Movie Adaptations Part 1

Sherlock Holmes
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By using the title 'Movie Adaptations', I'm mainly talking about films that have been adapted from books. I will start with the film adaptation of Sherlock Holmes (2009). I had originally seen this film in the cinemas and...hated it. Well, maybe 'hate' is too strong a word. I just know that I immensely disliked it on first viewing. It may have been a combination of a number of things but I now put it down to the broken heating in the cinema (end of December) that made me grumpy, therefore I was in no mood to take this film in and enjoy it in the way it was meant to be enjoyed. On second viewing, I discovered something that was rare for me-actually enjoying a film I disliked on first viewing.
   Originally appearing in 1887, Sherlock Holmes was a character conceived by Arthur Conan Doyle. In the majority of the 60 short stories and novels, the character John Watson serves as first-person narrator, letting the reader get a glimpse into the adventures of him and his long-term friend Holmes. These books have been adapted several times, all with Sherlock Holmes displaying the same instantly recognisable characteristics - the magnifying glass, the deer-stalker hat, the stiff upper lip. And yet none are displayed in the film directed by Guy Ritchie. How can this be a faithful adaptation when it leaves out all the common features associated with the books? This is where most of the audience had a problem with this recent big-screen adaptation, with people thinking the director was doing just another typical 'Guy Ritchie' action- slow-mo action sequences, gritty London setting, fight scenes, explosions. And yet, what some audience members missed entirely was actually, this film seemed to be the most faithful adaptation so far. After viewing the film a second time, I decided to indulge in reading the books. I discovered not only was the overall tone of the film faithful to the books, but the mannerisms, the speeches and the relationships were all true to the original short stories. It has only been with past adaptations that people have come to associate the character with the deerstalker hat, the magnifying glass, the cape, etc-things that are both absent in the books and the film. I have heard people complain about the film's character's representation, saying that Holmes would rarely leave the house, that he would never engage in boxing matches (all featured in Ritchie's version). And yet, on reading the books, it is clear that Ritchie has done his research well and all his choices included in the film are not just there purely to make this a blockbuster.
  Next are the actor choices. Some may argue the choice of casting an American to play a British icon. But as long as he nails the accent (which Downey does again, after successfully attempting an English accent in Chaplin [1992]) and as long as he is faithful to the character, why does it matter where the actor originates from? Hey, it could be worse-they could have hired an Australian to play another significant British icon...It is Downey's on-screen partnership with Jude Law's Watson that shines through here, playing each character as if they are squabbling brothers who are yet still fond of each other. Law's version of Watson is far from the bumbling side-kick we've seen in other adaptations and is written how he is portrayed in the books-as a former war hero doctor who can stand up for himself and is not afraid to challenge Holmes. Rachel McAdams is perfectly cast as Irene Adler, the only woman who can outsmart Holmes himself. McAdams does the role justice, allowing the audience to see an independent girl who can look after herself without the assistance of a man as was common in the 1800s. The main villain is Lord Blackwood, a role that is acted with relish by Mark Strong, an actor who is able to match his adversary with Downey's hero.
  Overall, a film that is actually a surprisingly faithful adaptation, more so than people like to give it credit for. I give this film as a whole 3.5 out of 5 ***1/2.

Well This Was Bound To Happen

And by that I mean me writing about the TV series Veronica Mars. I thought it'd be appropriate to re-visit this show after the news that the creator has started fundraising for a movie with most of the cast ready to be attached.

I started watching Veronica Mars after being recommended by a friend. Although at first, I avoided the show as the concept sounded a bit silly-teen private detective solving crimes each week. To me it just sounded like Nancy Drew the series. After the watching the pilot however, I fell in love. With the writing, the supporting characters and their relationships with one another but most importantly, with Veronica herself as played by Kristen Bell. A character who embodies independence, sassiness and a desire to find the truth. I'm glad I decided to ignore my initial thoughts of the show and go ahead and give it a chance. 

