Tuesday, November 24, 2009

(film review) - Harry Brown



First and foremost, I understand that people do perceive this film as an old mercenary taking out guys/youths on his council estate as the police are too what-less to do anything. I am under this impression because I have heard some views of what "they" have said about the film and to what they have shown on the TV. Well, I will clear this up for you.

Harry Brown is a good film. In fact, very good. It stars Michael Caine as Harry Brown an old pensioner who looses his wife and then looses a dear friend to the streets of a Council Estate in South London where the youths are unruly and dangerous. I like to call them ASBOs. After the Police were confronted on numerous occasions about the ASBO youths but with no avail, Harry goes on a rampage by taking the law into his own hands and declares himself as the Council Estate Street Sweeper.

There are some disturbing parts in this film that attack your mind in two different ways. The first way is, this is a thriller, expect some disturbing scenes. Second, not only is this a thriller, the events in this film are actually that believable that it is actually disturbing to think that your next door neighbour is a crack/cocaine fiend and is shooting up or people are being killed on your council estate. And in fact, this is very much true to life. Some truths can be unbearable, so walking out might be an option. However, if you stay, you will see some of the best acting I've seen from a young guy portraying a young guy.

Ben Drew aka Plan B (Rapper) who plays Noel, a street smart youth, heavily into the running of crime on the estate and also known by the coppers is the star of the show. For me, his acting was flawless and real. When you watch British films these days such as Lock Stock and Snatch, you don't get the same kind of realistic acting in these films compared to Harry Brown and Kidult/Adulthood.

To wrap this up, if you have not seen this film, I think you ought to get down to the Cinema ASAP and watch it. I don't see why you would say it is not a good film at all. The acting from both Michael Caine, Ben Drew & Emily Mortimer are good and the storyline and pacing is good as well. If anything, this film is a good I opener and a good representation of what a Council Estate in London is really like.

Go watch the film. I recommend. out in the Cinema NOW!!!
Trailer:

Thursday, November 19, 2009

(film review) - Law Abiding Citizen


If you have seen Harry Brown, in which I might add, is almost identical to this film and is very good, then you know what to expect.

What makes it identical is the reasons and motivations as to why the lead characters take the law into their own hands.

Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) is an Engineer who lives with his wife and daughter. His House gets broken into and while he tries to fend for himself and his family, he is gagged and tied up to watch his family perish before his eyes.
When the trial goes to court, he is taught that one of the murderers would not be convicted due to a problem with the forensics.
Angry, bitter, disgusted and emotionally torn up, Clyde Shelton takes the law into his own hands when he orchestrates the "vengeful" killings of both individuals responsible for his wife and child's death and anyone else remotely close to the case.

This film is a very good watch and not even 2 minutes into the film, the action starts straight away. The pace is consistent and although you may feel you know what is going on, the twists and suspense in this film keeps you at the edge of your seat.
There are a few moments and scenes in this thriller that were surprising, such as the twists in the plot, but seeing how some people were dying in this film made you think of a very angry MacGuyver.
Gerard Butler's acting was excellent and to see him come from 300 to Gamer to now this, he is only choosing his roles very well and acting very well as well.
Jamie Foxx wasn't that bad in this film either. I have seen him in better roles such as Soloist (If you haven't seen it, go and see it), but these are different films.

Starring: Jamie Foxx (Soloist and Ray) and Gerard Butler (Gamer and 300)

Dispite the fact that the reviews don't seem to be great for this film, in which I have read, this is a watchable and decent film. Out this Friday.

I recommend this film indeed. A very good watch!
Trailer: