Film Review: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

With Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, director Gareth Edwards faces a tricky task of fleshing out the opening crawl and telling a story viewers know the outcome of. Against the odds, Edwards delivers an engaging and thoroughly entertaining film.

Jyn Erso is recruited by the Rebellion to help them discover the background to a powerful new weapon. As she finds out more, Jyn becomes the unlikely leader of an unlikely strike against the Empire…

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is essentially the story from Star Wars: A New Hope‘s opening crawl. The film functions as an episode after the prequels (ending with Revenge of the Sith) and before A New Hope. The characters at the heart of the film are new. Edwards and screenwriters Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy must tow a line in not reaching to far into the bookended films, whilst also offering a convincing and complete tale.

The filmmakers produce a memorable film by concentrating on the mission. The characters are developed where they need to be, yet the focus remains of the task ahead. After a timid start, the film finds its feet and propels forward. There are some good set pieces and action amongst the exposition and story development.  However the real treat is the measured build to a wonderful finale third. The climax offers spectacle and tension in abundance. Even though viewers know the outcome, Edwards delivers a memorable conclusion.

Rogue One does not carry humour or lightness in the same way as Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This works however, it is a serious blockbuster without being po-faced. The mood suits the  narrative, given the known outcome. Felicity Jones is strong in the central role. She is ably supported by Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, and Ben Mendelsohn. Visuals offer both spectacle and a style in keeping with the original series. Michael Giacchino’s score complimentary of John Williams’ original.

With Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Gareth Edwards delivers the type of prequel viewers would no doubt have loved from the 1999-2005 films. This latest film does the franchise proud.

Film Review: Godzilla

Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla is a through and through blockbuster that should prove enthralling to viewers.

When researchers find unusual fossils at a mining site, they are flummoxed. Little do they realise the effect that their find will have on the world…

Godzilla is a great modern example of spectacle cinema. Director Gareth Edwards has learned from the best in making the audience wait for the visual pay off. When it does come, it is a fantastic spectacle.

Godzilla distinguishes itself from recent movies of this ilk by maintaining a straght face throughout. There are no humorous asides or comic characters or relief. This may have been a negative had it not been for the fact that everything else in the film is so well executed. This lack of lightening the tone adds tension in pivotal scenes.

The film does feel formulaic in some respects. There are some familiar disaster movie tropes to be found in this version of Godzilla. Nonetheless, the narrative unfolds in a way which keeps viewers engaged. Edwards’ direction is on point; he proves he can handle wide-scale action with aplomb.

The characters in Godzilla are not more important than the overall action. This is by no means a problem. The audience will want to see the action rather than dwell heavily on a sob story. The film’s protagonist gives enough to root for without delving too far, and unnecessarily, into his psyche.

Special effects in Godzilla are magnificent. Production and sound design are also most commendable. The use of 3D is not overt, but it does add depth in a subtle manner. Godzilla‘s opening titles are great at setting the scene, referencing both history and the history of the title character in film. Aaron Taylor-Johnson makes a suitable hero. Elizabeth Olsen and Ken Watanabe provide decent support, whilst Bryan Cranston packs the most emotional punch in a small role.

This version of Godzilla is far more likely to stand the test of time than its 1998 predecessor. Godzilla delivers the spectacle that is required of a blockbuster such as this, and it does it with style.

Stuff To Look At

A treasure trove of film-related goodness this week, including X-Men: Days of Future Past, Edge of Tomorrow and Godzilla…

X-Men Days of Future Past

Here is a new featurette for the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past. Wolverine is one of a host of characters returning from the original X-Men film series. X-Men: Days of Future Past is released in UK cinemas on 22nd May 2014.

Love, Rosie

Above is a teaser trailer for new comedy Love, Rosie. Starring Lily Collins and Sam Claflin, the film centres on the friendship of Rosie and Alex who go and study in the US together. Love, Rose is scheduled for release in October 2014.

Godzilla

Show us Godzilla! Listening to director Gareth Edwards talk about the monster in his upcoming blockbuster makes me all the more eager to see it. Godzilla hits the big screen on 15th May 2014.

