#1 - 28 Days Later
Stars - Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher Ecclestone, Brendan Gleeson
Director - Danny Boyle
Memorable Quotes - "No, no. No, see, this is a really shit idea. You know why? Because it's really obviously a shit idea." and "REPENT - THE END IS EXTREMELY FUCKING NIGH"
Review - So the 'rage' virus turns most of the human population of the UK into almost-zombies. Cillian Murphy wakes up (quite naked) in hospital with a head injury, and walks out into a deserted London - deserted, that is, except for the infected who soon try to eat him. And from there on it actually gets even better. As far as dystopian movies go, this is fairly unarguably awesome; all you could wish for is a better antagonist than Christopher "Lame" Eccleston. 4.5/5
#2 - RocknRolla
Stars - Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton, Mark Strong, Toby Kebbel
Director - Guy Ritchie
Memorable Quote - " You see that pack of Virginia killing sticks on the end of the piano? All you need to know about life is retained in those four walls. You will notice that one of your personalities is seduced by the illusions of grandeur - the gold packet of king size with a regal insignia, an attractive implication towards grandeur and wealth, the subtle suggestion that cigarettes are indeed your royal and loyal friends, and that, Pete, is a lie. Your other personality is trying to draw your attention to the flip side of the discussion, written in boring bold black and white, it's a statement that these neat little soldiers of death and in fact trying to kill you and that, Pete, is the truth. Oh, beauty is a beguiling call to death and i'm addicted to the sweet pitch of its siren. That that starts sweet ends bitter, and that which starts bitter ends sweet. That is why you and I love the drugs and that is also why I cannot give that painting back. now please, pass me a light."
Review - This was a very surprising movie for me, in that I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it hilarious. Toby Kebbel's performance as Johnny Quid was the stand-out, and Archie's narration was always humorous (despite reminding me of someone from The Bill). Gerard Butler also shone, particularly opposite Alex Kovas' thug character. The script was well-paced, witty, and intelligent, at times hinting at something that had happened long before actually revealing it. All in all a great success, probably even worth a re-watch. I can fault nothing. 5/5
#3 - The Little Dog Laughed
Stars - Rupert Friend, Harry Lloyd, Tamsin Greig, Gemma Arterton
Director - Jamie Lloyd
Memorable Quote - 'Talking to you is like sewing a button on cottage cheese.'
Review - This play, currently on at the Garrick Theatre, is really, really, really good. Honestly. The directing is perfect - the four actors move along at a rapid pace, firing off each other almost flawlessly. Greig is the star, as the ruthless agent who seems to have no problem switching between talking to the audience and the other characters. She guides us through the play in a cunningly-written little trick, using phones and other excuses to let us know what's happening. The play within the play is a perfect symbol for the play itself, showing how the agent manipulates everyone else. The ending disappointed me, hence the loss of half a mark, but sadly that's just because I'm a romantic at heart - idealists may find it more satisfying. Lloyd is also a pleasant surprise, actually acting better than I've seen him on television, which is no mean feat. Also, did I mention the nudity? 4.5/5
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