Tuesday 31 December 2013

My Top 10 Films of 2013



2013 has been a real treat for cinema-goers; there has been so many great films out this year that picking only 10 for this 'best of' list has been a bigger challenge than ever.

So, without further ado, here are my Top 10 Movies of the 2013 - be sure to let me know in the comments section below on your thoughts! What was your favourite movie of 2013?


Monday 30 December 2013

Film Review: The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug



Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lee Pace, Evangeline Lily and Luke Evans.

Runtime: 161 minutes

Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy returns to our screens with the second chapter in the story, The Desolation of Smaug. Starring Martin Freeman as the titular Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, The Desolation of Smaug is a step-up from the divisive first instalment, An Unexpected Journey, providing the most entertaining foray into Middle-Earth for a decade, if not ever. 

Friday 27 December 2013

Verdict: The Time of the Doctor (Doctor Who)



Doctor Who bids farewell to Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor in this year's 2013 Christmas Special, 'The Time of the Doctor'. Featuring all manner of classic Who foes, the Daleks, the Cybermen, the Weeping Angels and the Silence, 'The Time of the Doctor' is a fairly uneven farewell to Smith's Doctor that could have achieved more given the scope.

Thursday 26 December 2013

Film Review: Frozen



What better way to shake off the heat of the Australian summer than to sit down and watch a film called Frozen that is based on Hans Christian Anderson's The Snow Queen?

Frozen is the latest animated adventure from Walt Disney Animated Classics - the same studio that have produced a string of quality, high-budget animated films in the last few years such as Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph and The Princess and the Frog. So, what's the verdict?

Monday 23 December 2013

Quotes Corner: Jennifer Lawrence



One of the most talked about stars of the year, Jennifer Lawrence has cemented herself as a mega-star amongst mega-stars in Hollywood this year. 

From that Oscar winning performance in Silver Linings Playbook to the lead role in box-office hit The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the down-to-earth Lawrence is also a hit among fans for her refreshing and straight-talking attitude towards the industry and everything that is associated with it. 

It's this witty turn-of-phrase that this edition of Quotes Corner commemorates; I've dug around to find some of the best and funniest quotes from the mouth of Ms. Lawrence, on everything from movie roles, dieting and...farting. Enjoy!

Monday 16 December 2013

My 2013 Movie Soundtrack Playlist

Movies and music; a match made in heaven.

I haven't written anything on movie scores on this blog yet but I've really been blown away by some knock-out soundtracks this year so I felt compelled to put together a quick Spotify playlist of tracks for you all.

The ever wonderful Hans Zimmer has had a busy year; Mr. Zimmer produced the soundtracks for Man of Steel, The Lone Ranger and Rush. Meanwhile, Of Monsters and Men have had a lot of thier tracks floating around movie trailers and soundtracks, from About Time, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

I've put together a collection of my favourite movie soundtrack moments in a Spotify playlist for you all to enjoy. In my mind, the real highpoint is Hans Zimmer's work on the Man of Steel soundtrack. It is up there with Inception as some of his best work.

Also, there's the score Steve Price put together for Gravity. The 11-minute-long Don't Let Go is awesome.

Also, just for a bit of fun, I've thrown in some stand-out tracks from films like Iron Man 3, Django Unchained and, yes, I couldn't resist throwing in the William Tell Overture from The Lone Ranger for a finale.

You can find the playlist by clicking on this link here: 2013 Movie Soundtrack Playlist. Enjoy!


Sunday 15 December 2013

Film Review: American Hustle



American Hustle is the latest film by highly regarded auteur David O. Russell; the director of Silver Linings Playbook, The Fighter and Three Kings. Once again, Russell brings together a wonderful ensemble cast with a wealth of talent for a stylish and entertaining film; American Hustle won't leave you feeling swindled. 


Sunday 8 December 2013

Film Review: Ender's Game



A book once dubbed "unfilmable" by its author, Ender's Game finally hits cinema screens over 20 years after it first when to print. Starring Asa Butterfield as the titular hero, Ender and Harrison Ford as the growly Commander Hyrum Graff, the film is a glossy and often thought-provoking science-fiction adventure that loses steam somewhere along the way.


