"You talking to me?"

Taxi Driver

1976's seminal film follows taxi driver Travis Bickle, played by an on form Robert De Niro, who is trying to make a difference in the trash riddled streets of New York City. One of De Niro's and Scorsese's best collaborations and in my opinion this film sees De Niro in one of his career high performances. 

It's testament to the film's strengths that upon viewing it some 35 years after its release it still stands the test of time. The only part that maybe lacks some of the authenticity that one might look for in today's films is the final climactic scene where Travis goes on a rampage through Iris's pimp house.

Although the film has a nice flow to it, it is really split into two halves. The first half sees his need for work and the almost insomniac lifestyle he leads. He meets a lady, played by a brilliant Cybill Shepherd, and you think that this might be the change that Travis has been looking for. But oh no, he takes her on a date to a dirty film. Tut tut Travis, what were you thinking. This then began the downfall of Travis as he seeked revenge on a Presidential candidate that Betsy, Cybill's character, is volunteering for. Foiled by the secret service, he turns his attention to saving the 12 year old prostitute Iris, played by Jodie Foster.

I remember watching this film for the first time at university as part of my film studies degree. I was amazed at how well it stood the test of time. The cinematography and the lighting are absolutely sublime, as is the acting. Jodie Foster provides a strong yet fragile performance as Iris, and bearing in mind she was only 12 at the time the film was made, it is even more amazing. I also think that Cybill Shepherd provided the bit of sunshine in an otherwise cloudy film.

The film will forever be identified by that one line, "You talking to me?". Even people who have never seen the film know that quote. This is a pleasure to watch and one of Scorsese's very best.

"I Sithed my pants."

Family Guy: Blue Harvest

So, not technically a film but a fantastic Family Guy realisation of Star Wars Episode 4. At only 47 minutes long, this brings you the best bits of the film in classic Family Guy form with its dark humour and entertaining one-liners.

It's a bit strange seeing all the different Family Guy characters playing different roles within the film. Chris as Luke Skywalker, his little brother Stewie as Darth Vader, their mum Lois as Princess Leia and Peter as Han Solo. What amazed me was the one second appearance of Meg as the monster in the trash compactor in the Death Star.

But for me, the outstanding performance of Blue Harvest goes to Herbert as Obi-Wan Kenobi, the creepy old man who seems to pray on the young Chris. I was in stitches when he performed the scene from Dirty Dancing on the Death Star.

This episode of Family Guy is an absolute must watch for any fan of Star Wars or Family Guy. It is the start of the Family Guy Star Wars Trilogy and remains one of my favourite ever episodes. Perfect humour for a Sunday morning.

To be continued...

"Why bats Master Wayne"

Batman Begins

Having just seen the trailer for The Dark Knight Rises, what better place to start my blog than the long awaited reinvention of the Batman franchise. Batman Begins is the first in Christopher Nolan's trilogy and showed that a superhero film can be dark and gritty. After the beyond camp Batman & Robin, it was time to bring the bat back and take it to its roots.

One of the strongest parts to this film for me is the cast. Christian Bale provides an excellent combination of the businessman Bruce Wayne and the dark knight of Batman. Gary Oldman falls gracefully into the role of Jim Gordon as does Morgan Freeman portraying Lucius Fox. But above everyone Michael Caine's Alfred.

Now, is this as good as The Dark Knight? Probably not, but it defines the story and the character necessary to make the series a success. It is the A New Hope to it's Empire Strikes Back (not that I'm putting this series in the same category as Star Wars). And it has made Christopher Nolan arguably the most saught after director of the past ten years,

For me, Batman Begins was the start of a new generation of superhero films. It has shown what can be done with DC and Marvel comic franchises. Let's hope that The Dark Knight Rises continues the success.

Welcome

Welcome to the start of Film Shot, a blog about films good, bad and evil.

For a couple of months I have been using LoveFilm to reinvigerate my love for films. I thought that it would be nice to start a blog detailing the films that I watch and what I think of them. They might be new films or old classics. From the Harry Potters to the Godfathers, the Jedi to the Goonies.

The idea came from a recent film I watched, Julie & Julia, a tale of two true stories. My sister lent me the film and I must say that I was very interested in the story. I did prefer the story of Julie Powell, the blogger who took on the challenge of 536 receipes in 365 days. Amy Adams and Meryl Streep put on two sublime performances.

So, here's to the movies...