Senna

A documentary on Formula 1 racing is about the last thing I think a lot of people would expect to call 'moving'. And yet "Senna" is a profoundly moving and stirring insight into the heart of a very special man indeed. Sure the film paints it's titular driver to a near Messiah-like status, but it is done with such fervor and conviction, that it is often hard to not get swept up with it's energy and vibrancy. And I don't even like Formula 1. That is perhaps the films biggest strength; in that those who get droopy eyed just thinking about those great hulking engines doing endless loops on a rainy Sunday on the TV, will find there is much to enjoy here. Director Asif Kapadia wisely sticks to the life and times of the man, so when those racing scenes are dispersed, they fold naturally within the narrative and serve to forward the story. They are also edited impeccably. Culled from an endless ream of interviews and track footage, the film makers did a stunning job of paring it all down to the basics. It is comprised entirely of archival material with some voice over from recently interviewed key figures in the man's life. Indeed, the film may be a documentary but it is easy to forget that when the wealth of footage available is presented so exhilaratingly. Aryton Senna was a very passionate man. He drove with his heart and refused to get drawn into the politics of F1 - sometimes to his own detriment. But while the film shows his genius and skill on the track it also shows the symbol of hope to which he had become to millions of Brazilians in his home country. His triumphant win at an all important race there is an ecstatic high; while his tragic end is felt ever more keenly in the eyes of those young fans whom looked up to him so much. And in his collisions both on and off the track with Alain Prost, the film has it's own fractured dichotomy - adding to the engaging narrative drama. That is what impresses so much about the film; it has a perfectly honed and engaging study of a man, mixed with all the excitement and drive (no pun intended) you could want from a fictional drama. That creates that ever important feeling, that when the tyre screeches have long left your ear, it's stirring sentiments still linger warm inside.

Verdict: 8/10
A fantastically engaging and surprisingly affecting film about a very talented man, taken far too soon. Compelling viewing even for those who aren't gear heads.

"Senna" Trailer

The Fighter

Mark Wahlberg could be forgiven for being more than a little hurt by the academys ignoring of his performance in "The Fighter". Wahlberg has spent the better part of ten years trying to bring the project to life. The film as it exists today, and that it is as good as it is, is down mainly to Wahlbergs persistence. After going through a multitude of different directors and actors, and non stop grueling boxing training sessions, it looked like the film would never see the light of day on more than a few occasions. But his dedication paid off. In Wahlbergs career so far, "The Fighter" is his towering achievement. Sure, his performance has been unfairly overlooked elsewhere, but as producer the man can safely take credit for the films success. Make no mistake, this is a Mark Wahlberg film. Of course the hiring of personal friend David O. Russell to direct was a masterstroke. At one point Darren Aronofsky (among plenty of others) was tapped to direct, but his indecision at stepping back into the ring so soon after "The Wrestler" led to O. Russell taking over. He retains his executive producer credit here and looking closely it was probably for the best; would Aronofskys naturally dark and glum style have lent itself to an uplifting underdog sports drama? Russell and Wahlberg of course have worked together two times previously. "Boogie Nights" and "The Departed" aside, O. Russell has been the only director to consistantly have been able to get a performance out of Wahlberg. As frustratingly hit and miss as he is, it is easier still to dismiss his films. For every "Three Kings" there was a "Max Payne". Wahlberg is a better actor and more savvy than a lot of people give him credit for. A lot of his films certainly are lacking in areas, but it seems he knows fully what he is doing. His more recent attempts at blockbuster status could be seen as paving the way for "The Fighter". Without those, he could have not have made or funded it. The truth is that the fact that Wahlberg initially seems like an afterthought to this film, shows he has done his job as far as his role was concerned. The real life Micky Ward does always struggle to get a word in edgeways when surrounded by his Brother and Mother. If Wahlberg takes a step back and lets his co-actors take the glory, then it could be argued that thats only because that is what the real life Micky Ward has done. And by that measurement, Wahlberg gives quite possibly, the very best performance of his career so far.

What are all great boxing films really about. Certainly not boxing. Sure, the sport features, but it is not what the film is ever truly about. As a non boxing fan it seems odd that my possible favourite film of all time is "Raging Bull". I never watch boxing on television. This is because the idea of two grown men beating each other up holds very little interest to me. Not without knowing the background of these people. The psychology is incredibly engaging; why do these men willingly choose to spend their life taking a beating? Of course in the best sports films, the metaphor of the sport always serves as something else. "The Fighter" is not about boxing. It is about family. Managed by his all-domineering mother (a great Melissa Leo) and trained by his crack addicted brother Dicky(Christian Bale), Micky's commitment to his family was (again, like Wahlbergs commitment to his story) unwavering and seemingly at the detriment to his own career. They might all have noble intentions but they are dragging Micky down with them. At thirty something years old, Micky took his very last shot at becoming a success and went on to fight for the welter weight title. As the trouble making attention seeking older brother Dicky, Christian Bale is a revelation. Charasmatic but selfish; likeable but dishonerable, Bale nails the very conflicting mindsets. Bale has been much quieter in his roles in the past few years, so it's great to see he still has what it takes to be a method powerhouse when it comes to his parts. His dedication to Dicky is incredible and he completely immerses himself in his part. Much has been made of his repeated weight losses for his films, but here it only ever adds to the character. Of course looking at Dicky, it is obvious what he is, but Bale is pitch perfect in getting into the mindframe of the real life version. As strong as his competition will be on oscar night, he deserves to take home the gold statue. Speaking of which, it is safe to say he will be joined by Melissa Leo as the mother and manager of Micky, and the family. She reigns supreme and strictly governs and protects her family life as she does Micky. With her sprayed hair and venomous tongue, she cuts a very intimidating figure indeed for Mickys new love interest Charlene (AmyAdams). Not to mention Mickys seven sisters all holding a grudge against her and it takes a very special lady to stand up to them to protect Micky, but that is what Charlene does. Breaking type, Adams is fantastic; sassy, tough, but also nurturing and tender. The problem is that each member of the family has noble intentions for Micky. If only they can each let their egos from overtaking the spotlight, Micky could be the great success he has it in him to be. One of the treats of the film is rendering the family at all times loveable, in some warped way despite all the nefarious things they do and how they act. They all love each other and to them family is the most important thing in the world.

It might have been easy for some directors to go heavy on grittiness of our characters and themes, but very wisely O. Russell simply lets the characters be. Sure they are sometimes ugly but they are never less than real. The dynamic is the most important ingredient and O. Russell handles it wonderfully. Of course this also leads to some fantastic scenes of humour; with a family like this, how could it not be? He brings out the best of his cast and story and manages to keep the possibly too bombastic story on track. Bale and Leo offer incredible performances, but that is only because the film is anchored in Wahlbergs self assured lead. The central relationship of Micky and Dicky is what drives the film. While the films many fantastic HBO style boxing scenes will bring all the fireworks, it is the love between two brothers that will be the long lasting impression left on you. At the end it is there for all to see: it's easy to take a few punches, in time those scars will heal. The deeper scars caused by those you love in trying to keep everyone together is what will always cut deeper. And it is all down to Mark Wahlberg.

Verdict: 83%

A fantastic sports flick and the best boxing film seen in quite some time. The film is funny, touching and moving, all bolstered by stunning turns from everyone involved. A possibly predictable story is shot through David O. Russell's assured eye and long after the glare of the fights scenes have faded, it is the touching dynamic of the family that will linger inside.

"The Fighter" Trailer

Retrospective - 'The King of Kong' 2007

Here is something genuinely original, which proves that sometimes, fact can be much more crazier than fiction. One of the most compelling and hilarious documentaries I have seen in recent memory; this is nigh on unmissable stuff for almost anybody. In fact, many of the films scenarios are almost too perfect. I mean, most Hollywood movies don't have plots or characters as compelling as those seen here. It has everything you could want from a film. The underdog everybody is rooting to come through and win in the end, some hilarious supporting players, a compelling story and a great 'boo-hiss' villain. And it's all real. And it's all about middle aged computer game nerds. And despite what you may be thinking, it really is that exciting.

