So, now I've finished The Wire (best TV show of all time) I can refoucs again. I saw these movies a while ago, so write ups will be brief.
The Avengers
I don't think there's ever been a bigger build up to a movie than The Avengers. I mean, sure, there's been longer movie series with endless sequels that just keep going and going, but I can't think of any other instance where there have been five different movies (Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger), looking at different characters each time, with a deliberate build toward one ultimate pay off. So, with that in mind, was it a success? The simple answer is yes, although not a resounding yes.
The basic plot of The Avengers brings together Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow and Hawkeye under the direction of Nick Fury to stop Thor's evil step brother Loki from destroying the earth. The also fortunately don't ignore the already established characters and plots from the previous movies, and there are several sub-plots inter weaved as well.
Written and directed by Joss Whedon it was a given that we would be treated to good dialogue and humour. The spectacular action scenes and already fleshed out characters also set this apart from other similar movies. It does, however get a little bogged down in the middle, and while there is sufficient attention paid to the individual character sub plots, I would have liked to have seen more. So while The Avengers doesn't quite hit the ball out of the park in the convincing and confident manner expected of it, it does hit the ball out of the park nonetheless.
**** out of *****
Wish You Were Here
This Australian film starring Joel Edgerton tells the story of two couples from Sydney holidaying in Cambodia. We pick up on their journey as they arrive home and it's immediately obvious that something horrible has happened on their vacation, however we soon find out that there has been more than one incident in Cambodia that will impact the lives of these characters. There's a lot to like about this film, the story is very carefully and skillfully told through a narrative that flashes back and forward through from the present day to the groups time overseas. It's made clear from the start that there is some information about what happened there that is being withheld from us, and this is successfully used to keep us engaged. The locations were well chosen with the scenery all looking quite pretty, and the performances are fine. Unfortunately the character development is a little lacking and the film suffers from not knowing exactly what it wants to say, or at least not being clear about it. But, with the aforementioned qualities standing out above the flaws, Wish You Were Here is a little gem of a film that it's a shame not many people saw (my cinema was empty, besides me.)
**** out of *****
Dark Shadows
Based on some weird supernatural themed soap opera from the 60's and 70's, Tim Burton's latest outing is a mixed bag. The storyline is all over the place and not really worth talking about, but in short Johnny Depp plays a vampire who, after being buried alive for hundreds of years, returns to bond with his family's ancestors, falls in love with a human and seeks revenge on the witch who made him this way.....
On a more positive note, the soundtrack is outstanding, and there is even a cameo from Alice Cooper performing a couple of his old songs. Johnny Depp is really good, along with the rest of the cast including Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green and Chloe Grace Mortez. The story is even somewhat interesting to begin with, however it slowly degenerates into complete nonsense and the ending is all kinds of stupid. Clearly Tim Burton isn't interested exploring any deep themes or even putting together a carefully constructed narrative. He just wants to entertain, and you either embrace the over the top silliness of it all or you don't. I can't say I really did.
**1/2 out of *****
The Dictator
Following the over the top vulgarity, Sacha Baron Cohen tones it down a notch with this tale of a dictator of a fictional country having his identity stolen during a trip to America as part of a plot to usurp his position. You wont Baron Cohen duping any innocent bystanders into looking foolish this time, as The Dictator is a completely scripted movie consisting entirely of actors. Which is probably a good thing. While some of the vulgarity of his previous movies remains, The Dictator focuses more on satire, and it's quite funny and at times pretty clever. Worth a watch.
***1/2 out of *****
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Friday, 27 April 2012
The Hunger Games
It only took me about a month longer than everyone else to see the new teeny bopper flavour of the moment, but I finally got there. Comparisons between The Hunger Games and the Japanese film Battle Royale are inevitable considering they have the same basic premise. Of course, Suzanne Collins, author of the novel, claims she had never even heard of Battle Royale when writing it.... let's give her the benefit of the doubt. There are more than enough point of differences between the two, however, to hopefully not have people bang on about it too much. Firstly, Hunger Games spends about the first half of the movie looking at the lead up to the tournament of death, whereas Battle Royale thrusts us almost immediately into the action. Secondly, the thematic elements are pretty different. Whereas Battle Royale was effectively a study of the issues surrounding teenagers and the way they were treated by people in authority, Hunger Games is more of a satire of political dictatorships and oppression of the lower class etc. So enough on that.
So yeah, I think everyone is familiar with the story, teenagers battling to the death for a televised reality show, which was set up as punishment due for a failed coup against the government by the different "districts". Jennifer Lawrence's character volunteers in place of her younger sister. There's a love triangle thrown in for good measure.
The set up to the actual tournament feels like it goes for about half the movie, and it's all fairly mundane stuff. There are some attempts made at character development but it all falls a bit flat and didn't really make this viewer care about what was to come. Then the tournament starts and things do kick up a notch, but not all that much. There are a couple of nice action scenes, a descent side story involving our heroine and her relationship with a young girl she tries to work with, but the love triangle that is apparently supposed to be a big part of the story goes nowhere, and one third of the triangle hardly even appears in the movie. If it was, as I suspect, being set up for something bigger in the next movie then they didn't do a very good job.
Jennifer Lawrence is a really fine actress and almost carries the movie on her own back, but at the end of the day it kinda feels like one of those fantasy/adventure kids shows they put on Saturday mornings or after school, just with a bit more violence. Verdict - Ok, but wait for DVD.
*** out of *****
So yeah, I think everyone is familiar with the story, teenagers battling to the death for a televised reality show, which was set up as punishment due for a failed coup against the government by the different "districts". Jennifer Lawrence's character volunteers in place of her younger sister. There's a love triangle thrown in for good measure.
The set up to the actual tournament feels like it goes for about half the movie, and it's all fairly mundane stuff. There are some attempts made at character development but it all falls a bit flat and didn't really make this viewer care about what was to come. Then the tournament starts and things do kick up a notch, but not all that much. There are a couple of nice action scenes, a descent side story involving our heroine and her relationship with a young girl she tries to work with, but the love triangle that is apparently supposed to be a big part of the story goes nowhere, and one third of the triangle hardly even appears in the movie. If it was, as I suspect, being set up for something bigger in the next movie then they didn't do a very good job.
