Review: True Grit

The Coen Brothers do it again, but reign in much of their trademark style in this genre piece. Great direction, writing and an outstanding cast performance make this the best western since The Assassination of Jesse James.

Let’s get one thing straight. I love the Coen Brothers. No Country for Old Men, Miller’s Crossing, Fargo, The Big motherfucking Lebowski – can’t get enough. Neither can the critics, it seems. With countless nominations, and multiple Oscar wins for the previously mentioned Fargo and No Country for Old Men, they’re kind of on a winning streak. The problem is, when you’re on a winning streak, that’s precisely what you have to keep doing. True Grit, a remake of a well known John Wayne picture and based on a classic western novel by Charles Portis, could have finally been their fall from grace. They’ve proven with the The Ladykillers (2004) that remakes may not be their forte, and when True Grit was announced to be a Coen Bros. remake, fanboys across the web simultaneously crapped themselves. Fear not, fanboys. True Grit isn’t as much a win as it is a triumph.

Review: The Fighter

While nothing new for the genre, a collection of excellent performances from Bale and company make for a very compelling boxing drama.

At a time when you’re spoilt for choice with the amount of good films out there (The King’s Speech, Black Swan, 127 Hours, etc.) some can slip under the radar, even if they don’t really deserve to do so. Luckily this hasn’t happened to The Fighter, David O. Russell’s boxing drama set in the depths of working-class Lowell, Massachusetts. It tells the real life tale of “Irish” Micky Ward’s formative years, struggling to make the grade before turning pro and getting his one shot at the big-time. It all sounds pretty generic, but that’s before you’ve met the family. Micky (Mark Wahlberg) is forever in the shadow of brother Dicky (Christian Bale), an ex-fighter that could have made something of himself had he not succumbed to the sweet, sweet charms of crack. There’s nothing wrong with a relaxing bit of crack you say? Well with consistent bouts of violence, brushes with the law and a spell in prison, it doesn’t seem to be working out too well for him. He also happens to be Micky’s trainer. Then you have the matriarch Alice (Melissa Leo), a tough, possessive bulldog of a woman who dotes on Dicky and their gaggle of terrifying sisters whilst “managing” Micky’s career.

Review: Tangled

Cheeky and entertaining without ever really standing out or bringing anything new to the animated genre. Perfectly good family fun, just don’t expect Beauty and the Beast.

Walt Disney Animation Studios return to the fairy tale format that made them famous with Tangled. The story is a re-telling of the Brothers Grimm tale Rapunzel, with Mandy Moore playing the longhaired princess. She’s taken as a child to live in a hidden tower by the evil elderly Gothel (posing as her mother) for the rejuvenating qualities of her hair. Every year, on Rapunzel’s birthday, the king and queen release lanterns in the hope that their lost daughter will see them and return. One night, while still a child, Rapunzel sees the lanterns and from then on dreams of seeing them up close. Eighteen years later and she is eager to see the outside world, and more importantly, the floating lanterns. Her opportunity comes in the form of the crook Flynn Rider, played by Zachary Levi, who promises to take her to see the lights. This deal does not go down well with Gothel, as she needs Rapunzel to keep her youthful looks. The chase through the kingdom ensues, with Rapunzel and Flynn getting into all types of tangles.

Review: Black Swan

Gloriously extravagant and psychotic, Black Swan is more overwhelming than a subtle character study. At the very least, thrilling entertainment, and at its best, mesmerising drama.

The first three words that come to mind when I think back to Black Swan are "bat shit crazy". Whether this is a good thing or not will likely depend on personal preference, but at the very least it deserves your viewing attention once. To call it merely crazy would be an injustice, Black Swan has insanity and direction, beauty and sleaze in equal measure. That’s to say, this film is a stunning artistic endeavour and dazzling entertainment that will leave you breathless.

Review: 127 Hours

Entertaining and compelling in a way its subject matter would seem not to allow. By the time it reaches its almost unbearable climax, the film will leave you affected in a profound way.

It may be clichéd to say that 127 Hours takes us through the journey of Aron Ralston, but this is precisely what the film does so brilliantly. A powerful film that takes us on a ride to experience a wide range of human emotions, it achieves this while avoiding the pitfalls of the genre and manages to do so without slipping into the stereotype. Just as Aron did while trapped, it will leave you contemplating life, debating what is and is not important. Ralston’s feelings are transferred to the audience well leaving the watcher affected and touched.

Coming Soon - 11.2.11

February 11th 2011 marks the dawn of a new film news and reviews site the likes of which the internet has never seen before.  Or more likely, just another in the crowd of hundreds populating the film-related blogosphere and cinema-centric Twitterverse.  The difference here?

We're students.

Yes NotYetRated.co.uk is a site run out of a bedroom by just four, humble students of the University of Leeds.  Yet to be corrupted by the cruel realities of working life, spirits high and untouched by the crushing cynicism of today's Britain and with far too much free time available, rudely interrupted by the occasional lecture or tutorial, we've set out on this ambitious, but modest project.  We want nothing more than to bring intelligent and informed thoughts on the continuing developments in the cinema world, as well as independent and enthusiastic views and reviews of film's latest releases.  And if we happen to make a few people laugh in the process, be that at or with us, well then that's a very rewarding bonus.