In the 1979 film Stalker, the eponymous Stalkers are informal, illegal guides to a blighted Zone somewhere in Eastern Europe. In the middle of the Zone, it is said, there is a room that grants the true heart’s desire. And we learn, secondhand, about the tale of one Stalker named Porcupine.
Porcupine brought his brother into the Zone, where he perished in an accident. Porcupine, grieving, entered the room, expecting that his brother would be brought back to life. When he arrived back in civilization, though, he unexpectedly came into a bunch of money.
Porcupine brought his brother into the Zone, where he perished in an accident. Porcupine, grieving, entered the room, expecting that his brother would be brought back to life. When he arrived back in civilization, though, he unexpectedly came into a bunch of money.
- 9/28/2023
- by Corbin Smith
- Rollingstone.com
Stars: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins, Dennis Christopher, James Remar | Written and Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Review by Joe Cronin
Attracting a whirlwind of controversy on its way, Django Unchained hits UK cinemas this week. Tarantino returns after a three year hiatus, bringing his trademark mixture of sharp wit and gut-wrenching violence to the spaghetti Western genre. This is a marvellous return to form following the somewhat dull and drawn-out Inglorious Bastards. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the film is topped off with dynamic performances from Samuel L Jackson, Leonardo Dicaprio and Jamie Foxx. In short, it’s everything you’d expect a Tarantino Western to be.
Django Unchained is a love story at heart. The instantly likeable protagonist is Django himself, deftly played by the charismatic Jamie Foxx. He is plucked from his miserable existence...
Review by Joe Cronin
Attracting a whirlwind of controversy on its way, Django Unchained hits UK cinemas this week. Tarantino returns after a three year hiatus, bringing his trademark mixture of sharp wit and gut-wrenching violence to the spaghetti Western genre. This is a marvellous return to form following the somewhat dull and drawn-out Inglorious Bastards. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the film is topped off with dynamic performances from Samuel L Jackson, Leonardo Dicaprio and Jamie Foxx. In short, it’s everything you’d expect a Tarantino Western to be.
Django Unchained is a love story at heart. The instantly likeable protagonist is Django himself, deftly played by the charismatic Jamie Foxx. He is plucked from his miserable existence...
- 6/27/2013
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Django Unchained
Review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins, Dennis Christopher, James Remar | Written and Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Attracting a whirlwind of controversy on its way, Django Unchained hits UK cinemas this week. Tarantino returns after a three year hiatus, bringing his trademark mixture of sharp wit and gut-wrenching violence to the spaghetti Western genre. This is a marvellous return to form following the somewhat dull and drawn-out Inglorious Bastards. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the film is topped off with dynamic performances from Samuel L Jackson, Leonardo Dicaprio and Jamie Foxx. In short, it’s everything you’d expect a Tarantino Western to be.
Django Unchained is a love story at heart. The instantly likeable protagonist is Django himself, deftly played by the charismatic Jamie Foxx. He is plucked from his...
Review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins, Dennis Christopher, James Remar | Written and Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Attracting a whirlwind of controversy on its way, Django Unchained hits UK cinemas this week. Tarantino returns after a three year hiatus, bringing his trademark mixture of sharp wit and gut-wrenching violence to the spaghetti Western genre. This is a marvellous return to form following the somewhat dull and drawn-out Inglorious Bastards. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the film is topped off with dynamic performances from Samuel L Jackson, Leonardo Dicaprio and Jamie Foxx. In short, it’s everything you’d expect a Tarantino Western to be.
Django Unchained is a love story at heart. The instantly likeable protagonist is Django himself, deftly played by the charismatic Jamie Foxx. He is plucked from his...
- 1/15/2013
- by Guest
- Nerdly
Gangster Squad
Review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Nick Nolte, Michael Peña, Anthony Mackie, Giovanni Ribisi | Written by Will Beall | Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Upon first viewing the trailer for Gangster Squad, it was hard to keep up with the array of big stars involved. Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Emma Stone and the now somewhat infamous Ryan Gosling. I must admit, I was dubious about how stylised the look and feel of the trailer was and the slightly naff title. Still, with a cast like that I had big expectations.
