Shows That You Should Have Watched Yesterday - Marvel's Daredevil (2015)

                         Faith and Second Chances: The Return of the Guardian Devil 

          Ask somebody who would come to mind first when the words Marvel or superhero are spoken, heard or flowing like the wind in their imaginations and he or she will most likely state Spider-Man, Wolverine, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk and maybe even Batman or Superman, particularly if they are self-confessed casual fans. Rarely will one hear of Daredevil emerging from both the turbulent and the calmer tides of conversation that seek to relate the struggles of these fictional icons to their own real life adversities. One common thread that has to date propelled all of the aforementioned comic book characters into the collective psyche, a universe in which the significance of the inhabitants is known but sparingly understood, is a commercially successful film or television adaptation. The last attempt to share Daredevil with as wide an audience as possible was a tragedy, not because of a box office flop, since the 2003 movie adaptation earned more than double its production budget of seventy-eight million US dollars, but rather due to a failure to connect on the more critical, long-lasting emotional level with both hardcore and casual viewers alike. A few gritty, exciting action sequences and a poignant, albeit familiar falling in love under the rain to a sweet, soothing, tender slow dance of the piano and the guitar were not enough to save the waning rose from losing the already tenuous gaze of the audience, which ceased long before the credits, courtesy of a predominantly metal soundtrack that nobody would dare admit in public to listening to, shallow dialogue that failed to penetrate those hardened hearts that dismissed superheroes as little more than the sexual fantasies of the socially inept and a leading actor who at the time was frequently abused as a star in desperate need of acting school. Indeed, Ben Affleck, after winning a second Oscar and being cast as the new Batman, was able to be very honest, ostensibly without any fear of potential disastrous repercussions for his career, about the guilt that lingers with him to this day over his role in what he and many others might gladly concede was a laughable and forgettable interpretation of the Marvel character.

Daredevil (2003) Film Poster - At best "[n]ot woeful, not wonderful, merely watchable" according to The Gland and Mail of Toronto and, at worst, "one of the biggest misfires of its genre," at least in the eyes of The San Francisco Chronicle. 

          Over ten years later, with a new cast, a new production team and love for superheroes among the masses of casual fans that was inspired by a more consistently successful string superhero films, which are at present happily here to stay and fight on, Marvel's Daredevil was aired on Netflix. A television show that would feel like a thirteen-hour film was promised. One that learned from all of the mistakes that many were convinced would be repeated. Fortunately though, bursting through wave after wave of scepticism, the show became one of the most successful productions of the year. Daredevil had returned, with all of the integrity and the realism that he and his world of Hell's Kitchen in New York City deserved. People would understand why this character, often nicknamed The Man Without Fear or The Guardian Devil, deserved a place in their hearts that demanded no less than equal appreciation to any Avenger or X-Man who had enjoyed the luxury of an accurate translation from their comic book homes to the sliver screen.

          Marvel's Daredevil will endure long after its critical acclaim and its remarkably strong position upon statistical charts alongside formidable competition as the best comic book television series because of a greater appreciation of the source material that stays true to the core values of its hero and his story. Moreover, the original tale is cleverly adapted in such a way that makes it more appropriate for the present century rather than the nineteen sixties, taking into account the duty and the privilege of recognising the more modern realities of strong female characters, appropriate but never forced ethnic diversity and the advances in technology, all of which in combination emphasize that the origin story of Daredevil is a timeless one. The show's greatest achievement, principally achieved by superb writing that seamlessly navigates between past and present, is successfully presenting a superhero with a disability in a manner that does not go out of its way to force the concept to the forefront of the story. Consequently, the fact that the protagonist is blind becomes all the more poignant, particularly for viewers who may relate to having or working with a disability under any guise, since they see a man fighting for justice, friendship, a career, romantic love and so much more. Fighting on in spite of his traumatic childhood and the disability that at glance appears to horrifically scar him both within and without. With every loss audiences mourn for his additional burdens and ponder over how they might be at least in part responsible but with every victory they are inspired by the hope that they, like the defiant hero they observe as a lawyer by day and a vigilante by night, can achieve anything they want to, regardless of their hardships. A disability in particular is not shown to be a source of weakness for Matthew Murdock but rather a source of strength. Daredevil's character development that ultimately maintains the core qualities of a good man is expertly juxtaposed alongside the anger, hatred and suffering that the antagonist, Wilson Fisk, embraces in order to cope and deal with his own bitterly unfair arrangment of circumstances present from birth right into adulthood.                                 

