Author: Crossfire

Optimum Releasing
www.huntersthompsonmovie.com

‘Gonzo‘, no I am not talking about the lovable blue alien character from the Muppets, by ‘Gonzo’ we are referring to the release of the two hour documentary film into the life and works of Hunter S. Thompson.

Directed by Alex Gibney and narrated by Johnny Depp, the release probes into all corners of Thompson life, the good and also the bad including his adventures and his low points. Thompson viewed life as a challenge so pushed all boundaries, aiming to get the most out of life and experience all he could. In conversations with family, and friends including his wives, children and various magazine editors taken out of passages from unpublished manuscripts, home movies, audiotapes and interviews, we are given an in depth look at the life this writer lived. From his childhood to his last days, we get an overview of what his life was like; a man of two sides, a caring family man and a drug addicted writer.

From dope to acid, his experiences in the Rock’n’Roll 1960’s detail some very shocking moments. We are given a taste of his hunting and gun hobbies. Probably the most disturbing of the films facts is Thompson’s running with the Hell’s Angels. Spending a lot of time with the motor cycle gang and getting in deep with such characters and events must have events must have been quite a disturbing experience and something that would have had a lasting impact on Thompson’s life; his book ‘Hell’s Angels‘ was written out of these adventures.

Other aspects that are included in this feature are his look into the death of the American Dream, his bid for the Sheriff’s office in Aspen, his involvement in the presidential campaign for Senator George McGovern and his novel ‘Fear and Loathing in Last Vegas‘, for which he is probably most well known for.

One of the talked about aspects for Thompson is his invention of Gonzo journalism, a style of writing where Thompson often put himself into the story. However, even though this is supposedly a large element of Thompson’s life, it is only really briefly talked about and never given much depth, which I was quite disappointed about. His death on the other hand was something this feature pays a lot of attention to; just as Thompson did before he died. Some people as his first wife states believe to take his life at that particular point was ‘a strong and noble act’; you would have to decide this for yourself after viewing.

There are very few journalists that can lead a life as Thompson did and be remembered in light. He may have had his down points but will always be remembered and this documentary is the perfect way to outline the ups and downs of the creator of GONZO.

Michelle Moore

20th Century Fox
www.thedaytheearthstoodstillmovie.com

The Day The Earth Stood Still is loosely based on the 1951 classic of the same name and stars Keanu Reeves as a visitor from another planet with plans to save ours. When a giant sphere makes its presence known in Central Park, all the armed forces are broken out to discover just what it is. From inside appear two things; the first is an alien named Klaatu (Reeves) who sheds its outer skin to appear human and the second a GIANT alien shape that is capable of deconstructing itself. The aliens appear with the aim of saving planet Earth from obliteration, even if this means eliminating the human race on it.

In a generation where we are lacking the ability to look after ourselves let alone the plane we inhabit, The Day The Earth Stood Still looks at the human image and gives us a statement to think over “If Earth dies, we die, if we die, the Earth survives.” The film is a large thinker, not only about the planet, but also about things such as where these spheres come from, what is inside them and how does this alien look human?

The simplicity of the original suited the time in which it was created. You must roll with the times and that is exactly what director Scott Derrickson has done. When you think of a sci-fi flick you are flooded with images of aliens, UFO’s and more specifically the advance with technology; this plays an extremely large role in The Day The Earth Stood Still. From setting the scene with dark tones, filming mostly at night with foggy shots, rain, snow, wind and controlling the mix of colours in the shots to going all out on Computer Generated Images. Visual effects are incredible with much of the alien footage and helicopters’ being placed in the scenes after filming was completed.

Keanu Reeves is an incredible actor, especially when it comes to sci-fi flicks. He had impact in the writing of the film as well as production aiming to make all characters believable and enjoyable to watch. He isn’t exposed as the alien character out straight, which adds some mystery to the thickening plot line. When he is exposed, he plays this otherworldly and very confused new comer to the planet incredibly well. Reeves has a wonderful way of using very little dialogue and a very plain expression in such a way that you are completely engaged with the character. The remainder of the cast include stepmother and son (Jennifer Connelly and Jaden Smith) as part of a fragmented family, something new to the screen yet so common in reality.

There is a remarkable amount of bonus footage on this DVD. From deleted scenes and commentaries to ‘Re-imaging The Day‘, ‘Unleashing Gort‘, discussing about other civilisations and extraterrestrial life and helping to save the planet. The Day The Earth Stood Still keeps you on the edge of your seat and is a film that really gets the brain boggling regarding ways in which you can save Earth from destruction; it’s never too late to do your part.

