10 Good Film Soundtracks

{Not necessarily in order}

1. A Single Man by Abel Korzeniowski
Why? For a mesmerising mix of beauty and tragedy , calm and reflective. 
Best Track? Swimming

2.  Drive by Cliff Martinez
Why? For an original , off beat electro rhythm that makes you feel like your driving in downtown L.A
Best Track? Nightcall by Kavinsky

3. Bridget Jones by Patrick Doyle and various artists
Why? too many songs to sing in the shower
Best Track? Out Of Reach by Gabrielle 

4. (500) Days of Summer by various artists
Why? A light hearted mix of melancholy and joyful melodies. 
Best Track? Quelqu'un M'a Dit by Carla Bruni  and You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates 

5. Walk The Line sung by Reese Witherspoon , Joaquin Phoenix and others
Why? For faced paced country tunes and something more woeful too
Best Track? I Walk The Line and Ring Of Fire

6.  The Breakfast Club by Various artists
Why? For classic 80's rhythm  and that fist punch finale 
Best Track? Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds 

7.  The Virgin Sucicides by Air
Why? It's somewhat captivating , tranquil yet tragic 
Best Track? High School Lover 

8. American Beauty by Thomas Newman
Why? For something mysterious, refreshing and strangely intriguing 
Best Track? American Beauty 

9. The Boat That Rocked by Various Artists
Why? A cheerful collaboration of the best 60s sounds 
Best Track? Elenore by The Turtles 

10. Grease by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Why? self explanatory , it's a musical but I'm counting it.
Best Track? Grease Is The Word 

Life Of Pi

What's it all about? A young man named Pi , survives a disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic adventure whilst forming a strange bond with a Bengal tiger. 

Starring? Suraj Sharma , Irrfan Khan , Rafe Spall 

Ever since 'Brokeback Mountain' I have long-since been an Ang Lee fan , so nevertheless I was very excited to hear he would be behind the film version of Yann Martel's acclaimed book.  I have never read it myself , although I have heard from many that it was a story that seemed entirely 'unfilmable' . Thus I was a little sceptical but  I kept my faith and headed to the cinema. Perhaps what is so striking about Life Of Pi is the direction , helped by the 3D , Lee encapsulates the chaotic beauty of India and later the mesmerising sights of Pi's shipwrecked travels.  The storm sequences are magnificent , hauling the audience into the action and providing a restless watch.  David Magee's adapted script is truly special , captivating and original and about much more than it seems. I am not the most avid fan of films crammed with special effects but unlike James Cameron's Avatar , Lee used it to his advantage , enhancing the story rather than distracting from it. The wildlife are terrifyingly realistic , this is a feat considering majority were filmed with CGI. Life of Pi is more than just a shipwreck , its a hypnotic tale of faith , survival and human nature. We are left with many questions , but enough answered that we are satisfied. A wonderful film in its entirety , with a great breakout performance from Suraj Sharma , it is unlike anything you have ever seen before.

Verdict? 5 stars , mesmerising and thought provoking  

Kick Ass

What’s it about? Teenager Dave tries to save his social problems by trying to fight crime in lycra like his favourite superheroes. Alas all does not initially go to plan and the film humorously follows his strugges to promote his alter ego and get the girl.  

Starring?  Aaron Johnson , Clark Duke , Evan Peters , Christopher Mintz-Plasse 

Based upon the original  comic books this film is truly genius , hilariously realistic in parts and consistently rude and horrific. This is not your typical superhero movie , because no one really has superpowers. It doesn't shy away from telling us what would actually happen if someone turned up in Lycra and tried to beat up some yobs. Jane Goldman's  script is terribly funny  and manages to present your stereotypical superhero characters in a new perspective. It is basically Spider man slash the Godfather slash Superbad and it is this unique combination that keeps it refreshingly different. Matthew Vaughn's direction creates perfect comic timing , and in partnership with a promising young cast creates an original piece of comic genius. A well written movie with a plot you haven't seen before ; a light hearted film with a refreshing sense of humour. 

Verdict? 4 stars , charmingly funny , rude and violent 

The Social Network

What’s it about? Mark Zuckerberg’s creation of facebook , from being a lonely but highly intelligent Harvard student to being a multi millionaire. It follows the enemies and mistakes he makes along the way. 

Starring? Andrew Garfield , Jesse Einsenberg , Justin Timberlake . 

The film undoubtedly rides on some of Facebook's success , while it is an achievement I feel its awards recognition was overdue. Aaron Sorkin's sharp , witty screenplay is what really holds this film together ; the dialogue drives forward the plot and is fully deservant of its Academy award. The film marks a different direction for Fincher , who is usually known for more darker less realistic films , such as Fight Club and Seven. Perhaps his previous experiences helps provide the sinister turn of the story , and indeed the sacrifices and consequences of success. Eisenberg leads the cast as Zuckerberg , he fits the character perfectly - a awkward yet highly intelligent social misfit. It is arguably Eisenberg himself that makes the role , rather than his actual acting skill. Garfield does well as supporting actor Eduardo Saverin  whilst Timberlake leaves us cold with his cameo as fellow entrepreneur  Parker ; perhaps he better stick to music? Overall a good film , lead by a strong script and some great supporting acting. 

Verdict? 4 stars  , an intelligent , fast paced watch with a witty bitter edge. 

Never Let Me Go

Whats it all about? 
Ruth , Tommy and Cathy all attend a private and quintessentially British boarding school but all is not as it seems at this school as the students are in fact clones , bread to become organ donors. A story about the friendship ,  love triangle between the trio and the story of their life. 

Staring? Kiera Knightly , Carey Mulligan , Andrew Garfield 

Sadly this film has managed to go somewhat under the radar and to my surprise has not gained any nominations at the BAFTAS or Golden Globes , although this charming tale really should have.

I admit , at first  this film does sound a little odd ; a romance about clones? What? However beneath the sci-fi context is a realistic story of humanity , with the clones perhaps providing a social comment or conveying a bleak outlook of our future. I feel it is a film you will love or you will hate , its sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. It will leave you blotchy eyed with tears welling up at the final shot , and it is a story that will stay with you long after the lights go up. Aside from the story it is brilliantly acted , Mulligan and Garfield leave us feeling deeply attached to their characters ; with a sense of us being witnesses to their story. A beautiful direction from Mark Romanek , a heart felt screen play from Alex Garland and a truly great and refreshingly orgininal story from Kazuo Ishiguro. 

Verdict? 4 stars ,  a touching  and superbly acted tale of love and life.