A movie review for those nights when there is nothing on. No pomposity just a real view of the stuff your most likely to watch.
Monday, 6 September 2010
Hot tub time machine
Hot tub time machine Is already a classic film. It teams John Cusak with and 80's soundtrack and an 'out of this world' story line that could only happen in Hollywood.
If you liked 'The hangover' then watch this film!! It's nice to see that the 80's Is still a place we like to visit.
If you need a synopsis for this film then you've obviously missed the point! The whole story revolves around a Hot tub that is a time machine. Don't be a snob.. watch this film 10/10
Kick Ass
We have moved away from the typical comic book movie formula to a whole new level in film making. It murges all of the basic film elements with a dash of retro/modern flare.
Matthew Vaughn who has produced a string of cracking films such as Harry Brown and Stardust has moved in to a realm of ass kicking films!! We'll be expecting Kick ass 2: balls to the wall to be as good if not better!!
Friday, 23 July 2010
Winter in wartime
From the producer of 'The black book' comes an equally superb film about true conflict between good and evil, right and wrong. In places unsettling and soul searching this film is guided by a young man called Michael whose hatred of the Nazi's compels him to help an enemy RAF pilot whom is badly injured in escaping Holland.
This depiction of a boy caught between his heart and his head is truly gripping and sensitive and embodies the outstretch of the horrific war in Germany.
Definitely worth watching! 9/10
2001 Maniacs : Field of screams
This Crazy romp of a movie is the re make of the original 2001 Maniacs starring Robert Englund.
If your searching for a film that is sexy, gory and pretty darn hilarious then look no further. 2001 Maniacs is a true B movie!! Plenty of tits, gallons of gore and more puns than The Sun.
The film was shot on the original set of the Kevin Costner film 'field of dreams' hence the adapted subtitle 'Field of screams'.
One of the many highlights of the film was rousing maiden strapped to a table in nothing but underwear and a rotating saw rising up between her legs, I'll leave the rest to your imagination.
A small tid bit of general knowledge for you, the actor who plays 'Crow' (Ahmed Best) was also the legendary voice of Jar Jar Binx In the first Star wars film Phantom menace.
A big ol' 9/10 for this southern beauty!
Friday, 18 June 2010
Heartless
Jamie is young man living in the east end of London and is isolated by the birthmark on his face. He catches sight of a strange figure in a derelict house's window one day while he is out photographing and from his obsession with the figure in the window strange and tragic situations begin to occur.
This was an unusual but good film. It's not quite as fast paced as horrors seem to be currently but the story is involved and clever and the actors give very strong performances.
An excellent thriller/horror that combines the gritty mean streets of London with twisted demonic forces of evil. 7/10
This was an unusual but good film. It's not quite as fast paced as horrors seem to be currently but the story is involved and clever and the actors give very strong performances.
An excellent thriller/horror that combines the gritty mean streets of London with twisted demonic forces of evil. 7/10
Alice in Wonderland
Tim Burton's pictures are a genre in their own right. This return trip to Wonderland see's Alice battling the Jabberwocky to save Wonderland from the dreaded red Queen.
To avoid disappointment I watched this on Blu-ray and pretty sure that DVD would have lived up to my expectations just as well.
Johnny Depp plays the infamous Mad Hatter and is a delight as always!
I recommend this to any Tim Burton fan or anyone who wants to escape reality. 9/10
A special message
I just wanted to add a special message for a very good friend of mine.
Happy Birthday Susie!
25 today!
Happy Birthday Susie!
25 today!
Micmacs
Wow! What a film. If you have seen Jean-Pierre Jeunet's previous titles 'Amelie' and 'Delicatessen' then you will not be surprised or disappointed with his latest picture.
Bazil, an ill fated being makes an unlikely group of friends living in a rubbish tip and begins a cartoon style trip of revenge.
There is something of magic in Jean-Pierre's quick witty style that really lights up the small screen with his vibrant colours and sepia tones he lifts your spirits and takes you in to an almost fairy tale life for a short while. I cannot recommend his work highly enough. This is a true masterpiece. 10/10 Oh and even the website is cool. http://micmacs.substance001.com/
Bazil, an ill fated being makes an unlikely group of friends living in a rubbish tip and begins a cartoon style trip of revenge.
There is something of magic in Jean-Pierre's quick witty style that really lights up the small screen with his vibrant colours and sepia tones he lifts your spirits and takes you in to an almost fairy tale life for a short while. I cannot recommend his work highly enough. This is a true masterpiece. 10/10 Oh and even the website is cool. http://micmacs.substance001.com/
Exam
8 candidates and only 1 job. From here you could probably surmise the entire film from just the one sentence alone.They have only 1 question to answer and certain guidelines to follow and they have only 80 minutes to do so. The rest is all dialogue and theory making.
This film is OK in the thriller category but it has been done so many times before that it no longer leaves you gasping at the end when you finally reach catharsis!
I don't want to spend all day tapping away about this film so I'll just say that if you like an easy to read thriller then you may like this. 6/10
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Katalyn Varga
This tells the story of a young woman, married and with 1 child who becomes an outcast of her village. Forced to leave she begins a road trip of self discovery and vengeance.
This is a polish film that is full of hate, love, sorrow and redemption. It will knock you sideways. I would hate to explain too much of the story as part of the beauty of this film is how it unfolds!
9/10
Ramen girl
I have had a friend over recently who is a complete sucker for a rom com and so here it is! A Brittany Murphy film is always as expected but that is in some way the joy of it all!
Abby is stranded in Tokyo after her boyfriend decides he no longer want's to be around her. Distraught and confused she decides to check out a Ramen house situated across the road from her. Language barriers ensue as she decided to learn the intricate art of Ramen.
This film took me by suprise. It's a very good film if you wan't to get that warm fuzzy, uplifting feeling that accompanies popcorn and a litre of coke so well.
Sit back, enjoy 8/10
It's complicated
This film would be of interest to anyone of a certain age if you catch my meaning! It's about a couple who have divorced after a long marriage and three kids who are now all grown up and are now have an affair with each other. The predicament comes when Jane (Meryl Streep) finds a kindred spirit in Adam (Steve Martin) and finds herself torn between 2 men and 2 lifestyles.
