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Justified: Long in the Tooth (2010)
Okay... Rolly! Don't lie anymore, okay. You break my heart.
Justified is a good show. Most episodes have a plot start, middle and end with the veins of a more prolonged plot running through the entire season, usually culminating in the final episode.
Timothy Olyphant is a U.S. marshal with a point to prove about his mixed background, to himself as much as to anyone else either side of the line of justice. The best thing about this show is its ability to cast actors that seem to seamlessly fit their characters' personae.
This is none more evident in this episode. Roland Pike's (Alan Ruck) and Mindy Springer's (Michele Nordin) chemistry, with its light-hearted humour, adds great depth, making the episode much fuller.
The Eagle (2011)
What a Load of Nonsense
Epic failure. I don't mind taking a little poetic license with history and I went into this film expecting it to be a no holds barred action film with very little finesse and I wasn't surprised to see that Channing Tatum was as lame an actor as his normal displays but I was disappointed by Jamie Bell who I thought was on his way to becoming a good actor.
Not even to mention I found: The plot (boy goes into unknown to recover artifact and honor) to be a little simplistic. 5/10
The script writing (at one point Channing Tatum's character changes the minds of an infuriated mob of people focused on killing Jamie Bell's character simply by shouting one word - quite the skills of persuasion) - huh/ doh? 3/10
The general film direction (in the woods there is armor strewn all over an old battle ground when the britons are fighting with fletched swords, 2nd hand equipment and wood and stone cutlery - metal is very valuable now don't mind back then). 2.5/10
And the lack of chemistry between any of the characters at all to hugely flawed. 4/10
The only neat part (slightly neat) was that the "gaelic" in this movie is Gaelige/ Irish, which, being Irish, was pretty neat to be able to understand without reading the subtitles.
Just to end, I went to see this with three other male friends, who mightn't normally be as particular about movies as me, but who all agreed on the disappointment at not spending the time in this movie doing something better like sleeping.
Crank: High Voltage (2009)
This film in three words using an acronym: WTF
To use a fourth word: WOW To use a fifth word: Brilliant To use a sixth word: Weird
After watching this film I was stunned. I didn't know where to begin. But to be fair I was stunned inside in the cinema while watching the movie as well. This movie is unbelievably put together. The cinematography is all over the place, there's more nudity than most porno's, there's more gun-toting and fist-fighting than a Royale Rumble in a firing range, the acting is outlandish, the script is non-existent, the plot is too ... I'm speechless about the plot... AND YET this movie is wonderfully successful. It comes together in a mash up of odd scenes followed by even odder scenes with the sole purpose of being the most oddly funny adrenaline pumping junkie film I've ever seen.
There are parts of this film that are supposed to be stupid funny (and if you like stupid funny you'll love this movie). If you don't like stupid funny, like me, don't worry those parts are mostly oddly acceptable mainly because they're dwarfed by the amount of outrageously funny absurd things that happen (that last bit mightn't make sense, but it works). But not all those ridiculous parts escape, thence the reason I've docked the 2 marks out of ten.
If you liked "Shoot 'Em Up" , this is the next step up. Goodd (Good + Odd) would be my seventh word.
Inside I'm Dancing (2004)
A Needle in a Haystack That Rubs the Right Way
To be honest I nearly skipped over this film, thinking that I wasn't in the mood for something slow pace, overly poignant and mundane! It was really only on the off chance that I thought I should at least give it a try.
Straight away with the arrival of Rory O' Shea to the screen, I was drawn into the story! The connection between the leading characters of the film was intense. And Rory's father really brings an odd vibe into the film, giving an uncanny depth to the lead characters situations and disabilities!
The greatest feature of the film, however, in my eyes, was the way in which the director took the film! The total lack of subtitles for Michael Crowley's difficulties to communicate orally was a different stroke from how a normal approach to dealing with this story would have been taken! This little feature was, in my estimation set the movie apart as a truly great.
That spark and the tremendous acting, collaborative spirit, the plot (often exciting in moments and infinitely far from mundane) in the movie and the strong finish all contributed to me scoring this so highly!
I'm rare to give tens - because I feel its the needle in a haystack that deserves a ten. But I feel comfortable doing so in this case! Very enjoyable movie. Watch it.
Gran Torino (2008)
How has this scored so highly?
Because Clint Eastwood directs it? Because Clint Eastwood stars in it? Because Clint Eastwood portrays a very convincing role? Because of Clint Eastwood! To be honest, if those are the reasons, I'd have to affirm that I agree with all except the first one (and perhaps then I'm not entirely sure of my answer)!
