Reviews

The third Instalment in the lucrative Iron Man franchise pits the cocky hero against an elusive terrorist wrecking havoc in the United States through untraceable means. The battle becomes personal when Iron Man calls out the Mandarin and sets himself up as a target.

Taking the helm from Jon Favreau, Director Shane Black steps in to some big shoes as he directs an already all star cast in addition to Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce and Rebecca Hall. Fortunately he doesn't disappoint as this summer blockbuster checks all the boxes leaving you entertained while you munch away on your popcorn.

Robert Downey Jr is in top form and Paltrow adds to the eye-candy quota as does Rebecca Hall even if her character is a little weak. Pearce and Kingsley shine while Don Cheadle has more of a cameo. All in all, the stars do what they're paid to do and do it well.

Full of both action, effects, explosions and laughs, Iron Man 3 is one you're sure to enjoy. Make sure you wait till after the credits are over!

A father and son with a strained relationship crash land on a long abandoned earth, now home to evolutionary beasts that tower above man on the food chain. In order to survive and save his wounded father, the Son must face his demons and battle the terrain and the terror it houses.

Director, M. Night Shyamalan enjoyed early success with hits such as The Sixth Sense and Signs however has failed to achieve such heights since. In After Earth, a sci-fi big budget feature with one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Will Smith as top billing, Shyamalan has everything in his favour.

The cinematography and scenery are fantastic as can be expected with a film this size however that's where the good pretty much ends. Will Smith is limited in his role while son, Jaden is unfortunately out of his depth. The story is clichéd and predictable and even the special effects can't save After Earth.

What seems to be a launch pad for Jaden Smith, who needs time to mature, turns out to be a dull and forgettable film leaving M.Night Shyamlan still searching to try and recreate the magic and success of The Sixth Sense.

After Earth is one to miss.

Based on actual events, an Alaskan State Trooper tracks down a serial rapist and murder, Robert Hansen who manages to avoid justice for over a decade.

With Nicholas Cage, John Cusack and Vanessa Hudgens, Director Scott Walker has a heavy weight line up to help bring the events to life. While the wintry backdrop and cinematography illustrate a chilling environment, the story somewhat lacks bite. Oscar winner, Cage delivers an acceptable performance while Cusack, who dons the more challenging serial killer hat, makes an admirable effort. The standout performance is of Vanessa Hudgens who portrays a teenage prostitute that managed to escape Hansen's clutches.

The Frozen Ground is an interesting film and worth watching if you're in the mood for a thrilling bio-drama however it won't win any awards and certainly won't be a part of your 'must see' collection.

In 2010 when Vampires were the trend and with that followed an overwhelming number of shows about the subject matter, AMC rolled the dice and gambled with 6 episodes on a show about a Zombie Apocalypse. The gamble failed in that they ONLY commissioned 6 episodes. Viewers were salivating for more as they killed time waiting for the second season rolled around with more than double the episodes of the first season.

Creator Frank Darabont, the man who directed The Green Mile and Shawshank Redemption, recognised a void which, let's be fair, all Zombie fans could see and filled it.

The Walking Dead follows Sheriff Rick Grimes who after waking up in a hospital to a Zombie Apocalypse sets off to find his family. Seamlessly combining dramatic storytelling which keeps you glued along with terror that keeps you at the edge of your seat, The Walking Dead has catapulted itself to one of the best shows on TV currently. With the 4th Season about to debut, The Walking Dead is an unstoppable locomotive of the undead that can not be missed!

I can't help but envy those that have yet to start watching the show.

Hell on Wheels follows Cullen Bohannan who on his quest for vengeance for his murdered wife finds himself amidst the construction of the transcontinental railroad and the Hell which accompanies it. Finding his place amidst a time full of whores, liquor, corruption and drama, Bohannan walks a tightrope between survival and being at the helm of a revolution.

