Review: The Grey

Next review is for Liam Neeson's new film "The Grey". Neeson plays a guy who survives a plane crash in Alaska and leads a team of other survivors against a pack of wolves. Most of Liam's movies like "Taken" and "Unknown" have a tendency to not be that great but this I gotta say is his best action film. It's thrilling, exciting, you care about the guys who gotta try and survive from these wolves and it has that beautiful feel of a wilderness adventure flick like "The Edge", if you think about it it is a "The Edge" but with Liam Neeson and wolves. There's one scene in it where they gotta cross from the edge of a cliff to a tree to cross a chasm, which I thought looked fake but the rest of it is a thrilling ride. I give "The Grey";

4/5-Excellent

In Memoriam- Bingham Ray

Today some sad news as the champion of indie filmmaking Bingham Ray sadly died of a stroke at the age of 57 at this years Sundance Film Festival. He was known for his indie hits from his company October Films (which he helmed from 1991), such as "Breaking the Waters", "Secrets and Lies" and "The Apposite". Maybe you guys have heard of those films, or maybe you haven't but the point is I love indie films so I respect this guy for confounding an indie studio which has made these films and a lot more indie studios are now confident that they can make their indie films as good as October Films ones. So to Bingham Ray, very sad the way he went, thanks for showing the world that indie films can be great.

Bingham Ray

(1954-2012)

Top 20 Favourite Movie Fight Scenes:

To celebrate the release of "Haywire", which as I said is filled with amazing fight sequences, I'm very excited and pleased to give you guys my top 20 favourite fight scenes that I've seen in movies and tell you why they are.




1. The Subway Fight from "The Matrix" (1999):
This is by far my favourite fight scene ever in a movie and from my favourite action movie ever. The way this scene is shot up is beautiful and exciting and in my honest opinion this is how you do a final fight scene between the hero and the villain, Agent Smith played here by the great Hugo Weaving. This is the best fight scene ever in a movie I think, the final showdown between Neo and Smith.




2. Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader from "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back" (1980):
Obviously I couldn't not have this the most amazing and iconic fight scene ever in movie history from one of the greatest film sagas of all time, from my favourite sequel of all time and that ends with one of the most shocking lines ever in movie history. May the force be with you for this one.



3. The Skeleton Fight from "Jason and the Argonauts" (1963):
This is just extraordinary and one of the greatest pieces of special effects that has ever been made by the great and legendary maestro Ray Harryhausen. Can you believe it, no computers back then only stop-motion animation and they were able to make the actors fight with these make-beleive and very scary skeletons and just make it look as real as anything, I have no idea how they did this, it's just a beautiful piece of work.



4. The Bride vs The Crazy 88's from "Kill Bill: Volume 1" (2003):
This fight scene is just incredible to watch and so in a way beautifully violent. I'm not really if I'm being honest a huge fan of Quentin Tarantino or the "Kill Bill" films but this scene really just shows how powerful a woman like Uma Thurman can be and the violence in it just... it's like... whatever it's crazy man! And when the music kicks in that brilliant iconic theme music, you know that shit is about to go down. Warning: This scene contains graphic violence and no one under 18 should watch it.



5. Final Fight Scene from "Dragons Forever" (1988):
Now again as I was thinking up this list, I knew I couldn't leave out a movie fight scene from martial arts legend Jackie Chan. I was deciding on which scene I should choose and I decided to go with this one because it really is just crazy and extraordinary to watch, sorry to keep using that word. But I mean the stunts and the way the scene is done is so funny and exciting to watch I mean literally what an Ass-kicker! Nobody does it like Jackie Chan and his stunt team.



6. Jason Bourne vs Desh from "The Bourne Ultimatum" (2007):
Also I knew I had to put in a fight scene from the Jason Bourne films on my list, and out of all the ones to choose I thought this was the best fight scene, the way it builds up you have Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) jumping from house to house through windows and then he crashes though one with glass and fights the bad guy, by using a book in one stage, to choke the dude! This one I thought was the best "Bourne" film and the best fight scene from the trilogy.