Gangster Squad sees maverick and general bad-ass Sgt. John O’Mara collect a posse of like- minded cops to lift a crime-fuelled L.A. out of the sewers. Josh Brolin portrays a likeable protagonist, who is hugely frustrated by the injustice he sees in ‘his city’. Beginning to feel that all is lost,...
Review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Nick Nolte, Michael Peña, Anthony Mackie, Giovanni Ribisi | Written by Will Beall | Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Upon first viewing the trailer for Gangster Squad, it was hard to keep up with the array of big stars involved. Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Emma Stone and the now somewhat infamous Ryan Gosling. I must admit, I was dubious about how stylised the look and feel of the trailer was and the slightly naff title. Still, with a cast like that I had big expectations.
Gangster Squad sees maverick and general bad-ass Sgt. John O’Mara collect a posse of like- minded cops to lift a crime-fuelled L.A. out of the sewers. Josh Brolin portrays a likeable protagonist, who is hugely frustrated by the injustice he sees in ‘his city’. Beginning to feel that all is lost,...
- 1/10/2013
- by Guest
- Nerdly
The Descendants
Guest review by Joe Cronin
Stars: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Nick Krause | Written by Tom McCarthy, Joe Tiboni | Directed by Tom McCarthy
George Clooney delivers one of his finest performances in this well-balanced drama. Combining a deft delivery of comic moments with a character whose sincerity shines through was never going to be easy but Clooney succeeds with aplomb.
Alexander Payne, arguably best known for cult classics such as Sideways and About Schmidt is a director who divides opinions. Despite being a fan of his work, I’ve watched his films with people who either cry with laughter or are sent to sleep. The Descendants is his first film as a director for seven years and sees him bring together his juxtaposition of black comedy and sincere drama once more and this time will surely find more universal appeal.
The film begins with Matt (George Clooney) staring at his wife,...
Guest review by Joe Cronin
Stars: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Nick Krause | Written by Tom McCarthy, Joe Tiboni | Directed by Tom McCarthy
George Clooney delivers one of his finest performances in this well-balanced drama. Combining a deft delivery of comic moments with a character whose sincerity shines through was never going to be easy but Clooney succeeds with aplomb.
Alexander Payne, arguably best known for cult classics such as Sideways and About Schmidt is a director who divides opinions. Despite being a fan of his work, I’ve watched his films with people who either cry with laughter or are sent to sleep. The Descendants is his first film as a director for seven years and sees him bring together his juxtaposition of black comedy and sincere drama once more and this time will surely find more universal appeal.
The film begins with Matt (George Clooney) staring at his wife,...
- 1/19/2012
- by Guest
- Nerdly
The Hangover Part 2
Review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong | Written by Craig Mazin, Scot Armstrong | Directed by Todd Philips
When The Hangover hit our screens in 2009 it took the world by storm. Its formula of absurd surprise and timely one-liners proved to be a recipe for laughs that resulted in one of the most successful comedies to date.
However, Todd Phillips seems to have used “cut and paste” to disastrous effect with his second attempt at documenting the ultimate lads romp. Deciding to replicate the first film but this time in Thailand, it’s not just the trailer which is a shot-for-shot replica. The film begins with a carbon copy of the opening scene of the original, with our three leads waking up after the mother of all nights out. The blighted groom is yet again Stu (Ed Helms) who is...
Review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong | Written by Craig Mazin, Scot Armstrong | Directed by Todd Philips
When The Hangover hit our screens in 2009 it took the world by storm. Its formula of absurd surprise and timely one-liners proved to be a recipe for laughs that resulted in one of the most successful comedies to date.
However, Todd Phillips seems to have used “cut and paste” to disastrous effect with his second attempt at documenting the ultimate lads romp. Deciding to replicate the first film but this time in Thailand, it’s not just the trailer which is a shot-for-shot replica. The film begins with a carbon copy of the opening scene of the original, with our three leads waking up after the mother of all nights out. The blighted groom is yet again Stu (Ed Helms) who is...
- 11/29/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
It was with trepidation that we approached the RCA vaults on a Friday evening. We were of to a ‘silent screaming’ of the 1999 remake of The Ring. The event celebrated ‘Sky Go’, BSkyB’s latest mobile content offering, which allows you to access your Sky subscription from all manner of devices including the iPad, iPhone and in coming months, Android.
Upon arrival, we were greeted to the event by a gregarious chap who invited us to consume syringes full of ‘Bloody Marys’. The dingy vaults were an excellent setting for a horror screening and were complimented by eerie green lighting and props from the film. As we ventured deeper into the compound, we were startled by a number of actors who were dressed as actors from the film. The young girl portraying the main character from the movie was all the more disconcerting as she sat next to a handful...
Upon arrival, we were greeted to the event by a gregarious chap who invited us to consume syringes full of ‘Bloody Marys’. The dingy vaults were an excellent setting for a horror screening and were complimented by eerie green lighting and props from the film. As we ventured deeper into the compound, we were startled by a number of actors who were dressed as actors from the film. The young girl portraying the main character from the movie was all the more disconcerting as she sat next to a handful...
- 11/9/2011
- by Guest
- Nerdly
The Hammersmith Apollo has been host to an array of acts over its 79-year life span. Its walls are a myriad of fame with signed pictures from Kylie to Kasabian making up the decor. However this week a very different performance graced the Apollo stage. The magic of one of the most successful video game franchises ever seen descended upon London for the closing night of the Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert.
The evening was hosted by none other than Robin Williams daughter, Zelda Williams. Yes, her namesake is due to her fathers’ love of the series, or so we are told. After relaying quips about her favourite Ocarina melody, Ms Williams introduced Nintendo legend Eiji Aonuma on stage to drum up the crowd. Having worked on the Zelda series for over 13 years, the crowd hung onto his every word, creating a cacophony whenever the “Z word” left his lips.
The evening was hosted by none other than Robin Williams daughter, Zelda Williams. Yes, her namesake is due to her fathers’ love of the series, or so we are told. After relaying quips about her favourite Ocarina melody, Ms Williams introduced Nintendo legend Eiji Aonuma on stage to drum up the crowd. Having worked on the Zelda series for over 13 years, the crowd hung onto his every word, creating a cacophony whenever the “Z word” left his lips.
- 10/27/2011
- by Guest
- Nerdly
Insidious
Review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Barbara Hershey, Lin Shaye | Written by Leigh Whannel | Directed by James Wan
James Wan’s latest horror outing Insidious turns out to be a roller coaster of a film, which jumps from being a dread-filled fright fest to a farcical horror flick. The pairing of the co-creator of Saw and the producers from Paranormal Activity makes for a movie full of hair-raising spills which turns out to be a little over-the-top to warrant a re-watch.
The film begins with your typical Hollywood family that has recently moved to a huge suburban house and is unsure what to make of the creaking noises and staccato strings that accompany their every move. Rose Byrne, most noted for her performance in hit TV series Damages plays Renai, a highly-strung mother who’s confused when her son suddenly falls into a coma.
Review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Barbara Hershey, Lin Shaye | Written by Leigh Whannel | Directed by James Wan
James Wan’s latest horror outing Insidious turns out to be a roller coaster of a film, which jumps from being a dread-filled fright fest to a farcical horror flick. The pairing of the co-creator of Saw and the producers from Paranormal Activity makes for a movie full of hair-raising spills which turns out to be a little over-the-top to warrant a re-watch.
The film begins with your typical Hollywood family that has recently moved to a huge suburban house and is unsure what to make of the creaking noises and staccato strings that accompany their every move. Rose Byrne, most noted for her performance in hit TV series Damages plays Renai, a highly-strung mother who’s confused when her son suddenly falls into a coma.
- 9/10/2011
- by Guest
- Nerdly
Arrietty
Review by Joe Cronin
Stars (the voices of): Saoirse Ronan, Tom Holland, Mark Strong, Olivia Colman, Phyllida Law, Geraldine McEwan | Written by Hayao Miyazaki | Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi
With hindsight, it’s a wonder that the famed story of The Borrowers by Mary Norton has not been touched by the magic of Studio Ghibli already. The world of fantasy that the studio usually creates has been replaced by a world just as enchanting, but here based on real-world objects. Director Yonebayashi has created a work of art that lives up to the Ghibli name, with impressive scaled-up soundscapes accompanying lush visuals.
The film follows the antics of Arrietty, a curious teenage Borrower who longs to explore the wider world. She lives with her father, Pod, and her nervous mother Harmony. Her curious nature leads her to encounter a young ‘human-being’ called Sho, who gains her trust by attempting...
