FILM REVIEW: Anuvahood

'Anuvahood' is the UK's first urban comedy, written by award winning actor Adam Deacon (better known for his role as Jay in Noel Clarke's 'Kidulthood' and 'Adulthood'.

Produced by Revolver Entertainment, the same company behind 'Kidulthood' and 'Adulthood', a lot of people would probably expect this film to be very similar. In fact, despite some of the same actors (Femi Oyeniran; Moony in 'Kidulthood' and 'Adulthood', Jaime Winstone; Becky in 'Kidulthood') and the general lifestyle of the characters, 'Anuvahood' nicely sets itself apart from previous UK urban films.

Set on a London estate, the film follows the life of Kenneth, who prefers to be known as Kay, (Deacon) in his attempts to become a respected "bad man" in his "hood", or, in other words, get rich or cry trying!

After losing his job, Kenneth finds himself on a journey of self discovery as he resorts to "shotting" (selling weed) to earn his desired status and respect...and to give his Mum money to pay off the bailiffs banging on their front door.

But things all go wrong for Kenneth as he finds himself on the wrong side of Tyrone (Richie Campbell), the real bully of the estate.

With an endless list of familiar faces from Richard Blackwood to Jazzie to Ashley Walters to even Giggs, 'Anuvahood' is definitely a must see film for 2011!

'Anuvahood' is out in cinema's nationwide on March 18th.

MOVIE REVIEW: 4.3.2.1

'4.3.2.1 ' is directed by the BAFTA winning actor,director and writer, Noel Clarke. The film stars a mix of British and American actors and actresses such as Noel Clarke, Bashy, Shanika Warren-Markland (Adulthood), Adam Deacon (Kidulthood/Adulthood), Tamsin Egerton (St Trinians), Michelle Ryan (Eastenders), and a cameo appearance from US rapper, Eve.
 
After watching the trailer, I was intrigued to find out how good 4.3.2.1 actually was - the trailer shows that the film had a much bigger budget than Noel's previous films (which is great) - so I had hopes of enjoying the film.

However, after watching the film (and still till this day) I still don't know whether I like the film or not!

The film focuses on a group of friends, Cassandra (Tasmin Egerton), Kerrys (Shanika Warren-Markland), Shannon (Ophelia Lovibond) and Joanne (Emma Roberts). Each of their lives are turned upside down because of a diamond. This diamond was dropped by Dillon (played by Adam Deacon) after he bumps into the four girls whilst being chased in Westfield shopping centre. The diamond was stolen during a massive heist. This is the beginning of the storyline.

The missing diamond acts as a disruption to the equilibrium of each of the girls lives. Over three days in two cities, a series of linked events happen in the lives of the four girls. They only have one chance to restore the equilibrium in their lives. This is basically the plot of the whole film.

Noel Clarke plays the character of Tee, a dodgy supermarket supervisor who is involved in the diamond heist. He is also Joanne's boss and an associate of Kerrys' half brother, who is friends with Dillon. (I'm sure you can see the connection building......)


The storyline of the film is not amazing, but it is interesting in certain parts. At the beginning of the film you can become slightly confused as to what is happening. This is because the disruption in each of the four main characters lives are told as a separate story - think four different short films based on each of the girls, which connect with each other. But things soon fall into place once you realise what Noel is trying to achieve, however some of the editing in the film doesn't help! Also there is a small lack of realism in the film, which can throw viewers off the film totally.

I believe the lack of realism and the sense of confusion I felt watching the film has made me unsure as to whether I like it or not, but on the other hand it is a good effort on Noel's behalf as it's presentation is a lot better than his previous films.
All in all, 4.3.2.1 is full of over-exaggerated action, villains, oestrogen, a poorly executed storyline, but with a polished production and a good cast, which you'll either love or hate.


4.3.2.1 is out in cinemas June 2nd

Movie Review: Avatar

After being saturated with constant raving reviews of how brilliant Avatar is, both by the media and most importantly by the objective facebook statuses; I decided to investigate what all the fuss was about. Once the first hour of the lengthy three hour film had passed, it became clear, after Avatar there shall be no more. Directed by famed Titanic creator James Cameron, the block buster takes the sci fi genre to another planet...literally!




The plot is centred around parapalegic marine Jake Sully (played by Sam Worthington), who is dispatched to the moon Pandora which has been ihabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid nation with there own sacred culture. In an exchange for a spinal surgery to fix his legs, Jake agrees to take his place in a mission to destroy the Na'vi for the precious material that is scatterd across their land. However; after becoming emersed in their culture and falling in love with a Native (Zoe salanda), Jake finds himself fighting for another cause.

In short, Avatar is outstanding and the 3D quality made for cinematic perfection. A word of warning to fellow movie directors, unless you're content with being seated at the side line, don't bother showing up at the 2010 Academy Awards, it would be like trying to out dress the birthday girl who happens to be Coco Chanel...it just won't happen!

If by chance, you have hit your head and have not seen it, GO SEE IT NOW!

Avatar 10/10

RVB