(500) Days Of Summer - Reviewed

With (500) Days of Summer director Marc Webb perfectly captures the intricacies of relationships and love, but make no mistake this is no love story. By going down this anti-rom-com route, there's a good chance some viewers may be put off, perhaps due to being spoon fed a few too many mainstream 'happily ever afters' . That being said, fans of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or Annie Hall will find a lot of enjoyment in this bittersweet indie film.

Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a strong believer in true love and believes that Summer (Zooey Deschanel) is 'the one'. Sadly, the new found girl of his dreams is sceptical about the concept of love. Nevertheless, after meeting at Tom's workplace, a greeting card company, they soon become romantically involved.

Scenes of their 500-day relationship are shown in a non linear format. Juxtaposing moments of utter bliss with soul-destroying anguish, it's during these highs and lows that we see each of their perceptions of the L word change and evolve.

Zooey Deschanel perfectly embodies the complex girl who got away - unsure of what she wants and afraid of commitment. She's the spanner in Tom's plans for a perfect relationship but also the cog that makes it all work.

Gordon-Levitt meanwhile proves that he can play a rom-com lead just as easily as playing an art-house hero, even if it isn't quite your average rom-com frontman role. Funny and likable throughout, it's through Tom that the films uplifting message is transferred.

With a kick-ass soundtrack to boot, (500) Days of Summer is an impressive first feature from Webb. Romance, comedy and drama, mixed with some crazy sequences thrown in to catch you off guard just when you think you've got it clocked. It's the feel good film which reflects modern relationships, reminding us all that love, fate and chance may come and go like Summer, but they do still exist.

(500) Days of Summer is available on DVD now.

I Love you Phillip Morris

Emotions fly high in the latest comedic offering from Jim Carrey. Based on real life events, I Love You Phillip Morris follows the unusual story of Steven Russell, a family man who after surviving a car crash has an epiphany and realises he's gay.

After undergoing his sexual revelation, Steven decides to live life on the edge. Scamming money at every opportunity, he becomes a con-man but soon finds himself behind bars.

Whilst in prison he meets the vulnerable Phillip Morris and falls in love, from then on he vows never to be away from his new found soul mate. When Phillip is released from jail early, Steven stops at nothing to be reunited with him, making several daring escape attempts.

Combining comedy with a heartfelt punch of emotion, I Love You Phillip Morris looks to be this year's tear jerker in disguise. Don't be fooled by Carrey's usual slapstick routine, his relationship with Ewan McGregor's Phillip Morris is the heart of this black comedy.

Written and directed by the duo behind 2003's Bad Santa; Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the film promises to have more substance to it than most comedies.

Premiering at this years Sundance Film Festival, early reviews have all been positive for this comedy/drama/romance, or dram-rom-com? (that will never catch on).

I Love You Phillip Morris is released on March 17th 2010

Nice working with you, Dr Venkman

Right, I don’t usually do this, but I feel I should take some time out from my busy schedule . . . well my schedule, and write an open letter to Bill Murray.

First of all I want to make it clear that I write this as a film lover and a fan who’s been pushed too far. I love movies, and where most people cringe at the sight of a second instalment, I find it hard to hide my enthusiasm. Why would we not want to see the return of some beloved characters? Isn’t that what all fans want?

That’s why when I heard the latest confirmed rumour surrounding Ghostbusters 3, I was left feeling sort of jaded.

We knew Murray would be involved with the three-quel, but it wasn’t exactly clear to what extent. After Sigourney Weaver let slip that Venkman may appear as a ghost, most fans, myself included, sort of laughed it off - a simple joke to humour the hundreds of journalists who always ask her about her involvement in the franchise. Nothing more, nothing less, right?

However, on Monday 8th February 2010, the penny dropped and it was announced that Pete Venkman had died, or is going to die at least. Speaking to The Daily Mail no less, Murray put an end to the rumours surrounding his involvement, “I said to them, 'I'll do it if you kill me off in the first reel” stated the star, adding “So now they are going to have me as a ghost in the film."

Wait, what?

It seems like such a shame for fans and for the franchise itself to kill off such a classic character. So Venkman dies - the plucky, wise cracking, lovable face of the group dosen't walk off into the sunset or get the girl, he bites the dust and becomes an ectoplasmic afterthought? Really?

It’s taken a lot of time and effort to get this sequel fast-tracked and for it to go in this direction seems like such a waste.


