‘Good Vibrations’ is the story of the independent record shop in Belfast city center during the 1970’s.  As most people are well versed, this period of Northern Irish history is referred to as ‘the troubles’ and wasn’t the best time to be setting up shop in the frequently bombed capital.  Terri Hooley is the legend of the punk scene in Belfast’s musical history, most famous for releasing ‘The Undertones’ single ‘Teenage Kicks’, this is a film about the man, the legend and his determination to not give up on an alternative Ulster.  Drawing in critical acclaim and well received on the festival circuit, ‘Good Vibrations’ speaks to the rebellious nature of any music fan and has an overwhelming appeal in its sense of personality and dramatic events. 

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‘The Princess of Montpensier’ made it to the Cannes selection in 2011.  It reminds me a lot of ‘A Royal Affair’ and it’s not fair to compare them as they are different styles of narratives, but the content is driven in a similar fashion of drama suspense over relationships and trust.  Lavish and lush sets and costume set this film on par with the bigger Hollywood period pieces.  Lengthy and indulgent in parts, but overall a well rounded historical romp.

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Sorry about the French subs, it did well at Cannes 2012 so I’m guessing this is why.  It got a steady UK theatrical release and is a brilliant film about relationships.  ’Broken’ features Tim Roth as suburban living solicitor and daughter of pre-teen diabetic Skunk.  Skunk is witness to the not so perfect or quiet life of their happy English middle class cul-de-sac, neighbours who are out of control and events that spark disastrous consequences, then she’s got high school to contend with.  A film as much about growing up as it is about being an individual and understand the strange nature of what family means.  Cillian Murphy plays a school teacher who gets caught up in accusations and violence, and gives another stellar performance.  Stealing the show is young Lily James with a performance that is sure to define her career in the next few years. A British classic in the making.

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Ken Loach is hailed as one of the great British film-makers, so it makes sense that he delves into political history and rediscovers the social spirit of the year 1945.  In ‘The Spirit of ‘45’ the focus is on the state of the country politically and economically, as much as the message is about society’s attitude to pulling together, being country proud and solution solving the socialist way.  Found footage accompanies interviews, life stories abound and as the live streamed Q&A from the Ritzy in London revealed these issues are clear in contemporary minds.  An interesting project, tilting to the left too obviously, but a great discussion point.  

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‘Despicable Me’ short ‘Banana’ shows the minions at their cutest and best.

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Another ‘Despicable Me’ short ‘Orientation Day’.  Possibly my favourite as it self-reflexively references film as a medium.  

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‘Despicable Me’ short ‘Home Makeover’.  Huge fan of the film, can’t wait for the next feature this summer, but in the mean time, there’s lots of these little gems to keep me giggling!

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It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Disney and animation is probably my favourite film genre.  ’Wreck-It Ralph’ is their latest offering and the topic is retro gaming.  Although most audiences will be too young to get all he fantastic references and jokes with 80’s/90’s games like Pac-Man and Street Fighter, the older audiences will revel in them.  Pixar were one of the first companies to devise narrative contents openly geared towards the older audiences, whilst retaining their U/PG ratings and remaining family friendly, but more importantly funny at the same time.  Now that this demographic has been established, this trait is the norm, but ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ reinvents the inclusion of this targeted audience in a different format.  This is not a Pixar film, it’s a Disney Animation Studios production, which is interesting given the skin of the teeth similarities between the two companies production values and of course Pixar is co-owned by Disney.  Bright and colourful with lovable characters, typically a Disney production in essence.  Animation style and graphic depth is key to Pixar’s stunning films, but here Disney have given them a healthy dose of competition, perhaps too close to home in hindsight though.  

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‘Stoker’ is by a mile, my favourite film so far in 2013.  Park Chan Wook’s first English language feature hasn’t compromised his style whatsoever.  The South Korean director is best know in the Western world of film for ‘Oldboy’ (which if you haven’t seen, you just need to check out asap).  His beautiful mise en scene, stunning cinematography, haunting narratives and disturbing characters are all exceptionally well formed and presented in ‘Stoker’.  My biggest hope is that it introduces a new audience to the director.  Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode and Mia Wasikowska in roles that define them as thrilling actors with the ability to curb their own stamp on sinister, it’s all about the family values.  Sort of ‘Adams Family’ in those terms, but largely unique in content of themes.  Not the theatrical release trailer that made its way around the UK screens, but a great edit…prepare to be thrilled.  

(Source: youtube.com)