Thursday 23 August 2012

MOVIE REVIEW: THE EXPENDABLES 2 (15)


"BETTER SECOND TIME ROUND"
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The Expendables 2 is an action film Directed by Simon West (same guy that brought us Black Hawk Down & Con Air). The gang is back but all is not well when one of the pack is killed in what should have been an easy job. Their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat. Its Stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nan Yu, Terry Crews, Randy Couture & Liam Hemsworth.
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#FilmFact: Arnold Schwarzenegger shot his role in 5 days, one week prior to beginning work on The Last Stand.
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#FilmFact: A Stuntman died and another was left in a critical condition while filming an action scene for the movie in Bulgaria, that included an explosion on a rubber boat.
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THE REVIEW:
Remember what a mess the first Expendables was back in 2010? Well here is the sequel that's much better in every sense of the word. Better acting & action scenes. This is just more fun to watch because they look are they are having fun. Mr Stallone did not direct this, he focused more on his role as lead. The tone feels more relaxed, banter is thrown in amongst the guys. They have come back for war in style. Its a little more than just testosterone.                   Further explanation is unnecessary because one can see what to expect from the opening scenes. Maximum fire-power, Big explosions, Fist fights and a line up you will only see here. That's the films selling point. Some of the biggest Hollywood stars each getting their turn to shine even though some of the cast disappear after the first part. All action lovers will enjoy this star studded shoot em up, the only downside is the muddled up storyline.
OVERALL:  GOOD ENTERTAINMENT.
STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  3
+++
ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:
 The last 20 minutes.
(if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to share it with ME in the comments section.)
TRAILER:

Wednesday 15 August 2012

MOVIE REVIEW: THE BOURNE LEGACY (12A)

"BOURNE RUINED"
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The Bourne Legacy is an action thriller film Directed by Tony Gilroy (same guy that helped write the previous Bourne films.) A new hero emerges with problems that have been triggered by the events of the previous films. This is an expansion from the Robert Ludlum's novels. Its Starring Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Joan Allen, David Stratham, Albert Finney, Louis Ozawa Changchien, Scott Glen, Oscar Issac, Donna Murphy, Stacy Keach, Zeljko & Corey Stoll.

#FilmFact: Jake GyllenhaalTobey MaguireGarrett HedlundMichael FassbenderAlex PettyferJoel EdgertonTaylor KitschKellan LutzJosh HartnettPaul DanoLuke EvansMichael PittOscar IsaacBenjamin Walker Erryn Arkin were considered to play the lead role.
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THE REVIEW:
This is the fourth instalment in the Bourne series and surprising it is to see how backwards they have gone with it. This is a waste of time & money ($125 -130 million budget). There is nothing new or exciting here. Worthy Lead Actor? Check. Good Actress? Check. Storyline? Slow & Virtually Non Existent. Action? Minimal. Entertainment Value? Low. The tagline for this movie is: "There Was Never Just One" my reply to that is, there should have ONLY been one.
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The Bourne Legacy deserved much better than this. Jason Bourne has been a recognised character in the world of agents. The original man (Matt Damon) had a connection with the audience, whilst on the other hand this new guy needs pills to make him who he is. A new & improved script is always going to be the only saving grace when changing a main actor for an already established role. That sadly not the case here, I'm disappointed to say that this is another hero ruined. It's slowly killed. 
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Director Tony Gilroy couldn't nail the ambience that the previous films had, the feeling of being lost in a storyline is evidence of a poor movie. The start is snail paced and just as all hope is about to be lost we're injected some action scenes. Renner & Weisz do their best to try & keep this badly written script alive, but there was just only so much they could do. The acting and cinematography are the only pros here. Watching 135 minutes in a cinema and not having anything good to discuss after is dreadful. Expectations were not even close to being met.
OVERALL:  BAD SCRIPT. OK FILM.
STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  2
++
ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:
 The motorbike chase scene.
(if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to share it with ME in the comments section.)
TRAILER:

Wednesday 8 August 2012

MOVIE REVIEW: OFFENDER (15)


