Cars 3 (2017) film review

Year: 2017
Running Time: 109 minutes
Director: Brian Fee
Writers: Brian Fee, Ben Queen, Eyal Podell and Jonathan E. Stewart (story by), Kiel Murray, Bob Peterson and Mike Rich (screenplay)
Cast: (voices) Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonso, Armie Hammer, Chris Cooper, Nathan Fillon, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Kerry Washington

Cars 3 is now in cinemas everywhere and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios.

Disney Pixar has completely redeemed it's popular Cars franchise, by allowing Cars 3 to be exactly what Cars 2 should have been and goes even further than this.

The third film in the popular Disney Pixar Cars series captures the essence of the original film, but brings to life new, intriguing characters who bring with them important and relatable themes. Cars 3 also surprisingly takes a stand by breaking down gender stereotypes in a quiet, but highly effective way. For this reason, Cars 3 may actually even be superior to the original.

Brian Fee has proved to be the perfect person to take over the Cars franchise from John Lasseter, who co-directed the first two films with Joe Ranft (Cars) and Brad Lewis (Cars 2). Fee and his team of writers have successfully identified what made the first film a success and what gave the second film the unenviable reputation of being known as the worst Pixar film so far. Cars 3 embraces the themes of remembering where you come from and kindness to others that resonated during the first. It also brings back the excitement of the world of high speed car racing that runs parallel to quiet moments of reflection in quiet, rural towns.

However, the Lightning McQueen (once again voiced by Owen Wilson) we meet here is a much different race car compared to the character he once was in the previous films, as he exhibits in the very first scene when he questions himself saying his usual "I am speed" mantra. While he is still regarded by many as a champion, he is falling behind as new and improved race cars are making their way into the competitive arena. He is labelled and ridiculed by many as the old guy, especially by the new and cocky Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer).

It is a situation that will ring true for many. As our world progresses, it is not only sportsmen that are finding themselves in the shadows of younger competitors, but people in any industry. There are new products being developed and people are being made redundant as their positions are being dissolved. What Lightning McQueen reminds us is not to give up without a fight. However, at the end of the day, there is always a Plan B as he finds thanks to Cruz Ramirez (as voiced by Cristela Alonzo).

Disney has always been a champion for strong women in their animated films. What makes Cruz Ramirez different to the strong female characters that have come before her is that she is a girl in the racing world which is primarily a male domain. However, this is not the only that that is ground-breaking about the character of Cruz. She is a trainer who has always had dreams of becoming a racing car, but those around her made her doubt herself by encouraging her not to reach too high.

The beautiful thing here is that her gender is never once addressed. It is never said that she is discouraged based on her gender. This is the right way to break down gender stereotypes in cinema. We have also seen this recently in Wonder Woman , where Gal Gadot's Diana takes it on herself to save the world and is the only female fighting in the trenches. Yet, no one in the film speaks of how she shouldn't be doing these things based on her gender. As both Cars 3 and Wonder Woman prove, gender stereotypes are broken down when they are not directly addressed in the film. Gender equality is achieved when gender is no longer questioned.

Cars 3 is deceptively simple. There is plenty for young families to enjoy with it's stunning, colourful visuals and basic themes, but there are also themes of greater depth built into the story which makes it as important for adults as it is for children.

7/10

The Man From U.N.C.L.E (2015) film review

Year: 2015
Running Time: 116 minutes
Director: Guy Ritchie
Writers: Sam Rolfe (based on the television series by), Jeff Kleeman and David C. Wilson (story), Guy Ritchie and Lionel Wigram (story and screenplay)
Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, Hugh Grant, Sylvester Groth, Luca Calvani, Jared Harris

The Man From U.N.C.L.E is now showing in cinemas everywhere and is distributed in Australia by Roadshow Films.

