Movies: Online Review

Heat

2009-04-01T17:50:00.004+01:00

Two men from opposites sides of the law are destined to meet.

In Brief
Neil McCauley (Robert DeNiro) runs a crew of professional criminals. They are disciplined, intelligent and good at what they do. They make large sums of money in there robberies and leave nothing to chance. They are informed of a armoured truck that has a large amount of money in it and with careful planning rob it with precision. However on this job they hire and unknown as they need one extra man and this is too there cost. Waingro (Kevin Gage) the man they get is a reckless killer, unknown to them, and shoots one of the guards who is staring at him because he is still stunned from the stun grenades that they threw into the truck. They did not want blood shed as this would attract unwanted attention from the police but once one of the guards has been shot they now have nothing to loose and execute the others. The job is over and they meet in a local dinner, planning to kill Waingro for putting them in jeopardy but he escapes. Called to the murder scene at the armoured truck is lieutenant Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino). He too is highly professional and lives for his job at the cost of his marriage. Hanna and McCauley are alike in many ways, just from different sides of the fence. As McCauley and his crew executed another job he realises that he is being watched and the heist is abandoned. With the heat on them they plan one last job that will set them all up for life. A game of cat and mouse begins at the two highly intelligent men put themselves, their colleagues and their relationships on the line.

1st Time Around
This a slick and well acted film with an all star cast. The two main characters, McCauley and Hanna, are highly believable and like able. The supporting cast are just as good and lend weight to the story as the two professional crews going head to head. The Action sequences, especially the bank robbery, are second to non and add a lot of tension to the film. The emotional plight of each man is explored and you feel for them as there situations tear there relationships apart. One of the best crime drama's I've seen in a long while and a worthy addition to any collection.

2nd Time Around
With the cast comprising largely of well known and established actors and with the quality of the scenes and direction this is watchable time after time. There are few flaws to the film and I found it just as enjoyable to watch the second time around as the first. Top notch.

10/10

Natural Born Killers

2009-04-01T14:32:00.003+01:00

To Mickey and Mallory murder and violence are in their blood.

In Brief
Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory (Julliette Lewis) Knox love what they do. They kill people and love the violence and attention it brings them. Both are from troubled backgrounds and do what they do not for any other reason than they like to kill. They meet when Mickey makes a deliver to Mallory's house and after realising that Mallory is being sexually abused by her father, while her mother who knows what is happening but does nothing, kills them both with Mallory's blessing and delight. They are deeply bonded and their path of destruction begins. As they go from one place to another and there killings increase so does their notoriety and fame. Often they leave one person alive to tell others of what they have witnessed and the media love it. The public see them as folk hero's and want more of there exploits. On there tale is Detective Jack Scagnetti (Tom Sizemore). He is in may ways just as bad as the two outlaws he hunts as he is seen to kill a prostitute, but he represents the law. Eventually the pair are captured and by this time they are celebrities. To cover their extraordinary tale is the sensationalism driven reporter Wayne Gale (Robert Downey Jr.), who has covered their story from the beginning, and convinces the prison Governor (Tommy Lee Jones) to let him interview them from the confines of the prison. As the interview is at a break Mickey's manages to grab a shotgun from a guard and starts blasting away. He holds Gale hostage with the furious Governor watching and fetches Mallory from her cell. Scagnetti tries to stop them as he was in the cell with Mallory but the pair escape and start a prison riot, helping in their exit from the prison with Gale in tow. Their path of destruction and murder continues.

1st Time Around
This film is told with an over the top cartoon like manner, however the violence is graphic and will not be to everyone's taste. The feeling and mood of the characters and the world they see around them is shown in 'arty' kind of way and a lot is left up to the viewer to decipher this and put your own view into the film. I enjoyed this film as it is different from the norm and is well filmed and acted. It satires the violence that we have become accustomed too in films and does so well with its over blown story and characters. The acting is top rate as each character is purposely over the top and this adds to the feeling of a society in decline. This is definitely not for everyone and should be viewed with caution as the violence is the main them of the film.

2nd Time Around
I know some absolutely love this film and some that absolutely hate it so where you fit in you will only know by watching it. I liked it and have no trouble watching it again. If you did like it the first time around then I would recommend getting the version with the DVD commentary as this explains a lot of what is happening and how the director sees it as this may not always be immediately evident when first viewed.

7/10

No Country For Old Men

2009-04-01T12:49:00.003+01:00

Two Million Dollars will always be missed.

In Brief
While out hunting Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) comes across a startling discovery. In the arid waste lands of Texas he finds a scene of violence and death, A drug deal that has obviously gone badly wrong. Bodies are strewn everywhere and the vehicles nearby are riddled with bullets. He investigates further and finds one survivor who is only just alive and pleading for water which Moss ignores. After surveying the area he finds another guy not far away who had made a run for it. With him he has two million dollars. After scanning the horizon and satisfying himself that he is alone he decides that he will keep it for himself and returns home. With guilt in his mind he returns to the scene to help the one man that is still alive only to find that he is dead. He is not alone however and after a brief chase through the desert he manages to escape a group of men that have come to find out what happened to their deal. Acutely aware that people will be looking for him and the money he makes a decision. He sends his wife to her relatives to stay with them for a while and goes on the run. Enter Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem). A cold and remorseless killer that is tasked with finding the money and killing whoever has it. He kills without a second thought which is second nature too him. Even the men who hired him. With the dead bodies piling up the local Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) gets involved and eventually finds the grizzly drug dealers and there vehicles along with Moss's vehicle which he instantly recognises. He is dismayed at the violence used and is coming to terms with the fact that the world around him is changing and not for the better as people are using more and more violence everyday. He has never had to use his weapon in all his years on the force but he can see that in the near future this may have to change as criminals are willing to go to any lengths, not like in the old days. There is a new breed of criminal on the streets and he feels left behind. Moss all this time has rented a motel room and hides the money in an air duct. He also rents the room that backs onto the first and fashions a hook for the money's retrieval. He is armed with a shotgun which he is prepared to use and waits in his room to see if anyone is following him. They are. Chigurh is now close behind him and discovers the room with the aid of a tracking device. He carries with him a tank if compressed air attached to a hose that is usually used to kill cattle. Chigurh has other uses for it, namely for killing his victims as well as gaining acess to rooms by punching the lock out. He also has a very high powered and silenced weapon that he doesn't hesitate to use should the situation arise. knowing that he has a killer on his tail Moss once again makes a desperate run for his life. Can he ever make good his escape and loose his deadly shadow?

