Daily Archives: June 10, 2016

Features

The Ultimate Studio Ghibli Countdown

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Studio Ghibli have taken a bow. The Japanese animation studios is bidding us farewell with When Marnie Was There, (which is out in cinemas now). Though we hope this isn’t forever parting, the sad news that our yearly dose of evocative, beautiful, and yearning films have ceased to be has glazed our eyeballs with an undeniable sorrow. For decades, we have been immersed in their opulence and it is time to see them off in style.

To honour Studio Ghibli and their cinematic mastery, we’re counting down their feature films! Which one tops the list? Find out now!

Honourable Mention: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Ocean Waves which, for separate reasons, aren’t classed as Ghibli films.

20. Tales from the Earthsea (2006)

Often regarded as the worst of Ghibli, Earthsea denotes a failure in animation and story-telling. Despite the studio’s acclaim for producing phenomenal and original movies, Earthsea is a generic and awful fantasy drama that makes the recent release Warcraft look like a masterpiece. The film revolves around Prince Arren who, within five minutes of the film, you’d want to kill, completely obliterating The film revolves around Prince Arren – who you want to kill after five minutes – and it completely obliterates Urusla (is this meant to be Ursula) K. LE Guin’s novel and story].

19. My Neighbours the Yamadas (1999)

Isao Takahata is famed for changing the style of his movies and in many cases that works. For My Neighbours the Yamadas, it doesn’t. The simplistic design of the characters set a crude tone for the film and detracts from the narrative. The film has some fun and hilarious moments but it suffers from a straight-forward plot and an off-putting animation style.


18. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)


Directed by Hayao Miyazaki’s son Goro, From Up on Poppy Hill is great but perhaps a little disappointing coming from Studio Ghibli. The minimal story tells the tale of a school trying to save its old clubhouse. Though capturing the mood of Japan, it somewhat suffers from a bizarre second half and a twist completely unnecessary to the film, showing that a modest script may have been better.

17. Ponyo (2008)

The biggest problem with Ponyo is that it is far too simplistic. The lead character has a little IQ and, as a result, the movie feels stretched over its length. Though there is plenty of gleeful elements here, the animated seems a little crude and unaspiring. The film itself is somewhat infantile and becomes really irritating after a while. Perhaps catered for a younger audience, Ponyo suffers from lacking a certain something.

16. The Wind Rises (2013)

The thematic resonance with The Wind Rises is what propels it up the list compared to say Ponyo. The film revolves around a man who creates a weapon for WWII and sees the consequences of his designs. Though the movie pulls away from the meaning and depth it could be conveying which is somewhat detrimental to the overall product, the message still stays with you, especially as Miyazaki flies the film with the greatest human elements.

15. The Cat Returns (2002)

This movie may not be complicated but it is still filled with joy and glee. It’s also really funny. Silliness does not go unappreciated in a film about a girl who discovers a whole world of cats. I’ll let you take a moment to think on how awesome that would be. True, it doesn’t have the overarching details or feverishly brilliant look of other films, but boy – is it ruddy funny.

14. When Marnie Was There. (2015)

Captivating from the very beginning, When Marnie Was There is the latest (and possibly final) film for Studio Ghibli. Telling the tale of a young sheltered girl who discovers a spooky new friend, Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s work is a magnificent adventure of encompassing discovering and unquenchable feeling.

13. Pom Poko (1994)

I’m not going to lie to you: This film is really weird. For example, the story revolves around raccoon/dog creatures with shapeshifting balls. Not plastic balls for sports. Testicles. The dingle-dangles. Those kind of balls. Balls which change shape….

Pushing that aside, Pom Poko actually has an affecting storyline that is helped by the silliness of the premise. And I dare you to watch this film without feeling a little tear in your eye.

12. The Secret World of Arrietty (2012)

Yonebayashi brings his acute sense of childhood, imagination, and supernatural discovery with this fantastic story that is not wholly dissimilar to The Borrowers (a novel which apparently, the movie is based on). The family-friendly adventure is sumptuous and lavish, denoting the fantastic partnership with American company Disney.  There’s also the added bonus of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler in the English dub which, I think you’ll agree, is brilliant.

11. Porco Rosso (1992)


“War turns men into pigs,” literally with this fantastic WWI piece. This may be a literal translation of the phrase but it does not take away from the war themes and courageous narrative. The story of a pig who is a flying ace who was once a strapping young man but is transformed into a pig. Balancing the seriousness and the fun, Porco Rosso is a delightful that is a mash of pastel palettes.

