Friends with Benefits

2011, 15, Directed by Will Gluck
Starring: Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Woody Harrelson, Patricia Clarkson

Natalie Portman made a pact with Ashton Kutcher early on in the year to have sex, as long as there were No String's Attached. Strangely, her Black Swan co-star finds herself in a similar predicament, only with Justin Timberlake. Here, we have a film truly based in the 21st century; not only does Friends with Benefits feature enough technical product placement to put You’ve Got Mail to shame, but asks the question: can two pals who decide to ‘play tennis’ between the sheets keep their emotions at bay? After impressing in The Social Network, Timberlake - surprisingly capable in a lead role and not afraid to make a fool of himself - teams up with sassy sweetheart Kunis to play Dylan and Jamie, the mates who put this to the test. Comedy ensues through the inevitably awkward circumstances the characters find themselves in and the comments by supporting players (Dylan tells his GQ workbuddy that Jamie is different to the other girls, to which he asks 'Does she have a penis where most girls have a vagina...? Then she's no different!'). The sex scenes themselves that seem more grounded in reality through the unflattering way in which they are filmed – a tough feat for a scene involving two desirable figures - are wittily played with help from the inclusion of previously mentioned aspects in the screenplay. One word: sneeze.

Will Gluck’s previous feature Easy A, which made a star out of Emma Stone (who politely cameos at the start as a John Mayer superfan), approached the rom-com in a fresh manner, the influence of 80s Brat Pack films apparent. The same is attempted in Friends with Benefits with postmodernist montage bluff sequences and self-referencing applied, as well as homages of the obvious: Annie Hall, When Harry Met Sally... . But, as the film reaches its final third, Timberlake and Kunis seemingly intentionally re-enact the cliches that the screenplay explicitly mocks earlier on in the film. Destructive? No. Cheeky? Most certainly, but the film does suffer for it; what once was credible becomes a cop out. Moreover, an unnecessary sub-plot involving Dylan's father (an always welcome Richrd Jenkins) is introduced and dealt with shoddily. There's plenty of fun to be had though, with laughs through the relatable insightful script and offbeat support (Woody Harrelson hilariously cast against type as a gay workmate of Dylan's at GQ), not to mention Kunis' assured dialogue delivery; her timing is spot on, and it seems she is finally blossoming into the superstar she deserves to be.

For the least awkward viewing experience, avoid watching with friends of the opposite sex.

3/5



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Super 8

2011, 12, Directed by JJ Abrams
Starring: Joel Courtney, Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Noah Emmerich

JJ Abrams is not like the others.

Mystery shrouds everything the director involves himself with. From phenomenal cult television hit LOST to monster-hit Cloverfield, he evidently prides himself in immersing the paying crowds into a pure cinematic experience before they even step foot into the local multiplex. Here we have a man desperate for blockbusters to be made like they used to be; to contain not only quality bang-for-buck action, but distinguished heart through the established characters - in short, films cut from the same cloth as those crafted back in the late 70s and early 80s. Abrams' latest follows a group of teens who are making their own Super 8 zombie film - but after witnessing the derailing of an airforce train, the horror becomes very real as an unknown creature is unleashed into their miniscule unsuspecting town. So far, so very Spielberg; and that's how it remains.

Super 8 is a homage at heart. Reading the plot alone is a reminiscent mixbag of esteemed classics. E.T. meets The Goonies. Stand by Me meets Gremlins. A group of disassociated children. Check. A small town rocked by an other-worldly presence. Check. You would be mistaken for thinking that Abrams was channeling the bearded wonder (especially considering his presence on the producing credit). Regardless, new material is offered here. For instance, unlike E.T's friendly nature, the creature roaming the fictional town of Lilian has no interest in playing nice. On top of this, the central teens' performances are fuelled by pure daddy issues (something spliced throughout Abrams' projects), as opposed to the absence of these figures in the influential films spoken of. The young talent on display is undeniable. Joel Courtney, who seriously deserves lead credit here over Kyle Chandler who plays his weighed down cop father, guides us through events in a convincingly grounded way amidst the ensuing chaos that surrounds him and his friends.

