127 Hours, The Next Three Days and The King's Speech

Would I have gone to see "127 Hours" if it had not been directed by Danny Boyle? Perhaps not. And perhaps only his name on the credits was enough for it to have the huge number of screens on it's release. Especially for such a low budget movie. All I can say is that it was an interesting 90 minutes. And it was a two hander: Danny Boyle and James Franco as Aron Ralston. Knowing the ending did dampen the expected tension, and he was not the most sympathetic of hero's, it was basically all his own fault. But to tell this gripping story in the confines of a crevice is a testament to Danny Boyle.

Not as good as the French original "Anything For Her", the Paul Haggis scripted and directed "The Next Three Days" would have been better if I had waited another couple of years and watched it on DVD. Russell Crowe could not muster the heart wrenching aches displayed by Vincent Lindon when his wife (Elizabeth Banks is nearly as convincing as Diane Kruger) is jailed for murder. Many of the scenes are exact replicas of the original, although Haggis has spent more cash and film time on the action scenes which, if anything lose the tension of the French version. But maybe I just knew the story too well.

Alison joined me for an afternoon screening of "The King's Speech", her annual visit to the cinema. And we both agreed what a terrific movie it was. Just a little slow in the first half, and a little troubling watching the second heir to the the throne struggling with his stammer. But the second half is marvellous. The acting is superb throughout. Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush all deserve Oscars. And the supporting cast are equally brilliant. I just preferred Guy Pearce's outstanding performance as Edward VIII to Timothy Spall's Winston Churchill or Derek Jacobi's Archbishop. Tom Hooper directs with great sympathy and panache, conjuring up a great look of late thirties England. It will probably be beaten to best film at the Oscars by the undeserving "The Social Network". Although, for me, "Inception" was my favourite film of the year. And for Christopher Nolan not even being nominated for best director is a complete travesty.