Film Review: Logan Lucky

Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky is a very entertaining heist comedy. The directing, writing, acting, and overall energy make for a most enjoyable watch.

Having lost his construction job, and with his wealthy ex-wife wanting to relocate with his daughter, Jimmy Logan is down on his luck. His brother Clyde believes in a family curse, but Jimmy wants to prove everyone wrong with an audacious heist…

Directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Rebecca Blunt (believed to be an alias for the real writer), Logan Lucky is a crowd pleaser of a film. The caper is littered with amusing set ups, characters, and dialogue.

The central plot of Logan Lucky is not particularly original. There are definite parallels with Soderbergh’s earlier Ocean’s Eleven. Although there are some smart manoeuvres, these are never groundbreaking. Nevertheless, this does not detract from the overall enjoyment, as Soderbergh’s latest has so much going for it. The characters are well drawn; the protagonists are very quickly established without laboursome character development. Supporting characters are amusing, and go well beyond serving their narrative purposes.

Soderbergh’s film is set in the South West of the United States, and this setting plays a prominent role. Along with a notable soundtrack song, the film depicts a region not often portrayed in Hollywood films. Soderbergh strikes a good balance between creating a fun tone and having characters which appear authentic. The film’s working class protagonists are certainly ones to root for, even if their actions fall foul of the law.

Channing Tatum delivers a convincing performance as Jimmy. He is ably assisted by Adam Driver’s Clyde. Daniel Craig seems to be having a lot of fun as Joe Bang, whilst Riley Keough is great as Mellie. Farrah Mackenzie shines as young Sadie.

Logan Lucky is just the sort of fun caper that the Summer season needs. A welcome return for Steven Soderbergh.

Previews: Logan Lucky Trailer, Stronger, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the Logan Lucky trailer, My Little Pony: The Movie, Stronger and more…

Logan Lucky Trailer

Here is the new Logan Lucky trailer. The films sees director Steven Soderbergh teaming up with Channing Tatum once again for this new action comedy. Tatum is joined by an enviable cast that includes Adam Driver, Katie Holmes, and Daniel Craig. Logan Lucky will hit UK cinemas on 25th August 2017.

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle Trailer

Here is the brand new trailer for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The film is set in the same world as the 1995 film, albeit updated to be a video game rather than a board game. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is scheduled for release in UK cinemas in December 2017.

My Little Pony: The Movie Trailer

Will this new film be as good as 1986’s My Little Pony: The Movie? Only time will tell. After Hasbro re-launched the toy and media franchise in 2010, a new new movie seemed inevitable. This new film features an all-star voice cast, including Emily Blunt, Kristin Chenoworth, Live Schreiber, and Taye Diggs. My Little Pony: The Movie arrives on UK screens on 20th October 2017.

The Greatest Showman Trailer

The Greatest Showman is a new original musical. The film is inspired by P.T. Barnum, and celebrates the birth of show business. Hugh Jackman headlines, and is joined by Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. The Greatest Showman is set for release in UK cinemas on 1st January 2018.

Annabelle: Creation Poster

Here is the latest poster for Annabelle: Creation, which emphasises the creepiness of the doll. The film is a prequel, and details how the doll was brought to life originally. This latest horror is directed by David F. Sandberg (Lights Out). Annabelle: Creation hits UK screens on  11th August 2017.

The Dark Tower Featurette

This new featurette for The Dark Tower reveals a bit more about the main character in the film. Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey star in the film, based on Stephen King’s novel. The Dark Tower is out in cinemas on 18th August 2017.

Stronger Trailer

Here is the trailer for drama Stronger. The film is based on the true story of the Boston man  whose iconic photo from the 2013 Boston marathon bombing was broadcast throughout the world. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Masley, and Miranda Richardson. Stronger will be released later this year.

