THE IMITATION GAME
Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), who is credited with cracking the German Enigma code, is in a nail-biting race against time with his brilliant team at Britain’s top-secret code-breaking centre, Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II. Turing, whose contributions and genius significantly shortened the war, saving thousands of lives, was the eventual victim of an unenlightened British Establishment, but his work and legacy live on.
The Imitation Game is a brilliant thriller based on a true story, Cumberbatch’s performance is nothing short of pure genius and is worthy of an Oscar. This man never fails to deliver. Gripping, edgy and moving, this is an extremely intelligent movie; I have to say the timing of the release of this film this week has been well planned.
See If You Liked: The Pianist, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas.
THE DROP
A lonely bartender, Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy), is involved in a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters – “money drops” – in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini), Bob finds himself at the centre of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighbourhood’s past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living – no matter the cost.
Yes, Tom Hardy is back and again he doesn’t fail to disappoint. He fools us all into thinking he is this loveable dumb man but he is far from it. You may have to endure some slow drawn out parts but they are just getting you gripped for the intense electrical energy which will explode in your face. This film is very much character driven and Hardy is just mesmerising
See If You Liked: Donnie Brasco, American Gangster.
NATIVITY 3 : DUDE, WHERE’S MY DONKEY
This Christmas the pupils of St Bernadette’s and their much-loved, madcap teacher Mr Poppy are back for their biggest adventure yet involving fantastic flashmobs, excitable elves, Christmas carols and of course Archie the donkey! When their new teacher Mr Shepherd (Martin Clunes) loses his memory and forgets all about Christmas, as well as his fiancée Sophie and the whereabouts of the beloved Archie, it’s up to the pupils of St Bernadette’s to save the day. Led by the ever enthusiastic Mr Poppy, they embark on a Christmas journey like never before – but time is against them if they are to help Mr Shepherd get to New York in time for his magical yuletide wedding…!
Where would we be without that very British kids Christmas film, it certainly is that time of year were we have to endure the lowest form of creativity. Full of British comedic household names such as Clunes, Catherine Tate, Celia Imrie the list is endless this is no way a classic, but I have to admit there are a few scenes which are so silly you can’t help but let out a laugh.
See If You Liked: Nativity!, Nativity 2.
THIRD PERSON
Third person is a tale of three couples who appear to have nothing related but share deep commonalities: lovers and estranged spouses, children lost and found. Each story covers love, passion, trust and betrayal.
This is a film of inter-linking stories, a film so week they obviously thought getting big stars such as Liam Neeson, Mila Kunis, James Franco, Kim Basinger etc would help make this a box office smash. Unfortunately it’s just too complicated and drab to hold anyones interest for too long.
See If You Liked: Babel, Magnolia
MY PICK OF THE WEEK: There are just too many strong performances for me to choose just one this week; I’m going to have to suggest THE DROP and THE IMITATION GAME.