First look at Michael Fassbender in Assassin’s Creed

Introducing Callum Lynch as portrayed by Michael Fassbender.

What audiences can learn from this image before anything else is that the franchise’s big screen debut will be featuring a new character, this is due to the fact that fans would realise that this ‘uniform’ has not previously been worn by any assassins and that it is a completely new and original take on the ‘assassin style’. On the film’s announcement fans were questioning which assassin would be taking the lead, with Ezio as the favourite.  Although, with a new face it means that fans minds are at rest knowing that they do not have to worry about how the character is translated onto the big screen.

What we then learnt from Yahoo.com is that Fassbender will be playing the part of Callum Lynch, who discovers that he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society through unlocked genetic memories that allow him to relive the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th Century Spain. After gaining incredible knowledge and skills he’s poised to take on the oppressive Knights Templar in the present day. Also, it was announced that it will not simply be a big budget version of the game with a skin change and the same plot, but will instead tie-in with the game’s universe!

Joining Fassbender in this much anticipated flick is Marion Cotillard (Inception, The Dark Knight Rises), Ariane Labed (Before Midnight) and Michael Kenneth Williams (12 Years a Slave), and more to be announced. Assassin’s Creed is set to be released on 21 December 2016 in the US, and on 30 December 2016 in the UK.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Review

Guy Ritchie’s reboot of the 60’s spy show is stylish, suave and amusing. Whilst the action isn’t non-stop, the tension is constantly building throughout the film. Presented with the front-runners of Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer and Alicia Vikander (a still ‘uprising cast’), all of which portraying characters of a different nationality and with interesting accents.

Having not directed a film since 2011 (Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows), Guy Ritchie had some lost time to make up for, and being that he is best known for his crime films he slightly widened his horizons to a comedy/action/adventure romp.

Cavill plays CIA agent Napoleon Solo, a highly skilled and suave operative, whilst Hammer portrays Illya Kuryakin, a KGB agent with anger issues. They are forced to work together (putting their differences aside) to prevent plans for nuclear technology from getting into the wrong hands. Their only lead is the daughter of a missing German scientist, Gaby (Alicia Vikander), whos father is the only one capable to finishing the plans and assembling the bomb. With twists, action sequences and a typical spy cliches, it doesn’t quite go to plan.

The relationship between Solo and Illya has a Mr and Mrs Smith kind of feel to it, as a love/hate relationship, as well as a femme fatale being thrown into the mix too. The whole film has a similar suave and siphistication as Bond, but more light hearted and with slightly less risk involved.

For those of you who have played a co-op Lego game, whereby the characters have gone separate ways and the split-screen gets confusing and then rejoins, some of the cuts will be familiar.

There are multiple clever twists within this film, however it does not feel that the audience is given enough time to question what happened, why it happened and who caused it, and robs the audience the opportunity to piece the puzzle together themselves throughout the film as opposed to when it happens.

An important, yet very often overlooked part of any film is it’s musical score. On occassion it can go unnoticed by everyone, however when paying attention you can hear it perfectly and appreciate it. The score within this film was used very intelligently as it’s action sequence score was not only invigorating, but it had a 60’s theme with a ‘spy film’ touch to it.
Some characters even had their own themes. As previously stated, Illya refers to Solo as Cowboy, and because of this his scenes are accompanied by ‘western cowboy’ music. However, in some important and climatic scenes the score almost failed to portray how important the scenes were.

7/10

Me and Earl and The Dying Girl Review

Last night I was fortunate enough to attend an Odeon Screen Unseen whereby you watch a film that is yet to be released, however you are unaware of which film until it begins. This time, it was Me and earl and The Dying Girl.  Whilst I can honestly say that I previously had very little interest in this film as it is not my kind of film, however I can also say that I am delighted to have watched it.

It is based on the book written by Jesse Andrews in 2012, and directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon (The Town That Dreaded Sundown).  It has a relatively low budget of $8 million and a cast that most audiences are not likely to be familiar with; Thomas Mann (Project X), RJ Cyler (Second Chances) and Olivia Cooke (Ouija).  It was presented at the Sundance Film Festival June 2015 and not only won a standing ovation, but also the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and the Audience Award for U.S. Drama.

Me and Earl and The Dying Girl follows the story of high schooler Greg, who floats through school not really being a part of any group, mainly being accompanied by Earl, watching historical documentaries and making films. Suddenly, fellow school ‘acquaintance’ Rachel is diagnosed with leukemia, and Greg’s mother forces him to hang out with her. During this they not only become more fond of eachother, but the audience learns more about all three characters but also becomes more attached to each character.

Whilst it is an obviously sad film with upsetting events it is surprisingly humorous and beautifully sweet. It shows one of the most true representations of a high schooler and how one person can affect them.

This film makes clever use of intertitles, light special effects and peculiar character placement to give the audience exclusive insight into Greg’s mind to understand not only how he feels, but also what state of mind he is in.

Me and Earl and The Dying Girl will toy with your emotions, tickle your funny bone and draw you in like no other rom-con, and leave you feeling like one of the trio.

8/10

The Grand Opening

This is the beginning of a new blog that will be dedicated primarily to films and everything that goes with them; reviews, leaks, announcements, casting and the general news that follows. The majority of what will be posted will be based on my own opinion, but still informative at the same time.  I will aim to post as much news as possible when I can.  For the first week or two I will be constructing the site as well as posting, so that it is easy to navigate and understand.