tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48989237178046453562012-01-26T09:19:20.566ZJohnny Messias is a journalist who writes about and reviews film, television and shiny discs.johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.comBlogger911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-470140234940007602012-01-24T14:00:00.000Z2012-01-24T14:26:04.249Z

You sit there in the cinema waiting for dialogue. For what seems like an eternity, sure he’s expressive you think so WHY ISN’T HE TALKING? But enough about George Smiley in Tinker, Taylor, Soldier Spy, this year everyone loves The Artist. The Artist is lovely. Lovingly crafted, lovingly scored, lovingly acted and the reason it will win everything from the Regional Critics Film Awards (yes, I

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-91787444951875068872011-12-23T21:25:00.003Z2011-12-24T19:13:13.904Z

It's been a week of massive trailers. First up was The Dark Knight Rises second trailer, then The Hobbit, a full year before release - both well received by excited fans. It looks like Ridley Scott may have trumped both of those with a first full trailer for his new space epic, Prometheus. Now Scott is probably one of the best visual stylists in mainstream cinema, so a return to sci-fi, and to

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-5898206695343153722011-12-01T22:06:00.001Z2011-12-01T23:27:38.524Z

It seems Hollywood is now inspired by theatrical events in Stoke Newington. Gird yourselves for John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe himself in a new version of The Raven coming in March 2012. The trailer seems to suggest this is Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes, meets The Three Muscateers meets a moustache-twirling Seven. It is actually directed by James McTiegue, of the nearly good V for Vendetta.

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-43863382122040754702011-11-27T21:39:00.001Z2011-11-28T10:32:16.951Z

Prepare to be chilled to the marrow. Poe: Macabre Resurrections is a theatrical piece currently being performed at St Mary's Old Church in Stoke Newington, North London. Fans of the macabre and the dark soul of Edgar Allan Poe need to get themselves to this before December 4th - it is so damn good: a) it warrants a non-film entry b) I'm going to use the wanky term coup de theatre for it. Local

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-45958977439103153932011-10-31T07:32:00.000Z2011-11-02T14:32:45.716Z

Justin Timberlake stars in this sci-fi actioner where everyone is permanently frozen at 25 years old, like living with Hugh Hefner. We’re transported into this high-concept world by writer-director Andrew Niccol, who brought us the dystopias of Gattaca and The Truman Show. This is one of his lesser works but the premise is still juicy. In a genetically engineered future, humans are programmed

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-81118801929670725712011-10-30T09:38:00.000Z2011-10-31T10:22:56.666Z

George Clooney’s political thriller boasts a great cast and snappy dialogue. However an under-powered script suggests people are getting carried away with praise, pre Oscar season. Any fan of The West Wing will tell you that campaign politics are all about backroom deals and handsome strategy wonks ping-ponging dialogue over 20 hour working days. George Clooney’s adaptation of Beau Willimon’s

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-9615837458932752122011-10-24T18:30:00.002+01:002011-10-27T10:38:38.993+01:00

One of the only images from Shame we can show without age verification.Michael Fassbender continues his unstoppable rise in Shame, an art film that is both hypnotic and brave even when it seems to dare you to look away. You'll come out wanting to scrub yourself with hand-gel but not in a Contagion way. In director Steve McQueen’s second feature, Fassbender plays Brandon a young executive in New

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-80279870137733400772011-10-06T11:22:00.001+01:002011-10-06T11:30:08.480+01:00

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life,” Jobs said. “Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-37977380239464184562011-08-01T09:21:00.013+01:002011-09-25T22:43:55.399+01:00

Captain America: The First Avenger is Marvel studios' last curtain raiser before The Avengers in 2012. I reviewed the 3D version for The-void.co.uk, the extra 'D' was not required but the movie was fun, fast moving and light-hearted.Just as the US trade deficit threatens to recast the country as a global weakling, along comes Captain America. Proud, decisive and muscular, he’s here to kick

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-45756278405430191522011-07-25T19:40:00.011+01:002011-07-25T21:42:12.822+01:00

