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Category: MM Top 5 (Page 7 of 7)

MM Top 5: Jurassic Park Jaw-droppers

29 June 2013 / / 12 Comments

With the resurfacing of rumours that Jurassic Park 4 will be in cinemas for summer 2015, I thought it would be more than fitting to centre this fortnight’s MM Top 5 topic on the blockbuster franchise as a kind of celebration. This edition, we’re going to be looking at Jurassic Park Jaw-droppers, and knowing how action packed the trilogy has been, it’s safe to say there were a lot of choices for me to decide between.

So, hold onto your butts as we explore the best scenes from one of the greatest franchises ever brought to film.

5. It’s a Birdcage: Jurassic Park III, 2001
Jurassic Park III

Jurassic Park III

Landing straight at number 5 is the only scene that is featured from the exceptionally underrated Jurassic Park III. When it was released in 2001, JP3 was critically massacred over its ridiculously short running time, poor character development and the fact that it was exactly the same story from the previous two films.

However, look deeper and you will find a good, solid summer action flick that combines the excellent special effects we’ve come to know the franchise for with the variety of dinosaurs that audiences wanted to see after the lacklustre offering in its predecessor The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFJmxST-xRI&w=560&h=315]

The scene we are looking at here is the first time that pterodactyls have featured in the series, apart from a quick cameo at the end of JP2. This sequence in particular really showcases the film’s unbelievable special effects and remains a highlight of a very short movie. When Alan Grant, played again by Sam Neill, realises the team are in a birdcage all hell breaks loose as one of the creatures flies down and snaps up Eric (Trevor Morgan). What ensues is a daring rescue attempt featuring some breath-taking sequences with the series’ newest dinosaurs, a man stuck on a cliff and lots of running – what more could you ask for?

Unfortunately, the impact the scene has on the rest of the film is minimal and it’s all over a little too quickly for my liking, meaning It’s a Birdcage can place no higher than 5th in this edition of MM Top 5.

4. Downtown Rampage: The Lost World: Jurassic Park, 1997
The Lost World: Jurassic Park

The Lost World: Jurassic Park

Steven Spielberg’s involvement, or lack of, in Jurassic Park III is down to his mixed feelings on its predecessor. Released in 1997, critics claimed that JP2 whilst still pushing the boundaries of special effects lacked the sense of excitement and honest humour that the original had in droves and Spielberg has recently commented that he felt the same way, that the film was rushed and one of his worst efforts behind the camera.

Whilst this may be true to some extent, JP2 still had its fair share of jaw-dropping scenes. Stampeding into 4th place is the much criticised ending sequence of The Lost World: Jurassic Park where a rampaging tyrannosaurus causes havoc in downtown San Diego. Critics felt that the scene was overly long and a rip-off of King Kong, but I felt it was much more than that. It really showed the T-Rex in another light, taking it out of its comfortable setting of Isla Sorna and placing it in an urban population, something which had never been done before in the series.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVIS31ghLNQ&w=560&h=315]

Add to this the fact that the animal was looking for its baby, a maternal instinct never picked up on before, and you have one stressed out carnivore. The best part of this scene for me is when it runs alongside a packed city bus, slamming into one side which causes the vehicle to hurtle towards a crowded video rental store, with disastrous results. Truly exciting stuff.

Unfortunately, Spielberg’s rushed ending is really obvious here as it went through many drafts before this sequence was chosen and that’s a shame. It felt like it was tagged on to the end of the film and would’ve made much more sense if it had been placed at the end of Jurassic Park III. For that reason, Downtown Rampage places at number 4 in this fortnight’s list.

3. Over the Cliff: The Lost World: Jurassic Park, 1997
The Lost World: Jurassic Park

The Lost World: Jurassic Park

The second sequence from JP2 takes the bronze medal this fortnight and what a scene it is. Featuring Julianne Moore, Jeff Goldblum and Vince Vaughn hanging on for dear life as an angry pair of tyrannosaurs push their state-of-the-art trailer off a cliff, it is an adrenaline pumping thrill ride.

Filmed on the side of a multi-storey car park, Over the Cliff is one of the best scenes in a rather limp and disappointing sequel to the 1993 blockbuster. Perhaps the best section here is the cracking glass, with the camera holding steady on Sarah Harding’s (Julianne Moore) terrified expression as she realises that it could break at any time, sending her plummeting into the stormy sea below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpxwR_9EhlY&w=560&h=315]

However, the most terrifying part is before any of this happens as Julianne’s character holds on to a cupboard which suddenly opens, causing her to fall on an already cracked piece of glass. For first-time viewers, it is mind-blowing and brilliantly filmed, and for repeat watches, it remains an unescapably terrific sequence which breaks up the monotony of the second film considerably. Perfectly placed and perfectly shot, Over the Cliff rolls into 3rd place.

2. Welcome to Jurassic Park: Jurassic Park, 1993
Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park

For some years before its June 1993 release, audiences had been expecting a film adaptation of Michael Crichton’s bestselling novel and after the announcement of Steven Spielberg as director, fans realised that their dreams of seeing dinosaurs acting realistically on screen were about to come true.

Just what they were in for though was something they couldn’t have imagined. The first 30 minutes of Jurassic Park features only very brief glimpses of dinosaurs and teases the viewer brilliantly right up  until the big reveal, which features here as our silver medallist.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJlmYh27MHg&w=560&h=315]

As the Jurassic Park emblazoned jeeps grind to a halt in a seemingly normal field, the first we know of anything untoward are the faces of Alan Grant (Sam Neill), Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) and Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum). After this we are treated the most iconic scene of the 20th century, bar none. The very first time we see a brachiosaurus in all its glory is an absolutely astounding feat, not only in the progression of special effects, but in the capabilities of actors who made audiences around the world believe that this animal was there, stood right in front of them.

The line ‘Welcome to Jurassic Park’ will no doubt go in history as one of the finest moments in cinema history and even those of you who aren’t Jurassic Park fans will no doubt see from the clip that it is silver screen perfection.

