End Credits

Unfortunately, I have struggled to keep up to date with not only my blog posts on this site, but with reaching the big 100!!

I still have another Cineworld Unlimited Card to activate this year, so plenty of movies to watch, for free!! If I feel moved to write a review, they will appear here - http://heavydnilbett.blogspot.com/

Thanks for watching!!

D

51: WHITEOUT

Problems on the Bakerloo line meant that I missed the movie I was planning to watch (see number 52) and was therefore subject to leftovers. Always a risky situation. Whiteout is based on a comic book that I always wanted to read, thus guiding me to my second choice.

Damn you, Bakerloo line. But I suppose it was my own fault. Sometimes you've got know when to turn away. Sure, my attempts at salvaging the night weren't entirely foolhardy, but maybe I would have been better served going for a drink in a bar somewhere, or playing pool with friends, or jumping in front of a bus.

It could've been because I missed the first couple of minutes, but this movie had zero impact on me. It elicited no emotion. It was as if I'd sat in a cinema for 90 minutes watching a blank white screen - no, that's not true - a blank white screen would've been impressive in its audacity.

Avoid this one - unless you want a spare 90 minutes to think about something else.

3 out of 10

50: DISTRICT 9

Part two of my Staples Corner night out (crazy times), and the official halfway mark!!

Entertaining, original, funny - District 9 has it all. Set in Johannesburg, South Africa, and shot in documentary style, it's a refreshing new addition to the science fiction genre. Peter Jackson produces this 'independent' movie and you can see why - it's hilarious (the main character, Wikus van der Merwe, is introduced as a bit of a deskbound nerd, but, when under pressure out in the field, comes out with some great one liners and uses the word 'fuck', with his Afrikaans accent, with great humour), it's gory (blood flies about in copious amounts and bodies explode regularly), it's touching (sort of), and its topical (examples of the way the 'prawns' are treated can be found in the real world, and being set in South Africa only emphasises this point).

A very entertaining 2 hours from a talented director, who hopefully doesn't go on to sell his soul to the remake / sequel producing machine that is Hollywood.

8.5 out of 10

Paying For It - Number 4 (The Thing)

As part of Cineworld's Universal re-release series, I went with five others to watch the brilliant sci-fi/horror classic John Carpenter's The Thing, starring Kurt Russell.

I've seen the movie a number of times but never on the big screen, and Cineworld West India Quay was the perfect place to do just that. Universal had touched up the quality a bit, leaving the quality of picture immaculate, especially with the white snow covered landscape of the Antarctic (or British Columbia in reality).

Only slightly dated, the movie is still a brilliant horror film with impressive Rob Bottin effects and a tangible sense of claustrophobia and paranoia. The only negative comment about the experience was the significant lip sync issues, due to either the re-mastered print or the fault of the cinema.

The Thing: a repeat viewing worth the admission price.

I'll finish off with my favourite line from the movie:

"I know you gentlemen have been through a lot . . . but when you find the time . . . I'd rather not spend the rest of this winter TIED TO THIS FUCKING COUCH!"

49: INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

Although slightly disappointed with Death Proof, it didn't take me a second to say 'yes' to Tarantino's latest. Part one of a two movie night at Staples Corner - party animal!

Fitting somewhere between Jackie Brown and Kill Bill No. 1, this is Tarantino back on form. Long drawn out scenes, great dialogue, and excessive violence - it's all here and in pure QT style. Constant references to Nazi killing don't always sit well, but if you didn't catch the tongue in cheek tone of the film in the second act, you will in the final one. Not a masterpiece, but very entertaining.

8 out of 10

48: MESRINE: KILLER INSTINCT

Part one of the two part biopic of French gangster Jacques Mesrine. French production, Vincent Cassel and good early buzz. No signs of Che-itis with the two movie split.

Entertaining swashbuckling type tale of a hard French criminal who is attractive in his endeavours (e.g. attempting to bust out criminals from a prison that subsequently is closed down over its questionable practices) and brutal when cornered (e.g. against a couple of park rangers). Raw, French and engaging stuff. Good turns by Cassel and Depardieu. More than just a prelude to Mesrine Part Deux.

7 out of 10

47: MOON

The previews suggested an atmospheric, claustrophobic, old fashioned science fiction movie in the style of 2001 and Alien. Something we've all been waiting for.

Three things made this movie an amazing experience - Duncan Jones skilfully subtle direction, Sam Rockwell's stellar 'one-man band' performance, and the moody music of Clint Mansell lurking in the background. Moon is a throwback to the smart sci fi movies of the 70s and one that is entirely welcome.

Side note: The soundtrack is so good, I bought it the next day.

Second side note: Adrian McKinty compares Moon to another sci fi classic here.

8 out of 10