From left to right - Peter McRobbie as Father Lanton and Charlie Cox as Matthew Murdock -

Disability is the least of the concerns for the show's protagonist, the crew behind the scenes and the audience once the hero is seen to endure a crisis of faith. One of a great number of  conflicts common to all people, regardless of their personal circumstances.   

          The outstanding quality of Marvel's Daredevil is the acting, particularly by Charlie Cox in the leading role. Yet another British actor masterfully portrays an icon of American origin in a way that comes as close to perfect as human beings could possibly manage. Cox employs a totally flawless American accent and a breathtaking control of the tone of his voice that is ceaselessly accurate in hitting all of the desired emotional targets for the entire series and remains distinct whenever he wears the "work in progress" of superhero a costume. Never has an actor portrayed a comic book character with such precision since Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight. Watching Cox out of character in an interview for the show will highlight that, while he is at least physically recognisable, his voice and movements are certainly not. The supporting cast are not far behind in their own acting prowess and each actor plays their part as if it were written just for him or her. While not quite as terrifying as Ledger's Joker, Vincent D'Onofrio commands enough presence on-screen, through a chillingly unpredictable pace in his vocal expression and mannerisms, to allow Wilson Fisk to be taken just as seriously as the aforementioned villain, as well as the immensely popular interpretation of Loki brought to life by Tom Hiddleston. Deborah Ann Woll stuns not just with sheer physical beauty but also a portrayal of a character that at one moment be admirably tender and strong for those close to her and then in the next become vulnerable, conveying unnerving fragility that serves to illustrate why a noteworthy tension of the heart is experienced between her, Matt Murdock and particularity Foggy Nelson. Elden Henson, playing the latter character, plays the key instrument of humour throughout the series, mixing sarcasm, comic timing and bold, energetic movements even in his character's darkest hour. Even the characters playing smaller parts are sorely missed once their time in each episode is up, suggesting that not one detail was forsaken in redeeming Daredevil as one of Marvel's finest creations.

          The love that Marvel's Daredevil received from fans and critics was not reciprocated by those who officially recognize the artists for such work with golden statues, being instead snubbed most notably by the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Golden Globes. Nonetheless, the series did touch the hearts of other reputable organizations that as a result felt compelled to make their appreciation official. One example is the 19th Annual Helen Keller Achievement Awards run by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) in June 2015, during which Charlie Cox was honoured for playing Daredevil so brilliantly. During his acceptance speech, Cox spoke of receiving emails and letters from the blind community around the world seeking to share their experiences with him, realizing or reminding themselves that they were not alone in their fears and struggles at all. Such an event was reminiscent of when the Daredevil creators Stan Lee and Bill Everett spoke of initially releasing the comic book way back in the sixties with a great fear that it might offend members of the blind community or the wider community of the disabled. For a while, there remained a chance that somebody would be heartbroken as they read a story that they perceived to be a sick mockery or parody and thought about how they couldn't hope to do what Daredevil did in their own lives. That fear was fortunately short-lived, for it was not long after the comic's release when Lee and Everett received numerous letters from charities for the blind, expressing their immeasurable gratitude for the creation of a blind superhero and begging for more. The Man Without Fear has since lasted for over forty years in the comic books. If that is what a comic book could achieve over fifty years ago, then a truthful television series adaptation on Netflix, a platform with over 69 million subscribers around the world, surely had potential to change lives for the better, even if only by turning mindsets more positive, which was too great to even attempt to reduce to a results table.

Charlie Cox at the American Foundation for the Blind's 19th Annual Helen Keller Achievement Awards in New York City  - June 2015

          In recent years there has been an enormous outcry for a greater representation of women and ethnic minorities in the world of superhero. Yet, in comparison, virtually no one is calling for a better representation of the disabled in that same universe. Thus, it was all the more vital for Marvel's Daredevil to be done right. There were and still are people out there around the world literally sobbing because they feel cursed by their disability and doomed to lose their independence, or that nobody understands them, or that they are treated differently when all that they wish is to be seen as an equal, as if their disabilities were no-existent. Daredevil is a reminder that all of these fears can ultimately be overcome. Disability or no disability, one is worthy of and able to achieve all of their dreams. Furthermore, the show is a must-watch for all since, beyond its explorations of disability, it remains an incredible story of the blurred lines between right and wrong, along with so many other questions and themes for which clear explanations are never found but still tirelessly sought.

          Marvel's Daredevil will be returning in 2016, seeking to introduce two additional major Marvel characters who have both previously been depicted in their own movies that turned out to be absolute jokes at the box office. Even before a second season was given the green light, Marvel had planned to unite Daredevil with a group of other less well-known superheroes to form a team known as The Defenders. Rumours were and are still rife across social media concerning the possibility of inviting Daredevil into the Marvel movie universe, hopefully in time for the upcoming civil war. In any case, the events of season one were truly just the beginning. However, while enjoying a successful second season would be a wonderful bonus for Daredevil, a first season that exceeded all expectations and brought the hero into casual conversation in the workplace, classrooms or on buses for instance is a great achievement that more than warrants sufficiently celebrating the present before focusing all efforts on the path ahead. A continued rise in the fan base would be welcomed but if the story of The Guardian Devil so far has helped to change just one life, then Daredevil has saved the day. If just one person has begun to believe in themselves after shaking with delight and becoming tearful when witnessing a child grow into a kind, strong-willed, selfless young adult who continues to rise after countless beatings against body, heart and soul, then the world is, as the protagonist so desperately hopes, a much, much better place indeed.      


                                                           



    

The Country Lane (Short Story) 2011

The Country Lane

                                                                                                      

        “Darn it!” I mumbled irritably as bright sunlight pierced through thick glass onto my face, ending an uncomfortable nap.

“Are we there yet?” 

There came no reply.

“Momma?” I persisted, still without an answer, “where you at?”

All I could hear was an incessant chu-chugga-chugga-chug and occasional whispers of nearby passengers. When I opened my eyes I found that I was alone. The shock of the situation was enough to set me alert like a cup of Starbucks. It took just seconds for me to notice a note left on my lap. If I’d struggled any longer, it might have fallen under the seat and Lord knows what I’d have done. I was just a fifteen-year-old kid out for an adventure but going at it alone on the Tennessee Line was not what I had in mind.

The note read: “Got off at Raleigh. The next stop will be Garner. Enjoy your day! Remember to came back this way and we’ll meet you at Raleigh station tonight at nine. Love you Darlin’! Love Momma xxx.”

My face grew pale and I began to sweat. I near 'bout went off with my pistol half cocked. I was instantly relieved when I stared out the window and identified a fresh timber structure painted over in white with turquoise window frames and a green roof. I shot up from my seat and raced out onto the platform, burying the note deep in a pocket of my worn brown corduroys. With my feet firmly on the ground I turned back to face the long black train gleaming under the sun, crawling along the track. The steel titan lingered for painfully long minutes as one carriage followed another. Soon all that was left was a thick trail of smoke. Rusty fumes forced their way into my lungs, rendering me cold and motionless. I became fixed on this black dot disappearing into the distance.

A frustrated summer breeze carried a balloon into my gaze. It was covered in red, save for a triangular formation of three innocent white stars enclosed in a blue circle. It drifted past me like I wasn’t even there and a passion inside my heart began to air-up, egging on that train out of my mind. Looking up as the balloon was pulled into the sky, I noticed a long, shiny banner nailed along the station roof reminding me of my reason for this journey. I had travelled from Tennessee, to the town of Garner in North Carolina, to enjoy some true home-grown talent in the up-and-coming country singer Scott McCreery.   

  

Scott was seventeen; two years older than me. I was darn tootin, his remarkable baritone voice that could bring tears to eyes faster than greased lightning. An ‘All American Kid’, I’d read online that he was a role model and inspiration on the baseball field as well as on the stage. I wanted to meet this fellow high school student before he would captivate the entire town.

Garner and its mistress came together at Lake Benson Park. I froze dead in my tracks at the sight of the enormous water reservoir and a tranquil forest made up of pine trees, which were some of the tallest I ever did see. Acres of freshly cut lime grass, from which an abundant smell of joy spread, allowed for the space to set up a host of celebrations.

I entered the crowd observing stands left, right and centre. In one direction lay the soothing meaty scent of a barbecue, while in the other there were tents draped in red, white and blue surrounded by fun-hungry folk. I stuck to the clear gravel footpath for navigating this maze until I came in sight of a huge open-air stage. For now nothing but a golden microphone occupied that space.

