Karl Urban puts on a leather jacket, a weird helmet with seemingly no way of seeing out of it and gets on a very gay looking motorbike to lay down the law one bullet at a time. He takes some blonde girl out on a routine with him to assess her merits as a Judge (read police who kill people) who turns out to be a bit of a mind reader. They go to this whopping great block of flats that is run by the incestuous sister from Game of Thrones. She takes over the block and locks everything down in order to hunt Karl and his student so she can skin them both. She has developed this drug that slows everything down for the user and doesn't want this secret to get out. Many guns are then fired and lots of things are blown up as Karl punches and shoots his way out of the building.
Most of us will remember the frankly awful first attempt to make a Judge Dredd film with the Judge himself played by good ol' Sly Stallone. No surprises then that along with the majority of the film watching public I was less than enthused when I heard a new one was coming out. Good thing then that this film is nowhere near as bad as the original. To start with Karl Urban has audible diction which is a big help with a guy whose mouth is the only part of him you see. Usually I don't like Karl, not really his fault but he tends to be in shocking films, but in this he is actually pretty good. Judge Dredd is meant to be deadpan and emotionless and Karl channels this energy very well. His student is also not bad in the psychic role and holds her own throughout. Incest girl again does well the bulk of which is evident in the fact she looks vile and in reality is probably a 7/10. The story is very similar to the film The Raid, which is no bad thing as The Raid is one of my favourite films of recent times. Dredd pulls it off very well surprisingly, I mean yeah they could have bothered to write an original story but who cares when the action works very well. Ultimately its not going to top anyone's favourite film list but it is a solidly put together, entertaining ride that I would happily take again.
Verdict: 3/5
Wednesday 24 April 2013
Film review: We Bought A Zoo
Matt Damon's missus is no longer with us and he has been left with two kids and a job that is no longer satisfying. He then decides to move house and have a somewhat fresh start. He takes his daughter on a little trip with some very enthusiastic estate agent who shows him many a house and then for some unexplained reason a zoo. Matt thinks a zoo would make a perfectly sensible environment for raising two children and decides to purchase said zoo. Whilst there he meets Scarlett Johansen and Dakota Fannings almost as annoying sister. Then through hard work and good spirits we are taken on a ride of discovery and good feelings that teach Matt and his family, particularly the douchebag son, how to get on with each other and deal with the past.
This film is based on a true story of a guy who actually bought a zoo for him and his family. I am not 100% sure how much of the story is true or artistic license but I would imagine not a lot. As you can probably imagine the filmmakers were quite liberal when adding the parmesan to this story and it does get a little bit strong on the palate at certain points. Most of the actors do a decent enough job and carry the story along nicely. Scarlett Johansen is a little on the annoying, saccarine side but is good enough for the bad points to become bearable. Matt Damons kids are actually very good and bring a healthy amount of life to their roles. Matt Damon himself is typical Matt Damon and is very good. Admittedly I am a self confessed Damon fan so do allow him a lot of leeway when watching his films, but god dammit I love the guy so who cares. The only really annoying person is Fannings sis who is completely over the top and downright slappable at times. Its odd because she is normally quite good, take Super 8 as a prime example, but in this she is way too over the top. Overall watching this film is a little like wading through treacle with a packet of Tuc biscuits for a break from the sweetness but I would be telling porkies if I said I didn't enjoy myself.
Verdict: 3/5
This film is based on a true story of a guy who actually bought a zoo for him and his family. I am not 100% sure how much of the story is true or artistic license but I would imagine not a lot. As you can probably imagine the filmmakers were quite liberal when adding the parmesan to this story and it does get a little bit strong on the palate at certain points. Most of the actors do a decent enough job and carry the story along nicely. Scarlett Johansen is a little on the annoying, saccarine side but is good enough for the bad points to become bearable. Matt Damons kids are actually very good and bring a healthy amount of life to their roles. Matt Damon himself is typical Matt Damon and is very good. Admittedly I am a self confessed Damon fan so do allow him a lot of leeway when watching his films, but god dammit I love the guy so who cares. The only really annoying person is Fannings sis who is completely over the top and downright slappable at times. Its odd because she is normally quite good, take Super 8 as a prime example, but in this she is way too over the top. Overall watching this film is a little like wading through treacle with a packet of Tuc biscuits for a break from the sweetness but I would be telling porkies if I said I didn't enjoy myself.
