IMT: Movie Reviews: March 2011

Limitless is an Action/Thriller film Directed by Neil Burger (same guy that brought us The illusionist, 2006). This film is about a writer who discovers a top-secret drug which gives him super human abilities. Its Starring Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish, Anna Friel, John Whitworth, Robert John Burke & Tomas Arana.

#FACT: This film is based on the 2001 novel The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn.

THE REVIEW:

Watching the trailer was exciting enough to get me psyched to watch this film. The plot looked fresh & fun plus the feeling of going on a journey with a man with no limits is intriguing. The front man Bradley Cooper has been a knockout in his recent performances like Hangover & A Team so I was not expecting any less.

Everything I expected this film is to be is exactly what it was – Top End Entertainment. The moment it started I was engaged till the end. This had a original story feel to it and, it doesn’t go too deep that you gets lost in questions like how’s this drug even possible. It even tries to makes you believe the story is real. It doesn’t even beat around the bush it just goes straight to the good stuff. Our main character Eddie starts off as a writer who then goes into other business areas but the longer he was taking these pills for the bigger his problems became. We go into a world of super intelligence that you won’t want to come out of. The longer it went on for the more interesting it became. I for one wouldn’t mind a part 2.

This film manages to mix in a few genres that kept on surprising. I just didn’t know what else they could throw in. The effects used merge into this film perfectly because they found a way to show us what the main character was feeling and how it was happening to him. It didn’t get in the way it just looked really cool.

From the good guys to the bad ones, everybody acted superbly in their roles. Bradley Cooper does a sensational job as Eddie Morra. His character transforms in a blink of an eye (literally) and he becomes this superhuman that was just awesome to watch. This is a journey of self-discovery that just has to be seen (Makes you imagine what super YOU could be like). I liked Robert De Niro character Carl Van Loon, he played this intimidating straight talking businessman who role was taken seriously. Abbie Cornish stars as Eddies Girlfriend Lindy, she also does a great job on screen. I liked it when her character was backed up against the corner and had only one choice. Anna Friel plays Melissa, her character brought a sense of realness to this storyline. She was an aftermath that we didn’t know about and was surprising to see.

#FACT: Shia LaBeouf was supposed to star as Eddie Morra but had to give away his role due to a car accident where he injured his arm.

MY STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5: 4.5

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The scene where Lindy is being chased at the ice rink & what she does to escape.

(if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to share with us in the comments)

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Friday 25 March 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: THE EAGLE (12A)

"INTERESTING ADVENTURE"

The Eagle is a Historical Adventure Drama Directed by Kevin Macdonald (same guy that brought us The Last King of Scotland, 2006). This film is about a young Roman who goes in search of the lost Roman Eagle Emblem in a bid to honour his father’s memories. Its Starring Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland, Mark Strong, Tahar Rahim, Denis O’Hare & Douglas Hensball.

#FACT: Jeremy Brock adapted the screenplay from an historical novel called The Eagle of the Ninth (1954)

THE REVIEW:

From the trailer (and title) I knew what I was going to get with this film. A historical story about a son’s quest to honour his father’s name. It looked exciting so I had to watch it. It’s been a while since I saw Romans in a battle looking fearless as ever with formations I have never seen before. People who like historical films will like this one.

The director tried his best with the dialogue as the storyline started off strong but then in the middle it had that ‘all over the place’ feeling. I think it’s because it takes a turn that they didn’t build up enough for it to have a big enough impact. I had to concentrate to get to the good parts (took long but we got there). i found some parts boring (I was drifting in and out) when watching. I must add that the fight scenes were quite entertaining to watch, the brutal ways of charging, swinging and stabbing swords at any angles was quite thrilling to watch.

The best bits of this is in the last 30 minutes of the film, that’s when everything had been set in stone and I knew who was on what side. It became much more exciting because of the cat and mouse chase scene. It’s got a predictable ending but the cinematography and characters relationship makes up for that.

It’s always good to see an actor in a completely different scenery. Channing Tatum takes on the role of Marcus Aquila and he does a very masculine job. He was a very believable roman because of the passion in his heart when he spoke. He had the leadership presence that his role needed. (Even with that American voice) He takes on a lot of enemies for the sake of what he believes in. Jamie Bell plays Esca a slave to Marcus. I really liked his character, his distinctive voice makes him such a different actor, he wasn’t bigger than his master but in some scenes he was a much stronger person. The two lead roles do their best in keeping the film afloat. Donald Sutherland was a good character also, he plays Aquila’s Uncle.

#Overall: Good Entertainment.

