From Norse Gods, to astronauts floating in space; Scott Gentry picks out seven of the most anticipated films this Winter...

Winter is fast approaching, lets see what's on offer in Utopia Reviews's winter viewing preview...

1) "Gravity" 
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Starring: Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.
Running time: 98 minutes.
Rated: 12A for containing sustained moderate threat, disturbing images and strong language.

Written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, "Gravity" sees Sandra Bullock ("The Blind Side") and George Clooney ("The Descendants") become trapped in space after a freak accident aboard their space station. 

Expect claustrophobic effects, brilliant CGI and amazing cinematography, "Gravity" could be the best film of the year.

Released: November 8th.

2) "The Monuments Men"
Director: George Clooney.
Starring: Matt Damon, George Clooney, John Goodman and Bill Murray.
Running time: TBA.
Rated: TBC.

Set during World War Two, "The Monuments Men" follows the story regarding a crew of art historians who join a special operation; in a bid to save some of the world's most precious pieces of art from Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. 

From the already released trailer, we hear dry humor, see a spectacular Bill Murray and witness a fair few explosions. My conclusion?  It's the new "Inglorious Basterds".

Released: 10th of January 2014.

3) "Don Jon"
Director: Joseph Gordon-Levvitt.
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levvitt., Julianne Moore and Scarlett Johansson.
Running time: 90 minutes.
Rated: 18, for containing strong sex and sex references.

Set in New Jersey, family-loving Jon (Gordon-Levvitt) , struggles to keep the balance between his addiction to pornography and a relationship with the woman of his dreams, Barbara (Johansson).

Already being praised as possibly the best romantic comedy in the past ten years, "Don Jon" is sure to impress the least likely of comedy fans. 

Released: November 15th

4) "The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty"
Director: Ben Stiller.
Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig.
Running time: TBA
Rated: TBC

Ben Stiller directs and stars as the titular character, who while working for famed magazine "Life", becomes bored of his day to day activities and decides to break free by creating fantasy worlds in which he can escape to.

Already from it's debut trailer, "TSLOWM" looks certain to be a triumph, not only for it's stunning visuals, but for it's unique storytelling style. This years "Life Of Pi" perhaps?

Release date: December 26th

5) "The Zero Theorem" 

Director: Terry Gilliam.

Starring: Christoph Waltz, Matt Damon and Tilda Swinton.
Running time: TBA
Rated: TBC

Directed by Terry Gilliam ("Brazil" and "The Brothers Grimm"), "The Zero Theorem" follows the story of Qohen, a computer programmer from the future who is waiting for a call to work on the zero theorem, a program which proves that life is meaningless. 

From viewing some concept art,certain clips and trailers, "The Zero Theorem" seems as though Gilliam may be going back to his roots, to deliver a fresh and unique take on the sci-fi genre. I just can't wait!

Release date: TBA

6) "Captain Philips"

Director: Paul Greengrass.

Starring: Tom Hanks.

Running time: 134 minutes.

Rated: TBC.

From the director of the "Bourne" trilogy, comes a new story featured on the terrifying ordeal of Captain Richard Philips, a captain of a ship who must protect his ship, when threatening Somali pirates prepare to board. 

With the brilliant biopic "United 93" behind his belt, Paul Greengrass is not unfamiliar with telling stories, especially if they're true.

First beginning with "Resurrected" back in 1989, Greengrass has continued to make stunning films. Having released one trailer for his latest film, "Captain Philips" is sure to please both critics and audiences alike.

Release date: October 18th

7) "American Hustle"
Director: David O. Russell.
Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Jennifer Lawrence.
Running time: TBA
Rated: TBC

For his second feature début, David O. Russell take his audience into the world of the criminal mind, for his thriller about a con artist (and his partner in crime) who become tasked by a federal agent, to help arrest a corrupt politician.

From viewing the first trailer, we know what to expect; girls, glitz and lots of glamour in perfect O. Russell style.

Release date: December 20th

Wanting to leave a cinema screen is not a normal occurrence for me, but this film drove me to distraction. Scott Gentry reviews the car crash that is, "R.I.P.D".

"R.I.P.D" (12A)
Directed by: Robert Schwentke.
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Bacon and Mary-Louis Parker.
Rated: 12A, for containing moderate fantasy violence and threat, with uses of moderate bad language.
Running time: 96 minutes.
Out now in UK cinemas.

Plot synopsis
After stealing some gold during a drug bust, policeman Nick Walker (Ryan Reynolds) makes the difficult decision to return the gold which is evidence, to the police department. However, his partner Hayes (Kevin Bacon) has other ideas and shoots Nick during a raid on a warehouse. Following his death, Nick's spirit drifts into the sky and arrives in the office of the R.I.P.D (Rest in peace department). Once there, Nick is recruited to capture wandering spirits or face judgement. On accepting, Nick is partnered with Roy (Jeff Bridges) an 18th century Marshall with a disturbing obsession with hats.

From the first five minutes, it was clear that "R.I.P.D" was an absolute piece of codswallop. The 3D effects were shoddy, there was terrible acting from both leads and even the action was dull.

You may be saying to yourself, the film can't be that bad surely? Well, it was. "R.I.P.D" is every film critic's nightmare.

I'm going to be honest, I really wanted to like "R.I.P.D" but Hollywood has gone a step too far. The script was terrible, containing a straight copy-cat role from "True Grit" for Jeff Bridges and the casual one note performance style for Reynolds. Kevin Bacon (who is usually very good) delivered possibly the worst performance of his life, acting lifelessly at every possible moment.

Having viewed "R.I.P.D" in 3D (why, oh why!?) there were no 3D effects whatsoever. Not even one creature jumped out from the screen. With most films including (decent-ish) 3D effects, you expect (at the very least) a few effects from a 3D film. The CGI was especially shoddy, boasting large set pieces and never delivering on quality.

Honestly, "R.I.P.D" has an interesting story, but (in my opinion) was never intended for a big-screen debut. It shares so many similarities with the "Men In Black" franchise, that it's hard not to recognize them. Really, it should have been left alone. 

Verdict
 Disgraceful CGI, 3D and unlikable characters, this really is evidence that not even the great Jeff Bridges couldn't save "R.I.P.D". A movie car pile up, of epic proportions.

0 stars out of 10

Two of society's most famous Formula One drivers go head to head in "Rush"; the new biopic directed by Ron Howard ("Apollo 13").

"Rush" (15)

Director: Ron Howard

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde, Natalie Dormer and Alexandra Maria Lara.

Running time: 123 minutes.

Rated: 15, for containing strong language, sex and bloody injury detail.

Out now in UK cinemas.

Set during the 1976 Formula One season, "Rush" explores the rivalry between James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) and the respect that they had for one another. 

Back in 2010, the Formula One film was re-born with "Senna", an interesting documentary which looked into the final years of Ayrton Senna's life. Received extraordinarily well by both fans and critics alike, "Senna" was considered to be the (by some people) best film about Formula One in cinema history. 

Three years later, Ron Howard ("The Da Vinci Code") decided to direct a film which would appeal to fans of Formula One and the general film fan. It is definite that he has succeeded. 

The film begins by telling the viewer the interesting stories behind each character. Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) always acting the playboy routine and Lauda (Brühl) being a straight laced man who goes to bed early and performs well. Entirely different people.


The biopic genre of film is not unfamiliar territory for Ron Howard; as he has directed the powerful political drama "Frost/Nixon" which was a return to his biopic films.

Both actors play their roles extremely well. Chris Hemsworth performs to a degree which we have never seen him before, adapting the playboy persona like a duck to water. However, it is Daniel Brühl who steals the show as Niki Lauda. Olivia Wilde delivers a solid performance as Hunt's wife, Suzy Miller, despite her clearly underwritten part. Alexandra Maria Lara portrays Lauda's wife in a larger role than Wilde's which gives her character time to flourish. 