Jennifer Lawrence is a really fine actress and almost carries the movie on her own back, but at the end of the day it kinda feels like one of those fantasy/adventure kids shows they put on Saturday mornings or after school, just with a bit more violence. Verdict - Ok, but wait for DVD.
*** out of *****
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
So anyway,
Yeah. Been slack. Too busy watching The Wire (it IS the greatest TV show of all time. If you disagree you're just plain wrong.) I think I'll just look at three films, even though I've seen more. Can't be stuffed with the other ones 'eh.
A Separation
As I already said in my last post on my top 10 from 2011, this film is amazing. Beginning with an Iranian couple (cause, you know, this is an Iranian film) explaining their reasons for separating to a judge (which immediately draws the viewer in as they speak directly to the camera) the focus soon shifts as the male in the relationship is involved in an incident with his new housekeeper which has far reaching consequences for his family and his housekeepers family as the matter goes through court. From here the journey is best experienced spoiler free, so I wont mention any other plot elements.
What I will mention however is the incredible depth in which A Separation explores the nature of truth as viewed by the different characters, how their circumstances mould their perspective of it and how far they are willing to bend the truth, especially given their religious and family values. The film offers a study of your average family and how they are affected by illness, separation and tragedy, and does so with both subtlety and poignancy.
A Separation is a film so thematically rich yet at the same time instantly accessible that it would undoubtedly be studied in English classes for years to come, if only it were in English. I'm not sure that this is still actually showing at the cinema but be sure to pick it up the first week it come out as a new release. Or illegally download it if you have no conscience. Just make sure you see it.
***** out of *****
The Raid
Unlike the above movie, The Raid has no philosophical musings on the nature of truth and will never be studied in any depth whatsoever, but it completely kicks arse. This Indonesian action film is about a group of cops trying to take down a major crime boss who's created a fortress for himself in a high rise building, so full of henchman that no one has had the balls to try and topple his empire. Until now.
As far as story goes, that's all you really need to know. Then settle yourself in for some of the most over the top, beautifully choreographed action set pieces you're likely to see. The real beauty of the whole thing though is that even though the action is relentless and non-stop it never feels chaotic, there is an order to it and you can always tell what's going on. There's also an incredible amount of thought put into actually making the action scenes mean something. For example, toward the end of the movie the big baddie's number one henchman has a lengthy fight scene with one of the top cops. Due to the length of the fight you may think it's a climatic battle, however, nope, it instead demonstrated how much of a complete bad arse this guy is and made the final fight mean all that much more.
Despite the majority of the focus being on the action, there was also enough effort put in to make you actually care about what is going on. The opening scene shows our protagonist training hard, leaving his pregnant wife reluctantly to go to the job, establishing him as a hard working, caring man wanting to provide for his family. We want him to succeed. A subsequent shot shows the main antagonist brutally slaughtering three men he has tied up for no apparent reason. We hate him. These two simple scenes achieve more in the way of actually getting us to give a damn in five minutes than most action movies do in the entire film ***cough*** Expendables ***cough*** Actually, no need for the coughing, The Expendables was terrible.
The storyline was basic, but surprisingly not terrible, and there are actually a couple of nice twists thrown in for good measure. If you haven't already got the picture, this is a completely bad arse action movie (no I can't think of a better expression), again proving that for some reason Asia just completely blows Hollywood out of the water when it comes to the genre.
**** out of *****
21 Jump Street
Based on an old American cop drama that I've never seen, so no nostalgia for me. The TV show was apparently quite serious. The film is co-written by Jonah Hill (who also stars), so you know it's not. Hill and Channing Tatum (in the first role he's played where he's not completely wooden) play a pair of idiotic beat cops who get re-assigned to a project requiring them to go undercover at a high school to expose a drug dealing operation. While Hill was the nerdy outcast and Tatum was the jock when they were at school together, things have changed since their days as students, and the cool kids are now the environmentally minded hippie types who Hill finds it easier to bond with.
While 21 Jump Street probably doesn't break any new ground when it comes to the buddy cop/comedy genre, it does provide plenty of laughs including some clever self referential humour, and actually delivers some decent action toward the end. The characters a likable and make you care, the relationship between the two leads is developed adequately. Pretty good.
***1/2 out of *****
And that'll do for now. Other new movies I've seen lately but can't be bothered writing about are th US remake of Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (four stars), Another Earth (three and a half), and John Carter (lets call it three). Wont be so slack with future new film.... for real.
A Separation
As I already said in my last post on my top 10 from 2011, this film is amazing. Beginning with an Iranian couple (cause, you know, this is an Iranian film) explaining their reasons for separating to a judge (which immediately draws the viewer in as they speak directly to the camera) the focus soon shifts as the male in the relationship is involved in an incident with his new housekeeper which has far reaching consequences for his family and his housekeepers family as the matter goes through court. From here the journey is best experienced spoiler free, so I wont mention any other plot elements.
What I will mention however is the incredible depth in which A Separation explores the nature of truth as viewed by the different characters, how their circumstances mould their perspective of it and how far they are willing to bend the truth, especially given their religious and family values. The film offers a study of your average family and how they are affected by illness, separation and tragedy, and does so with both subtlety and poignancy.
A Separation is a film so thematically rich yet at the same time instantly accessible that it would undoubtedly be studied in English classes for years to come, if only it were in English. I'm not sure that this is still actually showing at the cinema but be sure to pick it up the first week it come out as a new release. Or illegally download it if you have no conscience. Just make sure you see it.
***** out of *****
The Raid
Unlike the above movie, The Raid has no philosophical musings on the nature of truth and will never be studied in any depth whatsoever, but it completely kicks arse. This Indonesian action film is about a group of cops trying to take down a major crime boss who's created a fortress for himself in a high rise building, so full of henchman that no one has had the balls to try and topple his empire. Until now.
As far as story goes, that's all you really need to know. Then settle yourself in for some of the most over the top, beautifully choreographed action set pieces you're likely to see. The real beauty of the whole thing though is that even though the action is relentless and non-stop it never feels chaotic, there is an order to it and you can always tell what's going on. There's also an incredible amount of thought put into actually making the action scenes mean something. For example, toward the end of the movie the big baddie's number one henchman has a lengthy fight scene with one of the top cops. Due to the length of the fight you may think it's a climatic battle, however, nope, it instead demonstrated how much of a complete bad arse this guy is and made the final fight mean all that much more.