1st Time Around
This film is based on a prize winning novel and adapts it to screen brilliantly. Bardem is the main draw to the film as the relentless killer and plays the part with style. He is cold and emotionless most of the time which suites the part well, as well as being clever and inventive. Jones is good as the crest fallen sheriff that despairs of the situation he finds himself in, as is Brolin as the hunted man. The tension of the film builds and builds and the feeling of being tracked by an unstoppable killer is great. It is intelligently and maturely written and directed and its one of the Coen brothers finest films. The ending I did find a little inconclusive but this is a minor flaw. This is a story of how a sheriff facing retirement sees the world and how he is beaten into submission by the fact that he is now a dinosaur compared to the new generation. I didn't expect this and for that reason I was the tiniest bit disappointed. It deals with feelings rather than action and this is too its credit, although there is a fare amount of action and violence in it from the very start. If you are a fan of the book or want to watch an intelligently written crime drama then you wont be disappointed. This is a great film and one not to be missed.

2nd Time Around
With fantastic performances by the cast, great cinematography and good direction this is easily watched again but not endlessly watchable. I have watched it a few times and was happy to do so.

9/10

Rocky Balboa

2009-03-30T16:28:00.028+01:00

Does the ex-Champion have what it takes to go the distance.

In Brief
Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is now widowed and lives off of memories of his past greatness. He owns a small restaurant and entertains the customers with his tales of the fights he has had in his illustrious career. A face from the past, a young girl at the time and now a woman, enters his life and being the warm hearted guy he is offers to help her out anyway he can. He offers her a job in his restaurant and tries to teach her son a little of what he has learnt over the years. The reigning heavyweight Champion Mason "The Line" Dixon (Antonio Tarver), in a virtual fight between computer generated boxers of different era's using there fighting stats as a 'what if' looses to Rocky on a boxing commentary TV programme. Rocky is seen as the benchmark for all to follow. This excites Rocky and he want to fight again, not for the Championship but just a few local fights as he misses it. His son Robert (Milo Ventimiglia) is against the idea thinking it will show him up and he will be ridiculed but Rocky has made his mind up and teaches his son that it is his life and he has to stand up for what he believes no matter what other people think. Rocky is approached by Dixon's trainer and offered a charity match as the speculation with the public over the virtual fight has rekindled there interest and Dixon need to beat the Legend to boost his popularity. With that in mind he gets the help of Apollo Creeds former trainer Duke (Tony Burton) and with Paulie (Burt Young) and Rocky Jr. helping him he goes back into training. With the onset of old age, even though he is still fit, and from the injuries suffered from his career his training regime is vastly cut down from his usual routine so he must make what he does count. Make every punch he lands hurt. Dixon is young and at the top of his game so Rocky must find a way to stand toe to toe with the champ and make it all the way.

1st Time Around
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. With the onset of age Stallone doesn't try to be anything that his isn't and plays Rocky as the legend that he is. I think this film is a marked improvement over the last few films as is better scripted and better thought out. The story seems to be how Stallone wants the the series to end, on a high, as he brings the feeling back of a man fighting against the odds to fulfill a dream and does so well. The familiar faces are back, Paulie as his now deceased wife's brother and Duke as Apollo's trainer. From the start the nostalgia of the previous films is evident from the iconic theme tune to Rocky's training and a strong hook for people who grew up with Rocky, as I did. This film ties up all the loose ends left by the previous films and is a fitting tribute to the Rocky series. The ending I found great as the fight didn't look like it was done in a studio and shows that you don't need to be the best to be 'the best'. This is not a classic but worth anybodies time especially for the Rocky fans.

2nd Time Around
With the improvement over the last few this and the feel good factor back this is worth watching again but really only the devoted will want to keep watching it. If it comes on the TV and you need a Rocky fix then this will do it for you.

7/10

Rocky 5

2009-03-30T15:29:00.005+01:00

With Rocky returning from his fight with Ivan Drago he faces some tough choices.

In Brief
After His fight with the gargantuan Ivan Drago (Dolf Lungren) Rocky returns home to the states but his health is deteriorating. He is checked over by the doctors and is horrified to discover that he has some permanent brain damage and that should he continue to fight it will almost certainly kill him. He returns to his mansion to find out that Paulie (Burt Young) has signed over Rocky's fortune to a less than trustworthy accountant who has taken all his money and frittered it away leaving Rocky no other choice but to sell almost everything his family owns. They return to his old neighbourhood broke but still holding together. With a bleak future Rocky is tempted back into the ring by a larger than life boxing promoter George Washington Duke (Richard Gant) who offers him a large payday to defend his title. This is something that Adrian (Talia Shire), Rocky's wife, is dead against and Rocky has to bow out as he realises that his career as a boxer is over and that he would face his own death if he re-entered the ring. Rocky starts to teach his son the trade until a fresh faced boxer, Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison) approaches Rocky and convinces him to train him. As the two go into training Rocky's relationship with his son deteriorates as he spends more and more time with Tommy. His son meanwhile, who has found it hard to adjust to the life he has now been forced to lead, accustomed as he was to a luxurious lifestyle, is bullied and falls in with the wrong crowd. Rocky enters Tommy in several fights to build him up but gets increasingly frustrated that he is not given a title shot as he feels he is ready for it. Duke Approaches Tommy and dangles riches and bigger fights in front of him and he turns his back on Rocky, betraying him. This gives Rocky the chance to get back what he has lost with his son and they bond again. With a few wins under his belt Tommy is less than happy as he is constantly judged against the legendary Rocky and Duke convinces him that the only way he can truly be champion is to defeat the now retired Rocky. Duke sees this as his way to make a huge amount of money for himself. Tommy calls Rocky out and will fight him in or out of the ring, will Rocky risk it all?