Set in the Old West, AMC delivers an unsuspecting winner which is propelled to 'Must See' status by the stellar performances of its little known cast led by Anson Mount. Three seasons in there is no arguing that the role of Bohannan was tailor-made for Mount or vice versa; there is no denying he was born to be a cowboy! Supporting Mount are the surprising performances of the rapper, Common along with the recognisable Colm Meaney and Christopher Heyerdahl.

Creators Joe and Tony Gayton have filled a void left since the final episode of Deadwood and staked their claim on the Old West territory. With the ensemble they've put together and their outstanding performance, it would be safe to assume this is their niche for as long as they want it.

With enough drama, action and grit to satisfy any viewers appetite, Hell On Wheels is a show that sneaks in under the radar and grabs the one of the coveted 'Must See TV' slots.

It was over a decade ago when Michael J. Fox stepped away from headlining Spin City and entertainment in general. Sure he had stints in shows such as Scrubs and Boston Legal but it wasn't till 2013 when he took the lead and starred in his own Michael J. Fox Show.

The comedy based on his life documents the family life and comeback of a news presenter who stepped away owing to Parkinsons Disease. Fox doesn't shy away from his affliction and instead highlights it by mocking it happily. It's like a fat kid telling fat jokes and you have to think it's acceptable if he/she does it because, well they're fat.

Wendell Pierce flexes his comedic muscle (the guy is everywhere!) and shares an enjoyable chemistry with Fox while Betsy Brandt compliments him as he's lovable and laid back wife.

in 1982 the family comedy, Family Ties is what gave Fox his big break and it's poetic that it's the same genre that's brought him back. It's not the funniest show out there but it is more entertaining and funnier than most and to be honest, with Michael J. Fox back on our screens, the land of television and entertainment are better for it. The Michael J. Fox show is a comedy enjoyable for the entire family.

Forced underground owing to the next ice age, a community tries to survive nature until a savage force gets the colony in it's sights!

Who doesn't like a Post Apocalyptic film, really? Throw in the timeless Lawrence Fishburne, the man would give credibility to a soiled diaper and the versatile veteran, Bill Paxton and the only thing missing is the popcorn! Fishburne and Paxton are flawless in portraying their characters in what can only be described as a launch pad for young and adequate, Kevin Zegers.

Director, Jeff Renfroe has been more involved with TV and although The Colony isn't a bad effort, it lacks that 'gripping' factor. Once the credits role you can't help but shrug and feel let down since the plot had so much potential. It's not a, bad film, it's more of a 'not bad' film. Something to consider watching on DVD if you've run out of choice.

Out of pocket to the wrong people, a young man hatches a plan to obtain a fat payday and recruits his simple father as an accomplice. The success however hinges on the services of a part-time hit-man unwilling to bend the rules until something catches his fancy.

Matthew McConaughey sheds his Rom-Com cloak in exchange for the Cowboy hat of a killer with a sadistically creepy streak. Emile Hirsch and Thomas Haden Church share a great chemistry as father and son while Gina Gershon delivers a notable performance. However it's the young, Juno Temple as sister, Dottie who leaves a memorable stamp in Killer Joe.

Director, William Friedkin the man behind The Exorcist captivates you from the opening scene in this bold and dark thriller while writer, Tracy Letts delivers an original story woven with laughs, chilling dialogue and iconically memorable scenes (trust me, you'll know it when you get to it).

Stellar performances, especially by McConaughey, complimented by a great script and eclectic direction will leave you glued and yearning to uncover how the increasingly tension filled drama will ultimately unfold.

Killer Joe is an unmissable, instant cult classic!

A documentary-styled feature follows two LAPD officers as they proudly patrol the violent streets of urban Los Angeles. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena are partners who share a bond as friends and professionals. As the documentary flows, you're drawn in to their convincing bro-mance and find yourself fond of their relationship and the banter that goes along with it. Woven in are a range of gritty and realistic incidents of criminal activity where the partners perform their civic duty leaving them stumbling in to the cross-hairs of a lethal cartel.