10. Castle in the Sky (1986)

From the second the film rolls on screen to the moment it flitters away, you’ll be immersed in this spectacle with pure wonderment. As a young boy and a girl with a crystal race against pirates and foreign agent, you’ll follow them each and every step of the way. You’ll be carried away on the clouds that populate the screen. Castle in the Sky is astounding with every beat. Not quite sure what you’re going for here, but it feels like there is something missing from this sentence…

9. Only Yesterday (1991)

Re-released for the UK’s Studio Ghibli season, Takahata’s work was originally withheld from release by that damned Disney company. Luckily for us, it is now available for us to devour in all its brightness and beating emotions. The film revolves around an unmarried woman who visits her relatives in the countryside, soon awash with memories of her younger life. Honestly just a transcendent feature that weaves past and present with yearning nostalgia, Only Yesterday is finally in our grips and it is glorious.

8. Whisper of the Heart (1995)

The sad story that this would be Yoshifumi Kondo’s only feature with the studio really resonates here. The movie is a wistful and blossoming tale of adolescences, joy, and wonder that is completely unadulterated. It’s hard not to relate with the themes here. It tells the tale of a young bookworm who dreams of becoming a writer and suddenly falls in love with a young lad who wishes to make violins. Through their relationship, they find the resolve and determination to reach their dreams. Outstanding work that will stay with you forever.

7. My Neighbour Totoro (1998)

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd the theme song is stuck in your head. The cinematic outing for the now cult figure is a charming and somewhat powerful film. Totoro revolves around two young girls who discover the squishy beast when their mother is sick and they have to move to a small village home. There they befriend the titular character and are bustled away on a cat bus and to a new world, right underneath their noses. The simplicity really enhances the film here and director Hayao Miyazaki grabs the attentions of young and old children alike.

6. Spirited Away (2001)

Considered widely as one of the best (or, truthfully, the best known in the Western World,) Spirited Away introduced a lot of folk to the power of Studio Ghibli. The story of a young girl whisked on a magical journey after her parents are turned into pigs marries the enchantment of a child’s imagination. Involving plenty of memorable creatures and a narrative so exquisite that it can only be matched by the sheer tour-de-force of animation, it’s hard not to be …ha…spirited away with this.

5. The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)

Taking a departure away from the traditional anime look of Ghibli’s work, Kaguya’s director Isao Takahata utilises watercolour art and the result is breath-taking. The striking aesthetics broiled with a narrative based on a Japanese folklore is teeming with perfect details, a splendid array of colours, and this glorious fairy-tale. A redolent engulfing animated feature.

4. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Helmed by Miyazaki, Howl’s Moving Castle is another accomplished feat that is an alluring masterpiece and visionary film. The movie revolves around a young girl transformed haggard by a jealous witch. From there, she journeys with the mystical Howl and his every changing titular castle. This delightful splendour is a marvel of quirky characters, and the inventive movie transforms and reforms in this amazing narrative. With an endearing lead character, Howl’s Moving Castle is captivating to watch.

3. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Heart-breaking. That’s it. That’s all I have to say. Can we move on?

OK. Grave of the Fireflies tells the tale of two orphans post-war and trying to survive. And it is completely devastating. That being said, director Isao Takahata manages to ensnare some eloquence and picture poetry as the endearing relationship between an older brother and his little sister unfolds. Though trying to keep a dry eye throughout the film is tricky, you best submit to the tears now. No one is going to judge.

2. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Look, yes, OK. I may have taken personal preference over objectivity and seeing as my extensive research (asking all of my film friends which film they preferred,) offered just one mere mention of Kiki’s Delivery Service, I had to take charge and put it in its rightful place. The charming and rambunctious film about a young witch who loses her powers when she falls in love is brimming with excitable yet head-strong characters, a sardonic black cat, and a fantastic aesthetic. It’s a phenomenal movie with a great message broiling underneath it, all about self-reliance, growing up, and leaving the childhood behind.

