Predictable and not entirely entertaining. Jason Reitman's new drama is an unfortunate misfire says Scott Gentry, as he reviews "Labor Day".

"Labor Day" (12A)
Director: Jason Reitman.
Starring: Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Gattlin Griffith, Clark Gregg and Tobey Maguire. 
Running time: 111 minutes and 5 seconds.
Rated: 12A for containing infrequent moderate sex, sex references and violence.
Released in UK cinemas on the 21st of March, 2014.
                                     
Narrated by (and starring in part) Tobey Maguire, "Labor Day" tells the tale of Henry (Gattlin Griffith) and his mother Adele (Kate Winslet), who are swept into the dangerous activity of aiding and abetting a fugitive, after they are forced to protect a convicted murderer, named Frank (Josh Brolin). Soon, the family develop a unique bond with their captor and shortly realise that Frank may not be the man that the Police make him out to be. 

Son of the legendary "Ghostbusters" director Ivan Reitman, Jason Reitman is a director of undeniable talent. Often writing and directing films based upon certain subjects of sincerity, Reitman produces an ingenious blend of drama and hilarity in many of his films, including the excellent comedy drama "Up in the Air" starring George Clooney (nominated for six Oscars) and the equally funny "Young Adult", starring Charlize Theron. 

Despite the impressive CV of films to his name, it is here that it seems as though Reitman has unfortunately pushed aside his capabilities at creating a moving and emotional drama, to construct a film that is far too affectionate for a story-line such as this.

Many reasons contribute to the film's ultimate failure, but it seems as though that Reitman himself might be at the centre of its problems. Reitman's script might just be that problem, by acting far too safe for its own good. Kidnapping dramas are normally sincere pieces of drama, but Reitman has instead dared to produce something which is clichéd and unbelievable in terms of it's narrative, but all the while remaining a film that has included its vital emotion, whilst providing an overly-sentimental script to an otherwise engaging story. 

The film's cast barely manage to hold the film together, with Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet (despite being capable and first-rate actors) providing fairly unconvincing performances, seeming as though they were unwilling to push themselves as seen in previous performances.  

The film's only saving grace seems to be its cinematography, with Reitman deliberately creating engaging sequences by focusing on the way his film is shot, including his elaborate opening credits sequence and constant cameo clips from famous 80's classics, such as "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". 

Verdict

Jason Reitman has proved in many instances that his work is of an extremely high quality, but its here that the auteur focuses far too much on his camera work, rather than the film's script. Leaving a sentimental, tonally confused piece that is in part, disappointing. However, for those that enjoy overly affectionate pieces, there's plenty to enjoy. 

5 Stars out of 10

Written by Scott Gentry.

Film Rating Key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.

This Is Sparta? Meticulous gore and adventurous set pieces; "300: Rise Of An Empire" is a glorious, guilty pleasure.

"300: Rise Of An Empire" (15)
Director: Noam Murro.
Starring: Sullivan Stapleton, Rodrigo Santoro, Eva Green, Jack O'Connell and Lena Headley.
Running time: 102 minutes.
Rated: 15 for containing strong bloody violence, strong sex and sexual violence.
Out now in UK cinemas. 

Serving as a companion/parallelquel piece to Zack Snyder's strangely entertaining gore festival "300", "300 Rise Of An Empire" follows the Greek general Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton), as he attempts to destroy what remains of the Persian army; with the enemy led by the God-king Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his expertly trained captain Artemisia (Eva Green), will the task prove too hard for the Greeks and their minuscule arsenal? 

The Greek army could only afford two blue capes... A still from "300: Rise Of An Empire"

Seven years on since Frank Miller's beloved graphic novel was adapted by Zack Snyder, "300 Rise Of An Empire" not only takes place alongside the timeline of the first film, but also the events after (spoiler for those who haven't yet seen "300") King Leonidas and his 300 Spartan’s defeat, at the hands of King Xerxes's army. A tad bit confusing I must admit, but this next chapter in the "300" franchise is (to a degree) largely entertaining.

For all intents and purposes, "300 Rise of An Empire" shouldn't be as fun as it really is; after all, this sequel probably wouldn't exist if not for the vast amount of profit gathered from Zack Snyder's effort and the franchise's extensive volume of fans. 

Gender equality and female empowerment... A still of Eva Green in "300: Rise Of An Empire". 

So, the chances of "300: Rise Of An Empire" becoming a critical success were always low, but here the team behind this extremely boisterous, 102 minute orgy of gore, promiscuity and degradation (mainly towards the female cast), somehow manages to create a film that is both appealing towards those who are most definitely not watching it for the historical accuracy (because it isn't accurate at all!), but for the vast amounts of action. Written by Zack Snyder and Kurt Johnstad, the film's script itself is weak in terms of plot and character development, but for the intended audience (action fans) this exciting continuation of the "300" story is acceptable fun.     