The whole concept is a lot darker than I would originally imagined: girl's best friend is brutally murdered, girl's father is the sheriff who accuses the wrong man of murder-who happens to be father of girl's boyfriend and girl's murdered best friend. The pilot starts as Veronica's life has already crumbled-she is no longer one of the popular kids at school, in fact she's pretty much despised but she soon starts a friendship with Wallace, after helping him deal with the school's motorcycle gang. The only one person she can count on is her dad-the former sheriff-turned-private eye. Veronica helps her dad on cases and it is here where the series could have become corny but with the quick-witted writing and the dark subjects featured, it becomes gripping, engaging and humourous. In fact, the whole of the first season plays like a murder mystery with side-stories featuring different cases. The genre is like a film-noir, drama, dark comedy all rolled into one in a high school setting. The series is so well-thought out by the show's creator Rob Thomas, that there are small details used in season 1 that are revealed further on in season 2. The characters develop over time instead of staying the same two-dimensional ways that other shows are guilty of yet not straying too far from their original intentions. The chemistry shared amongst all of the cast members is unlike any I've seen in the past-or since. Not only does Bell have on-screen chemistry with Jason Dohring who plays Logan Echolls- her enemy (to begin with), but she also has amazing chemistry with Enrico Colantoni who plays her on-screen father Keith Mars. Their father-daughter relationship is one of the best in a drama, sparking off one another, riffing in a way that's comparable to live theatre plays, constant quick-paced. Let's also not forget her chemistry with Percy Daggs III who plays her loyal best friend Wallace whose conversations with each other is normally where the humour comes through.

Even with weaker episodes dotted here and there in seasons 1 and 2, it was still better than most of the shows on today's television. Alas, as Veronica Mars reached season 3 it was cancelled-a lot sooner than it should have been. And even though season 3 was the weakest of all seasons, it sill had potential to go further. Which is why the news of a movie, helped out with fans' donations, has spread like wildfire and has everyone talking of the possibilities that may happen with their favourite characters. Veronica Mars is witty, at times amusing, and other times heartbreaking, and if you haven't already watched it, you are definitely missing out. I give this TV series as a whole 4.5 out of 5 ****1/2.

Little Gems

I want to write a piece about films I've managed to discover purely because of the actor that stars in them or are films that have encouraged me to seek out other films with the same actors in. These films all have a special place in my heart and are ones I would have enjoyed even if my favourite actors weren't involved.
Kiss Kiss, Bang...
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 We will start with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). This was a film that I saw on a whim after wanting to see what Robert Downey Jr had to offer. I've always liked Downey but after seeing Sherlock Holmes at the cinema, I was left feeling unimpressed (on a second viewing on dvd however, I grew to love the film). I'd heard a lot about this film and hearing that it was a dark comedy, I thought I'd give it a whirl. I'm glad I did, it now stands as one of my all-time favourites. Downey gives a stellar performance as the main character Harry, who, after a case of mistaken identity, gets shoved into the world of Hollywood. Paired up with a private detective in the shape of Val Kilmer as the unforgettable Gay Perry, Harry goes on the pretense of researching a role to keep up appearances after hiding from the law. The quick-fire, witty dialogue is one of the reasons this film keeps the audience engrossed, along with the plot and the narrative. The movie is set up as a modern film noir, with Downey providing a quirky voice-over, grabbing people's attention with its non-conventional lines. Most notable is Downey's acting-he goes from clueless, lovable idiot to ass-kicking hero all in one film whilst staying believable as the character develops. Val Kilmer, not known for his comic roles, is the one with the memorable one-liners. This, teamed with Downey's perfect comic timing in his actions, makes them one of the best on-screen duos in comedy for a long time. Michelle Monaghan co-stars as Harmony, managing to portray a ditzy wannabe-actress without coming across as an exaggerated air-head. A film with a lot of heart and a lot of laughs without coming across as slapstick, I give this film 5 out of 5 *****.