Film Review: Magic Mike XXL

Sequel Magic Mike XXL offers more of the same for fans of the first film. The narrative is slight, but the film delivers dances galore…

Three years after he quit stripping, Mike’s furniture business is busy. When his old troop reconnects with him, Mike is persuaded to hit the road for one more trip down to South Carolina…

Gregory Jacobs takes over directing duty from Steven Soderbergh for this sequel to 2012’s Magic Mike. This time, the format is a road trip, and the reason is a final hurrah for Mike and his fellow stripper veterans. The failing of the first film is that it did not get the tone right. Magic Mike flitted between tongue-in-cheek comedy and serious romance, not settling easy in either category. To some extent, Magic Mike XXL also has problems with tone. Jacobs’ film attempts to blend campy routines with more contemplative conversation. The serious chatter does feel a bit hollow, but it does not drag the tone down too significantly.

In addition to the flimsiest of narratives, another issue with Magic Mike XXL is the pacing. The road trip format is plodding, with a lack of real direction. The film could easily have been trimmed down by fifteen minutes, with no impact on the narrative. It is a shame that the film did not concentrate on comedy rather than the reflections of the protagonist. Magic Mike XXL works best when it is trying to make viewers laugh.

Magic Mike XXL manages he feat of appearing much raunchier than its predecessor despite exhibiting less nudity. The routines vary for silly to sizzling, with plenty of unusual situations giving a flimsy excuse for gyrating. Those expecting copious amounts of male nudity might be disappointed at having to wait, although the routines should make up for it.

Channing Tatum delivers the dancing well, although there is not much to his character. Matt Bomer and others are hindered by poor dialogue at times. Actresses in small roles seem to be having more fun, with Andie MacDowell and Jada Pinkett Smith hamming it up delightfully as strong female characters.

Ultimately, Magic Mike XXL is an excuse to watch muscular men strip and dance. Fans of the original will no doubt lap it up.

Film Review: Side Effects

Steven Soderbergh’s psychological thriller Side Effects is finely executed. The film is absorbing viewing.

Emily Taylor is a young woman living in New York. With her husband being released from prison, Emily is struggling to cope. She is prescribed medication by her psychiatrist, but the pills start to have unwanted side effects…

Released in cinemas before the majestic Behind the Candelabra, Side Effects shows a return to form for director Steven Soderbergh after the lacklustre Haywire and Magic Mike. Side Effects is absorbing, and keeps viewers on their toes.

Soderbergh’s film features a great narrative. Scott Z. Burns’ screenplay retains a sense of mystery. The film continually keeps the audience guessing as to which way the story will turn.

In the first thirty minutes or so, it seems as if the film will be something of a satire on the pharmaceutical industry. However as Side Effects develops, the emphasis shifts further on the story and the psychological element. The film still conveys the same message that seems to be set out in the first half of the film, but with a much meatier plot.

Pacing in the film is good. The characters are well developed, and seem authentic. Pyschiatrist Dr Jonathan Banks is particularly interesting. He functions as a multi-dimensional character in his own right, and not just a conduit for the audience to view proceedings.

The cinematography is great in Side Effects. The sense of ambiguity in the narrative is replicated in the choice of unusual angles. There is a feeling of the uncanny which permeates the film. The flashback sequences have a nice hazy quality to them.

Performances are good all round, especially Jude Law’s psychiatrist. It seems as if the role of Dr Victoria Siebert was made for Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Side Effects is a most satisfying film, which Soderbergh elevates above other recent psychological thrillers.

Side Effects is out on DVD and Blu-Ray from 29th July 2013.

Film Review: Behind the Candelabra

Steven Soderbergh’s Behind the Candelabra is resplendent. As dazzling as any of Liberace’s outfits, Behind the Candelabra is easily one of the best films of the year so far.

Scott Thorson is a young gay man living in California. When a friend takes him to see legendary entertainer Liberace, a relationship develops. Scott is thrust into a world of extravagance, but living with Liberace is not plain sailing…

Behind the Candelabra works so well because both comedy and drama are executed fantastically. Based on Thorson’s autobiographical novel, the film has many laughs. However, it is the moments of emotion and reflection which are affecting.