I liked the premise of this film and I thought Clint Eastwood was great in it. But that's where it ended for me. The acting of all the other characters is nothing to write about. If their passive, lack of emotion was intended, they did a great job. I felt next to nothing for the characters' welfare in the story, besides Walt (Clint)!
To be fair, and iterate on my previous comment; Clint Eastwood is, definitely brilliant in this film. But one actor definitely doesn't make a film good, or the fact that it has a "loving" message! If this is the fault of the director. Then so be it, I think Clint Eastwood direction failed in this movie!
Casino Royale (2006)
60%
I enjoyed large parts of this film. The action, the mood, the acting and probably the most obvious and important the direction that the story of Bond has taken.
This picture is flawed. Hugely flawed. A film that bases itself so largely on any topic ( in this case poker which takes up a large section of the film) should depict it with much more truth than this film has portrayed. The best lie is one that contains 99% truth.
The poker in this film is ridiculous, outlandish and worse still, is delivered to the audience on a silver spoon. This film could have been a lot lot better if the film hadn't believed it's audience to be idiots. Poker is, especially lately, a very widely played game - and in my summation people would understand the game a lot better than this film gives them credit for.
Some might suggest that this film isn't meant to be believable, however the deadpan seriousness of the film, the lack of traditional wacky gadgets and wackier dialogue would suggest otherwise.
All in all, I enjoyed the twist the story of Bond has taken and anticipate the next movie feverishly, but wish this film had been delivered a little more carefully.
The Man from Earth (2007)
En-captivating, Enthralling and yes! an Eternity!!!
I can see that it would be faint praise if I said: "I can see this film lasting generations to come." In truth I was amazed to find out that the film was created in 2007, and in truth only the Audi being driven in the final stages really convinced me.
This film was breath taking. I just read on wikipedia that the author of the screenplay passed away, which I was extremely disappointed to see. The litany of people that Jerome Bixby influenced is only a hint of how great this film is.
Situated in what appears to be a remotish cabin on a hill-face 5 people catch a youngish man 35-40 packing a pickup, obviously preparing for a journey; boxes packed and bin liners filled. The film is sly even from the outset, the hints are malevolently obvious, yet exquisitely seductive. This film tells a story that is a master-piece to behold and the director, cast and simple production (Not many films have the limitation of being situated in one room - but this just makes the film more timeless) as a whole will allow this movie to stand apart in time.
Well worth a watch once.... As for seconds, maybe tomorrow..!!!
I Am Legend (2007)
Heart racing action delivered direct to your brain...... Yum (- licks lip)
EDIT: I have to say, from reports that the book could not be outdone, I went and saw/ read for myself. The movie is a more up-to-date version of the book and does vary on more than a few points. Especially in the premise that Robert Neville is just a normal person in the book but in the film is a That said, I still reckon the film, is a fast pacing, heart throbbing thriller, with its only fault being that the film follows the book's plot so loosely and most especially didn't have the book's ending (which is awesome - much more intense than the Hollywood "happy sappy" version the film depicts).. All in all, taking on its own merits (and not on the books) this is a very enjoyable film.
PLEASE!!! PLEASE!!!! stop with the addition of GOD into to every film as a feel good aspect or a hidden meaning (apocalypto) - This type of exploitation of good material by the "church/ catholicism" does not work (and in my estimation backfires....) The below still applies, but the book is well worth a read... 8/10... well worth it...
Warning: WATCH IN CINEMA.
This movie doesn't tax the brain cells. It delivers a no nonsense post apocalyptic thriller straight to your eyes. The plot is simple, direct and in my estimation would have been flawless had it not been influenced by the question of religion (a topic I feel should be considered it's own genre and not thrown about like a Hollywood "love interest"). Although religion plays a small part in this movie, I thought it was tastefully done and didn't really take away from the mood of the film - "heart racing action".
To take such a simple plot line "survive to save the world" and turn it into an enthralling epic.
I've discussed this film with a few people since coming out of the cinema and their take on the movie has disillusioned my ravings about this movie being the best of the year (I've seen) well a little ;)...
I have a habit of jumping out of my seat when I get a fright and I was hoping up and down like a maniac five or six times during the film. By the end I'd estimate I sweated more than Will Smith. When this movie comes out....... Yep I'm getting it....
To say I enjoyed it would be a gross understatement....
Hot Fuzz (2007)
Fuzz Facts....... Watch movie again
The best thing about this movie is in the extra features. By turning on the "fuzz facts", the viewer can read subtitles relaying minor errors, historical significance, and quirky edits, shots and story plots that are missed in the first viewing. This may not seem like as funny a feature as it is... I found my second viewing of the movie with the fuzz facts' subtitles on, to make the movie twice as funny. Thoroughly enjoyable.
