Friday, November 30, 2018

McCabe & Mrs. Miller

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCabe_%26_Mrs._Miller#/media/File:McCabe_%26_Mrs._Miller.png

For the final film of the month we have McCabe & Mrs. Miller

First off, we have the story which has a gambler and a prostitute become business partners in a remote Old West mining town, and their enterprise thrives until a large corporation arrives on the scene. I thought the story was very enjoyable and the slow pacing helped that. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of the main stars of the film very good but the rest of the cast provided a good backing to the films story to add conflict and chemistry. 

As for the film's visuals I thought it looked really good with the gritty and dirty styled in terms of the cinematography with the camera movement/positioning as well as the lighting choices. Moving onto the tone of the film which I enjoyed as it helped build the slow pacing of the story in order to escalate it. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very good and one of the best parts about the film which added to the atmosphere felt throughout the story and setting of the film. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very entertaining film and again decided to take a different turn with the Western genre of film which made it more enjoyable and makes it stand out to others of the same genre.

I give McCabe & Mrs. Miller a score of 8/10

How The West Was Won

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_the_West_Was_Won_(film)#/media/File:Poster_-_How_the_West_Was_Won.jpg

For the penultimate film of the month we have How The West Was Won 

First off, we have the story which has a family saga covering several decades of Westward expansion in the nineteenth century - including the Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the building of the railroads. I thought the story was very entertaining as it went from year to year covering the events of the West.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were mostly well acted over the course of the film with a lot of famous actors and actresses from the time the film was released in this film. 

As for the film's visuals I thought were interesting since the film was spilt into sections so someone different directed each part so although they all come together as a film the visuals stand out because each part required a different look. Now we have the action which when it came in certain parts of the film was thrilling especially a certain train scene. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought got a great balance of adventure, drama and a mix of action to make the film more enjoyable. I thought the soundtrack of the film was great at capturing the Western atmosphere.

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable film from start to finish and I thought everything gelled together well from the different time period stories where you see certain characters progress to the adventurous tone and soundtrack to fill it all out.

I give How The West Was Won a score of 7/10

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

High Noon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Noon#/media/File:High_Noon_poster.jpg

For the thirty-third film of the month we have High Noon 

First off, we have the story which has a town Marshal, despite the disagreements of his newlywed bride and the townspeople around him, must face a gang of deadly killers alone at high noon when the gang leader, an outlaw he sent up years ago, arrives on the noon train. I thought the story was very interesting as Will, the marshal had his back against the wall which built up his situation as impossible. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of acting very good especially the main lead of Will Kane played by Gary Cooper especially when he is left alone in the situation to face the outlaws. 
As for the film's visuals I thought were pretty consistent throughout. Now we have the action which was built up to over the course of the film and when it came down to it it was thrilling and entertaining. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought did a great job at building up the suspense of the situation. I thought the soundtrack of the film was good with the use of classic Western tracks and ones that built up the tension.

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable film and in terms of the Western genre used a lot of the familiar aspects you would expect to see but the story itself was what made it interesting.

I give High Noon a score of 8/10

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Hell Or High Water

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_or_High_Water_(film)#/media/File:Hell_or_High_Water_film_poster.png

For the thirty-second film of the month we have Hell Or High Water

First off, we have the story which has a divorced father and his ex-con older brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family's ranch in West Texas. I thought the story was very enjoyable as it was fun to see what a modern Western was like.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of acting fantastic and you could see the chemistry between the two main leads and both of them helped realise the drama they were going through.

As for the film's visuals I thought it looked really good especially in turns of the camera positioning/movement and shot choice. Now we have the action which i thought was thrilling and entertaining as well as being shot well. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought managed to have some good family drama throughout as it helped to focus in on the story and characters. I thought the soundtrack of the film which I thought was very good and used tracks that worked for a modernised style Western film.

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable film with a great story and good characters in it to help build the drama and situation that the characters find themselves in and you want to see what will happen to them.

I give Hell Or High Water a score of 8/10

Monday, November 26, 2018

3:10 To Yuma (2007)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3:10_to_Yuma_(2007_film)#/media/File:310_to_Yuma_(2007_film).jpg

For the thirty-first film of the month we have 3:10 To Yuma (2007)

First off, we have the story which has a small-time rancher agrees to hold a captured outlaw who's awaiting a train to go to court in Yuma. A battle of wills ensues as the outlaw tries to psych out the rancher. I thought the story was very enjoyable especially with what elements were changed from the original film I saw the other day.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of acting very good with the main leads working off each other very well and managed to give their own take on the same characters from the original to differentiate themselves.  

