The Ghost Writer (2010)

So I saw this film a week ago called 'The Ghost Writer'. Ewan McGregor plays a London based biographical writer brought in to finish the memoirs of Prime Minister Pierce Brosnan. That's really just about all I have to say about this film. It attempted to be edgy and vague in the way it portrayed the story but in turned out to be extremely boring. I don't even know what happened at the end; it was made out to be a huge twist and maybe it was just me but I didn't get how Brosnan's wife Olivia Williams being in the CIA affected anything. I was highly disappointed by the end which is normally not a feeling I get with Ewan McGregor films despite being my usual response to seeing Brosnan on the cast list. McGregor's accent was funny though! Yeah, clutching at straws here.

Really quite boring - 2.5/5

What is Roman Polanski doing directing a film like this? Why did he think it would do anything for his career? He has certainly gone downhill from the days of 'The Pianist'. So many films these days are on the subject of uncovering government conspiracies but what many of them include is a bit of action. This however had none. It was portrayed in such a serious manner with very little emotion. Olivia Williams was possibly the stand out performer in this one; she seemed to be the only one trying to act to an anywhere decent level. I must admit also that it was nice to see a glimpse of the ever wonderful Eli Wallach, who you will remember from 'The Holiday'. As you can surely see by now, this film has fairly little going for it.

I really don't know what else to say about this one. I certainly wouldn't recommend it if you are easily bored, I can guarantee you will be turning it off in the first half an hour. For those who enjoy serious political thrillers then I guess this is for you and I can see why people such as this would enjoy it. I just wasn't for me.

Would I recommend it? See above.

The Wild (2006)

Relied on the Laughs 3/5

So I saw this film today called 'The Wild'. Despite a very basic storyline which lacked any real imagination, Disney managed to come away with something watchable. Saying that however, it was only until about an hour into the film that I realised I had seen it before. Not the most memorable flick ever it seems. It didn't lack in stars; Disney packed in Kiefer Sutherland, William Shatner and most impressive of the lot, Eddie Izzard. Izzard's character Nigel provided much of the comedy throughout the film and kept the film going in scenes where it otherwise would have lagged. Jim Belushi's character Benny also had the same effect but on a smaller scale. Izzard was certainly the shining light in this one.
Screenplay writers Ed Decter and John J. Strauss deserve praise for the script. It certainly did not lack pace; with both Izzard and Belushi's wit shining through in a quick-fire comedy. No it isn't the funniest film you'll ever see but believe me, without the hint of gentle comedy, this film would definitely have been one to miss. With it, Disney manages to make another ok family film. It's no 'Lion King', but it will have to do.One point to add; if you watch this you may agree that, at times, it feels like parts are copied from both 'Madagascar' and 'Ice Age'. Just saying.
Overall I would have to describe it as a good kids film, with moments that will occasionally make adult laugh. Nothing overly impressive but its not one to avoid.
Would I recommend it? I guess so.