Playing his cards too close to his chest resulted in the Matt Reeves helmed Cloverfield to be bettered by the cryptic promotional trailer, the film dumbed down by the ever-present expectation of glimpsing the creature roaming New York City (a staple of creature features). The cards are dealt out here, albeit with a few jokers in the pack. More time is given to characterisation and intriguing, if a little forced sub-plots (two words: doggy disappearance). It would be plain wrong not to mention Elle Fanning's assured performance also - combined with the spectacular set-piece near the opening, these functions indicate that sighting Super 8's antagonist is not pivotal to the films enjoyability. What Abrams has done for network television he has now done for the summer blockbuster, however not to as large a scale as he could have. Instead of evolving his extreme influence of fellow peers into something overtly original, he veers down schmaltz avenue. Some will lap this up, the mystifying John Williams-esque score (composed by the uber-talented Oscar winning Michael Giacchino) adding to the aesthetic; others will undoubtedly scoff. Whichever it is, respect what Abrams has attempted to achieve. After all, for a man who has officially carved out a successful career, this could just be the tip of the (ice)berg.

4/5

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The Inbetweeners Movie

2011, 15, Directed by Ben Palmer
Starring: Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, James Buckley, Blake Harrison

Even though each series of The Inbetweeners – the hugely-popular British E4 sitcom that follows four teenagers through increasingly ridiculous and embarrassing situations – was greeted with huge acclaim, the step from small to big screen is always quite a leap; other shows have tried and commercially failed (The League of Gentlemen; Kevin and Perry) whilst most haven’t taken the time to bother. But crucially here, unlike those other efforts, the gamble taken by creators Damon Beesley and Iain Morris is wholly necessary. Why? It's placement in the record books as the highest grossing British comedy of all time is surely answer enough. The series has a fanbase that yearned to be fed.

The series revelled in its main characters reacting to familiar situations in the worst possible way, deriving laughter from their every action. The Movie has translated this well, only Rudge Park Manor is swapped for ‘sun, sea, sex, booze and more sex’ as Will, Simon, Jay and Neil head to Malia. To divulge the hideously awkward situations the boys find themselves in would be to taint the laughter, for shock factor is a big element here. Just have it on good authority - the hilarity is amped up as far as it can go (too far?). Bird, Thomas, Buckley and Harrison's equal ability to remain endearing proves testament to the lads’performances, completely nailing every awkward characteristic they attempt to inhabit. Whenever Jay snarls a filthy slice of dialogue or Simon (still) whines on about Carli D'Amato, it is always delivered from a place where the masses can easily relate. Underneath their grotty teenage veneer are kind-hearted blokes whose friendship is made of steel. Maybe this is the secret to The Inbetweeners' success? 

Bravely introducing a group of female characters - who prove a neat match to the characters we know and love - combats the outing nicely, balancing out the appeal to both male and female. These are led by Laura Haddock's Alison, a charming addition who forms an unlikely friendship with one of the boys. Although the film tends to feel like a feature-length episode, as long as the jokes are thrown the audiences way, this shouldn't matter. Admittedly, there's the odd misfired quip or throwaway gag - but this is certainly not trying to be Airplane!. The importance lies in remaining true to the show's success and through positiviely puerile dialogue and easily the cringiest moments ever seen in cinema, Beesley and Morris have done just that. The result - for fans of the show - is that The Inbetweeners Movie will be the most fun you'll have for a long, long time.

Only when the credits roll accompanied by the series' theme tune (Morning Runner's Gone Up In Flames) does it hit you that this will probably be the last time these characters will be together on screen, whether it's big, small or anything inbetween. Not for everyone by any means (which knocks off half a point) but to all fans, bring your wellies... you won't only be knee-deep in laughs - you'll drown in them.