"WHAT A BLOODY DRAMA"
++++
Offender is a British crime thriller film Directed by Ron Scalpello. It centres a normal working class man, Tommy Nix. He is a man who tried his hardest to avoid being mixed in with the wrong people, he is made to change his ways when his girlfriend falls victim to a brutal attack at her workplace. Its starring Joe Cole, English Frank, Kimberley Nixon, Shaun Dooley, Malachi Kirby, Tyson Oba, G FrSH, Daniel Kendrick, Ruth Gemmell, Mark Harris, Scorcher, Jacob Anderson, Vas Blackwood, David Ajala, Doon Mackichan, Michael Edwards, Daniel Kendrick, Daniel Green, Jamie McLean, & Rimmel Daniel.
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#FilmFact: Film Release Date: 8th August 2012. 
(Watch This & Support UK Films)
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THE REVIEW:
The UK has managed to pull another one out the bag, this is a raging crime thriller that stands on its own and excels in performances. This is very good attempt for a Début from Director Ron Scalpello, he somewhat provides an answer to some brutal questions. Offender grabs the attention from the word go and keeps on getting more interesting as the story unfolds. The movie sets off from the London riots that occurred last summer, it shows how one bad decision can cause a ripple that goes further than one can imagine. This is where we are introduced to a gang that cause destructions in their paths and have no remorse for the law or other peoples belongings for that matter, subsequently leads them all to prison. This makes one man to take matters into his own hands and face the perpetrators of the crimes that's involves his loved ones. He finds himself in the same prison as the same gang after a deliberate fist fight with police officers.
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What this film does well is revealing lead actor Tommy's background with flashbacks, its nicely executed. Here we will come to understand why he becomes such a calculated and cold character. The editing and screenplay helps the story move along swiftly. With a little cliché of surroundings there's still a gritty inside view of life locked up in a young offenders institution. The view is far from pretty, its bloody, very violent and highly corrupt. The message this film gets across almost feels like its being beaten into audience through these young criminals so you cant help but feel for some of them. Apart from the acting, the relationships between these men has to be the films selling point. Its about the London way of life, the swagger, the slang's and the hierarchy of people with authority. If one wonders how the mind-frame of these people we saw rioting on TV worked then this is the film to watch. For 102 minutes of running time this is definitely worth the cinema trip.
Tommy (Joe Cole) is a man who seemed to have it all planned in his head. His acting is impressive and he was most importantly believable. Jake (English Frank) plays the leader of the opposition and what a bad influence his character turned out to be. He is the type of gang member you do not want to meet in a dark alley. His character impresses. Mason (Tyson Oba) is a character that grows a conscious, he realises inside that the gang life is not the way & wants better things for his life. His acting was also believable. Angel Face (G Frsh) is another noticeable character that bullied his way to get what he wanted. Harry (Malachi Kirby) plays a shy but smart cell-mate, his role as Tommy's prison cell mate worked well. Essay (Scorcher) also did a good job. It's impressive to see half of the male cast are primarily UK musicians who have decided to add acting to their CV. They all as London youths would say "went in". - (meaning they all worked brilliantly well together)
OVERALL:  BRUTAL ENTERTAINMENT.
STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  4
++++
ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:
 The last 30 minutes of the film.
(if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to share it with ME in the comments section.)
TRAILER:

Sunday 5 August 2012

MOVIE NEWS: HUGH JACKMANS NEW WOLVERINE MOVIE OUT 2013


Does this man need any introduction?. Hugh Jackman is back in action as he has started filming for his new Wolverine Movie. Shooting was scheduled to start earlier but due to setbacks its only now the cameras have started rolling in Kurnell, Australia.
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Jessica Biel was meant to be playing a key role but declined Fox's when she was given the role. The search starts again in look for another actress to take the part of Viper/Victoria/Madame Hydra opposite of the main character.

                            The Wolverine is set for cinema release July 2013.


SET PHOTOS






Wednesday 1 August 2012

MOVIE REVIEW: TED (15)

"PRICELESS COMEDY"
++++
Ted is a comedy film Directed by Seth MacFarlane (same guy that brought us Family Guy). John Bennett never had many friends as a child so in order to put that right he makes a wish that brings his teddy bear alive. Ted becomes real and they become instant best friends. As adults their relationship is tested when Lori, Johns girlfriend wants more from him. Its Starring Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Giovanni Ribisi, John McHale, Patrick Warburton, Matt Walsh, Jessica Barth & Bill Smitrovich (and many more + cameos).

#FilmFact: Various teddy bears were used as stand-ins for post production editing. 
#FilmFact: Ted's movements were done by Seth MacFarlane through motion capture.
#FilmFact: This is the first live action project by Seth MacFarlane.