Hung across the stage was a huge sparkling banner listing the scheduled events and I figured that Scott had just five minutes before his music would touch the hearts of his community. I dashed forward and headed around the back of the tent.    

I nervously pushed aside the opening in the tent to find Scott alone backstage, deep in preparation for his performance, tuning his acoustic guitar as it glistened even under the shade the ceiling. As I came closer, Scott turned to me and smiled. I think he could tell I was afraid. He was much taller than me and with his short-cut hair was all military-like. He looked truly authentic as a cowboy, dressed in a thick brown jacket covered with fringe tassels over a white-striped shirt tucked into navy blue jeans. At the heart of it all was a black cross with a silver outline hung across his neck. Scott was clearly on the country lane. I was speechless. After a brief silence Scott kicked off the conversation.         

                    

             “Don’t you make eyes at me, boy!” he burst out jokingly, looking all bowed up at me right in the eyes.      

            “Yes, sir”, was all I could spit out. My sensitive soul couldn’t help but feel bruised but I guess I had it coming after just staring at the guy.

            “Don’t worry, buddy,” he quickly re-assured me, “I’m just messin’ with ya. Have you come to see the show?”

            “Definitely! Ever since I’d heard your singing you’ve been… well I’ve always wanted to see what you were like live is all.”  

            “My name’s Scott”, he said. He laughed as if he was just as nervous as I was. “I guess you knew that though right? What’s yours, buddy?” 

  

            “My name’s Ethan. Ethan Williams.”

   

            “Well it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He held out his hand over his instrument to shake mine, disrupting the fine tuning of his guitar. I responded in kind and we shook hands firmly.      

            “What kind of music do you like?” Scott asked.  

            “Oh! I love country! It’s my favourite!”  

            “Same here! Right now, it ain't nowhere to be found in the charts, but there’s always gonna be a market for it.” 

      

            “I sure do hope so.”          

  

           “Do you play an instrument, Ethan?”

           “I’ve had my fair share of lessons with a guitar I guess. I had always wanted to be a musician but never had the guts to go for it. I just ain’t so sure of where I fit in.”   

            "The only person who can figure that out is you, buddy," he said assertively. "I'd start with what you love. If its county, like me, then do country."   

           “I… I appreciate that, Scott.” I didn't expect Scott, who clearly knew that he had me hooked on his every word, to be so friendly.    

          “Tell you what,” he began. “I like you, so I’ll share my opening number with you – I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry by Jamey Johnson.” Scott eagerly awaited my reaction, for as confident as he was, he was still a musician out to please his fans.    

           “I love that song!” I burst out. That record certainly played a minor note in my heart. "Thanks for sharing that with me, Soctt."

          “Call me Scotty,” he replied.

    

          “Okay, Scotty. I won’t bother you no more but I'm glad to have met you. I kinda hope to pursue a music career one day, just like you.” A tear dropped from my eye.

  

          “Don’t worry about it,” he reassured me. “Tell me more about yourself, Ethan. Where have you come from?”     

          “I’m from over in Tennessee.”

          “Cool, man! After the show I’ll-” Scotty was cut off by a voice coming from the entrance onto the stage. “I’d better get on the stick, Ethan. Maybe I’ll catch ya later.” He turned towards the stage, leaving me no time to say goodbye.                                                                                                                                                                                                             As Scotty rushed for the spotlight, I moved to join the crowd out in front, settling for a cold, deformed patch of dirt at the back.                                                                                                       

          The crowd began to cheer as I shook wildly. Scotty smiled and waved as he shouted, “How y’all doin’!?” All went silent with shock as Scotty collapsed before he could strum a single note. As he fell his guitar came down on top of him and a disjointed chord burst out, breaking the silence. Stage crew ran to his aid, only to crash into an invisible wall of relief and hold their breath. Scotty quickly sat up and hoisted himself to his feet once again.

                 

He grinned like nothing had happened; simply putting the audience at ease by declaring that he was okay and waving back the stage crew. The guitar was more shaken up than he was. Silence remained prevalent over the crowd. I could now hear delicate, repetitious but melodic chirps all around in the forest. I looked upward to observe cardinals gathering atop tree branches and stands, as if they had come to relish this deep but equally gentle country tone. Scotty began strumming a harmony to their rhythm. There were no clouds out to block the cyan sky blessing the afternoon as the sun became his spotlight.

