Chronicle- Film Review

I really enjoyed watching Chronicle. The film follows three high school boys who suddenly acquire telekinetic powers and the mischief they get up to. The chemistry between the leads really works and allows for some sweet/funny moments. Don't expect the special effects to be on a par with X-Men:First Class but in many ways they are better. The simple, rough around the edges approach brings the action closer to home. I almost felt like I could move stuff with my mind too (haha).

The darker second half of the film isn't as strong but it provides a brilliant scene with a spider (no spoilers).

It's not all good though I hated the found footage angle they took. It's been done by films like The Blair Witch project, Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity but it didn't always work here. Some moments felt forced and the opening scene made me feel like throwing up-that's how shaky the camera was.


The film was directed by Josh Trank who at 28 is youngest director to top the U.K box office. Max Landis, son of director John Landis, is 26 and has already written over fifty screen plays. The strongest aspect of this film was the story and I'm excited to see what he's going to pen next. Chronicle was on the 2008 Black List. If you're a screen writer and you don't know what The Black List is here's the link.

Michael B Jordan quite possibly has one of the cutest smiles in Hollywood (swoons).

BAFTAs

If you weren't one of the five million viewers who tuned into the show on BBC1 you can find out who the winners were here.

I'm slightly disappointed Rise of the Planet Of the Apes didn't walk away with the Special Visual Effects award. Here's why

I knew the stylish kinda action film Drive probably wasn't going to win Best Film. But it deserves something for the opening credits alone (please see below). I love that L.A doesn't look glossy but instead looks dry and flat. Ryan Gosling did really well staying ultra cool while portraying a character with very little dialogue, a shiny scorpion bomber jacket, toothpick and a smile. It's Miami Vice for hipsters. Only thing I didn't get was why Carey Mulligan was cast in it. Her and Ryan Gosling did have chemistry though so...

Film Shorts

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.

This Oscar nominated short looks great and almost brought a tear to my eye. It was written and directed by William Joyce. Can I have a flying book too please?



Initially I wasn't quite sure what to think of Top Girl, directed by Rebecca Johnson. But I think it's a nice coming of age tale with a good female friendship at its heart.

Thandie Newton Cast In Half Of A Yellow Sun

Recently a petition was set up following the announcement Thandie Newton has been cast in the film Half of a Yellow Sun based on a book written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I wasn't going to comment on the story but changed my mind after reading the commentary so far.

I have noticed the tendency for people who haven't read the book to frame this argument through a light skin/dark skin, mixed race/black lens and I think that's a little too simplistic.

My issue isn't that Thandie isn't Igbo she just doesn't physically resemble either of the main female characters. Olanna is beautiful, soft and curvy (I really hate that word but hey) whereas her twin sister Kainene is enigmatic, tall, slim and hard faced. The sisters physically look very different. It's important to the plot, tells us a lot about their character and the stormy relationship they have with each other. I'm also very alarmed at the online rumours she's set to play both sisters. Unless they are going to use CGI trickery I certainly hope not.

When explaining this to others I was struck by the barrage of comments about "Black people not sticking together" "Why are black women always divisive and angry" from folks who haven't actually read the book.

I feel the same as I did when Anne Hathaway was cast as Emma Morley from One Day based on a book by David Nicholls. Just like Thandie she is a competent actress who was woefully miscast.

Others claim Thandie is right for the role because she is a Hollywood actress who has box office draw. I disagree. The book was very successful and Chiwetel Ejiofor (who has also been cast) is just as Hollywood.

This was also an opportunity to showcase a more suitable black actress in light of the lack of good roles. Instead the mainstream got lazy. I'm not surprised Thandie was cast. It was always going to be her, Zoe Saldana, Paula Patton or maybe even Angelina Jolie (that was a joke). They're the only ones who seem to be getting any work these days.

P.S Read the book and can I just express my shock that The Help is the first main role Viola Davis has had. That is all.