Tuesday 3 December 2013

60 Second Film Reviews #9



Quick movie reviews, without the waffle. 60 Second Film Reviews is a regular feature where I compile together brief reviews of recent films I've watched at home or at the movies - and generally couldn't be arsed didn't find time to write a proper review for. 

This month we have Welcome to the Punch, The Place Beyond the Pines and The Bling Ring.

Saturday 30 November 2013

Whovember: Top 5 Eleventh Doctor Episodes



All this month on feeling fuzzier - a film blog is Doctor Who Month. We're running a series of features that list the Top 5 episodes of each Nu-Who Doctor (Nine, Ten and Eleven) as part of the 50th Anniversary festivities. 

Today's Doctor is Matt Smith's eccentric, excitable and yet sometimes quick-tempered Eleventh Doctor. Typically found sporting a tweed jacket, a bowtie ("bowties are cool") and braces, the Eleventh Doctor rushed onto our screens in 2010's The Eleventh Hour; his last outing in the show will be this years Christmas Special, The Time of the Doctor.

During his time in the TARDIS, Smith's Doctor faced off against all manner of iconic Who foes; the Weeping Angels, the Cybermen, the Daleks, the Silurians and the Ice Warriors and the Silence alongside companions Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill), River Song (Alex Kingston) and Clara Oswald (Jenna-Louise Coleman).

So, without further ado, these are my Top 5 Eleventh Doctor episodes. Geronimo!


Thursday 28 November 2013

Whovember: The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot



Sick of hearing about 'The Day of the Doctor'? Fancy something a little more whimsical? Then look no further than 'The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot', another Who-themed TV special to commerate the shows special birthday. 

Except this time, there's no Time War, Zygons or Moments. Instead, Doctors Davison, C. Baker, McCoy and McGann have all banded together to create a fantastic little spoof which pays homage to (and pokes fun at) the classic series. 

Sunday 24 November 2013

Whovember: 'The Day of the Doctor' Review

Matt Smith, David Tennant and John Hurt as the 11th, 10th and War Doctor

"Great men are forged in fire. It is the privilege of lesser men to light the flame"


Poor Steven Moffat. The guy must have gotten about 20 minutes sleep in the last week. The sheer pressure of delivering the goods for the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, one of the globes most iconic and cherised television shows can't be an easy weight to bear.

Fortunately however, it was alright on the night. Not just alright; it was supreme. Breathe a sigh of relief Whovians, 'The Day of the Doctor' is the perfect homage to the shows history whilst also setting the stage for the future. Geronimo!

Saturday 23 November 2013

Film Review: The Hunger Games - Catching Fire



Director: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Jenna Malone, Sam Claflin, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Donald Sutherland, Lenny Kravitz
Runtime: 146 minutes

A dystopian future where teenagers are made to battle to the death amidst a looming revolution and social uprising? Another Twilight for tweens this ain't - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a brilliant sequel that transcends the 'tween' market association and places itself firmly amongst a more adult and mature market with this assured and exciting second instalment.


Monday 18 November 2013

Whovember: Top 5 Tenth Doctor Episodes



All this month on feeling fuzzier - a film blog is Doctor Who Month. With just a few weeks until the show celebrates 50 years, we're running a series of features that list the Top 5 episodes of each Nu-Who Doctor (Nine, Ten and Eleven). 

Today's Doctor is David Tennant's emotional, striking and fan-favourite Tenth Doctor. Typically kitted out in a blue pin-striped suit and Converse trainers, the Tenth Doctor also had a penchant for...well...romanticism. From 2006 to 2009, the Tenth Doctor dazzled us all with adventures to new and unexplored worlds with feisty companions like Rose (Billie Piper), Martha (Freema Aygeman) and Donna (Catherine Tate). 