By the time Scott had finished it was time for me to leave. Still, I had no unanswered prayers that day. I had met my idol and, better still, I had done it all alone. Even though the evening was coming along, it was still pretty light and I simply followed stragglers from the dispersing crowds back to the train station. As I came closer, I noticed a light becoming increasingly larger and brighter in front of a frightening silhouette following close behind. The chill which had made me nervous as a gator in a cage earlier that day bit back at my spine. That same long black train crept up the railroad past me and once again seemed to stretch for miles.

This time I chuckled, simply turning back in the direction that this train was moving and sitting on the grass amidst dogwood flowers, white gems swaying in the light breeze. Squeezing my hand into a pocket of my pants, I dug out the now creased up note that my momma had left me and gripped it tightly.

Gad night a livin', I thought, she ain’t gonna be happy.  

I gazed and wondered what to do next, soon becoming distracted by the smooth acoustic melody of Scott McCreery playing and echoing over and over in the hall of my mind, while the train continued forward into the sunset.

"What makes me unique is that I'm normal." - Scotty McCreery

Word Count: 1724
©Dean Pettipher

deanpettipher@googlemail.com

Spectre (2015) Movie Review

The Best Bond Ever, 007

          While at first a reasonable subject about which to gossip, it soon grew rather tiresome reading article after article speculating over whether or not Bond 24 would be the last time audiences, for better or worse, observed Daniel Craig's interpretation of the most well-known icon on the British silver screen. Such a question, surely, could never hope to be answered until both critics and fans actually watched Spectre in order to draw more informed conclusions. And yet, finally being able to indulge in another mission filled with carefully planted references to the 007 classics, through delightful motifs, dialogue that once again captures that perfect and uniquely Bond balance of comedy and drama of the darker sort, as well as beautifully shot sequences celebrating the globe-trotting privilege of a secret agent, one is left ultimately no closer to the truth when the mission's accomplished. Regardless, that very mystery has been exploited from the beginning in order to a achieve an intelligent advertising campaign that in turn allows Bond to succeed in global domination at the box office. Moreover, that same mystery, so easily shattered by just one carelessly spilled secret, remains prevalent throughout the movie in order instil a sense of relief in the audience once they realize one thing - the Bond that they fell in love with, after a journey filled with joy and sorrow both on and off-screen during the course of what is now four productions to date, is back. Thus, a desperate attempt to deny and be rid of what was perceived to be Craig's permanently Bourne-like or Mission Impossible flavoured British spy has become a celebration of one of the finest character developments in a movie series. As a consequence, there may now be a great number of hardcore and casual fans hoping in equal measure that, in spite of a final Spectre scene providing satisfactory closure and at the same time leaving behind a noteworthy number of opportunities for curious afterthoughts, Craig may yet be at the forefront of Bond 25 and beyond. 

          The clearest indication that the world's latest Bond representative has now been clearly initiated into the ranks of the classic 00 knights comes to light when one remembers to link each of Craig's movies together. As Spectre links them all in superb fashion, audiences taking note of just about every little detail will delight when they realize that each outing has seen Craig progress further in developing that distinctly Bond attitude to life. Observe the "Vodka Martini, shaken, no stirred" request forever associated with Bond. Learning the hard way has highlighted that if one asks for this in real life settings, even in the appropriate ones like luxury bars, one is likely to receive a nice enough-looking beverage, but not before a very awkward look and wait. The drink, as far as the world's collective psyche is concerned, remains exclusively Bond's. Craig in Casino Royale, in a moment at once hilarious and then shocking to 00 nerds, effectively throws that iconic drink off a roof by stating in frustration to the inevitable but nonetheless anticipated request, "Do I look like I give a damn?" Quantum of Solace features an equally rebellious but now mournful Bond pondering over where he's headed with life. In a moment of rest, he is offered a drink. This drink, he discovers, is actually quite nice. He asks the barman what it is and is met with a response that at that point in the movie sends most to sleep. It's a long explanation of how the classic drink is made but all one really needs to do, like Bond, is go for the key words, "shaken well" to realize what's being referred to. After wondering if there will ever be another Bond movie again, finally Skyfall comes along and obliterates British box office records, while also accomplishing the mission of making Bond officially Oscar-worthy. Director Sam Mendes employs his theatrical film-making techniques, which at times make one feel as if one is part of a painting in motion, through use of rich colours and tirelessly choreographed character actions, in order to portray the mixing of the classic drink as if it was one of the greatest art forms known in hospitality. No words need to be spoken by Bond in this instance to suggest that he is happy to be returning to this drink again. Finally, when Bond has a brief moment breathe in Spectre, a mission that even at its slowest pace maintains a chilling tension that will make one feel as if not even the person sitting beside them in the cinema can be trusted, he specifically asks for that classic drink. His specifications couldn't be clearer. Yet on this occasion the demand cannot be met. Fear not, since the sequence referred to is truly funny and immensely satisfying in the grand scheme of Bond's character development. The Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred, is now once again Bond's number one choice at the bar. And so, Bond really is, as the latest film suggests, just getting started.

