28: WATCHMEN

Why I chose it?

This was one of the comic books that I'd always heard about but had never read. It was the only graphic novel included in a recent listing of post 1930s 100 novels to read. It was a comic that changed the shape of superheroes. The trailer looked awesome. I didn't need too much more convincing.

Where?

Wandsworth, 630pm.

Comments?

In two words: awesome and complex. This is multilayered story telling at its best. Will have to watch it again to catch all the script's intricacies. It is an amazing movie to watch, visually out there with a narrative that jumps in and out, back and forth but still works. The alternative style and storyline will turn a few away, as will the long running time, and some diehard Watchmen fans might be a little peeved about glossed over details, but I enjoyed this immensely - a no holds barred anti-superhero roller coaster ride with violence, language, sex and the most interesting madman since The Joker! I'm talking about Rorschach!

Would I pay to see it?

Hell yes! Especially as some of the plot points passed over me. Not sure I'm too keen to see Dr Manhattan's blue penis again though.

Rating?

9 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"I'll be ticking off another of the 100 novels to read before you croak very damn soon."

21: THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (OSCAR SERIES)

Eye on which Oscar?

Performance by an actor in a leading role - Brad Pitt

Performance by an actress in a supporting role - Taraji P. Henson

Achievement in directing - David Fincher

Best motion picture of the year

Where?

Wandsworth, 8.15pm (after half a chicken with medium Peri Peri sauce).

Comments?

What a magical film this is! A magical film indeed. An astounding film with a unique premise and a warm message to convey. Fine performances, brilliant directing, a perfect script. Oscar whitewash? We'll come to that later.

The movie begins with the birth of a baby boy, born with the facial features and health of an eighty year old man. "He looks just like my ex-husband," says one of the residents of a New Orleans retirement home. The little baby was abandoned there by its father out of pure disgust for what he believes is a monstrous deformity of a child. The comment by the elderly resident is an example of the many warm comedic moments throughout the film.

The concept of the movie: as the boy grows older, his body grows younger. At five years old, he looks like an ageing midget (a cute one at that), in his early twenties, he takes on the appearance of a elderly gentleman with white hair and liver spots (but unmistakeably a bit of a ladies man underneath). And so on.

The premise is captivating and creates many interesting and humorous moments, all delivered with the utmost skill by the director, David Fincher. I did find myself wondering where it would end, how Benjamin Button would appear when he reached old age. Although the result, in my opinion, conflicted with the "rules" of Button's reverse ageing process, it was still touching. Just like the rest of the movie.

Those actors not nominated for Oscars turn in amazing performances, from the ever reliable Cate Blanchett as Button's everlasting love, Jared Harris as Captain Mike, a raucous character whose tattoos tell a sad story, Tilda Swinton as a upper class British woman whom Button falls for while staying in Russia and Jason Flemyng as Button's guilt ridden father. These characters, and many more, leave the movie as quickly as they arrive (only to reappear later), short term appearances with long lasting impact, each character personifying the movie's beautiful message.

Under the brilliant makeup (and it is brilliant, Cate Blanchett's appearance as a young twenty year old was amazing and moved me in more ways than I care to mention) and the perfect performances of the skilled actors, there is a simple story and a simple message, one that still resonates deeply. I won't mention what it is, as that would be spoiling your discovery of it. Needless to say, the movie made me think about my own life long after the credits had finished rolling.

Oscar worthy?

Oscar whitewash? Oscar clean sweep? Is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button that movie that heads off home after the ceremony with a big bag of golden statues over its shoulder, leaving everyone else to lick its wounds?

It's very very possible. However, it won't be a clean sweep, as it does not appear in every category - not in Best Actress or Best Supporting Actor. That small point aside, it could well pick up the rest.

Brad Pitt puts in a solid performance, understated in parts, amazing in others. His range is stretched here in a subtle way and he steps up to the plate, conveying a warm hearted man with the name of Benjamin Button. And the ladies love him. Is his performance better than Sean Penn? I'm borderline on this. Maybe Mickey Rourke will top them both.

Taraji P. Henson has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress as the African American woman who "adopts" the baby Button at the retirement home. She has presence and savvy on screen, a joy to watch, but I don't think she will take the Oscar. I thought that maybe even Tilda Swinton was better, but that's just my opinion.

As for Best Director and Best Movie, yes, I think Benjamin Button will win. It is such a beautifully shot, well constructed, warm hearted movie that it deserves recognition as a work of art. I took this movie with me out of the theatre and it still stays with me, a sign of something special. Out of what I have seen thus far, I would say that David Fincher and the production team will receive the Oscars. But Slumdog Millionaire may have something to say about that.

Oh yeah, was the movie too long as some have suggested? I didn't even notice.

