“For Pete’s Sake” - or “I Enjoyed Killing Bono & I Hope You Too [U 2] Do”

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: Killing Bono

Year: 2011

Director: Nick Hamm

Bonus: Introduction by Neil McCormick

Other Info: Special preview for Telegraph Subscriber Film Club members + me/others

Venue: The May Fair, London

Similarly to my Tweet immediately following the film, I say...Love him or Loath him, Bono should be proud. But...Of himself...? U2..? Well, the film.

And...So what if it's storyline veers very much into cliche in places and towards the close of the picture - It’s a very good effort.

But anyway, from the end of the film...to the beginning of the evening:

I'd seen a trailer for this once or twice...in fact, I believe a couple of times in the Show Film First’s “Online Opinion Former’s Showcase” day alone, all that time ago in December 2010:

http://jumjim16.blogspot.com/2011/02/show-film-firsts-online-opinion-formers.html

Note: Whilst going back in time regarding the latter, you may wish to note [or may not] that I actually saw this preview in March, albeit the 31st - and it wasn’t out in cinemas until April, albeit the 1st. It was no April Fools - and this paragraph is no Joke...but I do try...!

I was intrigued and interested to find out what this latest (for me, at least) picturehouse was like, let alone the picture. One thing I get to sample by seeing so many films is the venues they're shown in. The May Fair hotel, London, is no exception to the testament as to how nice a screening room can be.

I doubt a stay here gets more expensive in many other hotels in London, but my stay was not an overnight one - it was an over-the-evening one.

Final paragraph on the venue, I promise. In a swanky but also (too) loud bar, I order a small bottle of Coca Cola prior to the start of the movie. Only £3.90??!!! Well, who cared...I had plenty of time so perhaps I could justify this with the 'money is time' slogan. Or 'time is money'. Anyway, if this caffeine wasn't enough [for this guy who's going through a non-alcoholic stage] I popped out for a coffee to have with the movie too. Bad move? Caffeine-wise...No. Fluid-wise...yes.

Well, some movies are worth crossing legs for, I discovered later.

I guess the introduction (by a member of The Telegraph newspaper) to the writer of the original material didn't help this ultimate leg-crossing. This original material being the book "I Was Bono's Doppelgänger" and this writer a one Neil McCormick.

Neil is essentially the main character (played by Ben Barnes) although its as much about his brother, Ivan (Robert Sheehan) as himself...and you could say its partly about Bono. However, as always I'm not one to even like the idea of giving a hint of spoilers. On the subject of 'hinting' Neil did do such a thing to this audience - he nodded towards the notion of poetic license. I'll leave you - as and when you see this movie - to guess where such license may appear in the film.

Neil's pre-picture tale about his life was interesting. It's indeed a true story, to a degree. Neil is the chief rock music critic for the The Telegraph, incidentally.

Did I mention later crossing my legs? Indeed, but its your fingers you'll have crossed as the movie gets under way and deeper into the story - fingers crossed that Neil and brother, Ivan make it as a successful band, even though they would never reach U2's level of stardom...or would they?

Neil McCormick also told us that the screenplay was (mostly) written by Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais. Yes, that worldwide known writing duo who have been around for so many years, involved in sitcoms & movies. Neil's revelation of this duo was realised in the credits, of course. Although I don't recall seeing Neil being recognised in the titles as original author. That's almost all I have to say about the scripting of this story, except to say that as funny as it was much of the time I couldn't help but think how easy it was for Clement & La Frenais to do. Jealous? Me? No, a part of me just wished that the screenplay had been by someone else, even a newcomer...but I guess they needed 'sure-fire hit' written over it. I mean, you can't really judge a screenplay by C & LF, apart from complimenting it...but that just seems so easy. Hollywood do it a lot though. I believe they even had an uncredited hand in the 'funny parts’ of “Con Air” - Can you believe it?

A lovely setting followed the titles and reminisce I did. It was Dublin but the references to my English childhood were much on show...right down to the square brown biscuit tin...You'll remember these being 'everywhere' back in the day! (well, a few of you will)

We do get to see a bit of U2 but what kind of film would "Killing Bono" be if they didn't touch on this? Elaborate I want to, but go and see the film for yourself & you will be happy to see more than enough reference to U2 and even their musical progression. My lips are sealed, other than that.

