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Hercules (2014)
Where hype and creative, dramatically exaggerated storytelling makes a legend into a demi-god
A different twist to a classic tale. Without giving away too much (because you definitely should see this movie!) Day be Johnson plays the daring, super strong hero of Greek mythology told in fables across time depicting ultimate masculinity. Hercules, son of the god Zeus (or not) embarks on many missions/trials of bravery across ancient Greece for... well... money gold rather than notoriety and heroism, they're just byproducts of his daring deeds. He, accompanied by his band of fellow mercenaries, fight battles against insurmountable odds, monsters (rather people dressed as monsters) and hordes looking for fortune and fame culminating in unwittingly enslaving the kingdom of Thrase for a tyrannical Lord who declares himself king in the same of Hercules' success against the rebels. Seeing what be has done, Hercules decides to follow his heart and act selflessly to right his wrongs and liberate the kingdom ultimately fulfilling his heroic potential with the aid of his trusted followers. Johnson does well as the muscle bound, super strong in this somewhat more believable tale of the Greek hero with an excellent supporting cast all round. Where clever hype and dramatic storytelling pave the way for mislead perceptions of a demi god in the minds of the masses. Very entertaining and enjoyable which every action buff will thoroughly enjoy. Brilliant cinematography and fight scenes with exceptional writing ultimately let down by a surprisingly rushed, tame ending. I hope there's a sequel, 8/10.
Need for Speed (2014)
Fast talking and even faster driving, I got the need... the need for speed!!
Surprisingly good for a movie which begins in a stereotypical illegal street race movie way. I expected a cheesy plot, bad acting, over the top action sequences and an anti-hero with balls of steel that saves the day... Which is pretty much exactly what I got but in glorious style with pretty impressive acting to boot. Don't get me wrong, this move breaks no boundaries that haven't been broken before and is highly predictable but is a fun, action packed, believable journey from start to finish. Centered around Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul) and his race team as they speed across America to make the biggest underground race event in the country, the De Leon, and avenge the vehicular murder of their close friend by taking on fierce Tobey's hometown rival Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). Well cast, well structured and well presented, I really enjoyed it and I'm sure those who enjoy adrenaline filled action movies, cars and street racing will agree when I say 7/10.
2 Guns (2013)
Bad Boys reinvented as Washington and Whalberg shoot sharp in bullets and one-liners
An enjoyable ride that will keep you interested and entertained whilst not blowing you away. Trierd and tested buddy cop formula with a unique twist in that Bobby (Denzel Washington) is an undercover DEA agent working alongside Stig (Mark Wahlberg) an undercover naval intelligence officer to infiltrate then steal local cartel boss Papi Greco's (Edward James Olmos) bank stored cash for different reasons that later manifest themselves. Neither know the other is undercover each plotting to ditch their short-term partner when the job is done but unseen twists and turns see the two go up against the cartel, CIA and US Navy together in a bid to change their own fates whilst eliminating their enemies. Sharp talking and even sharper shooting, this movie is jam packed with funny, witty one-liners and high octane action. The two leads play convincing roles and share great on-screen chemistry that works brilliantly from start to finish, surrounded by a good supporting cast and well thought out plot. Think along the lines of Bad Boys reinvented for an idea of what to expect, very enjoyable. 7/10
Blazing Saddles (1974)
Charisma and comedy liberates racism and ignorance in the Wild, Wild West
As expected from a Mel Brooks movie, the story, actors and characters do not take themselves seriously as a young black man (Cleavon Little) is appointed as sheriff of Rock Ridge, a fictional western town where in the late 1800's. As a railroad is planned to pass through the town, the price of land in the town and surrounding area is guaranteed to increase dramatically prompting civil servant villain Hedley (Harvey Korman) attempt driving the townsfolk away to seize the land for himself. Little and Wilder are great as the two law enforcers entrusted to protect the town through whit, charm, charisma and skill as they face numerous hilarious challenges to save and enlighten the local people. Often silly and sometimes ridiculous but very entertaining especially considering the year it was made. So many movie parodies crammed into one Wild West movie spoof it's untrue! Inconsistencies in plot and poor acting don't really matter to the viewer as such but make this movie score lower in comparison to other, better executed comedies produced since. Only 6/10 but a classic move you will enjoy!
Extract (2009)
Subtle comedy mixed with realistic drama.... Very likable!