This feature definitely changes this title from an 8 (for being funny as the parody comedy it is) to a 9.
This movie is watchable twice (or more....) a very very hard comedic feat, making it an obvious A lister.
Up there with my favorite films, but not quite......
Mischief Night (2006)
Bad mouthing kids.... or is kids bad mouthing..?
If it weren't for the drugs, guns, joy-riding and bad language, this movie could be a viewed and enjoyed by the whole family. As is I'd say, "your" family has to be pretty liberal. I'm not sure what market this movie is aimed at. Single Moms' Chick Flick..? That said, I enjoyed this movie. It wasn't a cinematic explosion, but simply an entertaining hour and a half. The acting was refreshing. The script was good - I thought realistic. And the plot, or plots was entertaining, albeit a little stuck in the genre of soaps.
I'm not big into racism, and this film touches on some pretty difficult issues, and handles them fine for my cinematic exploits. I'm not from any such neighbourhood and can't comment on any of the views with any clarity. So... From an outside view, I couldn't fault it...
6 out 10 just seems fair.... Definitey worth shooting....
Beowulf (2007)
CGI Work in Progress
A lot of the audience's problems with The Matrix Reloaded, was the fact that the CGI was too cartoonish for a film in which it is supposed to be realistic. Personally, it didn't bother me in The Matrix Reloaded and I thoroughly enjoyed the film.
In Beowulf, the CGI is so close to realistic that I found it detracted from the film because I felt it was very off-putting. The CGI was trying too hard in my estimation. Every character was neither cartoonish or real. Other 3D generated films past (Toy story etc.) have stuck to keeping the feel of the movie more cartoonish.
In other elements, the film was interesting. I enjoyed it. It was very far from great and well above bad.
I think a mixture of CGI and Real life might have been served better - for the movie to look more authentic. As is, whether it be a technology/time/cost issue, this film (not the story) didn't deserve the high profile actors it had.
Equilibrium (2002)
Gun toting ninjas
Why does a gunslinger need to move? So his opponents do not get a fix on his position. In many different war movies, books etc. this has been made evident in the sense, that snipers positions are given away when they make a shot. Equilibrium steps up this argument and makes a martial arts genre out of avoiding opponents bullets in close combat not unlike how Neo throws his arms around in circles and falls on his back. In fact, Equilibrium is where Mr. Smith learned his bullet dodging techniques.
Background story/ plot is O.K. - the standard dictatorship - see such recent films as "V for Vendetta", "Serenity" etc.
The script is well written and the film is well directed.
Christian Bale, is outstanding - AGAIN
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
How to pick the best Bourne Movie
After the first Bourne Movie came out, I was massively impressed. I went off and read the books - by Robert Ludlum. I was then a little surprised by The Bourn Supremacy, which deviated greatly from the books. Personally, I always feel that not enough characters of depth are "casulties" of war. The Bourne Supremacy definitely satisfied my expectations, and I thought it impossible to make another film of the same story into such a block buster, especially when it had to compete with the ingenuity of its predecessors.
The Bourne Ultimatum, is a: fast paced, clearly distinct, precise, excellently shot, spectacularly directed, acted superbly (made extremely hard kept up with the changing scenes/ countries), AND clever thriller.
Top Top Top Notch Thriller.
Smokin' Aces (2006)
A lot worse than 99% of films I've seen and not worth a 3
Why am I giving this movie a two... Because Alicia Keys is, hmmmm, nice...
The plot: Assassins go out to kill a guy in the penthouse of hotel... You're not expecting it to be much more than a gun fest...
But I have no idea why they threw in so many random scenes... For instance, characters are killed off by people who have no relation to them (that the viewer knows of) - characters are gunned down randomly... A kung-fu kid is thrown in for no apparent reason other than comic stupidity... Assassins bring a motor along with them to get an elevator they're trapped in working (that goes a little beyond preparation and borders on foretelling the future)...
The WORST part of the movie, Assassins to ask for forgiveness for their actions or who look into their victims eyes as they extinguish their lives should not under any circumstances, question their faith, ponder philosophy, or say things like: "Let this be the last face you ever see"...
The second WORST thing.... and a very very very close second is twist at the end... The mellow drama and soul searching that went into this film and mingled with chainsaws, machine guns, cannons, needles and knives, was utterly sickening... and no amount of acting skill could deliver such cacophony of mindless chatter... The ending of this movie is not worth the effort... and it takes a lot of effort to get that far into the movie... If I wasn't so lazy I would have got up turned off the TV and saved myself from the drivel that came into this tragic piece of work....
