A month in film: April

In these past thirty days I believe I have seen one of the best films ever made, one of the worst films ever conceived and the biggest let down of last year.

I first begin with the masterpiece that is There Will Be Blood. Almost a month since its original release I was finally able to get my hands on this film at my local independent cinema.

With Daniel Day Lewis' success at the Oscars and BAFTA s in mind it certainly did not disappoint.

Living up to my expectations and more I was blown away by this complex work. Completely absorbed by the layered narrative I cannot wait to see it again.

I wish the same could be said for The Assassination of Jesse James.

A complete flop in 2007, it was the critics constant ranting and raving which kept this film firmly in the limelight.

Unfortunately, Jesse James is unable to live up to such critical hype due to its overstretched plot.

Only after two hours do we seem to engage with the characters, but by this point you will have lost all interest.

Having said that, the film does hold much artistic licence; very authentic and beautifully shot Andrew Dominik has made some of the most iconic imagery in recent years.

With a script simply requiring more drive it is now obvious why Jesse James was overlooked at the Oscars.

This is not a masterpiece but nevertheless worth seeing and something I shall watch again just not for a long time.

At least this film holds more credibility than Never Back Down. Nothing other than adolescent clap trap this uninspiring rubbish is offensive in its deliberate glamorisation of violence.

The message here is; unless you can beat people to a pulp you will never be successful in life.

Hammy acting combined with ineffective direction and a plot which makes little sense, I wish I could have these two wasted hours of my life back!

Other popular films out this month included the intriguing but otherwise predictable 21 and Shine a Light.

Although aside from American releases this was an encouraging month for Spanish cinema as the terrifying but touching The Orphanage still leaves me with a shiver down my spine.

Similarly the British In Bruges and Son of Rambow were far more amusing, well written and original than any of the American romantic comedies that bombarded our screens.

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

For more reviews in more detail, visit my blog:
http://benlambsfilmreviews.blogspot.com