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BigBadaBruce
My Tumblr Reviews: http://bigbadabruce.tumblr.com/Reviews
Currently attempting 500 Films In A Year Challenge, started January 1st 2012, up to Nineteen as of the 15th January.
Reviews
Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001)
Another Proud Child Of The Law And Order Series
Like the other Law And Order series, Criminal Intent is a story-driven show, with the characters back-stories gradually introduced and expanded upon depending on the episode. Until the latter series that is, when a season was devoted to Goren's mother dying. The scripts in this series, however, can only be as good as it's actors. Now I won't lie, I haven't seen every character, just over half of them, so I may miss some out.
Detective Robert Goren, played by Vincent D'Onofrio. If any character is the main character, it's this guy. Extremely intelligent with an ability to unlock suspects minds, he uses psychology, detective skills, and library knowledge to solve his crimes, he is brilliantly played in this series, not a single action is wasted, showing his eccentricity, and yet almost as if his body is just weighed down by all his intelligence. At different times he displays linguistic German, Dutch, Spanish, even certain Asain language and American Sign Language. Member of Team A.
Detective Alexandra Eames, played by Kathryn Erbe. The more experienced detective, she and partner Goren create a tremendous team, his eccentricities playing off her analytical ability, she is the "straight man" of the partnership and she is well underplayed by Erbe, symbolising a weary but driven woman who gets the job done.
Detective G. Lynn Bishop, played by Samantha Buck. Only appeared for six episodes in Season 3, she played the unthankable role of being the unwanted partner, Eames at the time on maternity leave, and Bishop was the cold-hearted replacement who feels uncomfortable with Goren and ends up compared unfavourably to Eames.
Detective Mike Logan, played by Chris Noth. An old legend of the original Law And Order, in the years preceding his last Law And Order case in 1995 and his return in 2005, he has been brought back into the fold and simultaneously mellowed himself down from the old hothead of legend. His old-style detective skills and weary, burnt look gives him an interesting aspect. Due to Goren's popularity, Team B's episodes are slated, despite the intelligence of the episodes and the different look to Goren.
Detective Megan Wheeler, played by Julianne Nicholsen. The straight-edge to Logan's rule breaker, she plays off intelligently and offers the right balance needed between her and Logan. In the latest series her position will change as she will be partnered with Jeff Goldblum's character, offering a new aspect, which will be interesting to see.
Two differing type of Captains, first James Deakins played by Jamey Sheridan, was played in the style of the "Loved Boss", yes expecting results but confident in his team and allowing them to do it their way, Sheridan still exudes authority, and is very good. Replaced in Season 5 by Danny Ross, played by Eric Bogosian, less tolerant but more hands-on than his predecessor, he offers a different aspect to Deakins, and is the only character from season 5 onwards to appear in every episode. He bounces off all characters well.
The characters are all very well played, and this creates a better show, despite the story driven style. Very good.
Monk (2002)
It's A Blessing...And A Curse
A lot of TV Shows have become popular with the main character having disability. Look at the old-fashioned Ironside, wheelchair-bound. The new Psych, with Shaun Spencer a fraudulent Psychic . Just two examples of this genre. A third is the extremely popular Monk. A Police Officer, who had a nervous breakdown after his wives murder, is also a sufferer of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), which helps him solve his cases, as he obsess over every element and goes over every crime scene excessively. He notices unimportant details because of it and uses that to solve his case. The show does have an element of believability in that it would be more believable that someone obsessed about everything would solve difficult crimes, not an average joe. Humour is also a main point, as it's very tongue-in-cheek, and it's the character interactions between Monk and his "co-workers" that make you interested. A very good show, and worth watching.