1st Time Around
This for me is the worst of the Rocky movies, why? Because Rocky is a boxer plain and simple and in this film he doesn't box. The story revolves around what a boxer has inside him that makes him great. It comes down to a street brawl that I felt was beneath the champ even though he teaches Tommy the meaning of heart. This is not a boxing movie but has a boxing theme to it. Its more of a drama about the aftermath of a boxer as he faces his retirement. Its watchable but for me a great disappointment. If you love the rocky series then this is a chapter that expands on Rocky's life and you may like it, I didn't.

2nd Time Around
As the remaining cast return and with a brief appearance by Micky (Burgess Meridith) , Rocky's old trainer, then the nostalgia of the earlier films may tempt you to watch it again but I didn't want to. I prefer to remember the Rocky we have all come to love. The brave underdog that fights an uphill struggle and comes out on top.

4/10

Rocky 4

2009-03-30T14:17:00.002+01:00

Rocky fights for his friend, his country and his life.

In Brief
Rocky (Sylester Stallone) is still the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. Hid friend and coach Apollo has retired but when an unknown boxer from the Soviet Union arrives on American soil and challenges Apollo in an exhibition match he jumps at the chance to get back in the ring again. Ivan Drago (Dolf Lungren) , his opponent and Captain in the Russian military, has never seen America before and has been trained to be an emotionless power house with only a desire to win with the technology to make him better and stronger than anyone else. Exhibition or not he is here to for one reason, to beat Apollo convincingly and will not settle for a loss. Creed enters the ring in showbiz style entertaining the crowd, unaware of Ivan seriousness. The fight begins and Creed, who hasn't boxed for several years takes a terrific beating in the first round. With Rocky and the other coaches protesting Ivan's brutality, as this is supposed to be an exhibition match, the fight continues at Apollos insistence. With a thunderous punch Apollos is knocked cold and dies in Rocky's arm's. The huge Russian boxer returns to his home country and challenges Rocky to a match on Russian soil. Adrian (Talia Shire) his wife is against the idea as she doesn't want to loose him but Rocky accepts and gets Apollo Creeds old trainer Duke (Tony Burton) to accompany him and train him. He hides away in a remote part of the frozen Russian wilderness, with the KGB looking on, and trains to face the one man machine that is Ivan Drago. The match is to be on Christmas day in front of a hostile crowd in Russia's capital Moscow with the premier in attendance. The count down for the fight of Rocky's life has begun.

1st Time Around
Again Rocky faces a challenger to his title but he is fighting for his friend and not for the title. The huge Dolf Lungren who towers over Sylvester Stallone is impressive as Drago and I couldn't help but think that in real life Rocky would loose as there is such a size difference. There are some good moments in the film but for a me a low point was the death of one of the best characters, Apollo. The theme is the USA against Russia as the cold war was is still going on and this seemed like just an excuse to get Rocky back in the ring. I'm sure Americans will feel differently but I'm not American. Also Drago trains with the best equipment and trainers where as Rocky is left to train in a small shack by running up snow covered hills and sawing logs amongst other things. The end fight had the same feel as in Rocky 3 as doesn't seem realistic as both sides, especially Rocky takes unbelievably vicious blows time and time again and brushes them off. Like Rocky 3 the fight looks like it is done in a studio and not in front of a large audience as the two fighters just pound each other until one doesn't get up. The usual cast are all there and do as good a job as they always do but the story for me concentrated far too much on the rivalries of the two countries. One for the Rocky fan.

2nd Time Around
I didn't find this movie anything special although if you have watched the earlier movies then you will know the characters well and feel invested in their story. Drago makes for an impressive opponent just by his stature alone but this makes it a mis-match that wouldn't really happen. If you haven't seen the other Rocky films then you will find this over the top and nothing special which is a shame as Rocky is such a good character. The Original is still by far the best.

5/10

Rocky 3

2009-03-30T04:38:00.002+01:00

The champ faces a new challenge

After the defeat of Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), Rocky 'The Italian Stallion' Balboa is on top of the world. He has more money he could of ever dreamt of and lives a very comfortable life with his wife Adrian. He has defended his title ten times successfully and even has time for a Charity fight against the Wrestling Champion Thunderlips (Hulk Hogan). With so many wins under his belt and with the public adoring him he becomes complacent and when an aggressive contender for the title steps forward he thinks this to be just another win to add to his impressive career. However the challenger, Clubber Lang (Mr T) has the desire to win that Rocky once had and Rocky underestimates him. Before his fight with Lang a backstage fight ensues and his aging friend and trainer Mickey (Burgess Meredith) is injured. With the the world watching Rocky enters the ring with nothing but worry for Mickey on his mind and faces Lang who has nothing but defeating the champ set squarely in his sights. Rocky takes a terrible pounding at the hands of Lang and looses the fight unanimously, crowning Lang as the new champion of the world. Rocky makes it backstage and finds Mickey on his last legs. He was unable to watch the fight due to his frail state and Rocky lies to him saying he won the fight, not wishing to have Mickey's last thoughts to be of defeat. Mickey passes away and Rocky is crushed. With his heart heavy from the loss he has lost the killer instinct he once had and turns to Apollo Creed who he has now befriended to train him for the rematch against Lang. Apollo together with Adrian and his brother Paulie take rocky back to basics, away from the glamour he has grown accustomed to and to find the 'eye of the tiger' he once had. With the fight drawing closer and his feelings still in tatters he a faces another monumental task and must face his own demons and restore pride in himself.