The best part of this film is watching 2 grown adults getting high and acting like kids.
Give this one a god if you love a rom com and that's about that really.7/10
The best part of this film is watching 2 grown adults getting high and acting like kids.
Give this one a god if you love a rom com and that's about that really.7/10
Thursday, 29 April 2010
The Men Who Stare At Goats
This crazy caper starring Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, George Clooney and Jeff Bridges is about The 'new earth army' that has been created to tap into special senses that will enable them to end all wars!
Ewan McGregor is a reporter whose failed marriage gives him an opportunity on a lead into Afghanistan that could potentially give him the break he desires. When he meets Lyn cassady, a former member of the New earth army his journey takes a different path and leads him to a very unusual place!
Very funny and some great performances 8/10
Sex Drive
It's a no brainer. This film is hilarious. I highly recommend if you liked such film's as superbad and American pie.
Ian Lafferty is a young graduate looking to loose his virginity and finds resolution via a social networking site. Ms. Tasty has offered to have sex with Ian if he will drive all the way to Knoxville. He finds himself stealing his homophobic older brothers Pontiac GTO Judge and hitting the road with his two best friends Lance and Felicia. They soon find themselves in all kinds of trouble and all you have to do is sit back and watch as it all unfolds.
9/10
Julie & Julia
If you haven't seen this film because you think it's a chick flick, well get over it! It's a witty, funny potrayal of a woman who as quite clearly very comfortable with herself. Julia Childs is a famous chef in the 1950's adored by many but Julia portrayed by Meryl Streep is extremely captivating. You find yourself looking forward to seeing her more and more.
Amy Adams plays a hard-working subservient trying to help the victims of 9/11 with their claims and spends her spare time relaxing via her passion for cookery. She embarks on a mission to complete every recipe in Julia Child's 'Mastering the art of French cooking' in a year and blogs her progress.
This is a charming film that will delight the senses and leave you hungry for sure!!
8/10
Avatar
And so it arrived on Blu ray. I had a pre order just to be sure of a copy!
I was unsure If the film would work as well in 2d and on my TV In Blu-ray but I was very happy with the results.
It was just as mesmerizing and stunningly beautiful.
Every time I watch it I loose myself in the fantasy world that is 'Pandora'. In my opinion this is a 'Must have' for everyone's DVD collection.
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
The Painted Veil
Based on the Novel by W.Somerset Maugham, this beautifull adaptation is captivating. Walter, a middle-class doctor and Kitty, an upper-class woman find themselves married and living in Shanghai. Kitty falls in love with a married man and when Walter discovers her infidelity takes upon himself a journey of vengeance into a remote village in China that is being ravaged by cholera.
This film has been made with so much integrity and style that you simply cannot fail to fall in love with it. Edward Norton and Naomi Watts create an incredible on screen relationship that is truly spellbinding.
I hold this film in very high esteem and highly recommend watching this completely alone and loosing yourself for the whole 120 minutes. 10/10
This film has been made with so much integrity and style that you simply cannot fail to fall in love with it. Edward Norton and Naomi Watts create an incredible on screen relationship that is truly spellbinding.
I hold this film in very high esteem and highly recommend watching this completely alone and loosing yourself for the whole 120 minutes. 10/10
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Observe and report
You would think that by working on such a modern classic such as 'Superbad' that you would learn a trick or too but no!
Jody Hill has not hit the jackpot here despite having so many fantastic comedic actors on board. I was really interested in seeing this but became very bored within the first half hour or so.
This is very slow and has it's moments but I wont try and watch it again in a hurry.
3/10
Avatar (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Blu-ray]
Thursday, 1 April 2010
Law Abiding Citizen
Never judge a book by it's cover and that is the same for films.
Gerard Butler the biggest name in Hollywood at the moment has produced a string of hits and this is actually his best in my opinion.
I was extremely reluctant to watch it and it was only when people asked me time and time again if knew if it was good or not that I decided to find out.
Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) looses his family in a tragic incident where he is held captive and cannot save them. He see's the law fail to prosecute the offenders correctly and finds himself without justice. After ten years Clyde returns with a plot to teach the law it's failings.
Jamie Foxx is superb as the young feisty lawyer who is trying to climb the ladder of success. This film is an action, thriller that will keep your attention through out. 9/10 well worth a watch
Paranormal Activity
'Do not watch this ALONE' it boasts! I would be inclined to agree as this film is chillingly disturbing. A young couple decide to record their everyday lives and document the strange goings on that happen to them while they sleep.
You can compare films like this to the likes of 'The Blair witch project' and most recently 'Rec' and to be honest they are pretty much all along the same lines. The only real difference with this film is that it was on high demand by the public to be played in their local cinemas. Over 1,000,000 to be exact and this kind of attention really gave it the exposure Oren Peli, the director, needed to make the movie a real hit in Hollywood.
Although the entire film grasps the atmosphere and makes you feel in complete unease it really failed to leave me feeling satisfied. The ending was sloppy and too easy and VERY Hollywood!
6/10 If you fancy watching a scary film but left laughing, go for it!
Monday, 29 March 2010
How to train your dragon 3d
This an Easter holiday must see!!!!
Hiccup is a young Viking living in a town that snows 9 months of the year and hails for the other 3. They are pretty ordinary Vikings apart from having to deal with the odd Dragon!!! Hiccup is faced with a choice to follow his heritage or face his demons and change the way the Vikings live forever.
Hiccup is a young Viking living in a town that snows 9 months of the year and hails for the other 3. They are pretty ordinary Vikings apart from having to deal with the odd Dragon!!! Hiccup is faced with a choice to follow his heritage or face his demons and change the way the Vikings live forever.
This film is a sheer delight and I would recommend to everyone of every age and especially in 3d because this is where it really comes to life!
With a cast to boast about this film is set to quite possibly be the best film of 2010. Don't miss it for anything!! 10/10
Check out this link for some more info and games http://www.howtotrainyourdragon.com/
Friday, 19 March 2010
Funny people