Kate Winslet stars in HBOs lavish mini-series Mildred Pierce. Based on James M Cain's novel, it was last filmed in 1945 starring Joan Crawford and Jack Carson. Director Todd Haynes, who brought a modern sensibility to 1950s scenes in Far from Heaven again brings his eye for frank sexuality and strong women to bear in this five-parter which has just aired on Sky Atlantic in the UK.I reviewed all

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-27533093710882157152011-06-20T23:45:00.001+01:002011-06-20T23:47:16.053+01:00

If you’re over 30 and you don’t want to play superhero Top Trumps at the multiplex, tough titties. It is now all about who has the best pixels, the most righteous pecs and the cutest back-story. You will also need to know whose villains are best at hiding their British or Commonwealth accents and dishing out the ham. On nearly all counts it won’t be the yawnsome Green Lantern.Read more of my

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-20514223026583071902011-03-30T06:54:00.002+01:002011-03-30T07:08:25.640+01:00

It's Friday April 1st and having dismissed the news (Mel Gibson in Ten Commandments remake! etc) you want to go to the movies. So which big, glossy Hollywood movie should you see?Check out my Source Code review for a science fiction action film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Duncan Jones (Moon).Dip into my non-review of Sucker Punch - extreme circumstances meant I was unable to complete

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-23129212841980123432011-02-27T16:03:00.001Z2011-02-27T16:03:50.652Z

Tonight at the Oscars all of Hollywood is united in one thought. Thank hell Ricky Gervais isn’t here. Sure it is all a massive PR back-slap-athon designed to sell more product but hey; it can also be a fun way to spend five hours of your life while overdosing on pringles and tequila.I’m not an old fart yet but I hark back to the days of Billy Crystal’s assured handling of the Telecast. He would

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-42547373743504963202011-02-22T22:18:00.012Z2011-02-23T14:47:57.207Z

For the true artiste award ceremonies are bunkum. Blah blah blah. Yeah we know. But imagine an artist who has made his name by being anonymous. Now put him in a room with people so famous they have to be replaced by cardboard cut-outs when they go to the toilet. Yay, Banksy at the Oscars. I love it that an Academy executive (imagine a ponytail) has said: ”The fun but disquieting scenario is that

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-23222659254090672042011-02-13T18:37:00.008Z2011-02-13T19:24:43.159Z

Tiaras, tantrums and tit-tape. But enough about Jonathan Ross. This is the Baftas 2011. We all know Colin Firth is going to both win and deliver a humble, pithy speech. We also know The King's Speech is going to be announced best film. So where's the fun at tonight?Outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producerClio Bernard, a film lecturer in Whitstable is nominated for The Abor, and

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-47656989291433902062011-01-18T07:01:00.007Z2011-01-18T10:41:41.702Z

Let's get the obvious part out of the way: The King's Speech is a lovely film and perfectly accomplished in every department. From set dressers, to sound editors, to director Tom Hooper and his actors - I mean c'mon, they even have Derek Jacobi and Michael Gambon in supporting roles....but the main story will be Colin Firth, who even your grandma who hasn't been to the pictures since Gone with

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-59506111638792666282010-12-20T22:47:00.003Z2010-12-20T22:52:10.630Z

The other 2010 release that is not really ‘about facebook’ is a compelling conundrum that will slot into many people’s top ten lists for the year.While superlatives should be attached to Catfish for filmmaking style, originality and for the journey it takes the audience on, it presents a problem for the reviewer. The less you know about it - going in - the better. And once you have seen it,

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-26673615929590665042010-11-24T22:30:00.008Z2010-12-20T22:46:56.811Z

I have to admit the movie Catfish has left me stumped tonight. For starters its going to be a bugger to review. Yes it slots straight into my top ten of 2010, as the other great movie that's not really 'about' facebook, but the less you know about it the better. I'll go further, you may almost need to know nothing about it to appreciate it. The more I want to rave about this movie, the more I

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-14242573811083629982010-11-08T22:06:00.001Z2010-11-08T22:08:09.303Z

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-43725419685576277162010-11-07T21:46:00.003Z2010-11-23T18:21:02.707Z