1. Raptors in the Kitchen: Jurassic Park, 1993
Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park

We have arrived at the golden boy for this fortnight’s edition of MM Top 5, and what a jaw-dropper this sequence is. When Jurassic Park was released in cinemas in the summer of 1993, audiences were expecting a sublime mix of action and special effects, which they got. However, towards the end of the film a small lull formed which needed to be eradicated by a truly outstanding action piece.

What viewers got could’ve been a disaster, but due to the expertise of Steven Spielberg, the special effects gurus at ILM and the fantastic John Williams, it worked beautifully. The Raptors in the Kitchen scene flung those annoying children right into the centre of the carnage and whilst they had been in danger in the film before, no-one truly believed that anything could happen to them, they’re kids after all right?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnRxQ3dcaQk&w=560&h=315]

After hiding in the massive chef’s kitchen at the resort, the children Lex (Ariana Richards) and Tim (Joseph Mazzello) were forced into playing a cruel game of cat and mouse with a pair of hungry velociraptors, a species of dinosaur that hadn’t played any major part in the film until this point. The acting from the kids here is sublime and we really feel a sense of panic at being stalked by these terrifying beasts. The tension is cracked up to its peak as the dinosaurs get ever closer to their prey, tasting them in the air and waiting to strike.

As a scene, this is the only one which could standalone and make your heart beat out of your chest and hold on for dear life as you share the peril these poor children have to go through. This is a truly unbelievable, mesmerising couple of minutes that cemented Jurassic Park’s place as one of the greatest blockbusters of all time.

So, there we have it, Jurassic Park Jaw-droppers have been ranked. What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you, so please leave a comment in the box below, I reply to them all. Also, don’t forget to vote in our fortnightly poll and share your opinion on which of the top 5 you think is best.

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MM Top 5: Disaster Scenes

15 June 2013 / / 9 Comments

We’re going to be looking at the best Disaster Scenes that have ever been brought to film. Whether that be the destruction of the entire world or something a little smaller in scale, each of the 5 entries have been watched and hand-picked by myself and are truly, absolutely, 100% epic.

5. The Battle of Hogwarts: Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt 2

Potter 8

For fans of the Harry Potter franchise, we always knew that this would end up being a battle of epic proportions, but I doubt many were truly prepared for what we saw in Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2. After a disappointing adaptation of Half Blood Prince, which completely bypassed JK Rowling’s epic finale battle in the astronomy tower, fans were thirsty for destruction and director David Yates certainly brought that to them in the last instalment.

From the arrival of giants, tarantulas and death eaters, to the use of Hogwarts’ best defences, the entire sequence is shot perfectly with wonderful special effects and some truly harrowing scenes. The loss of major characters ensured there was an emotional element mixed in with all the action, creating a perfect recipe for success.  Let’s not also forget the amazing soundtrack which accompanied the scene and the sweeping shots of Hogwarts castle showing the destruction on a grand scale – it really was superbly directed and choreographed.

However, a lack of screen-time meant that the battle, as epic as it was, didn’t last long enough and before the audience knew it, it was over. This was especially true for the deaths of certain characters which were given a pitiful lack of acknowledgement. For this reason The Battle of Hogwarts, as inspiring and jaw-dropping as it was, can only place at number 5 in this list.

4. The Wave: Deep Impact

Deep Impact

1998 was a film which was dominated by two disaster films. The first being Deep Impact was the more emotional film, a movie which along with the action remembered its characters. The other was of course Armageddon, directed by one of the kings of blockbuster cinema, Michael Bay.

Bay’s film doesn’t feature in this list because the lack of emotion invested in the characters meant no-one truly cared whether they lived or died, it was simply popcorn entertainment with no investment in the cast and their roles.

Mimi Leder, the director of Deep Impact came up with a film which did invest in its characters and because of that it is the stronger of the two, despite the box office figures pointing to the contrary. In both films, a comet is the cause of disaster as it hurtles towards Earth and causes catastrophic damage once it strikes.

The scene we are looking at in Deep Impact is as the comet hits the planet. Water is notoriously difficult to produce in CGI and the fact that the film required a huge tidal wave proved difficult for the animators but even now, 15 years on, the special effects in this sequence still hold up. From the death of two lead characters, to the toppling of the Statue of Liberty, everything is done with the utmost care and attention to detail meaning that The Wave places at number 4 in this fortnight’s list.

3. The White House: Independence Day

Independence Day

The first and only sci-fi film to feature in this list comes straight in at number 3. Independence Day is arguably the best alien invasion film there has ever been and I doubt there will be one which succeeds in taking its crown.

The scene in question lasts less than 10 seconds, but that’s all you need to appreciate just how unbelievable it actually is. We all know that aliens have better technology than us humans do, that’s how films have painted it over the years, but the destruction of the White House is down-right cheeky.

There are no actors involved and everything is done with brilliant special effects, from the laser beam that penetrates the building to the fireball which engulfs a waiting helicopter, everything is done in epic scale, and seeing the White House blown up by some of E.T’s less friendly cousins is truly spectacular. Like Deep Impact, the special effects in Independence Day still look good today and for that reason, a bronze medal awaits The White House.

2. Grand Stairway Flooding: Titanic

titanic

The silver medal in this fortnight’s MM Top 5 goes James Cameron’s Titanic, a film which told the story of the ships disastrous maiden voyage in unbelievable detail. Whilst many, including myself, would criticise the film for being excruciatingly long and unbelievably sloppy, there is no denying that when Titanic goes down, it goes down in style.

The scene looked at here includes the flooding of the Grand Stairway, a major turning point towards the end of the film which put the main romantic plot on the back-burner and brought forward some much needed action and adrenaline. It is the highlight of a film which had been bogged down by needless characters, wooden acting and dull storytelling.