As for the film's visuals I thought the look of the film was one of the best parts about it with it's gritty and dark cinematography to match the films style and themes running over the course of the story. Now we have the action which I thought was enjoyable with some decent sequences throughout. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought did a good job at building the tension and drama of the story. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very good and worked for the suspenseful scenes throughout the film.

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable film and between the two films I would take the original one because of the tension and better chemistry between the main leads even though this film did a good job at capturing some of the elements used in the original to make it it's own version.

I give 3:10 To Yuma (2007) a score of 7/10

Sunday, November 25, 2018

3:10 To Yuma (1957)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3:10_to_Yuma_(1957_film)#/media/File:310_to_Yuma_(1957_film).jpg

For the thirtieth film of the month we have 3:10 To Yuma (1957)

First off, we have the story which has broke small-time rancher Dan Evans is hired by the stagecoach line to put big-time captured outlaw leader Ben Wade on the 3:10 train to Yuma but Wade's gang tries to free him. I thought the story was very entertaining and thrilling because of how different it was to other Westerns.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were fantastic both in terms of the acting with the characters they played and the chemistry between the two main leads gave life to the story. 

As for the film's visuals I thought it was one of the best parts of the film with some elegant cinematography with the camera movement as well as the use of lighting and shadows that was created with care and precision. Now we have the action which I thought was very entertaining when things did kick off both in the gun-fighting but also with the confrontations between the main characters through words. Moving onto the tone of the film which I loved as the suspense of the situation and slowness gave the film more thrills while still keeping the essence of the Western genre. I thought the soundtrack of the film was great adding to the tension throughout the film.

Overall, I thought this film was fantastic older Western that shows how good they can be with a thrilling story and two main leads with chemistry that makes them bounce off each other with their dialogue. Finally there was the cinematography, tone and soundtrack which came to together to add to the already entertaining film. 

I give 3:10 To Yuma (1957) a score of 9/10

Winchester '73


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_%2773#/media/File:Winchester_73_-_1950-_Poster.png

For the twenty-ninth film of the month we have Winchester '73

First off, we have the story which has the journey of a prized rifle from one ill-fated owner to another parallels a cowboy's search for a murderous fugitive. I thought the story was enjoyable and how the riffle went from one person to another was interesting.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of acting pretty good and the characters they played worked for the type of story it went for with James Stewart giving a great performance.

As for the film's visuals I thought it looked good as well as having some consistent cinematography throughout with some good camera positioning and movement. Now we have the action which I thought was entertaining especially the shooting competition at the beginning and the final shootout at the end. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought did a good job at capturing the revenge plot that usual can be found in these types of films. I thought the soundtrack of the film when used was ok at best but nothing stood out for me. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable film with an interesting story behind it that kept me intrigued by the end to see how everything would come together and the cast managed to do a good job at the types that their characters were playing.

I give Winchester '73 a score of 7/10

Saturday, November 24, 2018

True Grit (2010)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_Grit_(2010_film)#/media/File:True_Grit_Poster.jpg

For the twenty-eighth film of the month we have True Grit (2010)

First off, we have the story which has a stubborn teenager enlists the help of a tough U.S. Marshal to track down her father's murderer. I thought the story was very entertaining especially to see how this version was changed from the original

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all very good in terms of acting and character and all of them managed to have their place in the story instead of one lagging behind like the original and all the main cast did a great job.

As for the film's visuals I thought it looked very good with some nice scenery shots as well as the cinematography being up to par with the camera positioning and lighting they went for. Now we have the action which I thought was entertaining to watch as well as being shot very well. Moving onto the tone of the film which I enjoyed as it took a more darker twist but still had the sense of Western film. I thought the soundtrack of the film was pretty good and added to the atmosphere of the film.

Overall, I thought this film was a very entertaining film especially to see what changes were made to the original film and although changes were made some good, some not so, I believe that I prefer the original film.

I give True Grit (2010) a score of 8/10

True Grit (1969)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_Grit_(1969_film)#/media/File:Truegritposter.jpg

For the twenty-seventh film of the month we have True Grit (1969)

First off, we have the story which has a drunken, hard-nosed U.S. Marshal and a Texas Ranger help a stubborn teenager track down her father's murderer in Indian territory. I thought the story was entertaining with a good script behind it.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were mixed in terms of the main stars with John Wayne giving a fantastic job as Rooster" Cogburn with the type of person he was then you had Kim Darby as Mattie Ross who as the main character has the focus unfortunately felt wooden with how she played the teen out for revenge. Finally you have Glen Campbell as La Boeuf who felt like the third wheel of the trio.