7. Kong vs The T-Rexes from "King Kong" (2005):
Obviously the original fight scene from the classic 1939 "King Kong" is one of the greatest fight scenes ever made, but the one here for Peter Jackson's remake was incredible to watch because all though it was a little over the top because he fought three instead of one, the effects that Weta Digital had done I mean no wonder they won an Oscar for this. Also what I loved about this scene is that they are tributes to the original when Kong breaks the T-Rex's jaw and beats his chest in victory, and also I really felt like Kong was a hero and an animal with a big heart protecting Ann Darrow. Sorry by the way that this scene was broken into two parts. And that the middle is missing.



8. The First Night Fight from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000):
This fight scene from Ang Lee's masterpiece "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", when I first saw this as a teenager I was so blown away and it's my favourite fight scene from the whole film.



9. Dom vs Hobbs from "Fast and Furious 5" (2011):
I gotta say when you have two big action stars like Vin Diesel and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson going at it, you can't help but get excited about it. And while I haven't seen "Fast and Furious 5", I saw this scene from the internet and was blown away by how brutal it was.



10. The First Battle from "300" (2006):
I'm such a huge fan of this movie and the first battle scene I thought was stunning as the moment where King Leonidas fight a few Persians on his own was like a beautiful ballet dance but violent at the same time. And forgive for saying but I've got to when I say; "THESE ARE SPARTANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Wait no that's not right. Oh never mind.


11. The Final Fight from "The Karate Kid: Part 2" (1986):
This is from the final scene from "The Karate Kid: Part 2" where Daniel LaRusso fights the evil Chozen in order to prove that he is the strongest fighter, from how big his heart is. This scene is awesome to watch as I felt it was really a scene where the main character is fighting for something, rather than for himself.



12. Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker & Yoda vs Count Dooku from "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones" (2002):
Okay this is from the prequel trilogy but if I'm being honest this one of the best fights from the prequels, starts off with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker fighting Count Dooku (played by the legend that is Christopher Lee) and then later one of the greatest movie mentors Yoda, for the first time digital the "Star Wars" saga, fights Dooku and shows that Yoda, when he has his lightsaber is just ruthless!



13. T-800 vs T-1000 from "Terminator 2: Judgement Day" (1991):
This sequence is just brilliant from my favourite "Terminator" movie" the final showdown between the heroic T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger's character) and the ruthless T-1000 played by the brilliant Robert Patrick. The effects in this film were mind-blowing and this scene was great to watch, unfortunately I couldn't get the final bit where Arnie destroys the T-1000. But if you've seen the film you know what happens, if you haven't, watch the film to find out.



14. Tyler Durden vs Jack the Narrator from "Fight Club" (1999):
When you do a list of your favourite fight scenes from movies you have to have one from "Fight Club". This is a brilliant fight scene, actually the end fight in the movie between our protagonist Jack (played by Edward Norton) and the antagonist Tyler Durden (played by that dude.... oh what's his name the guy whose married to that actress named Angelina something.... : /).




15. The Train Fight from "Spider-Man 2" (2004):
This sequence from one of the best sequel made to a great movie like Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" is an excellent fight scene between Spidey and my favourite spidey villain Doc Ock (Doctor Octopus) who was played by the great Alfred Molina. Here they are duking it out on a train.



16. Prince Phillip vs Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty" (1959):
Yes we have a Disney movie on the list and this is literally my favourite fight between the her and the villain I just remembered being excited by this scene when I was a kid, having a prince fighting a witch who turns into a dragon, I mean who doesn't love that?



17. Optimus Prime vs Bonecrusher & Jazz, Ironhide and Ratchet vs Brawl from "Transformers" (2007):
Yes I have "Transformers" on the list, only the first one. I thought these fight scenes were so awesome to watch and the way Optimus kills Bonecrusher with his flame sword is a wicked way to kill a villian, also you've got a little snippet of the big final battle in the movie. So it's two fight scenes put together, sorry about the quality by the way.



18. T-Rex vs Spinosaurus from "Jurassic Park III" (2001):
Gotta have a dinosaur clash on your list right? And this is from the third "Jurassic Park", not the best one in my opinion but to see the iconic T-Rex going head to toe with this big bad Spinosaurus was pretty awesome.



19. Freddy Krueger vs Jason Voorhees from "Freddy vs Jason" (2003):
Yes I have this on my list, only because it's two horror icons going at it and it's pretty gruesome to watch but quite good fun at the same time.



