The word `camp` is taken to a whole new level in Steven Soderbergh`s latest (and last) film based upon the famed pianist, Liberace. Starring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon.

"Behind the Candelabra" (15)
Director: Steven Soderbergh.
Starring: Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Dan Aykroyd and Rob Lowe.
Rated: 15 for containing strong language, sex, sex references and drug use.
Running time: 118 minutes.
Out now, in UK cinemas. 

In the summer of 1977, a young man named Scott Thorson (Damon) traveled to Las Vegas to watch the famed pianist, Liberace (Douglas). After the show, Scott inadvertently met Liberace and at once; a romance was formed that saw them perform in the early days of Vegas and lead up to their sincere and public, break-up.

Originally deemed "too gay" by countless production companies, "Behind The Candelabra" had been seeking a production company since early 2008. The project remained in development hell for nearly four years, until HBO Films came to Steven Soderbergh`s rescue.

HBO Films have always been known to take on projects of a certain nature, which could cause offence or shock. One of their most notable works being the "Band Of Brothers" series and the more adult "Boardwalk Empire" starring Steve Buscemi. 

Having declared "Behind the Candelabra" is to be his last film, Soderbergh has definitely ended his film-making career on a well driven drama. Each shot is taken beautifully, with fantastic costumes and sets which keep into the setting of L.A and Vegas.

The acting is superb, Douglas and Damon are particularly brilliant together and almost recognizable among-st all the costumes and make-up. 

The supporting cast is just as good,with the likes of Dan Akroyd, Rob Lowe and Debbie Reynolds giving well played performances to a fun, but delicate film.

"Behind the Candelabra" is an amazing film which walks between the fine lines of dark comedy and romantic drama; with amazing acting and an occasionally funny script. If this is Soderbergh`s last film, he has definitely left on a high note.

FIVE STARS

Written by Scott Gentry.

Dear readers, a small thought...

So far this year, I can safely say; it has a been a great year for film fans. We have had some amazing pieces  "Les Miserable", "The Sessions", "Robot and Frank" and "Star Trek: Into Darkness".  

However, I believe that perhaps companies aren't so interested in the making of the film, but the money which they make from it. Maybe, just maybe; Film companies have forgotten the term "customer satisfaction"?

Take a little look at "A Good Day To Die Hard" and perhaps you may catch my drift?
Let me know your thoughts!

Scott Gentry reviews "The Iceman", a new drama starring Micheal Shannon.

"The Iceman" (15)
Director: Ariel Vromen
Starring: Micheal Shannon, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans and James Franco.
Rated: 15 for containing strong violence, sex and very strong language.
Out Now in selected UK cinemas.

"The Iceman", tells the story of Richard Kuklinski (Michael Shannon), a real-life hit man who worked for the Gambino crime family, led by Roy DeMeo (Ray Liotta). Kuklinski appears to be living the American dream, by having a family, a nice house, cars and plenty of money. Soon, the cracks begin to show and it is up to Kuklinski, to keep the secrets at bay.

"The Iceman" begins with an old and withered Richard Kuklinski being interviewed whilst in prison about his life and the murders which he committed. A stirring scene, as Kuklinski admits he killed people not for the fun, but for the intensity of planning the murder. From this moment onwards, I knew that Michael Shannon was the man to play Kuklinski.

Without a doubt, Michael Shannon has become one of the best on-screen actors from the past ten years. From small beginnings in "Groundhog Day" (1993), Shannon rose to take larger and more complex roles. His career did not take flight though, until 2007, when he starred in "Before the Devil Knows You`re Dead" by Sidney Lummet. In 2012, Shannon was given his chance to take centre stage in "Premium Rush" and "Mud" and performed well.

The actor has become well known for his ability to control the screen through tense stares and action. Shannon`s acting ability is put to good use in "The Iceman", who takes a solemn turn on Richard Kuklinski.

The film itself (unfortunately) is particularly shallow. The film leaves out key details in which documentaries have not. The beginning of the film, fails to tell the audience about Richard`s abusive childhood and the murder of his own brother, by his father.

The film does include however, details on his other brother, who was a convicted rapist and murderer named Joseph, a fine performance from Stephen Dorff ("Blade"). The cameo performances are very good, with Chris Evans and David Schwimmer proving that when asked they can step into the firing line to deliver a piece that is interesting to watch. The supporting cast are also well played, with names such as Ray Liotta and Winona Ryder.

"The Iceman" is an enjoyable thriller, which at times misses its queue, but at others shines; whether it be through performances or some great cameos.

3 STARS

Written by Scott Gentry.

Scott Gentry reviews "The Purge", the new action thriller starring Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey.

"The Purge" (15)
Director: James DeMonaco.
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, Edwin Hodge.
Rated: 15, for containing strong language and bloody violence.
Out now in UK cinemas.


Set in the (not so distant) future, once a year and for twelve hours, all crime is legalised. For people who do not want to be a part of the destruction, they sit inside their homes (complete with security systems) and wait for the night to end. However, on this one night, when a man breaks into their house, a family must decide to take part in the purge; or to fight through the night.


What started as an interesting concept became an awful film in which there are movie clichés galore. The idea that crime is legalised once a year, was highly intriguing and would possibly be transferred into a decent film. I thought wrong.

It was Friday the thirty-first, of May and it was time for my weekly cinema trip with some friends. Adverts for "The Purge" had been placed everywhere and there were some positive reviews that persuaded me to watch it. As I made my way into the cinema screen, I looked around to see a fairly packed out screening. I was quite positive and ready for what seemed would be a fairly enjoyable film.


