The Book Thief - Film Review

One of the books that I am constantly telling people to read is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I received this book as a gift a number of years ago and I fell in love with the story and the characters. I was happy and worried when I found out that they were working on a movie based on the book. I was happy because more people would be able to experience this story and hopefully go out and read the book, I was worried because I didn't want to lose the magic of the book - mostly the clever use of the narrator. 

The story of The Book Thief is of Liesel Meminger, a girl who is sent to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann because her parents were communists. With the Hubermanns, Liesel is taught to read and she begins stealing books. At the same time the family repays a debt by hiding a young Jewish man in their basement. The story is a wonderful coming of age story during a time of fear and anger. 

The film makers included the use of a narrator which kept that aspect of the book in tact. It wasn't over used which I think was wise. It was also only used to transition through time jumps and to open and close the movie. 

What the film did really well was bringing the house and streets of Germany to life. It made the world I had imagined when I was reading more real. It brought the world of war time Germany to a different perspective. One that could be experienced and seen through the eyes of a child. 

The greatest strength of the film was the acting. Geoffrey Rush as Hans Hubermann was a brilliant casting choice. He had the warmth of the character and was able to demonstrate the strength of the man who could see what was wrong with the Nazi party and be willing to hide a Jew. The two other fantastic actors were the two children who played Liesel and Rudy. Nico Liersch as Rudy was perfectly cast. He looked identical to what I had pictured in my head. He was the exuberant boy who was in love with his neighbour and he was also able to capture the innocence of a boy who is not entirely aware of what was happening. 

Sophie Nelisse was the perfect choice for Liesel. As a new young actress she came to the role with a great passion. With just the look in her eyes she was able to show fear or joy. I thought that she was able to hold up the whole film. As she is nearly in every scene she never wavers and I think that she has the potential to be an amazing actress as she grows.

Overall the film did not disappoint. It didn't match the book in how good it was, but it was able to tell the story of Liesel Meminger without dropping too much from the book.

3/5 stars.

Ps. Make sure you bring tissues as this is a tearjerker.

Film Review: Iron Man 3

So I haven’t blogged in a while, but nothing much happened in April. So I give to you another Movie Review, this time for Iron Man 3.

As those of you who read my Avengers review know I love Marvel movies (though not such a big fan of Captain America as compared to the others.) When I found that Iron Man 3 would be released here now in April I was excited to go. This is the first of the Iron Man films that I have seen in theatres and I wasn’t at all disappointed, in fact it might be my favourite of the trilogy.

Beware Spoilers Ahead!!!!

The film starts of differently from the other two, Tony is telling his story – it only makes sense when you see the after credits tag, which I won’t spoil.

Also the opening song is “Blue” by Eifel 65, which I haven’t heard in at least 10 years. It set the tone for the laughs of the film. The opening is also a flashback, which gives the spark for the whole story. I was so intrigued by the story that it was easy to forget that it was a “comic book” movie. The idea of Tony being traumatized by what happened in The Avengers and the terrorist plot was a nice adult theme.

The film was filled with quite a few comedic moments, balancing the drama quite nicely. Although it did seem like at points I was the only one laughing in the theatre, I think this is because some of the jokes when translated into Japanese subtitles don’t have the same impact. My favourite of the comedic moments is Tony’s interaction with the boy who’s garage he breaks in to. Though their funny moments do turn a little dark, it was great to see those moments.

There is also a lot of action. It seems even more action than The Avengers. The action at points had me tense because of the high speeds and the explosions and also the peril some of the characters were put in. My favourite action point was the display of suits that Tony has been working on.

Though the action and comedy were high, there was also a sadness underlying the whole movie. It made it seem more human and more real. A few moments I had tears in my eyes, though if I say when it will give away big plot points. Let’s just say that the reason Tony fights in taken away and you can see his pain.

The acting in the film was also phenomenal. The entire cast does a great job and there isn’t one weak link. Gwenyth Paltrow gives her best performance of Pepper Potts, again showing why Pepper is the perfect partner for Tony. Guy Pierce is great as the scummy business/scientist. Ben Kingsly as Mandarin gives a great performance as the bad guy, proving that he is quite the gifted actor even when not tackling epics like Ghandi or Schindler’s List. But the real star is Robert Downey Jr. He is Tony Stark and I don’t think there is any other actor who could have brought him to life in quite the same way. He plays the comedic moments with excellent timing, but it’s Tony’s darker moments where he really shows how great of an actor he is and how he will be around for years to come.

Though the film was dark and the plot build up intense the part of the ending can be seen to be a little cheesy, but it is easily ignored as Tony continues his story. It creates a nice ending to the trilogy – unlike the cheese-tastic ending that was The Dark Knight Trilogy, because that was a terrible way to end those movies.

