THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES
Having reclaimed Erebor and vast treasure from the dragon Smaug, Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) sacrifices friendship and honor in seeking the Arkenstone, despite Smaug’s fiery wrath and desperate attempts by the Hobbit Bilbo (Martin Freeman) to make him see reason. Meanwhile, Sauron sends legions of Orcs in a sneak attack upon the Lonely Mountain. As the fate of Middle Earth hangs in the balance, the races of Men, Elves and Dwarves must decide whether to unite and prevail — or all die.
Could one film have any more battle scenes? It seems it’s just one long battle throughout, I’ve always said how the hell can you make three films out of one book and this just proves that they basically run out of ideas. Comic timing is just off, endings to the battles are way too abrupt and the romances are way too pretentious.
See if you liked: The Hobbit Franchise.
THE FACE OF LOVE
Widow Nikki (Annette Bening) who, several years after the loss of her husband Garrett, meets a man named Tom (Ed Harris) who looks exactly like her deceased husband. Suddenly, a flood of old feelings rush back to her: she’s met the love of her life, again.
Sickly soppy and extremely maudlin the storyline is highly questionable, but for anyone who has suffered with the loss of their great love it may just hit a chord. Starring Annette Bening and Ed Harris, and an important supporting role from the late Robin Williams as Nikki’s confidante and would-be lover, unfortunately not even these great actors can save this film.
See if you liked: Words and Pictures, Boulevard.
MONTANA
In the mean streets of London’s East End, fourteen-year old Montana (McKell David) discovers that the powerful crime lord and ruthless lieutenants for whom he works secretly killed his father. At the same time Dimitrije (Lars Mikkelsen), a former Serbian commando, comes looking for the gangster in order to take revenge for the death of his wife and son. Realising that they share a bloody purpose, the commando now mentors the boy in the dark arts of assassination and relearns the value of life as he teaches the boy the true meaning of friendship, honour and respect.
Montana is by far one of the best British films of the year. Not only this, but it also includes a stellar cast of Adam Deacon, Ashley Walters and many more. What on the outside looks like your typical revenge film it also has a touching storyline of bonding as a family between the two main characters. Lots of action, shootings, and beatings but with an intriguingly touching storyline makes for one gripping and enjoyable film.
See if you liked: Shank, Top Boy
MY PICK OF THE WEEK: MONTANA.