The Illusionist (2006)
A Major Shocker
The first time I heard of this film was around the same time The Prestige was released. The Illusionist seemed to end up swept under the carpet, unnoticed, especially with me. Two nights ago, I sat down on my sofa, and saw it on Anytime TV, thought give it a go. I thought there was a couple of good actors, should do well....I just didn't realise it would this good. The script is extremely good, slowly building up the storyline through a flashback by Paul Giamatti's character, with good dialogue and character introductions, the script loves the small uses of characterisation to build up the characters. Now the performances: In the last year or so I have become more and more of a fan of Edward Norton, his performances so well layered, brilliantly understated. In this role, Edward Norton plays the role of a mysterious magician, able to spellbind audiences with ease, creating magnificent shows. His performance carries the majority of scenes. Jessica Biel is one of the most gorgeous women I have ever seen, and radiates the screen when she appears. It's believable that Edward Norton will risk everything to be with her, and then, be crushed and wounded following her murder. And Rufus Sewell, showing anger and an ego that destroys everyone around him. Sewell is actually a small understated role but gives the slight edge needed to make Norton's character better. But, the film is stolen, by one Paul Giamatti. The Detective who investigates Jessica Biel's murder, Rufus Sewell as her possible murderer, and Edward Norton for "defrauding" his audience, he is the key to the movie, tying them all together and also showing different actions with each actor, showing slight changes, showing how a Police Dectective would possibly really react to different classes. He also is intelligently self-coerced from a slightly corrupt Police Detective to a true Chief Of Police, and his narration is like a Morgan Freeman, easily listen-able whilst creating a better story. I would recommend this film, and also the performances, which really make the film
Creepshow (1982)
well, well, well
well, the first story, of "Fathers Day", i thought was OK, it just seemed like an interesting idea, but not well executed, it was slightly boring to be honest, and lacked an ending. I guess I just expected more. Its okay for the starting story, it means it hopefully gets better. "The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill" was probably the weakest of the lot, and not because Stephen King was performing it. The story, was just, weak. Their was no terror, no comedy really, it was just like a little sketch Stephen King produced cause he had a spare 10 minutes. The effects were very good, credit where its due. Too bad the story didn't reflect it. "Something To Tide You Over" doesn't seem to be a favourite, yet I preferred this one. It had a great story, based in mostly reality, which I feel makes it more terrifying and scary, Leslie Nielson played a villainous role, which I admit was new to me and I thought was very good, and of course, the cuts as the water gradually got closer and closer just made it better. Great improvement on First story. "The Crate" was most likely the longest and their main story, and it played like it, it was definitely probably the best of the lot, I have seen similar stories before, but I still thought the execution was. there was nothing obvious about The Crate, and built up very slowly, and suddenly, out of nowhere, the Beast attacks. It is also a story of reaching your end, like The second Professor, who is so desperate to leave his wife he actually fantasises about murder, and with The Crate, gets his opportunity. Some well played performances I felt from the two main actors and the Monster looked amazing. "They're Creeping Up On You" was very interesting, I admit, I don't like bugs very often, so I didn't watch this entirely, suddenly finding reasons to flick over, or look under my duvet. Yes, I am a coward, so be it. But the images were very frightening, their would be sudden shots just of the bugs, and it was very freaky. I admit, I was expecting to find a giant bug controlled them, but for once, they didn't go that route. Nice little bit to end on. And the little intro and outro's concerned a little boy forbidden to read his favourite Comic, Creepshow. So why not get a bit of revenge with a doll? Hehe. To be honest, while not a Box Office Legend or guilty of wining Oscars, its a nice chill-out movie to relax with, recommended.
Transformers (2007)
Let me paint a scene
Its a a Saturday night, myself, 2 mates and one of mates room-mates, are sat around drinking, when the room-mate mentions he has Transformers...within minutes we are all sat down, ready to watch, all of us fans from a young age, just hoping it would at least be good, as we sat with high hopes and low expectations. 2 and a half hours later, we sat there, as the credits rolled, and looked at each other. None of us want to say anything, all to scared. Finally, I speak. "That...was....f***ing...amazing". Next thing i remember, its an hour later and we had been discussing the movie nonstop, saying how good we thought it was. There is no perfect movie, before anyone starts saying against this movie, but, I walked in, wanting a action film with good characters. The action - breathtaking, the robots are seamless in their movement and look beautiful as they do battle, as realistic as I could have ever dreamed and fit in the picture like a glove. The main characters, while their may have been too many with the army and the computers geniuses, were complimentary to the story, and the action seemed to do so well cause of the many characters, the army and Transformers, led by Optimus Prime, against the Decepticons, manned by the evil Megatron. The story, original in its depiction, is a great "MacGuffin" as Hitchcock coined it to the story, and was perfect for setting up great battles. Sam; Shia LaBeouf was amazing, plain and simple. Many action movies have to have a hero whose muscle mad or a member of MENSA. Sam, is different, he is neither, and yet better, he is a human character full of emotion and fear, and yet feels he has an obligation to help the Transformer,s this is his breakthrough role, look out for him. I don't want to give away any more, because I feel like I would be spoiling it, but, I hope this slight teaser, may be sufficient enough to convince you, this film is worth a try, and is very entertaining, just have fun it.
Father Ted (1995)
Go On Go On Go On Go On Go On
Now and again, you don't want a big sitcom with big casts, sets and story lines, like Blackadder 1 attempted, you want something simple, and nothing could be more simple than three priests, and their tea-maid, on an island, struggling through life. And with that simple start, comedic genius, as Father Ted leads Father Dougal (the simpleton) and Father Jack (pisshead) through one mishap after another. Its comedic genius is in its simplicity, a swearword, a fart, a cameo from Graham Norton or the lead of One Foot In The Grave, knowing that the Church must be cowering in horror at this make believe example of life, anything like that, just brings down the house, Its an Irish sitcom with British humour that anyone in the world can love.
Captain Planet and the Planeteers (1990)
Five Rings Of Tremendous Power
The precursor to The Power Rangers it could almost be said, this was a well-veiled attack on Environmental Damage. This was what taught most young children about the Environment, most kids remember this show, the use of a superhero and tackling obvious real problems was always a good shout to TV Execs, but this was one of the starters. Every vehicle and machines used by The Planeteers was either solar powered or other in order to not destroy Earth's economy, Captain Planet had no distinct look in terms of fashions in other countries, and the main 5 characters was well spread, helping it to become world wide popular, and delivered a great message. As Captain Planet used to say "The Power Is Yours!"
The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest (1996)
Loved that Theme Tune though...
"Computer wiz Jonny Quest and his friends battle international criminals using the resources of the Quest Foundation. Their chief weapon, and the target of many of their enemies, is the permanent, variable, sometimes unpredictable computer-generated VR domain, Questworld, which is entered using VR headsets. Inside Questworld, they must solve puzzles, locate hidden objects, battle evildoers and escape very-real danger if they are to succeed." The first real TV Show to combine children's action and a grown-up mentality and darkness and the new interesting world of Cyberspace. The series was actually quite a dark series a lot of the time, used a lot of mystery and was quite honest in its approach to death, a lot of bad guys were killed off, and while it was done off screen, the reactions of the characters who witness it left little in doubt. The show was a brutally gruesome on in that aspect. For example, For example, in the climax of one episode, one villain is killed by being impaled on the rib cage of an elephant's skeletal remains, and another has his head crushed under an elephant's foot. These are quite dark elements for a TV Show, which was what probably attracted a lot of kids to it. And also, the cyber side to it was different and interesting, it was something you hadn't seen before and made it very different for you. This was a show that was for a hardcore audience, and I for one enjoyed it.
Biker Mice from Mars (2006)
Biker Mice From Mars
Throttle, Modo and Vinie, the 3 Biker Mice From Mars, brought to Earth by the loss of their planet to the Plutarkian race, a fish like race who's usage of their planet resources have left them needing to go from planet to planet stealing new resources, similar to Galactus in the Fantastic Four. The Biker Mice From Mars battle Lawrence Limburger aka a Plutarkian, and his mad scientist Dr Karbuncle. In all honesty, my favourite bit was when he got out one of his cards, put it into his machine, and created another enemy to battle The Biker Mice From Mars, made em wish I had one a lot, lol. And also the ending was always a case of destroying the building Limburger resided in, your usual Saturday morning show, you knew most of what would happen, but you rejoiced in knowing. Great Guilty Pleasure show, hehe.
Freakazoid! (1995)
Freakazoid, Freaky-me, FREAKAZOID!
In terms of quality in execution and scripts, this was run of the mill stuff. Butr lets be honest, everyone loved this show as soon as they watched it. Basic, zany, Spielberg produced Freakazoid was just one of those shows you watched in hilarity, compete and utter rubbish and yet you loved it. And who can forget the theme tune? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEcxwMxfB3I, go on to see the theme tune in all its glory Super-teen extraordinaire Freakazoid! Freakazoid! Runs around in underwear Freakazoid! Freakazoid!