Despite the majority of the focus being on the action, there was also enough effort put in to make you actually care about what is going on. The opening scene shows our protagonist training hard, leaving his pregnant wife reluctantly to go to the job, establishing him as a hard working, caring man wanting to provide for his family. We want him to succeed. A subsequent shot shows the main antagonist brutally slaughtering three men he has tied up for no apparent reason. We hate him. These two simple scenes achieve more in the way of actually getting us to give a damn in five minutes than most action movies do in the entire film ***cough*** Expendables ***cough*** Actually, no need for the coughing, The Expendables was terrible.
The storyline was basic, but surprisingly not terrible, and there are actually a couple of nice twists thrown in for good measure. If you haven't already got the picture, this is a completely bad arse action movie (no I can't think of a better expression), again proving that for some reason Asia just completely blows Hollywood out of the water when it comes to the genre.
**** out of *****
21 Jump Street
Based on an old American cop drama that I've never seen, so no nostalgia for me. The TV show was apparently quite serious. The film is co-written by Jonah Hill (who also stars), so you know it's not. Hill and Channing Tatum (in the first role he's played where he's not completely wooden) play a pair of idiotic beat cops who get re-assigned to a project requiring them to go undercover at a high school to expose a drug dealing operation. While Hill was the nerdy outcast and Tatum was the jock when they were at school together, things have changed since their days as students, and the cool kids are now the environmentally minded hippie types who Hill finds it easier to bond with.
While 21 Jump Street probably doesn't break any new ground when it comes to the buddy cop/comedy genre, it does provide plenty of laughs including some clever self referential humour, and actually delivers some decent action toward the end. The characters a likable and make you care, the relationship between the two leads is developed adequately. Pretty good.
***1/2 out of *****
And that'll do for now. Other new movies I've seen lately but can't be bothered writing about are th US remake of Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (four stars), Another Earth (three and a half), and John Carter (lets call it three). Wont be so slack with future new film.... for real.
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Best & Worst of 2011
So yeah, this has been a long time coming, but I've finally gotten around to it. This is going by the official release dates of the below movies, as I think ranking them according to Australian year of release is kinda pointless. Anyway....
Top Films 10 of 2011
1. The Tree of Life
A rare film that only comes around every so often that not only lives up to it's ambitious nature but exceeds it. Completely moving, surreal and other worldly experience, this could well end up being the film of the decade.
2. Burning Man
Australian brilliance. Not only an artistic triumph but succeeds in telling an extremely engaging and, apparently, very personal story for director Jonathan Teplitzky about dealing with personal tragedy, all the while resisting the urge to add even a hint of sentimentality. Kudos.
3. A Separation
I haven't written about this one yet (although will soon), this Iranian film offers up a fascinating multi layered exploration of family, truth, lies and religion while not becoming preachy, and sympathising with every character and presenting all different points of view on display fairly and equally. With such a rich variety of character and themes this one would be studied in English classes for the rest of eternity, if only the film were in English.
4. Hugo
Martin Scorsese's passionate and wholly original work about childhood and the beauty of film making is a visual stunner that has the storyline to back it up. Shame that you'll need a 3D TV to recapture that magic from cinema.
5. Shame
Unsettling, yet powerful and honest portrayal of a man who has become a complete slave to his sex and pornography addiction. This exploration of what happens when men lose their way is difficult to watch and recommend due to it's graphic content, but is undoubtedly a near masterpiece.
6. The Descendants
Dubbed as the sentimental favourite of 2011, probably due to it's heart warming story that just about anyone can enjoy about family bonding together during crisis. Excellent characterisations, funny script and a plot that starts strong and loses no momentum along the way.
7. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Complex yet masterfully crafted spy film that will, if there's any justice, be recognised as a classic of the crime genre somewhere down the track. Will probably require a couple of viewings due to the complex narrative, but it's worth it.
8. Melancholia
Lars Von Trier's flawed masterpiece about the end of the world is like no other Armageddon film you're likely to see. No pointless love stories or sappy farewell speech's, but rather a look at how two sisters deal with their impending doom differently based on their mental state. The use of Wagner's prelude to Triston and Isolde is used to great effect, especially when blasting through the speakers to signify that the end is nigh.
9. Moneyball
The combination of Brad Pitt in a lead role and an Aaron Sorkin script had all the markings of being a winner, and didn't disappoint with Sorkin providing his usual witty and intelligent dialogue and Pitt providing the acting goods to bring this intimate character study to life.
10. The Guard
Rounding out the top 10, this Irish film works well as a comedy, a crime/action film and a serious character study. On top of that, Brendan Gleeson gives a brilliant performance, so what's not to like?
Five Worst Films of 2011
This part is by no means an exhaustive list. For obvious reasons, I usually avoid films that receive bad reviews from critics and the public, and therefore I'm sure there are a lot of duds I haven't seen. However, every now and then I have the misfortune of coming across some stinkers for whatever reason, and these are the five worst from last year.
1. (Being the absolute worst) Jack and Jill
Adam Sandler has clearly come to the point in his carer where he has realised he can sell a film base solely on his name and nothing else, so putting any actual effort into the movie would be a waste of his time. And no, putting on a wig and playing his own twin sister doesn't qualify as effort, it qualifies as completely moronic. No laughs to speak of, no plot or characters to care about, loads (and I mean LOADS) of product placement, and Al Pacino playing an insane version of himself confirming the sad reality that his star has fallen, this is one huge steaming garbage pile.
2. Your Highness
The aim of the game in this fantasy comedy is to use the F word as much as possible in each sentence, and apparently that automatically equals laughs. The special effects are lame, the story is utterly pointless and none of the jokes work. Pathetic.
3. Battle: Los Angeles
To save you the pain of sitting through Battle: Los Angeles I'll sum up this snooze fest in a few words; Army guys are introduced briefly - aliens invade - BANG BANG BANG - generic war speech 1 - BANG BANG BANG - generic war speech 2 - BANG BANG BANG - the end. Next.
4. Transformers: Dark of the Moon
The worst entry in this insipid trilogy (ok, the first one was actually not bad) obviously has no substance to it, but I've heard many appeals made to the fact that the final battle was worth sitting though the other mindless two or so hours for. But I can't understand why. The battle goes on forever, it's all over the place and has no flow to it whatsoever, and with nothing invested in the story or characters I couldn't give a stuff who ends up winning.