Judd Apatow has worked on such films as Superbad, The 40 year old virgin and Pineapple express and has done just as well with this film.
Adam Sandler has a way with film that I'm quite insatiable for. His humour is smart and he can grip a scene without humiliating the film whatsoever. He has a real understanding that I admire. At the same time putting Seth Rogan and Jonah Hill into the mix really make this film a laugh a minute! George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is an established comic and is told he has a rare inoperable condition that he has a very rare chance of surviving. Ira Wright (Seth Rogan) a struggling comic has a chance meeting with George and catches his eye. George thinks That Ira has talent and takes him under his wing as his assistant writing material for him and giving him the exposure he needs to make it as a professional.
Great film especially if you like any of the cast already. You won't be disappointed. 9/10
Lady vengeance

The vengeance trilogy of Park chan-wook is a complete mastery of film making. Sympathy for Mr vengeance, oldboy and finally Lady vengeance complete his trilogy of deception, love and the pursuit for solidarity within one's self by means of avenging past evils.
Lee Geum-Ja is released from a lengthy prison sentence for the kidnap and murder of a 6 year old boy. What is unknown to her friends that she has made throughout her sentence is that her time spent inside has been kept with a plan of ultimate revenge for her release.What unfolds in this film is remarkable to watch and will have anyone questioning their own morality.
I am a huge fan of world cinema as it's truth is as plain to see with the naked eye. You cannot fault such sharp and beautiful films such as this and i will always give my time to them without a second thought. If you liked Oldboy then see this film and if you haven't seen either I would recommend this most highly! 10/10
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
A serious man

