Criticising the Critics!

A brief guide on where to get the best film criticism:

Podcasts

Filmspotting
Chicago based podcast written and hosted by amateur critics Adam Kempenaar and Matty Robinson. The fact it is only able to run due to audience donations from all over the world not only demonstrates its popularity but how the love of film alone can be a rewarding and satisfactory wage. With each show lasting up to an hour and a half, plenty of time is spent deconstructing the art cinema. It is also extremely educational as each week their regular top five list slot is bound to contain some films you won't have heard of.



Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo's Film Reviews
What lacks in Filmspotting can be found in the professional Radio 5 live show run by partners in crime Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode. The only reason it works is down to Kermode and the chemistry that flows between him and his friend. His fast but clear and witty rhetoric combined with hilarious impressions are frequently played off by his host. With a run down of the box office top ten, reviews of the latest films, lots of banter and audience participation being an integral part to the show it grabs your attention for a very entertaining 50 minutes and never lets go. As Skilled as Filmspotting is, Adam and Matty are just too nice to each other, frequently complimenting one another and treading carefully when they disagree you need a bit of good old English sarcasm and bickering. The energy and enthusiasm that runs through the proclaimed Kermodian rants are untouchable by any other critic working today. Broadcast every week at Friday at 3pm, Radio 5 Live it is worth waiting all week for. That is of course unless Andrew Collins is standing in for Kermode which means this entire formula simply falls apart, but at least he is better than the God awful Hardip Singh-Koli.

The Film Programme
Radio 4 does film criticism! Interviews with current and past film directors are bound to send you to sleep. Usually the format to such a show would work and be sufficiently intriguing but the extreme density that comes with Radio 4 hosts is just unlistenable.

Guardian Film Weekly

An improvement on Radio 4's show, basically the same concept but at least the somewhat freaky Jason Solomons seems to have passion and enthusiasm for what he is talking about when he interviews his guests. His reviews and debates with fellow critic Sam Brooks is also worth a listen.

James King, Radio One

Short snappy reviews designed to appeal to today's teenage generation, it is a shame the ACTUAL Film criticism is left behind somewhere. He described Role Models as 'genius 'recently, enough said!

Magazines

Sight & Sound
The best way to sum up this magazine is to refer to a conversation that took place between Frost/Nixon actor Michael Sheen and Director Ron Howard. Sheen told Howard he must read S&S as it is 'the best magazine of film criticism written in the English language' to which Howard replied, 'Oh really, I've never heard of it'. The most underrated film magazine out there, the BFI funded publication is far superior to its rivals as it is the only one to provide every film release of the month, no matter how commercial, full analytical page long reviews. Critics from all over the country get to together to write reviews for this publication without subduing to the star rating system. Similarly the news segments do not only focus on A list stars or the latest blockbusters but have the freedom to provide insight into any interesting film movement going on around the world. You will also never find a regular column as skilled or as brilliant as Nick Roddick's.

Empire/Total Film
Although not as good as Sight & Sound and a little mainstream for people's liking there is still always room on my shelf for these publications every month. Jam packed with films and stars to look out for in western cinema with well written features that change every month, reviews and extensive interviews with the greats these mags are what initially got me into film criticism. You will never find such well written content in mainstream magazines.

Fangoria
For those who like their Horror films this is an essential read.

Film Review
Proclaims itself as 'the movie Bible since 1950' but I severely disagree. Its news segments are pitiful as they are basically big pictures with little words taking up one half of the magazine with the other half simply containing film reviews that are too generous with their stars.


DVD & Blu Ray Review
If you are passionate about your DVD collection then this is essential. With over 200 reviews a month you know what is worth buying.

DVD Monthly
Like DVD & Blu Ray Review but if you were to take it seriously you would be buying every DVD released!

Radio Times
More of a listings magazine, if you already buy this publication then the great Barry Norman's regular column is always worth a read. Andrew Collins is also worth some attention to, he may not be as skilled on the radio as Kermode but his articles are always a good read!