Michelle Moore

It has come to Season 5 of 2 and a Half Men and things are developing quite well. His season of the hilarious comedy staring Charlie Sheen sees his character become more matured, his nephew becoming interested in girls, his brother still trying to lean how to talk to women and his mother dealing with a new man in her life.

The season opens on Jake’s first day at high school, as if a new year is beginning alongside a new season. His character grows throughout the seasons dealing with girl issues, attending concerts, disobeying his parents and once again slacking in school. Alan gets a little desperate in this season; he pays for a prostate, gets thrown out of his brothers home, dates a friend and gets very jealous of Charlie’s unexpected success. Charlie seems pretty much the same however; a sex obsessed male that gets into a bit of trouble due to his womanising. He does grow later in the series, getting closer to his mother, dates an older woman, realises sex isn’t as important as he thought in relationship and actually proposing to a woman, with disastrous outcomes.

As the youngest character in 2 and a Half Men has grown to that adolescent stage in his life in which he questions some more mature matters, Season 5 has much more mature comical aspects. Some episodes deal with sexual matters, Charlie’s personal rash and even things such as jokes are ruder and more grown up with rude natured outcomes. As always the comedy present here is some of the funniest things you’ll see and hear. Charlie’s drinks and pills scene are very funny; as is Alan’s bid to raise money, Charlie’s jingling prospects and Jake’s overall attitude. There is so much realism in the arguments and comedy situations between the family, especially Charlie and his brother, so they are not only funny and enjoyable but also believable.

It was great to see a return from loonytoon Rose. She had always been a great personality to view and with her relationship with Charlie always being a great chuckle, expect even more laughs then ever. It was also an unexpected to surprise to see Jenny McCarthy making an appearance as Charlie’s new love interest and future stepsister, with a dark side.

One of the most shocking and enjoyable episodes occurs when writers of CSI and 2 and a Half Men decided to give it a shot writing for another genre, so writing an episode of the other show. The writer of CSI were able to keep much of the humour on their 2 and a Half Men episode in which a death, the first shown in the programme, causes suspicion. It includes all the back shots CSI is famous or as well as some close up images where certain shots are filmed in detail, each focusing on Jake such as his teeth while eating or an inside look at his stomach, it has a very entertaining outcome.

If like me you enjoy watching the bonus footage, then here you can see the CSI episode written by the 2 and a Half Men writers and a look at the 100th episode of the show. Season 5 is likely to be the most enjoyable season to the hit American comedy due to its adult content development and increase in storylines and comedy. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for the Harper family.

Michelle Moore

Momentum Pictures

From the producers of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and directed by Gerry Lively comes Body Armour, a film featuring Til Schweiger and Chazz Palminteri. A bad judgment call three years previously caused the death of not only the presidential candidate John Ridley was employed to bodyguard, but also his career. When approached with a new job the ex-bodyguard snaps it up, but it is not all peaches and cream. Can he put all his emotions and revenge aside to protect the individual that he despises most in the world, the person that shattered his life into shell sized piece and ruined his career?

There is no room emotion and personal feelings when it comes to getting back in the game for this job. Ridley (Schweiger) somehow shows very little emotion whatsoever even when fronted by a person who shoot him and wrecked what seemed like the ideal life. I would have expected a little more than a few punches, a roll over the table and a smirk of disgust on Schweiger part. Palminteri is the perfect person to portray Lee Maxwell, the object of the disgust and the villain trying to make good before his death. At first and throughout much of the movie he is annoying, egotistical and sarcastic, giving a sick to the stomach impression for not only Ridley, but also the viewer.

I like the idea of getting your most hated opponent to protect you. As Palminteri’s character puts it “who better to guard me than the man that want to kill me the most.” It was pretty obvious that Ridley was going to get his job done, if not to protect Maxwell but to kill him after the trial himself. The ending was quite unexpected however. I thought maybe Ridley would see Maxwell was remorseful for his actions and past crimes and let him die peacefully with his condition, never did I expect the true outcome.

Body Armour is classed as an action flick, but where are they hiding it all as there is only minimal present here. In regards to fight scenes, a couple of knocks to the face and a twisted arm are as much as it can scrape up, though the rhythmic scenes show much talent and practice. There is gunfire, but it doesn’t have the same impact as some of the more excitable films released in recent months. There are very little explosions or manic scenes, which keep you on the edge of your seat. You get the odd moment of suspension build up though the music here, but the film pretty much flows without making the heart skip a beat.

Body Armour isn’t nail biting or explosive but there are definitely moments that will surprise you. It may not be the best action flick I have seen, but worth a watch anyway.

Michelle Moore