Film Review: Filth (18) – Lionsgate UK (04/10/2013)

A controversial Crime Comedy Drama starring James McAvoy, ‘Filth’ is based on Irvine Welsh’s 1998 novel of the same name. Directed and written by John S. Baird, this flick earned £250,000 in box office revenue during its opening weekend in Scotland, reaching number one in the film chart. It follows the breakdown of DS/Acting DI/PC Bruce Robertson (McAvoy) - a manipulative, violent, bi-polar, depressive drug user in Edinburgh.

He delights in bullying his co-workers, harassing women and sleeping with his friends’ wives. But his professional goal lies in gaining a promotion to Detective Inspector, the path to which appears to open when he is assigned to oversee the investigation into the murder of a Japanese student but slowly loses his grip on reality and suffers from a series of severe and haunting hallucinations.

As much as this film is bursting at the seams with laugh-out-loud moments, parts that you can only watch from behind your hands and edge of your seat scenes, protagonist Bruce’s problems are rooted in something far more emotionally darker than you might expect. It’s 97 minutes of jaw-dropping, stomach-churning, hilarious madness that keeps you on your toes from start to finish.

Bruce Robertson’s moral compass is so off-centre it’s no wonder he’s unrelentlessly obsessed with what he labels ‘the games’- namely, his job. ‘Filth’ is full of sadness, sex and unimaginable self-loathing and is not for the faint hearted. It also deals with shadier issues such as self-disgust cynicism and crypto-gayness. It’s for fans of films such as ‘Trainspotting’ which may be because the novel of the same title was written by the same author as ‘Filth’, Irvine Welsh, whose speciality is gritty Scottish plots are commonly ridden with drugs, danger and dark humour. So unsurprisingly, protagonist Bruce Robertson isn’t the first in line for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The film’s soundtrack is full of variety, from ironically used classical pieces, to covers of Alternative classics such as Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ and it’s formed of some unsettling rapid editing, rapid scene changes, kinetic camera work, fantasy sequences and an almost hyperactive aura. McAvoy’s performance is astonishing given his previous roles in ‘Atonement, (2007), ‘Penelope’ (2006) and ‘X Men: First Class’ (2011) and his pure talent and range of work as an actor is awesome to experience.

Jon S. Baird never lets the film’s realistic insanity become tedious; even when sentimentality creeps in to play, you know you’re only a minute or two away from someone yelling some sadistic abuse at another character, whether it’s from ‘Billy Elliot’ (2000) star Jamie Bell or Jim Broadbent. Considering the spectacularly shady source material, particularly due to its Christmas time setting, ‘Filth’ is incredibly well adapted and remains brilliantly twisted in all the right places. All the non-PC gags are presented in the most appropriate way for the film, so they simply come across as comical rather than offensive and excessive.

McAvoy’s satanic yet stunning performance is definitely a force to be reckoned with and the movie goes deeper than simply dealing with some cop’s physiological and drug driven problems. It also takes in comic corners, twists into darker spots and becomes bleaker and more mysterious as the seconds tick by. A wonderfully warped, wild ride, this really is in-your-face cinema- ‘Filth’ does exactly what it says on the tin!

4.5/5

Watch the official trailer for ‘Filth’ can be viewed here:

The Power of Pets- Can They Really Make You Happier & Healthier?

Half of Britons own pets- there are 7.3 million dogs and 7.2 million cats in Britain and the increasing popularity of pets has caused their population from 4 million to 71 million in just a decade. So there must be benefits to having pets. Studies have shown they can help children develop into sociable adults, help boost your health and help you feel connected with the world. “The general belief is that there are health benefits to owning pets, both in terms of psychological growth and development, as well as physical health benefits.” said Dr. James Griffin, a scientist at NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Healthier & Happier

There is in-depth evidence that suggests owning a pet can have a positive effect on your general health and well-being. Pet owners are (on average) healthier and happier people! Scientists such as Marc Bekoff,  Stanley Coren  and Allen McConnell  have promoted the health benefits of owning a pet in their Psychology Today blogs. The field of Anthropology started with Erika Friedmann's groundbreaking study, which illustrated that the one-year death rate of heart attack victims who were pet owners, was one fourth that of people who did not live with companion animals. Friedmann’s study lasted over 30 years and unveiled that low blood pressure, increased self-esteem, decreased loneliness and depression levels and higher levels of physical activity were all benefits of possessing a pet.