1st Time Around
The story of Rocky continues and for me not for the better. He is the same Rocky we have come to know and love but there is something missing from the film that the first two had. The first two were stories of an underdog making good and winning against the odds. This is more the story of what he has to do to stay on top after loosing faith in himself, and suffers a little for it. All the actors do a fine job, Mr T as Clubber Lang, Carl Weathers as Apollo, Talia Shire as Adrian and Burt Young Paulie. However the end fight I found rather unconvincing as shots are seen to miss, both fighters over act and the fight doesn't last as long and doesn't have the tension or reality of the first two monumental fights. I just wasn't convinced. This is not to say that this is a bad film its just not up to the standards of the first two. A little is made up for by the signature themes that are associated with the Rocky series, the theme tune that inspires greatness and Rocky's build up to the fight. Not the worst of the series but certainly not the best.

2nd Time Around
I was in no particular rush to watch this again but as a Rocky fan I have watched it again as the characters are now well known and it is part of the Rocky Legend. I know people who disagree with my opinions of this film and think it is better than I do. I found it a bit of a let down but watchable none the less.

6/10

Rocky 2

2009-03-29T15:09:00.003+01:00

Rocky Balboa faces the rematch of his life.

In Brief
After his toe to toe match with Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) both Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) and Creed are badly beaten and while recuperating in hospital decide with each other that there will be no rematch, respecting each others abilities in the ring. Although Apollo won the fight Rocky had shown the world he had what it takes to face the champ and go the distance. He now has a little money to shower himself and Adrian, his wife, in the luxuries he thought he would never have and is happy. Eventually the money dries up even though he tries to get work in advertising, as he is a now a celebrity, he is unsuccessful and his lack of education shows. He is forced back to the meat packing plant that he started in and Adrian back to the pet shop where they met falling back into his old life style. Apollo (Carl Weathers) all the while is being bombarded with criticism of the fight and although he pledged to Rocky that there would be no rematch he feels shamed and buckles under the pressure. He taunts Rocky in the press and TV, saying that the 'Chump' got lucky and had he put his all into the fight there way no way that Rocky could of done what he did. Rocky wants no part of the slagging match and turns down the offer thinking he had his shot and now it is over, much to the annoyance of his trainer Mickey (Burgess Meridith). With pressure mounting against him and against Adrian's wishes he goes back into training but the spark had gone. He cannot focus as he did before as he knows Adrian doesn't want him to do it as it will risk his eye sight if he is badly injured again. Adrian gives birth to Rocky Jr. but slips into a coma and Rocky can no longer train as he is crushed by the potential loss of his beloved wife. When Adrian recovers from the coma she asks him to do one thing for her, 'win' and the spark is rekindled in him. The rematch of the century is back on.

1st Time Around
With the success of the first Rocky this was going to be a hard thing to recreate but this comes very close. Stallone is great as the lead and Talia Shire is given a bigger role as her character Adrian has matured. As the story starts on a high and slips back to the reality of life on the streets of Philadelphia it takes on a bleaker feel as Rocky looses his will to fight but when Adrian tell Rocky to win and the signature theme starts (which always sends a shiver down my spine) Rocky comes alive and you cant wait to see the fight at the end. Carl Weathers returns as the Champ Apollo and is as good in this film as he was in the last. The ending for me was fantastic with a suitable build up and does the film justice. It did feel a little like a re-run of the first in some respects but is original enough to be justified and continues the story well. A worthy follow up to the original and definitely worth watching. The Legend continues.

2nd Time Around
If you are a boxing fan or a fan of Stallone then a repeat watch is not a problem. If however you are a casual watcher then possibly the first watch was enough. Not a classic but it comes very close.

9/10

Rocky

2009-03-29T12:52:00.004+01:00

One man's struggle to be the best.

In Brief
Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is a small time boxer in Philadelphia. He is street wise but not the most intelligent man in the world and struggles to make a living working in a meat packing factory and for a little extra as a debt collector for a local hood, Gazza. Gazza doesn't see rocky as the debt collecting type as he is too good natured and unwilling to break bones to get the money owed. He does however think he is a reasonable boxer as does his trainer Mickey (Burgess Meredith) who is angry with Rocky for not trying hard enough. Mickey sees the potential in Rocky as possibly going a long way in boxing but has all but given up on him as a 'bum'. Rocky's boss and friend Paulie (Burt Yong) has a sister, Adrian (Talia Shire), and visits her in the pet shop she works in. She is very timid and at first is too shy to to date him but he shows her that he is not the brute he appears and after persistently chasing her they fall in love. One day the reigning champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) thinks he needs a boost in rating and wants to put together a fight with a local underdog. A fight with the common man, and pulls Rocky's name out as a challenger giving him the chance for the big time and a shot at the title, although in reality he will have little to no chance of winning. Mickey visits Rocky and convinces Rocky that he should take the opportunity given to him. With a little soul searching Rocky goes full steam to achieve his dream for himself and for Adrian. With the press and Apollo touting his name across the papers and TV he becomes a local hero and is encouraged by the people he meets on his training route. The stage is set and fight night approaches.

