A Blockbuster in Film - July 2008

July has been the most financially successful month of the year so far.

First off The Dark Knight saw the return of Christopher Nolan's dark interpretation of the Batman franchise.

With so many different characters the film moves at quite a fast pace and the somewhat lengthy two and a half hours fly by.

Unlike Spiderman 3 this is not an overloaded plot but a carefully planned and well put together piece all part of Nolan's overall vision.

A film with ideas at its heart rather than out and out action sequences is truly where the originality lies.

If only the same could be said for Hancock.

Initially the film is praiseworthy as Will Smith's relaxed bum of a superhero dealing with public relations offers a different and interesting interpretation to the superhero genre.

However halfway through, after such a build up, the film goes in a completely different direction and is ruined by its eventual conformation to the usual genre requirements.

The second half feels rushed. A sudden plot device is added to tie things up and at the same time gives emotional attachment as well as provide action which does not make a great deal of sense.

Hancock had the potential to develop into something wittier; its brilliant premise was just poorly executed.

Wall-E however has seen the greatest Pixar film since Toy Story.

Hancock had the potential to develop into something wittier, its brilliant premise was just poorly executed

Ben Lamb

So great in fact it is likely to receive an Oscar nomination for best film let alone best animated feature!

Pixar have proved once again that their consistent success is not just in their breathtaking visuals but in the quality of their storytelling.

They have pushed the boundaries of cinema in two ways.

Firstly their visuals push the capabilities of animation forward but at the same time their plot and characters are derivative of silent cinema's roots.

A sci-fi tale of humour, love and tragedy it is superior to the amusing but forgettable Kung Fu Panda which was just not as heart warming.

Last of all Mamma Mia was the sleeper hit of the month.

Obviously rubbish it turned out to be one of those films that are so bad they turn out to be enjoyable.

Halfway through you realise that you are actually enjoying yourself laughing at the silliness occurring in front of your eyes, especially Pierce Brosnan's singing!

Do you agree/disagree with my reviews? Then please leave a comment.

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