         Even after the immense success enjoyed by Skyfall, the cast and crew, both old and new, ensured that all of the beauty of the last instalment reached even greater heights, while all of the criticisms, big and small, were examined and addressed. For instance, many found it odd that the central antagonist of Skyfall didn't show his face for well over and hour into the movie. This time around, the villain gracefully enters the frame much sooner. Furthermore, the screenwriters have worked to ensure that plot-mines are crossed much less frequently as they put Bond up against threats unique to our rapidly shifting modern civilisation. However, positive points from the previous mission, like the variety of environments depicted, are also improved further, since the shots selected for each of the locations toured by Bond are oozing with life and contrast, courtesy of the careful employment of light with shadow. One revels in the possibilities of how the unique facets of other countries could be celebrated if a strong enough case was made for going there. Will the 21st century Bond ever set foot in a country like South Africa or Canada for example? The answer, like it or not, is this  - whatever is best for the story, and maybe the budget, too.

         The reaction to Spectre's theme song. "Writing's on the Wall", by Sam Smith, will likely repeat itself once the film is viewed. Those who dislike the song have tended to suggest that it is not a classic but good enough. Such an opinion may be the result of expectations that are too rigid and do not allow for a mix between old and new to the extent where the traditional elements employed are overlooked. The song cannot be dismissed simply because the the film's title is not part of the lyrics. Listening carefully to the tune will result in an appreciation of the classic elements, such as the use of orchestral instruments or lyrics relating to Bond's character development in the story, which more than compensate for noteworthy changes. It is said that one will grow to like any music if that music is listened to enough. The same could be said for Craig's Bond interpretation.        

          Love or hate Spectre, the world and especially Great Britain continues to rely on a James Bond movie like a drug. Increasingly such a film is a reminder of notions like impossibly evil villains, unbelievably beautiful and yet equally strong women, the hint of victory against depression-inducing odds, and, in particular, Great Britain's 'special' connection to just about every other country on earth. With these thoughts in mind, Spectre has succeeded and will rightly become one of the most successful films in cinema history. Until next time, 007, great job!

VERDICT: 10/10

    

                                          

Everest (2015) Movie Review

Go, Show It on the Mountain

          The audience will be watching an ensemble of talented stars, when a leading man from Australia, whom some will recall to be Jason Clarke, guides a group on an adventure, which will ultimately break everyone's heart. Poor attempts at writing a new verse for a famous hymn aside, Everest has allowed for a rapidly up-and-coming actor to showcase, through a character sharing tenuous but noteworthy links with Christ, why he deserves nothing less than a leading role in any future productions, should he wish to fly in that direction. Few can truly and consistently perform in such a way that illustrates sheer passion for storytelling and the acting profession, forever lurking within the performer's heart, in a more abundantly clear fashion to the outside world. Whether it be the psychotic level of relentless rage witnessed in his villainous role for White House Down, or the emotional spinning wheel expertly displayed through his minor but nonetheless crucial role as George Wilson in The Great Gatsby, Jason Clarke continues to hold audience attention throughout his time spent in front of a camera, courtesy of the mighty grip he maintains upon every characters he carries from script to screen. The result is the belief that, should he continue to perform at such a level and be in turn rewarded with the notoriously unpredictable luck known to bless those in the movie business, it will not be too long before Clarke is due to receive attention of Oscar-worthy proportions.