20. The Dojo Fight from "The Matrix" (1999):
This scene from again from my favourite action film is one of the best raining sequences between master and student, Morpheus (the master) and Neo (the student).

Review: Haywire

So my next review is for "Haywire" a new action thriller from director Stephen Soderberg. Which stars female fighter and one of the hottest women I've seen Gina Carano, playing Malory Kane. A post-marine now agent who works for a secret government who all of a sudden when a previous mission goes haywire, is betrayed by her own unit and becomes a fugitive. I thought the movie itself was so awesome, most of you might think it's Bourne with a women when you watch the trailer above, and it kind of is but at the same time it's done in such a great beautiful way that only Soderberg knows how to do when you look at his films such as "Out of Sight" and the "Oceans Eleven" films. The action sequences are by far some of the best action sequences I've seen in a film and she, Gina Carano, having this as her first film as she's never acted or played a lead role before, I thought was extraordinary and a beautiful performer apart from being one hot, and I mean hot piece of work. But anyway "Haywire" I thought was excellent and I'm pleased to give it;

4/5-Excellent

In Memoriam- Etta James

Sadly one of the greatest female singers whose songs have been heard in many films like "Back to the Future", "Rain Man", "American Pie" and "A Single Man", Etta James has died at the age of 73. As my tribute to her here is one of her most famous and recognisable songs that's been used in so many romantic films and will one day I hope to play when I dance with the girl of my dreams.

Etta James

(1938-2012)

The 69th Annual Golden Globe Award Winners and Review

Hey guys, in case none were aware but last night were the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards which as you know are a lead up to the Oscars and give everybody in Hollywood a taste of what will win this year. From what I saw which are photos from IMDB, it was a pretty decent show, the right films won and everyone looked great really natural and perfect, the only downfall of it all was once again Ricky Gervais hosted. But don't let that put you off as the winners were really what made the night great. So in no particular order I'm very pleased to tell you who won and who were the runners up.

Best Animated Film Winner: "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn":
Steven Spielberg accepted the award as he should as "Tintin" really was the best animated film of last year, as I said before, and I cannot tell you how happy I was that it won. The runners up were; "Arthur Christmas", "Rango", "Puss in Boots" and "Cars 2". One thing however that I'm disappointed with this category is that "Kung-Fu Panda 2" wasn't nominated, but no matter as the award went to the right film.

Best Original Score Winner: Ludovic Bource for "The Artist":
I was so unbelievably happy that "The Artist" won because the music, I am just in love with the music. It captures the pure essence of 1920's Hollywood and is just so gorgeous and charming and just delightful. Ludovic Bource did such an incredible job for such a beautiful, beautiful film. By the way if you still haven't seen "The Artist" please do, you will not regret it. And also download this gorgeous music to the film. The runners up were "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross who also did "The Soical Network", "War Horse" from the legendary John Williams, "Hugo" from Howard Shore who also scored "The Lord of the Rings Trilogy" and Madonna's new film "W.E." from Abel Korzeniowski which I have not seen or heard. I would of liked to have seen "Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" win or "War Horse" or "Hugo" I suppose but I think "The Artist" rightfully deserved it.

Best Screenplay Winner: Woody Allen for "Midnight in Paris":
Oh my god, I was jumping up and down in happiness inside because I don't think they made a better decision. Woody Allen truly deserves this award as the script for the wonderful "Midnight in Paris" is well... wonderful. Also if you still haven't seen "Midnight in Paris", again see it when it comes out on DVD and I won't tell you what it's about, you have to see the film to find out and as I said before, be surprised like I was. In fact I think that's why it won the award because it surprised everyone, the script that is. The runners up were "The Artist", "The Descendants", The Ides of March" and "Moneyball". It would of been nice to have seen "The Artist" win but again I am more then happy that "Midnight in Paris" won, such a perfect choice. Sorry to keep repeating myself.

