Superbad (film, 2007) and Nineteen Eighty-Four (novel, 1949)

Superbad (2007)

Superbad on IMDb

I've seen a lot of High School films, it's probably the genre I know the most about. And I'm pleased to say that this film ranks up among the best.

McLovin aside, the acting performances are solid and pretty entertaining, if a little typical. Michael Cera and Jonah Hill work surprisingly well together, considering. Their relationship in the film is extremely close to real-life, which is refreshing.

The jokes are fresh, and the situations are not 'typical cringe', they're original, or at least reworked properly. Anyone remember American Graffiti and the Liquor Store?

My only criticism is that the actresses in the film could've played more prominent roles, or at least been a bit more creative. The best High School films feature female characters who provide more than a love interest, but there was little room in this film for much else.

I'd definitely recommend this as a High School film, as much if not more than a number of other 'classics'. One of very few recent films to receive that honour in the genre.

Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949)

Author: George Orwell

This is probably the novel that defined the genre.

A lot of people go on about how relevant it is to today's society, and how it's like a prophecy, blah blah. To be honest, there are definitely elements of it today, but it is definitely a work of fiction. The interest in this book should be strictly theoretical, rather than thinking of it as applying to today.

Hype aside, the book is really good. It's an interesting read, combining the terrible society created with a bit of social theory. There are definitely undertones of Soviet, Communist, and Socialist themes, but it's more general than Animal Farm by a long way.

If you're not interested in 'social science fiction', then don't read it. As the book ages it becomes more difficult to grasp properly, and there's never any point reading a book just because you can.

Otherwise, it's worth reading. Think of it as a 'What If?', rather than a 'Will Happen...' book. And, of course, the plot is really great, Winston is really portrayed well. A definite classic.

Twelve (film, 2010) and Starter for Ten (novel, 2003)

Twelve (2010)

Twelve on IMDb

Freshly released. I'd heard good things about this, but not got to it at the cinema.

The plot is a drug dealer whose life falls apart with various events, like his friend getting arrested and his cousin being murdered. Chace Crawford plays an emotionless role, depending on whether you like that. The rest of the acting was basically the standard of a many-charactered film. The good members of the cast don't get much screentime, and the rest is bog-standard.

The film, I thought, was well-written. The plot is twisted and intriguing, and the ending is nicely original. However, it isn't particularly well executed, despite a good cast. For those who value the story over the film, this is good. A welcome lack of violence for a 'gritty, drug blah blah' type film.

Compared with films like 4.3.2.1, also starring Emma Roberts, or other films of the genre, this doesn't stand up particularly well. With some more flair, and focus, this film might've been very good. Unfortunately, it lurched rather than flowed, and while its interesting, it's not fascinating.

Watch if you like a story, and a a good cast. Not so good if you prize a work of art.

Starter for Ten (2003)

Author: David Nicholls

I really enjoyed this book. Based on a student who attends University, and joined the University Challenge team to try and get a girl, it's an amusing tale, which lurches from the absurd to the horribly familiar.

Nicholls' writing style is excellent, and works on the fact that a lot of what he writes is intensely relevant and recognisable. If you've ever thought 'I wonder if anyone else thinks this', you'll find it here. The characters are interesting and easy to relate to, which is often difficult to achieve in a book set in the past.

This is a must for anyone who's attended, or wants to attend, University since the 1970s. It'll be embarrassing, amusing, and familiar, but most of all good fun. Bring it all flooding back.

Armageddon (film, 1998) & Making Money (novel, 2007)

Armageddon (1998)

Armageddon on IMDb

I'd heard good things about this film before I saw it, especially about it's excellent ending. The soundtrack, which was basically an orchestral score and Aerosmith, was also recommended.

Bruce Willis is good throughout, and the star cast performs excellently, easily one of the best features of the film. The film is a typical space-disaster-tragedy-type-thing, a team of drillers are drafted as astronauts to destroy a meteor before it destroys Earth. There's quite a bit of lad-type humour, which is surprisingly rare outside of British films, and the story has enough gravitas to carry it. Some of the bits on Earth when it's all very tense are brilliant.

While perhaps a little improbable, the film is a good watch. Its length is perhaps off-putting, but it's OK to watch in two or even three sittings. I was also impressed by the lack of gratuitous sex, which is usually a curse of long films. There was one scene, but it was written to emphasise the danger, rather than sex itself.

I'd recommend this as a world's-end film, definitely one of the classics. Many lines of memorable dialogue help too.

Making Money (2009)

Author: Terry Pratchett

Another Discworld novel, this the sequel to 'Going Postal'. Moist von Lipwig is back, unable to settle down in his job at the Post Office, and has been offered, in a sense, the job of chairman of the Bank of Ankh-Morpork.

Pratchett's novels are always laden with humour, and this was no exception. I rarely laugh out loud at novels or films, but this was one which managed it. The classic mixture of silliness and situations make all of his books funny in a great way. Making Money is very good, building on the characters established in Going Postal and producing an excellent story. The science fiction is also at a height, with the kind of pseudo-history and mystique that makes any setting intriguing.