Rating?

9 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"Nothing could be more entertaining or joyful than watching the young Benjamin Button in his old guise discovering life."

14: WALL∙E

Why I chose it?

You can't go past a Pixar movie, from Toy Story to Ratatouille, they produce some of the most magical stories with unbelievable images and memorable characters - brings out the kid in me!

Where?

Wandsworth, just after Batman - yes, I am that far behind in my posts.

Comments?

This movie is a delight to watch, quite touching, quite humourous and the visuals are amazing. As with all Pixar movies, it is just as entertaining for the adults as it is for the kids. In fact, the heartfelt story of this little robot who falls in love, pulls on the heartstrings and touches the emotions in a way that is beyond the comprehension of a child. The kids will love the antics of little Wall∙E and his offsider and the magic of space will enthrall them, but it is the story that will resonate with the adults.

As appears to be the norm lately, there is a statement about environmental concerns and the impact on our way of life if we don't do something about addressing sustainability, but it is handled very well, bringing in an element of humour without softening the message. Ultimately, however, this is a love story and even though we are talking about robots here, you will not be untouched by Wall∙E's feelings of loneliness, infatuation, heartache and happiness.

And he's such a cute little fella too.


Would I pay to see it?

Yes, highly entertaining stuff.

Rating?

9 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"Waalllllleeeeee. Eeeevaaaah," repeated ad nauseum.

6: GONE BABY GONE

Why I chose it?

This movie was delayed for nine months in the UK to respect the feelings of the parents and those close to Madeleine McCann. However, the film's parallels to that tragic real life abduction case was not why I wanted to see it - I actually saw a poster for Gone Baby Gone in Chicago last September and it looked good. I had just seen Casey Affleck in the Jesse James movie and was liking his work. It is also Ben Affleck's directorial debut, which makes for interesting viewing, and by all reports, he has received the thumbs up. To top it off, it's based on a book by Dennis Lehane, an author I have not read but I have heard a lot about - in particular for his work on The Wire and for another one of his books, Mystic River, which has also been adapted, with Oscar winning results.

Where?

Cinema 12, Wandsworth Southside Shopping Centre, 6.10pm (I know, I know, I should've been outside in the sun.)

Comments?

This is a must see - a very moving, emotional and gripping movie, perfectly handled by Ben Affleck for his first go at directing.

I must admit, the first few scenes had me thinking about Madeleine McCann, but soon after, it was the story of the little girl Amanda and the private investigator asked to find her that had me engrossed.


Casey Affleck is excellent as Patrick Kenzie, his subtle expressions and quiet voice perfect for the role as the honest, street wise P.I. who attempts to find the missing four year old girl. Other standouts in the cast include Ed Harris, Michelle Monaghan and in particular, Amy Ryan as the mother whose sordid life attracts blame for the disappearance of her only child.

The questions faced by the principal characters are not clear cut, making each decision all the more gut wrenching and impacting.

Parents watching this movie will find it hard to keep their emotions under control; everyone else will be both distressed and moved by this story of a little lost girl.

Would I pay to see it?

Yes.

Rating?

9 out of 10 (even though it is a completely different genre and they have the same rating, I would put this above The Orphanage and [REC]).

Post Movie Quote:

"Gone Baby Gone is an important film delivered with honesty and ability by everyone involved, especially the Affleck brothers. Inspiring to me not just as a film buff, but also as a writer." Daryl Nilbett, pensive.

2 : [REC]

Why I chose it?

Comparisons to Blair Witch - which would normally flag it up as a piece of shite - but this isn't an American film, it's Spanish, so I braced for something different, and based on the other Spanish movie I saw, something downright scary.

Where?

Cinema 6, Trocadero, 9.15pm



Comments?

Reading subtitles while the camera moves and shakes is a challenge but the subject matter and intensity on the screen makes you forget all about it. I think I jumped out of my seat about five times. This is one scary follando film (pardon my Spanish).


Would I pay to see it?

Yes I would and I would fork out some money for brown underpants next time too.

Rating?

9 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"Gee, the Spanish know how to scare the shit out of you! "Daryl Nilbett (to anyone who would listen).

1 : EL ORFANATO (THE ORPHANAGE)

Why I chose it?

Involvement of Guillermo Del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy); a bit of a buzz surrounding it from critics and viewers alike (which isn't always a good thing).

Where?

Cinema 2, Haymarket

Comments?

Quite an enthralling psychological thriller with superbly handled supernatural elements; great use of sound; plenty of "edge of your seat, hold your breath" sequences.

Would I pay to see it?

Yes! Full price!!

Rating?

9 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"Scary and frightening, but ultimately, heartbreaking. A great start to the 100!!" Daryl Nilbett (to no one in particular).