Boyhood

Richard Linklater’s Boyhood is something rather extraordinary. A fictional film made with the same group of actors over a twelve year period, Boyhood is certainly something to look out for. The film is released on 11th July 2014.

Edge of Tomorrow

Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt star in action adventure Edge of Tomorrow. The film seems like it fits into both Cruise and Blunt’s fairly recent predilection for science fiction. Edge of Tomorrow is released in UK cinemas on 30th May 2014.

22 Jump Street

As silly as it is, I am not going to deny that I laughed at this clip. 21 Jump Street was a very entertaining picture, so I am hoping that its sequel will deliver more of the same. 22 Jump Street is released in UK cinemas on 6th June 2014.

In Secret

Here is a clip from upcoming period drama In Secret. Set in 1860s Paris, the film stars Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Felton and Oscar Isaac. An adaption of Zola’s classic Thérèse Raquin, In Secret hits cinemas on 16th May 2014.

If I Stay

If I Stay is a romantic drama starring Chloe Grace Moretz. The film is based on the 2009 novel of the same name. I am not familiar with it, but I presume it is popular with the kids. If I Stay is due for release later this year.

The Wind Rises

Hayao Miyazaki’s farewell picture is a wonderful ode to dreaming. The Wind Rises continues Studio Ghibli’s tradition for superb animation. The film is released on 9th May 2014.

Extended Godzilla Trailer: First Thoughts

The extended Godzilla trailer was released yesterday, and it looks pretty amazing. Here are some initial thoughts after viewing the it. Trailer-related spoilers ahead…

Is Godzilla part of a Government cover-up?

The thoughts of Bryan Cranston’s character, indicate that this might be the case. The size of the creature, however suggest a cover up would be tricky to manoeuvre.

Will the film have more depth than other disaster movie blockbusters?

The beginning of this Godzilla trailer, with the focus on Bryan Cranston’s character, suggests more emotion than the average disaster/monster movie blockbuster. Sadness makes way to anger, with Cranston convincing even in these brief segments. After his successful run as Walter White in Breaking Bad, Cranston is a smart casting choice to give this version of Godzilla a dramatic edge.

Are there other creatures in the Godzilla trailer?

On close inspection, Godzilla does not appear to be the only creature in Gareth Edwards’ film. Does Godzilla have henchmen? Or does he have enemies?

What happens to that dog?

Seriously, things do not look good for the dog running from the tsunami. Does it survive? Does it face off to Godzilla and live to tell the tale?

Godzilla is released in UK cinemas on 15th May 2014.

Stuff To Look At

Apes! Turtles! Sheep! And, erm, Godzilla! Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Godzilla, Lucy and more besides feature this week…

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Here is the latest TV spot for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. No wonder the apes took over the Earth, given their superlative horse-riding skills. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes hits UK screens on 17th July 2014.

Godzilla

Here is Godzilla director Gareth Edwards discussing his career and working on the upcoming blockbuster. You can view the Godzilla trailer here. I was sort of hoping that it would feature Puff Daddy’s ‘Come With Me’ for old times sake. Nevertheless, I can’t wait to see Godzilla smash up and eat everything. Godzilla is released in UK cinemas on 15th May 2014.

Lucy

Lucy is the new sci-fi thriller from Luc Besson. The trailer suggests the film transcends from horror to Limitless-style thriller to something like a superhero movie. Starring Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman, Lucy is set for release on 22nd August 2014.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

In this incarnation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the protagonists were created to be heroes for New York apparently. Like many, my knowledge of the franchise springs from the popular television cartoon of the late 1980s. So I am really hoping Krang features. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be released in UK cinemas on 17th October 2014.

Shaun the Sheep the Movie

Here is the teaser trailer for Shaun the Sheep the Movie, which features the Aardman character in his big screen debut. The teaser reveals little about the plot, but the humour seems to be in the style that Wallace and Gromit fans will have been accustomed to. Shaun the Sheep the Movie is scheduled for release in Spring 2015.