In short: Phonebooth in a coffin with a blackberry. It works against its limitations: a quirky thriller to catch.Claustrophobics may want to look away now. Or don’t if you fancy confronting your ultimate worse case scenario.Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds) wakes in pitch-black darkness, bound and buried alive in a wooden coffin. No, he’d not been on a stag weekend in Swansea, he’s a civilian truck

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-45376913581342773482010-11-07T21:33:00.003Z2010-11-23T18:29:29.781Z

In short: a funny romp with lots of rural Brits getting snobby and hot underthe collar over sex, and Gemma Arterton having fun.Tamara Drewe is a darkly humourous romp based on English manners and infidelity, adapted from Posy Simmonds’ comic strip, directed with customary skill by Stephen Frears (The Queen), and starring Gravesend’s very own, Gemma Arterton. In her best role yet, Arterton’s

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-31401194649232256092010-07-28T11:00:00.000+01:002010-07-28T11:00:33.552+01:00

Inception (*****Five stars)

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-76809835303360009552010-07-23T17:45:00.000+01:002010-07-23T17:45:01.175+01:00

Toy Story 3 (*****)

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-11378041400245323072010-06-02T14:06:00.013+01:002011-10-27T09:03:31.394+01:00

Ladies put down your Luella Classic Baby Gisele handbag: SATC2 is utter tripe.Let's get some things straight, I have consulted with genuine females* and gay men before writing this and in my time I have watched and enjoyed the TV adventures of Carrie and co. I thought the first movie outing was abysmal: a pornographic celebration of label culture, a plainly stupid plot about two people who fail

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-1252294477881990602010-05-21T17:19:00.000+01:002010-05-21T17:19:36.220+01:00

Robin Hood (**)  Prince of Persia (***) Irish Merry Men and Arabic Ninjas...  

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-38919262501109715902010-05-16T12:03:00.000+01:002010-05-16T12:03:08.889+01:00

Kung Fu Panda finds himself in a New York park Suddenly he doesn't feel like doing a flying scissor kick. KFP: I feel conflicted, suddenly I don't feel like doing a flying scissor kick. A chill wind rips through the park, upsetting the day-glo Dreamworks-like setting. Kung Fu Panda sits down by an old man playing a giant chess game on the floor and sighs.  KFP: Oye, what does it mean to be

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-40798291964158335462010-05-09T18:42:00.001+01:002010-05-11T17:43:30.990+01:00

While Batman skulks around like Hamlet, Iron Man quaffs champagne with supermodels and has a lark. That’s close to how his movie franchise works as well. Once again Robert Downey Jr. stars as the industrialist Tony Stark, who snaps on his super-hi-tech-suit as the titular hero, in this sequel offering more of the same: its fast, funny and virtually angst free. This time the Marvel character

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-21312687894748793522010-05-05T22:38:00.000+01:002010-05-06T22:13:25.866+01:00

A devious gripping affair extrapolated from Tony Blair...

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-25519824120418658042010-04-23T18:27:00.000+01:002010-04-23T18:27:44.834+01:00

The Infidel [***]

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-2757690482534262742010-04-02T17:40:00.000+01:002010-04-15T13:27:12.131+01:00

Verdict: TWO STARS The Gods have much to worry about in Clash of the Titans. Not only has the mighty Zeus (Liam Neeson) fathered a half-human son, Perseus (Sam Worthington) who appears to be Australian but his brother Hades (Ralph Fiennes) is not content with being lord of the underworld; he wants to be number one deity. What’s more, the humans Zeus created are getting fed up with his

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-6722783802914183272010-03-25T23:18:00.000Z2010-03-25T23:18:51.635Z

Kick-Ass (****)  The Daily Mail hates Kick-Ass. This is partly because it sees a 12 year old girl relishing a taboo word before before slicing a room full of bad guys into sushi. And partly because the screenplay was adapted by Jane Goldman, who happens to be married to Jonathan Ross; so society-threatening evil is close at hand. It's not like Kick-Ass was targeted at their readers anyway. It’

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-28592578828853890722010-03-23T22:39:00.000Z2010-03-23T22:39:41.098Z

Shutter Island (***) It's Marty, so it has received praise by default despite being a pulpy mess. Cape Fear is much better (in similar territory) without the shaggy-dog mind games.

