IMT: Movie Reviews

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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Saturday, 12 March 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: THE RESIDENT (15)

"ATMOSPHERIC"

The Resident is a Drama/Horror film Directed by Antti Jokinen. <-- (His First Full Length Film) This film is about a young doctor who suspects she may not be alone in her new Brooklyn loft, she learns that her landlord has a frightening obsession with her. Its Starring Hilary Swank, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Christopher Lee, Lee Pace, Aunjaune Ellis & Deborah Martinez.

THE REVIEW:

This movie is classed a horror flick but I would rather call it a thriller because after watching this I can say I’ve seen more brutal horror films than this. it is mostly about the tense atmosphere surrounding the characters.

The storyline was weird because it had good and bad elements. From the trailer the storyline looked good but after watching it I was thinking it was not believable enough. It started off mysterious as we are only really introduced to one person, everyone else just came along. There were some scenes that made the story look like it had jumped a few pages like why did the landlord choose her in the first place? (confused face). The writer should have shown us more background stories of the characters (flashbacks perhaps). I was also disappointed that one of the scariest part (mirror smashing) was in the trailers, for me that was one of the best parts. As atmospheric as the ending was I felt they made it longer than necessary… it was scary to watch but the longer it went on the less believable it was.

After first quarter of the film I knew how it would end. I was impressed with the music and cinematography it made most of the scenes more suspenseful, the camerawork was credible aswell. The violence also was exploited very well. As this is the first time the Director has made a film I'm going to give him an overall grade B.

The last time I saw Hilary Swank was in Conviction where she pulled off a great performance. Seeing her in his movie playing a totally different person showed off her vulnerable & versatile side. She does a brilliant job as Dr. Juliet Dermer, she looks in great shape and they showed that off. The star of the show for me will have to be Max (Morgan) because his character is one that nobody suspects and don’t know what limits are. He’s a very dark character that’s entertaining to watch.

#Overall: Watchable

MY STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5: 2.8

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The scene where Juliet (Swank) starts to wake up from her sleep and is about to find Max (Morgan) in her bedroom.

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

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Wednesday, 9 March 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: THE COMPANY MEN (15)

"GOOD DRAMA"

The Company Men is a Drama film Written & Directed by John Wells (This is the Directors Debut Film). This film is about a company downsizing its employees and showing how the effects ripple through the families & communities. Its Starring Ben Affleck, Kevin Costner, Chris Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones, Rosemarie DeWitt, Mario Bello & Craig T. Nelson.

THE REVIEW:

We all hear or have being one of the victims of people losing their jobs because of the recession, well here’s a film about a company getting rid of a large number of its employers just to stop it going under. From the trailer it’s all been set out so you know what it’s all about, there are no sudden twists & turns. It’s just a good story about what it is really like in the world. A lot of people are going to be able to connect to this film especially the older generation, it will make them think about the economy and might even scare them into thinking that it could happen to them in their workplace (if it hasn’t already). The Director did a good job getting real emotions from these characters. As the main character is being taken out of his comfort zone I automatically felt for him.

I liked the comparison when Bobby had to come and work with his brother in law for chicken change compared to his six figure pay check he used to get. #RealityCheck. I think some people might think he was earning too much anyways and should feel the Roth people with less figure pay checks were feeling. I don’t think anyone under the age of 21 will want to see this, it’s a grown folk’s type of film. No teenager is going to care about the economy and people losing their jobs. #JustSaying

I was still buzzing from Ben Affleck’s performance in The Town, so I was excited to see him in this drama. As usual he brings his acting’s skills to his character Bobby Walker who just lost his job and has to get another job quickly in order to support his family. Kevin Costner plays the character of Jack Dolan, he’s a builder. He acted out his role well, he was the old fashioned thinker. I liked Tommy Lee Jones character Gene McClary, every film he acts he just has such presence that has a automatic like factor. The cast as a whole was strong & interesting. Applausable performances.

#Overall: It’s A Slap From Reality

MY STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5: 3

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

What Phil (Woodward) does in his garage after he gets sacked.

