Atonement (2007)

I was wandering through the library shelves when I picked up Ian McEwan's Atonement. I didn't know what it was about, but I remember it was adapted into a movie with Keira Knightly and Saoirse Ronan that I had meant to watch for quite some time, so I read it. And I loved it which is why I was no longer sure I wanted to see Joe Wright's Atonement.

The story opens in 1935 when a 13-year-old aspiring writer and playwright, Briony (Saoirse Ronan), witnesses an act she doesn't fully understand, the long-time family servant, Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), making love with her older sister, Cecilia (Keira Knightley). Later on, she becomes the witness of a crime she doesn't understand but she thinks she does and falsely accuses Robbie because of what she had seen earlier. This accusation of hers tears apart the two lovers, maybe forever as Robbie is sent to serve the army in WWII. Five years later, a grown-up Briony (Romola Garai), aware of the damage she has caused, tries to make amends for it.

Adapting McEwan's novel was not easy, but screenwriter Christopher Hampton did a very good job, leaving out all the subplots that couldn't have been included in a two-hour film, focusing only on the important aspects of the story. Unfortunately, the storytelling is not as good as it could have been. While the first act is wonderful as it draws you in and keeps you on the edge of the seat to see what would happen — impressive considering I had just read the novel — the second and third act are unfortunately not as compelling. I did like how the ending was changed, not the ending of the story, but the way it is delivered to us with Briony giving an interview rather than speaking to the reader/viewer. 

Just like in the novel, none of the characters is particularly sympathetic as they all are pretty self-centered and melodramatic, and yet it's fascinating to watch them because they are complex and developed characters, even though their thoughts aren't as well-rounded and intimate as they are in the book. 

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Arguably Atonement's greatest strength is the acting. Keira Knightley is delightful in the role of Cecilia as she conveys her character's feeling within a single glance, James McAvoy is terrific in the role of Robbie as he delivers a strong performance filled with emotions and wonderfully conveys the innocence of young love as well as the brutalities of war. Also, Knightley and McAvoy have such great chemistry, not only it's obvious they would way for each other and that we want them to be together, but it feels like visual poetry. It's not often that two actors are able to make you feel such strong emotions only with a glance. Saoirse Ronan is quite extraordinary and steals her scene she is in as she conveys the naivety, frustrations and anger of 13-year-old Briony to perfection. Also notable is Vanessa Redgrave's performance in the role of old Briony as she effortlessly conveys many emotions through her expressions.

Also worthy of a mention are Seamus McGarvey's breathtaking cinematography, the superb set design, the costumes, and a terrific musical score by Dario Marianelli that infuses the film with beauty and sadness.

It's such a shame the second and third act are not very compelling and feel dragged because this had the potential to be a masterpiece.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Though I couldn't wait to see all those characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to meet in one film directed by the Russo brothers (and to see Chris Evans and his glorious beard on the big screen), I had some reservations about the Avengers: Infinity War. Instead of getting part 1 and part 2 as we were promised years ago, we got only one movie. Actually, we got two movies squeezed together and the result isn't that good.

Intergalactic despot Thanos (Josh Brolin) is determined to collect all of the Infinity Stones in order to bend reality to his will and the now-torn-apart Avengers must team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy to stop Thanos before he puts an end to half the universe.

Without diving into plot details, that's what the Russo brothers want, I'll only say that Avengers: Inifity War's plot is simple, definitely too thin and so very thought through. It isn't always engaging nor interesting (my mind was wondering multiple times and it wasn't only when Chris Evans was on screen) and because of the way the multiple storylines are handled and the fast cuts, instead of feeling like a single story, it feels like a collection of stories, fragmented stories.

With all those main characters reunited in one movie, it was obvious that some would be left behind. Unfortunately, it feels like they all were left behind. Some characters arcs are developed --Wanda finally gets the attention she deserves-- but overall, there's not much development and no one gets enough screen time. However, the superheroes are one of the reasons I still enjoyed Avengers: Infinity War. While the merging of storylines is handled poorly, the interaction between characters from different movies --the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, and Wakanda-- works very well. These alone are probably worth the money as it's these moments that bring a lot of effective humour into the film. And of course, the fact that the cast has a wonderful chemistry helps a lot.

