chaz_burgess

As a media student and avid follower of film, I have always believed every so often some of the more disturbing ones need to be seen by everyone to remind them of their humanity and put things into perspective.

I have just returned from watching 'The boy in the striped pyjamas' and I wont give away too much only to say that it was most likely the most upsetting and disturbing film I have ever seen and that is truly saying something. Some of the things I have seen would horrify my mother. Still, go and see it.

I wont give away too much of the plot here but I was left sobbing and shaking and actually couldn't get up at the end.

David Thewlis has always inspired me as an actor; he seems to choose roles that don't always appear to suit him at first. This one, a Nazi commander, must have been immensely difficult to produce but he manages it. The way he is so brutally cold- there is truly nothing behind his eyes. Even with his children it is hard to see the fatherly love. He is, just as his wife says, a monster. In the end I fought hard to see any good in him. This is the let down at the end- even in the face of such tragedy he acts more shocked than horrified, not quite the way a parent would react.

His wife on the other hand (played wonderfully by Vera Farmiga) is constantly believable eventually going mad at the thought of her husbands barbarity and the way in which it is warping the minds of their two children.

The camera work could have been put to better use- this was a wasted chance for some exploratory shots. There is use of shake and zoom to give us a feeling of connection with the characters (especially with young Schmuel) but why not low angle to show a loss of power? Same goes for the sets. Here was a chance to be very dark and daring with buildings (the most striking of which is the 'Nazi' house which reeks of evil in civil clothing) but the stairs to the chamber just weren't symbolic enough for me of the terror awaiting within.

You want confusing characters? Kotler is your chap. Reduced from power crazed mad Nazi terrorist to weak and pathetic in less than a scene and then back again. I was utterly terrified by him; there were times when my hand raised to my mouth after his mouth opened to speak.

All in all, considering the BBC had so much to do with it, I left wondering how on earth this only got a 12 certificate. If I was a parent I don't think I would be sleeping tonight. Scratch that- even knowing I'm not a parent I may not sleep anyway.

I have heard people complain about how the film cuts from the book, but this time it is a bit more obvious. However, for nearly 3 hours it obviously has to cut some of it. The bit that makes this film a let down is the death of Sirius Black. It was short and very very poorly done. Even an interesting bit of editing (slow motion reaction kinda thing) didn't save the audience from disappointment. HELLO THIS MAN WAS THE ONLY PERSON HARRY HAD LEFT WHO WAS LINKED TO HIS LOST PAST. Ten seconds of screen time doesn't not do this tragic turn of events justice. For those who complain about the adult nature of this film, it is not the kiss that is the problem, as this is quite tame really- but it is so much darker than many of the others. Remember- this is NOT a children's story anymore. This is more a adult/teen thing now. It may not be suitable for any respectable parent to take a child less than ten along to see it. Special effects- nothing notable really. Shots- beautifully done. Cuts from the book- far too many. However, YOU WILL STILL LOVE IT!!!!

Technically this isn't a movie, its more like propaganda and I think really its only for people who can stand the guy. But some of the art work in this movie makes it unique and special. Combinations of stop animation, cartoon, live performance and special effects is simply the stunner of this movie. Watch it with an open mind and you might see things that really are spectacular. If you go in with a prejudgement, you will miss out on the meaning behind it. Michael isn't a bad actor- he gets his point across and you may find him transfixing at times while he is dancing especially. The young kids are a little on the cheesy side though. The cameos are used well here, Joe Pesci as a drugs baron serves as a reminder of the evil in the world that effects children, so really its just a political message. Enjoy!

This is costume drama at its unique best. Definitely displaying Tennants best work, Casanova is a hugely entertaining romp with plenty of action both in and out of the bedroom, along with lots of humour and heartbreaking romance. I admit I was devastated by the ending (you'll have to watch to see what I mean) The costumes and sets are wickedly done, the acting is first rate. There are moments people will find disturbing and scenes you wouldn't watch with your granny, but its still just in good fun. You are guaranteed to fall head over heels for Tennants Casanova who's character literally sweeps you off your feet within the first ten seconds of watching with his wit and charm. This is a great recommendation for romance lovers anywhere, but some moments in it are a little bit laddy!!!

No don't worry this film isn't entirely about Joaquin having blue hair, but it does it for the girls, as does his role as a naughty undergroundy porno guy type, but also a disturbing thriller uncovering a quiet secret world of the 'snuff'. Fairly perverted and at times sick, this will satisfy those with unusual film appitites and Schu' doesn't let you down in the directorial department delivering some beautiful filmaking. Fans of Cage's previous work will find he is on full form as the 'good guy' but will pity his poor wife and baby, anybody who wants to see the bad side of Joaquin will sink their teeth in deep. Be warned- this ain't no run of the mill Cage thriller, get ready for something interesting...

What an absolutely marvellous movie! Packed with the truth about Johnny as only his son can tell it, with some awesome performances (but they could have done a lot better for Elvis) Phoenix and Reece demonstrate amazing singing talent, making the soundtrack worth the cash even if you haven't heard Johnny's original versions!!! I really felt Johnny's love for June from the very start and felt a surge of relief for him when it all finally came together. Admittedly you will want them to get together so much that at times this film will feel like it is dragging, but still you will enjoy this film then leave the cinema singing out loud!