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

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DVD MOVIE REVIEW: GUN

"GUNS GALORE"

Gun is an Action film Directed by Jessy Terrero (same guy that brought us Soul Plane, 2004). This film is about a criminal Rich who teams up with Angel to expand business in a gun running organization. The bigger the business the more problems followed. Its Starring Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson, Val Kilmer & James Remar.

THE REVIEW:

After watching this DVD It was no surprise 50 Cent wrote the script, I’m sure he was thinking this:

“let’s get a large variety of cool looking guns, shoot some gangsters add a couple famous faces and we would have a great film” Right? ...#Wrong

I don’t think many people know about this film, that’s because it didn’t go the cinema, it went straight to DVD (not surprised). Is there a point to this film? NO. It’s not the worst movie in the world but you will feel like you have seen it all before. It’s basically about selling off illegal guns. If 50 Cent wants to be known as a serious actor then he needs to stop acting in this same stereotypical character. The storyline is simple and some of the acting is mediocre. The only entertaining thing about this film is watching different types of gun being blazed in stand offs. Films like this should not be made. #TimeWaster

Here’s the tragic thing, 50 cent is actually a good actor. He should just stick to that and not writing scripts if all his writtens are going to come out like this. His character Rich was pretty entertaining to watch. Val Kilmer does his part as Angel pretty well. (Surprised to see him in a film like this). The rest of the cast do their best to hold the film together.

#Overall: Not Worth Whatever The DVD Costs.

(wait for it on TV)

MY STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5: 1.8

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The last 18 minutes.

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

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MOVIE REVIEW: HALL PASS (15)

"FUNNY"

Hall Pass is a Comedy film Directed by The Farrelly Bothers. (They brought us Dumber and Dumber & Me, Myself & Irene) This film is about two best friends who each get granted a ‘Hall Pass’ from their wives. This means a week off marriage to do whatever they want, all seems well until their wives start to do what they want aswell. It’s starring Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Stephen Merchant, Jenna Fischer & Christina Applegate.

THE REVIEW:

They say having too much of something is bad for a person right? Well forget that because for the next 7 days 2 men are going into overdrive as they indulge in their desires. This film shows what happens when you give two bored/horny middle aged men a week off their marriage and let them loose on to the world. It’s a test from their wives to get them out there doing things they can’t whilst married in a bid to get it out their system. Sex, Binge Drinking & Behaving Badly is definitely on the cards.

It’s becoming repetitive when I have a moan about movies always having Cliché’s, I think I’m just going to have to accept the fact that 60% of films that come out nowadays will be predictable. Hall Pass was another victim of this, but I won’t dwell on that too much because of how funny & daring it is a whole. Enjoyable.

I watched this film and was still laughing at the credits (WATCH GARY’S SCENES AT THE CREDITS). It reminded me of an older and cruder version of Superbad. Nobody is winning any Oscars or Bafta’s for this film on any scale but what I did get was a barrel of laughs (it’s what we all expect from a comedy right?). The Directors made the story as interesting as they could (twists). They have taken real life situations & tweaked to their own liking. This is a guy’s film but one prop used had the women part of the audience in mind (that’s all I’m prepared to say on the matter). I was not prepared for the OMG moments and neither will you be but don’t worry it all adds to the entertainment value. I liked the camera work, the way the funny scenes are shot gave it the atmosphere it needed. #ThumbsUp

Rick (Wilson) Fred (Sudeikis) were two brilliantly thought-out characters. The two actors were very good together on screen, their friendship was believable and their vibes feed off each other professionally. They both had the ‘Like’ factor about their characters. The two wives Maggie (Fischer) & Grace (Applegate) also did their jobs very well. The star of the show for me would have to be Stephen Merchant he plays a friend called Gary. It’s all in what he does at the end of the movie when he daydreams about what he would do with a ‘Hall Pass’. It’s just pricelessly funny. I found myself gawping helplessly at Nicky Whelan’s character Leigh.

(Guys when you see her you’ll understand)

#Overall: Strong Laughs

MY STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5: 3.5

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The scene where the policemen are laughing at what Fred (Sudeikis) is doing in his car.