As for the film's visuals I thought had some great cinematography in terms of the sweeping camera shots and locations they used and the lighting and camera positioning added to the experience of the adventurous Western. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought had a great sense of adventure and drama that the characters had to face on the journey. I thought the soundtrack of the film was good and fit the style and genre the film was going for.

Overall, I thought this film was an entertaining film that kept me hooked throughout with an interesting story and some good characters to keep it going and the chemistry between them was great.

I give True Grit (1969) a score of 8/10

Friday, November 23, 2018

Tombstone

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tombstone_(film)#/media/File:Tombstoneposter.jpeg

For the twenty-sixth film of the month we have Tombstone

First off, we have the story which has a successful lawman's plans to retire anonymously in Tombstone, Arizona, are disrupted by the kind of outlaws he was famous for eliminating. I thought the story was very entertaining from start to finish with some great moments throughout.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of acting fantastic from all the main players and gave life into their individual characters with the main standouts being Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday.

As for the film's visuals I thought it had some excellent cinematography in terms of the lighting and camera movement/placements showing off all the vast scenery as well as the dangers of Tombstone. Now we have the action which I thought was very entertaining and thrilling with the fights that escalate the war between the lawmen and the cowboys from street fights to personal fights. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought had a great amount of drama that added to the interesting story that was being played out. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very good having tracks that built up the tension that was rising throughout the course of the story as well as the emotional parts of the film.

Overall, I thought this film was another fantastic Western film but I like the biographical aspect to the film having events that happened to these characters and added another layer to the film.

I give Tombstone a score of 8/10

Thursday, November 22, 2018

The Searchers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Searchers#/media/File:SearchersPoster-BillGold.jpg

For the twenty-fifth film of the month we have The Searchers

First off, we have the story which has an American Civil War veteran embarks on a journey to rescue his niece from the Comanches. I thought the story was very entertaining and the long journey of revenge and rescue was very entertaining to see unfold.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were well acted throughout from the main cast to the supporting characters with the standout being John Wayne as Ethan Edwards who is determined to get his nieces back when they are taken away. 

As for the film's visuals I thought  it was one of the best parts about the film which helped create the world and to make it vibrant and deadly with some sweepng camera shots and some fantastic cinematography in terms of lighting and camera movement. Now we have the action which I thought was thrilling and entertaining to watch from the chase sequences to the gunfights. Moving onto the tone of the film which I believe did a great job at creating a backdrop that was dangerous as well as a difficult place to live with all the types of people who roam the lands. I thought the soundtrack of the film which I thought managed to capture the epicness and grand scale of adventure throughout with many tracks that captured the Western setting.

Overall, I thought this film was on one of the best westerns I have seen and I can why it is so popular with a great story and main lead as well as some thrilling action and fantastic visuals and finally rounded out by a great soundtrack.

I give The Searchers a score of 8/10

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

The Outlaw Josey Wales

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outlaw_Josey_Wales#/media/File:The_outlaw_josey_wales.jpg

For the twenty-fourth film of the month we have The Outlaw Josey Wales

First off, we have the story which has a Missouri farmer joins a Confederate guerrilla unit and winds up on the run from the Union soldiers who murdered his family. I thought the story was very entertaining with a great underlying theme and that had some thrilling moments throughout the run-time.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought in terms of the titular character of Josey Wales was fantastic and who had some deep resentment in him because of his past and it carries him till the very end of the film. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the film looked great managing to show the large areas of the desert in particular with some long shots to capture the vast landscape on show. The cinematography in terms of lighting and camerawork was also great to look at throughout the film. Now we have the action which I thought was entertaining seeing Josey take down all his opponents when needed. Moving onto the tone of the film which had the high stakes and intensity as well as the sense of adventure needed to make it entertaining. I thought the soundtrack of the film was great as it had lots of tracks that fit the theme and genre the film went for as well as capture the emotions that were needed.

Overall, I thought this film was a very interesting one because of the way it portrayed the genre but none the less it was very entertaining especially as it was helmed by Clint Eastwood who knows all about the Western genre.