The story has an amusing circular plot, and works out very well. Moist is one of Pratchett's best characters, his laid-back manner again ready for much trouble making. The usual suspects are in for those who've read Going Postal or any other Discworld novels, but it's easy to follow if you haven't. It's actually been months since I last read one, so I picked it back up easily.

Perhaps if you haven't read anything of Pratchett's before, there are better ones to pick (shorter, too), but this one is a worthy addition and for younger people, a good way of getting a basic grasp of economy and currency. As well as a good laugh.

The Hangover (film, 2009) & A Long Way Down (novel, 2005)

The Hangover (2009)

The Hangover on IMDb

This film was pretty strange. The actual premise of the plot - some guys get wasted on night in Las Vegas, lose a friend and have to find him - is actually totally lost at certain points. The film is dominated by crude, but funny, humour. Many of the jokes would have been in poor taste, but they are perfectly weighted not to cause offence, cross the line, or do anything except make you laugh honestly.

The acting is good, the story is good, there's really nothing wrong with this as solid entertainment. It may lack a little substance for those who prefer a meaningful story, but it's nice to take time off every now and then. It reminded me of Bachelor Party (1984) starring Tom Hanks - not trying to be serious, just generally random joking which all turns out well in the end.

I'd recommend this as a comedy, definitely for those tired of 'edgy' humour. Reflects the spirit of the party in Vegas perfectly.

A Long Way Down (2005)

Another Nick Hornby novel, I'm not very imaginative. After ten years, Hornby's characters seem to have only improved - Jess especially was fantastically well written. Four characters all want to commit suicide, but decide not to, at least initially, after meeting one another. The story follows them as they try to work out what's the best course of action. Of course, if you stick four possible suicidal people together at random, there is going to be some almighty friction. Steer clear if you are afraid of a good argument.

The dark humour is evident, but not overly emphasised - nobody wants to go to bed wondering about suicide, but Hornby handles it superbly. There are sad moments, but equally hilarious ones, and the balance is about right. I would definitely recommend this book.

A Long Way Down is another excellent short read from Hornby, and is perfect for someone who hasn't read any of his work yet.

High Fidelity (film, 2000) & High Fidelity (novel, 1995)

For the first reviews, I'm going to focus on both the book and the film of the same story - this being High Fidelity.

The story is about a record-shop owner who breaks up with his girlfriend for a number of reasons. Five, in fact. A lot of the book is in fives - top five singles, top five all-time breakups. The story is told by the man himself, Rob. In the film, this is by a lot of talking to the camera. He tries to get his girlfriend back while assessing himself and his life in general.

High Fidelity (film, 2000)

High Fidelity (2000) on IMDb

My dad didn't like the film at all, but I thought it was OK. The story is really longer than a 100-minute film, but the writers do a decentish job of cutting it down, although the plot moves rather quickly in the first thirty minutes. There's a lot of focus on Rob's monologues, which are well delivered if a little uninspiring when spoken.

Jack Black, as Barry who works at the record shop, gave a good performance. He filled the role perfectly, although he generally does fit any role of ageing rocker well. The rest of the cast give solid performances, and aren't particularly put into the shade.

The film will mostly appeal to people who like a light-hearted, amusing film about a semi-serious story. The jokes are fairly fresh, although lifted from the book, and Rob's personal story is something relatable.

Overall: Carried somewhat by a decent novel base, solid film. Worth seeing if interested.

High Fidelity (novel, 1995)

Author: Nick Hornby

Unlike the film, the novel is British, set in London. Hornby's narrative style is good, I find, and the constant insights given are probably the best part of the book. His uncanny ability to make characters who are completely realistic and exactly like people you know is unnerving at times - passages of the book make perfect sense and you find that you've thought the same thing before. This is Hornby's genius.

The break-up with his girlfriend is illustrated by various bits and pieces of Rob's life, including some hilariously cynical and sarcastic parts. For men especially, his insecurities and problems are terribly familiar, and women will recognise a man like Rob in their lives. The plot is nice, not too demanding and not too simple.

The strength is in the characters, and Hornby creates an excellent selection. Laura, Rob's ex-girlfriend, is weak in my opinion, but his workmates Barry and Dick are especially good. The dialogue is strong too, which is probably why it eventually became a film. Musical references, ladled on with relish, are amusing and insightful, although I doubt if many readers can keep up, I certainly couldn't.

Everyone will recognise a little bit of the under-achieving, insecure Rob in themselves.

Overall: excellent fun, worth reading. Music a bonus.

Introduction

Making a new start with this blog, after leaving it for years.

I'm bobdat, and really, I waste a lot of time watching films and reading books. I'd like to do this blog to do a few honest reviews of the stuff I watch/read, because I usually find the proper critics difficult to understand. Maybe I just have no taste.

I have a large collection of films on DVD and VHS, plus two bookcases overflowing, so I should probably get on with it. I'll try and do a book and a film together, but I will run out of books eventually so it's most likely to be films.

OK then, I'll get on.