Best Director: Martin Scorsese for "Hugo": 
I'm kind of happy and kind of not happy with this decision because don't get me wrong I thought "Hugo" was a good film but I didn't think it was a masterpiece as everyone thought it was. I'm happy Martin Scorsese won but I did think they were some better runners up who could of won such as Woody Allen for "Midnight in Paris" and Michel Hazanavicius for "The Artist". Also nominated were George Clooney for his film "The Ides of March" and Alexander Payne for his upcoming film which stars George Clooney called "The Descendants" which I am very excited to see. So I'm a little bit 50/50 on this decision but at the same time I'm very pleased Martin Scorsese won because even though "Hugo" is not one of his masterpieces, he is still one of the greatest directors all time.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical or Comedy: Jean Dujardin in "The Artist":
Again I couldn't be more then happier when Jean Dujardin won for his outstanding performance as George Valentin in "The Artist". He can just pull off playing a silent movie actor of the 1920's at have so much charm and so much emotion he is just so incredible to watch as an actor and he was just... I'm sorry but you have to see "The Artist" to see what I'm talking about. Anyway the runners up were Brendan Gleeson in "The Guard", Joseph Gordon Levitt in "50/50", Ryan Gosling in "Crazy, Supid, Love" and Owen Wilson in "Midnight in Paris". I would of liked to have seen any of those actors win the award but really Jean Dujardin so deserved the award.

And finally;

Best Motion Picture for Musical or Comedy: "The Artist":
I was smiling for joy once again because they could not of made a better decision. It was up against "Bridesmaids", "50/50", "Midnight in Paris" and "My Week with Marilyn". So happy with the choices they made and gave the right awards to this marvellous film.

Anyway all those were for films I've seen but the other winners were;

"The Descendants" for Best Motion Picture Drama
(Runners Up: "The Help", "Hugo", "The Ides of March", "Moneyball" & "War Horse"),
George Clooney for Best Performance by an Actor in a Drama for "The Descendants"
(Runners Up: Leonardo DiCaprio in"J. Edgar", Michael Fassbender in "Shame", Ryan Gosling in "The Ides of March" & Brad Pitt in "Moneyball".) ,
Meryl Streep for Best Performance by an Actress in a Drama for "The Iron Lady"
(Runners Up: Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs", Viola Davis in "The Help", Rooney Mara in "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" & Tilda Swinton in "We Need to Talk About Kevin"),
Michelle Williams for Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical or Comedy for "My Week with Marilyn"
(Runners Up: Jodie Foster in "Carnage", Charlize Theron in "Young Adult", Kristen Wiig in "Bridesmaids" & Kate Winslet in "Carnage"),
Christopher Plummer for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for "Beginners"
(Runners Up: Kenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn", Albert Brooks in "Drive", Jonah Hill in "Moneyball" & Viggo Mortensen in "A Dangerous Method"),
Octavia Spencer for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for "The Help"
(Runners Up: Berenice Bejo in "The Artist", Jessica Chastain in "The Help", Janet McTeer in "Albert Nobbs" & Shailene Woodley in "The Descendants") ,
"Masterpeice" from "W.E." by Madonna, Julie Frost & Jimmy Harry for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture
("Lay Your Head Down" from "Albert Nobbs" by Brian Byrne & Glenn Close, "Hello, Hello" from "Gnomeo and Juliet" by Elton John & Bernie Taupin, "The Living Proof" from "The Help" by Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason Jr. & Damon Thomas and "The Keeper" from "Machine Gun Preacher" by Chris Cornell)
&
"A Separation" for Best Foreign Film
(Runners Up: "The Flowers of War", "In the Land of Blood and Honey", "The Kind with a Bike" and "The Skin I Live In").


So they you have it the list of winners and the runners up. Now guys if you'd like to comment below and  give me your views, did they make the right decisions or not?

Review: The Darkest Hour

Bunch of young people find themselves facing a bunch of aliens who are trying to take over the wolrd and they're the only ones who can stop it... yep we've all seen that, so it's nothing new and it's just stupid and just terrible. I give this;

1/5-Miss

Review: War Horse

My next review for the year is Steven Spielberg's new war epic "War Horse". Based on the book by Michael Morpurgo and the enormously successful Tony award winning west end stage play, "War Horse" is a story of courage, love and friendship. A young farm boy named Albert and his beloved horse named Joey find themselves separated as Joey is signed as a military horse in the first world war and goes on a hard journey through the horror of the war itself in order to be reunited with Albert. What Spielberg captures is just how terrifying war can be, as he did in "Saving Private Ryan", but at the same time is still able to make it a little bit family friendly. But don't let that put you off as it's just beautifully filmed and the horse itself is incredible to watch as an actor and the war sequences are just superb as Spielberg really knows how to make that stuff look good. However that being said it's a bit sentimental in some sense and with some of the acting, but "War Horse" is still an incredible story that's full of heart and Spielberg I think has done a great job of making it suitable for all ages. While it's not as amazing as the stage play, I shall give "War Horse" a decent;

