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Posts Tagged ‘Bill Nighy’

Arthur Christmas Movies Reviews

Arthur Christmas is one of those animated films that throws too much craziness throughout the adventure and ends with a powerful heartwarming twist. There is an animated film just released this year and last year that is really similar to the storyline of this(Despicable Me and Mars Needs Moms). The plot is too simple but the whole matter goes to the heart and the comedy because it’s a family movie. It works well enough but it could have been better if the adventure is quite interesting and less mediocre. It’s also good as a Christmas movie. It has the true heart of the holiday. Arthur Christmas might be one of the best holiday films I’ve seen this year so far.

Arthur Christmas is a futuristic turn to the life’s work of Santa Claus. It’s a great concept. From sleigh and reindeers to a flying ship. But the whole story belongs to Santa’s son, Arthur. His heart really shines the very small plot and makes it bigger. It’s disappointing in the second act though. It relies to nothing but throwing all the gags they could give. GrandSanta keeps going to the wrong way and do something crazy all around the world. It feels mediocre and extraneous. But it can be pretty fun though. The third act saves most of the film. Bringing back the true heart and spirit of Christmas.

The characters are fun. No wonder, this is Aardman and they always have great character development. The CGI is really solid. It’s not clay animation nor a CGI animation that tries to look like stop motion. It’s just solid. The score keeps the spirits up. The performances were great. James McAvoy makes Arthur a one lovable dork. We loved it. Hugh Laurie and Jim Broadbent are both delightful and Bill Nighy nearly steals the show. He has the best gags. Grandsanta’s loyalty to his generation and his crazy antics. The rest of the cast are also fun.

Saddest thing about Aardman, most of their movies (besides of Chicken Rush and Wallace and Gromit) ends up being forgettable even though they are pretty good and imaginative. And it looks like Arthur Christmas didn’t do well in the box office. Well, I strongly recommend Arthur Christmas this Holiday. It’s a perfect Christmas movie to watch this year. The second act may be crazy and mediocre but the film ends beautifully. Then there, I saw this in 3D, it ends giving me a smile in my face, ran away when the song in the end credits started, and is happy.


Fast Tube by Casper

bucks brannahans other children

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

It should be wise for people to at least watch the first six films in order before watching this one, if they haven’t read the books already.

With this film, we are slowly but surely bidding farewell to one of cinema’s most successful and imaginative franchises. The franchise, like Harry Potter himself, has grown and matured as the years (and films) progress. Part I of the “Deathly Hallows” is ultimately a strong build- up to what will be a triumphant, bittersweet finale for everybody.

I won’t waste time trying to talk about the performances, because they are all great and powerful in their own way. Never mind that many of the cast members are very talented veteran British actors (try getting John Hurt, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes, Brendan Gleeson, David Thewlis, Michael Gambon, Helena Bonham Carter, Imelda Staunton, Jason Isaacs and Bill Nighy in the same film again) – the three young actors who we have come to love and care for following the first film a decade ago, basically carry the franchise on their shoulders, and this film is no exception. Radcliffe looks handsome, Grint looks gruff, and Watson looks gorgeous. They’ve grown into fine young people.

Screenwriter Steve Kloves doesn’t forget to add the mood and gloom to the story as it slowly unfolds, but then again he adds some light humor to the film when it needs it. Bonus points for making this not only a visual spectacle, but also a character-driven ensemble; there’s some complex characterization here. Also there’s some action which aren’t seen on screen, but mentioned by the characters. It’s OK, because it’s necessary for the brisk pacing, and it’s not really that important anyways. Besides, the human mind can imagine these images far more powerfully.

There are many themes in this film. Sacrifice, determination, (obviously) friendship, and above all – acceptance. As the films progressed the films started to gain an increasingly dark momentum – signaling that all hope may be lost. But in the end, will good triumph over evil? Like the film, real life isn’t so sure. Also, the fact that the actors and crew are moving on after a decade of making these films – it’s also another way of acceptance – the films have ended, they’re moving on for the better of their lives/careers. It’s real life, and I wish all these promising young actors brilliant lives and careers ahead of them.

“Hallows: Part I” is many parts thrilling, as there are quite a number of intense action sequences. Many of them, of course, are done with well-rendered visual effects, and in this one they just blend in at a natural level without being too jarring. However, the action sequences are perfectly blended in with the gripping, dramatic moments. They don’t feel heavy handed and it’s beautiful to look at. The animated sequence about the origins of the Deathly Hallows is an absolute masterclass and jaw-droppingly beautiful to both watch and listen. If separated by itself it can win an Oscar for best animated short.

The crew also get their due here. David Yates has gotten a firm grip on the film’s direction since directing the fifth and sixth films years ago. The cinematography is stunning and exquisite, and it gives off a certain moody hue to the film. The editing is also crisp, it’s not choppy when it doesn’t need to be. Alexandre Desplat’s score really makes a difference, it literally puts you into the world with its beautiful, harmonious, and emotional tones.

In short, I would have to say that this film is the best “Harry Potter: film yet in all honesty. I grew up with the series, and as per the actors, it will be an emotional goodbye. But rest assured, the finale will be grand.

One more thing. This interpretation of the novel is the best one yet. The novel is done justice, something not seen since the first three films. It’s something for both the fans and novel-readers alike, as there are some pieces only book readers can discover while watching the film. It’s definitely a huge improvement over “Half-Blood Prince”‘s adaptation, which for me is the worst Potter film.

Harry Potter is a phenomenon. But, like all things, it most come to an end eventually. This is the beginning of the end, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Overall rating: 75/100

deborah lehrman book
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