There are also numerous other benefits to having a fluffy friend about the place, including improving your relationships and interactions with your fellow human beings and can make you feel younger. According to Froma Walsh of the Chicago Centre for Family Health and Professor Emerita at the University of Chicago, pets “...bring laughter and humour into our stressful lives and encourage us in playful ways.”Other studies have shown that dog owners may get more exercise and other health benefits than the rest of us.

One investigation looked at more than 2,000 adults and found that dog owners or dog walkers were more physically active and less likely to be obese than those who didn’t own or walk a dog. Another study followed more than 2,500 older adults, ages 71-82, for 3 years. Those who regularly walked their dogs walked faster and for longer time periods each week than others who didn’t walk regularly. Some studies have also revealed that walking with a dog leads to more conversations and helps you stay socially connected- people who have more social relationships tend to live longer and are less likely to show mental and physical declines as they grow older.

Dogs over Depression

Fredrick D. Joe split up with his wife of 35 years and decided to adopt a cat called Cozy. Fredrick stated that Cozy helped him through dark times in his life, especially because he suffers with bipolar disorder. “I was by myself and I say the cat got me through my divorce...it was great to have a companion.” Yet some may argue having an animal about the place may just be a distraction from the fact that some people do not have enough human company to keep their spirits up and keep them sociable. However many people who encounter mental illness feel detached from the rest of the world and having a pet can help you converse with other pet owners and get you out of your home environment, even if you are reluctant to do so.  Pets also give people a sense of self-worth and purpose.

Fredrick & Valor

Clever Canines

Half Golden Retriever Half Great Dane, Valor is Sgt. Charles Hernandez’s four-legged friend and goes everywhere with him. Hernandez suffers with seizures and Valor learnt to nibble the side of his master’s leg before any human realised what was going on. The dog also pulls the Sergeant away from conflicts and jumps on him during anxiety or panic attacks to help calm him. Along with the medication he takes daily, Hernandez says Valor has assisted him with his post-traumatic stress disorder more than he could have ever hoped.

 The 49-year-old said “What keeps me going is my dog...I’m alive again!” He received his service dog back in 2010 through HEAL, which trains and breeds service dogs. The charity partners ex-veterans with appropriate service dogs. Hernandez still volunteers for HEAL.

Psychiatric service dogs have become increasingly popular in the States and intend to make their owners feel more secure and self-sufficient by taking attention away from their own fears and anxieties. Instead, they can focus on making sure their dog is happy and prove to themselves that they are capable of taking care of a living creature, and can therefore, look after themselves as well.

According to the RNIB, some 2 million people severely suffer with their site, which means that 1 in every 30 people suffers with sight loss. Thousands of guide dogs are trained every year to help the booming demand and start training when they are just 6 weeks old but normally retire when they’re 6 years old. They’re taught to walk in a straight line unless there is an object or obstacle blocking their path, to deal with traffic and to deal with height and width to protect their eventual owner.

Other research suggests that pet ownership may hold special benefits during childhood. “When children are asked who they talk to when they get upset, a lot of times their first answer is their pet,” says Griffin, an expert in child development and behaviour. “This points to the importance of pets as a source of comfort and developing empathy. In fact, therapists and researchers have reported that children with autism are sometimes better able to interact with pets, and this may help in their interactions with people.”

Robot-Pets and Rehab

A number of groundbreaking studies have depicted that robot pets which look, feel and act similar to the real thing, can help to rehabilitate victims of health deterioration, those with mental health problems or even natural disaster victims. One YouTube video showed elderly Tsunami victims being physically and mental assisted by robotic seals. Satsuko Yatsuzaka, an 87-year-old stated that taking care of the seal made her feel safe. Yet in 2011, The Simpsons lampooned this idea by having similar seals reprogrammed as viscous killers. Episode 5 of Season 23 of the show ‘Replaceable You’ saw Bart’s science fair project become a mechanical baby seal that outshines his sister’s entry.