The special effects, whilst not matching the ones seen in Independence Day and Deep Impact, still look reasonably fresh today and there’s something truly excruciating in seeing all those people running in fear, knowing in truth that they had no way of surviving. For me, the most harrowing part is down to the fact that this could so easily happen again today, and knowing how unlikely survival is makes this even the more disastrous. A well-deserved silver medal goes to The Grand Stairway Flooding.

1. The Destruction of LA: 2012

2012_Poster

So the 8th edition of MM Top 5 reaches its top spot. Disaster films are perhaps one of my favourite genres in cinema and it’s unfortunate that only a couple of good movies come along in a wave of terrible, clichéd and poorly acted travesties.

None of those points can be said for 2012, directed by the man who loves to blow up things – Roland Emmerich. He is to disaster movies what Dairylea is to cheese and boy does he know how to create tension. 2012 is the ultimate disaster movie because literally everything is destroyed. It may not have the searing character development of Deep Impact or the peerless special effects of The Day After Tomorrow, in fact as a whole the film itself is merely average, but in creating a movie this big, a couple of things were going to come up short.

Thankfully, the destruction was not one of them. The scene in question involves the complete obliteration of Los Angeles; one of America’s most loved and highly populated cities.

The scene is brimming with little details which other films from other directors may have missed; moments like when the ground collapses and in doing so reveals the network of subway systems LA is famous for, with trains full of passengers crashing into each other and bursting through the rubble and skyscrapers toppling onto the unsuspecting pedestrians below, leaving a trail of broken glass and twisted steel as they do; it is these small details which make the film as a whole, the ultimate disaster movie.

There are many standout moments in 2012, but for me, this really is the pinnacle of destruction and The Destruction of LA fully deserves the gold medal in this fortnight’s MM Top 5.

As always, there are a few films which simply cannot make the cut, but they are featured in my ‘An Honourable Mention’ list below, check them out and see what you think. Also, vote in the poll below to let me know your favourite and if none of them take your fancy, leave a comment, I reply to them all.

Hometree Destruction – Avatar

Statue of Liberty’s Decapitation – Cloverfield

The Destruction of New York – The Day After Tomorrow

Paris is Destroyed – Armageddon

The Sinking of Poseidon – Poseidon Remake

Bridge Collapse – Final Destination 5

The Final Wave – The Abyss: Director’s Cut

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Best Movie Cars: Top 5

17 May 2013 / / 6 Comments

We are now in our 7th edition of the MM Top 5 series and I am pleased at how popular the articles have become. Over the past few months we’ve looked at Harry Potter films, Marvel films, Family Films and many more.

This fortnight, we’re going to move away very slightly from ‘films’ but still with that movie theme running in the background. This edition of MM Top 5 is going to be looking at the best movie cars of all time. Continue reading

MM Top 5: Harry Potter Films

4 May 2013 / / 10 Comments

Firstly, I have to apologise for how late this edition of MM Top 5 is, I have no excuses, I was simply away from my computer. So, considering my poor timekeeping, I think it’s best to jump straight in and tell you what this fortnight’s MM Top 5 is: Harry Potter Films.

I’m doing this mainly in anticipation for the Harry Potter studio tour which I am visiting with some friends in August; it is based near London and for those of you who may be interested all the details can be found here. To say I am exceptionally excited is somewhat of an understatement and I thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to relive the films that inspired a generation of young people and rank the best five movies. So, here we go!

5. Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix: David Yates, 2007
Order of the Phoenix: 5

Order of the Phoenix: 5

David Yates came to the helm of the troubled franchise in 2007 and promised to inject a darker flavour to a crop of films which were blighted by two poor first instalments and his first effort; a bleak and sombre take on the Order of the Phoenix delighted and infuriated fans in equal measure.

The dulcet tones of grey, black and silver in Phoenix were a huge difference to the slightly more colourful films that preceded it and most audiences simply could not get enough. The film made over $900m worldwide and became the 17th highest-grossing film ever released, which is especially impressive considering it is a British-made movie.

More mature performances from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint didn’t hurt the film either, though an increasingly noticeable lack of screen time was given to the veteran actors who made the films such a delight. Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith and Michael Gambon were relegated to miniscule roles and the overall film did suffer as a result.

However, most of the shortcomings can be forgiven thanks to an engrossing screenplay, realistic special effects and a heart-stopping climax in the Ministry of Magic which will no doubt have you reaching for the tissues.

Order of the Phoenix strayed a little more from the novel it was based on, but in fairness, this was no bad thing – JK Rowling’s 5th instalment was a breezeblock of a book and wading through the fat was necessary to construct a film which moved quickly and efficiently.

4. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows – Part 1: David Yates, 2010
Deathly Hallows Pt 1: 4

Deathly Hallows Pt 1: 4

We once again step into the midst of David Yates as we continue our countdown of Harry Potter films. Released in 2010, Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 was a real gamble on the part of not only the director, but the entire production team.

Splitting JK Rowling’s 7th book into 2 films reeked of money-grabbing and it’s not something I usually condone, but for Harry Potter it worked and it paid off in droves.

Moving the action away from the confines of Hogwarts could’ve spelled disaster for the series, as loyal fans loved imagining they were in that school, practising spells, taking on basilisks and trolls. This film was much grittier than any of its predecessors, there was a noticeable shift in the tone once again as the viewer was brought into the world of Harry and the realisation that a war was brewing.

The three lead actors came into their own here too, though perhaps a little too late, and it was needed desperately, as without having many of the adult characters performing in the entire film it could’ve dragged and thankfully it didn’t.

It’s by no means perfect however, there’s a little too much handycam work throughout and one dance scene in particular feels a little too awkward for it to be believable, but these are very minor points in a film which could’ve been the franchises undoing.

Credit must go to David Yates for turning the rather dull first-half of the novel, into a thought provoking, touching and emotionally satisfying chapter in the series.

3. Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire: Mike Newell, 2005
Goblet of Fire: 3

Goblet of Fire: 3

We break away from David Yates’ films for a moment and focus on a director who had not read the books or even given in to the hype of Harry Potter at all. It wasn’t Warner Bros’ finest hour handing over the reins of such an important series to Mike Newell, but his film showed that even a man clearly not that interested in the series could produce a fine film.