5. Sleeping Beauty
It's a shame that this was the film to effectively represent Australia at Cannes last year. Slow, boring and pretentious, the director seems confused between subtle character development and not giving enough information for the audience to care.
Most Underrated Film of 2011
The Ides of March
The critics didn't seem to think all that much of George Clooney's latest directorial effort, however I was compelled by this political story of shifting loyalties and loss of innocence from beginning to end. A tad contrived perhaps, but no more so than any other film of it's type.
Most Overrated Film of 2011
Warrior
Cliched, heavy handed and unrealistic, this MMA film's only saving grace is it's performances, which although prevent it from becoming a disaster, certainly don't propel it to a level worth of the critical praise it's received.
Top Films 10 of 2011
1. The Tree of Life
A rare film that only comes around every so often that not only lives up to it's ambitious nature but exceeds it. Completely moving, surreal and other worldly experience, this could well end up being the film of the decade.
2. Burning Man
Australian brilliance. Not only an artistic triumph but succeeds in telling an extremely engaging and, apparently, very personal story for director Jonathan Teplitzky about dealing with personal tragedy, all the while resisting the urge to add even a hint of sentimentality. Kudos.
3. A Separation
I haven't written about this one yet (although will soon), this Iranian film offers up a fascinating multi layered exploration of family, truth, lies and religion while not becoming preachy, and sympathising with every character and presenting all different points of view on display fairly and equally. With such a rich variety of character and themes this one would be studied in English classes for the rest of eternity, if only the film were in English.
4. Hugo
Martin Scorsese's passionate and wholly original work about childhood and the beauty of film making is a visual stunner that has the storyline to back it up. Shame that you'll need a 3D TV to recapture that magic from cinema.
5. Shame
Unsettling, yet powerful and honest portrayal of a man who has become a complete slave to his sex and pornography addiction. This exploration of what happens when men lose their way is difficult to watch and recommend due to it's graphic content, but is undoubtedly a near masterpiece.
6. The Descendants
Dubbed as the sentimental favourite of 2011, probably due to it's heart warming story that just about anyone can enjoy about family bonding together during crisis. Excellent characterisations, funny script and a plot that starts strong and loses no momentum along the way.
7. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Complex yet masterfully crafted spy film that will, if there's any justice, be recognised as a classic of the crime genre somewhere down the track. Will probably require a couple of viewings due to the complex narrative, but it's worth it.
8. Melancholia
Lars Von Trier's flawed masterpiece about the end of the world is like no other Armageddon film you're likely to see. No pointless love stories or sappy farewell speech's, but rather a look at how two sisters deal with their impending doom differently based on their mental state. The use of Wagner's prelude to Triston and Isolde is used to great effect, especially when blasting through the speakers to signify that the end is nigh.
9. Moneyball
The combination of Brad Pitt in a lead role and an Aaron Sorkin script had all the markings of being a winner, and didn't disappoint with Sorkin providing his usual witty and intelligent dialogue and Pitt providing the acting goods to bring this intimate character study to life.
10. The Guard
Rounding out the top 10, this Irish film works well as a comedy, a crime/action film and a serious character study. On top of that, Brendan Gleeson gives a brilliant performance, so what's not to like?
Five Worst Films of 2011
This part is by no means an exhaustive list. For obvious reasons, I usually avoid films that receive bad reviews from critics and the public, and therefore I'm sure there are a lot of duds I haven't seen. However, every now and then I have the misfortune of coming across some stinkers for whatever reason, and these are the five worst from last year.
1. (Being the absolute worst) Jack and Jill
Adam Sandler has clearly come to the point in his carer where he has realised he can sell a film base solely on his name and nothing else, so putting any actual effort into the movie would be a waste of his time. And no, putting on a wig and playing his own twin sister doesn't qualify as effort, it qualifies as completely moronic. No laughs to speak of, no plot or characters to care about, loads (and I mean LOADS) of product placement, and Al Pacino playing an insane version of himself confirming the sad reality that his star has fallen, this is one huge steaming garbage pile.
2. Your Highness
The aim of the game in this fantasy comedy is to use the F word as much as possible in each sentence, and apparently that automatically equals laughs. The special effects are lame, the story is utterly pointless and none of the jokes work. Pathetic.
3. Battle: Los Angeles
To save you the pain of sitting through Battle: Los Angeles I'll sum up this snooze fest in a few words; Army guys are introduced briefly - aliens invade - BANG BANG BANG - generic war speech 1 - BANG BANG BANG - generic war speech 2 - BANG BANG BANG - the end. Next.
4. Transformers: Dark of the Moon
The worst entry in this insipid trilogy (ok, the first one was actually not bad) obviously has no substance to it, but I've heard many appeals made to the fact that the final battle was worth sitting though the other mindless two or so hours for. But I can't understand why. The battle goes on forever, it's all over the place and has no flow to it whatsoever, and with nothing invested in the story or characters I couldn't give a stuff who ends up winning.
5. Sleeping Beauty
It's a shame that this was the film to effectively represent Australia at Cannes last year. Slow, boring and pretentious, the director seems confused between subtle character development and not giving enough information for the audience to care.
Most Underrated Film of 2011
The Ides of March
The critics didn't seem to think all that much of George Clooney's latest directorial effort, however I was compelled by this political story of shifting loyalties and loss of innocence from beginning to end. A tad contrived perhaps, but no more so than any other film of it's type.
Most Overrated Film of 2011
Warrior
Cliched, heavy handed and unrealistic, this MMA film's only saving grace is it's performances, which although prevent it from becoming a disaster, certainly don't propel it to a level worth of the critical praise it's received.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
It's been a white part 2
So here's the conclusion to the previous entry, containing the rest of what I meant to include.
Warrior
Warrior is a mixed martial arts film about two estranged brothers with an alcoholic father who both enter the same multi million dollar tournament. I've written a bit about my thoughts on this one elsewhere, so allow me to take a moment and make use of ctrl+c followed by ctrl+v....
In response to Mr. Ben Hobson's positive review of the film I said
"..... It started out well introducing the characters but got progressively worse as it went on. What I didn't like about it;
- The relationship between the brothers wasn't developed in any great depth, certainly not enough for me to care about the end. I think there was one brief confrontation between them before the ending.