 There are countless benefits to owning a pet- not only can they boost you life expectancy, improve your health and mood and social skills but can also rehabilitate those with both mental and physical complaints. Aside from that, many perceive their pet as part of the family and appreciate their companionship, loyalty and love. 

Film Review: About Time (12A) - Universal Pictures (04/09/2013)

At the age of 21, Tim Lake (Domhall Gleeson) discovers  he can time travel- and so can every male member of his family. His father (Billy Nighy) reveals the secret at yet another unsatisfactory New Years Eve party and Tim quickly goes back in time to improve his chances of getting what is really wants- a girlfriend.

As the film progresses, Tim attempts to make life better for himself and his loved ones despite the fact that he can’t change the past or make anyone fall in love. He moves from Cornwall to London to become a lawyer and meets the love of his life Mary (Rachel McAdams), but because of his dabbles with time travel, he only wins her heart after their third encounter. Tim’s life continues and he realises his gift can’t always save him from life’s ups and downs. It’s a wonderfully light-hearted flick about love, family and time travel that’s sure to appeal to families and couples alike.

‘About Time’ is written and directed by Rom-Com king Richard Curtis, who’s known for T.V. shows such as  ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ and ‘Mr. Bean’ along with films like ‘Love Actually’, ‘Notting Hill’ and ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’. The film’s soundtrack features the likes of The Cure, Ron Sexsmith, The Killers as well as a single by Ellie Goulding called ‘How Long Will I Love You’, (originally by The Waterboys).

Although the idea of time travel thrown together with romance and family has been done before (‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’, anyone? Which also happens to star McAdams in the lead female role), ‘About Time’ promises something different, more emotional and magical. There has always been something fanatical about the world that Richard Curtis creates, but ‘About Time’ takes it a step further- each character, especially members of Tim’s family are well-developed, loveable English eccentrics who flourish on the Cornish coast.

Cast in the everyman role usually reserved for Hugh Grant, Gleeson is a loveable hero and boasts brilliant screen chemistry with McAdams, and yet his family are mysteriously well-off and bookish, and it appears, particularly at the beginning of the film, that he has very little to complain about, and very little opportunity to truly make the most of his gift. Bill Nighy, however never fails to let audiences down- and his warm, witty charm really lights up the screen and creates a strong bond with the audience.

The best supporting role in ‘About Time’ has got to be Tim’s London landlord, who also happens to be a friend of his father’s, Harry (Tom Hollander). He is a hysterically sour playwright who initially greets Tim with, “What the f**k do you want?” But the bad guy act simply doesn't wash and it’s obvious there is profundity to each character. Even Harry is a big softie at heart and Hollander plays him with great intensity and fantastic comic timing.

Offering 123 minutes of laugh-out-loud moments and tear-jerking scenes, it’s clear Richard Curtis knows what cinema-goers are after. ‘About Time’ is full of love without being too over the top and Curtis’ scriptwriting skills are absolutely admirable and his jolly upper-class, charming characters come out with some hilarious stuff under pressure, “Oh my arsing god in a box!” The narrative as a whole is simple yet ingenious and full of the honest, fragile serenity of life. But as Richard Curtis has basically become the backbone of British Rom-Com cinema, it’s all expected. It may be embarrassingly English but, ‘About Time’ is a beautiful, touching tale of love and hope.

Rachel McAdams absolutely glistens on screen and merges impeccably well into the role of Mary, even as she grows into a married woman, mother and mature lady. It may not be a completely conventional Rom-Com, but the movie does sparkle with a kind of unique charm. It’s clear that Curtis and his crew have cherished it as developed it in depth from start to finish. There is just the right amount of character and plot development to get the film going before the time travel twist is unveiled and one of the final montage scenes is the single most heart-breaking scene I have ever watched. Moreover, the final protagonist voice-over to close to film, which comments on what a “remarkable ride” life is, is sentimental without being too cheesy.