Goblet of Fire is arguably JK Rowling’s finest book, action packed from beginning to end whilst still maintaining the emotion necessary to draw people in, it had everything readers wanted and Mike Newell’s film largely kept those important factors.

The Triwizard tournament was an inspired idea in the novels and the films showcased the adrenaline pumping series of challenges fantastically. The special effects in the series really were stepped up a gear from this point onwards as dragons became a major part of the franchise.

We also saw Ralph Fiennes for the first time as the evil Lord Voldemort and what a fine job he did with his role. Brendan Gleeson and David Tennant also joined the cast and were perfectly suited to their roles.

Again though, the film had its issues. The pacing and editing were choppy at best, with huge swathes of the novel cut out in favour of focusing on the tournament and its many dangerous challenges and whilst this may have suited newcomers to the series, many fans were left disheartened and a little disappointed.

2. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows – Part 2: David Yates, 2011
Deathly Hallows Pt 2: 2

Deathly Hallows Pt 2: 2

The silver medal in this fortnight’s MM Top 5 returns to David Yates and the final instalment in the Harry Potter series. Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 was without a doubt the most important film of 2011 as audiences across the globe said goodbye to a franchise that had grown with them over 10 years.

Continuing immediately from where Hallows Pt. 1 left off, it showcased the very best in the British film industry and deserved much more recognition that it received. The sheer scale of the final battle of Hogwarts was indescribable and a momentous occasion that had been building and building since the very first film was released all those years ago.

We witnessed eye-catching special effects and some exceptional acting prowess from the likes of Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes and Maggie Smith, not forgetting the performances of the three leads who continuously grew throughout the final two films.

Here, they reached a pinnacle with their performances – the perfect send-off for the most loved film franchise in cinema history.

However, it wouldn’t be an MM Top 5 without a few small criticisms. A couple of the more poignant scenes involving the deaths of characters were terribly rushed and fans were simply unable to grieve for some of their favourites, it felt a little strange as for once, the series gave too much attention to the action and not enough to the characterisation.

The epilogue sequence featuring Harry, Ron and Hermione’s children was also a disappointingly cheesy end to a series which had been followed, globally for over 10 years.

1. Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban: Alfonso Cuarón, 2004
Prisoner of Azkaban: 1

Prisoner of Azkaban: 1

So, for another fortnight we have reached the spot which everyone can only dream of, the most prestigious podium in cinema.

Prisoner of Azkaban takes this fortnight’s top spot and I can think of no other film in the series of 8 that could possibly fit here better. Whilst the 3rd movie in the franchise may have been the lowest grossing at the worldwide box-office, it earmarked a huge change for the series, one which was felt right up until the very end of film number 8.

Alfonso Cuaron came to the series with a vision, to make Harry Potter darker and to grow the franchise along with the teenagers who were continuing to watch it. As we grew, the series grew with us and that is why it had so much staying power.

Gone were the childish school grounds of Hogwarts, replaced by the rugged, unforgiving terrain that most fans wanted from the beginning. These were no longer children’s films, they were for teenagers. The moody sense of foreboding that stayed with the franchise right up until the very end was created here, by wonderful cinematography and masterful direction.

Cuaron brought the best of his young actors too, with Emma Watson really coming out of her shell and even getting to punch someone in the face. Emma Thompson was added in a brilliant bit of casting which made Professor Trelawny a loveable dope who audiences connected with throughout the rest of the series.

Gary Oldman arrived as Sirius Black and perhaps even more high-profile than that, Michael Gambon replaced the late Richard Harris as Hogwarts’ headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Were Harris was kind and gentle, something which was necessary in the first two films, Gambon played Dumbledore with much more superstition, much more anger and much more power, something which was needed with the constant onslaught of the Dementors and the impending arrival of Voldemort in film number 4.

So there we have it, Harry Potter has been ranked! Do you agree with my choices or should another one of the 8 films be in pole position? Leave a comment in the box below, I reply to them all!

MM Top 5: Marvel Superhero Films

19 April 2013 / / 5 Comments

I always really enjoy writing the results for my MM Top 5, each fortnight I remember either a film that I had misplaced in my memories or even one which I had forgotten just how good it really was. That’s the exciting thing, even though these lists are simply my opinion and you are fully able to share your views too, you might as well try the films on the list and see just how good, or bad, they really are.

So, what on earth is the topic this time around, I hear you cry, well this fortnight’s MM Top 5 is Marvel Superhero Films.

Before I begin, I deliberately chose NOT to include Marvel’s Avengers Assemble as the inclusion of so many superheroes means it shouldn’t really be included in the list.

5. Spiderman 2: Sam Raimi, 2004
Spiderman 2: 5

Spiderman 2: 5

Sam Raimi re-invented the Spiderman franchise way back in 2002 and what a good job he did turning Marvel into something that the mass audience really looked forward to seeing. However, it can’t be denied that in 2013, the original Spiderman really lacks the special touch to make it a timeless classic.

The same can’t be said of its sequel, Spiderman 2, again directed by Raimi. Not only did this outing have a more focused characterisation of Peter Parker from Tobey Maguire, it also had much better special effects and perhaps most importantly, a better villain in Doctor Octopus. The film did away with the overly camp performance of Green Goblin from Willem Dafoe and replaced him with a foe that audiences actually feared and respected in equal measure.

Spiderman 2 is everything a good superhero movie should be. It has cracking special effects, a brilliant story that’s easy to follow and good performances from the lead cast. Unfortunately, the bubble was to burst as Raimi released the disappointing Spiderman 3 a few years later, which effectively ended his relationship with Marvel and Tobey Maguire. It wouldn’t be until 2012 that the series was rebooted with Andrew Garfield playing the title role.

Spiderman 2 isn’t perfect though, it’s a little too long and despite this, the ending feels a little rushed. Therefore, the 5th spot is as far as the masked vigilante can land.