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-46079308750146477922010-03-23T21:49:00.000Z2010-03-23T21:49:21.273Z

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (*****) My film of 2010, so far. Green Zone (***) Underwhelming wham-bam.

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-26297034092483432292010-03-08T17:54:00.000Z2010-03-08T17:54:26.583Z

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-62332002846668324032010-03-01T20:44:00.000Z2010-03-01T20:44:57.183Z

If only, as the picture suggests, Leap Year was an inspired remake of a 1970s horror film. It is horrific though and it did make me want to self-harm. Even Matthew Goode has come out and dumped on his own movie, so that's fair enough, everyone has to pay the bills. I'd love to know what genuine Irish folk make of this tat mind, the Oirish cliché level being up there with Droopy Leprachaun (1958)

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-8712399047521389702010-02-22T23:16:00.000Z2010-02-23T08:12:47.515Z

Director's commentary: a new feature where I write down some extra material I had to cut from my weekly reviews, because it slowed down the plot, or if I wanted to rant at Nicolas Cage for no reason again, or say a rude word and that. You see, it is sort of obligatory to mention Oscar at this time of year. But I'm sick of it. If the film is interesting and worth your £5-£12, who really cares

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-25221730819285675262010-02-08T20:56:00.000Z2010-02-14T20:55:23.827Z

Crazy Heart Why Bridges will win...Some actors creep their way into our affections without one of those big bang moments. And without sex scandals or exploding helicopter movies. Jeff Bridges is the epitome of that. Quietly he's been working his way into one of our favourite clip-reels; a Tron here, a Fisher King there and of course: as The Dude in The Big Lebowski. Let's get the boring part out

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-14566848328358279392010-01-25T23:41:00.000Z2010-03-23T21:28:06.114Z

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-13861898639807148912010-01-25T23:32:00.000Z2010-01-30T15:22:58.631Z

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-43539698201923977352010-01-25T23:17:00.001Z2010-01-30T15:23:22.770Z

I was told Mr Clooney was not best pleased at the press conference for Fantastic Mr Fox a few days before, but he seemed in good enough form to discuss The Men Who Stare at Goats so - strangely for me - I popped on my photographer's cap and took some photos. Enjoy.Pictured (copyright JMessias 2009) are George Clooney, Kevin Spacey and [Goat's director] Grant Heslov

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-3423535797456653272009-10-13T23:46:00.000+01:002009-10-15T21:10:06.589+01:00

By the sacred chin of Brian Blessed, is it that time of year again? Just when you were starting to feel down about the end of Summer and laid low by the idea of a Fame remake: the London Film Festival returns, and guess what: it has triple-Clooney. LFF 2009 The London Film Festival kicks off on today. Cannes, Venice and Berlin may get more kudos from the critics, but London is more about the

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-6319314868765843962009-08-14T20:42:00.000+01:002010-01-30T15:23:53.430Z

After a movie summer that doesn’t so much stick in the memory as congeal, what chance we have left of some memorable dialogue is all on the QT. Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds arrives after a long gestation with some rave notices on the posters. After the rum Death Proof, is the cult director back to his Pulp Fiction pomp? The answer is yes and no despite his insistence that critics are

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-42273108510152331312009-07-12T14:12:00.000+01:002009-07-12T14:52:12.248+01:00

Gangsters have the most fun. In American movies certainly, they enjoy a life untroubled by routine work, the fruits of a seducer's charm and the company of a faithful gang of quality supporting actors. From Jimmy Cagney, to Humphrey Bogart, through Al Pacino, the gangster has often been a much appreciated standard for leading men too; a tradition continued by Johnny Depp as the iconic

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-18979704201444206952009-06-28T15:47:00.000+01:002009-06-28T15:53:22.764+01:00