Verdict: 3/5
Sunday 14 April 2013
Film review: Gambit
Colin Firth is a bumbling posh british guy who likes art but not his boss. His boss is Alan Rickman who is a rich bloke who loves ridiculously priced art. Colin wants to screw over his boss so he gets his, I wanna say butler???, to paint a fake Monet so that they can sell it to Alan. In order to do this they need a Texan Cameron Diaz and oh look theres one on a horse. They get Cameron to pretend the painting is hers and Colin will authenticate it for Alan then pocket the cash himself. They perform all this in a hilarious fashion and we are all meant to laugh heartily at their hijinks.
Oh dear god this is awful. It starts with a cartoon in the opening credits that pretty much explains the entire story frame for frame and to be honest I could have ended it there. For a film that is trying its upmost to be as funny as it possibly can it didn't make me laugh once. Not even a slight titter made its way past my lips. The situations that Colin finds himself in are typical and boring of a comedy like this and draw out a disappointed sigh as opposed to a guffaw. The story trudges along as if wading through treacle, bitter treacle I might add, with nothing really making any attempt to grab your attention or interest. The worst thing of all however is the cast and not in the way you might think. All of them are great actors who should know better. The main three have been in some great comedic roles throughout their careers along with some serious ones to boot and then they add in Stanley Tucci who is also a brilliant actor. Why oh why did any of you give this script a second look and not just keep it in your toilet for those emergencies when the toilet paper runs out.
Verdict: 0/5
Oh dear god this is awful. It starts with a cartoon in the opening credits that pretty much explains the entire story frame for frame and to be honest I could have ended it there. For a film that is trying its upmost to be as funny as it possibly can it didn't make me laugh once. Not even a slight titter made its way past my lips. The situations that Colin finds himself in are typical and boring of a comedy like this and draw out a disappointed sigh as opposed to a guffaw. The story trudges along as if wading through treacle, bitter treacle I might add, with nothing really making any attempt to grab your attention or interest. The worst thing of all however is the cast and not in the way you might think. All of them are great actors who should know better. The main three have been in some great comedic roles throughout their careers along with some serious ones to boot and then they add in Stanley Tucci who is also a brilliant actor. Why oh why did any of you give this script a second look and not just keep it in your toilet for those emergencies when the toilet paper runs out.
Verdict: 0/5
Film review: Looper
Joseph Gordon Levitt puts on some Bruce Willis blusher and eyeliner to become a guy who lives in the present but kills people who live in the future but are sent back for the purposes of the killing by the mob. Time travel only seems to work one way and is controlled by some unknown future guy who pretty much runs the world. Joseph works for Jeff Daniels in the present who was a future guy but is now a present guy. Joseph works for them killing people until the day he is sent back for himself to kill in order to close the loop. This happens but somehow future Joseph, Bruce Willis, has got his hood off and escapes. He then runs around trying to find the person who rules the mob in the future and kill them whilst they are a child. Joseph is hot on Bruces tail as he still needs to close his loop and a game of cat and mouse and smaller mouse runs throughout. O yeh and some people have telekinetic abilities for some unknown reason.
As you can probably tell from my synopsis this film very loosely makes sense, it's a good thing then that it doesn't actually matter. You have to give the film certain artistic license before fully accepting it as a film and many great science fiction films follow this rule. This is a great film. Joseph Gordon Levitt is usually very good and does not disappoint here. Bruce is also on top form and proves that he can act and not only in shitty things such as G.I.Joe. The story whilst confusing works well and flows very nicely and grips you from the start. There is a slight problem with the film which is the addition of too much science fiction. In that I mean the film tries to focus on both the time travel and telekinesis mechanics and has to flitter its focus between the two without 100% explaining either. As I said before however if you can forgive this then you will enjoy the film very much, if not then get over it you only live once you miserable sod.