4. Thor: Kenneth Branagh, 2011
Thor: 4

Thor: 4

I find it fascinating that one of Marvel’s lesser known superheroes has managed to take a coveted spot in this list. Thor, away from comic-book circles was relatively unknown until Kenneth Branagh and Marvel teamed together to create a brilliant film.

The title role went to television actor Chris Hemsworth who was the most perfect choice for Thor that anyone could’ve possibly imagined. His long blonde hair, coupled with his stature and physique meant that he was totally believable wielding that powerful hammer.

It wasn’t just Hemsworth who was stepping out into the unknown however, director Kenneth Branagh had never directed such a loud, relentless action film – they were both virgins of the genre and thankfully this never showed.

From the excellent special effects which were used to create Thor’s home-world of Asgard, to the excellent casting of Anthony Hopkins and Tom Hiddlestone as Thor’s father and evil brother Loki respectively, everything felt right.

It wasn’t until Thor was banished to earth that the film started to partially unravel. His interactions with love interest Natalie Portman and scientist Stellan Skarsgard felt incomplete and sorely lacking in comparison to the bright lights of Asgard, and for that reason, the Norse superhero can make it no further than 4th place on this fortnight’s list.

3. X2: Bryan Singer, 2003
X2: 3

X2: 3

It was a real toss-up between X2 and the film placed ahead as to which would take the bronze and silver medals. However, X2 lost out through just a few minor details.

Bryan Singer had already proved he was the perfect choice to helm a marvel flick after completing his work on the first X-Men film three years prior. The majority of the cast also returned as ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ and had a blast this time around.

It just about eclipsed its predecessor in about every way. Improved special effects, improved acting, improved costumes, improved story – the list is endless.

Unfortunately, some poor direction choices which meant that certain mutants namely Angel, who were featured in much of the marketing and promotion material, were sorely lacking in the film and had very little screen-time. Because of this, many fans and critics slated that aspect of the film, including myself, and for that reason, it receives a bronze medal in this fortnight’s list.

2. Iron Man: Jon Favreau, 2008
Iron Man: 2

Iron Man: 2

As with Kenneth Branagh, Jon Favreau was a relative newcomer to the genre back in 2008 when he took the reins of the Iron Man franchise. Thankfully, his snappy direction was the perfect match for Marvel’s egotistical hero and to this day, Iron Man remains the second most commercially successful of any Marvel film, after its sequel.

Robert Downey Jr and Gwyneth Paltrow signed on immediately as Tony Stark and his assistant Pepper Potts respectively and they were simply a match made in heaven. The fact that the rest of the cast were pretty superfluous didn’t really matter as Downey Jr was a law unto himself. He commanded every scene he was a part of, which is definitely no bad thing.

The addition of Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane was a breath of fresh air, finally a villain that didn’t need to be a young evil force, he was simply a man trying to make a little money, and he didn’t mind being a bit deceitful along the way.

A sequel was released in 2010 and whilst it failed to live up to the original, it generated enough hype to become Marvel’s biggest film.

1. X-Men: First Class: Matthew Vaughn, 2011
X-Men: First Class: 1

X-Men: First Class: 1

So, for another fortnight we have reached the spot which every Olympian dreams of, the gold medal.

After Bryan Singer’s surprise departure from the X-Men franchise after the critical and commercial success that was X2, the series suffered some serious lapses. X-Men: The Last Stand was released in 2006 and whilst it added more mutants than ever before, it lacked a coherent plot and story, and was simply a showcase for the prowess of CGI effects.

Then in 2009 X-Men Origins: Wolverine was released on the unsuspecting public. It symbolised everything that was wrong with Hollywood and was a shameless cash-in on the X-Men name and the popular mutant it featured. Whilst it was a moderate commercial success, it fared worse critically with many saying: “Hugh Jackman gives his all, but he can’t help X-Men Origins: Wolverine overcome a cliché-ridden script and familiar narrative.”

Thankfully all was redeemed in 2011 with the release of X-Men: First Class. Helmed by Michael Vaughn, it restored the faith of millions of fans across the globe. Featuring an all-star cast with the likes of Kevin Bacon, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, along with a relatively then unknown Jennifer Lawrence, it was an action-packed film from start to finish.

However, perhaps the most fascinating part of this rollercoaster blockbuster was its setting. It was a prequel to the three films that preceeded it and completely erased Origins from the minds of viewers, which ended up being a smart move. It exceeded expectations and Bryan Singer returns in 2014 with a sequel X-Men: Days of the Future Past.

What are your thoughts on this fortnight’s edition of MM Top 5? As always, leave a comment in the box below, I reply to them all!

MM Top 5: Disney Animated Films (Post 2000)

7 April 2013 / / 5 Comments

Due to a family bereavement this week, this edition of the MM Top 5 has, I’m sure you noticed come a little later than usual. Make no mistake, this is a one-time occurrence (I hope) and it will be business as usual in the following weeks.

After what can only be described as a horrible weekend, I decided to pick a Top 5 which would cheer me up no end, films that people can watch, enjoy and remember long after they have finished. So, for this fortnight, we are looking at the Top 5 Disney Animated Features (Post 2000). Shall we begin?

5. The Princess & the Frog: 2009
Princess & the Frog: 5

Princess & the Frog: 5

Disney has always made sure that their ‘Princess’ films have had magic and 2009’s the Princess and the Frog is definitely no exception. From its slick visuals to its moving story and brilliant soundtrack, it has instantly become a classic, and my little sister wouldn’t be happy in the slightest if I hadn’t included it.

It also marked two very special occasions for Disney, one being the return to the old hand-drawn animation style which hadn’t been seen since Home on the Range in 2004. The other, perhaps more poignant occasion was that the lead character, Tiana, was Disney’s first black heroine, a step praised by many across the globe.

From excellent voice acting, to a wonderful soundtrack, it returned Disney to what it once was and thoroughly deserves the 5th spot in this week’s MM Top 5.