I give The Outlaw Josey Wales a score of 8/10

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

The Martian

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Martian_(film)#/media/File:The_Martian_film_poster.jpg

For the twenty-third film of the month we have The Martian

First off, we have the story which has an astronaut becomes stranded on Mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. I thought the story was very entertaining with some great moments throughout to build up the situation. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were very interesting but the acting was great throughout adding to the background and everyone trying to help. Matt Damon as Mark Watney was the standout who's determination to stay alive under the circumstances was great to see. 

As for the film's visuals I thought looked really good especially for the effects on Mars to add to the experience that Mark was stuck on Mars. I also thought the sets in this film were great as well. The cinematography in general was very good with the lighting and camerawork up to standard. Moving onto the tone of the film which was very good at building the tension of the situation and you didn't know what was going to happen. I thought the soundtrack of the film was great as it managed to capture the emotions needed for the situations throughout the film.

Overall, I thought this film was great film with an entertaining story and a main character that you cared about and wanted to see get home after everything that he faces on the planet Mars in order to survive.

I give The Martian a score of 8/10

Sunday, November 18, 2018

The Lincoln Lawyer

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lincoln_Lawyer_(film)#/media/File:The_Lincoln_Lawyer_Poster.jpg

For the twenty-second film of the month we have The Lincoln Lawyer

First off, we have the story which has a lawyer defending a wealthy man begins to believe his client is guilty of more than just one crime. I thought the story was very entertaining and how the case went on and the reveals that came were very intriguing.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of acting very good with the standout being the main star Matthew McConaughey as Mickey and the way his character develops once he starts learning to truth about hid client was interesting to see and what he does to get back at him. The supporting cast also provided good backing to the film's plot and chemistry.

As for the film's visuals I thought it looked very good with the style that the film went for in terms of the cinematography with it's lighting and especially the camerawork which added to the film's pacing. Moving onto the tone of the film which I found fitting with it being a courtroom drama it built that up very well to add weight to the story. I thought the soundtrack of the film when used was very interesting and fit the time and setting the film chose to go for.

Overall, I thought this film was a very entertaining film with some tense moments throughout which built up the drama of the story and what the main character had to do in order to get the correct verdict.

I give The Lincoln Lawyer a score of 9/10

Saturday, November 17, 2018

The Karate Kid

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Karate_Kid#/media/File:Karate_kid.jpg

For the twenty-first film of the month we have The Karate Kid 

First off, we have the story which has a martial arts master agrees to teach karate to a bullied teenager. I thought the story was very enjoyable and the script behind it helped build the characters and relationships so they could grow and develop. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were one of the best parts about the film with the bond between Mr Miyagi and Daniel who is going through a difficult time in his life until he meets Mr Miyagi who helps him by teaching him life skills. 

As for the film's visuals I thought it looked great with some very nice looking cinematography throughout and the action was shot well to add to the pacing and toughness of the sport. Now we have the action which in terms of the karate fights was entertaining and to see Daniel progress with his teachings was good to see. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought managed to balance the drama, comedy and action to build up the most important parts of the film. I thought the soundtrack of the film which I thought captured the time the film came out very well also using some good classic Japanese music when needed.

Overall, I thought this film was very entertaining and I really enjoyed it after hearing about what the film was like and the characters in it and I was presently surprised on how good it was with it's teachings.

I give The Karate Kid  a score of 8/10

The Hound Of The Baskervilles

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hound_of_the_Baskervilles_(1959_film)#/media/File:The_Hound_of_the_Baskervilles_1959_poster.jpg

For the twentieth film of the month we have The Hound Of The Baskervilles

First off, we have the story which has a nobleman who is threatened by a family curse on his newly inherited estate, detective Sherlock Holmes is hired to investigate. I thought the story was very enjoyable as well as entertaining with this take on the famous story. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of the acting very good and seeing Peter Cushing's version of the famous detective was very interesting but not my favourite interpretation.  

As for the film's visuals I thought it looked superb with dark and creepy locations which were presented very well to add to the mystery of the moor and the cinematography with the lighting and camera proved that. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought was chilling and mysterious with the dark things going on at the moor. I thought the soundtrack of the film was good and helped to build the suspense of certain scenes throughout the film. 

Overall, I thought this film was very entertaining and seeing a different interpretation on a Sherlock Holmes story is always enjoyable to see with how they adapt things and what they change.

