Sunday, December 4, 2016

Movie Review … Allied

The 1940’s saw a plethora of war-time espionage movies enthralling audiences.  Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Foreign Correspondent’ and ‘Lifeboat’ being two examples.  Drawing on human conditions of trust and innuendo, those films played on viewer’s fears of ‘war spies on every corner’.  Whilst not as well-crafted as Hitchcock’s films, ‘Allied’ carves its own niche.  Using a romantic angle to present a tale, the spectre of suspicion casts doubt on a couple’s strong bond.

While working for Canadian Intelligence in North Africa in 1942, officer Max (Brad Pitt) meets French resistance fighter Marianne (Marion Cotillard).  Falling in love, getting married and having a child, their union seems strong.  Their idyll is shattered when agents suggest to Max his wife may be a double agent.  Ordered to kill his bride or face the firing squad, Max is put into an awkward situation.  Convinced she is being framed, Max goes to extreme lengths to protect his wife.

‘Allied’ is an old-fashioned Hollywood film.  That isn’t a bad thing considering how quickly paced films are these days.  ‘Allied’ takes time to develop Max and Marianne’s romance and allows the story to fully ‘breathe’.  Whilst moments are slow, overall ‘Allied’ asks viewers to fully invest in its characters and story.  This is done well due to Robert Zemeckis’ strong direction which never once falters in its quest to craft a glamorous romantic thriller.

Zemeckis clearly strives for a 1940’s feel in atmosphere and visuals.  The cinematography and music score are suitably lush and vibrant with both successfully conjuring World War 2’s constant danger and mystery.  Pitt and Cotillard project the right amount of chemistry to make for a believable couple.  You are never sure where the story will go but can easily follow the journey via their stoic performances.

‘Allied’ should appeal to those tired of endless fast and furiously moving films.  It’s a rarely made classic old-style movie providing an oasis in a sea of commercial block-busters.  It isn’t always perfect but is a solid small-time epic sure to please lovers of classic-like cinema.

 
Movie Review Rating out of 10:  7

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.


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Movie Review … Underworld: Blood Wars


Beginning in 2003, the ‘Underworld’ series has been enduringly popular.  Now onto its fifth instalment, ‘Underworld: Blood Wars’ serves up more of the same.  Full of stylised action and visceral violence, it hasn’t been anything that would give noted writers nightmares.  The only bad thoughts would be for its producers if it doesn’t rake in the dollars although given its successful track record, that won’t be something causing concern.  Typically over the top, its gothic visions hits its target with ease.

Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is a vampire death dealer waging an eternal war against the evil Lycans.  Battling them and another Vampire faction wanting her blood and those of her daughter to create a horrifying hybrid, Selene’s work is cut out.  With the help of ally David (Theo James) and her father Thomas (Charles Dance), Selene utilises her bag of tricks to defeat her enemies.  With eternal darkness slowly moving in, the war turns bloodier under the moon’s malevolent gaze.

Fans of the ‘Underworld’ series will know what to expect with this latest entry.  Explosions, actions and violence are all present and correct.  Also notable is the usual convoluted plotting and wonky acting.  ‘Underworld: Blood Wars’ won’t be winning Oscars anytime soon although as a slice of CGI hokum it works.  It’s hard taking anything seriously where the heroine endlessly rises from the ashes of certain defeat to tackle her enemies.

Anna Foerster doesn’t so much direct but rather programs.  She doesn’t have to do much except make each action sequence look different from previous films.  Concentrating on the acting isn’t something she needs to do as everyone from Beckinsale down turns in uniformly wooden performances.  ‘Underworld: Blood Wars’ exists to extend a franchise and for viewers to sit back and drink in the noise and bloody spectacle – which it does.

Delivering what one expects ‘Underworld: Blood Wars’ is a load of silly nonsense. It is entertaining as it delivers eye-popping visuals within its murky story.  Yet another sequel will surely materialise if this is successful proving the commercial movie machine will never stop if there is cash to be made.


Movie Review Rating out of 10:  5

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.


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Movie Review … Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them

When a money-making film franchise ends, a studio is usually at a loss.  Wondering whether to create a new series or continue the existing one is something many executives have had to ponder.  Considering how huge the ‘Harry Potter’ brand name is, it was a no-brainer it would continue in some form.  ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ arrives as an answer to the studio’s prayers.  A prequel to the ‘Harry Potter’ series and based on J.K. Rowling’s book, it will no doubt extend the money machine for a while yet.

Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is a shy wizard arriving in 1920’s New York.  An employee of the British Ministry of Magic, he has been sent to uncover more spells and creatures for his homeland. Meeting Porpentina (Katherine Waterson), a boisterous witch keen on enhancing her powers, Newt becomes involved with a myriad of spell-binding mayhem.  With goblins, ghosts and even scarier politicians on his tail, Newt has to work hard to ensure his mission is a success.

Directed by ‘Harry Potter’ regular David Yates, ‘Fantastic Beasts’ is a muddled brew.  Whilst the imaginative CGI is incredible and the performances are fine, the story and atmosphere is flat.  For a movie wanting to begin a potential franchise ‘Fantastic Beasts’ goes the wrong way about it.  Dour, gloomy and wallowing in misery, the narrative only picks up in the last half hour. Until then it’s an endless parade of creatures for Newt to capture with the elongated exposition tiresome.

Maybe one can blame Rowling who wrote the screenplay or Yates who refuses to give the story much needed colour.  Tonally it’s all over the place with little to fascinate younger viewer to whom the Potter series has been aimed.  Although it has several negatives, ‘Fantastic Beasts’ boasts a good cast.  Redmayne and Waterson are solid anchors to a tale featuring shy people banding together to defeat evil.  This makes viewing worthwhile even during the slowly paced moments, of which there are many.

‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is neither fish nor fowl.  Not as memorable as any ‘Harry Potter’ movie, it fails to fully function as its own entity.  Its last act is exciting making one wish the previous sections were of its standards. That won’t stop sequels with the machine sure to roll on as long as money is delivered to producer’s coffers.

 
Movie Review Rating out of 10:  6

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.


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