MOVIE REVIEW: ARTHUR (12A)

"SAVED BY THE COMEDY"

Arthur is a 2011 Comedy remake film Directed by Jason Winer <--(First motion picture). This film is about a drunken playboy who’s set to lose his family’s inheritance when he falls for a woman his family does not approve of. Its Starring Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner, Greta Gerwig, Luis Guzman, Nick Nolte, Christina Calph & Evander Holyfield.

#Fact: The Original arthur (starring Dudley Moore) was made in 1981. It was written & directed by Steve Gordon.

THE REVIEW:

We all know of Russell Brand's background so when we saw it was him headlining this remake we was excited to see how he brings back arthur’s story (the original is pretty good). The trailer looks funny so we went on to watch this one in good faith.

After watching arthur we thought as whole it was okay. Yes it’s funny Yes the characters are very likeable but it’s also forgettable (won’t really be a talked about film). It comes close to being as good as the original but it’s not better. The director take us to New York where the film is set and makes Arthur in his own way. He just couldn’t take it that step further that it needed to go (not a bad try for his first major film). The film has its funny moments that had us Laughing Out Loud so we have to commend the writers because a film that’s out to be funny has to make people laugh and it did. On one hand its showcasing that money cant buy happiness but tedious people will complain about it that's its rubbing money in normal everyday working peoples faces (pick a hand and decide for yourself). 

The storyline is okay, but admittedly it’s nothing special. Its starts off good but then does not really get better, it just stays on one level. With 30 minutes left we were just waiting it for it to end, it was starting to lose its flavour. The characters and their funniness is the films saving grace. The women characters are all different, each of had their own aura that bounced off Arthur and worked especially the relationship between arthur (Brand) & his nanny Hobson (Mirren). They were a great pair on screen.

Hats off to Russell Brand because he pulls off a brilliant arthur, he is very believable, childish and most importantly funny. He will be the reason people will continue watching this film. This might just be his best work so far in his acting career. The only left down was the all over cliché film (not his fault). We also really liked the Arthur's nanny Hobson (Mirren), her character was good to watch. Garner Gerwig, Guzman & Nolte all pull off applausable performances.

OVERALL: Forget about the story and just enjoy the comedy.

 STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  3

FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

Arthurs Humour. Couple LOL moments.

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

TRAILER:

MOVIE REVIEW: THOR (12A) (2D) (3D)

"75% THOR-RIFFIC"

THOR is an Action Adventure Drama film from Marvel Studios and is Directed by Kenneth Branagh (same guy that brought us Sleuth, 2007). This superhero film is about a powerful but ignorant warrior who’s been cast out of the realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth. There he becomes one of our finest defenders. Its Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Stella Skarsgard Kars Dennings, Clark Clegg, Idris Elba & Colm Feore.

                #Fact: There’s a closing scene after the ALL THE CREDITS with 

Samuel L Jackson.  #Stay&Watch.

THE REVIEW:

When we saw the trailer for Thor we knew this was where the summer of superheroes started. We have all seen the cartoon so the real life adaptation was a must watch.

After we watched this in 3D we wasn’t fully 100% satisfied with it (more like 75%) but we had fun watching it (must admit). Thor is entertaining and sometimes humorous but it only really grabs attention when the action scenes are on. The drama side kinda dampens the spirit of the film. It has cheesy moments but thinking back to when we first see our main character we start off with this exciting & fearless hammer swinging character but then later end up with a calm human (nobody wants to see that, he is the GOD Of Thunder).

 The storyline is good but in the middle loses a bit of the intensity then ended as predicted. Director Branagh does manage to make it all work in the end but we think it could have been stronger as a whole.

All the special effect (especially Asgard) is beautiful to look at. The effects team also went all out with the fight scenes, especially how Thor’s hammer moves and the use of his superpowers. The costumes gave that God like status, they all looked very cool especially Heimdall, Guardian Of The bifrost bridge (Elba). Odin (Hopkins) doesn’t look too bad either.

Hemsworth brings his A game when it came to thrilling the crowd with this hammer, his character suited him well. He looks like he had fun making this, his energy makes you want to watch more. Here’s another film that Natalie Portman has under her wings, we are starting to lose count on how many blockbusters we have seen her in. She is taking Hollywood by storm, her character here was a brilliant heroine. Hiddleston Hopkins, Skarsgard & Elba all looked the part and were brilliant. They were all in depth performers that the audience could relate to some of their qualities. 