MY STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5: 3.5

FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The last 30 minutes.

(if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to tell us in the comments)

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Wednesday 23 March 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: FASTER (15)

“EVEN FASTER PLEASE”

Faster is an Action Crime & Drama film Directed by George Tillman Jr. (same guy that brought us Barbershop & Notorious). This film is about an ex con who comes out of prison and goes on a murdering spree to avenge his brother’s death after being double crossed during a heist years ago. It’s starring Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino, Moon Bloodgood, Oliver Jackson-Cohen & Maggie Grace.

#FACT: The Director has never made a film in this Genre before.

THE REVIEW:

This is another film that had the potential of being even greater than it already was but then gets let down by the muddled up screen play & faint dialogue. The script itself is very well thought out it just gets a little complicated near to the end. The best thing about it was the twist of whoddunit.

My first complaint: This is meant to be an action film so whys there not much physical action going on? Shooting guns & car chases are not enough to carry a film like this. The scenes where I expected a blowout fight scene I got like 10% of that. (Put down the guns and use your fists, break something without using bullets, for once).

Dwayne Johnson takes lead role and captures the role of the “Driver” very well. He was cooking something dark when he put this one together (looks like he’s left the Disney films for a while). Many ex wrestler have tried their hand in acting but don’t do very well, The Rock however is an exception. (If you smell… ok I won’t do it lol) He looks like a killing machine with that mean looking handgun. His emotions displayed are heartfelt and believable I could tell he put a lot into this character. Haven’t praised him I must complain when I say… We can all see he’s extremely fit with his physique so, why does he walk around in the film looking like a human robot. To put it plain and simple he just wasn’t physical enough. (Did he forget he used to be a wrestler?) I remember Dwayne Johnson in Walking Tall, 2004. I think that was one his best films because it showed his all-round abilities of being an action man. I didn’t like the character of the “Killer” (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) he just wasn’t right for the job. He should have been playing someone’s sidekick. He’s an average actor. The “Cop” (Billy Bob Thornton) does a great job as a man of the law. He was great to watch on screen.

#Overall: Good Story with Teasing Entertainment.

MY STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5: 3

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The scene where the Driver gets to the Church to go and see the Priest.

(If you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to tell us in the comments)

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Sunday 20 March 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: ANUVAHOOD (15)

"HILARIOUS"

Anuvahood is an Urban Comedy film Directed by Adam Deacon. <-- (His First Full Length Film) This film is about a boy named Kenneth (call him ‘K’) Fletcher. He has just left his job and now wants to be a respected gangster & rapper, soon he realises that he’s just another wannabe bad boy… Basically a Wasteman. It’s starring Adam Deacon, Femi Oyeniran, Jazzie Zonzolo, Ollie Barbieri, Richie Campbell, Michael Vu, Will Johnson, Ashley Walters, Paul Kaye, Eddie Kadi, Richard Blackwood & Jocelyn Jee Esien.

THE REVIEW:

From the title “Anuvahood” (meaning Another Hood) don’t go thinking that is going to be like Kidulthood or Adulthood. I thought this was going to be a parody but it’s nothing like that, it’s a funny comedy that does its job to entertain and it doesn’t take itself too seriously (and neither should you). All the actors/actresses did their best to bring the audience to laughter and a good job I think they did (lots of LOL moments). As this is Mr Deacon’s first film he’s directing and acting I will happily give him a B+ for effort. This film does resemble the one of ‘Friday’ (ice cube film) because I have seen storylines like this before. Anuvahood is just the UK having a go at something similar.

The humour been displayed is wild and exciting every opportunity they had to throw in something remotely funny they did. Every new character comes with their own aura that added to the comedy. Even the serious scenes had a way of keeping it light & not too heavy.The slang (lots of it), dress code, music and cinematography all fits in well together, it’s really London like but the problem with that is it’s going to feel like it was made for a specific target audience. Some people from other parts of the country/world may not understand it (hopefully they will).

Adam Deacon does brilliantly as K, he was a believable actor who life on the estate went from bad to worse. He was able to make the audience laugh and be on his side at the same time. His bestfriend TJ (Zonzolo) does his best to make us laugh but had the over the top sort of feeling in some scenes. You have to keep watching to understand Tyrone’s (Campbell) funniness, he is loud, fast talking & in your face at first but then when he gets in his strides he was pure comedy to watch. Bookie (Oyeniran) was also an enjoyable character to watch, all you needed from him was a barrel of assault at K to make you laugh. I for one was not buying Enrique's (Barbieri) accent. I didn’t like his character, it seemed forced (this not the JJ I know from Skins). The rest of the cast do an applausable job on screen. #GoodPerformances

#CameoAppearances: Lethal Bizzle, Giggs & Mz Bratt + More

#Overall: Barrel Of Laughs (Support UK Films & Go Watch It)

MY STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5: 4

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The scene where K comes out of Tyrone's block and gets approached by a gang who don't recognise him until he says 'allow me'.