Behind the Candelabra is funny without mocking Liberace. It does poke fun at the flamboyant character now and again, but this is done in an affectionate way rather than a spiteful one. In a way, it is in keeping with the camp of the legend himself. The film boasts some excellent lines.

The central dynamic of the tumultuous relationship between Liberace and Thorson is what makes the film tick. This relationship is portrayed with depth; it is convincing and engaging. Both protagonists are three dimensional. Other characters, such as Dr Startz bring excellent comedy value to the film.

Costumes and sets in Behind the Candelabra are sublime. The film really captures the flamboyance of Liberace’s outfits and staging for his shows. There is a good use of Liberace’s music and staging to recreate shows. Soderbergh’s direction solid throughout; he handles the intimate scenes and the busier stage numbers equally well.

Behind the Candelabra features some fantastic performances. Michael Douglas is wholly convincing as the legendary entertainer, while Matt Damon delivers a strong performance as Scott Thorson. The pair are aided by a solid supporting cast. In particular Rob Lowe is a scene stealer as Dr Startz.

Simply put, Behind the Candelabra is essential viewing.

5 Reasons to Watch Behind the Candelabra

When I heard a Liberace biopic was being made, I clutched my rhinestone-encrusted cape with excitement. Behind the Candelabra is based on Scott Thorson’s autobiographical novel about his relationship with the flamboyant entertainer. Here are five reasons to watch Behind the Candelabra when it is released in cinemas on 7th June 2013…

1. The Outfits

Look at this magnificent outfit. The costumes are reason enough to watch Behind the Candelabra. The rings, ruffled sleeves, the bejewelled fur-lined cape. Librace was famed for his outfits, so the film is bound to feature several of show-stopping looks. Get ready to take notes.

2. The Hair

Rob Lowe can really work a feathered bob. I don’t think he has ever looked better. Behind the Candelabra is set in 1977, so expect hairspray, feathering, and volume like no other.

3. The Cast and Director

The enviable cast is another reason to watch Behind the Candelabra. Michael Douglas looks ever inch the part as showman Liberace, while Matt Damon always delivers a solid performance. Dan Aykroyd and Rob Lowe are two other big-name members of the cast. Although I haven’t been overly impressed by some of Steven Soderbergh’s recent efforts (I am yet to see Side Effects, but Magic Mike and Haywire were below par), however his pedigree does add a certain allure to this project.

4. Librace

Behind the Candelabra is about the incomparable Liberace. One of my (and surely everyone else’s) idols, Liberace was exactly what an entertainer should be: flamboyant, talented, and not without a whiff of controversy. If you require another reason to watch Behind the Candelabra, check out the above clip of Liberace on The Muppet Show from 1978.

5. Librace’s Dog

Look at this dog. Look at its collar. Being Liberace’s dog must have been the greatest vocation on Earth. To be surrounded by that much glamour and that many sequins would make my heart explode. On top of everything else, viewers get to soak up the magnetism of this canine in Behind the Candelabra. Spectacular.

Stuff To Look At

A feast of trailers and images. A feast for the eyes, I say. Whether it is horror, Disney animation, or crime thriller, there is something here for everyone…

Monsters University

I want to go to Monsters University! Human universities are so boring in comparison. A prequel to Monsters Inc., Monsters University tells the story of how Sully and Mike met as students. The film will be released in UK cinemas on 12th July 2013.

Oz The Great and Powerful

Look at this monkey! Surely he is reason alone for seeing Oz The Great and Powerful? Given that the film is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, it seems unlikely that hot slice Toto will appear. Not to fear, we have Finley in his little uniform to beguile us. Oz The Great and Powerful is released on 8th March 2013.