- The dialogue was pretty weak.
- I disagree with you regarding the cheese. The whole last hour or so which comprised of the tournament was rife with cheesiness and cliche. From the completely unsubtle way the commentators narrated the story and gave us vital information, to the annoying music stirring up cheap sentimentality, to the crowds reactions to the fights, slowly warming to the protagonists.
- For that matter, the entire way they developed the characters was about as subtle as a sledgehammer.
- SPOILERS - The way the tournament was set up and played out was extremely unbelieveable. As if a washed up UFC fighter and a no name would gain entry to a major tournament worth $5,000,000. The fact that the washed up fighter then beat the Russian fighter who was unbeaten and at the top of his game without us (the viewer) seeing his journey through intense training was pretty unsatisfying."
However, on a more positive note what I did like about the film were the performances, particularly Tom Hardy. His relationship with his alcoholic father, played by Nick Nolte is quite nice, and there's a brilliant scene between them that almost single handily redeems the film. But it doesn't. This isn't any better than average.
**1/2 out of *****
Shame
The second film from British director Steve McQueen (so no, not the Steve McQueen you're thinking of) paints the portrait of a man named Brandon, played by Michael Fassbender. On the outside Brandon appears to be a confident, successful guy having it all together with a respectable job, nice apartment and living a comfortable life. This is the image he presents to those around him and no one suspects any different. On the inside, however, he's a man who's completely lost his way, living hollow existence as a slave to his sex and pornography addiction.
When his sister, played by Carey Mulligan shows up at his apartment to stay carrying the same amount of baggage as Brandon, and possibly more, it throws more than a simple spanner in the works. Through a number of confrontations between the two we begin to learn that their childhood was not a Rosy one, and it has inevitably damaged them both, but is the damage irreparable?
As far as I'm aware this is the first film to take a serious look a sex and pornography addiction and the destructive effect it can have on a person's humanity, and it's powerful one at that. From the goose bump inducing score, to the brilliant performance of Michael Fassbender to the subtle, somewhat ambiguous journey into the depths of Brandon's soul that is none the less extremely deep and, I'll admit, a little tear jerking. I have to be honest and say I was extremely moved by this very raw, very honest, yet extremely stylish look at what happens to men when they lose their way.
It's s tough film to recommend due to it's graphic nature, so some research into the content is suggested by yours truly before choosing to watch it. It's a touch uneven, with the last 20 minutes or so packing the most punch, where as earlier the film feels like it looses momentum occasionally. But that's nit picking, this was an otherwise amazing, powerful experience.
****1/2 out of *****
My Week With Marilyn
I don't really feel like talking about this one much, so I wont. In short, good movie, not great. If you have any interest in Marilyn Monroe you'll probably like it, but even if you don't the story about her brief fling with a guy working on her first British film, who wasn't anyone particularly noteworthy for that matter, is fairly engaging. Michelle Williams is fantastic as Marilyn and could have carried a script written by a fourth grader anyway.
***1/2 out of *****
Carnage
Roman Polanski's latest (yes he's still making movies) is set pretty much entirely in one apartment and the adjoining corridor. Jodie Foster and John C Reilly play the residents of said apartment, and are playing host to Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz, who's son has hit their hosts son in the head with a stick. The two couples meet to discuss the matter, and although the meeting at first appears as if it will be brief a number of incidents keep stopping Kate and Christoph from leaving. What ensues are numerous conflicts, resolutions, shifting loyalties and clashes of over differing values as the two couples learn more about each other than the wanted or needed to.
The concept of Carnage was probably more interesting than the execution, and it may have worked better as a play. I am a fan of all four actors, however, and what is interesting to watch is how their characters a developed over such a short period of time (79 minutes) in a confined space. Watching four adults begin proceedings in a civil meeting and slowly degenerate into a childish, chaotic mess is also somewhat amusing, while at the same having perhaps a few too many doses of reality to instead be rather alarming. Again, a good, but not great film that you can probably skip at the cinema but well worth checking out on DVD.
***1/2 out of *****
Warrior
Warrior is a mixed martial arts film about two estranged brothers with an alcoholic father who both enter the same multi million dollar tournament. I've written a bit about my thoughts on this one elsewhere, so allow me to take a moment and make use of ctrl+c followed by ctrl+v....
In response to Mr. Ben Hobson's positive review of the film I said
"..... It started out well introducing the characters but got progressively worse as it went on. What I didn't like about it;
- The relationship between the brothers wasn't developed in any great depth, certainly not enough for me to care about the end. I think there was one brief confrontation between them before the ending.
- The dialogue was pretty weak.
- I disagree with you regarding the cheese. The whole last hour or so which comprised of the tournament was rife with cheesiness and cliche. From the completely unsubtle way the commentators narrated the story and gave us vital information, to the annoying music stirring up cheap sentimentality, to the crowds reactions to the fights, slowly warming to the protagonists.
- For that matter, the entire way they developed the characters was about as subtle as a sledgehammer.
- SPOILERS - The way the tournament was set up and played out was extremely unbelieveable. As if a washed up UFC fighter and a no name would gain entry to a major tournament worth $5,000,000. The fact that the washed up fighter then beat the Russian fighter who was unbeaten and at the top of his game without us (the viewer) seeing his journey through intense training was pretty unsatisfying."
However, on a more positive note what I did like about the film were the performances, particularly Tom Hardy. His relationship with his alcoholic father, played by Nick Nolte is quite nice, and there's a brilliant scene between them that almost single handily redeems the film. But it doesn't. This isn't any better than average.
**1/2 out of *****
Shame
The second film from British director Steve McQueen (so no, not the Steve McQueen you're thinking of) paints the portrait of a man named Brandon, played by Michael Fassbender. On the outside Brandon appears to be a confident, successful guy having it all together with a respectable job, nice apartment and living a comfortable life. This is the image he presents to those around him and no one suspects any different. On the inside, however, he's a man who's completely lost his way, living hollow existence as a slave to his sex and pornography addiction.
When his sister, played by Carey Mulligan shows up at his apartment to stay carrying the same amount of baggage as Brandon, and possibly more, it throws more than a simple spanner in the works. Through a number of confrontations between the two we begin to learn that their childhood was not a Rosy one, and it has inevitably damaged them both, but is the damage irreparable?
