Views from the Void

Run Fat Boy Run
Plot: Five years ago Dennis (Simon Pegg) left a pregnant Libby on their wedding day as he was afraid of commitment. Five years on and Libby has a kid, Jake (Dennis’ kid) and a new boyfriend- control freak and perpetual marathon runner, Whit. Dennis finally realises that he is in love with Libby and vows to run the marathon to win her back.
My Thoughts. This is a pleasant light hearted romantic comedy, which follows a similar formula as other films such as ‘The Full Monty’ or ‘Cool Runnings’. The plot is a straight forward ‘against the odds’ type story and doesn’t really stray from it. There are a few secondary characters, which could have been developed further (such as the cross dressing shop lifter). The characters are acted well but the script occasionally lacks ‘oonph’ There are a few pleasant ( and unpleasant) scenes, plus cameos from some famous faces- the best being David Walliams.
On the whole it is a satisfying but not ground breaking comedy, which is sure to raise a few smile. And I am sure you will be rooting for him at the end! But be warned, this is no Hot Fuzz!
Best bit: The scene in the bakery (with David Walliams) and perhaps the bursting of the blister (yuk)
Score: 710

Disturbia
Plot: Kale is under house arrest and is forced to wear a tag. To relieve the boredom he starts to spy on his neighbours, and finds evidence that one of them is in fact a homicidal maniac.

My thoughts: Disturbia- sounds like a Peter Andre song- and is about as cheesy as one! Apart from the shocking initial scenes, there is nothing new or surprising about the plot. It is typical thriller suspense and you could count the cliché’ off on you hand as they go. That doesn’t make it a bad film though. There are still shocks and ‘jump’ moments, but really you should be expecting them. There are some nice other plot points, like the friendship with Ashley and the annoying Spanish kids from over the road, which add an extra (if a bit shallow and disney-esque) dimension to the film.
On the whole, it is Hitchcock meets High School musical. There is enough suspense to make it enjoyable but there nothing new or ground breaking. There is also nothing very graphic, so if you were worried about blood and gore- don’t be!
Best Bit: The opening scene surprised me, so well done on that!
Score: 6/10

Atonement
Plot: When Briony Tallis, the 13 year old sister of Cecelia (Keira Knightely), misreads a scene she witnesses between her sister and friend Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), she believes that he is a sexual pervert, which isn’t helped when Robbie asks Briony to deliver a letter, which uses inappropriate language. And when Briony’s friend is assaulted by someone, Briony gives evidence that Robbie was the culprit. Robbie gets arrested and is made to join the army. The film then follows the three characters as Briony learns the consequences of her action and tries to make amends.
My thoughts: This film is a well shot emotive melodrama of Austen proportions. The characters are well played, especially by the actresses playing Briony. There are some beautiful and powerful scenes, including the scenes shot on the beach in Dunkirk, however, beauty doesn’t necessary replace plot.
The first and last part of the film are good, but in the middle it does feel like it is plodding slightly without actually getting any further. There is quite a bit of jumping around in terms of timeline, which can make it difficult to follow, one of which didn’t make sense to me until you got to the twist at the end.
On the whole, if you like Pride and Prejudice then you will probably like this. There is little action, and has a sense of dragging through the middle. But it is beautifully set and acted.
Best bit: Briony’s hospital scene and the Dunkirk scenes.
Score 7/10