52 Things - the first 10 film reviews

Jo asked me what I thought of the films I've watched so far, so here are my comments on the first 10 films.  I don't plan to do detailed reviews, just brief comments on each one.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes: This was one of the films that I wouldn’t have gone to see at the cinema.  I didn’t really like any of the other ‘Planet of the Ape’ films so I was surprised to enjoy this one.  Quite a good story, well acted and a pleasant enough way to spend a couple of hours.

True Grit: I never see the point of remaking classic films so was expecting to hate this one. However, I have to admit that it was very well done and stayed true to the original story so I didn’t find myself comparing the two films.  If I had to choose between the two, I’d opt for the original with John Wayne.

Super 8: I actually thought it was a kid’s film and I suppose it was only the bad language which gave it the ‘12’ certificate.  I read some of the reviews after I’d watched the film and was surprised at the acclaim it received.  I found the majority of the characters to be very irritating, an unbelievable story line, and no suspense (and I’m a wimp where that sort of things is concerned so if I say there was no suspense there definitely wasn’t) and a very corny ending.  Definitely not my sort of film. 

The Fighter: I find everything to do with boxing extremely boring so this was one of the films I wouldn’t have gone to see at the cinema.  After about 2 minutes I really thought I’d have to give up.  I took an instant dislike to the two brothers who are the central characters and none of the other characters redeemed themselves to me so I had to force myself to watch this one.  Didn't rate it at all.

The Tree of Life: I know Brad Pitt was in this but it was still 133 minutes of my life wasted which I’ll never get back!  I have no idea what it was all about.  I read the reviews afterwards for a clue and although it is a bit clearer I still think it was rubbish!

The King’s Speech: I was really looking forward to watching this one and was worried that it wouldn’t live up to the hype. It did.  It was excellent ... well worth seeing.  I’d recommend it to anyone.

Black Swan: I’m not sure what I was expecting but it wasn’t this.  It was a bit weird ... not really my sort of film.  I read the reviews after I’d watched it and understand it a bit better but I couldn't tell actual events from events only taking place in the mind of the ballerina dancing the Swan Queen role.  It just wasn’t obvious to me, although the reviews have made it clearer.  Maybe I’m thick!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: Excellent.  I love everything to do with Harry Potter – books and films – and this one was a fitting ending to the series.

Hanna: I enjoyed this one.  It was quite a good story although a bit far-fetched but still a pleasant enough way to spend an evening. 

The Inbetweeners Movie: I haven’t watched any of the TV programmes so I wasn’t sure what to expect but I really enjoyed it.  A couple of real ‘laugh out loud’ moments, especially the dance scene in the nightclub.