As far as I'm aware this is the first film to take a serious look a sex and pornography addiction and the destructive effect it can have on a person's humanity, and it's powerful one at that. From the goose bump inducing score, to the brilliant performance of Michael Fassbender to the subtle, somewhat ambiguous journey into the depths of Brandon's soul that is none the less extremely deep and, I'll admit, a little tear jerking. I have to be honest and say I was extremely moved by this very raw, very honest, yet extremely stylish look at what happens to men when they lose their way.
It's s tough film to recommend due to it's graphic nature, so some research into the content is suggested by yours truly before choosing to watch it. It's a touch uneven, with the last 20 minutes or so packing the most punch, where as earlier the film feels like it looses momentum occasionally. But that's nit picking, this was an otherwise amazing, powerful experience.
****1/2 out of *****
My Week With Marilyn
I don't really feel like talking about this one much, so I wont. In short, good movie, not great. If you have any interest in Marilyn Monroe you'll probably like it, but even if you don't the story about her brief fling with a guy working on her first British film, who wasn't anyone particularly noteworthy for that matter, is fairly engaging. Michelle Williams is fantastic as Marilyn and could have carried a script written by a fourth grader anyway.
***1/2 out of *****
Carnage
Roman Polanski's latest (yes he's still making movies) is set pretty much entirely in one apartment and the adjoining corridor. Jodie Foster and John C Reilly play the residents of said apartment, and are playing host to Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz, who's son has hit their hosts son in the head with a stick. The two couples meet to discuss the matter, and although the meeting at first appears as if it will be brief a number of incidents keep stopping Kate and Christoph from leaving. What ensues are numerous conflicts, resolutions, shifting loyalties and clashes of over differing values as the two couples learn more about each other than the wanted or needed to.
The concept of Carnage was probably more interesting than the execution, and it may have worked better as a play. I am a fan of all four actors, however, and what is interesting to watch is how their characters a developed over such a short period of time (79 minutes) in a confined space. Watching four adults begin proceedings in a civil meeting and slowly degenerate into a childish, chaotic mess is also somewhat amusing, while at the same having perhaps a few too many doses of reality to instead be rather alarming. Again, a good, but not great film that you can probably skip at the cinema but well worth checking out on DVD.
***1/2 out of *****
Saturday, 10 March 2012
It's been a while....
so lets get into it.
The Grey
Or Liam Neeson vs the wolves. After sitting through a opening scene introducing Liam Neeson's character as a sad loner who's given up on life followed by a intense and well, frankly awes me plane crash, that's essentially what the movie is. Neeson and some fellow co-workers find themselves stuck somewhere in Alaska as a pack of wolves pick them off one by one. Sound boring? You'd be wrong. There are plenty of nicely staged scenes of nail biting action/suspense for fans of the genre, plus just enough philosophical musing to justifiably say this is deeper than you're average popcorn movie fare. The end result is a horror survival story that (almost) smoothly blends with an exploration of man's struggle with his inevitable journey toward death and questions of where God fits into the whole mess. I just can't help but feel that this is a good movie that could have been a great one had a little bit more time been spent fleshing out the secondary characters rather than them just being wolf fodder and a vessel to convey the central themes.
***1/2 out of *****
Tinker Tailor Solider Spy
British spy movie that plays out a bit like a realistic James Bond, Tinker Tailor follows agent George Smiley as he comes out of retirement to try to unmask a mole working in the inner sanctum of British Intelligence known as The Circus, supposedly supplying British secrets to the soviets during the cold war.. Painting a vivid picture of the 70s and cold war paranoia, the film makes excellent use of flashbacks throughout in what is a masterfully told story.
The character development is subtle yet offers deeper insight through a brief exchange than pages of dialogue do in many other movies. The mini characters arcs and sub plots all intertwine seamlessly with the major plot to bring about one of the best movies of 2011. A complex narrative will mean that those unfamiliar with the source material may have to check it out twice to fully appreciate it (I enjoyed it more the second time around) but it's worth it. Don't expect loads of action, just brilliant film making.
**** 1/2 out of *****
This Means War
A romantic comedy that, for some reason, I saw with two other guys. Not really sure how that happened, although I guess because it had action elements as well that makes it acceptable. Reece Witherspoon, for some reason, decides it's good idea to two time two guys. The fact that those two guys are fellow CIA agents and best friends means, of course, they quickly find out about it and decide to outdo each other.
So, being an romantic, action comedy obviously the success of the film will rest on how those three elements hold up. As a romance? Fail - there is bugger all chemistry between Witherspoon and the two male leads (Tom Hardy & Chris Pine), and I couldn't have cared less who she ended up with. Action? The action scenes are pretty tame and run of the mill, and certainly wouldn't satisfy anyone who watched the movie for that aspect alone. Comedy? Well, yeah, it is funny. Not belly aching funny but funny enough. This Means War is not a great movie but it is, dare I say, a bit of popcorn fun. As long you're not expecting a masterpiece then there's no reason not to enjoy this slightly guilty pleasure.
*** out of *****
The Hunter
Another Australian film with an international star at the helm, this time it's Willem Dafoe. Not sure what's up with that, but anyway. Dafoe's character has been sent on a mission by his employer to hunt for the long thought to be extinct Tasmanian Tiger (no guesses for where the film is set) for reasons that are first unclear but unravel as the film goes on. What at first seems like interesting idea soon turns into a fairly tired environment vs industry story (and as usual environmentalists = good, big corporations = evil) and even some really nice cinematography showcasing the Tasmanian wilderness can't hide the fact there's zero character development to be found anywhere. Still, the film has a fresh and natural feel to it, and I like the concept, so I'll score it generously.
*** out of *****
Terri
Terri is an overweight high school student. He has no friends, is cared for by his crazy and sick uncle who actually needs Terri to care for him, and wear pyjamas to school because they are "comfortable." During the course of the film he is taken under the wing of the high school principal, played by John C Reilly, who realises Terri needs help, and also ends up befriending the used-to-be-the-most-popular-girl-in-school until she fell from grace and the school's resident juvenile delinquent. The incredible amount of sympathy that is generated for Terri makes this one hard not to like, and and as a character study the movie works. However, at the same time the story feels unfinished, and once we arrive at the end Terri's journey only seems about half of the way there. Had they added an extra 20 minutes or so to tie things up in a more satisfying way this would have been better, but as it is Terri is still well worth a watch.