Rescues Washington D.C. Freakazoid! Freakazoid! Unless something better's on TV Freakazoid! Freakazoid!
His brain's overloading It has a chocolate coating Textbook case for Sigmund Freud Freakazoid! Freakazoid!
Check out Dexter Douglas Nerd computer ace Went surfing on the internet And was zapped to cyberspace
He turned into the Freakazoid He's strong and super-quick He drives the villains crazy 'Cause he's a lunatic
His home base is the Freakalair Freakazoid! Fricassee! Floyd the Barber cuts his hair Freakazoid! Chimpanzee!
Rides around in the Freakmobile Freakazoid! Freakazoo! Hopes to make a movie deal Freaka me! Freaka you!
He's here to save the nation So stay tuned to this station If not, we'll be unemployed Freakazoid! Freakazoid! Freakazoid!!!
Casino Royale (2006)
Its dark, gritty and original, And Brilliant
The latest James Bond movies, have been laden with technology, bad guys getting more and more ridiculous, plots more and more unbelievable. Lately, I have gone from being a fan of James Bond to being bored of it, too unbelievable, and many fans agreed. The Bourne Identity came out and was instantly loved, it was something you could believe in, no invisible cars or whatever. The producers took that on board and realised they needed a change. So what to do? You start again, get rid of your original Bond, get a younger one in, you lose the gadgets, you go back to basics, get a storyline in, and make it action packed with a dark and gritty style, you make the story about the beginning, and show the evolution of James Bond. What comes out of that? The best Bond movie in over a decade, if not in two.
Now, the movie, i admit, could have been better, but this movie, is about Daniel Craig, and how does he handle the role?? Like a duck to water. His early arrogance and cockiness in his ability to do things, and the fact hes more a thug than a renowned killer. This movie, you gradually see Daniel Craig grow as a person and an agent in standing, his natural intelligence coerces him into using his abilities more wisely, and gradually morphs into the James Bond we love.
This movie sticks closely to the book, there's many scenes lifted from the book, which makes it look good. Le Chiffre as a bad guy is an interesting one, he is more of an intellectual battle, which gives it a different look on things. The main climax is no explosions, no big fights, instead.....it's a game of poker. This is actually better as it shows its more brain over brawn, show the intelligent side to Bond. The love interest Vesper is more of a present day woman, very sure of herself, and doesn't instantly fall for the cold Bond, making their romance more believable. And I just want to give special mention to, THAT torture scene, which Bond comes through admirably, which truly shows the strength of mind and character of Bond.
Brilliant movie, get it now.
Howling VI: The Freaks (1991)
Vampires, Werewolves, and Freaks....Brilliant!
Lets get this bit out of the way. Is it a first class movie? No, far from it. Is it with great budget effects? Not brilliant, but well enough. Is there any big stars? Yeah, i think i seen that cactus in Easy Rider.
But, is it an enjoyable silly movie that you can sit down and watch for a laugh? Yes. The actors aren't brilliant, but they do their best, and the script isn't brilliant, but uses what little resources it has well. This could be a very underrated movie in all honesty, instantly condemned by people, but it ain't that bad. The fights are OK, the comedy is little but alright, the storyline works well. Its a guilty pleasure movie, easy to sit and enjoy. Enjoy!
Germany 1 England 5 (2001)
Your 1-0 Down Away to your bitter rivals who haven't lost a competitive game on home soil ever....What do you do???
You create history and score 5 goals, you get a HatTrick from one of the most natural strikers, your captain becomes a legend, your teams name goes down in history, and your manager reaches the high note of his managerial career with you. This is history being recorded as it happens, and is a brilliant DVD for all Patriotic football fans. Yeah, they played badly, but they scored 5 goals against their hated rivals, how good does it get?? The old song comes to mind. I have seen better defending, from England, not recently, granted, but they have never been as Clinical as this. This should have been the next step to the World Cup. Instead, they lose in The Quarters against Brazil, who beat....who else, Germany in the final. Oh well, we always have Munich.
"2 World Wars And One World Cup, Doo-Dahh, Doo-Dahh, 2 World Cups And One World War, And A 5-1 AWAY!!!" Lol, watch it if ya love ya footy.