Although it is entertaining and packed with the enjoyable high paced action scenes that you would expect it have, the creative choices in The Man From U.N.C.L.E can leave those who haven't seen the television series with a feeling of not knowing whether they are missing something or if it is just Guy Ritchie's style of storytelling. In the days post Cuban missile crisis in Berlin, CIA agent, Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) approaches Gaby (Alicia Vikander) with an opportunity for her to leave Berlin in exchange for knowing where her estranged father is. He soon finds that he is not the only one looking for her father, as the two are followed by KGB worker, Russian Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer). The two are soon shocked to find that they are to work together despite their mutual hatred for each other and work towards a common purpose.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E plays the part of an origins to the 1960's television series of the same name which it was inspired by. Rather than retell a storyline featured in the show, the film is set in the time before the television series begun and this is a great advantage to those who have not watched the television show as one comes to understand how Solo and Illya come to be partners with one another without missing anything story-wise from the show. However, some of the creative choices in the film made by director, Guy Ritchie become almost an enigma for those who haven't watched the television show and know very little about it, which considering there is a 50 year gap between the two is highly likely for many. This includes that of the lead roles. The lead characters of Solo and Illya border on over-the-top and before one can criticize the direction, script or acting, they accept that this may just be the way they are in the television series. Unfortunately because the television show is not as accessible as others (although it is available on DVD from Amazon), this is not a question that can be answered quickly or simply. It is said that Ritchie looked for a balance in the film between comedy and drama, which would indicate that this borderline of exaggeration was something he was intended out of respect to i's predecessor.

However, for all the confusion it's sense of self beholds, The Man From U.N.C.L.E is entertaining, incredibly action-packed and atmospheric. It feels along the lines of a Bond film crossed with The Italian Job with it's intelligent secret agent based, but witty screenplay. The unpredictability and clever twists make for an intriguing and desirable spy thriller screenplay. The action portion of the film is a constant throughout the film, but the story does not suffer nor does it feel that the frequent use of action is being used to compensate for a weak story. The special effects are not surprisingly very impressive.

Set after the Cuban missile crisis firstly in Berlin and then in Rome, the film is extremely atmospheric and nostalgic. The majority of the filming took place on location with some incredible sites being used for the film, including the Spanish Steps and the Roman Forum, but the filming that was done on a sound stage demonstrated the use of some marvellous production design. The costume design is exquisitely done by Joanna Johnston (especially Gaby's wardrobe) and a superb musical score by Daniel Pemberton. Much of the cinematography techniques are extremely recognisable as Ritchie's style, but work well for the film and the world it belongs in.

As previously remarked upon, the performances of Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer are somewhat problematic to one who is not familiar with the television series. They are both portraying characters who have very distinctive characteristics and if one compares them to the original Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin and if this is the way the originals also were, then they have presumably done a good job. Otherwise, they are at least both entertaining and work well together. Alicia Vikander does well, but it is Elizabeth Debicki who steals the limelight as Victoria. She is as cold, hard and terrifying as a traditional female villain and her icy demeanour makes her a truly scary character. On the other hand, Hugh Grant has very little screen time, but is still incredibly likable.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E is without a doubt entertaining and has some very good points, but also encourages one to find a copy of the television series to understand who it is a bit more and decide whether Guy Ritchie is putting his own ideas to the film or replicating the television series.

7/10

Note from Nicki: Being unfamiliar with the television series, I found this review rather difficult to write. I don't believe I am alone with this as I have never physically seen the DVD's for the 1960's television series "The Man From U.N.C.L.E" on sale here in Australia, nor have I ever seen it on television. As a stand alone film, I would find the development of the characters and some of the other creative decisions which I haven't mentioned here rather off-putting, but without seeing the series I would rather give Guy Ritchie the benefit of the doubt and say that he is being true to the memory of what it is inspired from.

If anyone has seen the television show and can compare it to the movie, I would love to hear from you because I have found it hard tracking down someone who has to answer the questions I have about it.