Transformers: Revenge of the fallenDir: Michael BayStarring: Shia Lebeouf, Megan Fox, John Turturro, Hugo Weaving (voice), Rainn WilsonRun time: 147 minsBigger Bay-splosions! More hardware! More Lip-gloss! More CGI robots twatting each other. Yep, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was never one for the critics.The funny thing is, even though Michael Bay 's whole career plays like a

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-4438448553938927512009-06-11T11:54:00.000+01:002009-06-11T11:55:23.955+01:00

Deus Ex ManchesterA few years back filmmaker Ken Loach was seen with Eric Cantona in an executive box at Old Trafford football ground. Tongue-in-cheek stories soon went round that the left-leaning director was making a film with the gnomic, kung-fu kicking maestro. The joke came true and the resulting film, Looking for Eric is good value. Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) is a middle-aged postman in

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-43620368304451388762009-06-07T19:53:00.000+01:002009-06-07T20:02:16.082+01:00

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-26472124977194682952009-05-31T13:09:00.000+01:002009-05-31T13:13:29.426+01:00

“In Spaced there is a line where I’m talking about things that are sure in life, and one of them is that every odd numbered Star Trek movie is shit. That’s not true anymore!” –Simon PeggBack on the big screen for the first time since 1989, Star Trek has already gained a five-star review with us (and The Times) and looks set to take care of movie fans looking for quality sci-fi adventure this

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-56349702546964471982009-05-06T17:00:00.000+01:002009-05-14T11:51:02.663+01:00

Click below for my review of the new Star Trek, the first 5-starmovie of the summer season (and possibly the last?):Johnny's Star Trek review for Brit FilmsGeeks, The Final Frontier. What sci-fi series brings together fans from the 1960s and today better than 'Star Trek'? Gene Roddenberry’s pop culture empire spans the generations, he was inventing mobile phones when George Lucas’ beard wasn’t

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-1580350056868799652009-05-01T09:03:00.000+01:002009-05-01T09:16:47.976+01:00

Hugh Jackman (above) at the recent press event in Wapping.

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-7074810393566052362009-04-29T15:53:00.000+01:002009-04-29T16:00:05.473+01:00

I spoke to Jason Isaacs, probably best known as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, about his role in 'Good' in which he co-stars with Viggo Mortensen in a thought provoking drama...

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-16469049182051384082009-04-27T18:23:00.001+01:002009-04-27T18:27:46.680+01:00

Johnny catches up with LVK co-writer Paul Hupfield.

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-38994428385341784962009-04-24T12:33:00.000+01:002009-04-24T12:44:28.335+01:00

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-67191581282907278972009-04-23T12:12:00.001+01:002009-04-23T12:14:01.013+01:00

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-41229328663204533642009-04-23T12:07:00.000+01:002009-04-23T12:11:43.529+01:00

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-3095728995628687222009-04-19T23:18:00.000+01:002009-04-19T23:20:57.587+01:00

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-25667043660065850402009-04-06T15:50:00.000+01:002009-04-23T13:12:00.688+01:00

People ask me this and I often can't deliver on the spot. Instead my mind usually goes blank and a picture of Nicholas Cage forms in my noggin.So if the recession means you've cancelled those tickets at the Opera, the Apprentice is not on and your parents are using your laptop to tweet, what's on at the blimin' pictures?Feeling cultural?: Il DivoPaulo Sorrentino's sophisticated drama draws a

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-19736183722600626792009-04-01T18:24:00.001+01:002009-04-01T18:28:48.182+01:00

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-32791346032178747072009-03-15T21:26:00.000Z2009-03-15T21:29:24.921Z

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-10464420380182582702009-03-06T16:55:00.000Z2009-03-16T13:12:09.506Z

A few years ago there was talk of a movie where Clint Eastwood would play an ageing Batman looking back over his career with bitterness and arthritis. That kind of slant on the superhero genre is what you get in Watchmen, adapted from the hugely acclaimed graphic novel. With extreme violence, nudity and sexuality, this ain’t no Batman and Robin. Set in an alternate New York in 1985, this is a

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-9366115330666051092009-02-27T09:28:00.000Z2009-02-27T10:23:46.337Z