With the introduction of a relatively unknown director Noam Murro, the sequel hasn't lost the intended style of Zack Snyder's original film, and has instead improved not only on the film's scale, but the action sequences as well, with a more believable and enjoyable approach to Zack Snyder's highly stylised sequences. 

Preparing for battle...
A still of Sullivan Stapleton in "300: Rise Of An Empire".

In regards to the cast, this instalment may not have the strength of Gerard Butler’s character (for obvious reasons) but performs well with a relatively unknown cast, led by the capable Sullivan Stapleton, who portrays the Greek commander, Themistokles. Other cast members shine firmly, with Eva Green and Lena Headley sharing the limelight in terms of the female cast, whilst both acting well in their roles, which are both enjoyable to watch. 

Verdict

“300: Rise Of an Empire” may not be perfect from a critical point of view, but for a substantial Saturday night action film, it exceeds previously negative expectations. 

5 Stars out of 10

Written by Scott Gentry.

Film Rating Key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.

The Theft Of A Renaissance Painting, Murder And Four Severed Fingers. Scott Gentry Reviews Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel".

"The Grand Budapest Hotel" (15)

Directed by: Wes Anderson.

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray and Edward Norton.

Running time: 100 minutes.

Rated: 15 for containing strong language, sex references and brief gory images.

Out in UK cinemas from the 7th of March 2014. 


Set in the ever-changing years leading up to World War Two, "The Grand Budapest Hotel" follows the often-hilarious adventures of a hotel concierge (a serial womaniser) named Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), who is suddenly and unexpectedly thrust into the criminal world, when he is framed for the murder of a lover, Madame D (Tilda Swinton). With the help of his lobby boy Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), Gustave sets out to not only clear his name, but to also recover a priceless painting through some extremely difficult circumstances. 

Known all over the world for his often vivid and distinct visual style, as of 2014, Wes Anderson will have directed eight excellent pieces of cinema and it's quite safe to say that he is indeed, quite the auteur. 


Beginning his career with small yet critically acclaimed independent films such as "Bottle Rocket" and "Rushmore", the young director finally broke out into award-winning territory in 2001, with his hilarious and heartfelt comedy/drama "The Royal Tennenbaums". The film was subsequently nominated for an Academy Award and placed 159th on Empire Magazine's poll, of the greatest films ever made. 


Since 2001, Wes Anderson went on to make five films that with the exception of two less well-received pieces ("The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" and "The Darjeeling Limited) proved that he was not only confident as a director, but brilliantly talented in terms of screenwriting as well. After the success of 2012's "Moonrise Kingdom", it was clear that Anderson was going to continue making films of an excellent quality, but after conquering stories surrounding selfish fathers, eccentric oceanographers and two romantically entwined teenagers, what's the next step forward? The answer is "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Anderson's most adventurous film to date. 

Once again uniting his cast of regular actors and a beautifully written script (by himself and Hugo Guinness), Anderson seems to have put all of his effort into creating an ambitious comedy, which not only caters for his large fan-base, but also for people who are just interested in a rather odd comedy. In other words, it appeals to the least likely of Anderson fans.

The film itself is perfect in many ways and partly because our main character played by Ralph Fiennes, simply carries the film and provides a perfect comedic performance, that many people last witnessed back in 2008's outstanding film, "In Bruges" in which Fiennes portrays a psychopathic gangster. Another performance similar to that has been particularly overdue, but it's here that Fiennes seems to forget his previous comedic performances and instead creates a completely fresh character, that audiences will find particularly entertaining. 

Not only does Ralph Fiennes and Anderson's regular cast deliver perfect performances, but so do the newer (acting) members of the Anderson universe, including a fresh and talented actor named Tony Revolori, who portrays Zero the lobby boy in perfect Anderson style, whilst obviously understanding the auteur for the film-maker he really is.

Saoirse Ronan is also notable and proves her worth as a rising star in the role of Agatha, an apprentice at a bakery. In terms of the stand out cast, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum and Tilda Swinton all provide outstanding acting support, whilst constantly contributing hilarious one-liners, thanks to Anderson's perfect script. 

The French composer and Anderson regular, Alexandre Desplat (composer of "Moonrise Kingdom", another Wes Anderson film) lends his talents once again in terms of music, to provide an unconventional score of pure genius, that is reminiscent of the soundtrack to "Fantastic Mr Fox", which manages to work well alongside a film that constantly changes it's tone.

Verdict

Wes Anderson's latest adventure is a joy to behold, not only does it include all the lines and contours of a modern classic, but also a cast that simply never ceases to surprise even the most dedicated, of Wes Anderson fans. A comedy, which makes for imperative viewing.

                                   8.5 stars out of 10

    Written by Scott Gentry.

Film Rating Key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.