Senna (*****) - Spanning his years as a Formula One racing driver from 1984 to his untimely death a decade later, Senna explores the life and work of triple world champion Ayrton Senna, his physical and spiritual achievements on the track, his quest for perfection and the mythical status he has since attained. Even if you have no interest in Formula One racing this is an unforgettable experience. It's about a man who transcends his sport, becomes a beloved icon for his country and an inspiration to people worldwide. Considered the greatest driver who ever lived, his compelling story is told here solely through masterfully edited archival footage. You must see this film.
Jane Eyre (***1/2) - For the umpteenth film/television adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's classic 1847 novel, American filmmaker Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nobre), directing just his second feature, is the man at the helm. Jane Eyre stars Mia Wasikowska (The Kids are All Right) as the title heroine and Michael Fassbender (Hunger) as Edward Rochester. Having completed school, Jane is sent to work as a governess at Thornfield Manor alongside housekeeper Mrs Fairfax (Judi Dench), where she would work as tutor for the daughter of Rochester. Initially Jane is both repelled by his abrupt arrogance and attracted to his swooning charm and intelligence. As Jane grows to desire him, he in-turn develops feelings for her. But a sinister secret from Rochester's past forces her to flee. This is a pretty watchable period piece for people who don't like dramas of that sort. It looks great, and Mia Wasikowska's performance is excellent.
POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold - Director Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) examines the increased proliferation of branding in every aspect of our lives while attempting to persuade big-name brands to sponsor his irreverent expose. In this eye-opening documentary, viewers follow Spurlock as he convinces a variety of high-profile sponsors to let him pitch their products as "The Greatest", while still maintaining complete control over his creative vision - an arrangement that's become increasingly rare in the high-stakes entertainment industry. Been looking forward to this ever since I heard some positive feedback at the SFF. While not particularly enlightening, I have been told, it is a lot of fun.
Green Lantern - In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. When a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds). If you have seen a trailer for this, and you should have considering it has been playing in front of the other Superhero films for months, you will know that this looks, well, shit.
Jane Eyre (***1/2) - For the umpteenth film/television adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's classic 1847 novel, American filmmaker Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nobre), directing just his second feature, is the man at the helm. Jane Eyre stars Mia Wasikowska (The Kids are All Right) as the title heroine and Michael Fassbender (Hunger) as Edward Rochester. Having completed school, Jane is sent to work as a governess at Thornfield Manor alongside housekeeper Mrs Fairfax (Judi Dench), where she would work as tutor for the daughter of Rochester. Initially Jane is both repelled by his abrupt arrogance and attracted to his swooning charm and intelligence. As Jane grows to desire him, he in-turn develops feelings for her. But a sinister secret from Rochester's past forces her to flee. This is a pretty watchable period piece for people who don't like dramas of that sort. It looks great, and Mia Wasikowska's performance is excellent.
POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold - Director Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) examines the increased proliferation of branding in every aspect of our lives while attempting to persuade big-name brands to sponsor his irreverent expose. In this eye-opening documentary, viewers follow Spurlock as he convinces a variety of high-profile sponsors to let him pitch their products as "The Greatest", while still maintaining complete control over his creative vision - an arrangement that's become increasingly rare in the high-stakes entertainment industry. Been looking forward to this ever since I heard some positive feedback at the SFF. While not particularly enlightening, I have been told, it is a lot of fun.
Green Lantern - In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. When a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds). If you have seen a trailer for this, and you should have considering it has been playing in front of the other Superhero films for months, you will know that this looks, well, shit.
Weekly Recommendation: Senna. You won't be disappointed. Jane Eyre is worth a look too. Please don't spend your hard earned money on 3D Green Lantern, make the trip to your local indie cinema and watch a good film.
i too have been looking forward to senna's release. but unlike you i am yet to see it. it sounds and looks and reviews fantastic.
ReplyDeleteleah really wants to see this new jane eyre adaptation. so we shall probably both suffer something this week.
green lantern certainly looks terrible. but reynolds is a guilty pleasure. i cant wait for the pirate copies to make the rounds! :p
Tiff from the blog saw Jane Eyre and loved it.
ReplyDeleteI saw Green Lantern - I didn't think it was all that bad, but it was definitely a wasted opportunity. DC can't seem to translate any of their big properties into decent films. Well, except for Batman.
Jane Eyre is a good film, but I'm not going to see it again. I'm not going to watch Green Lantern. Senna, I will re-watch some time this week, and probably check out POM Wonderful if I get the chance. First things first, that Ape film that has been getting some surprising praise! Thanks for the comments guys!
ReplyDeleteJust reviewed Rise of the Planet of the Apes. It's spoilery though. Let me know when you've watched it I'll be curious as to your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAwesome – I’m seeing SENNA and JANE EYRE on Sunday and can’t wait for either of them. Will probably make the trip to see GREEN LANTERN, but definitely not in 3D. And I can absolutely vouch for POM WONDERFUL; it’s a blast!
ReplyDeleteSenna is finally coming out in the USA! I'll see if I can check it out one of those days :)
ReplyDeleteSenna is one of the best and emotional documentaries that I have seen. I urge you all to see it NOW!!
ReplyDelete@ Robert - I'll check out your review after I have seen it. I am looking forward to the film. The praise has piqued my interest.
ReplyDelete@ Tom - I really hope you like Senna. Patrons were very impressed today. A couple of old ladies grabbed my arm after I recommended it to them and said it was 'wonderful'. As for POM, I'm looking forward to it :-)
@ Castor - Excellent news. Look forward to hearing your thoughts!
@ Custard - YES! Thank you! I have been promoting it actively at work, and following the two screenings of it I worked today, the feedback was unanimously positive!