1st time Around
This is highly entertaining and the start of the legend that is Rocky. It shows the bleakness of the mean streets of Philadelphia and Stallone is great as the diamond in the rough. He portrays the character as a warm hearted guy well that is at odds with his surroundings as he faces depressing and harsh surroundings and an seeming insurmountable hill to climb, and you feel for the guy. It does take a little while to get going but I personally think this adds to the build up of the end fight which is a fantastic end to the film. Rocky just wants to show the world he has the guts to go the distance and to this end the film works. Its not an action film, its a feel good film and this builds to a climax with the end fight. The music is well chosen and gives the film and Rocky the right build up. Carl Weathers is great as Apollo and looks the champ he is portraying as is Talia Shire as the excruciatingly shy Adrian. This is a classic in every respect and started a series of films as the character was so likable and believable. If you have never seen it, watch it now and you will not be disappointed. For the hero in us all.

2nd Time Around
With such a likable character that is well played by Stallone and with a good supporting cast this is watchable time and time again and shows what Stallone can do acting wise. Its not Shakespeare but that is the point. An ordinary guy with a heart of gold. Outstanding.

10/10

Alien vs. Predator

2009-03-28T18:35:00.003Z

Two deadly species battle for supremacy with man in the middle.

Bouvetoya Island in Antarctica is a desolate frozen waste. When a satellite from Wayland Industries discovers a heat source emanating from two thousand feet under the ice a team of Archaeologists and a drill team are hastily dispatched to the island to check this new discovery out lead by Charles Wayland (Lance Henriksen), the founder of the company. The survival guide is Lex Woods (Sanaa Lathan), a seasoned ice climber but once she discovers the immediacy of the expedition refuses to help as there will be insufficient time to prepare the party for the dangers ahead on the ice. She is convinced that it would be better if she came along as it will go ahead with or without her and she reluctantly agrees. They find the site close to a old fishing station used for hunting and whaling, now abandoned. As they drill team prepares is equipment they discover a hole has recently been dug which wasn't there days earlier. They proceed down into the tunnel to the depths below and discover an ancient pyramid partially protruding in a large cave. With trepidation they enter the structure, in so doing activating it. Above them a ship that has entered the Earth's atmosphere drops three pods that land close by and three young predators emerge armed to the teeth and follow the group. The Pyramid is a proving ground for the predators and deep within its bowels is a frozen 'Mother Alien' who is automatically bought out of stasis when the explorers first entered the pyramid. As they go deep and make more astonishing discoveries they realise there situation and that they are in the middle of a fight between the Predators and the Aliens. The predators for the right to call themselves warriors and the Aliens for the chance to escape their prison. The pyramid is an ever changing labyrinth of tunnels and the group are trapped with little hope of escape. Things go from bad to worse and soon the surviving explorers lead by Lex must decide which side they will stand by, neither choice offers much hope.

1st time Around
With two icons of cinema for the first time coming face to face I had high hopes for this film and to a certain extent I wasn't disappointed. The Alien and predator effects are pretty good and the story itself is a good idea. However the acting leaves a little to be desired and you can tell this was made at a budget as it lacked that certain something that made it stand out. The action sequences are good as are the cast on the whole but i couldn't help but feel that Lex was over acted as were some of the other archaeologists. The signature themes are there and add to the feel of both breeds. There are references to the two other film franchises that could or should of been omitted as they are obvious if you know the films, but this is a minor flaw. It seems to have been made for a wider audience as it doesn't feel as mature a film as either of its related predecessors. This is not a bad film however and does its best to live up to expectations with the budget allowed. If you are expecting the standards of Alien or Predator then it may disappoint but it makes for an enjoyable action/horror romp.

2nd Time Around
I enjoyed this film as I am an Alien and Predator fan but if you aren't then it will be one that is watched once and then left. One for the enthusiast.

7/10

The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King

2009-03-28T16:26:00.011Z

With the end in sight Frodo and Sam face the destruction of the 'One Ring'

In Brief
Frodo (Elijah Wood), Sam (Sean Astin) and the untrust worthy guide Gollum (Andy Serkis) are close to Mount Doom in Mordor. The burden of the 'ring' grows heavy on Frodo and he is struggling with its power. With the sacking of Gondor by the Uruk-hai by the dark Lord's savage army they now focus their attentions on Minas Tirith, the last stronghold of the alliance and the final battle of middle Earth begins. Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Pippin (Billy Boyd) set out for Minas Tirith. Aragorn (Viggo Mertensen) who has lead most of the time realises he is the true air to the throne as King, which he may have known all along, and must face his doubt's and take his rightful place. He must use the only thing that can stop their impending doom, The Army Of The Dead and sets out to get there assistance, in so doing facing his fears. Meanwhile Frodo, Sam and Gollum grow ever closer to Mount Doom but are unaware of Gollum's treachery, Especially as the Ring is starting to corrupt Fodo and he start to turn on Sam. Gollum uses this to his advantage as he only cares for the ring, his 'Precious', and its return to his ownership. With both sides set in a battle to the finish and with Frodo and Sam so desperate can the ring be destroyed, will the armies of darkness triumph over the Alliance or will Sauron once again walk the lands of Middle Earth and bring destruction and suffering.

1st Time Around
The Final in the epic trilogy sees the forces of good and evil meet for the last time and as with the others is done so brilliantly. As the series progress it has become darker and darker as they approach there conclusion and this continues in that vane as all the characters face the final battle for survival. The effects are fantastic as they have been all along and the action scenes just as good. Gollum I found especially good as a character but the rest of the cast do excellent jobs as well. This wraps up the series well and brings what is a very enjoyable and watchable trilogy to a close. Highly entertaining.

2nd Time Around
As mentioned in the past two reviews the run time is the major draw back to watching this trilogy more than once but as each is told in such a superb and detailed way this is one to watch again but not straight away.