Facing off against iconic villains such as Davros and the Daleks, the Cybermen, the Weeping Angels and the Sontarans, the Tenth Doctor very quickly sauntered his way into fans hearts. Allonsy!

So, what are the best Tenth Doctor episodes? Here is my pick...

Thursday 14 November 2013

Whovember: 'The Night of the Doctor' Minisode


The countdown to the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special, 'The Day of the Doctor', has really kicked in now with the BBC unveiling an exclusive minisode; 'The Night of the Doctor'. 


Film Review: Captain Phillips



Boarded by pirates off the Somali coast, Captain Richard Phillips must do all he can to protect the his crew and cargo; based on a gripping true story, this pulse-pounding thriller directed by Paul Greengrass is one of the most engaging films you'll see this year. Oscars ahoy!

Sunday 10 November 2013

Whovember: 'The Day of the Doctor' Promo Round-up


Doctor Who fans rejoice! This weekend, only 11 days away from the 50th Anniversary Special being aired, we've been treated to not one, but two trailers for 'The Day of the Doctor', starring Matt Smith, David Tennant, John Hurt, Jenna-Louise Coleman and Billie Piper. 

So, I've put together a round-up of all the promotional material you can get your hands on for Day of the Doctor. Take a look at the two trailers below. I've also embedded the 50th Anniversary Trailer that surfaced a few weeks back and some stills the BBC have released. Not long to go now! Enjoy!

'The Day of the Doctor' airs on November the 23rd. 

Thursday 7 November 2013

Whovember: Top 5 Ninth Doctor Episodes

Image credit: reignoffire86 (deviantart.com)

All this month on feeling fuzzier - a film blog is Doctor Who Month. With just a few weeks until the show celebrates 50 years, we're running a series of features that list the Top 5 episodes of each Nu-Who Doctor (Nine, Ten and Eleven). 

Today we're going to kick things off with my first Doctor, Nine. Played by the 'fantastic' Christopher Ecclestone, Nine was the kick-start the show needed; dark, haunted and angry, Ecclestone's Doctor may have only hung around for one season but he made a lasting impression on the show.

So, what are the Top 5 episodes of the Ninth Doctor? Here's my pick...


Saturday 2 November 2013

Film Review: Thor - The Dark World



Director: Alan Taylor
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Christopher Ecclestone
Running Time: 112 minutes

Want to know why Marvel is one of the most powerful studios in Hollywood right now? The simple fact is that they can balance quality and quantity to a tee. Thor: The Dark World easily side-steps sequel syndrome and builds upon everything the first film fell down on - and then some.


Thursday 31 October 2013

Laugh it up, Fuzzball! - What We Want To See In Star Wars Ep. VII




On October 30th last year, the Internet went into meltdown. This isn't a rare occurrence of course; almost any slightly controversial news sends Twitter into instant disarray (think Miley Cyrus twerking into history at the VMA's, Ben Affleck being cast as Batman), but this was bigger than any of that. 

For millions of movie fans across the world, the news that Disney had bought the rights to Star Wars exploded out of nowhere. All of a sudden we faced the horrific prospect of more Jar Jar, more disappointment and more mislaid expectation. I have a bad feeling about this, many would cheekily remark.

Of course, the immense hyperbole surrounding the announcement has since died down. For the last year, a steady stream of news and rumour has trickled across blogs, forums and internet columns; Star Wars Episode VII (the first in a new trilogy) may in fact not suck after all.

In order to mark the date, I decided to put together a list of everything I want to see/be included from the next Star Wars film; there is seemingly little that will stop me from getting excited for more Star Wars movies. After all, it can't possibly be as bad as Phantom Menace, can it? CAN IT?

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Film Review: Prisoners



Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal star in Prisoners, a gripping drama/thriller by director Denis Villeneuve that depicts a nightmare situation for any parent; the disappearance and abduction of a child. 


Sunday 20 October 2013

Film Review: About Time



Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson star in About Time, a Richard Curtis-directed romantic comedy about love, life and time travel. Hankies at the ready ladies, hankies at the ready...