          If Clarke's ability to infect with emotion is not enough alone to boost the appeal of Everest, then a host of more famous names quickly fill the void. Icons that include Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, Robin Wright and Keira Knightley all offer their money's worth when in the spotlight, not least because a list of award winners and/or nominees as long as this often, for better or worse, are all one needs to attract viewers into the cinemas at present. However, strong performances alone do not compensate for the lack of screen time dedicated to the development of each individual character. Thus, by the time their respective roles in the hike have ended, one is of course saddened by the result but still left wondering why particular parts needed to be filled by such big names. In fairness to the artists behind the camera, especially the screenwriters, to achieve emotional connections with an audience that remain defiantly equal for each character is extremely difficult when an ensemble of this size is assembled. Key difficulties include making each character as memorable as the next and emphasizing that all of them occupy a position of immense value in the story. While this does cause the climb to be hindered by a slow start, failure to achieve this most likely results in the audience still trying to figure out who's who even when fatalities occur, or feeling indifferent about a character because he or she is, quite frankly, less interesting or important than the one standing just opposite of him or her. It doesn't help that everyone is totally covered up in similar-looking costumes in order to emphasise the reality of the brutally cold setting but the film-makers succeed in picking up the pace once the top of the mountain is reached, having squeezed in just about enough opportunities for the audience to invest their hearts into each character at least at the most basic level. Moreover, there remains also just enough time to throw in a more striking and constant level of of suspense hereafter. The suspense is fuelled by an unyielding hope that every character can and will return home until the result in each case is made clear, if not by the songs of ice and snow then certainly by the links made to the tragedy on which Everest is based. Ostensibly, this film has taken few major liberties in highlighting the significance of the true story, unlike Captain Philips or The Butler, where so much has been altered that one begins to despise even the greatest instances of storytelling for their frustrating degrees of dishonesty. Everest shows great respect for its source material and in doing so lingers in the heart on the What if? question long after one leaves the movie theatre.

          However big or small their parts, most clearly thrived on the set of Everest in seeking to tell a story of humankind versus nature and illustrate the depths of sheer human willpower. The climbers leave the audience in conflict, since they all know and underestimate the risks but they are motivated by the familiar feeling of wanting to prove to one's self and others what one is truly capable of. While even those big names in smaller roles have certainly not wasted their time in adding this credit onto their resumes. However, they have all seen still brighter days. Gyllenhaal, for instance, may be forgiven for taking on a role which, in comparison to his work in Nightcrawler and Southpaw, hardly pushes him to his limits as an artist. Nonetheless, there are those in this movie who have shown that they deserve to be thought of in equally high regard, as actors in both leading and supporting roles, with their more famous collaborators. After Everest, having enjoyed a notable number of other projects in 2015 alone, including Terminator Genisys and Child 44, Jason Clarke continues to climb his own mountain through the Hollywood career minefield with enviable conviction. The result will hopefully be even greater career opportunities, prestigious forms of talent recognition and more thrilling performances that are forever and always a pleasure to watch.             

VERDICT: 8/10                                    

Legend (2015) Movie Review

Two Lads, One Actor

          Recent media speculation suggests that the Academy will be have a library of Oscar-worthy pictures to celebrate and furthermore one of the strongest selections of stars to consider for Hollywood's highest honour for the acting profession. When audiences are lost, fuelled by sheer wonder, in worlds in which they are happily guided by Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl, Johnny Depp in Black Mass, Idris Elba in Beasts of No Nation, Matt Damon in The Martian, Michael Fassbender in Steve Jobs and maybe, just maybe, Leonardo DiCaprio in The Reverant, to name but a few of the actors seeking to leave their emotive energy lingering upon the silver screen this year, they might hopefully also remember Legend, for allowing one of Hollywood's most versatile leading men performed a double act that highlighted why Tom Hardy, as both casual and hardcore movie-goers might jest, is in everything lately.      

          A gritty portrayal of the nineteen sixties London setting, a soothing narrative voice provided by Emily Browning's gracefully refined East End accent, a soundtrack moving to the ever changing beat of comedy sprinkled upon intense and bloody drama and occasionally predictable but nonetheless powerful dialogue, thanks to expert delivery from Hardy in particular, all serve to tell a story that demands an appreciation of the great, precious gift of brotherhood. Hardy's subtle differences in gait, mannerisms and vocal tones allow for two district and equally believable performances as Reggie and Ronnie Kray. Furthermore, a script that does not sugar-coat the deeds of criminals often serves as a reminder that, in spite of all their flaws, few may have demonstrated loyalty better than the Kray Twins. Emphasis on the bond of brotherhood alone keeps the morally corrupted protagonists enshrined within the light of admiration, at least to a limited extent, each time it seems to be the only non-negotiable truth to life in their otherwise totally lawless endeavours.

