In defence of Shere Khan

Let me start by expressing how good the new CGI film actually is. It is truly cutting edge visuals, great voice casting and a wonderful, timeless story (from Mr. Kipling of course). However, in the spirit of being a miserable old git, which I am of course, there are just a few things which don’t sit right with me whatsoever. The moral and geographical continuity of this film is just off. It’s not good, it’s bad, it’s not right and I’ll tell you exactly why. There is an unsung hero of this film, a martyr of the jungle if you will, his name, Shere Khan.

SOME SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

4 reasons you should watch Network

News anchorman Howard Beale is mad as hell and he’s not going to take it any more. He wants you to pull your head and scream it too. Aged and tired Beale has lost his ratings and consequently his job. Facing an imposed retirement from the Network; his mind is soon to follow.

A film of the harrowing realities of television, corporation and individualism. Network combines fantastic acting, brilliant directing and a script of immense wordmanship. Here are 5 reasons you should be watching Network next:

My Top 5 Films of the Year

 

2015 has been a most wonderful year for cinema where we have seen perhaps our most diverse range of films reaching mainstream audiences. From 71 taking through the dark and gritty underworld of troubles Belfast to Me, Earl and the dying girl painting a bitter sweet portrait of teenage awkwardness. We have seen an incredible resurgence of animated features from the usual standard bearers Pixar gifting us with Inside out to the tale of Princess Kaguya and Song of the Sea giving us a brilliant representation of Japanese and Irish folklore. Hollywood has managed to churn out it’s fair number of blockbuster epics which seemingly all tell the same story with a few variables changing however there have been some utter delights on that stage with Mad Max  being the best pick of the summer blockbusters. However not all can make my list and so my favourite films of the year are:

Sicario

A War on Drugs. A Hitman Unearthed. 

Hard hitting thriller provides a cynical and murky look at the war on drugs. There seems to be no sign of stopping the constant death, destruction and white powder flooding through the border. As the cartels start using bombs to terrorise police, FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) gets called up to go beyond the line to assist the smurking Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and his narrow eyed partner Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro).

Ant-Man

 The latest instalment in the MCU is on an appropriately smaller scale, but no less fun, thanks largely to Paul Rudd’s amiable performance.

 

Chappie

  A highly under-rated passion project from Blomkamp that is a compelling science fiction romp full of his trademark visual flair.

   

How to impress the lads/ladies with your Cinematic Snobbery

A completely legitimate, scientifically tested guide to impressing that special someone:

1. References in the Cinema

You’re in the cinema with you lady/man love you’ve tried the old “sigh and arm throw” but have been subtly rejected. It’s all looking a bit awkward out there. Don’t panic; you still have a few tricks in your locker to win them back and save the day. Make sure that every time you see a homage, parody or pastiche you make every effort to point it out and explain exhaustively what it is, what it means, why it is in there, what the relationship this has with the director/actor/producer/studio. Do this to the extent that he/she is no longer watching the film but just listening to you, no doubt getting lost in your snobby little eyes.

Jurassic World film review

Safari Paradise

Fast paced dinosaur fun that can’t hope to live up to the original, but it is still a hugely enjoyable and visually stunning sci-fi adventure film that guarantees a great time at the cinema.

Jurassic World is open for business!

Girlhood

Not Boyhood for Girls     

“Girlhood” charts a young girl’s journey of self-discovery through a society with little hope of escape. Rejected by school and abused at home, Marieme joins a girls’ gang and reinvents herself within her new found community. Along with her three spirited companions, Marieme finds joy and adventure by embracing her new alter-ego: “Vic”. All is not as it seems however, and the violence, patriarchy and social disenfranchisement is, under the surface, a prominent part of Marieme and the community she is attached to.

Top Five Batman/Superman Movie Villains

With the intriguing “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” teaser trailer hitting the web; it’s time to have a look at the best villains to have ever faced the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel in film. Jesse Eisenberg‘s casting as Superman’s main nemesis Lex Luthor has received a mixed reaction, so it will be interesting to look at some tough acts to follow in the DC universe. To clarify this list will take into consideration all Batman villains from 1989 through to 2012 and all Superman villains from 1978 through to 2013.