Newspapers
Pick up any Broadsheet and are you are guaranteed to read worthwhile film criticism. Throughout the week The Guardian's entertainment magazine G2 is my favourite read of all things in wittertainment but Philip French's column in The Observer is worth waiting for every Sunday!

Websites

IMDB
Mainly user uploaded reviews means this isn't the most reliable site for film criticism but who can blame the sight that holds every single fact according to film.

Rotten Tomatoes

A brilliant film search engine. Type in the name of the film you want a review of and several professional critic reviews are presented before your very eyes!

Metacritic

Similar to Rotten Tomatoes although it is not exclusively a film site and all the reviews are extracted from mainly American publications. Only really deals with films realised in the last couple of years too.

Empire/Total Film

Both websites are worth looking at for regularly uploaded news, reviews and features not seen in their magazines. It is also enjoyable joining in with the varied debates on their forums.

Kermode Uncut
Mark Kermode's video blog is the essential companion to his podcast.


blog.spout.com/

The hottest site for film news

http://www.filmspotting.net/
Not much here in addition to the podcast, but worth visiting to take part in the regular polls.

Television

Film 2009
Hopefully Jonathan Ross will be able to return to his role as film critic in the new year given recent events. Often given a lot of stick this show is nevertheless the best television show out there for film criticism. Ross may not compare to the great Norman but his reviews are well written with real enthusiasm and insight for a foul mouthed television host.

The Culture Show
A show which never actually deals with culture, there is sometimes an interesting Kermode segment where he interviews one of his favourite directors.

Newsnight Review
Offers very deep and insightful debates on the current more predominately artistic releases.

ScreenWipe
OK, so it isn't really about films but Charlie Brooker's masterstroke deserves to be watched by everyone!

Films to avoid in 2009

As our economic turmoil looks set to turn even bleaker, do not worsen your situation by paying to see these potential turkeys.

Sex Drive
The latest teen sex movie kicks off the new year. Probably the only comedy trailer I have ever seen where the entire audience has not made so much as a titter. If these are the best jokes and set pieces the trailer could offer then avoid like gonohreah!

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
How many times can people find a squirrel chasing an acorn THAT funny?

X-men Origins: Wolverine
Without Bryan Singer behind this prequel, I can sense yet another abysmal depiction like Ratner's X-Men 3. Is there really any need for learning about Logan's past after the stunning X-2?

The Brazilian Job
The most overrated actor, former rapper, Mark Whalberg no doubt steals some gold again. Bearing in mind The Italian Job remake was never actually set in Italy hopefully this film will have the decency to do what the title says. As this franchise gets progressively worse like that of Ocean's 11 hopefully the minimal box office takings will put an end to a potential trilogy.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
Oh well, at least Kate Beckinsale will be scantily clad in tight Lycra again, nice.

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian
A series of seasonal films that only take in a decent profit due to their release dates. If I were to put money on a film that would be the greatest flop of 2009 it would be this one. Scheduled for a May release, people will fail to embrace it outside the season of goodwill. Expect yet another unfunny film full of talented comedians all worthy of far better material. It seems the Frat pack have lost their grip on the pulse of modern edgy comedy.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

As visually striking as the prolonged original was, there is just no real call for a sequel.

The Fast and the Furious 4

Vin Diesel finally gets some work again by succumbing to a franchise he vowed never to return to. This bodes really well.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Is there any heroic figure left in American society yet to be dramatised? Brendan Frasier continues to revive his dismal comeback with yet another dire film that no one has ever expressed any demand for.

Final Destination 4: Death Trip 3D

The only reason this film has been made is due to its 3D gimmick. Get ready for another film full of annoying teenagers predictably being killed in a string of OTT set pieces.

SAW VI

Expect a sequel to be released every Halloween until people stop paying to see them, which doesn't seem like any time soon.

Sherlock Holmes

Guy Ritchie gives us a contemporary Kung Fu fighting Sherlock Holmes played by Robert Downey Junior. He could in fact surprise us with an entertaining film, but I very much doubt it.

Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakuel

The original proved that the film's plot cannot be carried by a bunch of annoying chipmunks squeaking their way through proceedings. Only having this one joke to work with, it seems to have now worked its way into the actual title.

Angels and Demons

A long haired Robert Langdon returns! Without Ian McKellen this sequel is bound to be even more lifeless and droll.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Parts 3-5
Luckily Disney announced they have no intention of releasing any further Narnia books. Hopefully the same will happen for Pullman's equally massacred His Dark Materials.

Films to seek out in 2009

Here are some worthwhile future releases to accompany our developing world of political change:

The Wrestler
Tipped as Mickey Rourke's greatest ever performance, an Oscar win is certainly on the cards. Hopefully grossly underrated director Darren Aronofsky may finally get the recognition and success he truly deserves.

Che, Parts One and Two
Already screened at Cannes, Benicio Del Toro's stunning performance as the revolutionary icon Che Guavara could provide one of the closest races for the Best Actor Oscar in living memory. Although if he loses out to Mr. Rourke, he could always pick up a statuette next year with part two!

Tooth Fairy
Funny man Stephen Merchant and Dwayne Johnson (A.K.A. the Rock) starring together in a Hollywood Film! What isn't there to like!?!?!

Public Enemies
Already known as Heat 2, Michael Mann gives us an adaptation of Bryan Burrough's book, Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave. Set against the Great Depression of the 1920's Christian Bale will play FBI agent Melvin Purvis hunting down criminal John Dillinger played by Johnny Depp. Expect an epic!

Crank: High Voltage
Considering Jason Statham's character Chev Chelios died after falling out of a plane in his last film it is hard to predict how the next film will overcome this narrative problem. But if it is anything like the original get ready for a high octane, albeit cheesy, action thriller. After all, Statham is the only man who really seems to be filling Schwarzenegger's shoes.

Star Trek
With J.J. Abrams at the helm, this prequel may well be worth catching after all.

Avatar
Over ten years since James Cameron has written and directed a movie, he is back to what he does best with a dystopian and action filled sci-fi.

This Side of the Truth
A dip in form with Ghost Town, Ill give Gervais the benefit of the doubt for his first self scripted and directed full length feature. A comedy set in the future where people are unable to lie it could turn out to be a comedy with real substance.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Heath Ledger's last role has been kept alive through the perseverance of his thespian friends Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell. Combined with the sheer determination of director Terry Gillingham I believe there to be one last masterpiece left in the both of them.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
David Fincher and Brad Pitt's third collaboration. A depiction of a boy who is born old and progressively grows younger this strange and somewhat quirky film will hopefully do better than the overlooked although brilliant Zodiac.

Frost/Nixon
A gripping drama that depicts the monumental moment in history where underdog David Frost managed to combine television with politics with the larger than life and villainous figure of Richard Nixon. If you see one Ron Howard film this year make sure it is not The Da Vinci Code 2!

Revolutionary Road
American Beauty Director Sam Mendes is back on familiar ground with his adaptation of Richard Yates's novel of the same name. Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet are back together again although this time fighting against the restrictions of a 1950's American, suburban marriage.

Terminator Salvation
Although Arnie may not be involved, this sequel should not be dismissed just yet. Approved by James Cameron himself and starring Christian Bale as John Connor it may just work. Set during the war between man and machine, which we have only previously seen through flashbacks, I am intrigued to see how it all plays out. Perhaps Bale can bring to life yet another dead franchise.
Inglorious Basterds
Long awaited Quentin Tarantino WW1 tale is finally scheduled for release at some point next year. After several years in development we can forgive his Death Proof glitch and pray for his return back to form. Although don't be surprised if it is delayed once again.

Valkyrie
Tom Cruise and Kenneth Brannagh as Nazi agents being directed by Bryan Singer, I am already sold!

Watchmen
Commonly known as the Citizen Kane of the comic book world this is one of the greatest novels ever written. I doubt Zack Snyder can recreate the atmosphere, philosophy, politics and raw violence envisioned by Alan Moore but I am remaining positive. After all he may have directed the terrible 300 but I admire someone who is willing to take on a project previously turned down by the cinematic greats Terry Gillingham and Darren Aronofsky.