Franklyn, my dear, I don’t give a damnFranklyn is a new fantasy drama that has been billed as an ‘urban fairytale’. You’ll find no quotes from critics on the posters. Here’s why. In this very peculiar melange, two parallel worlds are fused together: a downbeat contemporary London and an over-stylised fantasy world called Meanwhile City. We know it’s a fantastical place because characters wear

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-29600790234809732822009-02-21T10:56:00.000Z2009-02-27T09:37:46.715Z

Predictorama:Picture: Slumdog MillionaireDirector: Danny BoyleActress: Kate WinsletActor: Mickey RourkeSupporting Actress: Marisa Tomei Supporting Actor: Heath LedgerDocumentary feature: Man on WireForeign Language film: Waltz with BashirOriginal screenplay: In BrugesAdapted screenplay: SlumdogAnimated film: Wall-EeeeeeeeeActor most like to screw up his autocue moment: Jonah HillGuy most likely

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-79554021374832129052009-02-20T10:11:00.000Z2009-02-20T10:35:38.287Z

Gran TorinoThey may not be up for Oscars but two new movies this week are both ace. The first actor you’d put on a Mount Rushmore of Hollywood is Clint Eastwood. He’s been iconic for over 40 years and his new movie, Gran Torino plays somewhat with his well known persona. He is Walt Kowalski, a misanthropic Korean War veteran who after his wife dies is forced to deal with the Hmong immigrants from

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-57408874501133427842009-02-06T10:53:00.000Z2009-02-06T11:00:18.523Z

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-64676063095600249812009-01-30T09:26:00.000Z2009-01-30T09:55:04.634Z

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-79633267661775015932009-01-23T08:26:00.000Z2009-01-30T09:55:29.519Z

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-87390693764252041862009-01-15T12:52:00.000Z2009-01-30T09:55:51.385Z

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-10985018997315627492008-12-21T13:51:00.000Z2009-01-30T09:32:58.469Z

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-71503471125265673582008-11-25T23:02:00.000Z2008-11-25T23:10:06.319Z

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-75274457508064820162008-11-21T14:33:00.000Z2008-11-21T14:53:57.808Z

For those waiting for Transporter 3, what better way to cope with the anticipation than a bit of Noel Coward. Sadly Vin Diesel and Jason Statham were otherwise engaged, but American starlet Jessica Biel headlines a British production of Coward’s play, Easy Virtue. Set in the 1930’s, the story revolves around the Whittaker family. They live in their ‘upstairs, downstairs’ mansion house which is

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-37936587311143621222008-11-06T16:57:00.000Z2008-11-06T17:05:05.848Z

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-26941500594627332902008-11-04T14:14:00.000Z2008-11-06T13:52:33.668Z

Barack Obama is going to the White House, and the outgoing President George W Bush is a mere afterthought in media coverage, his reign effectively finished by the historic election.But that hasn't stopped Oliver Stone already putting out a film about the 43rd commander-in-chief; unlike his biographical takes on Jack Kennedy and Richard Nixon, where decades passed before their production. “W” was

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-34155288135399322892008-10-18T17:41:00.000+01:002008-11-08T11:39:09.444Z

Apparently one of the tell-tale signs of a recession is a rise in cinema attendances as folk go for relatively inexpensive nights out.Well, we have seen the highest ticket sales since 1974 in this country. That could have less to do with economics mind and more with singalong with Mamma Mia!What with Abba-based musicals cleaning up and the global economic meltdown we need something to cheer us

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-46526039056962821302008-09-17T16:07:00.000+01:002008-11-05T15:58:20.577Z

Pineapple Express is the latest film from the folk who brought you Knocked Up and Superbad. It is a stoner-action-comedy in the tradition of the Cheech and Chong films you may have watched as a student, with less than your full faculties at hand. Seth Rogen (who put the bun in the oven in Knocked Up) plays Dale Denton, another character short on career prospects and motivation. He’s a 'process

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-40573817632366122432008-09-12T06:27:00.000+01:002008-11-08T11:36:41.420Z