It also provides a nice new starting point for Tony Stark in The Avengers films or if they want to make any more Iron Man movies.

Well I thought the movie was great and if you want a nice afternoon out to see a funny and action packed movie go see Iron Man 3.

5/5 Stars

“Do You Hear the People Sing?” – Les Miserables – December 22nd, 2012

I am a huge musical theatre nerd and I am fairly certain that almost everyone who meets me learns this fact. I’ve loved watching musicals since I was a child – I guess it started before that, because I was exposed to it in the womb when my mother went to see The Phantom of the Opera when she was pregnant with me. From that moment I have loved going to the theatre to watch musicals.

When I heard that there was going to be a movie version of Les Miserables I got very excited. This is because Les Miserables is one of my Top 5 favourite musicals. I have seen the stage show twice, watched both anniversary concerts and have lost count of the number of times that I have listened to the Broadway recording.

I was lucky enough to have met the “original” Jean Valjean – Colm Wilkinson – when I was working in Toronto.

As I heard more and more about the movie I grew impatient to see it. I was happy to learn that it was premiering here in Japan on the 21^st of December and I knew that I had to see it before I left for my Christmas vacation (as English movies don’t stay too long in Niihama). So on the 22^nd my friend and I went to see it. This is a little more of a detailed review than that of The Hobbit and that’s because I did like this a little better then The Hobbit.

The film did not disappoint.

It really came to life on the screen. Being dropped into the actual cities and seeing these characters close up really made the story seem closer. With the film I felt that I could become more integrated with the story, rather than sitting apart from it like in the theatre. Also having the use of homes, churches and an actual set allows the world of 19^th century France seem real. (Though I did want at one point want to see some set piece spin, like the stage does.) Even the way the film is shot is wonderfully done; with the close-ups and sweeping crane shots it gives it an epic feeling – which is what this musical deserves. 

As for the acting I was a little wary about some of the casting, but I think that everyone did a very good job.

My favourite performances were by Aaron Tveit (Enjolras), Samantha Barks (Eponine), Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen (The Thenardiers). The first two performers by far are the best singers of the movie and when they were on the screen I couldn’t help but watch for them. Tveit does a wonderful job rallying the young Frenchmen to the cause. Barks breaks my heart as Eponine, her rendition of “On My Own” [which is my favourite song of the show] is one of the best I’ve heard and her death also brought on my first set of tears.

Cohen and Carter bring the laughs to movie. Their scenes could have stolen the show – as the songs and characters lend to that – but they didn’t. That though isn’t anything against the actors but more on the direction of their scenes. It something that I missed in the movie, as the levity is needed at parts. But I still enjoyed every scene they were in.

Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean did an excellent job of showing the strength and fear of the character. His singing is very good and he gives to the songs a different tone, but I still prefer Wilkinson. [Who has a part as the Bishop – which was nice to have him in the movie]. I think it’s because Jackman’s natural singing voice isn’t meant for these songs. Anne Hathaway was great as Fantine, showing this broken down, starving and desperate woman. She wouldn’t have been my first choice for the role in any dream casting but she does nail it and though I am not crazy about her singing her version of “I Dreamed a Dream” was a great moment. Russell Crowe as Javert also surprised me, he was a lot better than I expected. He isn’t the best singer, but he still held his own, what he was good at was the intimidation and hardness of Javert.

As for Eddie Redmayne (Marius) and Amanda Seyfreid (Cosette) I wasn’t to impressed; I think there could have been different casting choices. They were decent, however as opposed to staged versions I didn’t feel any connections to these two actors in these roles.

Though by any means it isn’t a perfect movie it was still amazing. I cried, I laughed and thoroughly enjoyed watching the story unfolding across the screen. I have to go see it if you have the chance!

4.5/5 Stars.

The Hobbit - December 15th

I have been looking forward to seeing the Hobbit since it was announced that they were going to be making the novel into a movie. As some of you know I really loved the Lord of the Rings Trilogy – loved it so much that I saw each of the films a couple times in the theatre, and have watched the extended DVDs more than I can count.

The Hobbit had it’s premiere on the 14^th and I would have gone that night, but I had other plans so I reserved the 15^th to go see the movie. I went with two of my friends – Angelina and Bret – and it was a good way to end the day.

AHEAD ARE MINOR SPOILERS!!!!! IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED DON’T READ!!!!

The movie was action packed, funny and a little scary which is something that the other 3 films had as well.

The movie opened with the set up of the dwarves and the tale of Smaug. Almost like a prologue – which parallels the prologue scene of the first LOTR movie. From there it’s a recall to the first scenes of Hobbiton and The Shire from The Fellowship. Elijah Wood and Ian Holm introduce the movie and it sets it all within the same world. 

