The first month of 2012 has already gone and I’m still yet to see my flying car or robot assistant. To make up for this I continued my cinema run, seeing 8 films in January. Unfortunately most of them sucked.
Goon
A film about ice hockey, not something we English normally care about but Goon actually made it enjoyable. A good performance from William Scott, even if he is still basically playing the same role from 10 years ago.
The Darkest Hour
This could have been so good, and in some respects was at least a bit different from the normal Hollywood fodder. But the ending and some choice plot holes just couldn’t do it justice.
War Horse
This one will of course do well and I enjoyed it if only for the great direction and good acting. Don’t be under any illusions though, this is a sentimental film about a horse.
Haywire
I hated this film. It felt slow, awkward, badly written and even more badly directed. It’s instantly recognisable as by the guy who directed Ocean’s 11, but whereas that had a great ensemble cast and witty dialog this has the most uninspiring chase scenes ever.
Underworld: Awakening
Underworld. Maybe it’s best credit is that you can’t tell one film apart from the other. Plot holes and silly things going on, but it’s a film about vampires and werewolves, what do you expect!
Coriolanus
Ralph Fiennes directorial debut, this is a remake of a classic Shakespeare play set in near modern-day Eastern Europe. Brilliantly acted, the olde English dialog can be a bit hard to follow especially if the last time you saw this used was in Baz Lurman’s Romeo + Juliet.
The Sitter
Jonah Hill continues to play the same character in the same situations. There’s a few good laughs which you’ll hate yourself for, but overall it’s a watchable popcorn flick.
The Grey
Loved this film, right up until the end. From the opening plane crash which is excellently produced through to the succession of deaths, it’ll keep you riveted to your seat. You know how everyone is going to die, yet you’re still not prepared for it. The ending is a bit of letdown, but you can’t have everything.