Verdict: 4.5/5
As you can probably tell from my synopsis this film very loosely makes sense, it's a good thing then that it doesn't actually matter. You have to give the film certain artistic license before fully accepting it as a film and many great science fiction films follow this rule. This is a great film. Joseph Gordon Levitt is usually very good and does not disappoint here. Bruce is also on top form and proves that he can act and not only in shitty things such as G.I.Joe. The story whilst confusing works well and flows very nicely and grips you from the start. There is a slight problem with the film which is the addition of too much science fiction. In that I mean the film tries to focus on both the time travel and telekinesis mechanics and has to flitter its focus between the two without 100% explaining either. As I said before however if you can forgive this then you will enjoy the film very much, if not then get over it you only live once you miserable sod.
Verdict: 4.5/5
Film review: Silver Linings Playbook
Bradley Cooper is a bit mental and a bit overenthusiastic about life. He is bipolar and spent some time in the nuthouse after overreacting a tad to a particular situation. He comes out of hospital and goes to live with his equally mental dad Robert De Niro. Bobbys affliction is more in the OCD camp as opposed to the bipolar one but safe to say the whole family has issues. Bradley wants to get back with his missus and spends the entirety of his time attempting to do so. Jennifer Lawrence then turns up and she has some psychiatric issues also and keeps bothering Bradley until he dances with her. Bonding and fun times ensue and we start to change our views on life and certain romances within life.
Usually Bradley Cooper is average at best in films. That is not to say I don't think he has merit as an actor but he just can't seem to break through the 'meh' genre of filmmaking, good thing then he decided to do this film. His character is hyperactive, over the top and frantic which fits Bradleys fast talking, energetic method of acting. It is a superb piece of casting as a lot of people wouldn't have looked twice at him due to his previous films. The story is very good and uses mental illness in a way that makes you aware of it but does not manipulate or poke fun at it. Then comes Jennifer Lawrence who as usual is great as the sort of friend/love interest. She feeds off of Bradleys energy and the two of them are great on screen together. Robert De Niro also brings a lot to his role and again proves that he is one of the all time great actors. The rest of the cast put their all in as well, even Chris Tucker who surprisingly reigns it in and does a really good job at it. Overall I thought it was a great film, admittedly I did fall asleep but that is not a reflection on the film hence why I have not mentioned it until now. I have issues.
Verdict: 4.5/5
Usually Bradley Cooper is average at best in films. That is not to say I don't think he has merit as an actor but he just can't seem to break through the 'meh' genre of filmmaking, good thing then he decided to do this film. His character is hyperactive, over the top and frantic which fits Bradleys fast talking, energetic method of acting. It is a superb piece of casting as a lot of people wouldn't have looked twice at him due to his previous films. The story is very good and uses mental illness in a way that makes you aware of it but does not manipulate or poke fun at it. Then comes Jennifer Lawrence who as usual is great as the sort of friend/love interest. She feeds off of Bradleys energy and the two of them are great on screen together. Robert De Niro also brings a lot to his role and again proves that he is one of the all time great actors. The rest of the cast put their all in as well, even Chris Tucker who surprisingly reigns it in and does a really good job at it. Overall I thought it was a great film, admittedly I did fall asleep but that is not a reflection on the film hence why I have not mentioned it until now. I have issues.
Verdict: 4.5/5
Tuesday 9 April 2013
Film review: Argo
Some Iranians are pretty mad in the late 70s and decide to overrun an American embassy. Whilst this is happening they take hostage the majority of the yankee staff there and start making a mischief of themselves. 5 crafty little americans manage to escape the building including Joshua from friends. They find shelter with a canadian guy who protects them until a newly bearded Ben Affleck can figure out how to rescue them. He decides the best way to do this is to fake make a movie with John Goodman. Turns out all that nonsense was true and also extremely tense.