4. Monsters, Inc: 2001
Monsters, Inc: 4

Monsters, Inc: 4

I love Monsters, Inc so much. From a unique and exciting story, to a setting truly packed with colour, it for me is everything a Disney film should be.

A heart-warming story about the trials of life and letting go is interspersed with some truly hilarious scenes and as stated previously, a mesmerising colour palate and array of monsters only add warmth and joy to the proceedings.

John Goodman and Billy Crystal are the perfect double-act as Sully and Mike respectively and they captivated children, as well as myself, across the globe. Their infectious, comedic nature made them a joy to watch, so much so that a sequel, Monsters University, is being released later this year.

If it weren’t for the 3 films placed higher in this list being released later, it is entirely possible that Monsters, Inc would have taken the gold medal this time around.

3. Bolt: 2008
Bolt: 3

Bolt: 3

Many people will perhaps criticise my decision to put Bolt into this list, but for me, the critics are the reason why it is here.

Reviews of the film were largely positive but many felt that something magical was missing, something which Disney perhaps forgot to include. For me, those reservations died almost immediately.

It takes an incredibly good children’s film to move me, and Bolt did just that. The story has been done to death, animals take a road trip to get back to their owner, but Bolt did it differently. Not only did they use the unusual combination of John Travolta and Miley Cyrus, who sang a cracking number during the end credits, but they made the story humorous and for the most part, believable.

I love Bolt, I really do, if you haven’t seen it because of some of the reviews, I urge you to – it’s clever, it has attitude, brilliant voice acting, cracking humour and brilliant animation, and perhaps the best thing of all; it cements the bond that we have with our animals, a bond which money simply cannot buy.

2. Finding Nemo: 2003
Finding Nemo: 2

Finding Nemo: 2

The top 3 in this list were exceptionally difficult to choose between, Disney have made some really cracking films since the millennium and Finding Nemo is definitely no exception.

If, like myself you were a little disappointed about the announcement this week of a sequel, aptly titled Finding Dory, watch the original once more and pray to high heaven that it can be done justice because it would be a huge shame if the little fish and his legacy were destroyed by a rushed and poorly executed film.

Finding Nemo is a case of doing everything right in a children’s film and to this day, it remains a firm favourite of mine. The fact that the lead character has a disability is one reason why I love it, Nemo and his tiny fin made children realise that whilst everyone may be different, each and every person on this planet can do anything, if they put their mind to it.

Whilst the rest of the storyline is a little ambiguous, there’s enough colour in the palate here to keep even the hardest to please entertained and with a lovely mix of emotion and humour blended together perfectly with fine voice work from the actors and actresses involved; it created a wonderful recipe that was bound to impress.

Nemo has been included before in an MM Top 5, but surely any ‘Best Disney’ list has to include it?

1. WALL-E: 2008
Wall-E: 1

Wall-E: 1

So, for another week, we reach the pinnacle, the top spot, the holy grail of any list.

This outcome is perhaps a little predictable as WALL-E has featured in MM Top 5: Family Films but there is just so much about that little robot to love.

WALL-E was a game changer when it was released. Not only was it a sci-fi adventure, a genre which generally was thought of as ‘cult’, it almost has no dialogue in it whatsoever, but it’s these quirks which make it such a favourite with families and critics alike.

Released to universal acclaim and rightly so, it fully deserves the gold medal in my list. Pixar hit a ceiling with this film and one which they haven’t been able to break through as of yet.

The story remains fresh to this day, the environment is lush and it manages to tug at the heartstrings like few other family films can! Who could ever have imagined that two robots in love could conjure tears, but WALL-E managed to do it.

If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend that you do, you won’t be left disappointed.

As always, some films simply can’t make the cut, but they do feature in my ‘An Honourable Mention’ list, which is below:

  • Toy Story 3: 2010
  • Brave: 2012
  • Frankenweenie: 2012
  • The Incredibles: 2004
  • Ratatouille: 2007

So, what are your thoughts? Should another Post 2000 Disney Film have reached the top spot?

As ever, leave your thoughts below!

MM Top 5: Movie Bad Guys

22 March 2013 / / 10 Comments

After a lovely, family orientated MM Top 5 last time, I decided that something a little more gritty would be suitable as our next topic of conversation. It was a tough choice, there are so many different categories to choose from and I look forward to them being the subjects of debate over the coming weeks, but for now let’s focus on this fortnight’s MM Top 5, which is, Movie Bad Guys.

5. Michael Myers: Halloween
Michael Myers: 5

Michael Myers: 5

You can’t have a bad guy list without having a horror franchise included in it, and with so many to choose from it was always going to be a difficult decision as to which one would make the cut. Here we have Michael Myers, perhaps the most feared serial killer in film ever. His iconic stare, lack of vocal ability and of course that hideous mask have made him somewhat of a movie icon over the years.

He has become, unfortunately, a bit of a hack and slash maniac after several outings of the series that failed to amount to anything other than sheer popcorn fodder, but let’s not forget his humble beginnings as a normal suburban boy who killed his sister and his parents.

The directors may have changed over the years, but one thing hasn’t – Michael. That’s why this bloodthirsty psychopath, described by the late Donald Pleasance as ‘Pure evil’ makes it to number 5 on my list.

4. Scar: The Lion King
Scar: 4

Scar: 4

The only animated villain to make the list is as cold as he is camp. Scar featured in the original Lion King series and was the cause of many a tear from children across the globe. Murder was certainly not beyond him as the much beloved Mufasa found out as he was pushed off a cliff and into a stampeding herd of wildebeest.

Unbelievably, Mufasa was Scar’s younger brother, so killing family wasn’t even beyond him. The themes that ran throughout the film were widely criticised for being too adult for the young audience it was trying attract and in no scene was that more apparent than a certain musical number with a few hundred hyenas.

The chilling quote ‘Run away and never return’ was a highlight of Scar’s tyrannical personality and the wonderful voice work by Jeremy Irons meant that it stayed with many for a long time after the final credits rolled.