300 (2006)
A new age has begun, an age of freedom. And all will know that 300 Spartans gave their last breath to defend it!!!300, *****
One of the most exhilarating films I have seen in a long time. I saw it on trailers on you-tube in January and have wanted to see it. Yesterdy I watched it. Now, lets have a look at it.
Story; Story is simple and yet brilliant, a tale of sacrifice and honour, a pure story of true greatness.Inspired, not based, on similar occurrences from an old age, this is war to the max, as overblown and cartoonish as possible, and yet brilliant.
The Scenery; we all know they used CGI, pretty obvious, hard not to notice it. Everyone has a go at it. I say, who cares???? It just gives it an interesting realism look similar to that you expect in a art-piece, and to some degrees, this is art redefined, and looks brilliant, it looks like a Dreamesque world as the Golden and Red sands and creations blow over you, pure brilliance.
Gerard Butler; Supposedly he just shouts a bit and walks around topless. The truth is, he has charisma in abundance that breaks through and has you believing in him as a KIng. He battles hard for his men, and treats them as equals, and due to this, makes him a King your willing to follow, he is the bets bit of the show.
The Queen; beautiful, and yet a true feminist, she leads the Spartan army alongside her husband and is treated as an equal to her husband in a world of men. Women are just as tough as the men, and at times, more vicious, and she demonstrates her power over the men. Good actress.
Characterisation; I wont lie, the characterisation isn't great, it ain't the main subject for the directors. But who is surprised? You learn these people as you go along, you bond with them on the battlefield and learn about them in the heat of battle, which is how this movie works. Characterisation is enough to pass-by, but your here for the battle-scenes.
Graphic Violence; The women are naked, tits are shown, and blood is a necessity. Violent? yes. Worth it? Definitely!!!!
The Battlescenes; What you came to see, and my god, ain't they worth it?? You have fights against wolves, against Rhinos and Elephants, against magicians, against Ninja types, and against monsters. Its like fighting against a real 7 Nation Army, you have different styles of mies you face on the battlefield, which makes it oh so much better. The blood flies, the dirt grains, the body parts slash and dice, this is a war, and looks f****** amazing, you have to see it to appreciate it.
If I have missed out any bits, i will come back and redo this again, so don't worry. Basically, this is the SEX, when it comes to movies, a real roller-coaster of a ride, and you will love it. Watch it and love it.
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Full Metal Jacket, fast start, slows in the middle, and cuts quickly over the finish line
Well, I seen Platoon and thought that was brilliant, and I know of the reputation of one Stanley Kubrick, and when the movie started, the Drill Instructor instantly put fear in me, and I thought he was brilliant, Leonard, AKA Gomer Pyle, i felt was really good, even Joker, at the beginning was very good. The movie does very well to start off with, the depictions of the recruits and how they develop into killers, and the suffering for Gomer Pyle, was well made, and Gomer Pyle in particularly did very well, maybe not given as much credit as deserved, to me, he was one of the two best bits, along with the Drill Instructor, the battle between these two was brilliant, and really showed the gradual mental break down of Leonard. Brilliant scenes and storyline.
And then we go to Vietnam.....downhill completely, sorry, I know loads of people love this movie, but it just grated from here on in, it got awful. Yes, its supposed to showcase both the horrors and the boredom of Vietnam, but it was still s***, sorry, it was that awful. It was saved by the Sniper incident, that saved it for me, it was good, but until then it had become shocking. And then, just as it starts getting good again.....its over. Bit of a limp over the finish line. Sorry, but this movie is overrated due to the end and beginning, the middle is awful, and if it wasn't for the middle, I would have liked it. Maybe some time in the future I will appreciate it, but it still bored the c*** out of me. Disappointed.