This was not the only tie to the LOTR films – there were a few scenes that set up the story that follows the events of The Hobbit. Though these scenes may have be absent from the actual novel it gives the movie more depth and allows the story to be more than just the children’s story that Tolkien wrote.

Having not read the book in over 10 years I was immediately swept up into the story of the dwarves reclaiming their home. All of this brought to life by wonderful filming and even better acting.

Ian McKellan as was - shown in the trilogy – the perfect choice to play Gandalf. This time though he was able to show off a little more of his comedic side, as well Gandalf gets a little more fighting and action, which I really liked to see.

Martin Freeman was perfectly cast as Bilbo. He wonderfully plays the contradictions of the character. He nails Bilbo’s desire to go on an adventure, while still saying “no” and that Baggins’ don’t go out on an adventures. An actor who can play a slacker office worker, a scared space traveller and a modern John Watson captures the spirit of a hobbit. The scene where he is introduced to the dwarves was one of my favourites, as was the riddle competition between Bilbo and Gollum – both of these scenes prove that Martin Freeman is the ideal Bilbo.

Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield was great. I haven’t seen him in anything and didn’t know his skills as an actor. He brings this sadness and strength to Thorin and I was very impressed.

The filming of the movie was just as epic as the trilogy. I didn’t see the film in the 3D 48fps version so I am not sure how that actually changes the visuals, but I was very awed by the way that the movie comes to life on the screen. What was really nice to see is that being set 60 years earlier everything about the sets is more lush and green then what is seen in the trilogy.

I was disappointed in some of the overuse of the CGI – mostly on the orcs and the goblins. What I really liked in the original trilogy was the prosthetics and actors in these roles. It gave these monsters substance and I think made them more terrifying. In The Hobbit all these monsters done on computer and I think it takes away from the movie. It really was too fake and distracting and I think it would have been beneficial to have some of these characters be “real”. However the CGI of Gollum was better. He seems more real and terrifying then he did in the trilogy.

The last thing that made the movie intense was the music. Howard Shore is what brings the whole movie together. From the sweep hopeful music playing over the shire, to the deep chanting and drums of the mines he sets the tone.

Over all I really enjoyed the movie. I’m not sure if it’s as good as trilogy – but I’ll have to wait and see.

4/5 Stars.

ps. next review will be Les Miserables which will becoming out on the 21st. 

A break for the best film of 2012 - The Avengers

As I mentioned in my Batman review post Japan doesn’t always have the same theatrical release dates as Europe and North America. The majority of foreign films come out at a later time.  They are still waiting for The Hunger Games, Prometheus and The Lorax to be released here while two of those 3 films are already out on DVD at home.

The Avengers is one of those films that had a later released date here in Japan. It opened the 17^th of August, just over four months after it was released in North America and a month before it is due out on DVD at home. (I am excited as I already have my copy pre-ordered and my mother will be shipping it to me.)

Me being all excited

I had already seen The Avengers back home in Toronto in May. I went with mom and we both really enjoyed it. I say it was the best film of 2012 so far (because there is still half a year to go, which includes the release of The Hobbit). At home I saw it in 2D, not really being drawn by 3D, not after being disappointed by 3D films. When I found out that the film still hadn’t come out here in Niihama I decided that I would go see it again (for the second time in theatres and the fifth time as a film because I did watch it online a few times) but this time I would watch it in 3D. I went with a few other foreigners who live in Niihama and the surrounding cities. Two of the people I went with had already seen the film as well, but for the three of us it would be the first time in 3D to see this.

Now onto the review, it will be a mix of my initial reaction from May and again seeing it here in Japan.

I thought the film was funny, full of action and it had its dramatic parts to give it something serious to make it a well-rounded film. I do have to say that seeing it in 3D was really cool, I am glad that I had the opportunity to see it that way. However it really didn’t add anything to spectacular to an already amazing movie – well the action scenes were more intense – but I would have been fine never seeing it in 3D.

I had been excited for The Avengers since watching Thor and hearing all about what was to come and especially hearing that Tom Hiddleston would be reprising his role as Loki and playing the villain. I had been on a Marvel comics super hero kick since watching X-Men: First Class last year and it has only grown since watching all the Iron Man movies. The Avengers seemed to cement my enjoyment of Marvel comic’s movies (so much better than DC comics stuff).