OVERALL:  SUPERHERO SUMMER BEGINS HERE.

 STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  4

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

Thor’s first fight scene.

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

TRAILER:

MOVIE REVIEW: FAST FIVE (12A)

"BEST FAST & FURIOUS YET"

Fast 5 (Fast & Furious 5) is an Action film Directed by Justin Lin (same guy that brought us Fast & Furious, 2009). Dom and his crew are once again on the run from the law and must at the same time must deal with a relentless federal agent & ruthless drug lord. Its Starring Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Ludacris, Matt Schulze, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Gal Gadot & Joaquim de Almeida.

#Fact: A 6th Film Is In The Pipeline.

THE REVIEW:

When we saw the trailer for Fast 5 we knew we was in for something special – A Full On Wow Factor of a movie. The awesome cast was back for the fifth in the Fast & Furious series and its not surprising that they are up to no good in amazingly fast cars.

After watching the 130 minutes of this high end full on action movie, Slides & Smalls gives our stamp of approval that this is one explosive & must see Movie. The amount of action jam packed into this one is enough to fulfil anyone’s action cravings. I couldn’t think of anything this film does not have. Cars, Great Acting, Humour, Beautiful Women, Guns, Explosions & Ridiculous but nail biting stunts all feature. The director went all out to make sure we was drawn in from the opening scenes all the way to the end credits, it manages to keep the same pace throughout. The story itself is interesting to follow because they do so much and each mission is crazier than the last. It does gets a little indulgent but that didn’t matter too much because we was too busy having fun watching (and so will you). The effects really stood out looking great in scenes.

Anyone with a bad taste in their mouths from the Tokyo Drift version will forgive and forget as soon as they get their eyes on this. Fast 5 really sets the bar on how enjoyably action films should be. Everyone will enjoy the ride as much as we did. From fast and ferocious to calm and funny, we got a chance to see most of the actors really get in their strides and shows us other sides to their characters then plunge fully back into action mode.

Diesel, Walker, Brewster, Gibson, Ludacris all pull their weight and bring us quality acting but Dwayne Johnson will take our #BestActorAward  because he just takes his role to another level, he really got physical and verbal and everything he did was credible (definitely makes up for his earlier Faster movie). Everybody else do a great job. #BrilliantCast

#Overall: Has The WOW Factor.

 STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  5

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The fist fight between Dom (Diesel) & Luke (Johnson).

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

TRAILER:

MOVIE REVIEW: SCREAM 4 (15)

"GRIPPING YET SO FUNNY"

Scre4m (Scream 4) is a Thriller Mystery Horror film Directed by Wes Craven (same guy that brought us all the previous Screams & Last House On The Left, 2009). Ten Years has passed and Cindy Prescott has managed to piece back her life one book at a time. She goes back to where it all started and unfortunately for her she gets a visit from the Ghostface Killer. Its Starring David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Anthony Anderson, Alison Brie, Rory Culkin, Adam Brody & Mary McDonnell.

THE REVIEW:

So... What’s Your Favourite Scary Movie?

Scre4m is back for the fourth instalment in its series and trust us when we say it’s something special. The whole production team went that little bit extra to make this one a success. What we have here is a quality & entertaining slasher film. Die-hard fans are in for a special treat as Craven gives us a whole new angle on the Horror genre. This just might be the best Scream since the first one. #Debatable

Slides and Smalls had the opportunity of sitting in for a screening and watching this suspenseful piece of film making. It should be illegal to laugh at some of the killings that happen in this film, stab after stab after stab the whole story easily grabs your attention (its actually ridiculous how many stabbings occur). From the opening scenes the laughter & suspense naturally set the mood. One other thing director got right was the element of surprise, the camera work was perfectly done. 

The whole not knowing what was around the corner and who was where kept us at the edge of our seats. The music also helped a lot (multiple make you jump scenes). Once the first kill happens we naturally started trying to guess who the killer was, they hide it very well until the reveal it right at the end. It’s very scary and funny at the same time (good combination). We recommend anyone who wants blood and laughter will enjoy this flick.

The cast as a whole was brilliant. Cox, Arquette, Campbell & Roberts all pull off strong performances that helped it all come together.