Death Note: Desu nôto (2006)
To Be Justice And To Rid The World Of All Evil
Absolute pure F****** brilliance. I wont lie, my knowledge of anime is not great and this is one of the few I have seen, and, embarrassingly enough, I haven't even seen Akira (please don't hurt me Anime fans). However, when I watched Death Note, I am more captivated than almost any other movie or show on lately. I got the first 4 episodes on Disc about 4 weeks ago, and now I am up to Episodes 14-16, and I am still captivated. The stories are extremely complex and multi-layered with great discusser issues to it, and great characters. Nobody ever feels safe, you honestly believe anyone of them could die at any turn, and the stories are very well paced, thought out and believable. Another great part of the series is the Music, the music works very well and gives you a early feeling of the type of show you are witnessing. Also, the animation is very top rate, it looks brilliant and is very convincing. The introduction of L, of Misa and Rem, of the Universitie episodes where Light and L meet, the whole issue of both Kira's, the story gets better and better, and each episode whets your appetite for more. It would be interesting to see how it would have been if this was a Live-Action series, but then again, don't look a gift-horse in the mouth. Truly brilliant series, and deserves recognition all over the world.
Mean Creek (2004)
A Well-Made Movie, but its worth more than that
This movie has a very simple storyline that most people have probably thought of before. If you could get revenge on the guy or girl who bullies you, would you? and if you would, what would be the consequences? This movie asks that question, and is well-made. The bully, George, seems at first just a horrible lad, a obvious bully, but what happens when you get under the surface? You meet the real George? Is all what it seems on the surface? Very good acing from George, great actor. You wouldn't expect it from "The Amanda Show" and "Drake and Josh", no offence. The victim is Sam, young lad, played by Rory Culkin, a name with history in Hollywood. Sam, is the sort of lad who is very set in his ideals, he doesn't want to be like George, he wants to be good. Buyt inside, he slightly wants to get revenge, motivated by his brother Rocky. Rocky, the type of older brother you wish you had, funny, smart and looks after you, what more could you want? Has great nice-ability, lovely actor. Then the friends roped in.... Millie, Sam's "girlfriend", who seems to like Sam but is nervous, like most 14 year old girls, she embarks on this story unknowing of what will happen, and maybe the most innocent there. Then you have Rocky's friends, the effeminate but kind Clyde, the sort of friend most people love to have, just a kind lad, who sometimes seems picked on because of his parents, the gay male couple. And finally, Marty, the bad boy, a possible cliché who is made into a 3-d character with emotions and reasoning. All of the characters are real human beings with emotions and other sides to them, which makes what happens all the more interesting...... A brilliant first-time movie by the director, and an interesting ideal behind it. If you could revenge yourself up on your bully, would you.....
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Yes, I am a Male, Yes, I saw this Movie, And Yes, I wasn't Impressed
Now, I know that anything I say here will probably be ignored as I am, shock, horror, a male, but I have enjoyed Mean Girls, and I don't mind certain chick flicks, just quite frankly, I didn't think this was any good. The comedy, r what supposedly passed for it, was worth a giggle or two, if that, it wasn't a case of "not getting it", it was just plain Shiite. The acting, from Meryl Streep, is supposed to be spellbinding, unbelievable, everything that makes the film worthwhile. If thats true, the film, is worse than I originally thought, as I didn't think she was all that special, bit over-hyped to be honest, and I thought Ane Hathaway could have been better, I preferred the Gay Assistant, he seemed to save it more for me then bloody Meryl Streep and the bitchy assistant, forgetting names, sorry, but apart from them, awful, awful.
Dog the Bounty Hunter (2003)
One hell of a cool bastard
Dog The Bounty Hunter, once an ex-convict, now a born again Christian, united with the woman he loves and his family around him, reaches out to those in need of help, whether they want it or not. He does in the guise of being payed by the Government, capturing those who need to be punished by the Law, and tries to lead to the right side, through the name of the Lord.
Sounds like something written by Sunday School? Well, no, because it is in fact the inspirational true story of Duane Chapman, and is captured in this brilliant nightly half hour TV show. The best bit of it is the humour, the down-to-Earth behaviour of Duane, AKA Dog, and his family, his mad, bad and hugely hair-domed wife, his sons and nephews and his brother, all working under the main Dog, and the showing of both their work and their home life helps them seem like real human beings, making their story all the more inspiring.
The Incredibles (2004)
Wow, really disappointed actually....