Review by Joe Cronin
Stars (the voices of): Saoirse Ronan, Tom Holland, Mark Strong, Olivia Colman, Phyllida Law, Geraldine McEwan | Written by Hayao Miyazaki | Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi
With hindsight, it’s a wonder that the famed story of The Borrowers by Mary Norton has not been touched by the magic of Studio Ghibli already. The world of fantasy that the studio usually creates has been replaced by a world just as enchanting, but here based on real-world objects. Director Yonebayashi has created a work of art that lives up to the Ghibli name, with impressive scaled-up soundscapes accompanying lush visuals.
The film follows the antics of Arrietty, a curious teenage Borrower who longs to explore the wider world. She lives with her father, Pod, and her nervous mother Harmony. Her curious nature leads her to encounter a young ‘human-being’ called Sho, who gains her trust by attempting...
- 7/1/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Super
Guest review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon | Written and directed by James Gunn
Super is the latest, surreal trip down the well-trodden path of ‘citizen-turned-superhero’ flicks, starring the excellent Rainn Wilson. The film’s protagonist has cut his comedy teeth on the award winning Us version of The Office, and Super is an unnerving and at times shocking journey into the absurd.
The film begins with the down trodden Frank (Wilson) revealing that he’s only had two happy moments in his life – marrying his wife Sarah, and fighting crime. So when Sarah is abducted by Jaques (Kevin Bacon) and led to a dark underworld of drug dealing, Frank decides to pursue his desire to fight crime by becoming the Crimson Bolt and rescuing his love. So far, so superhero.
However, Super is by no means a Kick-Ass knock-off. It verges violently...
Guest review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon | Written and directed by James Gunn
Super is the latest, surreal trip down the well-trodden path of ‘citizen-turned-superhero’ flicks, starring the excellent Rainn Wilson. The film’s protagonist has cut his comedy teeth on the award winning Us version of The Office, and Super is an unnerving and at times shocking journey into the absurd.
The film begins with the down trodden Frank (Wilson) revealing that he’s only had two happy moments in his life – marrying his wife Sarah, and fighting crime. So when Sarah is abducted by Jaques (Kevin Bacon) and led to a dark underworld of drug dealing, Frank decides to pursue his desire to fight crime by becoming the Crimson Bolt and rescuing his love. So far, so superhero.
However, Super is by no means a Kick-Ass knock-off. It verges violently...
- 6/27/2011
- by Guest
- Nerdly
The Hangover Part 2
Guest Review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong | Written by Craig Mazin, Scot Armstrong | Directed by Todd Philips
When The Hangover hit our screens in 2009 it took the world by storm. Its formula of absurd surprise and timely one-liners proved to be a recipe for laughs that resulted in one of the most successful comedies to date.
However, Todd Phillips seems to have used “cut and paste” to disastrous effect with his second attempt at documenting the ultimate lads romp. Deciding to replicate the first film but this time in Thailand, it’s not just the trailer which is a shot-for-shot replica. The film begins with a carbon copy of the opening scene of the original, with our three leads waking up after the mother of all nights out. The blighted groom is yet again Stu (Ed Helms) who...
Guest Review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong | Written by Craig Mazin, Scot Armstrong | Directed by Todd Philips
When The Hangover hit our screens in 2009 it took the world by storm. Its formula of absurd surprise and timely one-liners proved to be a recipe for laughs that resulted in one of the most successful comedies to date.
However, Todd Phillips seems to have used “cut and paste” to disastrous effect with his second attempt at documenting the ultimate lads romp. Deciding to replicate the first film but this time in Thailand, it’s not just the trailer which is a shot-for-shot replica. The film begins with a carbon copy of the opening scene of the original, with our three leads waking up after the mother of all nights out. The blighted groom is yet again Stu (Ed Helms) who...
- 6/1/2011
- by Guest
- Nerdly
Win Win ****
Guest review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor | Written by Tom McCarthy & Joe Tiboni | Directed by Tom McCarthy
I usually steer clear of films that involve overcoming adversity due to their sycophantic nature that usually leaves me reaching for the sick bucket. However an exception has to be made for the wonderful Win Win, which combines understated acting and a touch of humour to produce a fantastic film, surprisingly full of realism as well as that “feel-good factor”.