I actually watched this movie by accident thinking it was another movie of a similar name, Extracted. What I found was a quaint, enjoyable movie with very likable characters. Set predominantly in a small factory centered around the owner, Joel (Jason Bateman), who seems to be having a mid-life crisis. The movie follows Joel, his wife, friends and employees on a series of life events that send his world into turmoil teetering on the brink of bankruptcy and separation. Bateman is excellent as the naive, dissatisfied lead with a brilliant supporting cast including Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, J.K. Simmons and David Koechner most notably. Everyone in the movie holds their own adding something different to the pleasing blend of subtle comedy and realistic drama, making this a simple yet satisfying movie. Even Ben Affleck manages to entertain, something he has consistently failed to do for me since Pearl Harbour. Not mind-blowing or earth-shattering but quite unique in it's own, heartfelt way. 7/10
Snitch (2013)
Dwayne Johnson ditches The Rock to give acting a serious shot... kind of
A surprisingly decent movie given Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson plays the lead. The main premise of the story stems from events after John's (Johnson) son is imprisoned for drug dealing leading John to use the means he has from his business to strike a deal with the local drug cartel and work with the DEA to bring down several major criminals in order to convince the district attorney to free his son from jail. I expected the odd wrestle and/or fight scene amongst mindless action and guns but what I got was far more. Yes there's some action but not involving Johnson's juiced up alter ego. It's good to see another, more human side to Johnson with him marginally holding his own as a serious actor. I say marginally because his style is somewhat wooden and flawed but none the less reasonable and fulfilling to see. Jon Bernthal is exceptional in his supporting role and Michael Williams plays a convincing criminal, as expected from one of the stand out cast members from the US series 'The Wire'. This movie is based on true events... loosely I would suggest as I doubt the lead would ascertain the success he does over such a short period, however it was compelling and enjoyable. 6/10, worth a watch!
Fruitvale Station (2013)
Damn... Sometimes a small budget goes a long way! Impressive
Well that was a shock! You kind of get where the story is going from the beginning but the end is certainly unexpected. Based on a true story, this movie spends the majority of the time building up the main character, Oscar Grant played by Michael Jordan, and his relationships with those important to him, namely his partner, mother and child plus some close friends and family members in passing. What makes the story most compelling is its ending which then draws you to appreciate that which came to pass before, particularly how Oscar is portrayed as both loving and flawed encountering a number of difficult life events along the way. Slow in parts but shocking in others making this film certainly worth a watch. Overall a decent movie with an awesome, if somewhat disturbing, climax. I wouldn't want to spoil it for you so I'll leave the rest for you to find out, enjoy! 7/10
Ride Along (2014)
Hart is the Heartbeat of this entertaining but flawed cop flick
An enjoyable ride in which Kevin Hart keeps you smiling and chuckling throughout with his off-beat comedy and charisma. The same cannot be said of his counterpart however as Ice Cube is woeful in his leading role, often cheesy and wooden displaying very little acting ability. We all know by now to expect poor, wooden acting from Cube but other major let-downs also came in the form of John Leguizamo and Laurence Fishburn. Set in Atlanta focusing on the strained relationship between hardened street cop James (Cube) and his proposed brother-in-law/wannabe cop Ben (Hart), the former takes the latter on a 24 hour ride along around the city to test his prowess as a law enforcement officer and his suitability to marry his beloved sister. The story is tried and tested failing to break any new barriers or set the world alight with the on-screen chemistry between the two main male roles often seeming tedious and slow to develop. Hart however keeps at it, plugging away with it in his own unique way which goes some way to salvaging the film. What begins tedious ends pretty well as the film gets better as you get into it. Hart is the saving grace making this movie entertaining and worth the watch but there is also a good supporting effort from Tika Sumpter playing Hart's/Cube's sister. Without Hart this movie would be a huge flop as it is far from perfect yet entertaining and somewhat funny eventually earning its 6/10.
Caprica (2009)
Great premise, decent execution! One to watch
Caprica is an entertaining and informative prequel to the hugely entertaining Battlestar Galactica series, answering many outstanding questions such as how the Cylons came to be, the birth of artificial life, why the Cylon leaders differ from other Cylons and the origins of the one true god faith amongst other things. This series is hugely enthralling with excellent character portrayals, acting and story writing. Poor CGI effects, especially in animating the Cylon robots, and the hurried sense attained from the final 5 episodes are the main two areas that let down this otherwise great series, especially since we have come to expect much more from the Battlestar Galactica franchise on both fronts. A lower budget is evident whilst rushing to wrap things up can be explained by the series being cut early after only 1 season to fans dismay. There was so much more that could've been done here and so many avenues to explore. Overall I was thoroughly entertained by this series and did not want it to end. There were a few problems buy mostly positives especially in conceptual story writing that seamlessly fits alongside the Battlestar story.
The Devil's Double (2011)
What happens wen vast riches, fame and ultimate power are not enough?
Slued, crude and rude, this movie adaption of a disturbing true story delivers in many, many ways. The filmmakers pull no punches in this raw and ruthless depiction of Uday Hussain looking from the perspective of Latif Yahia, Uday's enforced body double. This story captures Latif's shocking life and experiences whilst living alongside psychotic, sociopathic Uday in Baghdad, Iraq whilst ruled by Uday's father Saddam Hussain in 1987. Showing how mega riches, fame and ultimate power can not satisfy the crazed son of a equally celebrated and hated ruler/dictator, this movie is a thrilling masterpiece that will keep you gripped from start to finish! Original, jaw-dropping and truly fascinating, 9/10.