***1/2 out of *****
Well I had planned to write more but I might save that for tomorrow. I'm tired and going to bed.
The Grey
Or Liam Neeson vs the wolves. After sitting through a opening scene introducing Liam Neeson's character as a sad loner who's given up on life followed by a intense and well, frankly awes me plane crash, that's essentially what the movie is. Neeson and some fellow co-workers find themselves stuck somewhere in Alaska as a pack of wolves pick them off one by one. Sound boring? You'd be wrong. There are plenty of nicely staged scenes of nail biting action/suspense for fans of the genre, plus just enough philosophical musing to justifiably say this is deeper than you're average popcorn movie fare. The end result is a horror survival story that (almost) smoothly blends with an exploration of man's struggle with his inevitable journey toward death and questions of where God fits into the whole mess. I just can't help but feel that this is a good movie that could have been a great one had a little bit more time been spent fleshing out the secondary characters rather than them just being wolf fodder and a vessel to convey the central themes.
***1/2 out of *****
Tinker Tailor Solider Spy
British spy movie that plays out a bit like a realistic James Bond, Tinker Tailor follows agent George Smiley as he comes out of retirement to try to unmask a mole working in the inner sanctum of British Intelligence known as The Circus, supposedly supplying British secrets to the soviets during the cold war.. Painting a vivid picture of the 70s and cold war paranoia, the film makes excellent use of flashbacks throughout in what is a masterfully told story.
The character development is subtle yet offers deeper insight through a brief exchange than pages of dialogue do in many other movies. The mini characters arcs and sub plots all intertwine seamlessly with the major plot to bring about one of the best movies of 2011. A complex narrative will mean that those unfamiliar with the source material may have to check it out twice to fully appreciate it (I enjoyed it more the second time around) but it's worth it. Don't expect loads of action, just brilliant film making.
**** 1/2 out of *****
This Means War
A romantic comedy that, for some reason, I saw with two other guys. Not really sure how that happened, although I guess because it had action elements as well that makes it acceptable. Reece Witherspoon, for some reason, decides it's good idea to two time two guys. The fact that those two guys are fellow CIA agents and best friends means, of course, they quickly find out about it and decide to outdo each other.
So, being an romantic, action comedy obviously the success of the film will rest on how those three elements hold up. As a romance? Fail - there is bugger all chemistry between Witherspoon and the two male leads (Tom Hardy & Chris Pine), and I couldn't have cared less who she ended up with. Action? The action scenes are pretty tame and run of the mill, and certainly wouldn't satisfy anyone who watched the movie for that aspect alone. Comedy? Well, yeah, it is funny. Not belly aching funny but funny enough. This Means War is not a great movie but it is, dare I say, a bit of popcorn fun. As long you're not expecting a masterpiece then there's no reason not to enjoy this slightly guilty pleasure.
*** out of *****
The Hunter
Another Australian film with an international star at the helm, this time it's Willem Dafoe. Not sure what's up with that, but anyway. Dafoe's character has been sent on a mission by his employer to hunt for the long thought to be extinct Tasmanian Tiger (no guesses for where the film is set) for reasons that are first unclear but unravel as the film goes on. What at first seems like interesting idea soon turns into a fairly tired environment vs industry story (and as usual environmentalists = good, big corporations = evil) and even some really nice cinematography showcasing the Tasmanian wilderness can't hide the fact there's zero character development to be found anywhere. Still, the film has a fresh and natural feel to it, and I like the concept, so I'll score it generously.
*** out of *****
Terri
Terri is an overweight high school student. He has no friends, is cared for by his crazy and sick uncle who actually needs Terri to care for him, and wear pyjamas to school because they are "comfortable." During the course of the film he is taken under the wing of the high school principal, played by John C Reilly, who realises Terri needs help, and also ends up befriending the used-to-be-the-most-popular-girl-in-school until she fell from grace and the school's resident juvenile delinquent. The incredible amount of sympathy that is generated for Terri makes this one hard not to like, and and as a character study the movie works. However, at the same time the story feels unfinished, and once we arrive at the end Terri's journey only seems about half of the way there. Had they added an extra 20 minutes or so to tie things up in a more satisfying way this would have been better, but as it is Terri is still well worth a watch.
***1/2 out of *****
Well I had planned to write more but I might save that for tomorrow. I'm tired and going to bed.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Oscars Oscars Oscars
Oscars tomorrow. We all know what's going to take out best picture, but we'll talk about that in a moment. First of all, I've seen the last two best picture nominations that I'd up til now neglected,so lets have a look see.
The Help
Set in deep south of the USA during the early 60's, The Help tells the story of African American maids working for white snotty rich folk, well before the current times when Americans lost every racist bone in their body and became tolerant of everyone....... (cough.) Um, yeah, well, at least half the appeal of the film for the high and mighty "tolerant" folk to get on their high horses and look down their noses at this time in history, proudly talking about "how far we've come"and such. Rant over. Emma Stone's character is a budding writer and decides she wants to write a book about the experiences of these women, although the civil rights moment has only just begun so she has to be very careful how she goes about sympathetically portraying African Americans.
Anyway, this movie is actually really good. The trailer would trick you into thinking Emma Stone's character is main focus, but she isn't really. She actually almost serves as a narrator through which the story of the maids are told. And wisely so, as in turn it becomes their story, and not a story about a brave pretty white lady helping out these poor simple Negros (just to be ABSOLUTELY clear - that last part was meant as sarcasm at the expense of people who think in such a manner. Just covering my arse from the PC Nazis.)
The performances of the two maids at the centre of the piece are fantastic, playing strong, sympathetic and courageous women. Emma Stone just keeps getting better, the story is very masterfully told in what is a pretty classical approach to film making. All of the other characters are also very strong, from the town racist that you love to hate to the naive but caring lady played by Jessica Chastain. I don't know what more to say except I liked it alot. See it.
**** out of *****
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
So, this one was kinda a bummer. A boy who is clearly suffering from Aspergers (although according to the film the tests to confirm it were "inconclusive") loses his father in September 11.Through a series of flashbacks we see glimpses of their relationship, and how the boy's father liked making riddles for him to solve. When the boy comes across a key with the name "Black" on it he decides that his father set this up as a puzzle for him to solve before he died, and sets out to find what the key opens.