Thats a nice segway to remind myself and tell YOU about the music. What? U2's Music? Err...No, I think you all know that...and even if you don't know every one of their songs, you know when Bono's voice is heard, immediately that THAT is U2. I am referring to the music in the movie. Now, there is incidental music - many tracks here and most of them you'll recognise (and I don't mean U2 ones) - and there is of course music by 'the band'. Well, I will say the following:

I'd seen certain comments about the soundtrack, and essentially on Twitter - in the style of "OMG How good is the Killing Bono soundtrack - I must get it" - and I was fearing that it may be a little The-Commitments-esque. 'Fearing' because I was never a big fan nor were all their tunes originals. This band’s songs are NOT like The Commitments...

And I don't know if it was this particular theatre screen, within The May Fair, but the sound was truly loud, pumping and accompanied by a rocking beat. Seriously, the floor was vibrating.

The tunes are exactly that...TUNES! Tuneful, melodic and lyrical, albeit written by someone else but actually sung by star Ben Barnes. I was surprised as I thought they were using another person's vocals but oh no. I would go as far as to say it was 'unbelievable' that Ben was both actor and singer.

The music styles are different to fit the band's ever-changing image. I mean, c'mon this was the 80's (mostly) and popstars were trying to dress like whomever they could to get in front of a crowd. Pick a music style and it's probably here.

The movie has everything: teenage angst, girls, a smidgen of romance & even a kind of mafia touch. Oh and what would it be, if it were a British motion picture without the token American character...?

A couple of other touches I noted - apart from ye olde biscuit tin - were: 1) The two brothers are hard up on luck & cash in a sparse abode...so...Withnail & I sprang to mind. 2) A similar scene but Neil war...I mean wore...a "Fuck War" t-shirt. Was this intentional and an anti-U2 statement regarding their album called Wore...I mean "War"...?

Finally, and therefore towards the end of the movie we see both brothers (one antagonist and one protagonist) having learned a few lessons and not necessarily resolved matters in their way, but well, this is Hollywood...so make of it what you will, please.

While, as in any film the two characters stumble and resolve any issues they may have, they do this here as one, Ivan is beginning to look like an almost mirror version of Julian Casablancas and the other, Neil looking a bit like...err...Jesus.

You know what though? These on-screen brothers and two stars are not the pairing who I would necessarily say you should look out for here. No, the two I would suggest are the two very different Petes. That is, Peter Serafinowicz [for his character, think a slightly more modern-day rock manager, a la Spinal Tap’s Ian] and the late Pete Postlethwaite. This is also the latter's final film role. Well done both Peters for bringing your very own takes on two very different characters. Petes? Are you listening? Yes, U 2 ‘Peters’...I'm talking about U 2.

This review is for Pete Postlethwaite.

Adolescent to Adulation: Un examen film de Jason Verney.

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

Film: Love Like Poison (Un Poison Violent).

Year: 2010

Director: Katell Quillévéré

Bonus: Q & A with Katell Quillévéré

Venue: Curzon, Soho

Showing as part of the "Rendez-vous with French Cinema 2011" season and in the lovely "Curzon" - Soho branch - this was a last minute decision to see what turned out to be a beautifully shot film, by way of a complimentary ticket. I use the term 'turned out to be' as I was a little doubting seeing the movie, due to the mention of a large religious undertone to the picture.

Incidentally, this Curzon - my first visit in a Curzon anywhere - lived up to the hype I'd heard about it.

I previously referenced the possible religious undertones...These were realised in the first scene but these were displayed as if this church was part of a cult more than a religion - or at least in my eyes. The feel, look & sound seemed to put a disturbing slant on 'the church'.

The movie's protagonist - or you could say agonist - is a 14 year old girl. Not only is she coming of age and therefore trying to figure out life, something has, or is disturbing her. Added to this - or perhaps the cause - is that every person she connects with, whether a family member, a preacher type or a young (potential) boy-friend comes across as a little creepy. Creepy to her and also to the film's audience.

Is this poor but seemingly strong girl that adolescent - or is this coming-of-age woman just craving a little of what such girls want - adulation...?

There's no denying that religion plays a large part in this linear story, although I felt that I wasn't sure if this central character was really religious or not at times.

