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! 

Interstellar (REVIEW)

Well, what can I say?

The first words that come to mind are breathtaking and beautifully intense.

I have struggled quite a bit with my opinion of this film since watching it last week. On one hand, I love it. It's a complete masterpiece with some of the best acting I've seen this year. On the other hand, I'm so upset that it's basically a piece of plagiarism. 

I can't really give you a side by side comparison without spoiling the whole movie, but haven just read 2001: A Space Odyssey, I can safely say that Christopher Nolan has stolen every plot point. I know they've acknowledged being influenced by 2001, but I feel like this goes a bit further than that. I can only assume that they hoped people wouldn't notice the similarities due to 2001 being such an old movie? With it so fresh in my mind I couldn't help it. 

But, as Interstellar is 3 hours long, it also has a lot of extra plot to pad it out. The story is great really. The characters are very sympathetic, helped a lot by the fantastic acting. Matthew McConaughey is a genius. Over the last year or so he has made his name synonymous with greatness. He's surely got another Oscar nomination out of this performance. 

One of the actors that I was least familiar with is Jessica Chastain. She's a stunning lady and a fabulously emotive actor. I cried. A lot!

For fans of sci-fi or just great movies, this is definitely worth your time. 

Gone Girl (REVIEW)

Is it too early for an Oscar run?

Ben Affleck’s latest movie Gone Girl is simply incredible. You have no idea!

When Affleck's wife goes missing he calls the police but seems a bit numb and unemotional. The signs all point to a break in and abduction, but is he as innocent or ignorant as he claims? As a whole, the movie serves as a rather cynical and sad comment on marriage and relationships - except obviously in quite an extreme situation.

The story telling is perfection. It gives just enough to keep you wanting more, but never so little that you’re lost and confused (as so often can be the case). I can’t fault the acting. Affleck really pulls off “dickhead husband who might be involved in the disappearance of his wife”. Truly believable performances all round. Rosamund Pike is fantastic. This is the first role I’ve seen her in and she absolutely rocked it. Meanwhile, Trent Reznor’s haunting score beautifully underlined the intense drama – providing just what the atmosphere needed.

Written by Gillian Flynn (who also wrote the novel) and directed by David Fincher, this movie stands as high in my regard as last year’s standout crime thriller Prisoners. They were both released at roughly the same time of year. Hopefully for my birthday next year I’ll get another gritty mystery/drama to be enthralled by!

Trying not to provide any detail so as not to ruin your viewing experience. Just go watch it.