And that's the story. Sound kinda dumb and pointless? Probably because it is. With Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock staring, this was obviously intended as the wholesome, tug at the heart strings of a nation Oscar bait that everyone would raving about and taking their families to see. Instead what's on offer is a whole lotta over the top sappiness and sentimentality without offering any genuine emotion, a storyline that goes nowhere and has an unsatisfying pay off, and a un-spythametic and, I'm sorry to say, annoying protagonist.
On the other hand, the film is very classily made, the story is told in an engaging manner, and the relationship between the boy and the old man that lives with his grandma is kinda nice. But the movie as whole is just kinda, bleh. Skip it.
**1/2 out of *****
So with that out of the way, lets talk about Oscar best picture. I'll start by making two lists;
Best picture nominees, best to worst
1. The Tree of Life
2. Hugo
3. The Descendants
4. Moneyball
5. The Artist
6. Midnight in Paris
7. The Help
8. War Horse
9. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Best picture nominees, most likely to win to least likely
1. The Artist
2. The Descendants
3. Hugo
4. The Help
5. Moneyball
6. The Tree of Life
7. Midnight in Paris
8. War Horse
9. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
In the past it often seems to have come down to a two horse race for the cup. Last year was The Social Network vs The Kings Speech. The year before was Avatar vs The Hurt Locker. This year is The Artist vs Nothing. The Artist will win, end of story. You can put your house on it and it will be the easiest money you'll make all year. I've ranked the other films likelihood of winning merely as formality. It's such a foregone conclusion that The Artist will win I may not even bother watching the ceremony (I probably will.)
I would love to see Hugo or The Descendants win. I'd love love LOVE to see The Tree of Life win. But I'll settle with The Artist winning, as in honesty it's not a bad choice for the prize. And seeing a silent French film take out the glory is kinda cool. The only film that really doesn't deserve it's spot amongst the nominees is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, although I'm a little disappointed that War Horse got nominated as well.
I was planning to a top 10 of 2011 list to coincide with the Oscars, however I'm putting it off for a week or two so I can watch more movies I've missed. But that's coming soon.... probably. Enjoy watching people walk down a red carpet and talk rubbish about who designed what and how much they enjoyed making some film they've already forgotten they were in. I'll skip that part thanks.
The Help
Set in deep south of the USA during the early 60's, The Help tells the story of African American maids working for white snotty rich folk, well before the current times when Americans lost every racist bone in their body and became tolerant of everyone....... (cough.) Um, yeah, well, at least half the appeal of the film for the high and mighty "tolerant" folk to get on their high horses and look down their noses at this time in history, proudly talking about "how far we've come"and such. Rant over. Emma Stone's character is a budding writer and decides she wants to write a book about the experiences of these women, although the civil rights moment has only just begun so she has to be very careful how she goes about sympathetically portraying African Americans.
Anyway, this movie is actually really good. The trailer would trick you into thinking Emma Stone's character is main focus, but she isn't really. She actually almost serves as a narrator through which the story of the maids are told. And wisely so, as in turn it becomes their story, and not a story about a brave pretty white lady helping out these poor simple Negros (just to be ABSOLUTELY clear - that last part was meant as sarcasm at the expense of people who think in such a manner. Just covering my arse from the PC Nazis.)
The performances of the two maids at the centre of the piece are fantastic, playing strong, sympathetic and courageous women. Emma Stone just keeps getting better, the story is very masterfully told in what is a pretty classical approach to film making. All of the other characters are also very strong, from the town racist that you love to hate to the naive but caring lady played by Jessica Chastain. I don't know what more to say except I liked it alot. See it.
**** out of *****
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
So, this one was kinda a bummer. A boy who is clearly suffering from Aspergers (although according to the film the tests to confirm it were "inconclusive") loses his father in September 11.Through a series of flashbacks we see glimpses of their relationship, and how the boy's father liked making riddles for him to solve. When the boy comes across a key with the name "Black" on it he decides that his father set this up as a puzzle for him to solve before he died, and sets out to find what the key opens.
And that's the story. Sound kinda dumb and pointless? Probably because it is. With Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock staring, this was obviously intended as the wholesome, tug at the heart strings of a nation Oscar bait that everyone would raving about and taking their families to see. Instead what's on offer is a whole lotta over the top sappiness and sentimentality without offering any genuine emotion, a storyline that goes nowhere and has an unsatisfying pay off, and a un-spythametic and, I'm sorry to say, annoying protagonist.
On the other hand, the film is very classily made, the story is told in an engaging manner, and the relationship between the boy and the old man that lives with his grandma is kinda nice. But the movie as whole is just kinda, bleh. Skip it.
**1/2 out of *****
So with that out of the way, lets talk about Oscar best picture. I'll start by making two lists;
Best picture nominees, best to worst
1. The Tree of Life
2. Hugo
3. The Descendants
4. Moneyball
5. The Artist
6. Midnight in Paris
7. The Help
8. War Horse
9. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Best picture nominees, most likely to win to least likely
1. The Artist
2. The Descendants
3. Hugo
4. The Help
5. Moneyball
6. The Tree of Life
7. Midnight in Paris
8. War Horse
9. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
In the past it often seems to have come down to a two horse race for the cup. Last year was The Social Network vs The Kings Speech. The year before was Avatar vs The Hurt Locker. This year is The Artist vs Nothing. The Artist will win, end of story. You can put your house on it and it will be the easiest money you'll make all year. I've ranked the other films likelihood of winning merely as formality. It's such a foregone conclusion that The Artist will win I may not even bother watching the ceremony (I probably will.)
I would love to see Hugo or The Descendants win. I'd love love LOVE to see The Tree of Life win. But I'll settle with The Artist winning, as in honesty it's not a bad choice for the prize. And seeing a silent French film take out the glory is kinda cool. The only film that really doesn't deserve it's spot amongst the nominees is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, although I'm a little disappointed that War Horse got nominated as well.
I was planning to a top 10 of 2011 list to coincide with the Oscars, however I'm putting it off for a week or two so I can watch more movies I've missed. But that's coming soon.... probably. Enjoy watching people walk down a red carpet and talk rubbish about who designed what and how much they enjoyed making some film they've already forgotten they were in. I'll skip that part thanks.
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