As for Thanos, I'm not sure how I feel about him. On the one hand, I appreciate that they gave him some backstory and that they showed an emotional, tender side of him; on the other hand, I don't like that he's given ridiculous motives and that we are even supposed to empathise with him. They tried to do what they did with Killmonger but I'm not sure it really worked this time. His sidekicks are terrible though. They are not even one-dimensional, they are zero-dimensional.

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Other than that, I think it's safe for me to say that Avengers: Infinity War is a pretty solid film. It delivers plenty of humour, full of banters, Thor: Ragnarok-style, and you will definitely be laughing a lot during this. If you didn't like that about Thor: Ragnarok, you'll still be able to enjoy Avengers: Infinity War as the Russo brothers manage to deliver plenty of tension and suspense, and their combination of humour and drama is spot on. Yes, this is the kind of movie that you make you cry. A lot. Because, without spoiling anything, major characters you care about die in this one.

As for the action, there's a lot of it. Though its execution makes you think you're watching a Michael Bay film at some points, it's pretty good, entertaining and exciting. There's this scene with Thor that is beyond glorious. The epic battle scene from the trailer is missing though. The film is also visually beautiful and has a pretty good soundtrack --not as good as Guardians of the Galaxy's though.

And as I'm writing this, I realise Avengers: Infinity War isn't as bad as I first thought. Sure, it feels incomplete, more of a set up for the next Avengers movie than a movie, but it's still pretty fun and entertaining.

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

I'm a sucker for Marvel and I'd watch anything they make. Those terrible movies with Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garden and whoever played the Punisher are the proof.  What I'm trying to say is that's pretty obvious I was excited for Thor: Ragnarok. However, this time there wasn't just the fact that it's an MCU flick, but especially the fact that Taika Waititi directed it. Last year, he left me speechless, in a very good way, with Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and that's the real reason why I was really looking forward to seeing this. And once again he left me speechless. This indeed is the most entertaining, exciting and fun Marvel film since Deadpool.

Set after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron and picking up when Thor: Dark World left, first Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds out that his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has taken over Asgard; then a new menace arrives, Hela (Cate Blanchett), the ruthless goddess of death who wants to steal the throne and rule Asgard, he gets imprisoned on the other side of the universe and finds himself in a deadly gladiator contest where he has to face an old friend of his, the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), in order to survive and save Asgard.

It's a rather simple plot, a little predictable at times and it doesn't always make a lot of sense but it does have a few aces in the hole and the pace is just perfect which makes it very compelling.

And that's because of the direction Thor: Ragnarok took. Instead of being another dark-toned family drama like the previous Thor movies, Waititi's film relies more (like only) on humour. I'm sure many will complain about this, maybe saying that the dark tones were the only thing separating the Thor movies from the rest of the Marvel movies that all look the same (DC fanboys are so going to say this), but it works here. The humour is spot on (very close to Deadpool's): the jokes never feel forced and there are plenty of funny moments. This film is basically like a buddy-superhero movie with some sibling rivalry.

All that comedy though kind of throws away Thor's development achieved with the previous movies. Thor isn't indeed the serious God anymore, but he a funny guy. But this change is more than welcomed as Chris Hemsworth does comedy way better than drama. Seriously, I had no idea he could be so funny. The reason why I liked this Thor better though is that for the first time the God of Thunder is shown in all of his strength. Without the hammer.

The humour isn't the only charming side of Thor: Ragnarok. The visuals are just as charming, which makes of this one of the most beautiful to look at Marvel movies. The film is an explosion of vibrant colours, the photography and editing are stylish and the locations are just stunning. The CGI could have been better though. While it's great during the action, sometimes the background looks a little flat.

Just like the characters since there's no development whatsoever in here. I'm still trying to understand what the writers were trying to do with Hela's henchman played by Karl Urban. That character was such a mess. It's not like Tessa Thompson's alcoholic Valkyrie was that better. Or Cate Blanchett's Hela. Blanchett is very charismatic and her presence is just perfect for Hela, but the character itself wasn't that strong which is pretty common with Marvel. She did get more screen time than most Marvel villains though.

Worth of a mention are Benedict Cumberbatch who reprises his role of Doctor Stranger and Jeff Goldblum who plays Grandmaster, the host of that gladiator contest I mentioned above. The first has a hilarious cameo at the beginning of the film, the latter, although his performance reminded a lot of Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark, is very amusing.

New STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS International Trailer And Poster!

Hey Star Trek fans, we've got a couple of great new marketing items for STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS that you should enjoy - one is a new poster pictured at left. Half of what is interesting about the poster is where it came from. It was part of Paramount's viral marketing as they secretly inserted a bit.ly web link in a freeze frame (pictured right) from the new international trailer (below).

The second marketing piece is a new international trailer and it introduces many new scenes - have a look at bottom...

You have to love what Benedict Cumberbatch is bringing to this motion picture. He just oozes credibility and amps up suspension of disbelief so well. Perfect casting for WHOEVER he is.

"I am better."
"At what?"
"Everything."

Click to enlarge

Here's the movie's storyline:
In the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organization, the crew of The Enterprise is called back home to Earth. In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 15th in IMAX and the 17th in wide release.

New Motion Poster for Star Trek Into Darkness

Tim here, and new motion poster has been released for STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS! I'm sorry to say it's Flash and not HTML5, so you mobile users had better wait to get to a desktop, or laptop, computer to check it out. It's really cool and you won't be disappointed. The best part is the narration from Benedict Cumberbatch: the movie's main antagonist.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 17.

Hit the jump to view the motion poster...

New Image, Villain Speculation For STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS!

Click to enlarge

Hmmm. Here's the newest still from J.J. Abrams STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS featuring left to right Zackary Quinto (Spock), Benedict Cumberbatch (???) and Chris Pine (Kirk).

Note that Paramount labeled Cumberbatch's character in the photo as John Harrison. Who the heck is that? Intentionally fake? We'll soon find out.

Once again we can see that Cumberbatch's character is indeed wearing a Starfleet uniform. I would say it's a safe wager that he is not playing Khan unless this new universe for Star Trek is indeed completely disoriented.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

So what do you think? A red herring from Abrams? A false name for Khan who reveals himself later in the movie? Twins? Alternative universe to the alternative universe? This is science fiction after all. ANYTHING is possible.

Don't forget! 9 minutes of INTO DARKNESS is pre-rolling in front of THE HOBBIT this weekend!

MUST WATCH: Extended International Trailer For STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS!!

Here's the extended international (Japanese) version of the shorter trailer that was released earlier - this newer cut has an additional 15 seconds or so of awesomeness.

Of course there is one scene in this trailer that immediately brings back intense memories for any Trek fan from STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN. When you see it - you will know what it is. In fact you may already know what I am talking about before seeing the trailer ;-)

I love how Benedict Cumberbatch is narrating this thing - what an amazing voice. Seriously. Cumberbatch is set to dominate this generation's crop of fine actors along with a certain Martin Freeman (BBC's SHERLOCK is amazing if you haven't seen it yet! Both of them star in it so what are you waiting for?).

Here's the storyline for the movie:
In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS. When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: His crew.

The effects look amazing, the flares never looked finer and Captain James Tiberius Kirk has his hands full yet again. What more could a fan want? Oh yeah, it's in 3D this time!! Can't wait.

STAR TREK IN TO DARKNESS opens on May 17, 2013.

Hit the jump to watch the trailer...

Benedict Cumberbatch Spoils Smaug's First Appearance In THE HOBBIT Movies?

**WARNING - POTENTIAL SPOILERS!!

Has Cumberbatch spoiled when we see Smaug? Perhaps, and I think reasonably so. If you don't want to be spoiled about the very potentially real time when you will first see the dragon Smaug in THE HOBBIT movies, don't read on.

For me though, I fully anticipated this ending to the first movie. I think any sane person would have expected it to be this way too. How else would you best set up THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN?

Anyway here's what Benedict Cumberbatch had to say about when we would see Smaug:
"I think my eye might open at the end of the first film and then you’ll get the rest of me in the second."

There is some conjecture that this timing may not happen now that director Peter Jackson is adding a third HOBBIT movie, but for me - no worries. I don't think anything is changing. The third movie will just be the bridge material found in the appendices of THE RETURN OF THE KING. Could be wrong, but that's my true feeling on it. THERE AND BACK AGAIN will still be the second movie in my mind.

Source: Cumberbatchweb via Collider