The Theory of Everything (REVIEW)

After watching this movie I realised how ignorant I have been. Not only in my limited knowledge of anything to do with Stephen Hawking’s life, but also with regards to how seriously, seriously debilitating his disease truly is. All I knew going in was that Hawking is an exceptional physicist who has long outlived his doctor's original expectations. The speed with which motor neurone disease took over his body is terrifying. What is so inspirational is how he and his wife, Jane, have coped with it so excellently.

The Theory of Everything is a beautiful biopic depicting a brilliant life. I only hope that his life story has been accurately portrayed. The touching and fascinating story is brought to life by Eddie Redmayne’s exceptional acting. His performance was outstanding. To play the role so realistically must have put such a strain on him. Felicity Jones also gave an incredibly realistic and emotional performance as Jane Hawking. Between the two of them I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Except to wipe them with a tissue... 

I do not envy the Oscar judges when it comes to deciding who gets Best Actor this year. 

Wild (REVIEW)

Based on the true story of one woman's work towards emotional well-being, Wild was a beautiful journey. It was both funny and moving with a genuinely interesting plot.

Having suffered traumas in her life, Reese Witherspoon's character, Cheryl, decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail which runs 2663 miles from California to Canada. The scenic imagery in the movie is outstanding. The natural beauty was enough to make me want to quit my job and go hike the trail myself.

The people that Cheryl meets on her journey and the events that take place entwine masterfully with the flashbacks to her troubled life. The whole thing just works. Witherspoon's performance is believable and heartfelt - definitely deserving of her Oscar nod.

If you want to laugh and cry, go see Wild.

Foxcatcher (REVIEW)

It was a rare treat to see Channing Tatum, Steve Carell and Mark Ruffalo in such serious roles, and they pulled it off magnificently. Probably the best part of this film is the fantastic acting. It tells the tale of Olympic wrestler, Mark Schultz, who despite winning a gold medal in the ’84 Olympics, felt like he was living in the shadow of his older brother.

The story can seem pretty slow at times, but maybe that’s just because it’s based around something I have no interest in. However, the wrestling isn’t the main draw; it’s the interaction between the characters that keeps you holding your breath. The tension throughout the film is palpable. I couldn’t help but worry about what was building up.

I would say it was a bit too long, but then maybe it needed to be slow paced. It’s hard to judge. If you’re interested in the true story the film is based on then this adaptation should be right up your street. If like me, you just love a good piece of psychological drama, then you won’t be wasting your time. Just be prepared to feel a little confused at the end as you try to figure out if you enjoyed it or not! 

Exodus: Gods and Kings (REVIEW)

Well, it was okay. For two and a half hours I managed to watch the screen and not get bored. I was mostly just outraged at the unnecessary killing of innocent animals. Ridley Scott must hate horses or something.

The story, as ridiculous as it is, is something we’re pretty much all familiar with - the tale of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and God parting the Red Sea. I’m not sure it translated well to a modern blockbuster. God just came across as a douche, and Moses a self righteous hypocrite. With terrible child acting to boot, the whole thing was a bit of a letdown.

With regards to the cinematography, whilst the ancient cities and buildings looked beautiful and detailed, a lot of the time it was so dark I could barely see what was going on. It felt really rushed and half arsed for some reason. I definitely expected better.

The acting was average. Pretty lacklustre actually.

The one thing in its favour is that it’s better than Noah. I haven’t even seen Noah and I can tell you that.

Overall, a distinctly average, unoriginal movie that could have been visually special but wasn’t. Don’t bother paying to see it.