10/10

The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers

2009-03-28T15:36:00.006Z

Frodo's adventures continue as the bearer of the 'One Ring'

In Brief
Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) are alone. The alliance they formed has been split up and they must travelled to their destination, Mordor, unaided and try to destroy the ring. Their friends Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd) have been captured by the advancing Uruk-hai army and their fate is uncertain. The fierce warrior Boromir ( is dead and Aragorn(Viggo Mertensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom) the Elf, and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) the Dwarf have gone to Rohan to seek aid and warn its inhabitants of the upcoming war and have no idea as to the fate of Frodo. Meanwhile Sarumon continues to build more Uruk-hai from his towers Barad-dúr and Orthanc to aid in the destruction of middle earth for his master Sauron. Rohan and its King Theoden (Bernard Hill) are under the control of Grima-wormtongue (Brad Dourif), a servant of the Dark Lord, and Aragorn and Co try to convince him to act against the impending Doom. Gandalf who had fought a monstrous beast , The Balrog, was last seen plummeting into an abyss and now returns reborn and more powerful than before. He joins Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli and together they face the treacherous Grima and the lost King. One of the rings previous 'owners' (The ring chooses its owner) Gollum, once a passive Hobbit like creature and now twisted and evil, has tracked down the ring and its new owner as he wants the ring for himself. The Hobbits capture Gollum and he convinces them that he will help them in their quest, much to Sam's disliking. Merry and Pippin manage to escape the Uruk-hai and flee into Fangorn Forest. They happen across an ancient being, Treebeard (John Rhys-Davies), who is a shepard of the forest and a tree himself, For now they are safe. With the Ringwraiths, the kings and owners of the lesser rings, scowering the land for the 'One Ring' and the every growing Uruk-hai army advancing Frodo and Sam push on with there task of its destruction.

1st Time Around
As this was made at the same time as the first film it continues the saga where it left off with seamless ease. The story and action go up a gear as the forces of good and evil clash for the dominance of middle earth and the effects to this effect are stunning. Gollum who is purely CGI is a wonderful character and done very well. All the cast rise to the occasion well and the story is told wonderfully and believably which adds to it greatly. There are a few very minor niggles as there were with the first in the trilogy but nothing is perfect. If you liked the first film then you will like this one. Again is has a long run time and this can be a little tiring if you are not used too, or expecting it however but its definitely worth sticking with it to the end. Fantastic in almost every way.

2nd Time Around
As mentioned above this is a long film which maybe not to everyone's liking. At the very least its one to add to your collection and worth another watch after not watching for a while but will be the staple diet of D&D fans.

10/10

The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship Of The Ring

2009-03-27T14:53:00.018Z

The 'Ring of power' is entrusted to a unlikely hero that must destroy it before its owner reclaims it and brings chaos to the world.

In Brief
In a small village in 'middle Earth', The Shire, lies a race of little people who are friendly and Innocent. Among them is Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holme) who has travelled the lands of 'middle Earth' and seen many things, aided by a magic ring that can turn the wearer invisible. He is now old and beyond such adventures and gives the ring to his nephew Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood). Unknown to either the ring belonged to the dark Lord Suaron who made the ring to rule with supreme power. When Gandalf (Ian McKellan), a wizard and friend to Frodo, discovers the ring in Frodo's possession and its true power he charges the young Hobbit with its destruction as it will bring the world of 'middle Earth' into an age of anarchy if its master is ever reunited with it. To this end a group representing the different races of 'middle Earth', hobbit, Elf, man and Dwarf embark on a long and arduous journey to mount Doom to cast the ring into its fiery heart and destroy it. Frodo can not do this alone and Samwise (Sean Austin), Merry(Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd), his friends come along for the adventure. Lead by the powerful wizard Gandalf they set out to face the perils that lay ahead. Sauron (Sala Baker) all the while has not been idle. He searches for the ring endlessly and is aided by the wizard Sarmon (Christopher Lee) who sees only one victor in the struggle for the ring and plots against the unsuspecting party.

1st Time Around
This film is epic in scale and ambition. It is the first of a trilogy of the legendary book and covers the discovery of the 'One Ring' and the forming of the alliance that have to destroy it. The story is told as faithfully as possible and brings the world of middle Earth to life as do the cast who do a brilliant job. With such a star studded cast this was bound to be a massive hit and with good reason. The set pieces and feel are spot on as are the effects that portray the world and its unusual inhabitants to the full. Films are never as good as the books they emulate but, in my opinion, this does as good a job as could be done. The director (Peter Jackson) obviously cares for the story and has done his up most to make it as believable as possible. It has a long running time but this seems to fly by and as the end credits roll you find yourself aching to see the next in the series. I highly recommend it.

2nd Time Around
This is a long film and this may put people off watching it again. The Dungeons & Dragons crowd will enjoy the film immensely and be able to watch it endlessly but for the others I'm not so sure. This is the only real down side to the film however.

10/10

I Am Legend

2009-03-27T13:52:00.004Z

One man must find the cure to a disease that has infected the entire planets population.

Robert Neville (Will Smith), once a scientist with the military is alone in a desolate New York city. Three years before a manufactured plague was accidentally released, at the time being hailed as a cure for cancer, and consumed the population of the Earth. The plague's victims have turned into mindless 'zombies' that hunger for blood, his one defence is that they cant stand the sunlight and cower in the dark recesses of buildings by day. He is the only survivor, being immune to the virus, and is desperately tyring to find a cure and return the surviving populace to normality. His only friend is an Alsatian, Sam, and together they wonder the streets of New York collecting rats he experiments on. Daily at midday he broadcasts a message to anyone listening telling of his position and that he has survived and at night locks himself away from the mindless hordes that roam the streets, hoping that his presence will not be discovered. One day while chasing a deer Sam bolts after the animal who runs into a darkened building and Neville is hesitant to follow but does so for the love of his only companion. He encounters a group of the infected all huddled against a wall while looking for the dog and narrowly escapes with both their lives. With the cure, he hopes, in sight he rigs a trap and captures an infected and brings her back to his make shift lab to experiment on her and see if his cure works. It doesn't to his frustration and he continues his experiments. One day, much to his surprise he finds a mannequin from the video rental store he frequently goes to has been moved and a little of his sanity is ebbed away. Is he going insane, can he find the cure before whats left of him gives up all hope?