Sunday 13 October 2013

60 Second Film Reviews #8



Quick movie reviews, without the waffle. 60 Second Film Reviews is a regular feature where I compile together brief reviews of recent films I've watched at home or at the movies - and generally couldn't be arsed didn't find time to write a proper review for. 

This month we have G.I. Joe: Retaliation, The Internship and The Heat.

Wednesday 9 October 2013

Film Review: Runner Runner

"Staring contest, GO!"

Runner Runner is a Costa Rican-set, high-stakes thriller, centred around online gambling and addiction. It has all the ingredients for an intense, stylish and gripping film anchored by real-world issues. Couple this with a sexy and hip cast including Justin Timberlake, Ben Affleck, Gemma Arterton and Anthony Mackie and you'd expect it to hit the jackpot, right? Errr, not really.

Monday 7 October 2013

Film Review: Turbo



Dreamwork's follows-up their highly-successful prehistoric romp The Croods with this cute, family-friendly caper Turbo. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Pena and Samuel L. Jackson, Turbo isn't Dreamwork's best effort by a long way, but it is certainly a good romp for kids this school holidays.

Sunday 6 October 2013

Film Review: Rush

Gentlemen, start your engines
Formula One is a sport rife with Hollywood narratives that contain all the drama and action to amaze on the big screen. And yet, 2011's Senna aside, silver screen success has always eluded the sport, with Ron Howard's Rush being one of the first major motion pictures to be primarily centred on Formula One. And boy is it good.

Thursday 3 October 2013

Film Review: Gravity



Get ready to start believing the hype; Alfonso Cuaron's new sci-fi thriller Gravity is easily one of the best movies you will see this year. Start planning a NASA spacesuit costume for your next Oscars' party...


Wednesday 25 September 2013

My PS3 Highlights #5: Mass Effect 2



"We're at war. No one wants to admit it, but humanity is under attack" - The Illusive Man

With the fourth incarnation of the PlayStation due to hit stores this holiday season, I thought it was a good time to reflect upon some of my own most cherished and memorable gaming experiences with the PlayStation 3

Each entry into this brand new column will give you my thoughts on some of my favourite PS3 games and the enjoyable and grabbing gaming experiences they have brought me. 

After focusing on classics such as Uncharted 2 and Arkham City in Parts #1 - #4, Part #5 is all about the Bioware science-fiction opera, Mass Effect 2. 

Thursday 19 September 2013

Rank the Films: Batman


As any regular reader of feeling fuzzier will know, lists are pretty darn nifty. We have a profound appreciation for straight-up lists. This is the thinking behind Rank the Films, a regular feature that pulls apart the pros and cons of a series of films, ranking them in order of bad to good. 

Following the announcement that the next Man of Steel film will feature Ben Affleck as the Dark Knight, I decided to go back over the Batman franchise and settle upon which is best and which is worst.


Monday 16 September 2013

Film Review: White House Down



Washington D.C. isn't having a great year is it? First Olympus Has Fallen and now this; Roland Emmerich pits a hunky Channing Tatum and a presidential Jamie Foxx against some ultra-nationalist terrorists in White House Down

Here's my review...

Wednesday 11 September 2013

Top 5: Community Episodes



It's no secret on this blog that I consider Community to be one of the best shows around. Therefore, I took upon myself to outline my personal Top 5 episodes from the show for your reading pleasure. With over 80 episodes to pick from, choosing five favourites hasn't been a simple task (hell, I did it before with The Simpsons and there are over 500 over those) but I got there in the end. 

I've included some honourable mentions as well as a (*gulp*) worst episode. Give 'em a read and let me know what you think in the comments section below.

You can read my review of Community Season 1 here.


Monday 9 September 2013

Verdict: Community Season 2



NBC's cult sitcom Community's second season continues to prove why it is one of the funniest, and all round best, TV shows you can get your hands on. People, it's time to get streets ahead...



Saturday 7 September 2013

Film Review: Jobs



A biopic of Steve Jobs, the founder and innovator behind Apple Computers, Jobs lands in the middle-ground between outstanding and poor.