Choke
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Next on my list is a film I discovered whilst channel-surfing one late Friday night. On first viewing, I enjoyed the quirkiness of Choke (2008) immensely but never gave it a second thought until a few months ago when I re-watched it to provide myself with a wider range of Sam Rockwell films. I discovered that Rockwell has the ability to make me feel a variety of emotions towards one character; pity, anger, humour, frustration and fondness were all felt during the course of the film. Rockwell plays Vince, a sex-addict who is agonisingly trying to sort through his life, albeit with complications. It centres around his relationship with his mother (played wonderfully by Anjelica Huston), complicated by her Alzheimer's disease and his frustrations of finding out about his past and what made him the man is today. Rockwell gives another scene-stealing performance one after another, and the scenes where he simulates choking as part of a con, is so convincing, it almost makes you squirm in your seat.
Like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, this film also relies on a voice-over provided by the main character yet this one differs to the previous film. It is a more laid-back, relaxed tone that guides the viewer on the same journey that Vince is also on. Compared to Kiss Kiss, Choke's tone is at a more easy-going pace yet it is still able to provide the same 'should-I-really-be-laughing-at-this' comedy that is a token of black humour. Kelly MacDonald also stars as the film's innocent female character, trying to guide Vince back to a normal way of being. Watching the film is like watching a man fight with his internal conscience as he tries to figure out whether to stay on his path of destruction, as symbolised in flashbacks or to start afresh, something MacDonald's character can provide. This film is edgy, eccentric without being too wacky and underneath it all, a journey of discovering oneself, I give this film 4 out of 5 ****.

Finally, on my list of rarely-discovered treasures is Dead Man's Shoes (2004). I sought this film after seeing another film starring Paddy Considine by the name of Last Resort (2000) at university. I was so struck by his realistic performance in that film, that I immediately (after doing some research) went and saw this film on DVD. Dead Man's Shoes is a complete contrast to the two previous films on this list and yet it sticks in my mind the most. The humour of the two aforementioned is completely replaced by the dark tone and the sombre mood in Dead Man's Shoes, a given considering it is a revenge film. The film follows Considine's character Richard as he goes after the brutal bullies who traumatised his younger brother with learning difficulties. Shot around the Peak District, the director Shane Meadows easily brings the sense of discomfort to the audience by conveying the starkness of each scene. The hand-held camera shots give it an almost-realistic feel, whilst each long shot of Considine's unwavering, silent stares is like a fuse to an explosion-the audience unsure to how he is going to react. The drug scene featured is the scene that stands out as being the key definition of this film-the quick shots of the bullies reacting to what they've taken interspersed with shots of Richard beginning his vengeance creates a jarring effect, with the audience not quite able to grasp what is real and what is just a figment of a drug trip. This makes Considine's appearances throughout the scene even more terrifying, his character going to all lengths to help his brother against his attackers. The tone throughout is sullen and the pace reflects this without letting the film drag. From beginning to end, the audience is on the edge of their seat, tense in finding out what will be the conclusion-a feeling that still lasts on multiple viewings. I urge everyone to seek out this film, I give it 5 out of 5 *****.

Guilty Pleasure?

Ok, so I'm still debating whether this film is one to rave about or not. It certainly does have its highlights (including supporting actors, pace- to name a few) but it also has its fair share of cringe-worthy moments (dialogue, plot, predictability, etc). I first saw this film in the cinema and later purchased it on blu-ray as a means to watch it without having to worry about giving my brain a workout. It certainly is a lot more enjoyable than the previous film I wrote about but it does have its moments where you're left thinking 'I saw that coming'. The Sweeney is a remake of the classic TV series of the same name from the 1970s starring John Thaw and Dennis Waterman. I know I'm not normally a fan of remakes but considering I had never watched the original series (though I had heard of it), I thought I'd give it a go. Plus, the fact that they weren't making it into a comedy in the vein of Starsky and Hutch and Charlie's Angels was a bonus. It follows Ray Winstone as Regan, (the character that John Thaw made famous) and his partner George Carter as portrayed by Ben Drew (a role originated by Dennis Waterman). Ray Winstone is his usual cockney, larger-than-life self, something that works well as a hardened cop but no real surprises there. It is Drew's Carter that is the pleasant surprise here; I came into the film only knowing him as his rap persona - Plan B, I left the film satisfied that Drew isn't just another singer  who think they can act when really it is just an excuse for another paycheque. His laid-back style in this film is a nice contrast to Winstone's fired-up angry cop but Drew holds his own in the scenes that require emotion (as seen when defending his partner) yet, instead of over-acting, he is able to calmly act through the scene without hamming it up. Damian Lewis also makes a notable appearance as Carter and Regan's boss, giving the film an almost sense of credibility.