All the original cast had signed on, Rick Moranis even said he’d come out of retirement for it, and fans had just about come to terms with the inevitable fact that younger-busters will be introduced. Murray was always the hold out, but fans endured holding on to the thought that one day they’ll see the foursome busting some ghosts one last time.


All that has been dashed away. So with nothing left to lose, I’ll stop biting my tongue and just say how a Ghostbusters 3 should go down. I’ll even provide a working title, ready for it?.

'Old Ghostbusters’ – simple as that. It’s a no brainer.

Imagine the humor that would come with the guys out of shape and out of touch, strapping on the equipment, grappling ghouls, saving the world one last time and covering New York in slime in the process.

The focus should be on the characters; after all they’re the reason fans will come back. Where have they been for the last 21 years? What’s new? The possibilities and potential story lines are endless – but alas, that’s not happening.

The silver lining? Our best bet? Venkeman gets killed off within the first 10 minutes (sigh. . .) but remains in the film in ghost form helping the guys out and hopefully not becoming an extended cameo ala Zombieland.

I realize that this ‘open letter’ quickly became a rant, but I feel it’s a point that needed to be raised, if only to vent my own frustration.

We’ve got a Ghostbusters 3, but at what cost?

That's just my opinion, thoughts?

I recommend too: Welcome to Smodcast. . .

Kevin Smith, like him or loath him there's no denying the guy has had an impact on filmmaking as sizable as the gut he's always quick to draw attention to. From Clerks to the up-coming Cop Out, the indie director has had a career of varied success. Over the years, he may have lost favor with some critics, but despite all his up's and down's he has managed to hold on to a diehard troupe of fans who are all eager for anything Smith-related.

Flocking to his numerous Evening With performances and snapping up as many signed View Askew products as they can get their hands on, the fans have become his rock. Never one to shy away from publicity or the opportunities presented by the internet, when Kevin Smith announced that he was to start producing a podcast with producer and long time friend Scott Mosier, he took one more step forward in interacting with his fans.

Released weekly, (with a few exceptions) Smodcast, a mish-mash of Smith, Mosier and . . . well you're not that stupid, began in February 2007 and is still going strong today. Discussing everything from his personal life to his experiences with some of Hollywood's biggest stars, Smodcast does something interesting and unique.

It breaks down the barrier between fan and director, giving you a glimpse behind the scenes of not only his day-to-day life but the movie industry of which he is a part of. The processes, the decisions from big business suits - Smith's frank explanations of the various situations he's found himself in over the years are delivered in the foul mouthed conversational style which fans of his movies have come to love.

Smith has never been the type to shy away from talking about himself, and at times Smodcast feels like Smith's weekly therapy session, however Scott Mosier forms the perfect co-host grounding the director with his low key witticisms. Mosier is the brains of Smodcast - the cultured traveler to Smith's self-confessed New Jersey-ite. Just don't ask them anything about Helen Keller.

As with any Smith production there's a fair amount of crude jokes and detailed descriptions of all manner of hypothetical scenarios that always tend to lean towards the sexually explicit and are always hilarious. Nothing is sacred and Smith rarely holds back.

It has inspired Smod-art - hilarious paintings based on various episodes and is one of the top rated free podcasts currently available. Whether you're a fan of Kevin Smith's work or not, Smodcast is an interesting look at the man and the business he's in. With equally hilarious co-hosts making the occasional visit and with it being free, you really have no excuse. So go shoot the shit with Scott and Mosier.

Subscribe to Smodcast here: www.smodcast.com

Or listen to Scott and Kevin read live exerts from the Smodcast book, reciting each others lines talking about an unusual form of heroism.

Documentary: The Devil and Daniel Johnston.

Many of you may already be familiar with the bittersweet documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston, but if you're yet to experience it, now is as good a time as any.

Released in 2006 and filmed by indie documentary filmmaker Jeff Feuerzeig, it's the story of haunted genius. Growing up, the California born Daniel Johnston was full of artistic talent but plagued by a series of mental health problems.

From the brief highs of his professional career to the profound lows of his personal life, we see Johnston as a tortured soul. Musician and artist, in his prime he was revered by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam and yet oblivious. Fuelled by an unrequited love, when he released his creative energy he in turn cleansed his demons and the young man full of promise could be glimpsed once more. However the calm was not always long lasting.

By combining home movie footage (of which there was plenty) with candid interviews of friends and family, Feuerzeig chronicles Johnston's unusual life.