1st Time Around
I found this film highly enjoyable. It is told in a well thought out way of one man's fight with his surroundings and himself as he is completely alone and almost without hope. The back drop of a dead New York is fantastic as you see Neville idling away his time around the city, like driving golf balls off of the wings of jets, which he has to himself. There are emotional moments in the film and I admit to choking back a tear or two. Smith does a good job in this respect and I think this is one of his best roles to date. The ending could of been a little better but it could of been a lot worse as well. The effects are passable but not fantastic and look like CGI which is a shame but overall not bad at all. If you haven't seen this film I would recommend it.

2nd Time Around
If the 'zombies' had been just that little bit better then this could be a lot more watchable more than a couple of times. This is not to say that they are bad but feel a little too CGI. I have watched this a few times and enjoyed it every time as the zombies aren't the focus of the movie though they obviously they do play a big part.

7/10

Alien: resurrection

2009-03-25T21:48:00.007Z

Ripley returns to face a new Alien threat.

In Brief
With the death of Ripley on the prison planet Fiorina 161 in Alien 3 the company that hired her had lost the biological weapon they so dearly wanted. Now, 200 years into the future, they have all but perfected the cloning process and have cloned her. They don't have any interest in Ripley, they want the alien that grew in her and was destroyed with her in the furnaces of the prison. The cloning is not fool proof and after seven failed attempts they come as close as they need too, extracting the Alien from Ripley and leaving her part human part Alien. With the cloning of the Aliens well underway Ripley is left to her own devices but still imprison aboard The USM Auriga, the vessel she was 'born' in. A group of smugglers that have been providing hosts for the Aliens arrive with their latest shipment as the aliens who are not as stupid as their captives believe escape captivity and start decimating the crew. One of the smugglers, the youngest and only female, is not all she seems to be however. The ship goes into emergency mode and its crew, or whats left of them, abandons the ship which heads on auto pilot back to earth. Ripley and the smugglers are left alone aboard the ship with the ever rising number of Aliens and must join forces and find a way to leave the ship and stop it entering Earths atmosphere where the Aliens will descend upon an unsuspecting and unknowing population. With time against them and Ripley struggling with her allegiance to human or Alien she must lead this motley crue to safety.

1st Time Around
With CGI effects abundant the Alien is resurrected from the ashes and once again wreaks havoc with Ripley, as usual, in the middle. With weaver now playing an enhanced Ripley that is in tune with the Aliens this brings a fresh out look to the character which she does too good effect. She is creepy and a little menacing, Alien characteristics. The smugglers are a little over the top as 'bad - asses' and I found the Annalee (Winona Ryder) character holey unconvincing. Everyone knows the Alien franchise by now and there are few shocks in store but it does its best to be original, unfortunately falling short of the mark. Ripley is interesting as the half breed but apart from that this is a slightly above average sci/fi action romp. The film has a toned down feel to it compared to the first two films and it feels like they have tried to appeal to a wider audience. Not a bad film but not up to the high standards set from the original. Not on a par with 1 & 2 but better than 3. The Ending I found rather poor and ill thought out and there is plenty too poke at but not a bad attempt. With this the fourth outing of the Aliens and especially after the rather poor third, which this tries to improve on and does so at times, the Alien franchise would do well to leave it at this.

2nd Time Around
For Alien & sci/fi fans this is worth more than one watch but to the rest of the movie going public, i dont think so. Sigourney Weaver is good as the new Ripley but the rest are nothing special apart from maybe Ron Pearlman as Johner, the leader of the smugglers, who has a strong presents which he is known for. If its raining and there is nothing else on worth another go.

6/10

Alien 3

2009-03-25T15:37:00.011Z

Once again Ripley faces the Alien.

Ellen Ripley has escaped LV426 with a young girl, an injured marine and what is left of an android after confronting the Alien for the second time. On the journey back to Earth a 'face hugger' damages the ship forcing it to eject what is left of its crew and the escape pod crash lands on a desolate world. They are picked up by a group of convicts from the only outpost on the world. A forgotten prison run by a skeleton crew. The lieutenant and the young girl drown in the crash and the android is smashed beyond repair leaving Ripley alone and heart broken. She is shaved bald to stop the spread of head lice and waits among the population of criminals for her pickup and return to Earth. However she is not alone. The 'face hugger' that caused the crash has survived with her, which she suspects caused the crash, and disappears into the air ducts of the prison finding a dog that it impregnates and the alien is born again. When people start to disappear she tells them of the Alien, to there dis-belief, and learns that the prison has no weapons and runs on a honor system. A message is sent to Earth but due to the planets remoteness it will take weeks for help to arrive and they realise they are alone. While sitting down to a meal with the convicts who don't want her there as it has upset there delicate society the Alien plucks the prisons head guard Andrews (Brian Glover) who is attempting to keep the situation under control, into a air shaft in full view of them all killing him in the process. With nothing to defend themselves they must hatch a plan to trap the creature before they are picked off one by one by the Alien who is hunting them for food. Ripley unites the men with the help of the strongest of them, Dillon (Charles S. Dutton) and the medic Clemens (Charles Dance), and with little resources tries to stay alive and defeat the Alien once again.

