FEATURE : 15 GREAT CAMEOS - No. 15

In July we tackled the greatest animated movies ever made. With Tom Cruise currently raising audience eyebrows in Tropic Thunder, Film Apt. looks at 15 of the greatest cameos ever.

15. Bruce Springsteen in HIGH FIDELITY

In a film about music and relationships, what could be better than Bruce Springsteen handing out advice on your 'top 5'?

CINEMA: MAMMA MIA!

2008

Cert: PG

Dir(s): Phyllida Lloyd

Starring: Stellan Skarsgård, Meryl Streep, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan

What You Need To Know: Girl wants to find out who her real dad is so invites three of her mothers' past conquests to her wedding. Singing and dancing ensues.

This review is more than a little late. It's months since the film was released and Film Apt. has only just got round to posting a review. This largely due to the fact that we've been more than a little apprehensive over the prospect of sitting through an ABBA musical. 108 minutes of all singing, all dancing ABBA just isn't up our street. But through the persistance of our other half and the sheer media presence of the musical, Film Apt. finally caved in. And was pleasantly suprised.

Mamma Mia (now showing in a special sing-a-long subtitled version in selected cinemas) zips along at a speedy pace, never sagging. The songs are performed with gusto and the film never forgets its' sense of fun. Only the presence of a truly wooden Dominic Cooper dampens the experience. Although it is not everyones' cup of tea, Mamma Mia! is without a doubt a fun film to enjoy in the cinema with friends.

Conclusion

It's so bad, it's good : fun, cheesy and very camp, Mamma Mia is a film that will almost certainly have you leaving the cinema with a spring in your step.

7

Bernie Mac

October 5th, 1957 –August 9th, 2008

CINEMA: THE APARTMENT

1960

Cert: PG

Dir(s): Billy Wilder

Starring: Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray, Jack Kruschen

What You Need To Know: Ambitious guy lets out his apartment for fellow office workers to get up to no-good with floozies so he can get climb the business ladder.

Billy Wilders classic gets a well deserved limited re-release for a whole new generation to enjoy. 'The Apartment' remains both touching and funny. Shirley MacLaine and Lemmon are both utterly magnetic onscreen while MacMurray does a good job as the cad, Mr Sheldrake. 'The Apartment' does however feel a tad too long by todays standards. The shooting style evokes a sitcom-esque mood which isn't suited to the 2 hours running time. Despite this, the film is definately recommended viewing for anyone interested in getting some vintage gold. A comic and tender glow masks serious and cruel undertones.

Conclusion

Wilders witty script and winning performances from Lemmon and MacLaine save 'The Apartment' from its testing running time. A brilliant afternoon DVD rather than a night at the cinema.

8

CINEMA : THE DARK KNIGHT

2008

Cert: 12A

Dir(s): Chris Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart

What You Need To Know: "Batman Begins". Round 2.

The follow-up to 2005's 'Batman Begins' has erupted onto UK screens after an avalanche of press publicity, controversy and tragedy. Already breaking box office records, 'The Dark Knight' is the most financially successful 'Batman' film yet.

'The Dark Knight' is a show down between Batman and comics' most popular villian, the Joker. Christian Bale returns as a stronger, more self assured Batman. He once again confirms that his take on the caped crusader is the best yet. Christian Bale brings an intense gravitas to a role that has stood the test of time, enduring parody(in the 60s) and ridicule ('Batman and Robin'). Perhaps inevitably though, it is Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker that truly stands out. Joker '08 is a beast that annihalates any previous interpretations of the character and will stand as the example where all future versions will be judged against. A truly twisted and delightfully disturbing villian, the Joker of 'The Dark Knight' will surely be joining the ranks of cinema's greatest antagonists. The rest of the cast are also excellent, with Maggie Gyllenhaal delivering a captivating take on the most thankless of roles, the Batman love interest. No suprises from Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman, who all keep up to their own, high standards. The writing by the Nolan brothers is suprisingly thought provoking and the score by celebrated musicians Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard is suitably dramatic. Infact, 'The Dark Knight' is a perfect example of a group of extraordinary talents, actors, composers and film makers, at the height of their game.