          In taking full advantage of the roles on offer to him, albeit the characters portrayed are almost always in brutal dramas rather than comedies filled with land-mines of laughter, leaving Hardy's comic potential buried deep in the most wishful imaginations at present, Hardy is moving confidently onto the pedestals occupied by the likes of Daniel Day-Lewis and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Such a stage is reserved for those who are unrecognisable when the camera rolls. One just knows an acting master class will be on show at the mention of their names on an advertisement. Of particular significance is the notion that, even if the film-makers steer as far as they can from didactic storytelling, like a car suddenly swerving to the side at the sight of a rather large and fearless badger, one cannot help but learn a moral lesson from the picture. For Legend, that lesson is that a brother can be one of the finest privileges or most frightening punishments slotted into life's offering of human relationships. The choice between the two experiences, on more occasions than one can ever hope to predict, is up to you.          

THE VERDICT: 8/10                      

We Are Your Friends (2015) Movie Review

A Familiar Set Played with Original Sounds

          With Summer all but asleep until 2016 and hard-earned money spent on  at least one over-hyped blockbuster hit per month this year, (The Avengers 2 in May, Jurassic World in June, Mission Impossible V in July, anything in August you missed from the previous months before resorting to carefully picking from the latest, less advertised selection), one might not be blamed for withholding leisure money from an ostensibly generic last-minute attempt by movie studios to bless the season with a hopefully inspiring but more likely unnecessary send-off. 

          Fortunately though, anyone, for whatever reason, who decides to give We Are Your Friends a shot will not be blown away but certainly pleasantly surprised, even if all one might want to relive afterwards is the catchy, flame-in-the-soul-igniting soundtrack. This is true, of course, if the melodies raging at raves on the beach and in nightclubs around the Western-influenced parts of the world are what one is into.

          At a much deeper level, however, lies a hard truth about the great personal cost that one must endure in order to achieve a dream. Zac Efron, with his years as a High School Musical sweetheart forever overshadowing all of his later work, for better or worse, moves on from sugar-coated depictions of teenage life to present a grittier, more sincere reality for life in the 'Second Stage of the Teens', more commonly known as the twenties.

          Efron and the cast supporting him won't be considered for Oscars but each significant character leaves the audience excited for what potential lies with the actors assuming these roles for the future. Emily Ratajkowski, led by Efron's controlled performance, sufficiently illustrates the dilemma faced by all - Trying to prove that one can truly find that bond with someone of the opposite sex where both the emotional and physical demands are fully met, desperate to avoid a scenario where one denies paying far more attention to the latter desire or, worse still, where one is convinced their feelings are genuine and justified, unaware that they are not reciprocated by the other party. Wes Bentley and Jon Berthal present believable forces of antagonism that the hero, a twenty-something-year-old with big dreams, might encounter in the workplace that seek to test just how much those dreams are wanted. The latter actor is merely warming up in this role, as far as some eager fans are concerned, for his role as The Punisher, apparently a villain for the second season of Daredevil. However, it is the trio of Jonny Weston, Shiloh Fernandez and Alex Shaffer who aid Efron in highlighting the most significant concept of the movie - Friendship. The audience learns nothing new. Friendship is almost always the first to suffer in the pursuit of dreams, be they career-focused, centred around Romantic Love, or world-changing proposals. And yet, almost always, it is the first quality to come to one's aid in the face of failure. Nonetheless, there is just enough evidence before the credits roll, in the from of persistence and an unexpected tragedy, to make old concepts appear at least a little fresh and original.

          If nothing else, We Are Your Friends, courtesy of a script that avoids becoming too technical at the expense of a noteworthy story, has fostered an appreciation for the DJs giving life to the parties, big and small, around the world. Regardless of the age concerned, anyone who had misconceived that these artists simply stood before a laptop performing only the most basic functions might just want to take up the mantle of DJ for themselves, at least for their next private house party.          

VERDICT: 7/10