4/5-Very Good

Review: Shame

The next film to review is "Shame". The latest collaboration between "Hunger" director Steve McQueen and actor Michael Fassbender in which he plays a guy named Brandon, living in New York and struggling with sex addiction. The film I thought was just so evoking and moving and beautifully shot. Also it's one of those films that really when you have a subject like this, it really grabs on the fact of just how painful it can be particularly for Brandon who is seriously affected by it. I don't think there has been a film I've watched where I didn't feel so much pain and torture that the main character feels deep within, in a long while. And Fassbender is just superb and I can't imagine anyone else playing this character but him. Keep in mind that it is strongly sexually explicit as the trailer is above but really a superb film and I'm pleased to give it;

4/5-Excellent

Review: Like Crazy

My next film to review is the new romantic drama "Like Crazy" about two people who come from different countries, one girl from England played by Felicity Jones and one guy from America played by Anton Yelchin, who meet each other at an American university and well you get the idea. But this isn't really your typical love story as it goes from different places, they break up, they get back together, they can't be with each other because of their visas and they see other people but still can't ignore that they have strong feeling towards each other, and by trying not give it away, it ends with them thinking about what to do next. I really liked the film, I just thought it was gentle and beautifully acted and filmed and it's one of those films where you feel and care for these two people. That being said it's not memorable but it defiantly delivers two fine performances and I shall give it a fair;

3/5-Good

Review: Goon

My next review is for Sean William Scott's new movie "Goon", which is I think they say is based on a true story about a guy named Doug Glatt who plays for Hockey but while he can't actually play, his fists are what gets him on the team. Anyway I think for this review I'll keep it short and say that the movie is kind of boring in parts, funny a little bit and I think all together as the main character is, a bit clueless. Some of it's sweet and Sean William Scott delivers a descent performance, and the violence is well shot like in "300", but it kind of over does it on the whole rule that now comedy mentions the "F" alot, it's like a rule implying that it has to be overdone. I'm not saying this is a bad film it's just a little... well as I said before clueless as to what it's meant to be, comedy, drama or... what really I don't know. Definitely is a sports movie though and I'm gonna give "Goon" a descent;

3/5-Okay

Review: The Artist

Okay guys here's the next review for what I think is a new classic, "The Artist". A French romantic film that focuses on Hollywood in the late 1920's to the early 1930's when movies were changing from silent to non silent. The story is set on silent film actor George Valentin who's at the prime of his career when a new star Peppy Miller shines on screen when movies were starting to become something that now everyone could hear, and soon the movie business around George begins to change. The movie itself is a silent (except for three scenes) absolute wonder to behold. I mean I was just dazzled it felt like I was watching a classic black and white film that I really believe was made at that period of time. Now some of you maybe not be interested to see a silent black and white film but honestly guys you have to see this because I mean this really is just wondrous and I recommend it for everyone. And I think this may win the Oscar for this year. I'm very pleased to give "The Artist";

5/5-A Masterpiece!

In Memoriam- Bob Anderson

Hey guys welcome to another day on my film 2012 blog. And to kick start very sad news today as legendary film swordsman Bob Anderson has died at the age of 89. Now you guys probably don't know who he was but he was an amazing sword-smith who has worked on so many famous films. He was very famous for teaching all the sword fights in the early Errol Flynn films. He has also worked what I know him from on "The Mask of Zorro", the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" film and one of my all time favourites "The Princess Bride". And one amazing thing that a lot people don't know is that he did all the Darth Vader lightsaber fights in "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back" in the final climactic battle between Vader and Luke Skywalker, he wore the actual suit and did the fighting which is incredible. Also what he was very famous for is doing all the sword choreography for all three "Lord of the Rings" films and the last film he worked on, did brief work on was the upcoming "The Hobbit". As you can see he was absolute legend in sword fighting films, and he will be missed but his brilliant work that's he taught actors like Antonio Bandaras, Johnny Depp, Viggo Mortensen and of course Errol Flynn will live on.