A serious let down. Maybe it's me but 'hilariously funny' this film is not. The story was very good and the acting was superb. I chortled here and there but it was nowhere near side rippingly funny.
It also felt a bit disconnected to me. The end of the film left me dissatisfied and with a lot of questions. Maybe go into this film expecting a drama and you'll not be too disappointed but I'm not going to waste my time watching it again so it's up to you.
4/10
Monday, 15 March 2010
The Piano Teacher

This is a dark movie about love, loneliness and masochism.
Erika Kohut is a Piano teacher and a stern, cold woman who secretly finds solace in visiting peep shows and acting out her sexual desires.
Erika, still living with her hysterically possessive mother, gives everything for her work and somehow despite being a teacher tries to diminish her students talent rather than nurture it.
When her student Walter Klemmer, a young, handsome vivacious man shares his true feelings with Erika she divulges to him her deepest desires.
The Piano Teacher is based on a novel by writer Elfride Jelinek and caused a great stir at the Cannes film festival where it swept up 3 prestigious awards. Many were outraged by it's content and the rest fell in love with its quiet, morose plot.
I found this film very interesting from start to finish and it certainly leaves you with a lot to think about. It does contain a lot of sexual content. Incredible acting and masterful direction 8/10
Saturday, 13 March 2010
A Christmas carol

'A Christmas carol' written by Charles Dickens in 1843, quite possibly one of the most adapted stories to the screen that ever was. It was unexpected that a story so well known and loved would make it this far into modern day conciousness and yet this timeless classic has done just that.
I think everyone has a favourite telling of this incredible classic and yet this modern day portrayal challenges these with a chilling and compelling version that you cannot fail to love.
I left the cinema in the middle of march with that 'Christmassy feeling'.
I think save this film for a once a year viewing to really get you into the spirit of Christmas but i wouldn't recommend this film for young children. 10/10
Thursday, 11 March 2010
9

9 is about a time when the world has been taken by chaos and not a single human has survived. However 9 strange, individual beings have. These are the 9 who must save the world from further destruction.
An altogether masterpiece in animation however somewhat lacking in pace. I found myself slipping in and out of this film as it failed to grab me fully. I was really anticipating this release and feel slightly let down by it. Despite all this it did get much better towards the end and I am pleased I watched it.
If you like adult animated features then give it a go but I can't promise you complete captivation.
7/10
Friday, 5 March 2010
UP

CGI has played an important part in the 21st century. It has changed our expectations and how we view films today. However it is unfortunate that even though CGI has been a massive milestone in our film history and an incomparable success that the hand touched animation has almost become a rarity. CGI has a lot to answer for in that respect but every now and then a CGI classic springs out and surprises us all, UP definitely deserves a place in this category.
It conveys deep emotion and deft irony that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
The first 10 minutes show the prologue to the protagonist, Carl Fredricksons life before we settle down to watch his prodigious adventure to the wilds of South America. Joining him on this colossal journey is stowaway and wilderness explorer Russel and a dog called Dug. When Carl comes face to face with his ultimate idol events turn and the battle begins to save the ones he loves.
This is an exceptional film and deserves 96 minutes of your full attention!! 10/10
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Paul Blart : Mall cop

I have to say as a first post I hoped for something more sensational but that is the way the cookie crumbles.
Paul Blart : Mall cop, a Happy Madison production, Didn't really fulfil my expectations from a Sandler picture. To go from films such as Deuce Bigalow and 50 First dates to a film that looked like an excuse to party with some buddies was a bit of a tragedy.
Still, the first half an hour or so was Luke warm and very predictable comedy and yet as time went on Kevin James' comedic posterior stole the show.
I would call this your 'average slap stick, man likes girl but he's too much of a looser on every level to get her but does' kind of film. If you have time to kill and your not too worried about what your watching, this one's for you.
5/10
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