‘About Time’ is the perfect combination between amusing and more serious scenes as a result of Tim Lake’s time travelling antics. Lake uses his gift for multiple attempts at sex, to numerous first encounters with people and avoiding saying the wrong thing to the wrong girl but discovers how problematic time travel becomes when used for the bigger aspects of life; choices, morals, love, life and death. The variety of scenes is also excellent, enhanced by Mark Day’s wonderful editing skills. In particular, a speedy scene of Mary and Tim travelling past the same set of buskers in an Underground station and on different days. It’s beautifully shot, full of variety and really captures the light-hearted side of the film, without coming across as too sickly sweet.

Rom-Com King Richard Curtis

The tender father/son relationship between Tim and his father is startling to see, because although it’s enviable, it’s also incredibly raw and realistic. John Guleserian’s cinematography is on par with the best Romantic Comedies out there and he forms a splendidly sunny persona for the film, that’s more of a coming-of-age movie about a not-so-heroic hero who matures into a responsible man who learns to appreciate what he has in life, especially in the here and now.

One-man brand Richard Curtis has a remarkable knack for making the ordinary, extraordinary and creating something delightfully exuberant and poignant. ‘About Time’ highlights all the ups and downs of everyday life and plays out romantic and heart-rending moments in perfect balance. ‘About Time’ is soothing, full of serenity and gives us all something to think about when it’s over.

4/5

Watch the official trailer for ‘About Time’ right here:

Is Miley Cyrus Responsible for Setting an Example to her Fans?

Just about everyone’s seen that infamous VMA video clip. In fact, Miley Cyrus’ twerk-heavy performance at this year’s VMA award ceremony has been viewed over three million times- and that’s just the official clip!  But given how constrained her childhood career was, is it reasonable to expect Miley Cyrus to consider whether her recent antics might influence younger fans? Is she completely responsible for those who freely opt to idolise her?

Starting Young

Miley Cyrus’ career began at the tender age of eight in Medical and Family Drama ‘Doc’ in 2001. She also appeared in Blockbuster ‘Big Fish’ way back in 2003, but Cyrus’ big breakthrough came in the form of Disney Channel comedy ‘Hannah Montana’ in 2006. Yet it wasn’t until ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’ was released in 2009 that the young songstress was released into more commercial and adult-associated markets, particularly with her hit Country-Pop power ballad ‘The Climb’.

Predictably, as the Nashville singer grew up her performances became increasingly risqué and therefore less appropriate for her younger fans in particular. The start of her transition into a more adult image began in 2010 with her role in ‘The Last Song’ (2010).This came alongside her final album with Hollywood Records ‘Can’t Be Tamed’ (2010) which already highlighted a racier image and sound. But it’s only this year that Cyrus has become one of the most controversial celebrities in the news.

Breakout

It began with the 20-year-old guest starring in CBS sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’ alongside Hollywood heartthrob Ashton Kutcher who replaced Charlie Sheen in the lead role in 2011 after Sheen more than dabbled in illegal drugs (amongst other things). By the time the episode starring Cyrus was aired, it was clear something had changed- she was now sporting a blonde pixie cut in place of her sweaky- clean, long brunette locks. Miley also signed a contract with RCA Records and is set to release her fourth studio album ‘Bangerz’ on 4^th October. She released her single ‘We Can’t Stop’ on 3^rd June and has provided guest vocals on a number of tracks for artists such as Will.I.Am and Snoop Dogg. So it’s safe to say it’s been a busy year!

Cyrus has also hired Britney Spears’ ex-manager Larry Rudolph and the connections between the two singers certainly don’t end there- just look at Spears’ breakdown after her childhood career came to an end. It’s no coincidence that the pair both had their childhoods utterly controlled and therefore taken away from them. It was also reported recently in the Daily Mail that Spears’ stated “I remember that age when I was just transferring into my career and...doing more controversial things and the energy that you feel and all this chaos that goes on...she is on fire right now...she's just a ball full of energy.”

