Indiana Jones and The Economy of Gloom…
…. OK so we know things are tough at the moment… Alistair Darling had just announced a £50bn rescue package for the UK banking sector, Iceland is melting, the DOW Jones saw it’s greatest fall in a day since 1987. The crisis in the world economy is being mirrored in the UK media market with TV, press, outdoor and radio all recording significant revenue declines in ‘08 but cinema appears to be bucking the trend.
Cinema revenue’s were up almost 10% across the period Jan-June with admissions driven with the release of big screen blockbusters including Indiana Jones, Sex in the City, the Dark Knight and er… Mamma Mia (the latter is currently the third highest grossing movie in UK box office history…aaagh).
I’m firmly of the opinion that the time couldn’t be better then to immerse yourself in a good movie and afford yourself a little escapism from the economic doom and gloom. My personal favourites from this year are the Dark Knight (yes, Heath Ledger’s performance really is that good), Iron Man (explosions, tongue in cheek humour and flying super-heroes; what’s not to like?) and Gone Baby Gone (a dark and harrowing film but stand out performances by both Casey Affleck and Morgan Freeman). So come on then, what would your movie of choice be to generate a little light and laughter (Mamma Mia? I’ve seen it. Don’t. Please. End of story)?
October 8th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Not sure about “light and laughter” but I personally cannot wait for Appaloosa.. starring Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris (who also directs).
“Adapted from Robert B Parker’s novel, ‘Appaloosa’ is a dramatic western about a lawless town held to ransom by a renegade cattle rancher, Randall Bragg (Jeremy Irons). Called in to save the people, long time friends Virgil Cole (Ed Harris) and Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen), are tested to their limits when they face their provocative new enemy” - ODEON
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3665559833/
Although its been out a while you can still Vue it here:
http://www.myvue.com/cinemas/timetable.asp?SessionID=04935CCBD20E497AA43B45B8239D6146&ci=33&cn=1&ln=1&fi=8236|3909|
October 8th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Juno.
Hard to describe, better to experience if you haven’t already seen it.
Haven’t felt as smiley-warm after a film for a very long time!
Oh, and I have a 16-year old daughter.
PS. Juno’s dad: what a guy!
October 9th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I’m with Nick, Juno is one of the best films I’ve seen in a long time.
Failing that - High School Musical. Anyone who ridicules that is a massive sourpuss and shouldnt be afraid to embrace their inner 8 year old. No lewd remarks about embracing 8 year olds either please.
October 10th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
For all the build up of Tropic thunder it was actually not TOO bad. It gave you a few good laughs that are expected from any Ben Stiller film. Robert Downey Jr. did a good job being the dude pretending to be the dude. However Tom Cruise stole the film. Although he was only in it for maybe 10 minutes of screen time yet i have found myself watching his scenes over and over again on the You Tube.
For a comedy with Jack Black, Ben Stiller, and Downey I give it a ‘One Thumb Up’
October 13th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
“Don’t mess with the Zohan” was awesome. Must admit the trailer looked shocking and was rather reluctant to go and see it at first but couldn’t stop laughing throughout. A Ben Stiller masterpiece!
October 13th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
D’oh! That was supposed to be Adam Sandler - what a schmuck!!