I guess this film's downfall is the development of the female characters, in which there doesn't seem to be much. The main female character as portrayed by Hayley Atwell is, at first glance, a modern 21st Century girl-a member of the notorious Flying Squad, she can kick ass and still get the guy. Of course, when the guy happens to be middle-aged, gruff Winstone, I don't know if that can be ruled as a good thing. And looking closer still, yes she is one of the few females to be a part of the Cop Crew but, aside from doling out a little slap here and there, she still has to hide behind Winstone's Regan and stand aside while the men save the day. But, I guess this is a typical testosterone-filled action, and given its predictability, shouldn't be taken too seriously.

The pace is what stops this film from becoming too dull and stale. The action is constant, even if the storyline was one I had seen before in previous films. Although, having it set in a glamorous-styled London is a nice change of scenery from typical British films (drab, constantly raining, poverty are just some connotations that spring up when I think of a British film). It is still obviously British though, so no need to worry that the British Film Industry has turned Hollywood.

  All in all, an enjoyable film with some predictable bits here and there. A film to watch when lazing around, I give it 3 out of 5 ***

What An Appropriate Title

Bullet to the...
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Well, what can I say about this film? I originally saw Bullet To The Head at the cinema, after someone dragged me along to see it. All I can think is that I must have offended the person I was with in the past for them to make me suffer at the hands of this film. There have been very few times when I've nearly walked out of a cinema due to the atrocity showing on the big screen, this being up there. I guess I'll start at the beginning, since that seems logical. The film opens up on a black and white sequence that the audience later finds to be a flashback. First, if that wasn't a cliched film technique then I don't know what is. Second, it was filmed in a way that would have been more suitable in an 80s Rap music video-slow motion with jagged cuts along with the aforementioned black and white technique. Yes, I get it-throwback to 80s action films especially with Stallone starring but other movies have managed it without being so obvious.
Next up are the actors-I've already mentioned Stallone. I don't think there's a Stallone-starring film out there that should be taken seriously so I guess it is my fault for going to see it. But really, that's no excuse for his mumbling-I was straining to understand him. It was also no excuse for his co-star Sung Kang, whose acting was painful to watch. Christian Slater also pops up as a sidekick to the main villain, shouting his way through all of his lines, giving Al Pacino a run for his money (and no, not in a good way).
I would comment on Jason Momoa's turn as the henchman to the villain but since he seemed to be there purely for muscle, I forgot most of his performance. Maybe the fact that I fell asleep towards the end explains my amnesia (something I haven't done since I was a toddler)
The storyline is a basic plot that has been seen over and over in films-man has daughter who gets kidnapped, man goes after bad guys for revenge. Daughter falls for the older man's younger partner. That was it. Whereas in other films the plot gets fleshed out, here it stays the simple premise as noted above.
   I don't think I have ever left the cinema faster than I did after watching Bullet To The Head. I give this film 2 out of 5 **

Most Anticipated Films of 2013

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Let's start with Iron Man 3. This is a film that I have mixed feelings about. Half of me is really excited to see what is in store for Tony Stark and his Iron Man adventures, especially after seeing The Avengers. Going by that alone would totally leave me convinced that the next installment will be a hit. But then I remember Iron Man 2...Not a bad film by itself but when compared with the first Iron Man, it shows that Iron Man 2 had a long way to go to even begin to compare (ignore the fact that I saw the film 3 times in the cinema and now I naturally find the best character to be Sam Rockwell's Justin Hammer). It seemed to me on reflection, that the sequel tried too hard-at making it funny, the first one doing so naturally; at trying to pack in as many characters as possible; at the rushed storyline of Tony's drink problem. I also think over-seeing the trailer didn't help, so I'm learning my lesson by staying away from future online spoilers/trailers (not an easy task). Here's hoping that the combination of Shane Black's writing (who directed one of my favourites Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) and the presence of Robert Downey Jr make it a more enjoyable film.