The scene of Loki coming to Earth (or Midgard) really sets off the tone for the film. It identifies that he will be a formidable enemy and the action of the scene follows his landing is intense and starts off the story with a bang. In 3D seeing those moments, along with all the actions scenes was just great. It really sets you into the action. As the movie progresses and each character is brought into the story you really see how each character will contribute to the team and how having the Avenger Initiative isn’t the easiest thing to do with all the differing personalities of the heroes. With the team not acting much like a team it takes the death of Agent Phil Coulson (“uhhh his first name is agent”) to really bring the team together and realize that they have to put aside their differences and come together to protect and avenge. What I liked about this coming together is that each character steps into their role without complaint and each plays into their own strengths and other’s strengths. The ending of the film with Thor and Loki returning to Asgard and everyone going off separately, will really make the sequel great to see when they all come back together. I also love that the other ending with Thanos sets up the next villain and leaves room to bring back Loki in the sequel because not only will Thanos be trying to get through the Avengers, but also he needs to find and hurt Loki who didn’t fulfil his promise.

My reaction to Phil Coulson's Death

What I enjoyed besides the acting and the action was the writing and directing. Having Joss Whedon write and direct this was possibly the most brilliant move by Marvel. Joss has proven to be an amazing writer and a genius at combining the action, the scary along side the humour. Also Joss having written for the X-Men and other Marvel comics was the perfect choice as he clearly cares, respects and understands the comic world. He was able to make the dramatic parts have their weight, the action seem as though it was going to burst from the screen and made the comedic moments create a levity that didn’t ever stray into clownishness. The colouring and filming of the movie was also wonderful. It was bright, well coloured and just bordering on seeming unreal, but it never went to far it still felt grounded in a real world.

The thing I knew for sure that wasn’t going to be disappointing was the acting. The previous films proved that the casting departments had done excellent jobs when they were hiring for these roles. Mark Ruffalo was the real unknown, having not been in the previous Hulk film. However he stole the show (for the good guys). He was the right combination of nerdy Bruce Banner that hides the anger and keeps the Hulk at bay. I think that casting him was genius and I think they finally have found the right actor to play that dual role. Chris Evans is Captain America; he has the leadership to pull it off, even when being ignored by Tony Stark. Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner as Black Widow and Hawkeye were brilliant. Having had minor roles in Iron Man 2 (Scarlett) and Thor (Jeremy) they were finally given a chance to show exactly what they are good at, I hope that it translates into a movie for the two of them because I need to know what happened in Budapest! Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill was great. As one of my favourite TV actresses it was great to see her in this role, though I wish it was a little bigger, hopefully the sequel will expand what Cobie will be doing. Samuel L. Jackson – no words needed for this Mo***r F****r!

Also Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark or Tony Stark is Robert Downey Jr. there is literally no one else on the planet who could play that role. It was nice to see him take to that leader role that is missed in the Iron Man movies because it’s just Tony Stark, here we were able to see that Tony can be a leader and Robert played that wonderfully. Greg Clark as Agent Phil Coulson just seems to be a filler character that floats through all the Marvel films as a baby sitter, but that one scene with Loki finally shows that he is more than just a SHIELD agent. His “death” (because he has to come back) was poignant and makes the film so much more than just a popcorn blockbuster. Chris Hemsworth as Thor really shows how much he has grown as an actor and how much Thor has matured from the previous movie. The scenes that he has with Loki show an older brother that is trying to save his younger brother from madness, a brother who was broken hearted at the thought that he would be separated from Loki forever. I think that Chris played the scenes with this hurt and the right amount of anger because he knows that Loki won’t respond to anything else. I can’t wait for Thor 2 to see more of this mature Thor and more with his relationship with Loki.

Now, a little on my favourite character from the movie, Loki. 

Tom Hiddleston really is the reason that Loki has quickly become the most loved character in The Avengers universe. He brings this heartache, this rage, madness and a broken edge to Loki, making the character more than just the “bad guy”. He makes Loki have depth and reasoning behind his actions. It was demonstrated in Thor that Loki believes that he is nothing more than a monster and from that hatred of himself you can see why he wants to rule. He just wants to be known for more than being a stolen relic, he wants to prove that he can be a king and I think he just wants someone to tell him that he is loved and special. All of this I think comes because of the performance that Tom gives. He makes you sympathize with the outcast Loki, he makes you really want to join his team because you can see in his eyes that he isn’t doing this out of some desire just for power. It’s all of this that makes Loki my favourite character in the film both to watch and story wise. It’s a good thing that Marvel/Disney have signed Tom Hiddleston for a 5-movie contract so after the sequel to Thor he will still be obligated for 2 more movies!

Tom being Loki

That is my review of The Avengers. The best movie I have seen (so far) in 2012. It’s a movie that I think everyone should take the opportunity to see. If you want to read my other 2 film reviews here are the links.

Shame - Shame at TIFF 2011

The Dark Knight Rises - The Dark Knight Rises