Slumdog Millionaire
Already receiving much critical praise, Full Monty scriptwriter Simon Beaufoy and Trainspotting director Danny Boyle should pick up a BAFTA or two for their gritty tale of a Mumbai street kid seeking a better life through the Hindi Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Originally scheduled to be released amongst the mediocre films this Christmas, this potential family film of the year was sorely missed.

Bronson
An adaptation of the warped Charles Bronson's life should provide plenty of controversy, drama and violence!

The Descent Part Two
As Neil Marshall's talents are blinded by the bright lights of Hollywood he is only credited as an executive producer for this sequel. As he directs actioner Drive with Hugh Jackman a lack of involvement may turn out to be a good thing.

The Road
If done properly Cormac McCarthy's best written novel of a father and son trying to survive in a post apocalyptic world could be a valid contender for film of the year.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Riding off the back of four Golden Globe nominations this is said to be writer and director Woody Allen's return to form. Having said that, anything would be an improvment on Cassandra's Dream.

Milk
Gus Van Sant directs Sean Penn who depicts the first overtly gay man elected into American office, Harvey Milk, who is assasinated a year later. This could mark Sean Penn and Gus Van Sant's most intriguing film for a while.

Rachel Getting Married
I have been fortunate enough to have already seen this brilliant film. For my review read my London Film Festival article.

Eddie Murphy as The Riddler?

Holy Beverly Hills Cop Batman!

The rumour mill has certainly been in full swing where the casting decisions for the next Batman project have been concerned. Well established character actors such as Philip Seymour-Hoffman and Johnny Depp are but a few to have been name dropped.

But undoubtedly the most surprising to surface is Eddie Murphy supposedly being the front runner for Batman's nemesis; The Riddler. This may initially seem a little off but it could in fact develop into a stroke of genius. Eddie Murphy has never been the most likeable or charismatic screen presence to grace Hollywood. His fast mouthed annoying freakiness is one which may in fact work in his favour for a rather difficult role. Jim Carrey captured the insane madness perfectly back in Batman Forever (1995), but what he missed out on was the underlying evil and violent aspect to his character, one which may well be within Murphy's grasp.


Overall this may be a gamble but if true I remain confident in whatever casting decisions Christopher Nolan agrees too. I would be lying if I was one of the vocal sceptics who was proved drastically wrong when it came to Heath Ledger!

The 10 Most Overrated Films of 2008

All worthy of Razzies in my opinion:

1. Mamma Mia! (July)
A load of middle-aged actors babysitting a couple of annoying sprogs who cannot sing or dance try their best anyway in a musical that incoherently shoehorns all the best selling ABBA songs into one lengthy inconsistent plot. Well at least it provided all the brainless masses of the world a Tesco induced DVD bargain of £7 which further enabled them to whither away their remaining brain cells as they watch it infinitely for the rest of their miserable lives. People seem to have forgotten that Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd was by far the best musical of the year.

2. Sex and the City: The Movie (May)

Four independent women living the city life prove that you can have fun after reaching the big five-o. That is of course if you douse yourself in buckets of make-up, have a bitchy attitude to life, spend all your money on the latest fashion accessories and generally whore around.

3. RocknRolla (September)

Guy Ritchie back on form???? Piss owf govna! This was nothing other than rehashed material under the guise of a contemporary The Long Good Friday. Personally dreading the sequel, The Real RocknRolla, I can guarantee the script will be as unimaginative as the title.

4. Tropic Thunder (September)

Too much money spent on explosive set-pieces and A-list stars meant the actual comedy was left behind somewhere along with the controversy that failed to surface despite it being at the forefront of its pricey marketing campaign.

5. Ghost Town (October)

I have no idea what the majority of critics were praising. Gervais well and truly took his finger off the pulse of innovative, racy comedy when he decided to star in this unoriginal, over-sentimental rubbish. Still, given that he is rumoured to someday host the Academy Awards means it didn't harm his overseas status though.

6. Quantum of Solace (October)

The eagerly awaited sequel to the rejuvenated Bond franchise was ruined in a swift 106 minutes. Marc Foster may be able to stage impressive action set pieces for the Bourne franchise but he cannot hold together a film, especially whilst enduring a CGI overload thus taking the focus away from Craig's Bond.

7. Rambo (February)

Truly the most morally bankrupt and exploitative film ever made. As 62 year-old Sly pumped himself full of his last batch of steroids he well and truly put an end to his career as well as his clean bill of health.

8. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (August)

Look up 'Gluttony' and 'Greed' in the dictionary and you will find a picture of the beardy mess that is George Lucas, determined not to let his cash cow die.

9. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (May)

Trey Parker and Matt Stone provided the best critique to this film in their South Park portrayal of Indiana Jones as being 'raped'. The sooner this fourth instalment is brushed under the carpet the better.

10. Righteous Kill (September)

If the senile Bob and Al were not in the main role, this boring tiresome trash would have never been granted worldwide release and would have deservedly been released as a straight-to-DVD B-movie.

Similarly avoid at all costs: 88 Minutes, What Happens in Vegas, Never Back Down, The Happening, Doomsday, The X-Files: I Want to Believe.

The 10 Best Films of 2008

The Gospel according to Ben Lamb:

1. No Country for Old Men (January)
The Coen Brothers were back on artistic form as they were able to improve Cormac McCarthy's gripping novel through the medium of cinema. Truly deserving of its Best Picture Oscar at the 2007 Academy Awards; Javier Bardem along with Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin all collectively gave the performances of their careers. A must see!

2. There Will Be Blood (Februrary)
Not many modern releases can rival Citizen Kane, but auteur Paul Thomas Anderson did so with ease. Subsequently redefining the language of modern cinema with his original epic, the performance he got out of Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis was simply a stunning portrait of a man's greed and rage driven downfall.

3. Waltz With Bashir (November)
The most emotionally powerful and iconic film of the year. This rota scope animated docudrama on a soldier trying to rediscover his lost memories of the First Lebanon War in 1982 should win the best foreign film Oscar.

4. Gomorrah (October)
An enthralling and gritty insight into the contemporary Italian gangster underworld.

5. The Dark Knight (July)
Now officially the 4th best grossing film of all time it's encouraging to see the Nolan brothers producing a superhero franchise with real substance and atmospheric darkness as they continue to rewrite the conventions of the genre. Heath Ledger stole the limelight away from Christian Bale and outshone Jack Nicholson, to produce the best portrayal of a superhero villain ever. To deny him the best supporting actor Oscar would be a crime against humanity. Rest in peace Heath, your legacy shall never be forgotten.

6. Wall-E (July)
Possibly Pixar's greatest film barring Toy Story 1 & 2. Beautifully shot and full of heart this affectionate tale is more than a entertaining children's film but a dystopian vision that reminds us how beautiful the human condition really is that we all take for granted.

7. Changeling (December)
Clint Eastwood continues to reign as the master of old school cinema. A unbelievably true story where Independent single mother Angelina Jolie takes down the whole police force all on her own in an extremely sexist 1920's L.A. means an Oscar win for best actress is a dead cert.

8. Taxi to the Dark Side (June)
An essential, eye-opening and well researched documentary that unearths what actually goes on behind closed doors in Guantanamo Bay. Effectively told through guards, prisoners and insiders alike you have no idea how corrupt American foreign affairs really are.

9. Persepolis (April)
The restrictive Iranian regime imposed upon a typical maturing young girl is truly heartbreaking.

10. King of Kong (June)
The most overlooked film of the year. Forget Man on Wire, getting to the final level of Donkey Kong is surely a better achievement than tightrope walking between the twin towers. This charming documentary awakens a cult that you had no idea existed.

Also worth your attention: Hellboy II, Juno, Eden Lake, Gone Baby Gone, The Baader-Meinhoff Complex, Iron Man, The Mist, In Bruges, The Boy in Striped Pyjamas, Son of Rambow.