Despite this, and the hype surrounding the picture, 'The Dark Knight' is not completely perfect. Nolan still has yet to master the shooting of an action sequence and the editing is at times clumsy. A thrilling climactic battle on a building site is stifled by a video-game-esque set up and execution. Aaron Eckhart's brilliant potrayal of Harvey Dent is damaged by a somehow slightly limp payoff. As stated before, Maggie Gyllenhaal does a great job in bringing more to the damsel in distress role but the character, Rachael Dawes still just feels like a plot device that is there purely to inspire angst in other, male characters.

Having said all of this, 'The Dark Knight' is an accomplished piece of movie making. Despite being around two and a half hours long, the film never sags or over stays its' welcome. Its' faults feel extremely minor when considering what it gets right. As stated before, the acting is first class, while the action and tension never lets up completely. Rising high above its' predessesors in the comic book movie genre, 'The Dark Knight' is an intelligent and thrilling accomplishment. Easily the best 'Batman' movie ever made, it has raised the bar not just for comic book movies but summer blockbusters in general.

Conclusion

With gigantic performances from Bale and Ledger, stunning action sequences, thoughtful themes and a solid moral core, 'The Dark Knight' is essential, spectacular viewing.

9

CINEMA : WALL-E

2008

Cert: U

Dir(s): Andrew Stanton

Starring: (the voices of) Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin

What You Need To Know: Cute, lonely robot goes on an adventure in outer space.

First things first, Film Apt considers Pixar to be the very best animation studio working today. With a flawless previous track record, the company frequently put their closest financial rivals to shame.

It comes as no suprise then, that 'Wall-E' is another resounding success.

'Wall-E' opens with a blissfully laid back first act, in which the central character is observed going about his daily business on a deserted planet Earth. Often the quieter moments prove to be the most effective in this film from the director of 'Finding Nemo'. The second act takes Wall-E off Earth and into space, introducing a more traditional plot. The change of pace and energy is so radical that 'Wall-E' could be like two different films spliced together. This is by no means a bad thing, as by upping the action and plot, Pixar and Disney will no doubt be satisfying the summer audience looking for an animated blockbuster spectacle. It does feel though, that by modern animated film standards, the first half hour of 'Wall-E' is the most daring. Having said this, the rest of the film is also brilliant, just in a completely different way.
The believable interaction between a cast that is made up largely of robot characters is very impressive. With more than a couple obvious nods towards '2001: A Space Odyssey', 'Wall-E' is sure to delight fans of sci-fi. The sumptuous imagery and flawless cast design will not make animation enthusiasts feel left out and the loveable characters will prove to be unforgettable for people of all ages.

Conclusion

A wonderful film for all audiences, and is likely to be the best animated feature of the year.
'Wall-E' is a must-see.

8

DVD : THERE WILL BE BLOOD

2007

Cert: 12

Dir(s): Paul Thomas Anderson

Starring: Daniel Day Lewis, Paul Dano, Dillon Freasier

DVD Special Features: The Story Of Petroleum ,
Deleted Scenes, Trailers

What You Need To Know: Greedy prospector stops at nothing to get what he wants. Other folk not too happy about it.

Daniel Day Lewis doesn't work in films very often (compared to your average top billing actor), but when he does star his films feel like events. 'There Will Be Blood', Paul Thomas Anderson's ('Punch Drunk Love') latest, earned him a Best Actor Oscar and deservedly so. Day Lewis carries 'Blood' in a performance that is passionate and remarkable.

Having said this, he is not the only thing the film has going for it. Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood creates a wonderful score that has the audience on the edge from the very onset. Opening with an assault of sound (that shares the screen with a canvas of pure black), Greenwood starts a sense of dread and discomfort that continues throughout the film. It's a wonderfully effective score that might not make it to the playlist on your iPod, but like the film, lingers in the mind for a good while.With the oscar winning cinematography combined with Andersons' expert skill in direction and writing, 'There Will Be Blood' feels like a film from long ago. The editing techniques and shots evoke a mood and style from the films of classic hollywood.