1. Princess Mononoke (1997)

If you ever wanted to inspire a whole generation of women then I’d say get them watching Princess Mononoke early on. Yes. Our number one spot for our Ghibli countdown undoubtedly goes to Miyazaki’s ferocious and powerful film. This two our long fantasy epic is not only the best Ghibli film but it is one of the best in the genre. Gloriously dark but enriched with hope and strength, the Ghibli craft is on top form here. The story revolves around the young Emishi warrior who struggles between the forest gods and the humans who consume the resources. Soulful, enriching, and with an elegant score by Joe Hisaishi, this utterly sublime and gorgeous film will grab you, grow you, and augment you.

Princess Mononoke is one of the best films of all time.

What do you think? Do you agree with the list? 
Let us know! 

WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE IS OUT IN CINEMAS NOW! 
READ OUR REVIEW 

Trailers and News

Ice Age: Collision Course – “Sid Proposes” Clip

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Animated sequels are indeed the fashion nowadays. We’re re-visiting Kung-Fu masters, furry popstars, and the deep blue sea all over again as we are inundated with a whole heap of colour cohorts with our favourite characters.

Now we’re going back in time – again – with a mammouth, sabre-tooth tiger, and sloth as they try to survive a bloody great big meteor. Oh boy…

This latest clip sees the sloth – Sid – propose to a lady sloth and, obviously, it all goes a little pear-shaped!

What do you think?

ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE IS OUT JULY 15th

Trailers and News

Southside With You – Trailer!

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This trailer has already been out for over a month, so how come we’ve only just seen this?

Because we are fools. That’s why.

As we say goodbye to the best presidential couple ever (and by far the coolest) Miramax have released a brand new film, showing us the first time they had ever met. Yes, we’re talking the Obamas and Southside With You sees Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers as the acclaimed political couple.

The movie revolves around the couple’s first date and follows the phenomenal events that took place on one evening in 1989, nestled in the heart of Chicago.

SouthsideWithYouPromotionalPoster

With a brand new poster to accompany the trailer, and a lot of critical applause for the two leads, this could be a must-see romantic dramedy. It certainly looks to have the charmed, cool, and charged aurora that the Obamas encompass.

SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU IS OUT LATER THIS YEAR.

Features

The Best of Gary Marshall and Julia Roberts

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Following Pretty Woman in 1990, actress Julia Roberts has starred in a new film by director Garry Marshall every decade. To celebrate the release of their fourth collaboration: MOTHER’S DAY, in cinemas on 10 June, we’re taking a look at their previous films…

Pretty Woman (1990)

Julia Roberts stars alongside Richard Gere in this modern Cinderella story. Edward Lewis (Gere) hires an escort (Roberts) to be his date to social events. What begins as a formal arrangement soon turns into so much more.

Runaway Bride (1999)

Pairing up with Richard Gere once again, Julia Roberts stars as Maggie Carpenter, a woman infamous for leaving grooms at the alter. Gere plays Ike Graham, a journalist covering her story. Garry Marshall stepped into the director’s chair once again for this 1999 film.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, Garry Marshall’s first instalment in his holiday trilogy, features an all-star cast as they face romantic issues on Valentines’ Day. Julia Roberts plays Captain Kate Hazeltine who’s flying home for Valentine’s Day.

Mother’s Day (2016) 

In the third instalment of Garry Marshall’s holiday trilogy, Roberts plays TV personality Miranda.

There are only a few days left before Mother’s Day, as several families have to come to terms with how they’ll be spending the big day. Whether it’s dealing with a new love, a lost love, or no love at all, this Mother’s Day will prove to be one for the romantic comedy ages – and one to be remembered by audiences for decades to come.  Sweet, complex, funny and moving – just like moms across the world.

MOTHER’S DAY is directed by Garry Marshall and released in cinemas Friday 10th June 2016
READ OUR REVIEW NOW!

Trailers and News

Mother’s Day – Brand New Clips

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Ah yes, Mother’s Day. A brand new film from the director of Pretty Woman. One that is drowning in thin sentimentality and utterly crap characterisation. That film!

Well you can rejoice because it comes out in cinemas today which means we won’t be blighted by clips, posters, or adverts for very much longer!

Starring Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson, Britt Robertson, and Jason Sudeikis, Mother’s Day revolves around different family units leading up to the day of mummy’s everywhere. Sandy is recently divorced and has to battle for popularity with her ex-husband’s younger wife Tina. Julia Roberts is not a mum, or so she thinks, and has chosen a career rather than a family. Kristin is a young mum who is shirking the responsibility of marriage to her boyfriend Zack because she never knew her real mother (you know where this is going.) Jesse hasn’t seen her mum for some time because they never agreed with her marriage to Russell – an Indian doctor. And Bradley is a single father – recently widowed – trying to fill the gap his wife left. And therefore hijinks ensue.