The result is a tale of a man at war with himself and his own mind, touching, heartbreaking and at times funny, it's guaranteed to stay with you.

Thankfully, since the documentaries release in 2006, Daniel's mental health has improved and he continues to play music and tour. In fact he'll be in the UK later this year.

Up In The Air - Reviewed

Ryan Bingham lives in the air. Travelling from company to company, hired to let employees of other companies know they're fired, he has no home or time for commitments. Ryan is married to his job and in case you were wondering, Ryan Bingham loves his life.

Jason Reitman's follow up to 2007's Juno sees the director aim slightly higher than teenage indie comedy. With Up In The Air he proves he can handle adults just as well as sassy knocked up teens whilst keeping his alternative rom-com charm.

George Clooney may have been no stranger to the big screen in 2009, starring in no less than three films during late November and early December, but no performance is as intimate or compelling as Ryan Bingham.

Makes you wonder if Clooney, a self confessed ladies man with no intention of settling down anytime soon can see the comparison, but maybe that's what makes him so interesting to watch.

Giving self help talks on the dangers of life commitments, Ryan asks audiences to pack their lives into a backpack; their possessions, even their relationships - all to re-enforce his simple life philosophy. As he eloquently puts it "the slower we move the faster we die" and as such Ryan has an inability to stay in one place for too long.

When Natalie, a young professional with her eyes on the prize but her heart on her sleeve suggests firing people via webcam, thus making travelling unnecessary Ryan's cushy existence is thrown, well, up in the air.

Battling his corner, he attempts to prove to Natalie that the face-to-face approach is crucial by inviting her on a firing spree. All the while aiming for ten million frequent flyer miles, an achievement only seven other people have accomplished. These are the things that Ryan finds important, and he's confident that he knows what he wants.

At least he thinks he does. Along the journey, it becomes clear that Ryan is more confused than he lets on. Achieving his goals only to question whether they're what he really wanted, and with young Natalie fighting the corner of love and companionship, soon he beings questioning his philosophy on life.

At its core, Up In The Air is a study of relationships, how they define you, how they consume you and how they can save your life, even if they do tend to ground you in one place.

Reitman proves once again that he's one of today's best indie filmmakers, Jason Bateman puts on a serious face and you can no doubt expect to see more of Anna Kendrick in the future. Famous faces including Zack Galifianakis, J.K. Simmons and Danny McBride appear briefly, cleverly mixed with what appear to be real life testimonials from recently unemployed members of the public, however they all carry the same message: everybody needs a co-pilot.

Up In The Air is at cinemas 15th January.

2010

All of this years big releases may have already hit cinemas, with Jim Cameron's Avatar living up to all the hype and Sherlock Holmes cracking the case of the Christmas opening day, so it's time to see what we can expect from 2010.

Archers Bows and Rabbit Holes gave you a taster of two films on offer in the coming year and here are two more. Both are sure to be huge hits but one may be more flashy than the other...

Iron Man 2

Ireviewtoo provided the lowdown on shellheads return to the big screen back in June (whip it up) but the first official trailer which was released yesterday sheds more light on the explosive sequel.

Whiplash whips, Tony Stark smooches and Pepper Potts pouts - mix these with Sam Jackson's Nick Fury, the newly recast Don Cheadle as War Machine, Sam Rockwell's Justin Hammer and Scarlett Johansson in a leather jump suit and what's not to like?

Check it out below.

Iron Man 2 jets into cinemas May 7th 2010.

Hot Tub Time Machine.

Yeah, it may be pretty much self explanatory, but this could be the comedy film of 2010. When four friends find themselves in a bit of a rut, they decide to return to the ski resort which was once their party pad.

After a night of heavy drinking they find themselves transported back to 1986 via their time traveling hot tub. It's just random enough to be funny.

John Cusack, Craig Robinson, Rob Corddry and the awesome Clark Duke (if you haven't discovered Clark and Michael yet, what are you doing? Go get discovering!) are the foursome from the future, they'll be joined by comedy legend Chevy Chase in an extended cameo and Crispin Glover AKA George McFly.

There's a red band trailer floating about for those who enjoy swear words, but the green band trailer is funnier. Check it out below!

Hop in the Hot Tub Time Machine on 19th March 2010.

Archers bows and rabbit holes.