The Lone Ranger (2013)

Year: 2013
Director:  Gore Verbinski
Cast: Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Ruth Wilson
The Lone Ranger is now showing in cinemas everywhere

Not much good has been said about  Disney's The Lone Ranger since it has been released.

Straight off the bat, the expectations for The Lone Ranger were always going to be incredibly high for the fact that it's production company is Walt Disney Studios. Disney are one company who are always capable of creating a classic. It is true that The Lone Ranger may not be a classic, but it is definitely not the worst movie of 2013. It is far from the best, but there is something about this bunch of silliness that does make it entertaining enough.

In 1866, a train chugs towards the future carrying lawyer, John Reid (Armie Hammer), as well as prisoners, convicted criminal, Butch Cavendish (William Fichtner) and Indian, Tonto (Johnny Depp). Cavendish escapes in what appears to be a set up, which leads to a man hunt by John's brother, Dan (James Badge Dale) and the deaths of all the search party at the hands of a traitor. In a strange turn of events, John starts working with Tonto and finds out more than he would have liked to have known about the dealings of the white people with the Indians of the land.

Based on an American legend, The Lone Ranger is all just a bit silly. It is so over the top and cliché in it's execution and there is really nothing you can take seriously about it. The romance aspect of the film adds nothing to the story and really could have been cut out of the film entirely, which would have shortened it's 149 minute running time. The idea of having an elderly Tonto tell a young boy at a San Francisco fairground the story is also completely useless and the film would have flowed a lot better if it was told in real time rather than a series of flashbacks. Therefore, it is the screenplay, written by Justin Haythe, Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio, that is one of the key factors in what fails to make this film a Disney classic. The story itself isn't too bad as it does have some unpredictable revelations, but the screenplay tries to do a little too much.

As it is promoted, The Lone Ranger is from the same people who have brought us Pirates Of The Caribbean. So what a lot of people are saying and quite rightly so is that this is a western version of Pirates Of The Caribbean. Chances are if you weren't a fan of those swash-buckling films, you won't be a fan of this film. Johnny Depp's Tonto is a native American version of Captain Jack Sparrow and the choreography of the action scenes is also very similar. The good thing is that if you are one of those people who did love the Pirates films, then you may be a fan.

However, the good news is that with all it's faults, The Lone Ranger is at least entertaining. The best part of the film is the last half an hour which is almost like a cleverly composed dance number set in the west. The musical score is almost strangely selected, but does serve its purpose by setting the scene and creating a feeling of suspense and excitement. A great film needs to be this the whole way through, but the last 30 minutes is worth watching the whole film for.

Johnny Depp has always been the actor who loves to perform "different" roles and has made different his norm. He may not be the best native American ever on screen, but he still pulls off the role believably enough. He is also, of course, entertaining as we all know Depp to be. Armie Hammer does fine as John Reid, but it is arguably not a very hard role to play and does not require too much emotion. Helena Bonham Carter's character is not particularly needed in the film, but she is always a treat on screen. Ruth Wilson is another who's character as Reid's sister in-law/ romantic interest is not particularly needed and not a particularly exciting character on screen.

The Lone Ranger perhaps doesn't need to be accused of being as big a disaster as it is being made out to be, but it is not a Disney classic. Just a splash of entertainment for the here and now.

5/10



You may have also seen Johnny Depp in......
Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides as Captain Jack Sparrow
Alice In Wonderland as The Mad Hatter

You may have also seen Armie Hammer in.....
The Social Network as Cameron Winklevoss/ Tyler Winklevoss

The Social Network (2010)

Year: 2010
Director: David Fincher
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Rooney Mara