As the opening credits rolled, there were scenes of extreme violence played to some nice classical music. How lovely. The first half an hour was interesting and spent most of its time setting up the film`s plot line. Then, the film dips.

The acting becomes boring as the film progresses, but the presence of Ethan Hawke ("Daybreakers" and "Before Midnight") and Lena Headey ("Game Of Thrones") saves the film from failing completely.


An interesting concept, which never leaves the ground. Perhaps with more care and attention, the film could have been better.


TWO STARS

Written by Scott Gentry.

Scott Gentry reviews "The Hangover: Part Three" and was pleasently suprised...

"The Hangover: Part Three" (15)
Director: Todd Phillips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha.
Rated: 15 for containing strong language, sex and drug references, and brief nudity.
Out now in UK cinemas.

Plot: After the death of Alan`s (Zach Galifianakis) father, the group decide to take Alan to a metal health clinic. On the way, the group is assaulted and Doug (Justin Bartha) is kidnapped. Now, the group must find Mr Chow and deliver him in return for Doug.

It has been four years since a record-setting comedy hit the silver screens. Now, in its last part of a hilarious trilogy, The Hangover series finally, draws to a close.

After the first film made $467,483,912 (Worldwide), "The Hangover" trilogy continued with "The Hangover: Part Two" which was succsessul financially, but not critically. So, a lot of pressure was riding on the conclusion, to a crude, but enjoyable series of much loved films.

Is it good? Yes, it is. "The Hangover: Part Three" in fact entertains fairly well. The whole cast have returned (with an exception for two or three characters) and seems to have learned from their mistakes made in the last instalment.

This time round, "The Hangover: P3" has chosen to go darker, with a plot line, that is part heist thriller and violent drama. It doesn`t feel too much like a comedy, it has some entertaining jokes and some pretty awful atrocities; but nothing that makes you want to laugh out loud, like the first film. "The Hangover: P3" digs back into the plot of the first two films and delves a little deeper to try and find something interesting. Who would know that Mr Chow stole twenty one million dollars from a guy called Marshall? I certainly didn`t! I frankly don`t care!

"The Hangover: P3" tries hard and recieves some interesting performances from Galifianakis and perhaps a star turn from Ken Jeong (who plays the character Chow). You see, Todd Phillips tries hard but not hard enough. If he had a funnier script and better acting, the film might have turned out better.

What started as quite a fun comedy which slightly dipped in the middle; but turns up trumps at the end, left me with a smile on my face and perhaps a small urge for some more antics with "The Hangover" lads. A part four perhaps?

3 STARS

Written by Scott Gentry.

The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells (Jon Petre)

The Island of Doctor Moreau is an interesting book. VERY interesting, in fact. Of Wells' late 1890's Sci Fi novels, this is probably the most controversial and the most relevant today.

The protagonist is one Edward Prendick, an average sailor type person. His ship wrecks in the South Pacific, and he lies adrift for a few days before he is taken aboard by a passing ship. Onboard he meets a man called Montgomery, who is transporting many monstrous animals and is accompanied by a strange hairy man called M'Ling.

Eventually the ship reaches an island, where Montgomery, M'Ling and his animals disembark with Prendick in tow. It is explained that ships rarely dock and that Prendick is stuck on the island for several months. The island is owned by Dr. Moreau, who is a disgraced vivisectionist.

Edward is forced to stay in a small building on the side of an enclosure, where Dr. Moreau is performing some cruel experiment on a puma. Edward is not allowed into the enclosure but the screaming of the puma drives him mad and he  runs off into the jungle. Now things start to get SERIOUSLY weird.

On the other side of the island there is a small village populated by humanoid beasts. It is revealed to Edward by Montgomery and Dr. Moreau that they have been experimenting on animals to see if they can become truly 'human'. But Edward soon finds out that some of the animals do not like being human.

I'll leave you there, but you really must read it. The novel explores who we really are, and what makes us different from animals. Like when do animals become people? How do we really judge ourselves morally for our affect on nature? It is a very interesting read.

My only problem with it was the slow pace. Unlike Wells' other works, the prose seems to be rather slow and lethargic, so be prepared with some resolve if you want to get through it. But it's well worth the trouble and it will leave you thinking about who you really are.

Next up, I'll be reviewing the Newbury and Hobbes series by George Mann, one of my favorite steampunk authors!!!

Four stars

‘Se7en’ (1995)
Directed by David Fincher
Starring: Brad Pitt- Mills
Morgan Freeman- Somerset
Gwyneth Paltrow- Tracy
Kevin Spacey- John Doe 

In this psychological thriller, we are introduced to Detective Mills (Pitt) entering a new city with his wife Tracy (Paltrow) oblivious to its ways known all too well by the slightly mysterious Detective Somerset (Freeman).What appears to be a simple murder case quickly spirals into a deep relation to the seven deadly sins, showing each victim to be killed according to them. 

Without giving anything away completely, slight hints and references are placed throughout the film, leading up to the mysterious (while leaving no gaping plot holes found in many films today), shock introduction of our John Doe (Spacey). 

It is certainly unpredictable and daring, it pure genius in my opinion. I cannot praise this film enough. Every scene is relevant, with no slow pointless scenes found in the likes of ‘Sinister’, created purely to attempt to build tension yet taking an abrupt detour into snoozeville. ‘Se7en’ is a fast paced psychological thriller that will leave you needing to watch it again, with an ending which is one of the most shocking twists in any thriller previously seen.

Overall, an absolute classic in the world of movies, and surprisingly untainted by the appearance of Gwyneth Paltrow, of which may be her finest performance.

 

Five stars

Written by Ciani Walsh.