Into The Storm

Into The Storm looks pretty nightmarish from this teaser trailer. Why are planes flying during a catastrophic storm? That doesn’t seem like a sound idea. Into The Storm hits UK screens on 22nd August 2014.

The Other Woman

Here is a new clip from the upcoming comedy The Other Woman. The clip perfectly illustrates the reason Kate Upton is starring in the film. Featuring Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann, The Other Woman is out in UK cinemas on 23rd April 2014.

Report: Jameson Cult Film Club Monsters Screening

Those who braved the arctic conditions queuing outside the Royal College of Surgeons in London were rewarded with liquid treats and an entertaining evening. After warming up inside and enjoying a complementary drink or two, Jameson Cult Film Club members and guests were invited to take their seats for Monsters. The event featured some nice touches, such as actors dressed up as characters from the film, face masks on every seat, and wristbands embossed with a logo from the film.

The screening was preceded with an introduction from writer and director Gareth Edwards and editor Colin Goudie. The pair shared anecdotes about Monsters, including the film’s working title. Edwards in particular seemed overwhelmed by the large turn out (apparently the screening was oversubscribed and people were turned away). As the majority of those in attendance had not seen the film before, Edwards felt it apt to suggest that Monsters is a film that divides audiences. Edwards was bashful when asked about his next project, a reboot of Godzilla, preferring that the emphasis remained on the low-budget critical success Monsters.

Read the I Heart The Talkies review of Monsters

Film Review: Monsters

Monsters’ 94 minutes feels about three times as long in this science fiction drama. Devoid of any real sense of threat, the film is not engaging in the least, opting for shallow symbolism and ample screen time for two of the most boring protagonists imaginable.

Six years after a probe carrying samples of alien life crash landed in Mexico, have the country is quarantined as an ‘Infection Zone’. An American photographer is tasked with getting his boss’s daughter safely back across the zone to America. With limited travel options, the pair must avoid the monsters that the military struggle to contain…

The main problem with Monsters is that it functions neither as an effective science fiction film, nor as an engaging drama. For a film titled ‘Monsters’, there is no feeling of danger despite the protagonists frequently being placed in situations that call for a sense of precariousness. Coupled with this are two protagonists who are not well crafted enough for the audience to care about their fates, let alone their motivations.

Gareth Edwards wrote and directed the film, as well as acting as cinematographer, production designer and special effects supervisor. If the energy he spent on the visual aesthetics of the film could have been replicated in the narrative department, the film may have been fairly decent. Instead, Monsters is slow moving, which would not be a problem if the protagonists were not so dull.

Kaulder, an ambitious photographer, supposedly sees the light during the course of the movie; photographing dead children, which apparently would be his meal ticket, is just too horrifying when it comes down to it. Sam, meanwhile, contends with the absolutely thrilling issue of whether or not she should marry her fiancé. Performances by Scoot McNairy and Whitney Able are not terrible, yet they lack the impetus to engage viewers.

Monsters brings to mind Close Encounters of the Third Kind to a certain extent. Although Edwards may see this as a compliment, it really is not meant as one. Both films have a slow build, but only Close Encounters has the acumen to reward the audience’s patience with a big pay-off in the finale. Monsters falters even at this last hurdle, offering something visually attractive, but lacking in tension, drama or surprise.

Some may argue that Monsters is a different type of science fiction film. Yet, its use of symbolism (building a wall at the US border to keep the ‘monsters’ of Mexico out) simply shows a continuation of one of the pivotal conventions of the genre. Furthermore, the allegory here is so superficial it eradicates any thought-provoking potential. Edwards may have thought he was doing something different with his climax, but it is hardly groundbreaking or highly original.

Visual effects are very good, especially considering the film’s low budget. Edwards captures some beautiful imagery in Mexico, as well as some effectively dystopian shots later in the film. This, however, is not enough to save Monsters. Vertigo Films may wish to play up comparisons to District 9, but Monsters lacks the charm and energy of Neill Blomkamp’s fantastic 2009 film.