Gyllenhaal and Pena are outstanding in their portrayal as they deliver a truly believable performance while the supporting cast serve their parts adequately. As the viewer you're gradually lulled in to their lives and almost feel a part of it.

End of Watch delves in to a genre with numerous clichéd pitfalls from becoming yet another hand-held movie to a predictable cop story. David Ayer, a veteran of the gritty cop genre with his hand in films like Training Day and Street Kings, navigates his way around the land-mines and delivers a thrilling and original drama that keeps you interested in it's originality, reality and the all around performance of the characters. End of Watch is definitely worth a watch.

An ex United Nations Investigator is forced to help identify the origin of a virus that envelopes the world transforming the living in to Zombies. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance as he scours the planet trying to stay alive and keep his family safe.

Director Marc Forster, the man behind Quantum of Solace, takes on the daunting task of transforming Max Brooks' novel on to the big screen and does so handsomely. Forster seamlessly ties in the grand locations and manic pace with the intensity of the film leaving the audience at the edge of their seat for the most part. In spite of having a good idea of the outcome, you still find yourself rooting for Pitt's character.

Although the visuals is the real star of the film, Brad Pitt performs expectedly well while his wife, Mireille Enos from The Killing and Big Love fame, plays her role adequately.

Although not an epic and a tad predictable, World War Z is definitely an entertaining blockbuster that ranks among one of the better Zombie films. This is undoubtedly one to watch and enjoy!

A Mother and Daughter move in to a small town and rent a house down the street from the Jacobson home, the site of a double murder four years prior. A brain-damaged daughter murders her parents and vanishes in the woods leaving the house to the sole living heir, the son Ryan. The town loathes the Jacobson property while the young new neighbour, played by Jennifer Lawrence, befriends the loner son only to uncover a dark truth.

Elisabeth Shue and Lawrence headline Mark Tonderai's suspense thriller, which aims to keep you at the edge of your seat before making you jump out of them. Unfortunately it comes off as a little clichéd for the most part and outside of Shue and Lawrence, portions of the acting and dialogue are sub par. Yes, there is a twist which helps give the movie some credibility but then the twists become a little sudden and silly. Unfortunately there isn't enough to make it a stand out thriller and House at the end of the Street is a mid-list DVD watch at best.

An alcoholic and drug-abusing pilot on a routine flight, pulls of a miraculous stunt and saves his passengers. Dubbed a Hero, Captain Whitaker struggles to contain his addictive behaviour during the course of the investigation. The powers that be try to contain his volatile habit as they work to put the matter to rest but have an uphill battle as the self-serving Whitaker battles his own demons.

Denzel Washington portrays a broken pilot masterfully and is rewarded with a deserving Oscar nod. Meanwhile the supporting cast including Don Cheadle, John Goodman and Bruce Greenwood play their roles well. Denzel's love interest, an equally damaged Kelly Reilly, does her job but her character isn't really developed enough.

A character driven piece, Flight's pace slows down rapidly after an adrenaline driven and breathtaking start. At times, it get's a little too slow and the mind of the audience may begin to wander. Denzel and the supporting cast are stellar but Robert Zemeckis' movie on a whole lacks teeth somewhat. It's an intense drama which is worth a watch, but outside of Washington, there really isn't anything Oscar worthy about Flight.

Based on a true story that transpired during the 1979 revolution in Iran, Argo tells the tale of a CIA mission to extract 6 Americans under the rouse of a film crew. Donning the hat of the lead and director, Ben Affleck unravels the story brilliantly keeping the audience chucking and at the edge of their seat simultaneously. The large and recognisable cast from John Goodman and Alan Arkin to Bryan Cranston, play their roles perfectly well and keep you glued to the screen.

Even though you may know how the story ends, you'll still find your palms sweating as you forget to breathe while rooting for the underdogs. The Argo team must also be commended for visually recreating the 70s/80s to give the audience a certain authenticity.