Ben Affleck has made a few rubbish films in his time. As an actor he has had some great moments, Dogma being one of the best, but it seems his decision making process involved a modified twister spinner. Since he started directing this trend has died out and he only seems to be able to make good films. To go along with this he is also extremely good at directing himself, a skill which cannot be attributed to many, I'm looking at you Shyamalan you douche. Anyhoo Affleck is turning out to be a real talent in the directors chair and does not disappoint with this. I must admit I did not know much about this story before seeing this film and the whole thing came as a pleasant surprise. The acting is great with Affleck being a joy to watch, the tension is almost palpable and keeps you firmly rooted to the edge of your seat and the story verges on the absurd which makes it all the more believable and unbelievable in equal measure. All of the support cast do a brilliant job and bring life to all the characters concerned. Admittedly the story does take a slightly 'o come on it can't have happened like that' turn towards the end but is that way for dramatic effect and is in no way out of place. I think I can safely say I absolutely loved it.
Verdict: 5/5
Ben Affleck has made a few rubbish films in his time. As an actor he has had some great moments, Dogma being one of the best, but it seems his decision making process involved a modified twister spinner. Since he started directing this trend has died out and he only seems to be able to make good films. To go along with this he is also extremely good at directing himself, a skill which cannot be attributed to many, I'm looking at you Shyamalan you douche. Anyhoo Affleck is turning out to be a real talent in the directors chair and does not disappoint with this. I must admit I did not know much about this story before seeing this film and the whole thing came as a pleasant surprise. The acting is great with Affleck being a joy to watch, the tension is almost palpable and keeps you firmly rooted to the edge of your seat and the story verges on the absurd which makes it all the more believable and unbelievable in equal measure. All of the support cast do a brilliant job and bring life to all the characters concerned. Admittedly the story does take a slightly 'o come on it can't have happened like that' turn towards the end but is that way for dramatic effect and is in no way out of place. I think I can safely say I absolutely loved it.
Verdict: 5/5
Film review: Perks Of Being A Wallflower
The guy from Percy Jackson is a right weirdo and is moving to a new school. Nobody knows or likes him at this new school and even his sister ignores him for the most part. Then he meets the kid from We need to talk about Kevin and Hermione Granger and they all become bestest pals. They are all misfits in their own way and all have some serious stuff going on in their lives. Hermione is a little bit cooky and out there and Kevin is gayer than Dale Winton whilst Percy is quiet and loves a good book. All three of them then learn a lot about their lives and friendship and show us snippets aswell.
We have all seen the trailer for this film but for those that haven't here is a brief overview. Emma Watson climbs on the back of a truck because she is a free spirit then describes how out there and unique they are then screams on the truck again. This did not fill me full of confidence when putting this film on. You can imagine my surprise then when I actually found myself engaged in the characters and storyline and by the end I could honestly say I loved it. The lead actor, Logan Lerman, is great at being lost and alone and really makes you feel for his story and life. Ezra Miller (Kevin) is also brilliant as the gay best friend bringing real heart to the performance. You can tell how good he is in that it takes a while to realise he ever played Kevin, also a brilliant performance. Even Emma Watson is great despite the cooky lines she spits out. As the film develops you realise there is more to each of their characters and stories and the filmmakers feed you this information beautifully. It all culminates in a surprising way that I didn't see coming but in typical form Sara the great predictor did (despite the fact these predictions often occur as the revelation is happening). Genuinely a great film made all the better because I thought it would be shite.
Verdict: 5/5
We have all seen the trailer for this film but for those that haven't here is a brief overview. Emma Watson climbs on the back of a truck because she is a free spirit then describes how out there and unique they are then screams on the truck again. This did not fill me full of confidence when putting this film on. You can imagine my surprise then when I actually found myself engaged in the characters and storyline and by the end I could honestly say I loved it. The lead actor, Logan Lerman, is great at being lost and alone and really makes you feel for his story and life. Ezra Miller (Kevin) is also brilliant as the gay best friend bringing real heart to the performance. You can tell how good he is in that it takes a while to realise he ever played Kevin, also a brilliant performance. Even Emma Watson is great despite the cooky lines she spits out. As the film develops you realise there is more to each of their characters and stories and the filmmakers feed you this information beautifully. It all culminates in a surprising way that I didn't see coming but in typical form Sara the great predictor did (despite the fact these predictions often occur as the revelation is happening). Genuinely a great film made all the better because I thought it would be shite.