That is why, Scar, the campest villain in cinema history rightly takes 4th place in this list.

3. Lord Voldemort: Harry Potter
Lord Voldemort: 3

Lord Voldemort: 3

Children across the globe dreamt of travelling to Hogwarts with their own animal, wand and a suitably feisty array of school supplies, but I can’t imagine any of them would have wanted to come up against the fearsome Lord Voldemort like Harry Potter did throughout the series.

J.K Rowling started the whole process of creating a villain long before she published the first book back in 1997, but it wasn’t until the 4th film in the series, Goblet of Fire, released in 2005, that he truly came to life.

Whilst some of the elements of him could be considered rip-offs from other similar titles, it is the sterling performance by Ralph Fiennes, virtually unrecognisable in truly terrifying make-up, that made Voldemort one of the most original bad guys seen on the big screen.

The hatred Voldemort or ‘He Who Shall Not Be Named’ or even ‘The Dark Lord’ had for Harry Potter finally came to a head in the 8th and final film of the series, Deathly Hallows: Part 2, when a battle of epic proportions took place. In the end, Voldemort came off a little worse for wear but his legacy would still live on, within the confines of Hogwarts and the minds of children who have grown up with series and still love it to this day.

Never has a bad guy had so many names, Voldemort fully deserves the bronze medal in this list.

2. Xenomorphs: Alien
Xenomorph: 2

Xenomorph: 2

I know what you’re thinking, the creatures (Xenomorphs) from the Alien series aren’t technically bad ‘guys’ but how can you possibly look at that face, and mouths, and not include them in this list?

First seen on the big screen in 1979, Alien revolutionised special-effects, without the use of costly, and in those days practically unheard of CGI, it made people believe these creatures were alive, murderous and unforgiving. Unbelievably, most of this was achieved with a simple costume which a stuntman would climb into each day to film the scenes with the Xenomorphs in.

Towering over their human prey, they were truly terrifying and now not only have a cult following with fans of the series and newcomers alike, but they cemented Alien as one of the best sci-fi action films of all time.

Heck, if Sigourney Weaver is petrified by them, so am I, and that’s why they deserve a very prestigious silver medal in this fortnight’s MM Top 5.

1. Darth Vader: Star Wars
Darth Vader: 1

Darth Vader: 1

Ah, the number one spot, the gold medal, the rosette – you get the picture.

Perhaps most of you will be a little disappointed with the outcome here as it is entirely predictable, but is there really any other bad guy who deserved this coveted spot more than our winner? If so, please leave a comment in the box below this article, I’d love to hear from you.

Darth Vader, voiced by the brilliant James Earl Jones made cinema goers sit up and take note of Star Wars and I believe it is this masked villain which we should thank for the series’ continuing success. After all, when the first you see of someone is a silhouette appearing from a wall of smoke, you know something bad is going to go down.

Mr. Vader had the whole package, he had the lust of death down to a tee, but he also had a pretty awesome cape, a brilliant helmet and sense of mystery surrounding him that wasn’t spoilt until Episode 5 of the franchise – we all know what happened there.

George Lucas knew that Vader was the biggest villain of all time and tried to recreate him numerous times as the series progressed, Darth Maul being the closest to a success he got, but ultimately the red faced menace looked a little clownish alongside his black-cloaked counterpart.

Many would say that Darth Vader was simply a puppet, used by the Empire to conduct their evil schemes, but there is no denying that he remains, to this day, a force to be reckoned with – in film at least.

As always, some bad guys (and gals) simply can’t make the cut, but they do feature in my ‘An Honourable Mention’ list, which is below:

  • T-Rex: Jurassic Park
  • Freddie Krueger: Nightmare on Elm Street
  • Mrs. Bates: Psycho
  • Hannibal Lecter: Silence of the Lambs

 

What are your thoughts on this fortnight’s topic? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment in the box below, I reply to them all.

MM Top 5: Family Films

8 March 2013 / / 6 Comments

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it seems perfectly fitting that our MM Top 5 for this edition would be films that the whole family can watch together. There’s nothing better than sitting down on a Sunday afternoon in the comfort of your own home and switching on a family classic. Here, I have selected 5 films that just scream “family fun”, so shall we take a look?

5. Night at the Museum

Night At The Museum: Number 5

Night At The Museum: Number 5

Ben Stiller is at his best in a witty, hilarious comedy and Night At The Museum is no exception to that rule. A brilliant story coupled with an all-star cast including the likes of Robin Williams ensures that the film is fabulous from beginning to end. A sequel was released a few years after and managed to be as good as the first. It is however, a little too long and therefore means it can place no higher than number 5 on my list.

4. Shrek 2

Shrek 2: Number 4

Shrek 2: Number 4

A sequel I hear you cry! Fear not, Shrek 2 was a vast improvement on its already fine predecessor, but it added something that was sorely lacking in the first: a brilliantly dark sense of humour, from the constant references to fairy-tales to the often adult references, it really does sparkle from beginning to end. Add to this a fantastic performance from Jennifer Saunders and a show-stopping cameo from Simon Cowell and you have a recipe for success.

3. Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo: Number 3

Finding Nemo: Number 3

The top 3 in this list were exceptionally difficult to choose between, thankfully however, I managed to make a decision. Finding Nemo is a case of doing everything right in a children’s film and to this day, it remains a firm favourite of mine. Whilst the storyline is a little ambiguous, there’s enough colour here to keep even the hardest to please entertained and with a lovely mix of emotion and humour blended together perfectly with fine voice-work from the actors and actresses involved; it created a wonderful concoction that was bound to impress.

2. Wall.E

Wall-E: Number 2

Wall-E: Number 2

Wall:E was a game changer when it was released. Not only was it an animated Sci-fi adventure, it almost has no dialogue in it whatsoever, but it’s these quirks which make it such a favourite. Released to critical acclaim and rightly so, it fully deserves the silver medal in my list. Pixar hit a ceiling with this film and one which they haven’t been able to break through as of yet. The story is fresh, the environment is lush and it manages to tug at the heartstrings like few other family films. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend that you do, you won’t be left disappointed.