When Ben Affleck burst on the scene with the Oscar winning screenplay of Good Will Hunting, he was billed as one of the next rising stars with an abundance or promise. However Hollywood is a fickle wench where you're only as good as your last movie and after a few bad choices such as Jersey Girl and the unpronounceable, Gigli, Affleck's star dimmed considerably. It was a credible performance in Hollywoodland along with his writing/directing prowess in The Town that firmly stamped his mark in the industry. With Argo, he simply cemented that stamp. This is definitely one to watch.

Jeremy Renner has shot to stardom by inking himself to an array of successful franchises from, Mission Impossible to the Avengers. The Bourne series is yet another feather in his fluttering hat. Renner plays an operative who is supposed to be terminated along with the others as a result of the whole Jason Bourne fiasco. Renner however doesn't abide and with the help of Rachel Weisz, a doctor, he sets off on a personal mission to obtain the drugs to prevent a critical withdrawal.

With a heavyweight cast, which includes Ed Norton, Scott Glenn and Stacy Keach, The Bourne Legacy is equipped with all the tools it needs to add to the high octane Bourne Legacy, no pun intended. The story unwinds parallel to the Jason Bourne saga, which is clever and enjoyable for hardcore Bourne fans. There are the expected jaw dropping stunts, fights and chases to satisfy the action junkie in all of us. The story is also more of a stand-alone rather than an open-ended one meaning it's nicely tied up in a ribbon for viewers without the expectation for a sequel. Renner plays his role well but somewhat pales in comparison to Matt Damon and while director, Tony Gilroy certainly does justice to the franchise, The Bourne Legacy is more of a deserving sidekick to the original trilogy.

Action and Bourne fans alike should enjoy Legacy provided they don't go in expecting Jason Bourne.

Although I respect his talent and originality, I've never really been a hardcore fan of Quentin Tarantino's work. As a result, I wasn't racing to the cinema once Django Unchained was released, in spite of the stellar cast and captivating trailer. When the film started, I was expecting the typical tale of vengeance portrayed in uber violent Tarantino fashion and isn't that part of the reason so many are drawn to his work? (So why chastise the man for it?)

Django Unchained is a story where a chance meeting leads to the emancipation of a slave, played by Jamie Foxx, only to see Django transform in to a skilled bounty hunter. An agreement between the mentor, Christoph Waltz, and protégé is struck which culminates in the partners rescuing Django's slave wife.

The twist about Django is, I quite enjoyed it and would argue that it's perhaps Tarantino's finest work to date! Firstly, the unexpected cameos like Don Johnson and Jonah Hill were a pleasant surprise as was the simplistic yet very amusing dialogue. When you're not chuckling at the banter, you'll be drawn in by the captivatingly raw emotion that Tarantino encapsulates perfectly. Yes, there is exceptional violence but it's about appreciating the vision rather than judging it.

One can't attribute the success of Django solely to Tarantino's talent, as it wouldn't be as entertaining without equally riveting performances from the lead characters as well as Leonardo DiCaprio. However, there is one character that stands out above the rest and that is Samuel L. Jackson's portrayal of Stephen. If you're a fan of The Boondocks, where Jackson also guest stars, Stephen is as close as you'll get to a cross between Uncle Ruckus and Stinkmeaner and the end result is absolutely hilarity!

In an industry where films are continually becoming predictable, Tarantino shares an entertaining tale with twists, turns, humour, action, drama and that fading facet, originality. With intense direction and clever writing which is complimented by outstanding performances, Django Unchaiend is one unmissable feature.

Django Unchained is definitely one to watch on the big screen!

The Campaign pits two comedic powerhouses in Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis against one another in a political satire. Ferrell is a congressman who has won his seat without contest for years until the large corporations bring in Galifianakis to replace him and to do their bidding.

Director Jay Roach, who has delivered blockbusters like Meet The Fockers and Austin Powers, isn't bringing us something original as one is able to deduce where The Campaign is heading. That said, with two stars at the top of their game, the jokes come fast and thick!

Audiences will forgive the predictability as they chuckle along wholeheartedly and walk away more than satisfied as Ferrell and Galifianakis deliver brilliantly. The Campaign is one to enjoy.