With Britain's Olympians netting more gold than the lead in Leprechaun in the Hood, let's celebrate British talent.Somers Town is the latest film from Shane Meadows, the writer/director from Nottingham who launched his career making shorts on a camcorder with his dole money.He has since reached the heights with the Bafta and multi award-winning This is England which, as well as being a powerhouse

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-78963869302335638182008-08-11T23:34:00.000+01:002008-11-08T11:42:28.303Z

If bad movie-making was in the Olympics, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor would be overwhelming favourite for gold. Everything you needed to know about Rob Cohen’s film is in the trailer: it is a-paint-by-numbers supernatural action sequel, with its visuals nicked directly from Chinese ‘Wuxia’ films like Hero and House of Flying Daggers. What the promo doesn’t tell you is just how badly

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-82360881829784726982008-07-21T19:44:00.000+01:002008-11-05T15:55:30.189Z

The film of the summer is here. The Dark Knight arrives intact after truckloads of hype and if you haven’t already planned to see it, do so now before you finish reading this. Writer/director Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins re-energised the DC comics franchise in 2005 with its dark styling, muscular action and, a rarity for these kind of comic book shows: proper actors, acting. The Dark Knight

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-12952773624173929702008-07-14T11:17:00.000+01:002008-11-08T11:44:57.500Z

We talk a lot about rom-coms. The dreaded word comes up and instantly romance dies, one thinks of the ’90 minute rule’ and Hugh Grant starts acting like a tit, signifying charm and sophistication to American producers. The lovers always need obstacles to overcome: either one of them is big, fat and Greek, or thoroughly nasty (Priceless), or dedicated to Bill Clinton (Definitely Maybe). Once you

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-37800832118470113132008-07-06T13:22:00.000+01:002008-11-05T15:56:50.310Z

Stephen King adaptations can go either way. Sometimes, you get movie-magic though, as when Frank Darabont adapted the screenplay for The Shawshank Redemption. He directs his third feature with The Mist, which is based on a King novella considered by some to be one of his scariest.In the small town of Bridgton, Maine, Dave Drayton (Thomas Jane) sees a peculiar mist rolling down from the nearby

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-16271353835385713792008-06-28T15:48:00.000+01:002008-11-08T11:42:43.933Z

Expectations play a huge part in the summer movie game. Take Indiana Jones. Some people expected a classic, looking to be transported back their childhood, while others just hoped for a throwaway two hours. Either view coloured their verdicts, although to my eyes Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was neither classic nor failure. For The Incredible Hulk, it was seeking to reboot a character who last

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-73647087384504632782008-06-18T15:13:00.000+01:002008-11-05T15:57:44.850Z

After the Jimmy Choo-fest of Sex and the City, this week we have a load of Manolo Blahniks from France, in Priceless. You will remember Audrey Tautou, from Amèlie. She was sweet, unaffected with a gorgeousness that made the fairy-tale story sing. In her latest, to her credit perhaps, she is playing way against type. We find her on the Cote D’azur, clad from the head to foot in unspeakably chic

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-67793483909885549952008-05-29T09:34:00.000+01:002008-11-05T16:00:46.921Z

How many men will be coerced into watching Sex and the City at the pictures this weekend? Published in another newspaper were some coupons excepting individual blokes from this particular chore — in return for a lot of washing up, ironing and baby burping obviously. In the spirit of Carrie Bradshaw, “It got me thinking, what do we expect of our TV shows when they cross over from just being

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-13778596036019523912008-05-09T13:40:00.000+01:002008-11-08T11:43:17.764Z

We don’t need another hero. All we need is life beyond Ben Affleck as Daredevil. In our murky times, when American Psycho gets to play Batman and villains are more likely to be US government officials than any exotic moustache twirler, we need a leading man who’s a little bit damaged, likely to lead us astray. Step up Robert Downey Junior as Iron Man. He plays Tony Stark, a billionaire

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-51043517751260753862008-04-22T17:32:00.000+01:002008-11-08T11:38:45.357Z

