Transformers: Dark Of The Moon (2011)

Breathtaking - 4.5/5

So I saw this film yesterday called Transformers: Dark Of The Moon and, as you are most probably aware, this is the third film under the Transformers franchise from director Michael Bay. Unfortunately for me it is the first film I've seen in the cinema this year! However, as I'm moving house and trying to save money, I still think I can call myself a movie buff. Anyway, on with the review...

The Transformers trilogy began with Transformers back in 2007 and my main problem with the film was that at times it was hard to see what was actually happening during the battle scenes between the Autobots and the Decepticons. Michael Bay managed to rectify this mistake with Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen in which we saw an increase in slow motion fight scenes and well thought out action. Despite this the second film was criticised by many (not including me as I thought it was better than the first. Just saying). Transformers: Dark Of The Moon improved even further on the action sequences. The film was truly stunning and you could tell an immense amount of imagination went in to creating the stunning sequences. I was lucky enough to see the film in 3D, which I would strongly advise you to do when you go to see this film, and it added a lot to the film. The fight scenes towards the end left me thinking 'HOW DO THEY DO IT'. It was truly breathtaking.

Whilst I was blown away with the visual effects on display, the plot certainly lacked substance in places and continuity proved a problem. The film was very poorly edited and in places felt rushed. I can't imagine how long the whole film was before they cut anything but even though we saw two and a half hours of film it still felt liked it skipped over large and important parts of the story. The scenes would sometimes skip ahead without really explaining what had happened and the problem wasn't just a one off but could be found all the way through. I think they rushed to get this movie to the big screen.

Although it doesn't sound it the aforementioned problems do really take a back seat when compared with everything that was right about this film. Bay managed to bring us the combination of a genuinely funny script with truly amazing and expansive action sequences that we have come to expect from the Transformers films. Whilst the story may not have been the greatest ever it didn't seem to matter when watching Optimus Prime

My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - D

Welcome to the fourth installment of the series where I take a deeper look at the films the top films that didn't make it onto my final Cinematic Alphabet but that are well worthy of praise. For those of you following the series apologies for the delay but from now on it will return to being a weekly post. So settle down as So I Saw This Film takes a look at My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth. This week it's D:

Dances With Wolves

Dances With Wolves is one of those films that astounded me all the way through. And that statement is coming from someone who before wasn't a particular fan of Kevin Costner. It is an absolute must watch for any film fan; a beautifully cinematic landscape throughout combined with an emotional storyline and many heart warming moments. The ending is kind of lame but it is still one of my favourite films and a must see.

District 9

District 9 provides a brilliant mix of a hilarious script, outstanding CGI effects combined with great live-action scenes and a great storyline. For some reason I found it one of the funniest films I've seen when I first saw it despite the fact that it's basically an alien based thriller. I can't wait for the sequel to arrive but wonder how they can possibly improve on the first one.

The Darjeeling Limited

A fantastically indie travel film starring Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman as three brothers travelling across India by train in a spiritual quest of sorts. The storyline really speaks to anyone like me who dream of travelling on the Indian railways and I think therein lies the reason for my enjoyment. Easily my favourite Wilson film and my second favourite Brody film after The Pianist.

Disturbia

I very much doubt this will have made it onto many lists of this type but again the storyline of the film spoke to me. I think the combination of a home alone teenager and the spying element would speak to any Male's teenage side. I'm personally a fan of Shia LaBeouf but to enjoy this film you really have to be.

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My Cinematic Alphabet: In Depth - C
'Disturbia' Review

Leonard Nimoy To Voice Setinel Prime

Leornard Nimoy has become the latest addition to the cast of the third Transformers installment. Nimoy will star as Sentinel Prime in the new film 'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon', a character who is a mentor to Optimus Prime. The film marks another project for Nimoy who is keeping busy these days with recent projects such as the latest 'Star Trek' film. Nimoy has experience of this particular franchise after voicing Galvatron in a 1986 cartoon version of the story.

Empire has reported that director Michael Bay was original sceptical about asking Nimoy to play the part due to Nimoy's retired status. He is reported to have said “I was too scared to ask him,”. Luckily for the viewers however he plucked up the courage and the former Spock was only too glad to join in on the project. Nimoy is the latest in a line of big names that will feature in the third film including returning Shia LaBeouf and new faces such as John Malkovich. Nimoy will add experience to the cast and will help bring a cult following to the cinemas that may make up for the damage the last film did to the franchise. I'm personally looking forward to it.