Lindsay Lohan has also struggled through her adult years with drinking, drugs, an eating disorder and crime which may be as a direct result of both a controlled childhood career and the incredible pressures of fame. The 27-year-old has been in prison five times (twice for drug charges and three times for physical fights)- but is this kind of behaviour a natural reaction after having your early life utterly laid out for you? Perhaps it’s only expected that you may feel you want to break free and be as liberated as you can just to prove to yourself and others that you are capable of living your own life.

Twirking and Parenting

So perhaps Miley Cyrus’ wild child ways and jaw-dropping dance moves are understandable as such- she’s simply breaking free. But just because Cyrus’ has been guraded for so long but, that does not alter the fact that she must recognise that she may be losing fans and influencing them in a negative manner by being promiscuous and overtly sexual. However, Cyrus also still claims to have strong religious beliefs, which is incredibly hypocritical given the constant reports of the singer smoking marijuana alongside her controversial on-stage moves. No matter your opinion on Christianity and organised religion in general, the fact is Miley is giving Christians a bad name by completely contradicting her apparent beliefs in the way she acts. Grinding on a married man in his mid-thirties, despite the fact Robin Thicke’s musical morality is hardly admirable, remains a defective act.

Despite how liberated Miley Cyrus may feel given her recent antics, the fact is she is partly responsible for the influence she has over her fans. Her controversy has not only resulted in her engagement to Aussie actor Liam Hemsworth coming to an end, but also caused many to perceive her as immature and vulgar. Yet it is safe to say her father, country king Billy Ray Cyrus is still defending his daughter by suggesting she is simply reinventing herself and her sound- although it must be considered that Billy Ray does have his own reputation to protect, as well as that of his daughter.

Having your childhood inhibited is a formulaic tale as old as time and constantly seems to close in the same way- with breakdowns rather than breakouts. 

Album Review: Kids in Glass Houses- ‘Peace’ (30/09/2013- Transmission Recordings)

After rolling with Roadrunner Records for their previous three albums, Cardiff based Kids in Glass Houses have opted to make ‘Peace’ fan-funded thanks to PledgeMusic and Transmission Recordings. In March this year, Kids in Glass Houses recorded fourth album ‘Peace’ in Lincoln in just four weeks and released their first single from the record ‘Drive’, on 21 July 2013.

The quintet have not enjoyed the most straightforward career in the Pop Punk world, although their first album ‘Smart Casual’ (2008) brought them to the forefront of the scene with the likes of You Me at Six. Kids in Glass Houses are enjoying a more independent outlook for ‘Peace’, with regards to their general image, sound and style as a band- which is definitely a good thing given the way Roadrunner ‘adapted’ their dress sense after ‘In Gold Blood’ (2011) hit shelves. The band also chose to stream their album to encourage fans they may have lost along the way to give them another shot, and to, of course entice new listeners.

'Peace': The artwork

Some may dismiss Kids in Glass Houses as a soft Rock option, but right from the off, the boys provide a super catchy number made up of all the hand claps, gang vocals and key changes you could ever want. Aled Phillips’ vocals are right on point and full of diversity and soul. ‘Drive’ however, is an odd choice for a single, as it is my no means the best ‘Peace’ has to offer, but is a great Pop song with a hugely hooking guitar-driven melody.

‘Set Me Free’ and ‘V.I.P.’ are melodic, energetic and ever so slightly Rock and Roll- everything the band want to be. The quality of production is fantastic thanks to Producer Dan Weller (Gallows and Young Guns) and each track is fist-pumplingly rhythmic and oozing with optimism and this is definitely Kids in Glass Houses’ most mature album so far.

Easy-on-the-ear and breezy, ‘Novocaine’ is packed full of emotion, and ‘Stormchasers’ is made up of big Pop breakdowns, more vocal expertise and rhythmic change-ups. The trouble is, Kids in Glass Houses do not have the lead of the soft Pop Punk/rhythm-fuelled Rock industry with new bands like The 1975 around. ‘Runaways’ is hardly worth getting excited about, as it fails to explode into action at all and proves that ‘Peace’ fails to break any musical boundaries.