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

TRAILER:

Sunday, 6 March 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (12A)

"MAKES YOU THINK"

The Adjustment Bureau is a romantic science fiction & thriller film. It was Written & Directed by George Nolfi (one of the guys that helped write the screenplay for The Bourne Ultimatum, 2007). This film is about a politician running for US Senate who meets a mysterious woman he falls in love with – in comes a Bureau that has the power to change people’s life plans and they intend to keep the two apart. It’s starring Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, John Slattery & Terrence Stamp.

This movie is adapted from a short story called "Adjustment Team" by Phillip K. Dick.

THE REVIEW:

Do We REALLY Control Our Own Destiny?

It’s mind-blowing to think that there could be people out here in the world controlling everyones lives in a bid to make sure the world keeps going round. I was very excited to watch this film after I saw the trailer, the storyline looked interesting and when I saw the tagline from Total Film: “Bourne Meets Inception” I knew it had to be good.

This movie starts off slow but then the moment things stopped going according to plan that’s when it became enjoyable to watch. Throw in some of the dance moves from Black Swan, add a very diluted dose of the concept from Inception and the end product would be this movie. its a shame that George Nolfi (Writer/Director) just didn’t go that extra mile to make this film even more brilliant, the excitement level needed to be raised much higher. The romance, charm & wit were refreshing to see but at the same time too soft. (For the cost of having your brain wiped)

There are so many genres thrown into one script that I was expecting a more heart racing & atmospheric set of action scenes. It felt too choreographed, there were too many crowd pleasing outcomes. I wanted it to be rougher around the edges. The imaginative side made it intriguing to watch. The special effects look cool but opening a few door and ending somewhere different does get boring after a while.

(we’ve seen these door tricks in Matrix already)

Matt Damon does a great job as David Norris. He is this politician willing to put his life on the line in the name of Love. Emily Blunt was also brilliant as Elise Mr Norris’s love interest. She was mysterious and sophisticated. Their chemistry on screen was very genuine and was believable. If there’s one thing that was spot on then it would be their on screen relationship. They connected better than I thought they would. Anthony Mackie was brilliant in his role as Harry Mitchell. He was the voice of reason. He gives the impression of hope because even in the worst of situations comes good. The cast as a whole was excellent.

#Overall: Entertaining Film with a Crowd Pleasing Ending.

MY STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5: 3.8

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

The bathroom scene where David (Damon) first meets Elise (Blunt).

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

TRAILER:

Wednesday, 2 March 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: UNKNOWN (12A)

"SUPRISING"

Unknown is a thriller film Directed by Jaume Collet- Serra (same guy that brought us Orphan, 2009). It’s about a man who wakes up from a coma, only to discover his identity has been stolen by someone else, not even his wife believes him. With the help of a young cab driver, he sets out to prove who he is. It’s starring Lee Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Quinn, Bruno Ganz & Frank Langella.

This film is based on a French novel released 2003 called Out of My Head by Didier van Cauwelaert.

THE REVIEW:

It’s scary to think that someone could take your identity and become you. Well that’s what we have here, a man trying to prove who he is. Anyone thinking this looks like another version of Taken should know it’s not. This is has more of a tense atmosphere to it and the cast pull off strong performances. It’s still engaging from the slow start that later picks up speed near to its climax. The director who is an upcoming star went for that firework finish and what a display it is.

It’s not the best story ever but I don’t think that mattered too much because of all the surprises along the way, believe me when I say the guessing game is on hard mode. The car crash was believable and nothing about the fight scenes was over the top. It’s a clean cut movie that’s very enjoyable to watch. (Just be thankful it’s not another 3D films that not really 3D)

Liam Neesons character Dr. Martin Harris will take a lot of credit because he holds this film together. He has the vibe that connects with the audience in his roles. His acting skills are brilliant. I really liked him in A Team and he’s just as good in this film (the more films I see him in the better he gets). His Wife Elizabeth Harris (Jones) does her job pretty well too. She was a good actress that wasn’t the typical type of wife someone would expect for a Doctor. She had two sides of her one innocent and the other not so. There’s a sex scene in this film that was quite uncomfortable to watch, because she looks like his daughter and not his wife. Bruno Ganz (Jurgen) is this old man trying to help Mr Harris. His performance was a show stealer.