Identity Thief

Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy star in Identify Thief. When Sandy tracks down Diana, the woman who has stolen his identity, hijinks ensue when he tries to bring her to justice. Identity Thief is out in UK cinemas on 22nd March 2013.

Olympus Has Fallen

Well this all looks rather tense. Training Day director Antoine Fuqua brings together Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart and Angela Bassett in action thriller Olympus Has Fallen. The film hits UK screens on 19th April 2013.

Mama

A TV spot for Mama was on the other night when a friend (who shall remain nameless) could not bear to watch it. Guillermo del Toro is the executive producer of supernatural horror Mama, which stars Jessica Chastain. Mama is released on 22nd February 2013.

Side Effects

Steven Soderbergh reunites with Jude Law and Channing Tatum for thriller Side Effects. Also staring Rooney Mara and Catherine Zeta-Jones, the film is about a depressed patient who is prescribed the latest medication by her psychiatrist. Side Effects is out on 8th March 2013.

The Lone Ranger

Here be the latest poster for The Lone Ranger. I am not quite sure why Johnny Depp has a bird on his head; I am hoping that this will be explained in the film. The Lone Ranger will hit UK cinemas on 9th August 2013.

Evil Dead

When I first saw a trailer for Evil Dead, initially I didn’t realise it was a remake of the 1981 film. Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell act as producers for this new version, so at least it gets their seal of approval. The trailer above is rather graphic, so brace yourself if you are squeamish. Evil Dead is released on 19th April 2013.

Jack the Giant Slayer

This is the latest poster for Warner Brothers’ Jack the Giant Slayer. Jack and the Beanstalk is not one of those fairy tales that has had a plethora of film adaptations, so it will be interesting to see what is done with it. Released in 3D, Jack the Giant Slayer hits UK screens on 22nd March 2013.

Dark Skies

Another horror! When the Sandman is mentioned, it is unlikely that things are going to go well. Dark Skies is giving me shades of The Birds. However, the trailer indicates more supernatural activity than this. Dark Skies is released in the UK on 5th April 2013.

The Paperboy

Having already been released in America, a certain scene in The Paperboy has been discussed a lot. I won’t spoil it, for those of you who don’t know what I am talking about. Nicole Kidman heads a stellar cast in thriller The Paperboy. The film hits UK screens on 15th March 2013.

The Heat

Sandra Bullock plays a FBI agent and Melissa McCarthy a Boston cop. This old couple comedy comes from Paul Feig, director of Bridesmaids. The Heat is released in UK cinemas on 5th April 2013.

Film Review: Magic Mike

Despite a promising first third, Magic Mike does not seem to know what it wants to be and what story it wants to tell.

Mike is a thirty-year old roofer with various sidelines. While he tries to get his custom furniture business off the ground, Mike works as a male stripper. Adam, a young college drop out, is in need of money when he takes a job on the construction site alongside Mike. Seeing his promise, Mike decides to shows him the ropes…

Magic Mike works best in the opening forty minutes or so, where it balances light humorous moments with a sufficiently engaging plot. The shift in the middle third, where humour is swapped for a more serious atmosphere, is not a successful move. The main problem with Magic Mike  is that it does not tell a convincing story. There is very little about the protagonist for the audience to get their teeth into. The crux of the narrative seems to be that he is more than just a stripper. The film offers little more than this other than a predictable journey of rookie stripper Adam.

Director Steven Soderbergh’s touch is apparent throughout the film, with the use of camera shots and angles. Soderbergh offers a little titillation in terms of the stripping routines, but reigns it back in so nothing too explicit is depicted. The scenes between protagonist Mike and love interest Brooke veer between inauthentic and cringe-inducing. This element, which is integral to the film, fails to engage viewers. Other tangents are half baked, and never really amount to anything.

Matthew McConaughey gives best performance of the lot as club owner Dallas. He brings a level of outrageousness really needed for the role. As Mike, Channing Tatum is awkward in his scenes with Cody Horn’s Brooke, who is terrible. Alex Pettyfer is suitably cast as Adam. The rest of dancers barely leave an impression, thanks to the minimal characterisation.