(if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to tell us in the comments)

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Wednesday 16 March 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: FAIR GAME (12A)

The Real Valerie Plame

"FACT & FICTION"

Fair Game is a Drama Thriller Directed by Doug Liman. (Same guy that brought us Jumper, 2008 & Mr & Mrs Smith, 2005) This film is about a CIA operative Valerie Plame who discovers her identity has been leaked as payback for an op-ed article her husband wrote criticizing the Bush admistration. Its Starring Naomi Watts, Sean Penn, Ty Burrell, Michael Kelly, Khaled El Nabawy, Sam Shepard, Bruce McGill & Brooke Smith.

THE REVIEW:

This film will do well in other countries that do not know the real story and want to be educated and also people that didn’t read any of Valerie Plame’s books. The Americans who know about this will not want to relive the events that turned their once great country into a sour toned one.

Personally I think the director done a superb job putting this film together, it’s a good piece of filmmaking. However it will only fascinate people who are interested in knowing how power was used and abused by the White House. For most of this film it’s all one level, I’m used to seeing stuff that start slow then pick up speed. I think because it was all one level it helped with me concentrate more on the storyline, it’s a little complicated. The target audience is not for anyone under the age of 16, I don’t think it will interest anyone younger. It’s a powerful film that exploits the facts and fiction of a true story.

The best thing about this was the two lead roles. Naomi Watts plays Valerie Plame extraordinary well. She was a very strong and character who did her best to the end. (Well done to the casting team because the character actually looks like Valerie the real person herself) I didn’t know much about her to start with but by the end I was routing in her corner. Sean Penn does a great job as Joe Wilson, he also pulls of a great performance. His on screen relationship with Plame was very believable and they held the drama together perfectly. The cast as a whole was very convincing and strong.

#Overall: Educational.

MY STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5: 2

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The scene where Plame (Watts) & Wilson (Penn) are arguing about going public and fighting the White House head on. The argument gets heated and they start shouting at each other and Wilson says he can’t be right just because his voice is louder.

(if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to tell us in the comments)

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Sunday 13 March 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: BATTLE: LOS ANGELES (12A)

"100% EXPLOSIVE ACTION"

Battle: Los Angeles (also known as Battle: LA) is an action science fiction film by Jonathan Liebesman. (Same guy that brought us The Ring & The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) This film is set in modern day Los Angeles’s and follows a platoon of U.S Marines as they battle through a global alien invasion. Its Starring Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Michael Pena, Ne-Yo & Bridget Moynahan.

#Fact: This film is inspired by a supposed World War II air raid of a city that turned out to be a false alarm caused by unidentified objects.

THE REVIEW:

What a Large Scale War Production this film is. The moment the film started I knew it would blow me away and right I was, it captured my attention from the start to finish. The director takes you on an epic adventure with the platoon U.S Marines of Man Vs. Machine. Add the concept of Independence Day, a triple dose of the intensity in The Hurt Locker & some aliens that run on water you would have this film. (also reminded me of Call of Duty). Every explosion, gunshot & missile launch was breath-taking to watch. The entertainment level was over the roof that I didn’t want it to end, watching this made me feel like i was there with them fighting this war against the aliens. It’s exactly why people go cinema isn’t it? To be able to feel the action in their cinema seats.

The production as a whole was realistic to an extent but I think they should have shown what other marines & pilots did to help in the fight, it was too closed off. The amount of fire power the aliens are discharging per minute was way too much for anyone to survive. The cinematography was at its peak because of how the cities being blown up are showed. The CGI was done perfectly to show how serious the matter was. The aliens looked as scary & deadly as they could make it.

Hats off to Aaron Eckhart (Staff Sergent Michael Nantz) He leads the platoon through the biggest fight of their lives. His performance as a Sergent as outstanding. He handles every scene perfectly whether it was shooting aliens or giving bonding speeches. It was good to see so many great actors/actresses in this film, everyone pull off great performances.

#Overall: Full On Entertainment.

MY STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5: 4.7

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The scene where Staff Sergent Michael Nants (Eckhart) goes to distract the drone by running to the petrol station with the radio. #SomeJohnWayneShit

(if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to tell us in the comments)

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