Hardly a spoiler, but there is a confirmation scene included, and it took me back to when I was young. "Confirmation"? What a word...What, up until then I was nobody, no name, no existence but now I'm 'confirmed'? I thought there are governmental and national registers which confirm you exist, no? ;)

But seriously, and bringing the subject of religion to a close by this lowly reviewer, I did have to shout out inside my head "Lord, are you trying to tell me something? A Radiohead tune in the movie too? The third film in the last few weeks [two of these this same week!] to feature them. God, are you hinting that I'm depressed?" I prefer the term 'melancholic' over depressed anyway. Note: I do not dislike Radiohead...quite the opposite.

Apart from the style of the picture reminding me of a screenplay which I drafted many years ago - at the start of this, at least - it was an all-round win with me and therefore won my approval. And by this, I recommend to anyone...Go see!

The lovely director, Katell held a Q & A following the movie. Incidentally - and is the case with these sometimes - she opted to have a translator, even though her English seemed pretty good to me!

Amongst many other aspects covered, a girl stated to Katell in this Q&A that scenes were not long enough for emotional connection but the emotion still gets you at the end of the film. I agree with this...in such a way that I was engaging with the central character but didn't know where each of her circumstantial situations were leading her. I wasn't sure how it would end but ultimately it did, and with a suited resolution.

Lastly, its interesting to note Katell's reasoning for one of the 'creepy' characters [my description - I forget her exact words] in the film. You may or may not find a certain grandparent creepy or perhaps pervy (a grandpervant?!) but Katell states that this character is old, and nearing life's end & so is probably realising or recalling certain pleasures before he goes from this mortal coil. People may bottle cravings up, taboo or otherwise but feel no shame on admitting such wantings before they leave this life.

(Aptly...) ...The End

The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec [or "The ‘Besson’ Element"]

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

The Event: Preview

Name: The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec

Bonus: Q&A with Luc Besson

Venue: British Film Institute (BFI)

This was another film being previewed and shown as part of the "Rendez-vous with French Cinema 2011" season, but this was unknown to me as I went in to savour this offering.

Introduced by actor, David Thewlis this latest (& you could say, forthcoming - in the UK at least) movie by Luc Besson started on a grand scale, as do so many of his pictures.

I'd heard little about this film but I did know from what snippets I must have read, & perhaps seen that it was a fantasy film which included all sorts - a dinosaur or two, mummies &/or zombies and set in another time.

All the latter 'sorts' were introduced to us, the preview audience very early in the film but we still were unaware where this adventure would take us, nor indeed how such variants would perhaps all come together to tell the story...but surely they had, didn't they?

As always, I don’t want to give away the plot or story but I will say this. The first scenes included a “The-Fifth-Element-meets-Indiana-Jones” set-piece, in fact more Indiana Jones than the other...and this put me off a little. The reason? I’m probably one of the few males in the world for whom the Indy films do not ‘do it for me’. Strange? No. I-Am-Me. If the film had continued in the style of Indy I would have thought that it seriously lacked originality (despite this film being based on comic books). But...the film did not continue in such a way.

Make no mistake, this is much a comedy as it is a fantasy movie. To name but one aspect, we are introduced to the police early on in the film - and from there-in throughout - and its fair to say that these criminal-chasers make Chief Wiggum, from The Simpsons look over-observant and intelligent!

Part of this movie involves Cairo and the heavy involvement and interest in ancient mummies. And this, what with the overall humour of the film, prompted me to concoct this ending to a particular scene (you may *sigh* after reading it)...:

Two sisters are reconciled in quite a dramatic way and in such a way which I was SURE - and if not, itching to put it in the script myself given half the chance - was to end in one of these girls saying, as they sighed with relief...”I want my mummy’... There, you can sigh now! This pun would make more sense upon seeing the movie and you know that I would have elaborated further but as always I do not want to spoil the cinematic story.

Lastly, I deliberately left this fact until the end of my review. This picture is in French, which is fine by me [this same week alone I have seen another French film, a Korean movie and English language ones] but I can not say that I've always been 'into' foreign language films. Luc Besson's latest movie could prove vital to the cinema-going public. Not only could this film picture have mass appeal due to it being a comic-book adaptation AND fun-for-all-the-family fantasy film, I also wonder . . . Would it bring 'reading subtitles' to a whole new audience? I sincerely hope it does. I don't mean that necessarily in some cultural-encouragement way but more so in the route to hinting at ‘Joe Public’ that there is not just Hollywood and in fact many, many better films out there!