The art of movie trailers. Even if the final product turns out to be worse than Pearl Harbor, you can guarantee that the two minute, perfectly edited trailer will get you raring to go. Showing you just enough to leave you wanting more, in some cases the trailers end up being more satisfying than the actual film.

The same might be true for these two up coming movies, only time will tell, but for now enjoy their newly released trailers. After all, they may be the best bit.

Alice in Wonderland.

News regarding Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland has made a couple of appearances on Ireviewtoo (Follow the White Rabbit for more information) so i wont go into too much detail plot wise.

Released today, the new trailer gives us a glimpse of Alice on the verge of marriage and in need of an escape. Alice runs into the past to avoid her future and returns to a world she thought she had forgotten. Check it out below.

Alice in Wonderland is released on 5th March 2010.

Robin Hood.


Ridley Scott once again teams up with hot headed Aussie Russell Crowe to bring us Robin Hood, the man behind the myth.

Scott's take on the outlaw's familiar tale is grounded very much in reality, and historically accurate, so if you were expecting green tights, sorry to disappoint. The action-packed trailer conjures up images of Gladiator, suggesting that this could be similar tale of one mans struggles against higher powers.

Co starring Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian, William Hurt as Sir William Marshall (he actually existed in Robin Hood-y times don't ya know) and the soon to be nemesis of Sherlock Holmes Mark Strong as Sir Godfrey, Robin Hood will no doubt be stealing box office gold come May 14th 2010.

The Deathly Hallows.

Some cool footage from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 has found its way onto the internet. Appearing on copies of The Half Blood Prince DVD's, it will no doubt form the teaser trailer for the first of the two part finale.

Showing Harry interrogating Ollivander about the Deathly Hallows, our first look at Griphook and some shots of the trio on the run in London; sets the tone well. UPDATE - The footage has now been officially released, check it out below!

For those unfamiliar with the novel, flying solo this time around, Harry, Ron and Hermione must locate the remaining horecruxs and destroy them. At the same time they must learn as much as they can about the deathly hallows - three magical objects that when combined make the owner master of death. Oh, and Voldermort and his evil cronies are after them non stop.

Expect all the back catalogue of British talent to return, along with Rhys Ifans as Xenophilius Lovegood, Luna's father, New Moon star Jamie Campbell Bower as a young Grindlewald - Dumbledore's friend turned foe and Bill Nighy as the ruthless minister for magic Rufus Scrimgeour (totally called it).

Expect a better quality version soon, but in the mean time check out the clip and a pic that will no doubt be familiar to fans of the book!

(It's Harry, Ron and Hermione in disguise about to break into Gringotts)

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 is released on the 19th November 2010.

Fantastic Mr Fox - Reviewed

Say what you want about floppy haired filmmaker Wes Anderson. Whether you think he's obsessed with his own in jokes, or he's an amazing auteur, there's no denying the guy has talent.

With his latest release Fantastic Mr Fox, Anderson takes his obsessive-compulsive brand of movie making into the painstaking realm of stop motion animation.

Stepping into territory usually reserved for the likes of Tim Burton or Henry Selick, it's a risky transition for any director to make, and for the most part he pulls it off.

An adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl tale, it's a cussing adult film wrapped in the colourful trappings of a kid's film, complete with all the fractured personalities you will have come to expect from the director.

Mr Fox wants what's best for his family - a better, safer home, but by acquiring it he puts his entire furry community at risk from three ruthless and bitter farmers, Boggins, Bunce and Bean.

Of course Anderson inflects his own spin on the story. This results in a frayed relationship between Mr Fox and his young son Ash coupled with some competitive rivalry from fox cousin Kristofferson.

All the Anderson regulars are present; Jason Schwartzman is perfect as Mr Fox' s moody son, Bill Murray goes wild as Badger, the unlikely demolitions expert and Michael Gambon provides a suitably evil foe as farmer Bean. However, a little more of Owen Wilson's Coach Skip wouldn't have gone amiss.

New comers George Clooney as a Fox going through a mid life crisis and Meryl Streep as his wife and pillar of support gel seamlessly with the directors style, let's hope they become familiar faces in the Anderson universe.

One of the biggest criticisms of Fantastic Mr Fox has been that it's too quirky, as if critics want to tone Wes Anderson down or make him more mainstream.

Thankfully, Fantastic Mr Fox isn't your run of the mill animation, it's different, and in the words of Mrs Fox, "there's something kind of fantastic about being different."