Here are the latest clips. If you are looking forward to the film, then enjoy. But, frankly, the film is utter nonsense and, hopefully, it can leave us alone.

MOTHER’S DAY IS OUT IN CINEMAS NOW!
READ OUR REVIEW

On The Big Screen, Reviews

The Stanford Prison Experiment – Review

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Before ethical committees got too involved, psychological experiments could include some pretty fucked up stuff. Causing physical and emotional pain to both humans and animals was often considered just part of the process. If you were to type ‘unethical psychology studies’ into Google or Bing (ha!) the top ten is pretty much the same wherever you look. Milgram will get a mention for comparing university students to Nazis. Harlow is usually somewhere in the top five because no-one likes to see upset baby monkeys. And you will necessarily find Dr. Zimbardo (which, incidentally, is an excellent name for a super villain) and his infamous prison experiment described as an ethical train wreck.

Zimbardo, despite his name, actually had good intentions. He wanted to show the psychological detriment institutionalisation has on inmates, thereby encouraging better treatment throughout the justice system. Simple really. Like taking a game of Cops and Robbers to its logical conclusion. To simulate a realistic prison Zimbardo and his team transformed a corridor and offices in Stanford University into communal area and cells respectively. A cupboard, lovingly nicknamed ‘The Hole’ served as a cosy space for solitary confinement. The subjects, twenty-four young male students looking to make a quick buck, were selected after a rigorous interview process to ensure they were all mentally, physically and ethically fit to participate. Their fates were then sealed with a coin flip (although they were not told that). Twelve were made prisoners, twelve made guards. Nine from each group participated, the other six were benched as alternates. And thus, the two week simulation began – fake arrests and all. But the best laid plans, all ‘But the best laid plans of mice and men/Gang aft a-gley. In Zimbardo’s own words:

“Our planned two-week investigation into the psychology of prison life had to be ended after only six days because…our guards became sadistic and our prisoners became depressed and showed signs of extreme stress.”

That’s putting it lightly.

Simply named after the study itself, The Stanford Prison Experiment seems to hold true to the reality. Parts of the script are entirely lifted from footage filmed during the experiment, so the disturbing scenes you see take on a whole new level of creepy. Dr Zimbardo himself was on hand for the film, so authenticity was clearly the aim here. Director Alvarez deserves praise for his ability to reflect the pressure felt by participants. Close shots and restricted environments create a sense of claustrophobia, while the lengthy chapters punctuated by blank screens emblazoned with the words ‘Day One’ ‘Day Two’ etc makes even the audience question their perception of time (it should be noted that many of the inmates actually believed they had been in ‘prison’ for much longer than six days as they had no clocks, windows, or regular sleeping pattern to fixate on).

The acting is integral to making the whole thing believable. After all, it DID happen, so under or over playing roles would jeopardise the authenticity of the piece. That’s where true respect is commanded for this film. Michael Angarano plays a particularly dark participant, who took on a sadistic John Wayne-esque role as a guard. As he gets more involved in his role, so you start to believe he really is a villain here. By the end, it’s hard to imagine that behind the sunglasses is just a boy from Stanford. Likewise, watching Ezra Miller portray a full on meltdown after a failed attempt to escape, you genuinely worry for the man’s ongoing sanity.  The debrief and interviews at the end are as necessary to the viewer as they were to the participants at the time. Hearing ‘John Wayne’ justify his actions, however, is a bit of a mind fuck (again, the script here was taken from a genuine interview with the participant. It’s as real as it is messed up)

The writers, the director, and the actors all do an exemplary job at making this experiment more relatable. You will be left questioning how you would respond to such surreal circumstances, which is as uncomfortable as it sounds. For anyone interested in doing some real digging into the human psyche, for anyone who thought ‘well, if I was in charge, I’d do things differently’ – this is a must watch film.

Warning: You will probably end up doing some pretty extensive research on the real Stanford Prison Experiment after watching this. It’s a consuming task, which leads on to tangent after tangent until you eventually find yourself watching a baby monkey riding a pig at 3am. Just bear that in mind before you hit  ‘Search’.

THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT IS OUT IN CINEMAS NOW