"Metroville was once flooded with superheroes saving the day. One of the greatest was Mr. Incredible, who found himself annoyed by the young chatterbox fanatic of his, Buddy Pine, who referred to himself as 'Incrediboy.' As Mr. Incredible fought crime, he met another legendary hero, Elastigirl and the two superheroes wed. shortly afterwards, a string of lawsuits banned superheroes from ever saving the day again! 15 years later, Mr. Incredible, now known as Bob Parr is itching to become a superhero again. Mrs. Incredible, or Helen Parr, is trying to persuade him not to. Their son, Dash, who has the ability to run extremely quickly, wants to try out for sports, but he can't because of his powers being revealed. Violet, the Parr's daughter, wants to be normal and fit in as a teen. And the baby, Jack-Jack is only itching for a good time. Then, Bob hears about a top secret assignment regarding a powerful machine attacking Nomanisan Island. Thinking this is his way to become a superhero again, Bob accepts and yet again becomes Mr. Incredible...however, this anonymous villain has a grudge..." Waited two years to see it, finally borrowed the Special Edition DVD from my cousins, got me Popcorn and Munchies, got me drinks, and sat down to watch it. 52 INCH SCREEN TV, huge sofa, lights off, home-made cinema, sound turned up high, and pressed play.
IT WAS S***, I was so disappointed it was unreal. I was 30 minutes in and was already checking the time, willing it to end, it was just dragging.
The problem is, i feel it could been so much better for me, but i just found it boring. And i loved Finding Nemo and Toy Story and that, so it wasn't the genre, just the movie. It was just bad, i felt. The story was interesting, the characters was interesting, Mr. Incredible seemed good, Elastigirl was very believable, The kids were actually acceptable and not grating as usual. Freezo was very cool, the few good spark for me, Samuel L. Jackson always seems to do well. Syndrome was a very believable bad guy, felt he had a good background and wasn't just the average super-villain but a kid who felt wronged, lost his Childhood Superhero and searched for an answer. Unfortunately it included murder, death and destruction. It had all this, how could it not be a classic. Unfortunately, it just didn't seem to connect and would just plod from certain scene to scene. There were some great scenes with great potential but it just didn't seem to hit the buttons, and that just leaves me very disappointed. Oh well, can always dream of what could have been.
Road House (1989)
Watch this movie with a smile on your face
If anyone out there expects a classic or a brilliant Swayze performance, wrong place, right time. This is a simple movie, performances are average with both good and bad qualities. The action is good but inexplicable. The Movie has all the ingredients for an awful spectacle. Result? The most fun and possibly ultimate Guilty Pleasure in movies. There is sex in this movie, there is violence in this movie, there is swearing in this movie. And for that we offer no apologies. This movie is a guilty pleasure and always will be, with an awful performance Swayze plays a brilliant part, with Sam Elliot as back-up providing a grizzled old know-it-all look at the proceedings, they know this ain't brilliant and they don't care. The oppositional bad guys are cartooned and funny, and for that we enjoy it. The ladies are hot, beautiful and sexually gagging for it. And for that it is brilliant.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
PURE Brilliance
A heartbreaking story fraught with Passion, Loss, A Dream, and Friendship. There's only so much i can say about a film that is loved by millions and yet misunderstood by more. It's the visual version of a musical ballad. A soft and thoughtful piece and yet created by a hard centre and churned by the brilliant hands of Frank Darabont and the great acting of both Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. A True Classic.
"Andy Dufresne, is sent to Shawshank Prison for the murder of his wife and secret lover. He is very isolated and lonely at first, but realises there is something deep inside your body, that people can't touch and get to....'HOPE'. Andy becomes friends with prison 'fixer' Red (Morgan Freeman), and Andy epitomises why it is crucial to have dreams. His spirit and determination, leads us into a world full of imagination, filled with courage and desire. Will Andy ever realise his dreams...?"
The Green Mile (1999)
"Walking My Very Own Green Mile"
A true masterclass in movie-making. Faultless acting, a running time that speeds along and a cracking story. Well-paced with enough time to make the characters 5-dimensional. No worthless characters, Tom Hanks brilliant as Paul Edgecombe, with Brutus, Harry and Dean his back-up guards all well-thought-out and researched. Percy, the weak and cowardly guard,is well acted and very good in his role. Edward Delacroiex, a evil prisoner who gets redemption with the help of his pet mouse, Mr Jingles. The Boss, Hal, and his unfortunate wife struck with a tumour add a cold touch to it and helps the movie emotionally. Wild Bill, by the end of the movie you would wish you could kill him yourself, Sam Rockwell does so well. But running several green miles ahead with a absolutely wonderful turn as John Coffey, the black monster-man with a heart of gold and the Hands Of God, brilliant stuff. Don't miss.