Sunday 1 September 2013

5 Films Still To Come In 2013



Now that big blockbuster season has wrapped up for another year, you may be thinking to yourself, what else is there to look forward to? Well, fear not people, there is still a quality line-up of Hollywood's finest on its way, ready to garner your attention at the box office. Here's my pick of the biggest films still to come in 2013. Let me know in the comments below what your most excited for! 

For this feature, I've discarded some of the more obvious upcoming releases (Thor! The Hunger Games! The Hobbit!) in favour of some more low-key and interesting films. 

Thursday 29 August 2013

60 Second Film Reviews (Cornetto Edition)



Quick movie reviews, without the waffle. 60 Second Film Reviews is a regular feature where I compile together brief reviews of recent films I've watched at home or at the movies - and generally couldn't be arsed didn't find time to write a proper review for. 

This month, we have a special Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy Edition with my take on Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and the brand new release, The World's End.


Monday 26 August 2013

My PS3 Highlights #4: Red Dead Redemption



"People don't forget. Nothing is forgiven"


With the fourth incarnation of the PlayStation due to hit stores this holiday season, I thought it was a good time to reflect upon some of my own most cherished and memorable gaming experiences with the PlayStation 3

Each entry into this brand new column will give you my thoughts on some of my favourite PS3 games and the enjoyable and grabbing gaming experiences they have brought me. 

After covering classics such as Uncharted 2 and Batman: Arkham City so far, Part #4 is all about Rockstars highly-acclaimed Western epic, Red Dead Redemption

Sunday 18 August 2013

2013 Blockbuster Season: Winners and Losers



Seeing as the 2013 blockbuster season is starting to wind down (at least until Catching Fire, Thor: The Dark World and The Hobbit zoom into cinemas this November/December), I thought it was a good opportunity to sit back, assess and deduce which flicks were winners and which were losers.

Give it a read and let me know what you think in the comments section below! Thanks!

Coming soon; reviews of The World's End, White House Down and the 7th edition of 60 Second Film Reviews!


Saturday 17 August 2013

Film Review: Elysium

"Our apologies to Matt Damon, we ran out of time"

Acclaimed director of 2009's surprise sci-fi hit District 9 (which was even nominated for Best Picture), Neill Blomkamp is back with another inventive portrayal of a gritty science-fiction dystopia in Elysium. Starring Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley and Alice Braga, Elysium is good-looking and often well-acted film that overdoes it on the action.

Wednesday 14 August 2013

Verdict: The Walking Dead Season 2

A poster for the Walking Dead's second season

After watching the first season of AMC's The Walking Dead, I started to understand the why the show had gotten so hyped in Autumn 2010. Full of suspense, human drama and production value, The Walking Dead's first season easily justified the huge amount of buzz that surrounded it in my mind

With this in mind, I dived into the show's thirteen episode second season expecting some more quality high-tension, zombie-shuffling drama. Did the show continue to deliver? Well, read on...

Sunday 11 August 2013

Film Review: Now You See Me



"Look closer, because the closer you think you are, the less you will actually see" 

From the semi-successful The Incredible Hulk to the horrendous Clash of the Titans, director Louis Leterrier might not have the greatest track record in the business but with crime/magic thriller Now You See Me, Leterrier has succeeded in pulling the white rabbit out of the hat. 

Fast, fun-paced and bursting with energy, Now You See Me will wow audiences with plenty of spectacle whilst only lacking a little in substance.

Monday 5 August 2013

Film Review: The Way, Way Back

Liam James and AnnaSophia Robb in The Way, Way Back

The Way, Way Back is the funny and poignant coming-of-age story of 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James) and how one summer spent by the sea changed his life. A simple story that is effectively told and beautifully shot, The Way, Way Back will easily win you over with buckets full of charm, laughs and tears.

