Solomon Cane (2009)
Solomon Kane is based on the pulp fiction comic books by the same name, based on the character created by Robert Y. Howard. When Satan sends a demon to collect Kane’s soul for payment of a deal they struck in the past, Kane decides to break the contract and runs. So starts his journey to redemption, which involves, among other things, rescuing a puritan (Huguenot) girl that has been abducted by a band of evildoers. These types of sword and sorcery films are few and far in between so it was a nice watch. The plot, of course, espouses Salvation-by-Works, and so misconstrues the Gospel. The movie does raise some interesting questions about self-defence and pacifism.
Green Zone (2010)
The “Green Zone” is that area in Baghdad, Iraq, where the international representation resides. The film focuses on the politics surrounding the “weapons of mass destruction” saga that led to the Iraqi war. It is a well directed, well acted, war thriller. The movies stars Matt Damon and was directed by Paul Greengrass whom also directed The Bourne Supremacy (2004) and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007).
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland sees Alice (now 19 and about to get married to a stereotypical irritation of a man) returns to Wonderland through the rabbit’s hole. It is a coming of age tale in which Alice needs to rediscover her inner self and face the Red Queen’s dreaded Jabberwocky. It is visually beautiful but not one of Burton’s masterpieces. As always, Johnny Depp is fun to watch.
Clash of the Titans (2010)
A remake of the 1981 fantasy adventure film that recounts to tale of Perseus. This original fantasy was one of my favourites and wafted my young imagination into the world of myth and legend. Even though the special effects and CGI in the 2010 version is superb, it did not do for me what the 1981 film did. Maybe I’ve just grown too old. Nonetheless, the 2010 release of Clash of the Titans is well worth seeing just for the Pegasus. This is probably the best rendition of a Pegasus I’ve ever seen. Absolutely stunning. The story, however, is a simple hero quest, and is as such quite predictable. A great film if you’re a teenage boy.
The Crazies (2010)
The Crazies is another remake of an earlier film from 1973. A small town’s water supply gets poisoned and the people turn into murderous zombies – or something to that effect. I saw this movie on the spur of the moment and had no idea what to expect. It has some very tense moments but is not the type of film I’d suggest wasting your time on. Also, the behaviour of the “zombies” are inconsistent and this is never explained. Some are as stupid as logs, others are intelligent kidnappers and hunters. Give this one a skip.
Robin Hood (2010)
This film has been remade so many times that one is hesitant to see any new release. Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood is not too bad. It acts as a type of prequel to the legend, showing how Robin became an outlaw. Good action, but there's nothing superb about the film. Russel Crowe’s English accent changes every so often. The only reason I’d watch this film again is to see the lovely Cate Blanchett as the Lady Marion. She has a queenly beauty that is just staggering.
Daybreakers (2010)
A vampire film in which vampires have taken over the world and the supply of blood is running short. A handful of humans remain; living on the outskirts of civilization they are being hunted by the vampire authorities which would farm them. The movie has an interesting deconstruction of the vampire genre, but not interesting enough to make it a must see vampire movie. Only watch it if you are an avid Ethan Hawke or a vampire fan. On both accounts you may be disappointed.
The Bounty Hunter (2010)
Another spur of the moment watch for me. It’s an “action” romantic comedy featuring Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler. There’s not much more to say about it.
Iron Man 2 (2010)
The second film of the planned trilogy loses some of its charm from the first. The first one was much better, although the second one isn't too bad.
Raging Phoenix (2009)
A Thai martial art film starring Yayin Vismistananda. This movie will probably only be enjoyed by martial art enthusiasts; however, they are likely to enjoy it a lot. The plot is one of those typical martial art plots: kidnapped loved ones that needs saving. Be that as it may, the martial art choreography is absolute enjoyment and mixes some interesting combinations like Capoeira, Chinese Drunken Fist and Drunken Muay Thai. There is even some Parkour.
Invictus (2010)
Nelson Mandela becomes president of the New South Africa in 1994. The following year South Africa is to host the Rugby World Cup. Mandela uses this event to unite South Africans in a common brotherhood. It is not Clint Eastwood’s greatest film, but it is still, like most Eastwood films, very well done. The performances of Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar, although not perfect, are admirably accomplished. The script is based on John Carlin’s book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed a Nation. It is an inspiring film and reminds one of the hope that South Africans had of a Rainbow Nation. A hope that is fast dwindling. I could not help but wonder if the release of Invictus so close to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa is more than coincidence. And I can also only hope that the Soccer World Cup may help South Africa in a similar way that the Rugby World Cup did.
Sherlock Holmes (2010)
The amiable Rovert Downey, Jr. plays Sherlock Holmes with Jude Law in the role of Dr. John Watson. It’s a very enjoyable piece of escapism. It’s fun, but will probably irritate fans of the original books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Terry Gilliam’s fantasy film featuring Heath Ledger, making it the last film released featuring the late Ledger. Because of Ledger’s untimely death the film was suspended, but Ledger’s friends, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrel, pitched in to portray Ledger’s character, Tony, when he entered Doctor Parnassus Imaginarium – a surreal dreamworld. It is a weird film and may not be to everyone’s taste. It has a uniquely gothic and surreal feel to it which I enjoyed.
Julie & Julia (2009)
Probably the best film on this list; but then again, I am biased as I am an avid Meryl Streep fan. The film weaves the stories of Julia Child, the lady that brought French cooking to the American home, and Julie Powell, the blogger, who started the blog “The Julie/Julia Project” in which she cooked her way through Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Excellent acting; a great script. If you do not like dramas you may wish to skip it. Otherwise, do not miss out on this touching, fun, enchanting film.
The Soloist (2009)
The third film on this list featuring Robert Downey, Jr. In The Soloist he plays a columnist for the Los Angeles Times alongside Jamie Foxx as the schizophrenic musician living on the streets. The Soloist is based on the true story of Nathaniel Ayers. It is a beautiful film with strong performances by Downey and Fox and a must see for anyone that enjoys classical music.
August Rush (2007)
My X and I planned to see this together but we broke up before we got to it so I avoided seeing it. However, when I was in South Africa at the beginning of the year I thought it high time to see and close that chapter. It is a very sentimental story about the power of music to reunite people and has somewhat of an Oliver Twist thread to it. The only way to take this film seriously is if you consider it a fairytale, in which case it is a beautiful fairytale. If you are not into sentimental stuff, nor believe in love at first sight or any such naiveties, do not watch it.
Fringe (Seasons I, 2008 & II, 2009)
Fringe is a sci-fi TV series that is somewhat like The X-Files. FBI agents in the “Fringe Division” investigate cases that can only be solved with “fringe science.” Every episode investigates a unique case, but there is an overarching story involving a “Pattern” of terrorist attacks based on high tech science.
Hung (2009)
A comedy series of a school basket ball coach, Ray Drecker, that loses his home in a fire and his children are forced to move in with his ex-wife. Drecker is desperate to make money and with the help of an acquaintance (an aspirant poet) begins a male prostitute service with often hilarious consequences. Although it has an adult themed back drop it doesn't rely on soft porn. Rather, the comedy is based on the ironic or uncomfortable situations that Drecker finds himself in, not on vulgar slapstick.
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