A romantic stroll or some flavoured beer perhaps? Wile away your time on the canal, gazing at Gothic architecture and cobbled streets. You can do all of the above in Bruges, Belgium; where hit-men Ray (Colin Farell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) find themselves, after their boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes), orders them to lie low in the popular tourist destination.Ray is tortured by recent bloody events

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-39801489509030486842008-04-13T21:31:00.000+01:002008-11-05T15:56:25.006Z

Why is the current horror-film scene like the Arsenal Football Team? Answer: it is full of imagination and genuine thrills—none of them hailing from Britain. We know about those great Asian chillers, from The Grudge to The Ring, via Dark Water. We’ve also had the splendidly creepy Orphanage (still on general release) which will get you jumping out of your seat more than once during its running

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-42056308052321195432008-04-07T00:13:00.001+01:002010-10-07T13:29:02.756+01:00

Let’s get right behind a lovely new British film. A childhood story set during an English summer in the 1980’s, Son of Rambow centres on Will (Bill Milner) who’s not yet old enough to gain access to the sixth form centre. Adding to his woes, his family (with an absent father) practice religion as Plymouth Brethren, so he is not allowed to mix with less religious children, watch TV or listen to

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-49089172823877038742008-03-28T10:46:00.000Z2008-11-08T11:42:09.504Z

Katherine Heigl (who plays the lead in this week’s 27 Dresses) is set for a series of lead roles. With her ditsy supermodel style, huge eyes and comic timing she has already scored a big hit with Knocked Up (even after she told everyone she thought it was sexist). She could probably do without clunkers like 27 Dresses mind. Before the question arises: I like romantic comedies and I like movies

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-47964847226783376842008-03-24T19:07:00.000Z2008-11-08T11:41:23.254Z

Fantasy fatigue is understandable at this point. We’re over Lord of the Rings (unless you’re ready for Hobbits-in-a-musical). We’re in between Narnia adventures and the Golden Compass left most people wondering: where on Earth did Daniel Craig disappear to? So a heavy heart could be forgiven when dancing sprites appear in The Spiderwick Chronicles, based on a popular series of Children’s books.

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-22206900927087017392008-03-16T20:50:00.000Z2008-11-05T16:01:37.047Z

Everybody loves a Woolly Mammoth. Well don’t they? Hollywood director, Roland Emmerich (The Day After Tomorrow) is such a fan of Mammuthus primigenius that he’s funded an entire movie based on the premise: wouldn’t it be cool to see humans running around with the four-legged beasts in 10,000 B.C. We open in prehistory, somewhere in Eurasia, where a tribe of hunters (The Yagahl) are waiting for

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-27687763137932407972008-03-09T19:02:00.001Z2008-11-08T11:40:19.331Z

There's Something About MaryWhere would the finest actresses be without the great British monarchy? Casting your mind back over decades, one thinks of Betty Davis, Glenda Jackson, Cate Blanchett and Dame Judy Dench; all showing their mettle and womanly wiles as Elizabeth I. Of a more youthful vintage, with plenty of sass and sex appeal, come Natalie Portman and Scarlet Johansson as the Boleyn

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-66510530187096086382007-05-28T17:12:00.001+01:002008-03-16T21:22:59.233Z

Click on title for online review...Elizabeth: The Golden Age"Here is the story of one woman's crusade to control love, crush enemies and secure her position as a beloved icon of the Western World. So that's Hillary Clinton dealt with, let's move on to Elizabeth: The Golden Age""Then there are the suitors. Foremost is the debonair Sir Walter Raleigh, (Clive Owen) who sweeps into court like Mark

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4898923717804645356.post-22489691302673448242007-05-28T16:14:00.000+01:002007-05-28T17:10:50.923+01:00

Click on the titles below to read the full article.London Film Festival 2006The Departed: Interview with Oscar Winning Producer Graham King "Nice to see you looking well, don't we see you as a corpse in an early scene?"The Departed Review"Jack's Frank Costello is a rambunctious, viagra driven hoot." "Monahan's dialogue reminds of David Mamet at times: all about the male power plays and

johnnymhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972060411143610979noreply@blogger.com0