Friday, November 25, 2011

My Week with Marilyn (2011) - Film Review



The innocence, the heartbreak, the fame and the price of success—these are the many intertwining themes found in My Week with Marilyn, in which Michelle Williams stars as the acclaimed Hollywood icon.

Directed by Simon Curtis, My Week with Marilyn documents a week of Marilyn Monroe's life told in the perspective of a young man, Colin Clark(Eddie Redmayne) who aspires to work in the film industry. Based on the real life Colin Clark's novel, the film takes place during the time when Monroe was working on her film The Prince and the Showgirl. Michelle Williams is to be praised immensely here for her work, as she manages to brilliantly capture the heart, emotion, and depth of a complicated person. Alongside of her, the cast also stars Kenneth Branagh as Sir Laurence Olivier, Emma Watson as Lucy, one of Marilyn's on-set helpers; Judi Dench as Monroe's costar, Dominic Cooper as Milton H. Greene and Eddie Redmayne as Colin Clark, the youthful and untainted love interest of Williams' character.

The film's narrative, which documents the day-to-day life of Monroe on the film set is simple in a way that it works. The real depth, is found in the movie's emotionally invigorating characters, whose tangled relationships is only further complicated by their film's star, Miss Monroe herself. And although Monroe is portrayed as a actress shoved into a world of fame who needs constant attention, you can't help but feel sorry for her thanks to Williams' portrayal, which adds a level of emotional vulnerability to the role. Alongside Miss Williams, Eddie Redmayne's character Colin Clark, who serves as the audience's eyes into the world of Marilyn Monroe's film career, provides the audience with a relatable character that is easy to root for. Redmayne brings a vulnerable innocence to the character that makes him not just likable, but lovable.

My Week with Marilyn is most likely going to catapult Michelle Williams to her second Best Actress nomination come Oscar season. Her portrayal of Monroe is impeccable, and the flawless cast supporting her makes this film about the account of a young man's experience working with an icon a memorable one.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

War Horse (2011) - Theatre Review



Based on the book of the same name by Michael Morpurgo, War Horse is a must-see spectacle that gives a whole new theatrical experience to the West End stage.

Adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford, the show premiered in 2007 in London, England. Currently being performed at the New London Theatre, War Horse is both emotionally invigorating and captivating. The story follows a young boy named Albert and his friendship with his horse Joey. Set behind the backdrop of World War I, Joey is soon enlisted to be used as a war horse, sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Unable to cope with the separation from his friend, Albert soon enlists himself in the army as well in hopes of finding his horse again along the way.

With a phenomenal cast full of young British talent, and innovative set and costume design, the production is an absolute spectacular. The real standout however, is the intricately designed life-sized horses used in the play. The puppets, controlled by four actors move and interact with the actors on stage with such fluidity and life-like movements that at times, you can't help but forget that those aren't real horses.

Not much more needs to be said about the show, as it is something that every avid theatre goer must experience once in their lifetime. War Horse is truly perfect production that will no doubt move you with its touching story, and wow you with its carefully crafted stage designs.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

The Adventures of TinTin: Secret of the Unicorn (2011) - Film Review



The Adventures of TinTin, Steven Spielberg's take on the popular comic book series is sheer delight and adventurous fun just in time for the Holiday season.

Directed and produced by Steven Spielberg, The Adventures of TinTin follows the title character, a young detective and his dog Snowy as they solve mysteries in Europe. The movie focuses on "The Secret of the Unicorn", a ship owned by Sir Francis. When TinTin acquires a model of the Unicorn at a local European market, he is immediately pursued by several men after the prized possession. When TinTin refuses to give them the ship, he is abducted and taken on an adventure across the seas in search of hidden treasures which the ship is suppose to lead him to.

The screenplay is well-written, with plenty of twists and turns and a mystery that will keep audiences at the edge of their seats. The animation is crisp and detailed, coming to life in several of the action-packed chase sequences as if one was sitting through a live-action Indiana Jones movie. The cast is also top-notch, featuring voice performances by Jamie Bell as TinTin, Andy Serkis as the hilarious Captain Haddock, and Daniel Craig pirate Ivan Ivanovitch.

With Pixar releasing a lackluster animated feature this year, TinTin is no doubt going to be an Oscar frontrunner this awards season. The movie is filled with intense and grappling action that leaves you wanting more when the move is over. The Adventures of TinTin is sure to be a hit come Christmas time with audiences both young and old, as a piece of one generation can now be passed down to another with this animated masterpiece.

The Adventures of TinTin will be released in theatres December 21, 2011.