"Paul Edgecomb is a slightly cynical veteran prison guard on Death row in the 1930's. His faith, and sanity, deteriorated by watching men live and die, Edgecomb is about to have a complete turn around in attitude. Enter John Coffey, He's eight feet tall. He has hands the size of waffle irons. He's been accused of the murder of two children... and he's afraid to sleep in a cell without a night-light. And Edgecomb, as well as the other prison guards - Brutus, a sympathetic guard, and Percy, a stuck up, perverse, and violent person, are in for a strange experience that involves intelligent mice, brutal executions, and the revelation about Coffey's innocence and his true identity."
Stir of Echoes (1999)
Footloose and Tremors to Stir Of Echoes....
Kevon Bacon has grown up as an actor. Originally a pin-up actor more or less, with his most famous roles in Footloose and Tremors, he was looked upon fondly as a comedic role mostly. In this dark movie, he plays very much differently to his 2 previous roles, and combining that with the role in Holow Man, is now viewed in a different light. The story is well known, but the way the story is developed is different in that it uses a obscure way of providing Bacon's character the possibility of being able to see ghosts. His son, who is struck with a similar problem, is both creepy and slightly a sad sight as he will always be troubled by such things. The wife, with the smallish role that is required, keeps up the pace and doesn't let them down. The extras, who slowly rise to the foreground and become more vital to the movie as it continues, put in a worthwhile performance and add credibility. Now I eagerly await the sequel which i hope to prove not a cash-in sequel but a worthwhile sequel.
"Tom Witzky is a lineman for a utility company. He's a typical working-class guy who lives in Chicago with his pregnant wife Maggie and his son Jake. Tom likes to hang out with his friends, who include Frank McCarthy and Harry Damon. One night at a party, Tom ends up in a discussion with Maggie's sister Lisa, who believes in psychic communication and the power of hypnosis. Tom challenges Lisa to hypnotise him, and she plants in him a post-hypnotic suggestion to be more open-minded...with results that were never, ever expected. That night, he sees images of violence and the ghost of Samantha Kozac, a young woman who disappeared from the neighbourhood some time ago, and is now believed to be dead. Jake also sees Samantha's ghost, but while Jake is calm about it, Tom always seems angry that the images won't stop coming. Jake's baby-sitter Debbie Kozac is Samantha's sister, who is still distraught because of Samantha's disappearance. When Debbie discovers that Jake has been talking to Samantha's ghost, Debbie becomes frantic, and she thinks Jake may know where Samantha is. Determined to figure out what's going on, Tom begins a hunt for Samantha's body, and it's a hunt that threatens to kill Tom, Maggie, and Jake, because there is someone who does not want Samantha's body to be found."
Lord of War (2005)
I Apologize To You Nicholas
"In the 80s in Little Odessa, the Ukrainian immigrant Yuri Orlov (Nicolas Cage) decides to change his economical life and becomes an arm dealer with his brother Vitaly Orlov (Jared Leto). His business of gunrunner supplying illegal weapons in disturbed areas of the planet increases with the end of the Cold War, and Yuri bribes a Russian general to sell most of his arsenal. Meanwhile, he becomes a millionaire and uses his money to seduce the beautiful Ava Fontaine (Bridget Moynahan) and they get married, having a son. The detective Jack Valentine (Ethan Hawke) chases Yuri trying to put him in jail, but in the end he understands that Yuri is a necessary evil for the interest of his nation."
I have never been a big fan of Nicholas Cage, feeling that his performances usually hamper the movie. But for once, he makes the movie. He is the one the movie relies upon and makes it tick. His monotone voice suits it very well and the sudden energy he projects comforts the film well. The movie itself, is brilliant. It's very compelling, very addictive and very entertaining. The plot doesn't sound much but it actually works and with a good supporting cast, especially Ethan Hawke, it's a good movie for a Saturday. And the Bullet scene rocks!