In My Own Words
"The Social Network", otherwise known as "The Facebook Movie", is one movie I should have reviewed a long time ago. Facebook is a big part of our world today, whether we like it or not. Everything is on Facebook, even Movie Critical is on Facebook (free plug!). It's hard to imagine what life was like before Facebook. What did we do when we were on the internet? We didn't spend as much time on it as we do now. I am on Facebook right now, how about you? It's not hard to understand why Mark Zuckerberg is such a powerful man. Anybody who creates something that ultimately becomes part of our lives is a very rich and powerful person. The concept of Facebook really seems quite simple, so couldn't we all be billionaires just by thinking up something that seems obvious and then putting it into motion? It is quite empowering though isn't it, anybody can be an entrepreneur. Of course, you need contacts and finances to get it going. "The Social Network" can be empowering, if you let it be. Don't be empowered to betray all your friends though, that's not really a nice thing to do.

So how much of "The Social Network" is true? That is what everyone wants to know. Mark Zuckerberg wanted everyone to know taht even though he is not depicted as so in the film, he really is quite a nice guy. Zuckerberg has said that there is many inaccuracies in the film, but the film makers did get his clothing right. "The Social Network"is based on the book "The Accidental Millionaires" by Ben Mezrich, which is a piece of fiction. It is based on actual events, but there is a lot of exaggeration involved. However, what is exaggerated makes good entertainment.

These are my own words and here is my review.

Review
On December 15th 2010, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was named TIME Person Of The Year. Zuckerberg is no doubt one of the most influential people in the world at the present time due to his major success in the business world with Facebook. "The Social Network" is the film based on his rise to success and fame and all the bits in between. It is not the most accurate of films, but is definately good entertainment. "The Social Network" is immaculately made. It is thrilling, unsettling at times and an absolute pleasure to watch. David Fincher has once again shown his film making talent, turning a film that could have been a typical college film into a dramatic and tidy piece of art. Jesse Eisenberg is Mark Zuckerberg, the Harvard student who is a little too much of a genius for his own good. He's not popular at all and all the girls think he is a jerk. However, when he creates The Facebook his luck changes. What was first supposed to be just a social network for Harvard students starts to reach schools across America and then across the world. However, as the tagline for this film says, you don't get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies.

"The Social Network" was one of the most anticipated films of 2010 and also one of the great successes. It is nominated for 6 Golden Globes including Best Motion Picture-Drama, and deservingly so. Without the right director, it could have been cheesy and just another film about American college lofe. Fincher was the perfect director for the job. The musical score is perfect for each scene, especially the rowing regatta scene, and the cinematography is brilliant. The editing is perfect and the film is full of little surprises for each scene. In it's own way, it is a lot of fun to watch the film and there are many scenes which will ring true to how Facebook has changed interation in the world. For example, when Eduardo's girlfriend, Christy says to him "How come your relationship status on Facebook still says you're single?" The script is also very clever and witty. The opening scene with Mark and his then girlfriend, Erica is a great piece of scriptwriting. Their banter and conversation piece is a brilliant way to start the film and get the audience's full attention from the word go. The ending of the film is probably the only thing that seems a little out of sorts. It ends quite abruptly and it feels like it ends where it does because it isn't quite sure where it should go from there.

Jesse Eisenberg was a great choice to play Mark. He plays the part so well. He isn't the stereotypical nerd you normally see in films, but he still differentiates himself from the "cool" crowd at school. Eisenberg is extremely unsettling at times and can seem quite evil considering how obsessive he becomes. Andrew Garfield gives the best performance of the film as Facebook's co-founder, Eduardo Saverin. He is brilliant and scene-stealing and could well be taking home the Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe he is nominated for. Unlike Eisenberg's character, he is extremely likable and has that "good guy" air about him. Justin Timberlake gives the best performance of his career so far and it is ironic that a successful musical artist plays the character of the person who people in the music world strongly dislike. Rooney Mara is also perfectly suited to smart talking Erica and Disney personality, Brenda Song shines in a role that is completely different for her.

Overall, "The Social Network", like the man it is based on, is a great success. It is well written, well directed and well acted. A great film to see for anyone who is on Facebook...which is almost everyone.
9/10