Directed by Pete Travis, Dredd is the second attempt to transfer the cult comic hero to the big screen. In 1995, Sylvester Stallone donned the mantle of the wide jawed crime fighter however, even with the star power, the movie bombed. The 2012 rendition, which was in 3D had a steep hill to climb if it hoped to get out from under the debacle of it's 1995 relative.

Dredd and a Mutant Rookie with psychic abilities end up in the Peach Trees Mega Block on a triple homicide call. In apprehending the perpetrators the Judges inadvertently arrest a high ranking lieutenant of the drug cartel. Fearing he would divulge the cartel's secrets, the Mega Block is locked down as the two Judges become targets that can't be allowed to leave at any cost.

Karl Urban doesn't have the clout of the veteran, Stallone but he does play the role of the Judge perfectly well. In fact, there are no standouts in the cast as they all perform their roles flawlessly. The clever thing about Dredd is that it doesn't try to be too clever! It tells a story that is filled with action and complimented by well-portrayed characters. There is also some great cinematography, which would've made Dredd one of the few movies worth watching in 3D!

Unfortunately Dredd couldn't get out from the 1995 disaster as it bombed at the box office in spite of the positive reviews. It's a shame because Urban and team could've had an unexpected franchise comparable to Guillermo Del Toro's Hellboy. Dredd is definitely worth a watch.

Based on the novel, The Wettest County by Matt Bondurant, Lawless is a story that takes place during the Depression-era when prohibition is in effect and moonshine is a profitable business. The Bondurant brothers, played by Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf and Jason Clarke are bootleggers shrouded in myth. LaBeouf, the youngest tries to fit in with his hardened brothers while the corrupt law attempts to tighten its noose on Franklin County. Guy Pearce, a ruthless deputy, is the henchman sent to enforce the crooked law.

With a heavy weight cast that also includes Gary Oldman, and a great story, Director John Hillcoat had all the ingredients for a runaway hit. Hardy is arguably the future of Cinema and with Gary Oldman, a performer who melds in to the characters he's portraying, you know you're going to experience acting brilliance. Sadly, Oldman's part is practically a cameo while Hardy, who is generally superb, is hard to comprehend at times owing to his mumbling of the dialogue. Guy Pearce has come a long way from his Australian soap days and has established himself as a diverse actor. In Lawless, Pearce wears the mask of a villain convincingly while LaBeouf delivers a decent performance.

Hillcoat produces a slow paced and gritty film that gradually builds to a climax however one can't help but feel that there could've been more. Arguably, Lawless is more about the characters and Hillcoat was trying to keep it as realistic as possible but still, there was a longing for more. Perhaps it was the expectations that were unrealistic? Either way, Lawless is certainly worth a watch.

Driven by separate motivations, a mentor and her protégé take time out of their teaching schedule to expose fraudulent psychics and oracles. Suddenly a renowned clairvoyant resurfaces decades after his retirement compelling the protégé to uncover the truth about the man of the hour.

Robert De Niro, Sigourney Weaver and Cillian Murphy headline this suspense thriller and each delivers a strong performance especially Murphy as the protégé. De Niro is a class above the rest and is engaging as the resurgent psychic, Simon Silver while Weaver is solid.

Rodrigo Cortés' Red Lights keeps audiences glued throughout the film especially when some of the tricks of the psychic trade are revealed The intense build is gradual and consistent till the final climax where all is discovered only, it's a little bit of a let down. For a film that grips you as well as Red Lights did, you walk away slightly underwhelmed and a tad disappointed with the outcome. I'm not saying it's a bad movie but it's one of those movies that simply doesn't close adequately enough in my opinion. If you're looking for a decent suspense thriller, I wouldn't pass this up as it does the trick but it just wont win any awards.

A small , unsuspecting Bay side town is suddenly exposed to a rapidly spreading epidemic that begins to eat the residents alive. As the authorities struggle to comprehend what is actually transpiring, the population quickly dwindles.