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Transformers: Dark Of The Moon Preview
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Disturbia (2007)

Surprisingly Good - 5/5

So I saw this film a while ago called 'Disturbia'. It is a sort of mock-horror film that doubles as a rom-com in places. I'm confused at what genre the film really is, but what matters is how good the film was. It is basically the story of an average teenage boy (Shia LaBeouf) who is under house arrest. This film would be good just on this premise, but in addition his neighbour, played by David Morse (who is capable of being pretty scary at times), has been murdering people. To top this off, his other neighbour is a gorgeous girl (Sarah Roemer) who joins up with LaBeouf to expose the goings on next door. Now I know all this sounds ridiculously fake, cheesy and very predictable, but honesty the film doesn't come across that way. If you're a fan of Shia, which I am, you will love it. He plays the role so well, evoking memories of 'Even Stevens', and brings his own brand of humour to the fore.

The horror element of this film, which most would describe more as thriller, is less appealing but is still effective. It is done it the style of the film. In a way the film reminded me of both 'American Beauty' and 'The 'Burbs', two classic films set only in one street that deal with the relationships between neighbours. Whilst it may not be a classic like the two aforementioned films, 'Disturbia' punches well above its weight. What I mean by this is that I was not expecting to enjoy the film and I was therefore pleasantly surprised by the outcome. It's one of those films that you can just lie on the sofa and laugh along with. Ok, so the storyline isn't the most ingenious thing ever written, but if it makes you laugh it can still be considered a good film. I can imagine many of you will disagree with me on this one so please leave a comment. Don't bash me too much though.

Personally I would recommend this one to anybody, especially fans of Shia LaBeouf or the two similar films I alluded to earlier. It is one that will surprise you and which deserves more recognition.

Dominic Cooper frontrunner to play Bourne in 'The Bourne Legacy'?

Yes, I'm sure you've heard by now that Matt Damon will not play his famed character Jason Bourne in the fourth of the Bourne films, 'The Bourne Legacy'. What a great blow this is to lovers of these films; Damon was perfect for the part, he was Jason Bourne. The fourth film will certainly suffer from the fact that he will not feature. But reports from Deadline have suggested that a host of other stars are being considered for the role, including front runner Dominic Cooper, who you will remember from 'An Education'. He is among a group of men in line for the role, which also includes 'Clash Of The Titans' star Luke Evans.

Unfortunately, to me whoever is picked will have no chance of delivering as well as Matt Damon did. I'm sure other fans will be of the same opinion. I'm finding it very hard to even picture a Bourne film without him, and it will be interesting to see if ticket sales go down as a result. In an effort to boost the acting prowess, there are rumours that Shia LaBeouf is being considered for the film. It will need a well known name to bring in viewers and Shia will make an impact. Fans will go to see the film, if only to see how the new leading man does. But I'm sure they will go in with at least some trepidation.

Preview: Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Set to come out in July 2011, the third installment of the Transformers franchise looks set to make a big impact. The trailer is full on and we can see by watching it that the film will certainly not be lacking in special effects. In my opinion they look to dwarf those displayed in the first two films, which were themselves stunning. This film needs a storyline to go along with all the action however and it will be interesting to see how they run it, although by the looks of the trailer it seems they are aiming to latch on to the success of Battle: Los Angeles by portraying an invasion type scene taking place on earth. This may not be the best way to go but the trailer still looks stunning.

Die hard fans of the trilogy will however miss the talents of Megan Fox. In fact I'm sure just about any male viewer will too. I'm not entirely sure who will replace her as Shia LaBeouf's piece of stuff so if anyone knows leave a comment.

I think I am sticking my neck out a bit here when I admit I enjoyed Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. However, it seems it wasn't the most popular film ever released, so I'm sure director Michael Bay will be keen to remedy the mistakes made in the second installment. The trailer for this one added to by the fact that John Malkovich will feature has ensured that I will be going to see it, but it will be interesting to see if it falls by the wayside. Here's hoping it doesn't.