Jack Reacher

Here I am for my traditional Boxing Day trip to the cinema. Graham didn't feel up to it... which is a shame because he missed a cracking film! 

The basic synopsis goes like this... Tom Cruise plays a ex-military police man who is off the grid as it were. When there is a multiple shooting he turns up to "sort things out".. And much mayhem ensues.. In a lot of ways this was like a cross between Sherlock Holmes, the Mentalist and a Jason Bourne movie. And this was probably why I enjoyed it so much. The way Jack despatches of the standard issue bad guy is both efficient and entertaining.. Plus it was nice to see Werner Hertzog in front of the camera for a change.. I'm not sure how it will work on a second viewing but you know me...

Probably the last film I'm gonna see this year so it's good to end on a **** movie!

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The Hobbit Part 1(2D) (2nd viewing)

Ummm... was this better in 2D?
Some of the scenery certainly benefited from a more earthy look, not so artificial. Having said that the 'Goblin lair escape' was more coherent and easier to follow in 48 framed 3D.

Still a cracking film! ****

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The Life Of Pi (3D)

Sunday morning and while everyone was moping around I decided not to waste the day and catch a flick or two... 

Erm... Didn't quite go to plan though (does it ever?).

I thought I catch the 10.15am 'The Life Of Pi (in 3D)'. So headed for the bus at about 10... Yeah, I know, cutting it a bit fine.. Needless to say I got to the Cinema at 10.50 and had to opt for the 11.45 showing....

I'd heard reports that this was one of the best uses of 3D in the cinema to date. And as I don't have to pay extra for 3D I thought why not?!

Now if you're unfamiliar with the story basically its about a boy who gets shipwrecked on a lifeboat with a bengal tiger.

It's the sort of film I could have done seeing with Liz really. She would have liked this one.

It had the same emotional impact as Castaway (the Tom Hanks one) and overall I enjoyed it.

The cinematography was excellent and the CGI animals didn't bother me too much. Plus the religious overtones weren't too preachy..

Rating: ***1/2

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The Hobbit Part 1 (3D 48 frames/sec).

Whoo hooo!
We're in Cardiff!
It's Christmas!
And thus begins Peter Jacksons Hobbit trilogy..

Firstly, I'd almost forgot about this movie. It wasn't until the last few weeks and all the hype that I remembered how excited I was about it (if that makes sense?!)
There was a lot of talk about the 48 frames per second technology this was filmed in too. So I decided to check out the latest format...

What can I say about this one. Well to start with I had to go and tell an usher to turn the lights off (!?). After that was sorted I settled down in my usual centre seat and took it in.
Initially the '48 Frames effect' was too good. Some of the scenery looked like models and it all looked a bit fake!
Once the story kicked in though it became less bothersome (although the juries still out on some of the CGI!).
I haven't read the book for 30 years or so but there were certain elements that seemed familiar (and I don't mean LOTR familiar..) And this took me back..
It's worth a second viewing for the 'Goblin Lair' escape alone! Perhaps next time in 24 frames and 2D..

A definite **** movie.. In fact I'm looking forward to seeing it again..

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