Contagion

Contagion is the latest film to explore the world spread epidemic of a deadly contagious disease. This film unlike many before it, handles the themes incredibly realistic and successfully uses correct scientific terms without having to dumb things down for the audience.
The film begins on 'Day 2' of the epidemic with Beth (Gwyneth Paltrow) arriving home to Minneapolis after a business trip to Hong Kong. She arrives home with a fever and a bad cough. She soon seizures and dies. Beth's husband Mitch (Matt Damon) is completely shocked but unwilling to allow any futher damage happen to his family.
Meanwhile The Untied States Centre for Disease Control led by Dr. Ellis Cheever (Laurence Fishburne), with the aid of Dr. Erin Mears (Kate Winslet) and research scientist Dr Ally Hoxtall (Jennifer Ehle), work together to identify the disease in hope of controlling it.
World Health Organisation Officer Dr. Leonora Orantes (Marion Cotillard) travels to Hong Kong to uncover the truth behind Beth's initial contact with the disease.
There is also blogger and wannabee journalist Alan, (Jude Law) who is determined to undermine the US governments handling of the epidemic.
Contagion is a multi-protagonist 'mosaic' film and handles the characterisation of its several protagonists beautifully. The film seamlessly crosses between intelligent science and the related human emotions of such an international epidemic.
The performance of the ensemble cast is perfect and further lifts the films verisimilitude. The film presents the topic in a chilling truth while never delving into melodramatics. Director Steven Soderbergh, is successful in creating an ultra realistic intelligent medical thriller. This is easily one of the best Hollywood films of the year.

The Three Musketeers

New re-imagining of a very classic tale, The Three Musketeers once again lights up our screens.

Crazy, Stupid, Love

The most recent rom-com to hit cinemas is Crazy, Stupid, Love - a film that is actually better than most recent films found in the genre. The film starts with married couple Cal (Steve Carell) and Emily (Julianne Moore) on a date, where Emily abruptly announces that she wants a divorce. Taken completely by shock Cal goes into depression seeking refuge at a local trendy bar where he drowns his sorrows with alcohol.
The mysterious, smokin' hot, charismatic, womaniser Jacob (Ryan Gosling) often visits the same bar to pick up women. One particular visit he invites Cal to talk to him. Jacob feels sorry for this sad excuse of a man and decides to teach Cal how to be more like him. Cal transforms into a well groomed, charming and slightly more confident man willing to now take control of his life.
Meanwhile Jacob continues to sleep with women after women, but takes a special interest in Hannah (Emma Stone) as she is unwilling to fall for Jacob's fake charms.
The real heart of this story however is Cal and Emily's son, Robbie (Jonah Bobo) who has fallen in love with his babysitter, Jessica (Analeigh Tipton). Robbie is only thirteen years old, yet has more idea about true love and the concept of soul mates then any other character in the film.
The film has some genuinely funny moments and although it is filled with many coincidences, they are not too forced and the talented cast pull these moments off perfectly. Steve Carrell is an amazing actor bringing his great sense of comic timing to the role, as well as delivering a touching and three dimensional performance. Ryan Gosling has never been more charismatic or toned for that matter, bringing an insightful depth to a character that could seem underdeveloped. Julianne Moore is as radiant as ever and Emma Stone while at first may seem underused, plays a surprising role in the film. Kevin Bacon and Marisa Tomei bring their talents as the supporting cast. But it is Jonah Bobo who plays the son that is the true highlight of the film with his touching story of a boy in love.
The major problem for this film is the lengthy duration. The film runs just over two hours which is long for any rom-com and the film could have definitely been shorter.
It hits some major highs but runs too long for a film that doesn't contain enough emotive drama.  It's crazy at times, it can seem plain stupid but it is definitely love.