#OVERALL: Very Good Horror Film.

 STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  5

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The “Fuck Bruce Willis” Cop Scene.

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

TRAILER:

MOVIE REVIEW: RED RIDING HOOD (12A)

"AVERAGE IN EVERY ASPECT"

Red Riding Hood is a dark fantasy film directed by Catherine Hardwicke (same woman that brought us Thirteen, 2006.) This film is set in a medieval village that is haunted by a werewolf, a young girl falls for an orphaned woodcutter, much to her family’s displeasure. Its Starring Amanda Seyfried, Virginia Masden, Billy Burke, Julie Christie, Shiloh Fernandez, Gary Oldman, Max Irons, Michael Shanks, Christine Willes, Michael Hogan & Lukas Haas.

#Fact: This film is loosely based on the folk tale: Little Red Riding Hood

THE REVIEW:

This is one of them films that tried its best at a good piece of film making but fell at the first hurdle. The entertainment level is very average, they had a chance to make it into something great but then just don’t. Even when we are introduced to this CGI Werewolf, it doesn't come off as bloody and gruesome as I would have liked (more please). The whole experience reminded me of Twilight alot, it just has that feel to it. I think they had that type of fan base in mind when making this. It’s called Red Riding Hood but she doesn’t ride anything. Hmm.. Strange? (I thought so too).

A lot of people are going to be disappointed with this film, I gave up on the storyline half way through it (if there was one). The script is very much as Cliché as anything I had seen lately, its probably the worst film I have seen in April if not 2011. As a whole it seemed too staged (nobody wants to feel the fakeness) Only good thing women can look forward to is all the men that they like to call eye candy, and a very mediocre acting the leading men pull off. Amanda Seyfried becomes more and more appealing as the film crawls along. She does her best to hold It all together but sadly failed. Gary Oldman shows class in his acting but most of the others fail to do the same.

#Overall: A Last Resort Choice.

 STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  2

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

First encounter with the Wolf.

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

TRAILER:

MOVIE REVIEW: RIO (U) (2D) (3D)

"ALL ABOUT THE CHARACTERS"

Rio is a 3D computer animated film from Blue Sky Studios (their 6th feature & Creators of the Ice Age series) This film is directed by Carlos Saldanha. It’s about a domesticated macaw bird called Blu who meets a independent Jewel, they both take off on an adventure in Rio de Janeiro. The Characters are voiced by Jessie Eisenberg, Anna Hathaway, Rodrigo Santoro, Bebel Gilberto, Jamie Foxx, Will.i.am, Tracey Morgan, George Lopez, Jake T. Austin, Leslie Mann, Jermaine Clement & Jane Lynch.

THE REVIEW:

Just like I had previously predicted in my HOP review when I said I thought that Rio was going to be a better watch and right I was. It’s more fun, colourful and rich in animation and entertainment. (Can’t go wrong with this one) I only had a chance to watch this in 2D so I can’t comment on its 3D, but from what I hear it’s pretty cool. #AllSystemsGo

After watching this I was happy with the way it turned out. This story is centred in the city of Rio de Janerio so it was only right that a parade of the culture was blended in with the storyline. Rio goes on journey with a love interest that’s funny and heart-warming, its also full of characters that are just a joy to see on screen. All these little animals sillyness and mischiefs combined is what makes this film a success.

The only poor thing about this is its plain & simple storyline. It felt like it was adapted from one CBBC’s cartoon that I could see on TV on a random Monday after school. Haven’t said that I don’t think the Kids will mind as they will love all the funny things this has to offer. This is a perfect film to watch as a family, the adult will enjoy the interaction of the different animal characters.

I thought the voice of Rio was perfect, the writers picked a good person to represent such a simple  and domesticated bird. Eisenberg looks and sounds like an socially awkward person so merging him and Blu together was a brilliant decision. His character is fun to watch on his journey of love & self-discovery. Jewel (Hathaway) is one brave little missy. Her independence gave Blu the confidence to want to be brave, her character was great. Toco Toucan (Lopez) was a funny & encouraging character, he was the father figure and tour guide who had everyone’s best interest. Luiz the Bulldog (Morgan) was also very funny, he was a classic yet clumsy character. The cast as whole was very good.

#Overall: GREAT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT.

 STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  3.5

 

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The scene where Rio takes his first flight.

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

TRAILER: