Set Fire to the Stars (2014)

Directed by Andy Goddard
Written by Andy Goddard and Celyn Jones
Starring Elijah Wood, Celyn Jones, Steve Mackintosh and Kelly Reilly

An aspiring poet in 1950s New York has his ordered world shaken when he embarks on a week-long retreat to save his hell raising hero, Dylan Thomas.

Based on a true story and filled with exerts from the poems of Dylan Thomas, this is one of the more beautifully written films I have seen. Unfortunately that is only because of the subject matter. In regards to the screenplay, it felt as though the writers would throw in a poem whenever they were out of ideas. They were, however, clever enough to make the poem being recited relevant to the scene.

It was apparent that the theme the director was trying to get across was feeling your emotions before you try to break them down and understand them. Being the life philosophy of Dylan Thomas (at least in this film), it attempted to explain why he would act out and had no filter. Rather than accomplishing this, it felt more like a cheap attempt to make this story that didn't really need to be told mean something.

The only real positive points about this movie are the poems, the reciting of said poems and the cinematography. Everything else just bored me. Had this been twenty minutes longer, I'm not sure if I could have finished it without taking a break. 

This movie has been getting very mixed reviews. The audience is almost perfectly split down the middle. So who know. You may love it. Check it out and let me know what you think.

My Rating: 5/10

My Left Foot (1989)

Directed by Jim Sheridan
Written by Shane Connaughton and Jim Sheridan, based on the book by Christy Brown
Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Ray McAnally and Fiona Shaw

Based on the life of Christy Brown, an Irish painter, poet and novelist who was born with cerebral palsy, "My Left Foot" follows the early stages of his life, showing how he came to utilize the only limb he had control of to express himself.

Please excuse the terrible trailer. Editing was much more complicated in the 80s.

This powerful and inspirational story is one that could only be portrayed by an actor of Daniel Day-Lewis' caliber. He is unmatched as an actor and this film really set the tone of his career in my opinion. But there is an unsung hero in this film.

The boy who played young Christy Brown was uncanny as the youthful counterpart to Day-Lewis. His mannerisms and movements were identical to Daniel. It was truly remarkable seeing such a young actor attack such an intense performance. And he nailed it!

I couldn't find a still from a scene with young Christy Brown

so here's Day-Lewis sitting in a meadow.

The film itself was an emotional ride as well. Filled with heartwarming scenes in which raw humanity comes forth and gives hope for this mans future. Beautifully written and wonderfully directed, this film has withstood the test of time and should still be considered one of the best ever made. And I think you'll agree.

My Rating: 8/10