Saturday 3 August 2013

60 Second Film Reviews #6



Quick movie reviews, without the waffle. 60 Second Film Reviews is a regular feature where I compile together brief reviews of recent films I've watched at home or at the movies - and generally couldn't be arsed didn't find time to write a proper review for. 

This month, we have Zero Dark Thirty, Broken City and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone


Sunday 28 July 2013

Film Review: The Wolverine

Logan's feeling kind of blue

Director: James Mangold
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Rila Fukushima, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Famke Janssen
Running time: 136 minutes


Marvel's angst-ridden animal, The Wolverine is back for his second solo-outing. Set after the events of Brett Ratner's X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), this latest movie sees Logan (Hugh Jackman) heading to Japan to say goodbye to an old friend. So, how does it stack up? Here's my review of The Wolverine.

Friday 26 July 2013

Rank the Films: X-Men



As any regular reader of feeling fuzzier will know, lists are pretty darn nifty. We have a profound appreciation for straight-up lists. This is the thinking behind Rank the Films, a regular feature that pulls apart the pros and cons of a series of films, ranking them in order of bad to good. 

In order to conicide with the release of Marvel's latest X-Men film, The Wolverine, I thought it was a good time to take a look at the franchise's back catalogue of films and settle upon which is the best and which is the worst.


Tuesday 23 July 2013

My PS3 Highlights #3: Batman - Arkham City



"So how do you keep a secret from the World's Greatest Detective? Well, do you know? You stick it right under him. Right up under his long pointy nose, and wait" - The Joker


With the fourth incarnation of the PlayStation due to hit stores this holiday season, I thought it was a good time to reflect upon some of my own most cherished and memorable gaming experiences with the PlayStation 3

Each entry into this brand new column will give you my thoughts on some of my favourite PS3 games and the enjoyable and grabbing gaming experiences they have brought me. 

After focusing on Uncharted 2 and L.A. Noire in Parts #1 and #2, Part #3 is all about the highly-acclaimed Rocksteady superhero-caper, Batman: Arkham City.


Saturday 20 July 2013

Film Review: This Is The End

"Whoa careful, I don't want to break a nail"

James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson play exaggerated versions of themselves in This Is The End, an adult comedy centred around the end of days. Crude, brash and utterly unashamed to rip the piss out of itself, This Is The End sees this talented gang of comedians score something of an own goal.


Wednesday 17 July 2013

Film Review: Despicable Me 2

"Duuuude, I am so stoned right now"

Released in 2010, Despicable Me was something of a surprise success when it roared through the box-office and raked in $540 million. The villainous antics of 'evil mastermind' Gru and his three adoptive kids Margo, Edith and Agnes resonated with kids and adults alike. As a result, a sequel was near-enough inevitable and here it is; Despicable Me 2.

Sunday 14 July 2013

Film Review: Pacific Rim

"Okay everyone, time to do our best slow motion bad-ass walk like we practised"


Guillermo del Toro pitches monstrous creatures against gigantic mechs in this science-fiction epic, Pacific Rim. With mind-blowing visuals, impressive sci-fi imagery and a solid understanding of what makes an audience punch the air and whoop with joy, Pacific Rim is one of the stand-out blockbusters from this year.

Thursday 11 July 2013

My PS3 Highlights #2: L.A. Noire



With the fourth incarnation of the PlayStation due to hit stores this holiday season, I thought it was a good time to reflect upon some of my own most cherished and memorable gaming experiences with the PlayStation 3. 

Each entry into this brand new column will give you my thoughts on some of my favourite PS3 games and the enjoyable and grabbing gaming experiences they have brought me. 

After Part #1 focused on Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Part #2 is all about one of the most original titles to hit PS3, L.A. Noire


Monday 8 July 2013

Film Review: The Lone Ranger

Tonto was becoming increasingly jealous of
the Lone Ranger's cool mask

Starring Armie Hammer and Johnny 'Jack Sparrow' Depp as vigilante duo The Lone Ranger and Tonto, this latest Disney action-adventure flick is a fun, energetic and zany Western that all ages can appreciate from director Gore Verbinski.

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