Director Barry Levinson, the man behind gems like Sleepers and Wag the Dog, brings a pseudo documentary supported by an army of camcorders to do his bidding. WIth the success of pioneers such as The Blair Witch Project and Open Water, Hollywood has seen an onslaught of camcorder features, most of which fail to raise an eyebrow. Although not terrible, The Bay isn't exactly great. It's a commendable effort with a jolt or two in place but the performances are average and there really isn't anything to set this apart from any other low-budget feature. It's a shame considering Levinson has been behind some brilliant features but in this case The Bay is mediocre at best.

You aren't missing anything by giving this one a miss.

On vacation at an exotic resort in Thailand, a family of 5 are torn apart by a large tsunami that rips the island apart. The mother, played by Naomi Watts and oldest of the three sons do their best to survive while the father, played by Ewan McGregor, juggles between the safety of his two boys and the search for his wife and missing son.

Director Juan Antonio Bayona vividly shares the shocking and yet, miraculous story of the Alvarez family. The cinematography when the tsunami sweeps in is nothing short of stunning and captivating. A glimpse of the sheer force and destruction behind this natural disaster will undoubtedly leave you breathless. Watts delivers a strong performance as does McGregor but the stand out here, besides the cinematography, is the brilliant and mature portrayal of the oldest son by young, Tom Holland.

An emotional tearjerker, The Impossible is a brilliant film, which will have you glued to the screen as you root against the odds while simultaneously fearing the worst. The fact that it's based on a true story is a testament of the human spirit and the bond of a family.

The Impossible is definitely one to watch.

It's not often you find a blockbuster without any star-power in its ranks unless it's some sort of epic disaster movie which Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (ALVH) isn't. With a rather eccentric concept where the 16th President of the United States is an undercover hunter of vampires, Timur Berkmambetov manages to deliver an action packed feature with some stunning cinematography.

While munching on their popcorn, audiences won't be inundated with simple action as writer Seth Grahame-Smith has blended in Lincoln's milestone moments in to the tapestry of the film.

ALVH doesn't claim to be a profound movie but it does deliver as an action-packed, popcorn- munching entertainer and would be worth watching on the big screen let alone at home.

I knew very little about the original or the remake and expected a clichéd flick where a kid spends the entire movie trying to convince his family that the neighbor is a vampire. Surprisingly, it was anything but predictable! It was as if Director, Craig Gillespie and writers, Marti Noxon and Tom Holland, threw convention out the window and made a movie to truly entertain!

With a string of lack luster movies, this seemed perfect film for Colin Farrell to illustrate his range, make his mark and climb back up to the 'A' list. Fortunately, he didn't disappoint and managed to compliment the quick and witty script exceptionally well. Anton Yelchin, Toni Collette and David Tennant round out the recognizable cast and each plays their role quite well.

Fright Night is truly a pleasant surprise and Gillespie does a fantastic job of captivating and surprising the viewer. Even the end credits, which run against Hugo's rendition of '99 Problems,' are entertaining! How often can you say that?

When I finally decided to watch Drew Goddard's 'The Cabin in the Woods' I expected the clichéd tale of a group of youngsters vacationing in the woods only to be hunted by some psychopath or demonic creature. The truth is I was half right and half wrong, and boy was that wrong, really wrong!

Chris Hemsworth is the big draw here and although his role was nothing Thor like, he does plays the big jock adequately. The other characters serve their purpose well while conspiracy theorist and stoner, Fran Kranz, is the stand out performer here. Veteran Bradley Whitford has to get a mention too, as you can't help but like his sadistically kooky character.

As the end credits role, you may find yourself impressed with how the creators took an old, run down plot and flipped the script before remixing it Diddy style! Then, you'll begin to wonder if there's a sequel in the works as all you want is more!

All in all, writers Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard have done a fantastic job in seamlessly weaving horror and comedy together and creating a refreshing popcorn flick that will make you chuckle before shrieking in horror! Definitely worth a watch!