I give The Hound Of The Baskervilles a score of 7/10

Friday, November 16, 2018

The Gunfighter

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gunfighter#/media/File:The_Gunfighter.jpg

For the nineteenth film of the month we have The Gunfighter

First off, we have the story which has notorious gunfighter Jimmy Ringo as he rides into town to find his true love, who doesn't want to see him. He hasn't come looking for trouble, but trouble finds him around every corner. I thought the story was

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were very interesting especially the main character of Ringo who has changed his ways and is looking to settle down but is contently reminded of his past actions and his title.

As for the film's visuals I thought it looked really good and some of the imagery suited the film well. Now we have the action which was thrilling as well as tense as you waited to see what would happen with Ringo being in town. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought did a good job at building the tension and who would make the first move.

Overall, I thought this film was an excellent film and interpretation of a western film with a great story and main character behind that you cared for after hearing about his life and his family situation.

I give The Gunfighter a score of 8/10

The Fault In Our Stars

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fault_in_Our_Stars_(film)#/media/File:The_Fault_in_Our_Stars_(Official_Film_Poster).png

For the eighteenth film of the month we have The Fault In Our Stars

First off, we have the story which has two teenage cancer patients begin a life-affirming journey to visit a reclusive author in Amsterdam. I thought the story was enjoyable in parts with some nice moments between the two leads.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were mixed in terms of character as between the two main leads it was Augustus who I felt for the most even though Hazel is the main focus of the story.

As for the film's visuals I thought were average with only the stuff in Amsterdam standing out with the cinematography. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought even though the film focused on a difficult subject there was still a balance of drama with good character moments to fill the story. I thought the soundtrack of the film was one of the best parts of the film with a mixture of emotional tracks to fit to the situations in the story.

Overall, I thought this film was enjoyable with the main relationship being the main focus to build the characters and relationship and some of the moments between them were funny, sad and hopeful because of their shared illnesses.

I give The Fault In Our Stars a score of 7/10

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

The Expendables

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Expendables_(2010_film)#/media/File:Expendablesposter.jpg

For the seventeenth film of the month we have The Expendables 

First off, we have the story which has a CIA operative hires a team of mercenaries to eliminate a Latin dictator and a renegade CIA agent. I thought the story was somewhat enjoyable and the idea behind all the famous action stars being on one film could have been a great idea.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were fitting for what the film needed and to not be over extravagant with their details, they we just there to be a team of mercenaries. 

As for the film's visuals I thought were pretty lackluster to be honest especially the editing which felt very clunky when it came to the action sequences as well as very fat paced than it should have been.Now we have the action which would have been thrilling if it was possible to see the action because of the camerawork and editing. Moving onto the tone of the film which did an ok at building the action and thrills. I thought the soundtrack of the film which was pretty average with it's fast paced tracks for the action.

Overall, I thought this film was a average film overall and it could have been better than it was as the acting was ok I though the story should have been better to fit the stars that were in it.

I give The Expendables a score of 5/10

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

The Day The Earth Stood Still

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Day_the_Earth_Stood_Still#/media/File:Day_the_Earth_Stood_Still_1951.jpg

For the sixteenth film of the month we have The Day The Earth Stood Still

First off, we have the story which has an alien who lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets. I thought the story was fantastic and brilliantly told and cut to the chase and didn't focus on any unnecessary moments for too long to make the narrative more consistent.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were ok with acting suited the film with the type of characters that were being shown off throughout the story.

As for the film's visuals I thought it looked good and even the effects for the time the film came out they looked superb especially the simplicity of Gort's design which was simple but effective with what it could do. Moving onto the tone of the film which I think did a great job at building the uneasiness and mystery over the course of the film. I thought the soundtrack of the film was fantastic as it added to the suspense and intrigue when Klaatu landed on Earth.

Overall, I thought this film was a fantastic one and showed one of the classic sci-fi films that built up the genre to what it is now and you can see all the familiar aspects that can be seen in present day sci-fi films. With it's simple and intriguing plot and main alien the film was all the more enjoyable.

I give The Day The Earth Stood Still a score of 8/10

Monday, November 12, 2018

The Blair Witch Project

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blair_Witch_Project#/media/File:Blair_Witch_Project.jpg

For the fifteenth film of the month we have The Blair Witch Project

First off, we have the story which has three film students vanish after travelling into a Maryland forest to film a documentary on the local Blair Witch legend, leaving only their footage behind. I thought the story was very enjoyable which surprised me very much so.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of acting were pretty average and worked well enough for the plot of the film however it was nothing outstanding which didn't have to be.