The film begins with the frustrated Mike Flaherty (Paul Giamatti), who instantly pulls you in with his enchanting blend of earnest patience and frank honesty. Mike is a lawyer working in a small firm who also coaches wrestling at his local high school. Like any other business, Mike’s law firm is feeling the pressure of the economic downturn. It is this environment that...
Guest review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor | Written by Tom McCarthy & Joe Tiboni | Directed by Tom McCarthy
I usually steer clear of films that involve overcoming adversity due to their sycophantic nature that usually leaves me reaching for the sick bucket. However an exception has to be made for the wonderful Win Win, which combines understated acting and a touch of humour to produce a fantastic film, surprisingly full of realism as well as that “feel-good factor”.
The film begins with the frustrated Mike Flaherty (Paul Giamatti), who instantly pulls you in with his enchanting blend of earnest patience and frank honesty. Mike is a lawyer working in a small firm who also coaches wrestling at his local high school. Like any other business, Mike’s law firm is feeling the pressure of the economic downturn. It is this environment that...
- 4/28/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
The Veteran**
Guest review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Toby Kebbell, Ashley Thomas, Brian Cox Cbe, Adi Bielski, Tom Brooke | Written by Matthew Hope, Robert Henry Craft | Directed by Matthew Hope
Perhaps you only need to look at the poster for The Veteran to realise that it’s riddled with tired clichés. The latest post-Afghanistan war film to hit our screens should be applauded for its efforts to depict the traumatic experiences that Ptsd (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) will inflict on a generation of young men. However, the effect is lost in a myriad of wooden performances that fail to resuscitate a predictable plot.
The film begins with protagonist Robert Miller (Toby Kebbell) returning from service in Afghanistan. Shocked and appalled by the behaviour of gangs in south London, he decides to hook up with a former soldier and begins a quest to clean up the streets. He also begins working...
Guest review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Toby Kebbell, Ashley Thomas, Brian Cox Cbe, Adi Bielski, Tom Brooke | Written by Matthew Hope, Robert Henry Craft | Directed by Matthew Hope
Perhaps you only need to look at the poster for The Veteran to realise that it’s riddled with tired clichés. The latest post-Afghanistan war film to hit our screens should be applauded for its efforts to depict the traumatic experiences that Ptsd (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) will inflict on a generation of young men. However, the effect is lost in a myriad of wooden performances that fail to resuscitate a predictable plot.
The film begins with protagonist Robert Miller (Toby Kebbell) returning from service in Afghanistan. Shocked and appalled by the behaviour of gangs in south London, he decides to hook up with a former soldier and begins a quest to clean up the streets. He also begins working...
- 4/27/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Insidious ***
Guest review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Barbara Hershey, Lin Shaye | Written by Leigh Whannel | Directed by James Wan
James Wan’s latest horror outing Insidious turns out to be a roller coaster of a film, which jumps from being a dread-filled fright fest to a farcical horror flick. The pairing of the co-creator of Saw and the producers from Paranormal Activity makes for a movie full of hair-raising spills which turns out to be a little over-the-top to warrant a re-watch.
The film begins with your typical Hollywood family that has recently moved to a huge suburban house and is unsure what to make of the creaking noises and staccato strings that accompany their every move. Rose Byrne, most noted for her performance in hit TV series Damages plays Renai, a highly-strung mother who’s confused when her son suddenly falls into a coma.
Guest review by Joe Cronin
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Barbara Hershey, Lin Shaye | Written by Leigh Whannel | Directed by James Wan
James Wan’s latest horror outing Insidious turns out to be a roller coaster of a film, which jumps from being a dread-filled fright fest to a farcical horror flick. The pairing of the co-creator of Saw and the producers from Paranormal Activity makes for a movie full of hair-raising spills which turns out to be a little over-the-top to warrant a re-watch.
The film begins with your typical Hollywood family that has recently moved to a huge suburban house and is unsure what to make of the creaking noises and staccato strings that accompany their every move. Rose Byrne, most noted for her performance in hit TV series Damages plays Renai, a highly-strung mother who’s confused when her son suddenly falls into a coma.
- 4/12/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
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