Daniel Day Lewis plays the prospector, Daniel Plainview while Paul Dano also puts in a notable performance as Plainview's rival, Elijah Sunday. The two spar throughout the film to win the hearts and support of the local towns people. Deep down, Plainview represents the pure financial greed of capitalism while Sunday is the corruption of religion, a 'false prophet'. Their competition is captured exceptionally well and brought to an utterly brilliant conclusion in the film's climax. Having said all this, with it's lengthy running time, 'There Will Be Blood' is a slow watch initially. In truth, it's merits never really strike you until long after the closing credits roll. When the film does hit you though, on reflection, it's status as a modern classic is hard to deny.

Conclusion

Once you get past the initial pacing and sheer operatic weight, 'There Will Be Blood's' brilliance is revealed. This is a film that will only get better and better.

9

DVD : CLOVERFIELD

2008

Cert: 15

Dir(s): Matt Reeves

Starring: T. J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, Lizzy Caplan

DVD Special Features: Commentary, Case Designate: Cloverfield (50 mins), Easter Eggs, Document 01.18.08: The Making of Cloverfield,
Cloverfield Visual Effects ,I Saw It! It's Alive! It's Huge!,
Clover Fun ,Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary,
Alternate Endings with Optional Commentary

What You Need To Know: Godzilla gate-crashes The Blair Witch Project

'Cloverfield' is an interesting film to review because it's not so much a movie as it is a theme park ride. Shot in a handy cam point of view for its' entirety, 'Cloverfield' instantly recalls 'The Blair Witch Project'. Rather than hinder the action, this unusual technique adds to the formula, putting the audience directly into the character's shoes. Only what they witness is ever revealed. It's fast, fun and very loud in more ways than one.

The film does have its' problems, however. A seemingly open-ended and unsatisfying finale arrives out of the blue without any sense of building momentum. As well as this, the film is frequently predictable, with story developments and tricks feeling all too familiar from previous monster movies.

This said though, 'Cloverfield' remains entirely refreshing and makes for an exhillerating experience. The creature special effects are impressive and the human characters (all ridiculously pretty) make for endearing protagonists.

Conclusion

A rollercoaster that truly delivers in thrills. Makes for an exciting first-time-watch so rent it and enjoy.

7

FEATURE : TOP 10 ANIMATED FILMS - No. 1

1.

Spirited Away (2001)

A film that carries out on its titles’ promise, 'Spirited Away' grabs the audience within minutes and takes you on an epic yet personal journey. It’s a film that will have you feeling like you’re 8 again with the bizarre world and characters providing a completely overwhelming experience. There's an air of uncertainy that haunts the film as the antagonist and audience are never sure of whom to trust. "Spirited Away"s' characters and story defy the standard formulas that plague the majority of western animations and this only adds to the over-all enjoyment of the audience. Miyazaki has honed his craft to perfection over the years and "Spirited Away" is a testiment to his genuis and skill. At the end of the day when you walk out of the cinema doors, "Spirited Away" has offered you one thing that the majority of other (live and animated) films cannot and that is the feeling that you've actually experienced something.
_

Disney and Pixar's WALL-E is out now.

FEATURE : TOP 10 ANIMATED FILMS - No. 3 + No. 2

2.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

The only animated film ever to get a “Best Picture” nomination, “Beauty and the Beast” is unquestionably Disney’s best. In the 1990s Disneys’ animation skill reached its peak (with Pocahontas being the best looking Disney effort yet). “Beauty and the Beast” utilized this, combining it with a timeless story, great characters (the beast being an antagonist who manages to be worthy of both fear and sympathy at the same time) and an astounding music score, which was put to good use in a hit stage production.

3.

Toy Story (1995)

Toy Story is a revolutionary film, kick-starting the new wave of computer animated films that have dominated the 2000s while also maintaining focus on exceptional story telling and character development. It could be argued that Toy Story 2 is a better film but the original deserves the credit for introducing the characters and techniques on such a high note. The film manages to appeal to a wide audience thanks to its use of convincing characters that aren’t so black and white (a factor not often used in animated features) that we can all relate to.

_
Check back on Friday to find out what Film Apt. deems the greatest animated film ever made.