P.S. If an assassin should fail, they should not wait around for the cops to show up... NO MATTER what "bottled-up" emotions have been let loose... First Rule of shooting like an assassin is "Keep moving".... DUH!
Shooter (2007)
Seen it.... Before.... lots of times..... NOTHING special.....
Rented this on DVD... Cause I was expecting a bit of gun toting fun... Expecting that and getting exactly that with no frills, furs, twists or changes from any movie that goes before it - makes this movie a failure in my eyes... It reminded me very much of these films:
1.) The Jackal http://imdb.com/title/tt0119395/
2.) Enemy of the State http://imdb.com/title/tt0120660/
Except definitely not as good...
With each film that comes out with Mark Wahlberg, I'm left expecting more... Each performance gives the impression that he could be better and bigger... But in my eyes, in this film, he doesn't deliver again...
Also, the climax of the movie is good enough, but the end is drivel...
Alpha Dog (2006)
This movie is LAME.... Instead, watch http://imdb.com/title/tt0393109/
The movie gives the impression it is a mystery to be solved. The cover of the DVD shows the characters, each is accompanied with text: Suspect #1, Suspect #2, Witness #1 through to #32... so you're (well I was) led to believe this was going to be some sort of mystery and then, the only plot twist is there is no twist... As the title says: this movie is unbelievably lame.... Thinking it over, I cannot believe it's as lame as it is.... If you haven't seen it: Don't bother...
If you hated/ disliked this movie because:
1.) The director tries to make every character look cool... because they have tattoos, smoke, drink and have sex!
2.) Although, you like fight sequences, where one guy beats several guys and hits a woman..(Die Hard 4.0).... you don't like it when the director feels he can just throw it into a film as a sub-plot that never materializes....?
3.) You don't want to wait till the end of the movie to see characters you don't care about do something mentally challenged... Kill a kid, to get off a kidnapping sentence......... ??..huh..?? go figure...!
4.) You watched the whole movie expecting something to happen so that a group of guys would beat a kidnapping charge where witnesses were literally queuing...
5.) You don't care about adolescents who are utterly, astoundingly stupid...
THEN, WATCH "Brick - http://imdb.com/title/tt0393109/"
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Wow... just remembering it brings bile to the back of my throat....
Plot: 1 Plot holes: 9 ScreenPlay: 3 Director: 3 Acting: 4
I was so disappointed with this film.
I can't remember when I began to say to myself "This is pathetic" - but I can remember that if it wasn't for the fact that I was expecting the ending finale to be explosive and the fact that I was there with my friends, I would have left half way through and probably given this film a higher rating than I do now...
Someone please tell the director, BAD GUYS should never cry, say sorry and just quit for no reason.... BAD, SILLY, NON-SENSICAL IDEA.... Booo BAD GUYS should be BAD... and stick to their guns unless some random person who has seen everything who has seen everything going on happens to walk up to them unexpectedly, and reveals VITAL information they didn't give before: that the "baddie" is wrong all the time, that the "baddie" mis-interpreted the signs... but of course, this wouldn't happen because - it's not important information you'd just give somebody who as a result of not getting this VITAL "tidbit" turns into a maniac, bent on hellish revenge.... I could rant on for days.... DAYSSSSSSS and DAYSSSSSs
This film was so dependent on computer graphics and stunts they couldn't even fork out for teabags for spidey's aunt...
This is probably a little harsh but anyway: The first two films were patriotic, and the whole NY love's spidey thing was a bit tiresome but definitely o.k. by me.... But in this film, it's blown out of all proportion. Grand we get it spider-man fights for the people of New York, and Yes! New York is in the U.S.... But really the number of flags and patriotism is over powering.
A final and resoundoing point with the film: Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Apocalypto (2006)
Awesome, Inspiring, Gripping, Utterly Realistic and a Head Rush
Plot: 8 Director: 9 ScreenPlay:9
The director (mel) didn't shy away from anything and I do feel that I am being a little unfair with the plot, but I disliked immensely the whole area dealing with prophesies and felt the movie would have excelled enormously. The mystical element could really have been dropped all together from my point of view.
The chase through the jungle makes me think of free-running in it's "native" environment. Excellently shot, the story really gets behind and in the characters (I'm a big fan of Mel Gibson's willingness to go the whole way with his vision and not hold back). Everything is so realistic, including every single one of the children - who I couldn't get over.
This is a film worth watching again.