Creeps up and tucks you in

Despicable Me (released 9/10/10)
****

A cutesy, super-villain extravaganza with explosions galore, this film has it all. In the aftermath of Pixar's Toy Story 3, Universal Films and Illumination Entertainment get together, with comedy geniuses such as Steve Carell (Gru), Jason Segal (Vector), Russell Brand (Dr. Nefario), and Julie Andrews (Gru's mum) who is making her next animated appearance since Shrek 2.

We follow evil inventor come super-thief Gru, as he trundles simply through life with a freeze gun. When news comes in that the Great Pyramid in Egypt has been stolen, Gru is outraged to discover that someone is possibly a better super-villain that he is. In light of this, he goes to the bank to get money to fund his next, bigger than big steal. He is not alone though. His minions, creative, yet nonsensical yellow cheesy puffs almost always save the day, and Dr. Nefario who's old age begs him forgiveness for his evilness. He resembles a future Russell Brand, a master of looking like a mad professor.

The film grasps at a level deeper than what we see. I cannot help but feel it does this to be on par with the Toy Storys, who have appealed to the old and young because of their ability to touch on subjects such as growing up, old-age and separation. However, Despicable Me is more an adult story of lost childhood, but tentatively pulls the heart strings of all generations. The large explosions and impossible missions make it a cross between The Incredibles and Up but never reaching that height of a deeper reality. In all a good film for both parents and children, and even students whom might empathise more with the minions. Gru's change of heart might leave you feeling a little icky but his harmless evil is still there, making it the best of both action and sentimentality.

A Passion in a Madman's Head

Shutter Island (released 12/03/10)
Here's just a short review on the film I only saw recently.

A passion in a madman’s head, like the storm that engulfs the island provides the theme for yet another stunning film by Scorsese. DiCaprio’s boyish features are furrowed as he takes the lead role in this psychological drama of inspired direction. The plot torments its protagonist like it slowly torments its audience with signs that something is not quite as it seems, finally resulting in a twist of disturbing realisation. In what we believe is the story of an escaped prisoner, Scorsese violently hits us with repeated visions of bloody, murderous war, a sight that could only mildly prepare us for what is to be revealed in the last half hour of this film. Richter’s original music captures the sorrow and devoted determination of Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) to forget his past. This is a film with the message that love can lead us to delusion: love will drive us mad.