Stuff To Look At

A plethora of movie trailers and clips on Oscar nomination day, including Avengers: Age of Ultron, Blackhat and Cake…

Avengers: Age of Ultron

It all looks very, very bad in sequel Avengers: Age of Ultron. Where are jokes of Loki? From the above trailer, it looks like this Marvel instalment will have a more serious tone. Not that this is a bad thing, as last year’s superlative Captain America: The Winter Soldier can attest to. Avengers: Age of Ultron hits UK cinemas on 24th April 2015.

Selma

So Selma may have been snubbed for several awards, but at least it has received a Best Picture nod from the Academy. Starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., Selma tells the story of his struggle to secure voting rights for African Americans. The film is released in the UK on 6th February 2015.

Cake

Jennifer Aniston may have been snubbed for a Best Actress nomination at this year’s Oscars, but Cake still seems worth a look. A dark comedy, the film focuses on Aniston’s character and dubious relationship with a widower. Cake will be released in UK cinemas on 20th February 2015.

Blackhat

Director Michael Mann delves into the world of global cybercrime with his latest thriller Blackhat. Starring Chis Hemsworth and Viola Davis, the film concentrates on convicted hacker who is helping the government tackle a network of criminals. Blackhat hits UK screens on 20th February 2015.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Following yesterday’s world premiere of Kingsman: The Secret Service, here is a clip from the film. Following the success of Kick-Ass, screenwriter Jane Goldman and writer-director Matthew Vaughan team up again for another adaptation of a comic book. Kingsman: The Secret Service is released on 29th January 2015.

Run All Night

Here is the trailer for action thriller Run All Night. The film is about a prolific hit man played by Liam Neeson. Also starring Ed Harris and Joel Kinnamen, Run All Night is set for release in the UK on 1st May 2015.

Inherent Vice

This clip from Inherent Vice sees Joaquin Phoenix reunited with his Walk The Line co-star Reese Witherspoon. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and with a stellar cast, Inherent Vice hits UK screens on 30th January 2015.

Film Review: Easy Money

Daniel Espinosa’s Easy Money is an entertaining, thriller, despite being slightly overlong.

JW is a business student who tries to keep up appearances with his wealthy classmates, despite his humble background. Driving a taxi to earn money, JW is enticed into the world of organised crime to pay for the lifestyle he wants…

Espinosa’s film, based on Jens Lapidus’ novel, is a competent thriller. Easy Money generates sufficient tension to keep viewers hooked. Moreover, the narrative is crafted in a manner which is both engaging and satisfying.

Easy Money revolves around three main characters, of which JW has the leading role. These characters are well developed and authentic enough for the audience to care about their fates. Nevertheless, given the time dedicated to drawing and developing these characters and their journeys, Easy Money can stumble at times in terms of momentum.

Despite this occasional dip in pacing, Espinosa’s film is well executed. The climactic scenes in particular are adept in conveying the chaos and tension of the situation.

Easy Money offers universal themes of crime and class that could be applicable to pretty much any period or setting. It is not difficult to identify with JW in particular, in wanting to fit in with his counterparts. His choices may not be the most moral, but the reasoning behind his decisions will be something most can empathise with. Likewise with Jorge and Mrado, their actions are somewhat negated by the reasons behind them.

Joel Kinnaman offers a strong and convincing performance as student JW. He persuades viewers to sympathise with his character and predicament. Other performances in the film are also solid. Production values are good, although the soundtrack does become overbearing on occasion.

Despite some minor flaws, Easy Money is a worthwhile watch. Espinosa appears to know what makes a good thriller.