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THE REVIEW:
This is one movie i have been counting down the days until its release. The first time i saw the trailer i knew this was not to be missed and RIGHT i was. Ted is exactly what the summer needed, a breath of fresh animated comedy that's hilarious from start to finish. Mr MacFarlane (Director, Producer & Co-Writer) I salute you sir because this idea for a film is pure genius. He was basically able to bring his Family Guy traits to the big screen (You will see from Ted's voice)I went to watch this film with some friends and we all laughed so much because Ted is just the craziest teddy bear everyone would love to have as a best friend. I cannot stress how funny this film is, you just have to watch it for yourself. When I was in the cinema everyone laughed throughout, I could hear people from the other side of the screen they were laughing so loud. 
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We see a teddy bear in the trailers, you would think this is be a nice & cuddly talking toy, you would be so wrong. This is not a film for kids because even though he is this smart & witty character he has the dirtiest mouth on him. The funny references come thick and fast, its precise and 85% of the jokes/humor are well written. Nudity, Profanity, Drugs & Alcohol are what take center stage to help tell this story. Its a ride through a wave of emotions and brilliant screenplay.
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The storyline can be seen coming a mile off, the whole romance vs bromance script has been many times done before but as long as you can catch your fair share of unlimited laughs then you will enjoy it (some jokes may go over your head, so watch out lol). There are even some good action scenes thrown in. All the characters did have this laid back approach that made it feel more natural. Not once did was I thinking it was silly and childish, nobody tried too hard to be funny. Ted was obviously the star of the show, even though his self centered life style was killing his best friends love life. Mark Walhbergs character John Bennett must have been a new approach for him. He is normally playing a more serious role, its nice to see how well he can dumb himself down. Mila Kunis is such a beautiful actress, she plays Lori Collins effortlessly. I also saw a few TV faces that I liked. (nice to see more actors/actresses getting their time on the big screen)
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After I watched Ted all I was wanting was my own Ted. If I wasn't 23 years old I would surely be considering purchasing a Teddy bear that resembled Ted. I mean lets face it this bear is like the best friend everyone craves. Who doesn't want to get high everyday with a talking bear?. If I was rating this film for consistency then i would say 9/10.
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OVERALL:  FUNNIEST FILM THIS SUMMER 2012. GUARANTEED.
STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  4
++++
ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:
The Ted vs John fight in the Hotel room. 
(if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to share it with ME in the comments section.)
TRAILER:

TRAILERS: ALL THE FILMS OUT IN CINEMA THIS AUGUST (2012)

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- HERE ARE ALL THE TRAILER FOR MOVIES OUT THIS AUGUST IN THE UK.

- THE ONES I'M RECOMMENDING ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN BLUE.

· TED (15) (IN CINEMA 1ST AUGUST)
 
·  DIARY OF A WIMPY KID 3: DOG DAYS (U) (IN CINEMA 3RD AUGUST) 
·  THE FLOWERS OF WAR (15) (IN CINEMA 3RD AUGUST) 
·  LEAVE IT ON THE FLOOR (IN CINEMA 3RD AUGUST) 
·  THE REVEREND (IN CINEMA 3RD AUGUST) 
·  SOUND OF MY VOICE (IN CINEMA 3RD AUGUST) 
·  TRUTH OR DARE (IN CINEMA 6TH AUGUST) 
·  OFFENDER (15) (IN CINEMA 8TH AUGUST) 
·  360 (IN CINEMA 10TH AUGUST) 
·  THE DINOSAUR PROJECT (IN CINEMA 10TH AUGUST) 
·  STEP UP 4: MIAMI HEAT (IN CINEMA 10TH AUGUST) 
·  THE BORN LEGACY (12A )(IN CINEMA 13TH AUGUST) 
· BRAVE (3D) (PG) (IN CINEMA 13TH AUGUST) 
·  THE EXPENDABLES 2 (IN CINEMA 16TH AUGUST) 
·  TAKE THE WALTZ (15) (IN CINEMA 17TH AUGUST) 
·  THE WEDDING VIDEO (IN CINEMA 17TH AUGUST) 
·  THE THREE STOOGES (IN CINEMA 22ND AUGUST) 
·  THE IMPOSTER (15) (IN CINEMA 24TH AUGUST) 
·  KEITH LEMON: THE FILM (IN CINEMA 24TH AUGUST) 
·  THE WATCH (15) (IN CINEMA 24TH AUGUST)
·  TIM & ERIC'S BILLION DOLLAR MOVIE (IN CINEMA 24TH AUGUST) 
·  TOTAL RECALL (12A) (IN CINEMA 29TH AUGUST) 
·  A FEW BEST MEN (15) (IN CINEMA 31ST AUGUST) 
·  JOKER (IN CINEMA 31ST AUGUST) 
·  THE MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER (IN CINEMA 31ST AUGUST) 
·  THE POSSESSION (IN CINEMA 31ST AUGUST) 
·  SAMSARA (IN CINEMA 31ST AUGUST)