3.5/5

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The Secret in Their Eyes

2009, 18, Directed by Juan José Campanella
Starring: Ricardo Darin, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago, Carla Quevedo

Beating heavyweight contenders in the 2010 Oscar for Best Foreign Film, all it takes to understand why Argentine film The Secret in Their Eyes emerged victorious is one simple watch. The plot follows Benjamin, a retired legal counsellor who decides to write a novel about a past unsolved homicide case, whilst battling his evident love for his superior, Irene. Anything you think this film is will be exceeded by the climax. Benjamin himself is a magnificent creation, warm and dedicated, brought to life by Ricardo Darin; during the scenes set in the past, you never doubt his dedication to right the wrong cruelly inflicted upon an innocent woman; in the present, you never doubt how much the past has haunted him, yet has somehow remained a decent, honest example of life hurling the blows at the good cops. His relationship with Irene (a shining Soledad Villamil) is enhanced by the constant casual chemistry on display. Being led through the film by these two characters is an experience in itself, their charm and camaraderie - not to mention their restricted sexual tension - effervescent throughout. The Secret in Their Eyes has more than enough moments to justify its Oscar win: look no further than a scene at a football stadium where Benjamin and his partner Pablo find a needle in a haystack as they attempt to catch a suspect – all rivetingly captured in one astounding long take. Focusing on the death of an innocent girl combined with a man obsessed with the idea of solving the case may have a Girl with the Dragon Tattoo-esque feel, however Juan José Campanella’s adaptation of Eduardo Sacheri’s novel has style and substance merged to an ace level.

There may be the odd flicker where the film, starts to drag, but due to intense interaction combined with head-slappingly shocking plot twists, The Secret in Their Eyes is an underdog of the rarest kind; one that lives up to the hype... and it's no secret.

4.5/5

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Rise of the Planet of the Apes

2011, 12, Directed by Rupert Wyatt
Starring: James Franco, Andy Serkis, John Lithgow, Freida Pinto

In 2001, Tim Burton revamped the Planet of the Apes saga with a remake of Franklin J. Schaffner's 1967 classic; he also seemingly cremated it... Marky Mark Wahlberg (thankfully now emerging from a bout of seriously poor decisions) proved no match for Charlton Heston and his loincloth.

So it remained that with Twentieth Century Fox's decision to dig up the once-unstoppable series (the original spawned four sequels and a television show), one couldn't help but question why. Well to begin with, this was to be - not a sequel to Burton's butchering or, worse another remake in a time obsessed with the blighters - but a prequel. A wise, extremely savvy decision. Another reason for excitement emerged through the adeptly-conscious decision to employ Brit Rupert Wyatt, unheard of by the masses but silently respected due to little-seen indie The Escapist - a similar fashion bravely launched by Warner Bros for their Chris Nolan Batman reboot in 2005. Somewhat surprisingly, the dividends paid then are as present here: yes, the clunkily-titled Rise of the Planet of the Apes (and breeeathe) is prophetically the unlikely success story of 2011.

Amidst the gaggle of sequels and out-and-out reboots, it is pleasing to notice the addition of a freshly produced prequel that breathes new life into an intriguing universe. That isn't to say that there are no references to previous outings, with more than enough knowing nods to excite the die-hards and tantalise the first-timers. The plot, as you may have guessed, pits the initial rise of those damned dirty apes. Focus is on young ape Caesar who is brought home and raised by Dr. Rodman (Franco), a scientist who uses monkeys in an attempt to discover a cure for his father's alzeihmers (a genuinely affecting John Lithgow, doing damn well to shed his Dexter induced Trinity Killer image). This causes Caesar to inhabit signs of enhanced intelligence, a problem as he grows larger and naturally more aggressive. Being handed a large budget has proved no issue for Wyatt, with set-pieces impressing (a montage sequence of Caesar's evolution particularly dazzling), however Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver's script is weighed down by scientifc hocum-pocum and expendable characters, troublesome as tension mounts. Thankfully, this is more than compensated for in action - which leads nicely onto the film's highlight: Andy Serkis, proving once and for all that Weta's motion capture (used famously by Serkis himself for Lord of the Rings' Gollum and King Kong, as well as Avatar's Na'vi) is more worthy of an acting statuette than most annually nominated. With every pang of Caesar's anger at a volatile neighbour confronting his owners or despair at being left behind in a primate facility with a vicious Tom Felton (destined to never play a nice guy) for company, as an audience it is strongly felt. Wyatt embraces everything Serkis brings to the role paving the way for several scenes where silence prevails and the monkeys are left to interact through movement: enticing, heart-warming and damn refreshing - these scenes contain more substance than any you will see all year.

