Top Ten - Movie Dystopias

I recently compiled a top ten of movie dystopias for Flick Feast:

Science Fiction movies often paint a pretty grim picture of our future. Some of the very best films in this genre work on this basis and I’d argue that in purely cinematic terms, Dystopia trumps Utopia every time. There’s something inherently interesting about seeing these dark and desolate images which film makers can create. Maybe it’s a desire for us to see the perils that may lie ahead for humans should we not mend our ways. Or maybe it’s just the plain and simple fact that dark nights and pounding rain will always look cooler than green hills and bright sunshine. Whatever it may be, these depressing futurescapes come in many guises, be it post-apocalyptic landscapes with no rule of law, oppressive societies where the government rule with an iron fist or even worlds where humanity itself has fallen slave to greatly advanced technology. As different as the causes of their dreary visions may be, the theme these movies all share is a worryingly bleak outlook for mankind. Here’s a look through some of cinema’s best movie dystopias and what makes them so engrossing.

You can see the full list here:
Flick Feast : Top Ten Movie Dystopias

Movie Reviews : Arthur Christmas

I recently reviewed Aardman Animation's latest offering Arthur Christmas for Lost in the Multiplex:

 It may be a little early for some to enter into the festive spirit but this enjoyable caper courtesy of Aardman Animation is sure to be one of the best Christmas movies of the year. Never overly saccharine and with the schmaltz suitably toned down, it’s a heart-warming story that whilst not quite as funny as one might have hoped, still raises plenty of smiles along the way.

You can read the full review here:

Lost in the Multiplex : Arthur Christmas

Movie Reviews : The Adventures of Tintin - The Secret of the Unicorn.

I recently reviewed the new Tintin movie for the good people at Lost in the Multiplex:

It always made sense that Steven Spielberg, cinematic master of the boy’s own adventure, would take on the challenge of bringing Herge’s much loved comic book character to the big screen. Spielberg has held the rights to produce a movie based on Tintin ever since 1983 and it has been widely reported in the run up to the film’s release that Herge himself said that only Spielberg could ever truly make a Tintin film. The Tintin books are known and loved by millions and there was always going to be some who doubted whether the legendary director would be able to do the books justice.

You can read the full review here:
Lost in the Multiplex : The Adventures of Tintin

Movie Reviews : The Escape Artist

I recently reviewed The Escape Artist for Flick Feast:

This relatively unknown 80’s movie, the directorial debut of renowned cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, starts off with great promise and packs a seemingly intriguing central concept. As the film gets going however, it becomes disappointingly clear that it’s a definite missed opportunity as it delivers flat drama, contains numerous loose ends and most fatefully, it’s just plain dull.

You can read the full review here:

Flick Feast : The Escape Artist

Movie Reviews: The Ides of March

I recently reviewed George Clooney's Ides of March for Lost in the Multiplex:

The Ides of March is an engaging and well balanced political drama written, starring and directed by George Clooney.  To pigeon-hole it as merely a political drama however is perhaps slightly misleading as although it undoubtedly takes place in the high pressure world of professional politics, it is just as much about the lure of power, the corruption of morals and your own personal battle between idealism and the quest for success.

You can read the full review here:

Lost in the Multiplex : The Ides of March

Movie Reviews : Everything Must Go

I recently reviewed Everything Must Go for Flick Feast. Will Ferrell stars in a rare straight role and he's pretty darn good in it.

Will Ferrell stars in this adaptation of Raymond Carver’s short story ‘Why Don’t You Dance?’ and shows he can do intense dramatic acting just as well as he does his usual comedy shtick. In Everything Must Go he plays Nick Halsey, a struggling alcoholic who suffers one disappointment after another on a day that sees him descend into an alcohol fuelled gloom. Debutant Director Dan Rush adapts Carver’s five-page story neatly, never over-complicating a simple but touching movie.

You can read the full review here:
Flick Feast : Everything Must Go