This entertaining animated comedy from the studio behind mega hit franchise Despicable Me powers along on the back of its talented voice cast and recognisable pop tunes. Buster (Matthew McConaughey), a theatre-owning Koala, is on the cusp of losing his business, so he decides to stage a singing contest that attracts a menagerie of talented animals (an under-appreciated mother, a stage shy elephant), big and small. Continue reading “Review: Sing (2017)”
This animation from the makers of Despicable Me has pep and visual humour to spare, even if the familiar plot isn’t quite up to scratch. Max (Louis C.K.), a faithful canine, is sidelined when his owner brings home an unkempt mutt (Eric Stonestreet). Their reckless attempts to one-up each other soon leave them lost on the streets of New York, hunted by viscious strays. Continue reading “Review: The Secret Life Of Pets (2016)”
The loveable yellow critters from the Despicable Me franchise are spun-off into their own adventure in Minions, a cutesy rush of colour and slapstick that ultimately disappoints. In a time pre-Gru, the Minions have become despondent, struggling to matter without an evil henchman to serve. Stuart, Bob and Kevin mission to find one is rewarded when they cross paths with female supervillian Scarlett Overkill (Sandra Bullock). Continue reading “Review: Minions (2015)”
Despicable Me emerged in the Summer of 2010 to surprising success, depicting the transformation of an evil super-villain to the adoptive father of three high-spirited children, Agnes (Elsie Fisher), Margo (Miranda Cosgrove) and Edith (Dana Gaier). It’s no surprise, then, that this month sees the release of Despicable Me 2, uniting the cast under Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud’s direction. Continue reading “Review: Despicable Me 2 (2013)”
Despicable Me
Director: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
Starring: Steve Carell, Jason Segel and Russell Brand
Burke and Hare
Director: John Landis
Starring: Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis and Isla Fisher
Cyrus
Director: Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass
Starring: John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill and Marisa Tomei
Best Film
Outstanding British Film
Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director Or Producer
Director
Original Screenplay
Adapted Screenplay
Foreign Film
Animated Film
Leading Actor
Leading Actress
Supporting Actor
Supporting Actress
Original Music
Cinematography
Editing
Production Design
Costume Design
Special Visual Effects
Sound
Make Up & Hair
Short Animation
Short Film
Orange Wednesday Rising Star
In total I’ve seen a lot of films in 2010, but here are the ten I consider my favourite:
1. The King’s Speech
The King’s Speech is an altogether clever, humorous and emotional film, supported by tremendous performances from it’s central cast. A must see, by all accounts.
2. The Kids Are All Right
The Kids Are All Right a fantastic film, exuding charm, wit, love, insecurity and anguish at every appropriate corner. In essence, it’s a film about the struggles of human relationships, and shows a family’s love has the potential to overcome any obstacle.
3. The Social Network
The Social Network is a film that deserves your attention. It’s not only a film about Mark Zuckerberg and the creation of Facebook, but also one of morality. One that requires your full attention and questions your beliefs and values; but also one that rewards you with its passion, attention-to-detail and humourous nature.
4. Another Year
Mike Leigh’s measured, and scarily realistic human nature drama is impossible to dismiss. Leigh’s laid-back approach let’s the characters and on-screen drama speak for itself. The central leads invite you into their lives and take you on a emotionally and wholly real journey through old-age. Lesley Manville, in particular, is breathtaking.
5. Winter’s Bone
Winter’s Bone is a film of true craftsmanship. Haunting, gritty, yet oddly inspiring, featuring a nuanced and captivating performance from newcomer Jennifer Lawrence.
6. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
Edgar Wright stepped up his game with this genre-crossing comedy film. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is a zany, mis-construed film that explores deep, poignant ideas, inter-cut with lots of crazy, heart-pounding action scenes, hundred of popular culture nods and hilariously odd performances from its central cast.
7. Toy Story 3
Defying expectations, Toy Story 3 proved sequels can be successful. Directed by the incredibly talented Lee Unkrich, the film manages to be a fitting, touching and honest conclusion to one of the most beloved, and inspiring, franchises of all time.
8. Inception
Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending science fiction, Inception is a singular accomplishment from an extraordinarily talented and game-changing director. It’s a visually stunning, intellectually challenging and emotionally engaging triumph, one that truly exemplifies modern filmmaking.
9. Monsters
Monsters is an incredible achievement in more ways than one, showcasing fine performances, an afflicting narrative, wholly real character interactions and special effects that rival those used on Blockbusters
10. I Am Love
Possibly one of the most overlooked films of the year, I Am Love is an incredibly well shot, acted, portrayed and directed. Tilda Swinton provided a flawless, and incredibly raw performance. One to seek out.
Honourable Mentions:
Easy A, How To Train Your Dragon, Four Lions, Kick-Ass, Piranha, Lebanon, Despicable Me, Bad Lieutenant – Port Of Call: New Orleans, The Runaways, Please Give, Cyrus, Splice, Mary & Max, The Hole, Exit Through The Gift Shop, The Killer Inside Me, The Illusionist, Whip It, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, Somewhere, Dogtooth and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
Empty Screens 