FEATURE : TOP 10 ANIMATED FILMS - No. 4

4.

Watership Down (1978)

Beating down "Wallace and Gromit and the Curse of the Were Rabbit" (2006) to being what Film Apt. considers the best British animated film, "Watership Down" is a childrens' film that is brave enough to provide a darker view of the world. A film that's aimed at children that deals with themes of death and violence in a mature way is only to be applauded. As with all the films in this list "Watership Down" features lovable characters but what separates it from the others is that it takes those characters and goes in directions with them that other animated features wouldn't dare.



And is Kehaar the seagull not the best wise cracking sidekick of all time?

Hazel: Are you hurt?

Kehaar: Kaah kaah!

Hazel: If he's hurt, maybe we ought to help him.

Bigwig: A bird? What for?

Hazel: We....help....you.

Kehaar: Piss off!



Donkey, eat your heart out.

_
Visit back on tomorrow to find out what films make it to Numbers 3 + 2!

FEATURE : 2008 WINTER PREVIEW

As WALL-E and The Dark Knight plow into cinemas, Film Apt. takes a look at what is headed our way this winter!
All release dates are subject to change.




FROST/NIXON

Release Date: Dec 8th

After helming the 2006 hit 'The Da Vinci Code', Ron Howard turned his attention to bringing Peter Morgan's play FROST/NIXON to the big screen. Retaining its' orginal casting of Micheal Sheen (who impressed with his turn as Tony Blair in 'The Queen') as british interviewer David Frost and Frank Langella as President Richard Nixon, FROST/NIXON focuses on a series of interviews between the two. The play was a huge success and early word on the film is strong, so expect good things.

-

CHANGELING

Release Date: Oct - US (UK Date unconfirmed)

Angelina Jolie stars as a mother coping with the return of her recently kidnapped son in this period piece from Clint Eastwood. Arriving slightly ahead of Oscar season, 'Changeling' promises to continue Eastwood's impressive slate of directorial works with added melodramatic flair. It's a safe/certain bet for several nominations come January.

-

BOLT

Release Date: Nov - US (13th Feb - UK)

Disney offers it's CG effort for the year after their previous flicks "Meet The Robinsons" and "The Wild". The studio have had a challenging time recently with the onslaught of films from Pixar, Dreamworks, Sony and Fox but 'Bolt' shows promise. Mittens the cat looks brilliant and John Travolta is voicing the title character, a TV star dog who believes he has the skills of his onscreen persona. 'Pup Fiction', then (sorry).

-

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-

BLOOD PRINCE

(Release Date: 21st November)

Given that the last Harry Potter outing (also directed by David Yates) was actually pretty good, things are looking up for this franchise as it races towards its' final chapter. Half-Blood Prince is safe bet to be the biggest film this Christmas.

-

QUANTUM OF SOLACE

(Release Date: 31st October)

Bond 22 is looking great, judging from the recently released teaser trailer.
Quantum of Solace is the first actual Bond sequel, with 007 out for revenge after the events of Casino Royale. With the skilled Marc Forster ('Finding Neverland) directing and Mathieu Amalric starring as villain Dominic Greene (Amalric has been citing some very interesting sources for inspiration - "the smile of Tony Blair [and] the craziness of Sarkozy") , QOS promises to be a more traditional 007 adventure.

Check out the excellent trailer at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r32p4uaGPog

-

AUSTRALIA

-

(Release Date : Dec)

In terms of epicness alone, nothing will rival the latest film from Baz Luhrmann. The director of 'Moulin Rouge' brings the story of an aristocrat (Nicole Kidman) charged with the task of driving a 2000 strong herd of cattle across the outback. Among other things she faces the bombing of darwin by Japanese air forces. The trailer suggests that this is going to be a visually stunning film. It's certainly ambitious but if Luhrmann can pull it off, 'Australia' is going to be fantastic.

-

NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST

(Release Date: Nov (UK - Jan 30th))

After the success of 'Juno', Michael Cera stars in this quirky teen comedy about a guy who starts a 5 minute relationship with a random girl in order to avoid his ex.
Early word has compared it to 'Superbad' and the aforementioned 'Juno'. Can't be bad, then.

