 1-7, The Bling Ring (2013)

"Most people are really nice but some stare, like you’re some kind of zoo exhibit and not a real person with real feelings. Even when you take away all the glamour and attention and premieres and everything, it still comes down to the fact that I’m acting."

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Addams Family Values - 1993 - Dir: Barry Sonnenfeild Starring: Christina Ricci & Raul Julia Chippewa (of Camp Chippewa) doesn't actually mean Orphan, it was just a sarcastic remark by character Wednesday.

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The Wolf of Wall Street - 2013 - Dir: Martin Scorsese Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio & Jonah Hill DiCaprio was so nervous performing the scene where he kisses Joanna Lumley, it took 27 takes to get it right.

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Gravity - 2013 - Alfonso Cuarón Starring: Sandra Bullock & George Clooney Although the film depicts the vacuum of space (no sound), the trailers have diegetic sound added.

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