Stuff To Look At

Plenty of cinematic delights this week, including the latest trailer for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Into The Woods, Paddington and more…

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Here is the latest trailer for the final instalment of Peter Jackson’s second Tolkien franchise, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Sadly Gollum is nowhere to be seen, but there is plenty of hobbits, eleves, wizards and the like. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies will hit UK screens on  12th December 2014.

Into The Woods

Carrying on with the fantasy theme, a full trailer for Into The Woods dropped this week. It seems to have all the winning ingredients; fairy tales, musical numbers, and a great cast. Meryl Streep in particular looks wonderfully hammy as the witch. Into The Woods will be released in UK cinemas on 9th January 2015.

Horrible Bosses 2

Above is a clip from the forthcoming sequel Horrible Bosses 2. The film unites the main cast from the first film with newcomers Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz. It was refreshing to see Jennifer Aniston in a different kind of role in the first film, and it looks like this is no different. Horrible Bosses 2 is out on 28th November 2014.

Paddington

Oh my! Paddington in the snow. I recently bought a red duffle coat, and was told that I looked like a cross between Paddington Bear and Red Riding Hood. It was the greatest compliment ever. Anyway, Paddington, featuring Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and Julie Walters, will reach UK screens on 28th November 2014.

The Gambler

What is interesting about this trailer for The Gambler is that it uses The Rolling Stones’ ‘Gimme Shelter’, a song that many film fans will associate with The Departed, which also memorably starred Marky Mark. The Gambler, which also stars John Goodman and Brie Larson, is set for release in UK cinemas on 19th December 2014.

The Pyramid

Above is a featurette on upcoming horror The Pyramid. What I want to know is what exactly is in these pyramids. Is it mummies come to life? Or is it a more Indiana Jones-style bent? The Pyramid is out in UK cinemas on 5th December 2014.

Annie

Contemporary remake of the classic musical Annie is out just in time for Christmas. It is unclear how much singing will be involved from the above trailer, and how much Cameron Diaz’s Miss Hannigan will replicate the original. But here’s hoping. Annie hits UK screens on 20th December 2014.

Film Review: London Boulevard

If Richard Curtis made gangster movies, they would probably be a bit like London Boulevard. The film reeks of artificiality, and the main characters are less than engaging.

Just released from prison, Mitchell intends to go straight after receiving a job offer from a reclusive but beautiful female celebrity. His friends have other things in mind, however. Mitchell is reluctantly dragged into the London underworld by a powerful gangster, but at the same time is getting to know Charlotte better…

Directed and written by William Monahan, based on Ken Bruen’s novel, London Boulevard strives to be a great British gangster film. While the story of a reformed criminal struggling to juggle his past and future is adequate (although it offers little in originality), the film lacks compelling characters. There are some amusing characters, but Mitchell is not engrossing enough to carry the film.

Ray Winstone’s Gant is a caricature East-End gangster; at times it feels like he is parodying some of his previous roles. Charlotte’s self-obsession does not make her the most appealing love interest, while there is a lack of intrigue to Mitchell. Some of the minor characters are entertaining, nonetheless. Mitchell’s friend Billy is the source of amusement, while Jordan is deliciously over the top, thanks to a great performance from David Thewlis.

London Boulevard thinks it’s cooler than it actually is, an aspect that grates increasingly as the film goes on. Despite the contemporary setting, there is very much a ‘London in the swinging sixties’ feel, generated by the music and the dated archetypes. With its gratuitous swearing and violence, it seems that Monahan aimed to make a classic gangster film, but the result appears artificial. London Boulevard is clearly a film about London from a non-Londoner. It’s romanticised depiction of the city is visually faithful, yet the atmosphere rings hollow.

Colin Farrell gives a decent performance, but his London accent is distractingly patchy. Kiera Knightly does a good job of playing herself – not much of a stretch. Ben Chaplin injects some lightheartedness as Billy, while Anna Friel is excellent as Mitchell’s chaotic sister, Briony.

Towards the end of London Boulevard, numerous plot holes appear. Certain aspects are never explained or concluded, and the climax is disorderly in its descent. Although most of the camera work is adequate, there are a few jarring episodes, such as the shaky handheld shots of Mitchell and Gant’s confrontation in the car park.

London Boulevard seems to be an attempt for Monahan to replicate his success in screenwriting The Departed. London Boulevard, however, lacks a proficient storyline as well as convincing and absorbing characters. Give it a miss.