-

BURN AFTER READING

(Release Date: 17th October)

The Coen brothers return to the style and humour of early hits 'Fargo' and 'The Big Lebowski'. Brad Pitt stars as a hopeless gym employee who accidentally comes into possesion of a disc containing the inflammatory memoirs of a disgruntled CIA agent (played by John Malkovich). George Clooney and Tilda Swinton also star.

-

TAKEN

(Release Date : 28th September)

Written by 'Leon' helmer Luc Besson and directed by (he was cinematographer on 'War', 'Unleashed' and also directed 'District 13') film maker Pierre Morel, 'Taken' is about a former spy (played by Liam Neeson) who returns to his dangerous instincts in order to save his daughter from the forced slave trade. Judging from the hostile reception from critics in France, 'Taken' is probably going to be enjoyed with a leave-your-brain-at-the-door kind of attitude.

-

EAGLE EYE

(Release Date: 17th October)

The trailer for 'Eagle Eye' mirrors shades of the early scenes from 'The Matrix'. Co-written by Hillary Seitz (of the underrated 'Insomnia'), 'Eagle Eye' tells the story of two stangers thrown together through an assasination plot. Shia Lebeouf and Michelle Monagham star in this film based on an idea by Steven Spielberg.

-

ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO

(Release Date : TBC )

-

Kevin Smith returns in this tale about two individuals that attempt to make a porn flick to help them out financially. This is the first film Smith has made without a rehearsal period. The writer/director expressed confidence in his leads and feels that rehearsals were unnecessary. After the last half of Clerks II, this really could go anywhere.

-

TRANSPORTER 3

(Release Date : 5th December )

Jason Statham back in, probably his most recognisable role to date. It's another 'Transporter' film. Do you really need to know anymore?

-

YES MAN

(Release Date : US - Dec (UK TBC))

Danny Wallace's book comes to life in this new Jim Carrey comedy about a man that challenges himself to answer 'yes' to every question he is asked. Needless to say, hilarity ensues. It has to be noted however that the premise seems very very similar to another Carrey vehicle, 1997's 'Liar Liar'.

-

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

(Release Date : December 19th)

In what is probably going to be the most exciting film of the winter, Brad Pitt stars as Benjamin Button. Button is living life backwards, in that he was born an old man and will die a baby. As the age reversal process plays havoc with his life, Benjamin (at 30) falls in love with Cate Blanchetts' Daisy. Amazing CGI and make up effects will create an old age Brad Pitt. The film is directed by David Fincher and in a story that takes place between World War I and the year 2000, promises to be brilliant and fascinating. Fincher has said "It's dark, it's romantic, and it also deals with mortality in a pretty unflattering way".

FEATURE : TOP 10 ANIMATED FILMS - No. 6 + No. 5

5.

The Jungle Book (1967)

Walts' last film was also his best. Boasting some of the best songs ever made for film, "The Jungle Book" is an astounding achievement. The film also features the best voice cast for any animated film with fun performances and songs from radio stars Phil Harris and Louis Prima. George Sanders and Sebastian Cabot also deserve mention for their efforts in bringing the big cats Shere Khan and Bageera to life. The character designs set a benchmark for further disney films to follow with Khans' structure clearly influencing the look of nearly all "The Lion King"s' cast.

6.

The Lion King (1994)

The Lion King features some of the most amazing art Disney has ever commited to screen. Its' box office achievements set the benchmark and took years to better. Memorable songs and characters (with Jeremy Irons' surly turn as the villianous Scar stealing every scene he's in) cement the film as a classic. The African landscape provides a perfect backdrop for the Shakespearean proceedings while also twisting into dramatic stages flush with colour and light for the musical numbers. The films' pacing is helped no doubt by some of the most thrilling action scenes (including the awe-inspiring wilderbeast stampede) in western animation. Mufasas' death is just as powerful as it was when the film was released 14 years ago.
_
Visit back tomorrow to find out what film makes Number 4!

FEATURE : TOP 10 ANIMATED FILMS - No. 7

7.