As for the film's visuals I thought the way the film was shot in the found footage way was good for the time the film was released and set the trend of found footage films for years to come. Moving onto the tone of the film which did a good job at building the tension over the course of the story to add to the mystery. I thought the soundtrack of the film which was mostly sound effects which were used to build up the scares that the characters encounter in the forest

Overall, I thought this film was pretty decent film in all honesty and seeing how the found footage film trend started was very interesting and the story of the characters making a documentary about the mystery's in the forest suited the style of found footage.

I give The Blair Witch Project a score of 7/10

Sunday, November 11, 2018

The Babadook

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Babadook#/media/File:The-Babadook-Poster.jpg

For the fourteenth film of the month we have The Babadook

First off, we have the story which has a widowed mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, battles with her son's fear of a monster lurking in the house, but soon discovers a sinister presence all around her. I thought the story was both entertaining and chilling with every moment adding to the ever increasing dark storytelling. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought in terms of the acting were terrific especially by Essie Davies as Amelia ash she slowly loses her sanity because of the mysterious going's on. Then there was the actor who plays Samuel and at first you think is annoying but as the film goes on you become sympathetic towards his situation.

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography of it was fantastic with a great use of lighting, shadows, camera positioning and movement to make the experience more scarier and chilling. Moving onto the tone of the film which didn't shy away from being creepy or dark with it's imagery and themes which made it ever more interesting and freaky at the same time. I thought the soundtrack of the film was great and added to the dark moments and the use of sound effects was fantastic.

Overall, I thought this film was a thrilling experience to watch from beginning to end and i was hooked from minute one and before watching this I had low expectations for it but it proved me wrong and this is one of the best horror films I have seen.  

I give The The Babadook a score of 9/10

The Aviator

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Aviator_(2004_film)#/media/File:The_Aviator_(2004).png

For the thirteenth film of the month we have The Aviator

First off, we have the story which has a biopic depicting the early years of legendary Director and aviator Howard Hughes' career from the late 1920s to the mid 1940s. I thought the story was very entertaining of how one man went from a film producer to working in aviation. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were fantastically acted and the way Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes portrayed the character at his high points as well as his low points especially with the character's OCD which worsens as the film goes on. The rest of the cast filled out the story well to build the world and interact with Hughes.

As for the film's visuals I thought in parts of the film the look was very interesting particularly through the choice of colour in certain scenes which gave the film a unique style. The cinematography in terms of the camera angles and positioning was also great and liked the look of the film. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought did a great job at building the drama that came about over the course of the story. I thought the soundtrack of the film

Overall, I thought this film was very enjoyable with the highs and lows of a very interesting man and what he brought to the time and what he thought was the future of flying. This shows that out of the films I have seen of his Martin Scorsese continues to impress me with some thing different then his usual crime and gang films while still having his own style throughout. 

I give The Aviator a score of 8/10

Saturday, November 10, 2018

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Assassination_of_Jesse_James_by_the_Coward_Robert_Ford#/media/File:Assassination_poster.jpg

For the twelfth film of the month we have The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford 

First off, we have the story which has Robert Ford, who idolised Jesse James since childhood as he tries hard to join the reforming gang of the Missouri outlaw, but gradually becomes resentful of the bandit leader. I thought the story was thoroughly entertaining from start to finish and the long run-time helped build the full story and characters so you got the full story from beginning to end.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were captivating which was helped by the acting with main standouts being Brad Pitt as Jesse James and Casey Affleck as Robert Ford who's chemistry shone through the film and the interactions were some of the highlights of the film. Brad Pitt as Jesse portrayed the calm demeanour but also the few times he snapped or got violent is when he was at his best.

As for the film's visuals I thought was very atmospheric and at parts haunting with gorgeous cinematography done by Roger Deakins who never disappoints me with way he controls the lighting and camerawork to elevate the film a level whether it be outside on location or inside. Now we have the action which when it occurred on screen was thrilling and shot well to get the full scope of it. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought was great as it slowly built up the drama and relationships between the characters to give the weight later on in the end. I thought the soundtrack of the film was chilling in parts which suited the films style.

Overall, I thought this film was an excellent film that from minute one brought you straight into the story and it's characters and brought you on a journey of two characters and their time together which leads to friendship, rivalry and eventually death. 

I give The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford a score of 10/10