Magic Mike does not work as a tongue-in-cheek comedy romp to entice the ladies and gay gentlemen. As a drama, it is even more problematic.

Trailer Round-Up

New trailers for The Dark Knight Rises and Prometheus were released earlier this week. With the latest trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man being released last night, this has been a bumper week for blockbuster trailers. All we need now is something from new James Bond movie Skyfall…

Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom is the eagerly anticipated new film from Wes Anderson. The film boasts a stellar cast that includes Bill Murray, Ed Norton, Bruce Willis and Tilda Swinton. Moonrise Kingdom is about two children who fall in love during the summer of 1965. The film is released on 25th May 2012.

The Amazing Spider-Man

The third trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man was released last night. The trailer reveals more of an emphasis on Peter Parker’s parents than the previous run of Spiderman films. Although the trailer looks good, The Amazing Spider-Man has been sandwiched between two superhero behemoths; Avengers Assemble has already done record-breaking business while The Dark Knight Rises is due for release two weeks after Spider-Man. Notwithstanding, given the popularity of this character, The Amazing Spider-Man is sure to bring in the crowds when it opens on 4th July 2012.

Magic Mike

I am not sure what Magic Mike is supposed to be, other than based on Channing Tatum’s former career as a stripper. Steven Soderbergh’s film could have been a male version of Showgirls, but instead seems to have a strong romantic string to the story. Channing Tatum showed off his comedy chops in 21 Jump Street, so hopefully these will shine through in Magic Mike. Also starring Alex Pettyfer and Matthew McConughey, Magic Mike is out in cinemas on 13th July 2012.

Joyful Noise

The only thing you need to know about this film is that Dolly Parton in it. But if you want to know more, the film is about church choir group who enter a competition with new director Vi Rose (Queen Latifah) at the helm. The arrival of Randy (Jeremy Jordan), the grandson of G.G. Sparrow (Dolly Parton) shakes things up. Joyful Noise is released on 29th June 2012.

Film Review: Haywire

Given the talented cast and director involved with this project, Haywire is a disappointing film. At best, the film is mildly entertaining, although it never really engages the viewer.

Mallory Kane is a freelance operative, working for a company that hires out her services to government and other powerful figures. After a mission goes wrong, Mallory discovers that she has been betrayed. On the run, Mallory must find out the truth and fight to stay alive…

Haywire is very much a by-the-numbers action thriller, offering little innovation or surprise. The narrative is predictable, with the flashback format doing little to alleviate this. Haywire features the usual themes of double crosses and omnipotent agencies, which is fine but for the lack of development or decent storytelling. Moreover, anyone who has seen the Haywire trailer will have had the movie ruined as it gives everything away.

The only thing that distinguishes Haywire from a plethora of similar action films is its choice of protagonist. It would be refreshing to have a female hero at the centre of Haywire if the depiction of her character was not so lacklustre. Apart from the fact that she is a good-looking female, everything about Mallory suggests stereotypically male traits. She uses force to fight back against her male antagonists, rather than having to use ingenuity. Her seduction, for want of a better word, of one of the male characters is also very masculine. Mallory is the only female in the film except for a few extras, yet she is a man in all but gender.

Characters in Haywire are barely developed. Mallory’s relationship with her father is presumably meant to humanise her, but does little to endear the audience to her character. Similarly, Kenneth and Aaron are too one-dimensional for the audience to care about.

Performances in the film are fine. Gina Carano does a decent job as Mallory, excelling in the fight sequences. Ewan McGregor, Michael Douglas, Channing Tatum and Antonio Banderas are given little to do in their narrow roles. Director Steven Soderbergh appears to think that quirky angles are enough to make a straightforward action thriller.

Haywire is not painful viewing, but neither is it particularly enjoyable. Give it a miss.