Author: Shmee

Four Lions is a British film that came out in 2010.  It was created by first time film maker Chris Morris.  The film stirred up a lot of controversy when it came out, and it is not hard to see why.

The film is about a group of radicalized Muslims that are trying to plan a suicide bombing.  The problem is that they are complete and utter idiots, so things do not always work out for them as planned.  Yes that is the plot.

This film is hard to watch.  It takes something that is a current threat and lampoons it in a very British deadpan sort of way, and because of the subject matter I felt bad every time I laughed, and to its credit it is very funny.

I think that is why it is such a brave film as well.  The laughter disarms us enough that we can see the argument the film is making without instantly turning away.  The film is trying to show us the real people behind these attacks, so that we can see that they are somewhat normal people with deeply flawed and twisted thinking.

The film is so uncomfortable to watch that I don’t think I would recommend it to anyone, but it is a good piece of filmmaking.  Not one that I necessarily agree with, but it is filmed in a way that makes the argument palpable enough to listen too.

If you want another take on the movie Daniel compares it with some of Chaplin’s work here.

African Cats is a nature documentary that came out in 2011. It is about a pride of lions and a litter of cheetahs.  If you like Disney’s nature docs than you will like this movie.  If you like a little more science in your nature documentaries you will be left wanting.

The movie follows a mother lion Layla and her cub Mara as they hunt and try and survive in the harsh African wilderness.  Meanwhile a cheetah mother Sita tries to do the same with her kittens.  The movie compares and contrasts the two techniques and lifestyles of these African Cats.

The problem I have with this movie is that they try and humanize the animals and tell a story instead of tell you about that cats, but the story they tell is cute and heartwarming if not super informative.

One of the major selling points for this film is how it looks on a high definition television.  The picture is absolutely stunning.  This is one of those Blu-Ray disks that prove the format is worthwhile.  It will not look this good on streaming video.

If you like cute stories about cats or a looking for a movie to try out your new TV, African Cats might be just the ticket.  If you are looking for a lot of information about the animals look elsewhere.