'Fairytale In New York' Attracts Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland

24 star Kiefer Sutherland has signed up to new indie romance film Fairytale In New York. Actress Kate Bosworth will be joining him for the NY based film. Sutherland will play an Irish stand-up comic (seems a strange role for him to me) who meets an unusual woman during a trip to New York.

Lee Cleary will be directing the flick which will mark his debut in film making. Despite it being his first solo directing attempt he has previously been Assistant Director for both The Hurt Locker and X-Men: First Class which should serve as good experience. The film will be set in both Northern Ireland and New York and will begin shooting later this year.

Sutherland has just finished starring in Lars Von Trier's new film Melancholia alongside Kirsten Dunst which was revealed at the Cannes Film Festival this week. Kate Bosworth has also been busy recently starring in the

Phone Booth (2002)

Mint - 4/5

So I saw this film on Channel 5 last night called 'Phone Booth'. I've seen this film many a time and, despite it literally being set in one single location, I never find myself getting bored of it. Colin Farrelll's performance is exceedingly arrogant and shovenistic towards the beginning but becomes hugel emotional as the film progresses, showing the diversity that Farrell can bring to any film. It's astonishing that Joel Schumacher managed to bring us such a captivating movie when the events unfolded in one single setting. In this way the film was a breath of fresh air to the 'hostage' genre of film. With previous films in this sub-type such as 'The Negotiator' and 'Speed' we feel a great tension building during the hostage scenes but when it breaks away to show some fairly pointless footage of the hostage taker or the police doing their work you lose the sense of empathy to those who have bee taken prisoner. By sticking solely to Farrell's character in this film, Schumacher enabled us to empathise during every second. This made Farrell's tearful scenes that much more emotional. I think the single location however was the reason for the short length on this film (81 minutes), which meant we were not beginning to be bored by the end.

What a good call the casting of Forest Whitaker was as Captain Ed Ramey. I seem to recall that, when I first watched this film, it was the first major role I had seen him in. I'd noticed his fleeting appearance in 'Platoon' but to me, 'Phone Booth' was the film that catapulted his career to where it is today. He was so genuine in the role. Now I'd be the first to admit that I'm a huge fan of Denzel Washington, but there was something about the role that actors such as this couldn't have pulled of. Whitaker was by far the right man for the job. This film was the film that tranformed me into a Forest Whitaker fan, simple as that.

I've never had a conversation in which somebody has said they dislike this film. It appeals to everyone and it is a British television favourite because it's a film that people can just sit and watch. They may not plan to watch it but when they see it on the TV guide it just leaps off the page.
Would I recommend it? Why haven't you seen it already?

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.