The racing sequences are shot brilliantly. Cameras are placed everywhere on the cars, from gear sticks to the hood; Howard invites the viewer to really take a look into the world of Formula One from a completely different angle.

As the film continues, we are swept along a dark road in which James Hunt takes, whereas Niki Lauda does not; and explores problems with the pair's relationships.

The only problem that I had with "Rush" was that it never explored the undeniable respect which Hunt and Lauda had for each other. In footage of past races, Hunt and Lauda were always close and rarely shared bad words, but here they act like bombs just waiting to explode.

Verdict

Despite a minor blip, "Rush" performs just the way it should. Delivering great acting, fabulous set pieces and exhilarating racing, "Rush" runs ever so smoothly.

9 stars out of 10.

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.

  



                                          

Scott Gentry takes a look at the latest box-office results...

Unfortunately, at the top of the UK box-office is the One Direction film "This Is Us"; lets just hope it's not going to be there much longer. Thankfully, in second place "Elysium" has made £5.39M and summer favorite "Monsters University" is still hanging in the top 10, by grossing over £28M.

Time travel is a particularly funny business... Scott Gentry reviews "About Time" the latest comedic piece from Richard Curtis, director of "Notting Hill".

"About Time" (12A)
Director: Richard Curtis.
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Domhnall Gleeson and Tom Hollander. 
Rated: 12A, for containing infrequent strong language and moderate sex references.
Running Time: 123 minutes.
Out Now in UK cinemas.

Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), is not having any luck with the ladies. On the day of his 21st birthday, Tim's luck finally changes for the better, when his dad (Bill Nighy) explains to Tim that all the men in his family; are able to travel in time. Bewildered, Tim decides to use this new-found gift, in order to find the girl of his dreams. 

Having directed his third feature film (including "About Time"), Richard Curtis has established himself as the perfect man to write a romantic comedy. From bumbling men (Hugh Grant) to a wickedly funny priest (Rowan Atkinson),Curtis is never unable to create iconic characters. 

His last effort, "The Boat That Rocked", was shallow to say the least. It seemed as though Curtis had started with a great idea, cast and soundtrack, but lost something along the way. The script perhaps?

Anyway, "About Time" is by no means a disappointment;  it really is a warm welcome back to the genre Curtis has helped to perfect. 

Out of all the romantic comedies available, "About Time" is the one that I would gladly watch again. There have been so many terrible comedies lately, its hard to find one which is adequate for viewing. But, "About Time" is near perfect.

The performances from the whole cast are fantastic, with a particularly funny, yet sarcastic character named Harry (Tom Hollander). Domhnall Gleeson is terrific and proves he is one of best young actors on our screens today. Rachel McAdams acts well but doesn't seem to bring much flair to her character.

The film also explores the time travel genre with fun and quirky quips, but also poses questions to the audience which prove to be interesting. It goes without saying, that Curtis can almost definitely write a good script when given time to mature, and that he has done.

Verdict

"About Time" is a joy to behold, teaching but never preaching, the film delivers a decent message about enjoying life to the full; cleansed in clean jokes and interesting characters. Don't miss it, unless you can travel back in time!

7 stars out of 10.

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.

Body-building, girls and pornography, Joseph Gordon Levitt's directorial début isn't exactly family friendly... Scott Gentry takes a small look back, at the young director's past.

"Don Jon" (18)
Directed by: Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlet Johanssen and Julianne Moore.
Rated: 18, for containing strong sex and sex references.
Released (in the UK) November 2013.

Formerly known as "Don Jon's Addiction", "Don Jon" stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a womaniser, who receives a new perspective on life when he becomes entangled in a romance with Barbara Sugarman (Scarlet Johanssen) and through his meetings with Esther (Julianne Moore).

Joseph began his acting career in the famed "Dark Shadows" TV series about a dysfunctional family, led by a vampire. After the series he began picking up small parts on major US TV shows.                                                                                                                                                                           

In the past eight years, Joseph Gordon-Levitt has risen amongst the masses and established himself as a confident and talented young actor, who isn't afraid to push his limits.First noticed in Rian Johnson's "Brick" (2005), Joseph quickly began taking larger roles alongside some of cinema's greatest stars. 

Joseph arrived at the idea of "Don Jon" in 2008, and began writing notes with the help of long time collaborator, Rian Johnson. Production on the film first began in May 2012, with Joseph both starring and directing, despite the caution he received from Christopher Nolan. 

However, Joseph believes that his inspiration and talent for making his film and other short films derives from "HitRecord"; a production company that make short films.

"Don Jon" has opened to positive reviews in America and is expected to open in UK cinemas from the 11th of November, 2013.

Thinking Holiday

Hello, everyone!

It's me, Jon. Yeah, you may have noticed that I've not done anything...remotely productive in the last few weeks. Well, I've been on a thinking holiday, which basically means I haven't done anything for six weeks. Ho hum. I had a lovely time on The Island of Doctor Moreau; it's quite pleasant once you get used to the blood.

Anyway, I'm not just making a post about myself. I'm actually saying that we're doing a new feature here at Utopia Reviews! I know, exciting! We're going to be reviewing TV shows, and I'm very excited to get started. I'm going to review "Chickens" first, a brilliant new comedy from Simon Bird on Sky 1 now. Then I might do A Young Doctor's Notebook, which has been around for a few months but I really like it and I want more people to watch it. I'm also looking forward to "Bates Motel", "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D", "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" (let's hope they live up to the comic this time) and "Penny Dreadfuls". It sure is an exciting time for TV, that's for sure.

Toodle Pip!

-Jon

Coming-of-age tales don't get much better than this! Scott Gentry reviews "The Way Way Back" starring Sam Rockwell and Steve Carell.

"The Way Way Back" (12A)

Directors: Nat Faxon and Jim Rash.
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Toni Collette, Liam James, Steve Carell and AnnaSophia Robb. 
Running time: 103 minutes.
Rated: 12A, for containing one use of strong language, moderate sex and drug references.
Out now in UK cinemas.

"The Way Way Back" tells the story of Duncan's (Liam James), emotional and funny summer holiday with his mother, Pam (Toni Collette), her new distasteful boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell), and his daughter Stephanie (Zoe Levin). Finding only hostility in his family, Duncan decides to explore and finds an unlikely friendship in Owen (Sam Rockwell), a happy-go-lucky employee at the local water park. As his friendship with Owen develops, Duncan becomes an employee at the park and begins to discover the true meaning of having fun.

From the writers of "The Descendants", comes a fresh and easy going tale focusing on the hardships of family life bundled into an often emotional drama. 

Coming of age comedies are rare, good ones even rarer. That is why I had a small reserved feeling about the film, just in case it didn't meet my expectations.
Saying that, "The Way Way Back" is almost perfect and lives up to the reviews and news which surround it.

The script is well thought out, having jokes that are sometimes close to the mark, but never pushing the boundaries too far. It's full of quick and fast one-liners that work well for Sam Rockwell's character of Owen.

The film contains some brilliant performances from the whole cast, including a screen-grabbing performance by Toni Collette ("Little Miss Sunshine"), as Duncan's mother, Pam. Sam Rockwell is equally as good, in a role that suits his personality, amazingly well. 

The young leads, Liam James and AnnaSophia Robb act amazingly well (considering their age). They both share a rich chemistry together that works ever so well and feels right for their characters.

Verdict

"The Way Way Back" is a delightful comedy which has everything needed to make a poignant drama and also a well-needed comedy. It's possibly the most original and bittersweet comedy I've seen in a long while and definitely worth watching.

8 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.