...But just as Adèle Blanc-Sec does, I'm keen for ‘the world’ to experience ‘the world’!

The Q & A (could've easily stood for Quirky & Amiable).

As these pictures display - although a little unclear - Luc Besson is a sweet, funny & down-to-earth guy. His responses to audience questions were witty and very English. . . for a true Frenchman.

Countdown To Zero (2010) - COMING SOON...But 'WE' Must Prevent 'IT' From Coming.

(Original review on N E W website:

http://www.MiniMiniMovie.com)

A myriad of emotions passed through me with this latest cinematic storytelling event. Fear; Horror; Worry; Concern; Empathy (for every being and for the Human spirit).

I'll say now that this was no fiction-filled-flick but rather a documentary feature. And one from (recently) Oscar-nominated Brit, Lucy Walker. Now here's a woman who really knows how to tell a heartfelt and poignant 'true story'.

I don't say this based on "Countdown To Zero" alone, that would be naive. No. I previously had the pleasure of seeing Waste Land and that film left me gobsmacked. Indeed, it could be described as a feel-good movie. Just like Slumdog Millionaire was tagged as a feel-good movie - even though filled with evil and bad circumstances throughout until the uplifting ending - Waste Land could be as well.

It is known already, but we are sitting on a time-bomb or rather multiple-bombs in the form of nuclear arms. We have a massive risk hanging over us. This risk, though is not only down to the fact that by the odd switch or two one country could blow ourselves, families and lifelines to pieces. It is a "risk with another risk", of so easily being detonated 'by accident'. These potential accidents or mistakes are shown in this film. I say 'potential' but even that is perhaps the incorrect word as there HAVE BEEN examples of unintentional 'release' and MAJOR panic. You really have to see this motion picture to fully understand.

Accompanied by brilliantly atmospheric music & perfect animation, we witness historical footage as well as some beautiful shots. A few members of the public are asked various questions about nuclear weapons and, for example, individuals are asked to name the various countries 'which they believe' currently have such weapons. Not to mention how many are thought and/or known to be held worldwide.

"Joe Public" is not all that is questioned here... World leaders, politicians and other major figures (past/present) all present their opinions. Most of these - I learned from Lucy Walker's 'Masterclass' and Q & A afterwards - were conducted by Lucy herself...and by no means easy tasks. Whether you dislike, disliked or have disagreed with these political figures in the past you can not help but be moved and interested by their views.

Even Gorbachev & Reagan's 'Star Wars' program and it's ultimate failure or dismissal is shown as touching - but not in the exaggerated way a 'reality' TV show may manipulate it or your feelings.

Whilst I talk here about feelings I feel the need to mention the following... As well as the emotions listed at the start of this review I, for one or two brief moments I experienced Love - not for nuclear weapons - for what the human race could achieve if we all got together, to rid the world of such weapons of mass destruction and therefore this fear.

As brilliant a cinematic documentary as this is - and as Lucy explained - it is so different to her other 3*, especially in narrative. It was also hinted that her future (5th) movie could indeed be different again...a work of fiction in the form of a feature film. Lucy also gave a couple of anecdotes, a story about the lengths to go through when meeting political players, old or new (including how many visits each one took) as well as an amusing tale about her 'un'-intended Oscar dress.

[*See "Devil's Playground"; "Blindsight"; "Waste Land"]

If the mention of a Radiohead track also used in the film [the second Radiohead reference recently - see my review of the Japanese movie, Confessions] doesn't summarise the film and the awe it brings, I'll finish with these further words...

In my opinion, this is a great 'horror' film and with a big heart. So much so that I was on the edge of my seat, especially when we two thirds through it.

...And...as I sit here listening to Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime by The Korgis, it seems to go well with my memories of one of the end shots in the picture. It is a shot where we are above a nuclear missile-head, looking down - one can imagine & fear it going off...not only towards 'us', the audience but also how easily and accidentally the button can be pushed.

If a 'button must be pushed' make it a 'click' on either of the following:

Website

http://www.countdowntozerofilm.com

Twitter:

http://www.Twitter.com/countdown2zero

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/CountdowntozeroUK