The Blonde Critic

With a cast of Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson and Jamie Bell, director Doug Liman’s newest movie ‘Jumper’ should have been destined for success.  Unfortunately, although the idea for the movie is good as it highlights how most of us would use great power (for our own benefit rather than the greater good) I’m sorry to say it’s not fantastic. 

Hayden Christensen’s performance as David Rice isn’t great and there is a distinct lack of chemistry between him and Rachel Bilson who plays his love interest Millie Harris.  On a more positive note Jamie Bell’s portrayal of Griffin is a welcome change and I would say his best performance since ‘Billy Elliot’ in 2000 which shot him to fame. 

Without giving too much away David Rice learns that he possess an amazing gift which allows him to teleport himself anywhere in the world.  However, he finds himself trapped in a conflict which has been ongoing for centuries between ‘Jumpers’ and their arch enemies the Paladins.  Needless to say Samuel L. Jackson plays one of the Paladins, Roland.  Just one question why did they give Samuel L. Jackson white hair?  Because oddly enough I found it very distracting and comical, which I’m certain was not what the producers were aiming for.

Overall, if all you’re looking for is a relaxing night at the movies then ‘Jumper’ is not a bad film however you don’t ever really connect to the characters on and emotional level, and without a twist the plot is fairly straightforward.  I wouldn’t hurry to the cinema but wait for the DVD.

One of the most anticipated films of 2008 was definitely ‘Cloverfield’, mainly due to the secrecy surrounding the production of the film.  The cast were even auditioned using specially written scenes or scenes from producer J. J. Abram’s television series ‘Lost’.  The secrecy continued by constantly changing the working title of the film, and does anyway even know now why the film was titled ‘Cloverfield’?  Due to the lack of details released about the film I was very intrigued to see director Matt Reeves latest film.

‘Cloverfield’ is one of the few movies where you become totally captured by the story and feel as if you are a part of the film.  This feeling is created through the entire movie being shot with HD handheld cameras and amazing special effects.  Shot as a home movie you follow a group of friends in their early twenties as they try to escape New York when disaster strikes.  I did become quite disorientated at times as the camera work is very shaky as they run through the streets of New York.  If you get motion sickness then beware!  To add to authenticity of the film it is 80 minutes long which is the same length as the tape in the camera. 

It was a pleasure to watch such an original film however the ending was very predictable, although I’m not too sure how else they could have ended the film.  I would definitely recommend watching ‘Cloverfield’ as it was an incredible experience however don’t think I could watch it more than once, the suspense and anticipation is what makes the movie.  I hope that despite rumours to produce a squeal that J. J. Abram realises he created a unique film and that it should be kept this way!

Directed by Richard LaGravenese and based on the best selling novel by Cecelia Ahern ‘P.S. I Love you’ is the latest chick flick to hit the big screen.  For those of you who haven’t read the novel it follows the journey of grieving young widow Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank) after her husband Gerry (Gerard Butler) tragically dies of a brain tumour.

Hilary Swank may seem an unusual choice for the part of Holly considering her previous roles, especially Brandon Teena in ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ and more recently Maggie Fitzgerald in ‘Million Dollar Baby’ both for which she won an Oscar.  Swank isn’t renowned for playing feminine characters and yet her talent shines through as she successfully plays a young woman grieving for the love of her life.  Unfortunately Gerard Butler’s performance as Gerry is not so credible.  His Irish accent really does leave a lot to be desired although I’m sure the women in the audience are much more interested in Butler’s good looks than his accent!  On a more positive note and despite previous claims, the scenes between Swank and Butler are fantastic.  They capture the relationship between Holly and Gerry showing the love and passion that they share.

As with most love stories, ladies you will need to watch ‘P.S. I Love you’ with a box of tissues within arms reach!  Gerry’s death immediately after the opening credits had my eyes filling with tears, and this was just the start of the emotional rollercoaster the film took me on.  I don’t think a film has ever made me cry so much!  Having said that the plot is slightly unbelievable which does sound like a contradiction, but I’m not convinced that many dying men would be able to look ahead to how their wife will cope after their death and devise a plan which would help her grieve and move on.  Without giving too much away it is the special bond which Holly and Gerry share which enables Gerry to predict how Holly will react and how he can help her to build a new life without him.  We all got through life searching for that special someone to share our live with and ‘P.S. I  Love you’ demonstrates just how fragile that relationship can be.

Before watching ‘P.S. I Love you’ I was uncertain whether to expect a love story, a comedy or a drama.  It successfully ticks all the boxes with Lisa Kudrow being present for most of the more lighthearted moments.  It’s definitely one for the girls though, as the film probably wouldn’t appeal to a male audience.  So arrange a ladies night with a few glasses of wine, and a box of tissues!

I have to admit that I haven’t read the book, but after watching the film it will certainly be on my reading list for my next holiday!