The Fight: A Dirty Business (2004)
Compelling assessment of a great rivalry & defining period in boxing history
Centered upon one of the most remarkable and shady periods in boxing history The Fight: A Dirty Business exposes the mafia controlled world of 1950's and 60's boxing particularly focusing on the intense rivalry between 'The Raging Bull' Jake LaMotta and 'Sugar' Ray Robinson. The facts and assessments offered in this BBC documentary are intriguing and inspired with excellent cross-examination of events and fights helping viewers better understand the lives, stories and fight events as they unfolded. An excellent documentary from an excellent series. An absolute must for fight fans, boxing and sports history enthusiasts alike, 7/10.
Supernatural: Mystery Spot (2008)
Groundhog Day!
Great episode! 9/10. SPOILER ALERT! So in this episode Sam is forced to watch Dean die in multiple, creative ways when he is plunged into a time loop by the Trickster that they encountered in Season 2. Really interesting take on the Groundhog Day principle, which ties in well with the Supernatural story as you see a change in Sam as he becomes more ruthless, determined and detached from others in trying to change Dean's fate. Some fantastic acting from Jared Padalecki as you can clearly see Sam's frustration growing as he is forced to relive the same day over and over. Probably one of my favourite episodes upto this point in the show!
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Awesome zombie remake that out-shines the original!
Just watched this movie again 9 years on and was equally as impressed as the first time I watched it. One of the best zombie movies I've ever seen with the added impact of zombies relentlessly chasing down their victims at full speed quite unlike other flicks in this sub-genre! One of the few remakes that out-shines the original in my opinion. The Negatives: Some acting flaws including Ving Rhames portrayal of police man Kenneth being a tad too heartless to begin with and the lead 2 characters, the nurse Ana (Sarah Polley) and TV salesman Michael (Jake Weber), are somewhat annoying at times but each character grows on you as the movie progresses. The Positives: So many to list but the use of a mall and nearby gun shop provides an excellent setting. You have to be impressed by the insane 'birth of a zombie baby', 'celebrity look-alike gun play', 'getting down with the dead' and action packed 'escape' scenes. I love this movie but hey, I love zombies! 8/10
Terra Nova (2011)
In a future with no future, the past may be humanity's last hope
Extremely disappointed that this series has been cancelled after just 1 season when it had just got going. The producers say a season 2 may be possible on another network but no progress has been made for well over 6 months. What a shame! This series seemed to have a good story with some excellent actors, likable characters and a big budget. It's not the best series I've ever seen but it is definitely worth a watch and offers much in terms of entertainment. Who doesn't like the idea of a futuristic human civilization traveling time to live amongst the dinosaurs? It's every young dinosaur lovers dream! There is plenty to keep you glued to the screen with exciting sub-plots and unique events in most every episode. Great concept executed well! I hope the series is picked up by another network soon. One of those series' that had a lot to offer its viewers and should never have been cancelled. Recommend to everyone out there with a taste for action, sci-fi and adventure, that ever dared to dream of a world where dinosaurs and humans could live together, 7/10
Farscape (1999)
Probably the best sci-fi series EVER! A true great, simply amazing!
What a show, simply AMAZING! I can't believe I missed this on TV when I was a kid. Probably the best Sci-Fi series I have ever seen, firmly taking its place alongside the true greats of all time such as Battlestar Galactica (New series) and Star Trek. The characters are amazing, the acting is excellent and the story lines are out of this world... literally! I cant think of a better series to recommend to everyone, especially sci-fi, space and alien buffs. Definitely a series to see before you die, possibly more than once as it's well worth watching again and again and again. *Highly Recommend* NB: If you do enjoy this series (which I'm 100% sure you will), try the newest series of Battlestar Galactica starting with the feature length DVD. It's excellent too! Also, Farscape: Memories of Moya is a good documentary on the series and the two main characters in Farscape appear as two of the main characters in last two seasons of Stargate SG1. Worth a look! Enjoy, 10/10.
Rome (2005)
An Informative, Exciting and Compelling Historical Masterpiece!
A well presented and truthful portrayal of the exploits of Julius Ceasar (Season 1) and his successor, Octavian Ceasar (Season 2). An historical Masterpiece that has everything you could possibly want from a series based upon the Roman Empire... Blood, Action, Naked Women, Deception, Suspense, Thrills, etc. Fantastic acting, characters, set design, costumes and story lines. One of those series' to see before you die, a must watch for all! *Highly Recommend* NB: If you like this series also try the Spartacus series for more Roman inspired action. Not as truthful in its portrayal but similarly compelling and much more action!
The Walking Dead (2010)
A post-apocalyptic zombie series masterpiece!
When I watched the first episode I didn't expect much from this series... How glad am I that I continued to watch what turned out to be one of the best series' I've ever seen! The story is excellent, characters are likable and the acting is tremendous! Not to mention some fantastic scares, drama, thrills and action along the way. I cant wait for season 5 to start in October 2014, something I find myself repeating every time this series concludes a season. So far seasons 1 and 2 have been my favourite although the series keeps you gripped throughout with shocking and startling events in every season. Also worth a look are the spin-off series' eg. Torn Apart Webisodes released between seasons 1 & 2 which offer a few short thrills and spills that provide further insight into the fate of ordinary people and families when faced by a disaster such as this. Definitely a series to watch before you die, recommend to all horror, post-apocalyptic, zombie and action buffs. *Highly Recommend* 10/10