1. Mrs. Doubtfire

Mrs. Doubtfire: Number 1

Mrs. Doubtfire: Number 1

Here we are, the number one spot in my list and a film which fully deserves its place. Often overlooked as not only the best family film of all time, but one of the best films of all time too, Mrs. Doubtfire proved a hit with audiences across the globe when it was released in 1993.

Robin Williams is sublime as a father who stops at nothing to see his children following a divorce, in fact he plays one of the best parts of his career and fully deserves the praise lavished on him since the role.

Pierce Brosnan and Sally Field also star but are pretty much sidelined by the performance of Robin Williams.

Add to Williams’ performance, a deep emotional core about family values mixed with some brilliant comic timing and you have a film which really is amazing to sit down and enjoy with the people that matter most.

As always, there are films which didn’t quite make the cut but have to, for one reason or another be featured in our ‘An Honourable Mention’ list.

An Honourable Mention

  • Toy Story 2
  • Monsters Inc.
  • The Incredibles
  • The Land Before Time
  • The Lion King
  • Oliver & Company

So, there we have it, the perfect films to sit and watch this weekend as you celebrate your mothers. Do you agree with the films I’ve chosen or is another film worthy of the title? Leave a comment in the box below.

MM Top 5: Movie Franchises

23 February 2013 / / 21 Comments

Counting down the biggest movie franchises of all time was never going to be an easy task. It is one of those things that you should never enter into lightly; after all, there are so many different ones to choose from; picking just 5 and putting them in order of greatness is not an easy thing to undertake. However, after all the waiting, it’s finally done. Here, are the 5 greatest film franchises of all time. Shall we begin?

5. Halloween 1978-2009

Halloween

The only horror franchise on this list enters in at number 5 but only just made the final cut. A toss-up between Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street is the reason why, but the Michael Myers franchise lucked out – partly because of its superior sequels and better direction. Another, perhaps more poignant reason is because of that chilling  score and that iconic mask. Halloween has had some truly awful entries in its history, Halloween: Resurrection anyone? But there have been some highlights and the 2007 reboot was a fantastic way to recapture the magic of the 1978 original. The series started all those years ago but remains popular to this very day.

4. James Bond 1962-present

Skyfall

There is no denying that the digits 007 will go down in history, but do the films associated with Ian Fleming’s numbers stack up? Well they definitely make it into the top 5, but only as far as number 4. Numerous celebrities have played the iconic spy over the years with Daniel Craig continuing his incarnation with a third film, Skyfall, which became one of the most successful films of 2012 across the globe. Sean Connery started the proceedings in 1962 and the franchise has gone from strength to strength ever since. The series as a whole has grossed over $5billion at the worldwide box office and remains perhaps THE most iconic film series of all time. However, it most definitely isn’t the greatest.

3. The Lord of the Rings 2001-2003

Lord of the Rings

Peter Jackson became a household name in 2001 with his take on J.R.R. Tolkien’s three outstanding novels. When the first film was released it received near universal acclaim from movie-goers and critics alike, cementing its place at the very top of the movie chain. The second film was received with perhaps a more  mixed response but still did nothing to detract from the phenomenon. By the time the third film was released the series had become one of the highest grossing of all time and earned a spot in the hearts of movie-goers across the world. Therefore, it takes the bronze medal on this list.

2. Jurassic Park 1993-?

Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park

Steven Spielberg is widely regarded as the king of blockbuster cinema and his effort in 1993 made sure that everyone knew that; it grossed over $900 million at the worldwide box office and remained the highest grossing film of all time until 1997, when funnily enough its successor was released. Unfortunately, it wasn’t Jurassic Park II which stole the crown; it was the highly inferior snooze fest that is James Cameron’s Titanic (awaits the impending boos).  Whilst the two sequels that followed (1997: The Lost World; 2001: Jurassic Park III) failed to capture the magic and delight of the original, they still

provided the same blockbuster entertainment that pleases the masses. Jurassic Park is the epitome of everything that can be done right with a paper thin script and cardboard characters. Yes the story is lacking and yes the characters are thinner than Tesco value paper; but it didn’t matter, it was all about those terrifying Velociraptors and that staggering T-Rex rampaging across the screen. The effects in all three films still stand the test of time and each film will have a place in the heart of fans the world over. Now, with film number 4 due for release in 2014, the franchise is hopefully being given a new lease of life. Jurassic Park and its sequels changed the way films were made and that is why it deserves a silver medal in my Top 5.

1. Harry Potter 2001-2011

Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone

Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone

Here we are, the franchise which I believe has had the biggest impact across the world. It has to be, without a doubt, the Harry Potter saga. It all began 11 years ago with director Chris Columbus taking the reins of what seemed to be another children’s film. Did anyone really know that the biggest movie franchise of all time was brewing? I think

for the most part, no was the answer. Harry Potter, like Jurassic Park changed the way we look at films forever and all 8 of the films have remained at least of a good standard. Of course, with any saga spanning so many movies there were bound to be a couple of lapses and thankfully here there were only a couple. Film number 2 and 6 were perhaps the worst of the bunch but they all created memories in the minds of those going to watch. In 2011, it all came to an end and a void was left without a new franchise to fill it. Will a phenomenon like Harry Potter ever come about again? In my opinion, the answer is no. This is why the biggest movie franchise of all time takes the gold medal in this list.

An honourable mention must also go to the following film series’ that nearly made it into the Top 5, but, for one reason or another just missed out on a coveted place. They are as follows:

  • The Alien franchise
  • The Toy Story franchise
  • The X-Men franchise
  • The Spiderman franchise
  • The Indiana Jones Franchise

 
How do you feel about my Top 5? Did Harry Potter deserve to take the top spot or was another franchise more deserving of the gold medal? Leave a comment below!

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