The documentary centers primarily on the titular 'Donkey Kong', arcade video game from the 80's. Except, and despite it being the 21st Century, many people seem caught in a time loop, forever dedicated to their love of retro gaming. And not only that, but competitive retro gaming. It is too easy to call these people nerds. Gaming is what they live for. They are real people and are presented as such. And it is not just those middle aged, speccy man-boys that feature here. Along the way we see an elderly lady competing in the tournament also suggesting that the audience for these old arcade games, while small, are most definately diverse. So this small group are dedicated to their love and in competing for the highest scores and bragging rights. All this is for their passion, not to win money or accolades. They simply want to be recognised among their peers. These organised tournaments feature referees, rules and the chance for the players to 'perform' as it were, to live audiences. Out of the crowds the film follows 2 men, both in their late 30's/early 40's and both hell bent on claiming the highest Donkey Kong score. And this is where the film comes into its own. The casting. This is down to one person particularly: Billy Mitchell. A cocky, self indulgant, heavily mulleted and unintentionally hilarious human, he is the perfect villain for the film. One look and you're already hissing him and yet you cannot tear you eyes away. He has surrounded himself with sycophants who worship him and the very high scores he set for the game (albeit back in the early 80's). As a result his ego is almost as big as his hair. Watching him smugly tour the gamesfloor with his trophy wife at his side, you want to simultaneously smack and laugh at him. This is in stark contrast to Steve Wiebe, our underdog. While Mitchell has been in the gaming eye for decades now, Wiebe is the new pretender. He is ready made with the audience cheering for him from the start. A beautiful family, recently laid off and not to mention his proficiancy in not only video games, but also various sports and musical instruments, he has our affections instantly. He is simply one of those guys who never got his break in life, despite the fact of just how talented he is. Could defeating Mitchell be that success that has eluded him his whole life? The rivalry and competition follows, as well as all those involved play out the next action packed 80 or so minutes. And did I mention, it is all about video games?!

Director Seth Gordon does an excellent job with the story. As stated earlier, Wiebe and Mitchell are both tailer made protagonists for the film, but the fact that it is supported by those involved with the competition adds to the comedy. Most are against Wiebe, and most try their best to put him off in various and dirty ways. This is despite the fact that Wiebe has to constantly prove himself on live gaming runs, while Mitchell gets to send in dubiously edited footage of himself beating the game to receive all the accolades that should be Wiebes. It is reveting and compelling stuff. Mitchell cuts a ridiculous picture of a person. Director Gordon said the real life man was worse than that depicted in the film. His worst moments it seems where left out in order to maintain the light tone of the picture. As it stands, he is unforgettable. He hypocritically changes various phrases and sayings throughout the film to suit him. That hair, that beard, that tie, his pseudo intellectual musings on winning and what it means to be a winner, they are too good to be true.

Unfortunately, it all may just be too good to be true as it turns out. As entertaining as it all is, I kept on getting the feeling that Gordon leisurely edited his way around the story and certain events. Which upon later research, I found to be actually the case. So, while no one is portrayed innacurately, certain events have been played around with, in order to maintain dramatic effect for the picture. Upon seeing just what was changed and tweaked, I personally believe them to be for the benefit of the film, and as such, do not personally hold it against either the film or Director. Your own opinion may differ if you feel the Director and Editor cheated themselves around the 'Documentary' genre. As it stands, I believe a small does of creative license with certain events can mostly benefit the subject, as long as it does not twist and morph facts. Gordon seems to have omitted certain things here and there, but for me, it serves as no purpose leaving them in, other than taking away tension from proceedings. I might feel different on other cases, but for this, I found the small tweaks to be for the benefit of the film.

Overall, here is an incredibly entertaining portrayal of men who refuse to grow up. Yes the film could be presented on a darker note (the fact that family and friends are ignored when the great Wiebe's 'Kong' obsession takes hold, that the rivalry seems to be dominating both mens lives, the 'real' Mitchell) but really, could you take a film about such a subject matter as that serious? Those featured here are completely unaware of how they appear to people, but their love for gaming shines through it all. The various back stabbings, intense rivalries and dirty mind tricks are all played out in such a ridiculous background, you cannot help but laugh. As a result, you grow attached to these people. You understand their thrill at seeing a Donkey Kong 'kill screen' for the first time, but don't have to nessessarily commend it. It's all they have in life. It is their own personal mark on history. Gordon is very focused with proceedings and with such a story on his hands he turns out a very crowd pleasing tale. This story has laughs, tears, tension, action, romance and is more exciting than most Hollywood Blockbusters. It could be viewed in manner of different ways; a metaphor for the Generation X's inability to grow up, modern America's growing obsession with gaming, a critique of the American Dream or as simply an old fashioned David and Goliath story. Take your pick as all work excellently towards the final product.

Verdict: 81%

Gordon delivers a universal story played out in almost pitch perfect fashion. Minor liberties taken with certain events aside, he provides everything a Documentary should, along with what most Fiction films should too, all undercutted to an excellent retro 80's soundtrack. Seek out this 'King' and enjoy, just don't get any ideas to attempt to beat either Mitchell or Wiebe's scores afterwards....

Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMJZ-_bJKdI