Bob Anderson

(1922-2012)

Review: Hugo

So guys the first review I'll give you for the new year is "Hugo", Martin Scorsese's new film based on the Brian Selznick novel "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" which tells the story of an orphaned boy living in a train station in 1930's Paris where he's determined to finish an invention that his late father found and brought home to him and created by an old man who turns out to be the filmmaking revolutionary Georges Melies. The film itself has gorgeous imagery and is delightful and charming to watch however there is one problem and that is for a family film, and this is Scorsese's first family film and first 3D (yes it's in 3D) film, it tends to drag a bit and doesn't have a fast pace rhythm of adventure. But that being said it's beautiful to look at, performances are good and it has such an innocent feel to it that you cannot dislike it. That's how I felt although I did nearly fall asleep but that was just because I had a wild new year's eve party last night. But I liked it very much except for it's slowness and while I don't think it's a masterpiece I'm pleased to give "Hugo" a fair;

4/5-Very Good 

2012 Preview

Now I'm very pleased to give you guys an exclusive sneak preview of movies we've got coming in 2012.

Top 5 Worst Films of 2011:

Now I'm happy to give a list of the top 5 films of 2011 that I absolutely despised.

1. New Year's Eve- Dir: Garry Marshall- 1/5



Star studied cast? How about star studied disaster?

2. Zookeeper- Dir: Frank Coraci- 1/5



Not even someone who used to be funny like Kevin James and a star studied list of actors voicing the animals can save this disaster.

3. Tower Heist- Dir: Brett Ratner- 2/5



The most boring heist film I've ever seen. Yes it's got Eddie Murphy in it but please spare yourself from being bored to tears like I was and watching Ben Stiller doing what he always does and that is not being an engaging actor... at all.

4. Happy Feet Two- Dir: George Miller- 2/5



Another example on how terrible sequels can be. The story was messy, the baby penguins were weird instead of cute, you have two prawns who did not need to be in the film at all. If I'm being honest worst animated film of 2011.

5. Red Riding Hood- Dir: Catherine Hardwicke- 2/5



Breathtaking vision? How about depressingly dull vision because that's what this is.

Top 10 Favourite Films of 2011:

Before we get the ball rolling on the movies of 2012, let's take a look back at my top favourite films of 2011 and show you how passionate I am about films with these reviews;

1. Warrior- Dir: Gavin O'Connor- 5/5




"Warrior" I thought was the best film of 2011. An incredible story about two a strayed brothers played brilliantly by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton who are both fighting for their own causes and their post alcoholic father played just beautifully, I mean I hope he gets the oscar for best supporting actor, by Nick Nolte, tries to work things out between him and his sons. It was truly just an incredible film about redemption, love, honesty and the courage to fight for something that's worth something. In my opinion a masterpiece. Please on behalf of me watch it.

2. Midnight in Paris- Dir: Woody Allen- 5/5




Woody Allen's latest film "Midnight in Paris" about a writer played by Owen Wilson inspired by the city of love getting more then he bargained for, is none other than charming, delightful and magical. How I won't say but I will advise you to see the film and just be so surprised by it as I was. The trailer above doesn't give anything away, the film however is something else. I think it is just pure gold the way it's written, if you're a fan of Woody Allen then watch it if not, then please just see it anyway because it is so gorgeous the whole thing.

3. The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn-
Dir: Steven Spielberg- 4/5




Clearly the best animated film of 2011. Being a fan of Tintin myself, the film was just absolutely perfect directed by none other then Mr. Spielberg himself who brought back the wonderful feel of adventure from the original "Indiana Jones" trilogy. The performances especially from Andy 'Gollum himself' Serkis as Captain Haddock were brilliant. The whole thing is stunning and so captures the look of the books. Whether you see it or have seen it in 3D or not, it's still an incredible ride with fantastic characters.

4. Rise of the Planet of the Apes- Dir: Rupert Wyatt- 5/5




I was so blown away watching this incredible prequel to the "Planet of the Apes" film franchise; "Rise of the Planet of the Apes". Andy Serkis who plays Caesar the main chimpanzee in the film was just extraordinary to watch and the whole film was just engaging, I'm routing for this to win the oscar for best visual effects, cause the effects were something so out of this world amazing. The story too is fantastic I mean literally it is in my opinion a modern, visual masterpiece.

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2- Dir: David Yates- 5/5




Obviously I couldn't do a top ten favourite film list of 2011 without "Harry Potter", but seriously I think that this final film of the series was by far the best one. Everyone in it gave it their all, the final battle sequence was just stunning and it really did feel like it was the end, and I'm sad to even say it and think about it. The "Harry Potter" films have been such an important part of my life and this was just a fantastic film that ends this magnificent film series.

6. The Inbetweeners Movie- Dir: Ben Palmer- 4/5




I am as well a massive 'Inbetweeners' fan and the film in no way disappointed me. Just seeing the four main guys on the big screen just made me so happy even though it was probably the last time we would all see them. Keep in mind the trailer above is quite explicit so no one underage watch it okay. But anyway the film in my opinion is the best British comedy of 2011.

7. Kung-Fu Panda 2- Dir: Jennifer Yu- 5/5




Aside from "Tintin", the second best animated film of 2011 in my opinion. Just an absolute brilliant sequel to "Kung-Fu Panda", the story excellent, the animation stunning and I'm very proud to say the first 3D film that made me cry. And Jack Black is just so awesome as his characters says constantly as Po the panda once again.

8. Thor- Dir: Kenneth Brannagh- 4/5




I'm very pleased to have "Thor" in my top ten instead of "Captain America" (even though I loved that movie as well) because it was just so much fun and I thought Ken Brannagh did such a brilliant job making it funny and charming plus it got me so excited about "The Avengers" which comes out later this year and we will see Thor in that along with Iron Man, Captain America and the Hulk.

9. Source Code- Dir: Duncan Jones- 4/5




"Source Code" was just superb everything about it was so well done. The acting, the story, suspenseful, exciting and Duncan Jones who also directed a fantastic film called "Moon" is I think one of the best directors there is.

10. Sucker Punch- Dir: Zack Snyder- 4/5




Okay now I know that "Sucker Punch" got panned by critics but honestly I thought it was an excellent film. I understood the whole thing it was just beautiful to watch, music, acting, design everything. I don't care what anyone says I loved this movie.

Welcome To One And All Who Are Film-Buffs!

Hi there and welcome to my official 'Film 2012' blog with me your host Gabe Boyle. First of all may I say a very Happy New Year to all of you and with 2011 behind us, it's all about what 2012 is gonna bring us particularly with movies. But before we get to any of that please allow me to introduce myself to all those who are new to my blog. My name is Gabe Boyle and I happen to be the biggest film buff of all time, I think anyway. Ever since I was little I remember going to the cinema for the very first time to see "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (it was a re-release at the time). And I remember just being dazzled by the whole cinema experience with that film and being scared out of my wit when I saw the witch. The second film I saw in the cinema which I don't think I will ever forget was when my mum took me to see "Jurassic Park" which was one of the greatest experiences of my life, I like all of you who saw that film was just blown away by how groundbreaking it was, and I even remember hiding under the seat when the T-Rex came on or those terrifying Velociraptors. But one movie which I will never forget seeing for the first time and just being so blown away and stunned was one of the first films I ever watched on VHS, and it was "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope". Just watching gave me chills, I remember getting so excited by the world and the characters and all those iconic moments and wanting to play with a Lightsabre and be like Luke Skywalker or Han Solo, it was just so incredible and to this day "Star Wars" remains as my favourite film of all-time. And since then I just loved movies and I wanted to see more and more of them. And thanks to my sister who got me a film journal to do reviews in, I became my own film critic and I reviewed so many films, many great and some not-so great. And for this year, the year of the 2012 olympics, I cannot wait for the movies that are coming our way. Like "The Avengers", "The Dark Knight Rises" and the movie all of us have been looking forward to; "The Hobbit." Cannot wait for that. So that's pretty much all you need to know, is that I will be bringing everything you want to know about the movies of 2012, which to see and which not see, who's gonna get an oscar and who won't, and have so much fun along the way. So prepare yourselves movie fans and get ready for the movies of 2012!