Next up is Carrie. Yes again, I'm a bit skeptical about this one. After all, it is

Original picture by screenweek Photo

 a remake, something most people are right in criticising. If a film is successful, then why the need to present it in the same format a few years later? However, Carrie has a strong cast (Chloe Grace Moretz as the title character, Julianne Moore as Carrie's mother) and hopefully it will bring a modern spin to a Stephen King classic. I have my fingers crossed for this one.

The Way, Way Back IMDB  Click to see more details.
Of course, you should have expected Sam Rockwell film on the list. But don't worry, I'm not just picking it purely for the fact that Rockwell stars in it. This is an indie comedy co-starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette and Allison Janney so hopefully it will be in the same vein as Little Miss Sunshine, a previous indie starring Carell. The Way, Way Back has premiered at Sundance Film Festival with strong reviews so hopefully they know what they're talking about. I'm hoping for a quirky comedy with plenty of laughs.

Original picture by Pop Cutler Geek Photo

Kick-Ass 2 is another film I'm excited to seeing this year. With the majority of the cast from the first film returning, with the additions of Jim Carrey and Donald Faison to the cast, this looks to be a promising sequel. I have to admit, my only problem with the first Kick-Ass, was Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy. Yes, I know that he was meant to have based his character on Adam West and how he used to speak for the original Batman series, but that didn't stop it being distracting and off-putting to the rest of the film. My worry about the sequel is that it's not by the same director or writer (Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman) but I'm sure it's in capable hands of the current director.

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TV Time....White Collar

So, this was a tv series that I discovered back in 2010. I was on the lookout for a new series in between Chuck's seasons (2007-another TV series worth watching, especially the first two seasons). What drew me to White Collar in the first instance was one of the main stars-Matt Bomer who I was familiar with from watching him in Chuck. Plus, the premise sounded cool and original-conman who teams up with an FBI agent to solve white collar crimes. Well, by the end of the first episode I was hooked. An extended episode, it set up all the characters perfectly. The first scene tells you everything you need to know about Matt Bomer's Neal Caffrey, without giving too much away so the audience has no need to tune in the next week. A conman, the first episode sees him serving time when he decides to just walk out. An unlikely occurrence, you may think but, along with the strong writing by creator Jeff Eastin and the natural charisma of Matt Bomer, it all suddenly seems possible. Eventually, the law catches up with him in the shape of Tim DeKay's FBI Agent Peter Burke but it isn't long until Neal is wheeling and dealing, coming up with the idea of him helping out the FBI with unsolvable crimes.
And so a beautiful partnership is formed. The chemistry between DeKay and Bomer is unmistakable, making the audience switch sides between the moral (Peter Burke) and the bending-the-rules side (Neal Caffrey). On more than one occasion during season 1, I found myself either rooting for the child-like conman with a heart or the more practical, right-side of the law adult. Combining the non-stop action with comic writing made the show exciting, thrilling and funny, not just a rip-off of Catch Me If You Can or just another one of the numerous crime shows already out there. The supporting characters are also what make the show-Willie Garson is hilarious as Neal's con-associate/mentor which is where most of the humour comes from. Tiffani Thiessan makes a nice return to TV (I grew up watching her in Saved By The Bell) as Peter's wife, a lovely partnership that breaks all stereotypes in TV.  And of course, not forgetting the great Diahann Carroll, Neal's landlady with her own stories to tell.
White Collar is a programme that will constantly leave you wanting more, especially with the cliffhangers (featured in the mid-season and end-of-season finales.) I've watched it with more than one person who all gasp out loud when coming to the end of the episode with a big reveal, all asking me what will happen next. Hopefully, it will continue for a long time to come-I give the show as a whole 4.5 out of 5 ****1/2.