This is where the film soars. So much so, unfortunately that as the film reaches its jaw-dropping hectic climax, there is some confusion as to who you are supposed to be rooting for (although it's quite clear who you will be). Luckily, this does not deter from the enjoyment of a rebooted franchise that has against all the odds just reached its prime(ate).

Not only will apes be rising, but ticket sales too.

4/5

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Cars 2

2011, U, Directed by John Lasseter and Brad Lewis
Starring: Larry the Cable Guy, Owen Wilson, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer

Although back in 2006 Cars didn’t break any Pixar records, it sure has endured as something of a merchandising storm – so much so that the presence of the beloved characters (something that Pixar are unrivalled in creating) combined with head honcho John Lasseter’s personal involvement led to the animation studio’s second sequel. Instead of retreading a formula however, the engine is revved and the stakes are upped. Not only are we based in Radiator Springs, the rediscovered lost town from the first film, but on a full-speed trip around the world where three-time Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen is battling to win the World Grand Prix. What seems like a straightforward contest soon uncovers itself through tag-along Mater who embroils himself in a covert spy operation, led by Finn McMissile (Caine). Whilst the first film didn’t set critics eyes ablaze upon its first visit, it still remains a brave decision to make this so different – what Cars ironically lacked in fast set-pieces was more than compensated for in character. The gear stick is completely shifted here; and this is where Cars 2 is in danger of rolling backwards down the hill it has so far cruised up.

Where the first one was said to have stalled, this one races ahead and is in fear of leaving audiences trailing behind. Focus is now on Mater, the goofy but loveable tow-truck friend of McQueen and the credible voice work ensures Mater doesn’t frustrate, but endears (note how Larry the Cable Guy takes lead credit here from Owen Wilson). The true joy of Cars 2 is not what appears on the surface but the surrounding detail. Pixar are well-known dab hands at planting things within the frame that take a few watches to manifest themselves. Combine this with the adventurous quality at play and you have a Pixar sequel that doesn’t sustain the greatness of its predecessor (like Toy Story 3 effortlessly managed to do) but provides enough charm to convince as a rollicking fun ride. Reserve your parking space now (admit it, you smiled).

3/5

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Cars

U, 2006, Directed by John Lasseter and Joe Ranft

Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt

After reaching such stratospheric success not only critically, but commercially with the Toy Story’s and Finding Nemo - amongst others - an increasing amount of pressure is layered onto whatever Pixar decide to do next. Back in 2006, John Lasseter – the main man behind the creation of Woody and Buzz – introduced the world to a universe that doesn't feature toys, monsters or superhero families – but cars. In doing so, he unveiled probably Pixar’s most underrated outing to date. The plot follows racing car Lightning McQueen (a character now possibly in every young boy’s toy collection) who is en route to California to race a tie-breaking match for the yearned after Piston Cup. However, a turn of events leads him away from the interstate and towards Radiator Springs, an abandoned town that is home to a quirky set of car-acters; these include slow, southern-drawled Mater, the most loyal tow truck the big screen has seen, as well as grouchy Doc Hudson (voiced by Paul Newman in what was to be one of his last roles).

Granted, Cars lacks the immediate spark that previous Pixar efforts effortlessly emanate, but it would be unfair to judge what Lasseter deems his most personal film on previous successes. This is one hell of a slow-burner, with the script containing more than a full tanks worth of adult-aimed witticisms than first remembered. With the emphasis usually on characterisation (and pitch perfect voice casting), Pixar here raise the bar visually, evidenced no more than in the opening race sequence. The attention to detail is overwhelming and creates such a well realised universe that it is impossible not to be charmed by the entire thing. It really is up there with the ocean in Finding Nemo or the barren landscape of Wall●E. Although the film runs out of gas towards the end, there are enough lovely moments to keep you smiling and caring about the outcome. It comes as a surprise the extent to which Cars engrosses you; although this animated team makes no secret about wanting the audience to be snivelling into a tissue come the credits, you are caught off guard a few times here (a scene towards the film’s close beautifully pits in true Pixar fashion the importance and power of friendship) as a lump in your throat emerges. Strangely, Cars improves on re-watch – and only then will you agree with me that this film deserves more recognition. Not as obviously amazing as any of its predecessors, this is still top stuff.

4/5 

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