Verdict: 5/5
Wednesday 3 April 2013
Film review: The Croods
Nicholas Cage is caveman, caveman have family and scared of everything, not know fire or shoes or end of world. Daughter is disobedient and meets Ryan Reynolds who does know fire. World then starts to end and family wants to follow Ryan to mountain. That's enough of that. Ryan then leads the caveman family across the newly ruined countryside and teaches them the ways of the world throughout the journey. Nic resists to start with but learns many a life lesson and becomes a better caveman because of it. There may also be a small love story in there somewhere aswell.
Dreamworks are a little bit hit and miss with their animated films. For example How to train your dragon and Shrek are great whereas Shark Tale and Shrek 3 are toilet. This falls somewhere in the middle being neither amazing or awful. The characters are likeable enough and the world they inhabit is very pretty and well animated. Nic Cage isn't bad at voiceover work but for me his voice didn't really fit the character, the same can be said for Ryans character, neither were done badly but neither 100% fit. The story is pretty good also and trundles along at a decent enough pace. I must admit it does get a little boring here and there but picks up towards the end in both story and comedy. I laughed quite a bit actually throughout and did enjoy myself. The family message part of the story also works well even if it is laid on a little thick. Overall however I would say its pretty good but not the best animated film you will ever see.
Verdict: 3/5
Dreamworks are a little bit hit and miss with their animated films. For example How to train your dragon and Shrek are great whereas Shark Tale and Shrek 3 are toilet. This falls somewhere in the middle being neither amazing or awful. The characters are likeable enough and the world they inhabit is very pretty and well animated. Nic Cage isn't bad at voiceover work but for me his voice didn't really fit the character, the same can be said for Ryans character, neither were done badly but neither 100% fit. The story is pretty good also and trundles along at a decent enough pace. I must admit it does get a little boring here and there but picks up towards the end in both story and comedy. I laughed quite a bit actually throughout and did enjoy myself. The family message part of the story also works well even if it is laid on a little thick. Overall however I would say its pretty good but not the best animated film you will ever see.
Verdict: 3/5
Film review: All Good Things
Ryan Gosling has a rich real estate owning dad but doesn't want to be a rich real estate owning dads son, he wants to be a health food shop owner. He meets Kirsten Dunst and they become all loved up and wotnot and try to live the health food life together. Daddy then rocks up again and forces Ryan to become part of the business. Once home and in the biz Ryan starts to become a bit of a douchebag to Kirsten. Then weird stuff keeps happening and people go missing and Ryan is the main suspect. Did he do it? Well that would be telling now wouldn't it.
I'm a big Gosling fan as he has been in some cracking films. The best of which are Drive and Crazy, Stupid Love. Unfortunately this isn't up there with the best but is still a pretty good film. The story is true. The main character did indeed exist, did become a douche and did do things to his wife and other people, allegedly. Herein lies one of the problems of the film. The blurb at the end explaining the real life version of events states that the true course of events never came out whereas the film seems to have its own opinions on what happened. This does not mean the way they take it is bad but it doesn't exactly sit on the fence. This takes away some of the did he, didn't he mechanic which in my opinion would have made the film stronger. Aside from that the performances are strong from all concerned and the story does work. I enjoyed it but not the best film in the world.
Verdict: 3.5/5
I'm a big Gosling fan as he has been in some cracking films. The best of which are Drive and Crazy, Stupid Love. Unfortunately this isn't up there with the best but is still a pretty good film. The story is true. The main character did indeed exist, did become a douche and did do things to his wife and other people, allegedly. Herein lies one of the problems of the film. The blurb at the end explaining the real life version of events states that the true course of events never came out whereas the film seems to have its own opinions on what happened. This does not mean the way they take it is bad but it doesn't exactly sit on the fence. This takes away some of the did he, didn't he mechanic which in my opinion would have made the film stronger. Aside from that the performances are strong from all concerned and the story does work. I enjoyed it but not the best film in the world.
Verdict: 3.5/5
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