WOWC is actually among the darkest tales I have ever seen that is intended for children. The story itself takes us through a typical Victorian era, the class system and the at times, incorrect politics. Bonnie is a classy young lady, even if it times she appears to be a boy in a nice frock. Viewers will love her pushed friendship with cousin Sylvia, and even more her relationship with Richard O'Briens James. But at times this film is a little too mature for children. The theory that a greedy woman simply comes along posing as a governess to look after some children and they end up starving in a work house will scare parents senseless, but the disturbing death of little Joey and even evil Rupert can be hard to watch. What sets this apart from a lot of children's films is its use of duel baddies. Not only are the children escaping Slighcarp, but also a pack of hungry and menacing wolves. Not to be missed!

This film is truly remarkable. Fabulous clean edits, good use of colour, a brighter and more cheerful look than the last, but a dark story all the same. It deserves its 12a rating, as there are some scenes that even I found disturbing. Fiennes Voldemort is truly terrifying, but harder still it is to see Cedric Diggory die. Moving most of all is the scene in which Harrys parents come back to him in a beautiful vision, the moment at which my eyes watered! This film has everything- romance (cho was very well cast and Likable), edge of your seat thrills (the maze) and heart wrenching sadness. All the actors have come of age, including character Harmione who has stopped whining (appears that in this film, thats Rons job). JK will be delighted to see the book so well framed, but a word of warning to fans of the literary Potter- there's no Hogsmeade and very little Sirius... for he is star of the next movie. This installment of the saga will go down as the greatest, mark my words. Simply beautiful.

Golsworthy himself would be proud if he saw this reproduction of his work. The Forsyte Saga admittedly has a lot to live up to considering the popularity of its predessessor, the 60's series. The cast is truly outstanding to say the least, with Rupert Graves and Gina McKee truly engaging the audience with the plight of their characters and Ioan Gruffudd convincingly portraying a work-a-holic architect whos visions captivate his employers. What will shock most of all is how quickly you learn to care for the characters. I found myself worrying for Irene at every negative turn, but still I pitied the twisted Soames Forsyte despite his evil coldness. The soundtrack will stick with you, be warned. You will love this if you enjoyed Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Tom Jones or Moll Flanders. You wont like this if you cant stand waiting for the next installment, as it does come in long episodes and two series.

Pixar fan? You will love this. It makes Toy Story look amateur. The Incredibles sees Pixar step it up a gear with even more complex shapes and textures (which left me in awe of computer aided design) and the story is just great fun. Holly Hunter is so convincing as the worrying mum and the baby is actually quite adorable! I was left in stitches at times in this movie. It has all the humour of Finding Nemo and A Bugs Life yet it still leaves you hovering on the edge of your seat with anticipation. I especially found the character Edna hilarious- all the characters fit their stereotypes so well and yet they add to them too. But beware Disney fans. This partnership with Pixar looks to be making classic Disney animation a thing of the past and I for one miss those days- Beauty and the Beast was just as much fun for me. The 3D may be exciting and fascinating, but it leaves you wondering if Disney is dying on us.

As a true Potter addict, this is by far my favourite of the three. But don't expect any nice sugariness as we saw in the first two. With Columbus gone, we are left with the darker effects of Mr Caurons direction, which makes for a more grown up and serious Harry Potter. Viewers will note that the pictures might seem a bit cold and blue and that some of the original set has been moved around, just some little touches added by Cauron. Gone are the cheesy lines from the first books such as Harmiones obsession with Harry's broken glasses. The young actors seem far more at ease with themselves in the skin of their characters, showing greater maturity and understanding. You will also notice the humour that comes under the hand of Cauron. The new soundtrack, again by master of film scores John Williams, is very different from the often repetitive music from the first two films in the series, not as catchy but more devisive. Fans of the book will not be disappointed with this reproduction, but be warned that some scenes are a little disturbing, even for some sensitive adults, and not all children will be impressed. If you are lucky enough to have your hands on the DVD, don't forget to check out the extras disc for some truly entertaining moments with the Shrunken Head, engaging interviews and fun games.

Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg are made for each other. Their last pairing on 'Minority Report' was a match made in heaven, a gripping and engaging film. This is no different. Tom is pushed into the shadows by the truly talented Dakota Fanning (Hide and Seek)and he never quite convinces us that hes a careless layabout. Spielbergs directing is a sensation, with plenty of choppy editing and explosive special effects, but at many times the plot line is lacking and you are left feeling you might have missed something. The soundtrack isn't anywhere near as gripping as the original, but the narration, by none other than Morgan Freeman, pulls you right into the action. For those who haven't read thebook, the ending is a revelation leaving you in awe that something so simple can have sure dire consequences, and you will laugh that it had such a massive impact. Overall, the CGI is spectacular, the acting is only average, the plot is a little gappy, but this is a film for any action addict.

Most of us look at Lucus film as producing Star Wars, but many would overlook this little gem, Labyrinth, superb in its plot and set design, ahead of its time and exciting for both children and adults. It has also become a bit of a cult classic and set Connelly up for her modern day fame. Admittedly as a child I was scared to death of this film due to the creepiness of certain parts! If you have chance, watch the 'making of' documentary which is actually quite fascinating. Muppet fans will love the characters, Bowie fans will be pleasantly surprised at David as Jareth the Goblin King and the soundtrack is a little chunk of 80's fun.

Fantastic Four follows very closely in the footsteps of the previous modern comic book remakes- the recent Batman Begins and Spiderman. The CGI is great with some rather awesome explosions and dramatic occurrences. What lets it down is the rush of it. By the end one feels like the story has been pushed too fast to meet with the time is it alloted. The decisions the characters face seem too quickly resolved to be real and the baddies demise is too stereotypical and speedy. The ending is just wayyyy too predictable, opening it to that sequel most people can see coming. See it if you like comic book remakes. Don't see it if you are expecting something new.