Ratatouille (2007)

Ratatouille is without doubt one of the finest Pixar films. It is also the studios' best looking film, with gorgeous depictions of characters, locations and of course, food all setting the screen alight with colour and charm. The story itself is a fantastic concept that will no doubt lend itself well for viewings for generations to come. It probably could have done without the crowbarred in romantic sub-plot but the majority of the film is flawless. 'Ratatouille' had a troubled start, with original director/creator Jan Pinkavas' story development failing to impress the heads at Pixar. 'Incredibles' and 'Iron Giant' director Brad Bird was brought in to co-direct and the resulting film is an instant classic and also the most recently released entry in this list.

_
Check back on Monday to find out what films make it to Numbers 6 + 5!

FEATURE : TOP 10 ANIMATED FILMS - No. 9 + No. 8

8.

Bambi (1942)

Featuring one of the most heart breaking moments in cinema history, "Bambi" has survived as one of the Disney studio's greatest efforts. To truly appreciate Bambi as a work of art, compare it to any talking animal features of the last 10 years. A beautiful, gentle film with an honest and strong story.

9.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

A gothic classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a delightfully unconventional take on the festive film. Danny Elfmans' score deserves mention for its catchy songs and atmospheric sound. It's a suprise that this hasn't found its' way onto Broadway yet. Despite an initial slow performance in cinemas, "Nightmare" has found itself a strong audience in the years since, with IMAX releases becoming an annual treat.
_

Visit back tomorrow to find out what film makes Number 7.

DVD : NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

2007

Cert: 15

Dir(s): Joel Cohen, Ethan Cohen

Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Kelly Macdonald, Woody Harrelson

DVD Special Features: - The Making of No Country for Old Men, Working with the Coens, Diary of a Country Sheriff

What You Need To Know: Guy takes money that doesn't belong to him. Bad guy not happy about it.

The big success at the 2007 Academy Awards was 'No Country For Old Men'. Not only did it pick up Oscars for Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture, the film was the critics' darling of 2007. This success did not come too soon for the Coen brothers, as 'No Country For Old Men' followed on from their disappointing 'The Ladykillers' and 'Intolerable Cruelty'.

Adapted from the novel by Cormac McCarthy, the Coens have produced a dark, tense, slow burning and thoughtful feature. Javier Bardem is superb as the cold blooded killer, Anton Chigurh. His brooding performance creates one of the most memorable screen villians of recent years. The suspense is handled masterfully, while the action is laid on like a minimalist Terminator movie. The controversial (and entirely faithful to the novel) ending might suprise at first, but a little more attention to what lurks beneath the surface illustrates why 'No Country For Old Men' is a piece of American cinema well worth checking out.

8

DVD : SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

2007

Cert: 18

Dir(s): Tim Burton

Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Edward Sanders, Timothy Spall

DVD Special Features: Musical Mayhem: Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, Sweeney Todd Is Alive: The Real History Of The Demon Barber, Sweeney's London, Recreating Fleet Street, Grand Guinol: A Theatrical Tradition Sketchbook

What You Need To Know: Barmy hairdresser seeks violent revenge.

'Sweeney Todd' is a gory horror musical based on the stage production by Hugh Wheeler and Stephen Sondheim. Burton splashes his trademark dark imagery reminiscant of German Expressionist Cinema that marries perfectly with the source material. The composition of the songs are well executed by Sondheim but Burton's direction occassionally feels pedestrian. During sequences the camera and visuals feel as if they should soar but Burton refrains and keeps it minimal. In these post-Moulin Rouge times the film ocassionally comes across as limited, rather than subtle. This constrained take continues with the casting of Depp and Bonham Carter as the director insists on staying with the safe, familiar option which leaves you wishing he'd challenge himself a little more (although memories of 2001's 'Planet of the Apes' would perhaps suggest otherwise).

Despite these niggling negatives, 'Sweeney Todd : The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' is a resounding success. Depp and Bonham Carter both look the part and can definately carry a tune. The supporting cast is excellent with Rickman and Spall excelling as villians you love to hate. The story is expertly told at a pace that never feels over long and bloated. With its' memorable songs 'Sweeney Todd' is an entertaining package that by its' emotional climax truly delivers. The film is a darkly funny classic and Burton's best since the brilliant 'Edward Scissorhands'.