The more downbeat ‘Up All Night’ however, is packed with energy and a great party track, and its electro beats and feel-good style is a sure fire for success. ‘Black Cloud’ is raging with Pop sensibilities and is great in its simplicity- which is a great thing to hear after the over-elaborate sound and look of ‘In Gold Blood. For a closing song, ‘Nightcrawler’ is weak and very lacklustre, but it does bring a concise collection of sugar-sweet songs to an end.

Back to basics: Kids in Glass Houses

‘Peace’ won’t be receiving any awards for album of the year, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Kids in Glass Houses have gone back to basics and returned to their feel-good, straightforward roots. They’re definitely back on course for a bright future.

3.5/5

Listen to ‘Peace’ in full here thanks to RockSound: http://www.rocksound.tv/news/article/kids-in-glass-houses-stream-peace-in-full

DVD Review: This Is 40 (15) - Universal Pictures (24/06/2013)

A sort-of sequel to ‘Knocked Up’ (2007), ‘This is 40’ follows the wonderfully odd and entertaining lives of Debbie (Leslie Mann) and Pete (Paul Rudd) as the couple hit their forties in the same week. Along with their two children, the couple struggle to enjoy their middle age, keep the passion in their relationship, control their children and balance their finances. Co-produced, written and directed by Judd Apatow, director of ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ (2008) and ‘The Five Year Engagement’ (2012), ‘This is 40’ is a clean-cut comedy with all the ingredients for potential a laugh-out-loud treat. It also stars the likes of Jason Segal, Megan Foxx and Melissa McCartney in more minor roles.

Frank and funny, this film sets off to a sharp start and is another notch on Judd’s comedic belt- which he has pretty much been single-handedly evolving over the past decade. The protagonist couple appear incredibly mis-matched and much of the plot consists of the pair bickering, avoiding honesty and denying that the years are flying by. While Debbie lies about her age, Pete appears to wish he was younger and more successful in his job as a music promoter for a record label. Their marriage is realistically rocky, which, accurate as it may be, becomes incredibly repetitive as the film unfolds. They also keep secrets from one another and both feel they’re stuck with each other because of their technology-obsessed children.

The theatrical poster for 'This is 40'

In terms of storyline, well there isn't one. Aside from their troubled marriage, there are two sticky situations Pete and Debbie find themselves in. Yet aside from those, the storyline is incredibly mediocre. As for individual scenes, some drag on for so long that they fail to be funny, particularly the opening scene  which sees the couple having sex in the shower which develops into an argument because Pete took Viagra before propositioning his wife. Despite that, the majority of characters are well developed, if a little stereotypical (particularly Debbie, who is a list-making, obsessive control-freak) and Judd Apatow’s signature component of embarrassment of characters for comic effect runs throughout the movie.

A family affair: The main cast of the film

Given the state of the world’s economy currently, it’s got to be difficult to watch a perfectly toned, white-teethed, glamorous blonde, wonderfully decorated, large home and cosy LA-influenced lifestyle be the backdrop for a rough-patch in characters’ lives. As well as Leslie Mann being Apatow’s real-life wife, it was doubly-brave of the director to employ their daughters to star in the film as Debbie and Pete’s children. They appear comfortable on screen and have clearly picked up a tip or two from their parents.

Paul Rudd’s performance is on-point and his abilities carry the film. His comedic timing and delivery is instinctive, so it’s no surprise he’s become a signature actor of the comedy flicks. Also, most of the portrayals of pettiness in relationships are acted incredibly accurately and ‘This is 40’ is also unusually padded out for a comedy being almost 2 and a half hours long, especially given its lack of a well-driven plot. Time Out even suggested there be a new 35-rating created for Apatow’s film, as they tend to scare couples who've yet to reach the age of his protagonists!

There’s something very chaotic and current about ‘This is 40’; it’s a decent example of reality cinema given his genuine representation of typical family life. But this is both a blessing and a downfall as many of the petty arguments depicted are somewhat lacklustre for film.  It may be warm and whimsical but it fails to provide the uplift that audiences have come to expect from comedies. The devil is truly in the detail in film and ‘This is 40’ simply doesn't supply enough.

2/5

Watch the official trailer for 'This is 40' here: