Thursday 30 October 2014

Ten Horrors (with trailers): List Hero's Halloween

10  /  Let the Right One in  /  2008



9  /  The Strangers  /  2008




8  /  The Shining  /  1980



7  /  The Skin I Live In  /  2012




6  /  Saw  /  2004



5  /  The Exorcist  /  1973



4  /  Pan's Labyrinth  /  2006



3  /  The Wicker Man  /  1973
   


2  /  The Devil's Backbone  /  2001



1  /  Psycho  /  1960





Tuesday 12 August 2014

RIP Robin Williams: List Hero's Top 10

As a tribute to the amazing hairy-armed Robin Williams, who gave laughs to grown-ups and children alike as well as providing some of the most wonderful acting ever seen on screen, here are my ten favourite Robin Williams flicks.

10 / Insomnia  /  2002


In Christopher Nolan's thriller, two Los Angeles homicide detectives (Al Pacino and Hilary Swank) are dispatched to a northern town where the sun doesn't set to investigate the methodical murder of a local teen.  In a rare twist for Williams, he plays the killer.

9  /  Dead Poets Society  /  1989


In this critically-acclaimed, Oscar-nominated affair, Williams plays English teacher John Keating who attempts to inspire his students to a love of poetry and to seize the day.  

8  /  Jack  /  1996


Jack is a fairly forgotten movie nowadays; it seems amazing to think that this was directed by Francis Ford Coppola (director of The GodfatherApocalypse Now).  However, I have to admit that this had me in tears when I first saw it. Due to an unusual aging disorder that has aged him four times faster than a normal human being, Jack (Robin Williams) enters the fifth grade for the first time with the appearance of a 40 year old man.

7  /  Mrs Doubtfire  /  1993


A childhood classic!  After a bitter divorce, an actor - played by Williams - disguises himself as a female housekeeper, Mrs Doubtfire, in order to spend time with his children held in custody by his former wife.

6  /  Awakenings  /  1990


Here Williams plays Dr Malcolm Sayer, who is treating the victims of an encephalitis epidemic many years ago that have been catatonic ever since.  However, now a new drug offers the prospect of reviving them.  The film features stunning performances from both Williams and Robert De Niro.

5  /  Hook  /  1991


Another childhood classic!  When Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan (Robin Williams) must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.

4  /  Good Will Hunting  /  1997


Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a janitor at M.I.T., has a gift for mathematics, but needs help from a psychologist (Williams) to find direction in his life.  This Oscar-nominated movie was written by Damon and Ben Affleck, directed by Gus Van Sant.

3  /  Jumanji  /  1995


Yet another childhood classic!  When two kids find and play a magical board game, they release a man, Alan Parrish (Williams), trapped for decades in it and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game.

2  /  Aladdin  /  1992


In this Disney classic, Williams goes into a league of his own with his voice-over work as the Genie.

1  /  One Hour Photo  /  2002


In my favourite Robin Williams movie, he plays the creepy employee of a one-hour photo lab who becomes obsessed with a young suburban family.  Superb stuff.

Thursday 1 May 2014

Foreign Film Apocalypse: Who Would You Save?

The aliens have arrived!  They've decided that they want all of our foreign language films (they can't bare English) and we're never allowed to see them again!  However, these aliens aren't so harsh; they've said, in their own alien language, that we can keep the cinema of four countries.  

So, which countries' cinematic history would you save?

Here are my picks...

#1  France
While French cuisine doesn't entice me and I'm not over-enamoured by vin français, I have happily feasted on French cinema over the last 10 years.  Whether its the likability of great actors such as Gerard Depardieu or Daniel Autueil, the beauty of stars like Marion Cotillard (above, as Edith Piaf in Le Vie En Rose), Audrey Tautou and Juliette Binoche, the quirkiness of a Jean-Pierre Jeunet flick, or the pure grittiness of movies such as La Haine or A Prophet... there are so many great movies from over the Channel that the French would certainly be top of my list.  The French also had a recent win at the Oscars with Best Foreign Language Film being awarded to 2012's Amour.

To see my Top Ten French Movies, CLICK HERE.

#2  Spain
Spain has supplied some of my favourite movies, including those made by Mexican director, Guillermo Del Toro, such as Pan's Labyrinth and The Devil's Backbone.  Similarly, Spain's most famous director is probably Pedro Almodovar, who was responsible for the amazingly dark The Skin I Live In (above), and his film All About My Mother was 1999's Best Foreign Language Film according to the Academy Awards.  The last Spanish movie to pick up the aforementioned gong was The Sea Inside, which starred Javier Bardem, who (along with Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz) has gone on to great success in Hollywood.

#3  Argentina
In my experience, the Argentines are consistently good film makers.  Check out The Motorcycle Diaries, Bombon El Perro (above) or The Secret in Their Eyes, which won 2009's Academy Award for Best Foreign Lanaguage Film, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

#4  Denmark
If you like your movies with a kiss of darkness, which I do, Denmark appears to be the place to find it.  Check out Festen (above) or The Hunt, which was nominated for 2013's Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, and you'll see what I mean. 


Tuesday 29 April 2014

BFG (Big Film Go-Ahead)

Steven Spielberg has confirmed that he is going to direct the imminent adaptation of Roald Dahl's The BFG, which is fantastic news... or is it?


Many may be overjoyed that a book, with such popularity among children (and adults alike), is in capable cinematic hands.  This will be the classic book's second adaption; the first being an animated version in 1989, and, while some may be pleased about Spielberg's involvement, it actually seems almost as long since the director of E.T. had that special, golden touch.  You are obviously entitled to argue that I am in no place to sit here and criticise an outstanding director such as Steven Spielberg.  However, let's take a look at five of Spielberg's latest movies as a director.

Lincoln  (2012).  Maybe it's because I'm not American but the movie's grey tone and slow dialogue bored me to an early night.

War Horse  (2011).  An adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's book that should have made me cry but somehow Mr Spielberg failed to pull the emotional heartstrings.
The Adverntures of Tintin  (2011).  Great animation and a superb vocal cast failed to engage me with this adaption of Hergé's comics.  Quite frankly, the plot baffled me; there were chases but I'm not entirely sure what they were chasing. 

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).  A pointless addition to the Indiana Jones series that was extremely disappointing, especially when you consider that it took almost 20 years to conceptualise.  

War of the Worlds (2005).  A terrible adaptation of HG Wells' classic novel; a flawed script and disappointing aliens.

While this selection of Spielberg flicks may have been both commercially successful and picked up awards, they do not inspire huge confidence in me that his 2016 adaptation of The BFG will be anything other than a cash cow.  The BFG deserves love and care and I hope that Mr Dahl's magical tale may prove to be the catalyst that inspires Mr Spielberg to return to the once untouchable director of ET or Jaws.

Thus, not wanting to appear utterly pessimistic, here's are The List Hero's Favourite Steven Spielberg Movies.


Sunday 13 April 2014

List Hero's TV Highlights of 2014 - January to March

#1  Line of Duty
BBC2
12th February - 19th March


The last couple of months have seen a number of British police dramas from both the BBC and ITV running alongside each other.  Line of Duty, which explores the corruption with the police force, quite simply puts the others to shame.  Slick production, top quality acting - from a cast featuring the outstanding Keeley Hawes, Martin Compston, Vicky McClure (above), Mark Bonnar and Adrian Dunbar - as well as a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, means that Line of Duty has been head and shoulders above its competitors.  

#2  The Widower
ITV1
17th March - 31st March


An excellent three-part ITV drama that told the true story of Malcolm Webster, who murdered his first wife in Scotland in 1994 and then attempted to murder his second wife in New Zealand.  Both cases involved staged car crashes and were carried out for the life insurance money.  The show starred Reece Shearsmith, whose amazing performance must surely have staked an early claim for a BAFTA.
#3  Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle
BBC2
4th March - 5th April


Now in its third glorious series, comedian Stewart Lee smugly delivers half-an-hour of stand-up each week. There is little middle ground where Lee's concerned; marmite-esque, you either love him or hate him.  Like the first two series of Comedy Vehicle, this one blends chunks of low-lit stand-up with psychotherapy sessions supplied by always irreverent Chris Morris, who pre-empts Lee’s haters and giving an audibly sneering voice to their loathing in improvised "therapy" sequences.  In this series, Lee tackles issues such as satire, “the UKIPs”, and whether or not it is possible to have a context-free word.

#4  True Detective
Sky Atlantic
22nd February - 12th April


With the dream acting combination of Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson added to a fascinating murder mystery in the eerie setting of Louisiana's bayou region, True Detective has not been your average cop drama.  While the show may have been a little slow to get going and the finale wasn't quite as satisfactory as expected, True Detective certainly had some highlights through it's strange production and off-centre acting from McConaughey.

#5  Inside No.9
BBC2
5th February - 12th March


Six thirty-minute, independent playlets written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith from the League of Gentlemen.  What more could you want?  Dark humour, humorous horror and some wonderful writing could be seen throughout the series.  The highlight of the series would have to be the third episode, named Tom & Gerri, which, in my opinion, is a televisual masterpiece.

Saturday 12 April 2014

The List Hero Loves... Steven Spielberg

Choosing six Steven Spielberg films was always going to be a difficult task as there are so many great ones.  Many may disagree with my choices and there are some huge films missing.  However, to me, these are the most special.  
Note:  This list is purely for movies directed by Steven Spielberg.

Jaws  (1975)

E.T.  The Extra Terrestrial  (1982)

Hook  (1991)

Jurassic Park  (1993)

Saving Private Ryan  (1998)

Catch Me If You Can  (2002)

Valhalla Rising (2009) - The List Hero Review

Just watched Valhalla Rising on the basis that:
a)  It was in Empire Magazine's Top 20 films of 2010.
b)  It stars Mads Mikkelsen from The Hunt (which I loved).
c)  It's about Vikings... and I (secretly) really like Vikings.

The movie is set in the year 1000 AD (take note: that's 1000 years after the supposed birth of Jesus) and focuses on One-Eye, an enslaved warrior with extreme strength who is forced to fight in contests for his master.  After the opening 10 minutes, it became clear that this wasn't going to be one of the most exciting 120 minutes one could spend.  Slow-paced and atmospheric, this is a film with very little dialogue.  Although One-Eye eventually frees himself from his captors, the film still doesn't pick up any speed, although their are a few moments of pure gore to enjoy.


Valhalla Rising may possibly be enjoyed by fans of Terrence Malick for it's beautiful scenic shots and atmospheric sound editing.  History buffs may find it interesting and fans of gore could get a few kicks.  However, those who want quick-paced production and meaty dialogue should look elsewhere.

Rating: 2 out of 5

The List Hero Loves... French Cinema

J'adore le cinéma français and here are dix (10) of mes films préférés.

#10  I've Loved You So Long (2008)
Il y a longtemps que je t'aime
A woman struggles to interact with her family and find her place in society after spending fifteen years in prison.
BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language
Imdb Rating:  7.6

#9  Mesrine:  Killer Instinct (2008)
L'instinct de mort
The story of french gangster Jacques Mesrine, before he was called Public Enemy N°1.
César Awards:  Best Actor (Vincent Cassel) and Best Director (Jean-François Richet)
Imdb Rating:  7.6

#8  Untouchable  (2011)
Intouchables
After he becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident, an aristocrat hires a young man from the projects to be his caretaker.
Satellite Award:  Best Foreign Language Film
Imdb Rating:  8.6

#7  Blue is the Warmest Colour  (2013)
La vie d'Adèle - Chapitres 1 et 2
Adele's life is changed when she meets Emma, a young woman with blue hair, who will allow her to discover desire, to assert herself as a woman and as an adult. In front of others, Adele grows, seeks herself, loses herself and ultimately finds herself through love and loss.
Cannes Film Festival:  Palme d'Or Winner
Imdb Rating:  8.0

#6  The Dinner Game  (1998)
Le dîner de cons
Each week, Pierre and his friends organize what is called as "un dîner de cons". Everyone brings the dumbest guy he could find as a guest.
César Awards:  Best Screenplay 
Imdb Rating:  7.7

#5  La Vie en Rose  (2007)
The life story of singer Edith Piaf.  This was the first time I'd come across the amazing Marion Cotillard, who stars as the protagonist, and I instantly fell in love...
The Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role
The Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture
The César Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role
The BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role
Imdb Rating:  7.7

#4  Amélie  (2001)
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain
Amelie, an innocent and naive girl in Paris, with her own sense of justice, decides to help those around her and along the way, discovers love.
César Awards:   Best Film, Best Director, Best Music and Best Production Design. 
Imdb Rating:  8.5

#3  The Closet  (2001)
Le Placard
A man spreads the rumor of his fake homosexuality with the aid of his neighbor, to prevent his imminent firing at his work.
Shanghai International Film Festival:  Best Actor (Daniel Auteuil)
Imdb Rating:  7.1

#2  A Prophet  (2009)
Un prophète
A young Arab man is sent to a French prison where racial tensions begin.
BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language
Imdb Rating:  7.9

#1  Delicatessen  (1991)
Delicatessen is a weird post-apocalyptic surrealist black comedy about the landlord of an apartment building who occasionally prepares an interesting delicacy for his strange tenants.  I don't expect you to like it... and that's why I love it.
César Awards:   Best Editing, Best Film Work, Best Production Design and Best Writing.
Imdb Rating:  7.8

List Hero Recommends: 14 Foreign Language Films

#1 Delicatessen

1991
French
Directors: Marc Caro & Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Imdb Rating: 7.8


#2 City of God

2002
Brazilian
Directors: Fernando Meirelles & Kátia Lund
Imdb Rating: 8.7


#3 The Skin I Live In

2011
Spanish
Director: Pedro Almodovar
Imdb Rating: 7.6


#4 The Secret in Their Eyes

2009
Argentine
Director: Juan José Campanella
Imdb Rating: 8.3


#5 The Hunt

2012
Danish
Director:  Thomas Vinterberg
Imdb Rating: 8.3


#6 Oldboy

2003
South Korean
Director:  Chan-Wook Park
Imdb Rating: 8.4

#7 Dogtooth

2009
Greek
Director:  Giorgos Lanthimos
Imdb Rating: 7.2


#8 Pan's Labyrinth

2006
Spanish
Director:  Guillermo Del Toro
Imdb Rating: 8.3


#9 A Prophet

2009
French
Director:  Jacques Audiard
Imdb Rating: 7.9


#10 The Lives of Others

2006
German
Director:  Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Imdb Rating: 8.5


#11 The Closet

2001
French
Director:  Francis Veber
Imdb Rating: 7.1


#12 House of Flying Daggers

2004
Chinese
Director:  Yimou Zhang
Imdb Rating: 7.6


#13 Amelie

2001
French
Director:  Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Imdb Rating: 8.5


#14 The Devil's Backbone

2001
Spanish
Director:  Guillermo Del Toro
Imdb Rating: 7.5