9

FEATURE : TOP 10 ANIMATED FILMS - No. 10

With the release of Pixar's Wall-E a tantalising 10 days away, Film Apt. felt that now would be the perfect time to reflect on what it considers to be the greatest animated feature films of all-time.



10.



The Iron Giant (1999)

Deemed a financial failure after it's cinema release in the states, 'The Iron Giant' is undoubtably Warner Brothers' greatest animated film. It demonstrates an amazing range of emotion and depth with an anti-guns approach that proves touching and brave for a film straight out of Hollywood. 'The Iron Giant' also provided the world with a first glimpse at the work of Brad Bird, who went on to direct the Pixar smash 'The Incredibles'.

_
Visit back on Friday to find out what films make it to Numbers 9 + 8!

CINEMA : THE MIST

2007

Cert: UK

Dir(s): Frank Darabont

Starring: Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Toby Jones

What You Need To Know: Evil mist arrives. Everyone goes ape-shit.

'The Mist' has taken it's time getting here. The film premiered in the US last Autumn and we've had to wait the best part of 8 months to see it on the big screen. Frank Darabont's latest Stephen King adaption is a radical departure from his last double wammy of 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'The Green Mile'.

Tension and a sense of impending doom courses throughout the plot as things go from bad to worse. Darabont's creature flick takes a unique look at the tried and tested monster movie formula by considering the human characters as the real monsters of the piece. Having said this, 'The Mist' is a full on B-movie. The gruesome beasts terrorising our protaganists are made up of all the right ingredients to ensure they will both thrill and amaze the audience.

The film also benefits from some solid performances from the likes of Toby Jones and Marcia Gay Harden. The intense, pressure cooker atmosphere builds towards a climax that perhaps doesn't quite ring true. This, along with the unlikely actions of a number of characters throughout the film occasionally proves to be discordant with the over-all experience.

Conclusion

The Mist suffers from a massive step in the wrong direction but still manages to entertain and thrill in equal measure. Seek it out.

7

CINEMA : KUNG FU PANDA

2008

Cert: PG

Dir(s): Mark Osborne, John Stevenson

Starring: (the voices of) Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Ian McShane, Randall Duk Kim, Angelina Jolie

What You Need To Know: Fat, clumsy cartoon panda kicks ass.

I approached 'Kung Fu Panda' with a degree of trepidation, given the quality of studio Dreamworks' Animation's previous output. After a succession of duds including 'Shrek The Third', 'Shark Tale' and 'Madagascar', I was under the impression that Dreamworks had failed to live up to it's potential laid down in the early productions 'Antz', 'Shrek' and 'Shrek 2'. It was then, a pleasant suprise to discover that 'Kung Fu Panda' is an extremely enjoyable piece of work.

The film opens with a fantastic dream sequence that alone convices that Dreamworks are back on top with fantastic visuals and amusing dialogue. The films' expressionate characters are definately a step up from the dated, ugly and souless models shown in their last effort, 'Shrek The Third'. The expansive, varied scenery and action sequences are masterfully executed. It then feels like a real gift, that the beautiful artistry marries so perfectly with the wit and charisma of 'Panda's impressive voice cast. Speaking of which, Jack Black brings endless infectious enthusiasm to his character Po. Dustin Hoffman and Ian McShane take to their characters equally well, with Randall Duk Kim providing some particularly memorable moments as the elderly Oogway.

The film is by no means flawless. The pacing and plot are fairly formulaic and it's never as funny as you sometimes feel it should be. In addition to this the kung fu itself isn't particularly noteworthy, given that the film makers have the potentially limitless animation medium at their fingertips. Having said this, 'Kung Fu Panda' certainly delivers action-wise in two thrilling sequences involving the antagonist, Tai Lung.

Conclusion

Despite its' flaws and limited scope, fans of western animation will delight in 'Kung Fu Panda's ability to succeed artistically while mass audiences will revel in the fun, thrills and humour of this solild return to form from Dreamworks Animation Studios.

7