1st Time Around
This was a disappointment for me. The first film had tension and the chock factor, the second, tension technology and weapons aplenty. This film has none of that. Lt Hicks and Newt from Aliens are killed off from the start which I was amazed at and Bishop although he does have a small part is unrealistically made to work by Ripley. The technology has been stripped away and all is left is a group of people running around some hallways with the Alien in pursuit. The Alien itself has also changed (why change perfection?) picking them off gruesomely. The blood and guts of the film go over the top and this seems to be its theme, how can we kill this guy and show as much gore as possible? The actors do as good a job as they could do with what they are given but they have little to work with. Ripley seems a little different from the last two films as she is not as serious with her emotions which is what makes Ripley Ripley, bedding the medic almost without hesitation. I didn't care for her being bald either. With nothing to defend themselves from the very beginning what is to stop the Alien from killing them all? what plans they do make go wrong and this seems just an excuse to use the Alien to make another Alien film. Don't get me wrong it is watchable but for fans of the first two this will be a disappointment.

2nd Time Around
With its 'back to nothing' approach and with so many changes only Alien devotees maybe the one's that will watch this more than once. A disappointment all round.

5/10

Aliens

2009-03-25T14:02:00.009Z

Ripley and a squad of marines battle for survival on a remote planet against the Alien.

In Brief
Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) has been drifting for over fifty years in suspended animation after encountering an Alien that wiped out the rest of the crew. She is rescued by a deep space salvage team and bought back to Earth. Though a long time has past it is still fresh in her mind of the ordeal she faced and wants to put it all behind her and get on with her life. The company doesn't believe her story of the Alien and the subsequent destruction of the 'Nostromo' and its crew as the planet that they encounter the alien on is now colonized and they can find no trace of the Alien but they let her keep a position in the company at a junior rank. Not long after her 'trial' she receives visitors, Carter Burke (Paul Reiser) the company man and Lieutenant Gorman (William Hope), who inform her that contact with the colony has been lost and a team of Marines is being geared up to go and check things out. They want her along for the ride but she refuses as she doesn't want to go through the nightmare again even though they offer her her full job as a flight officer back. After a little soul searching she agrees to go along as an advisor only and not to go in with the troops. The marines with Ripley in tow arrive at the planet, LV426, and she soon sees how little they know or understand of the dangers ahead of them as well as Lt. Burkes relative inexperience. They are not the most disciplined of troops but have state of the art weaponry at their disposal and arrive on the planet armed to the teeth, much to Ripley's growing sense of apprehension. The colony and its large atmosphere processor seem completely deserted and after a sweep of the buildings they find a little girl hiding in the air ventilation shafts. She dirty and hungry and is so scared she wont speak or interact with them in any way. She does finally opens up to Ripley who finds out her name is Jordan (Carrie Henn),'Newt' to her friends, and tells Ripley of the impending danger and that weapons wont help them. Upon finding the colonists positions through their personal transmitters that are surgically implanted the Marines head to the bowels of the atmosphere processor where all the colonists seem to have gathered. As they go deeper and deeper they start to find strange growths all around the super structure of the plant and the squad leader's voice there concerns but are ordered inside by Burke with Carter, Ripley, Newt and the Android Bishop (Lance Henriksen) watching from the safety of a tank on the surface of the plant. What they discover is the nightmare Ripley had feared and the war against the Aliens begins.

1st Time Around
With the phenomenal success of Alien how could this possibly be followed up. Well it has. This time around Ripley and Co have awesome weaponry at there finger tips and wage full scale war against the nearly unstoppable Alien that this time comes by the thousands. The suspense of the unknown of the first film is replaced by suspense of the known as the group fall headlong into a nest of Aliens with little hope of survival against such odds. Much thought has been put into the technology of the day and this shows from the very beginning. The tension is once again there as the sets are darkly lite with a labyrinth of tunnels and passageways to get lost in and this is used to full effect. As the film progresses things go from bad to worse for the group which makes for a riveting story as they battle the aliens and even each other at times. All the actors do a good job in there roles and Ripley even has a little love interest in Lt Hicks (Michael Bien) though with so much action packed into the film this is left at a few kind words. Who would have time? With state of the art effects (for its day) and a haunting sound track this film is for me as good as the original could hope to get as it knows that the surprise has gone of the introduction of the Alien and doesn't try to recreate it. Instead it pours on the action in a clever way and creates a different kind of tension. With clever direction, a great script and good acting this will go down as classic by James Cameron. If you liked the first film (who didn't?) then you probably will like this one.

2nd Time Around
I loved this film and could watch it time and time again as it is maturely done and goes for the realistic as far as possible. The action is fast paced and almost non stop as the Alien just wont quite. One for the collection.

10/10

Alien

2009-03-24T15:53:00.008Z

The crew of a mining ship deep in space must face a unspeakable terror .

In Brief
The mining ship 'Nostromo' are on there return journey with millions of tons of ore for earth. They are in a state of suspended animation as the journey takes a very long time but are woken up by the ships computer , 'Mother', that has detected a distress beacon and must investigate to see if they can be of any help. They land on an uncharted, inhospitable planet and a soon discover an alien ship that had crash landed a long time ago. With interpretation they investigate further only to find some large eggs in the bowels of the ship. One of these eggs bursts open and the creature inside attaches its self too the crew member Kane's (John Hurt) face and paralyses him. On returning to the ship Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), the second in command on finding out Kane's condition refuses entry fearing contamination but Ash (Ian Holm) the ships medic lets them in anyway. Dallas (Tom Skerritt) the captain authorises its removal even thought it risks Kane's life but they are unable as the creature defends itself and almost cripples the ship in the process. They decide to place him back in suspended animation and let the company take care of him on there arrival back to earth. They are unaware of the danger they are in as the creature is using its host as an incubator for a much more dangerous alien which soon places them in a life and death struggle.

1st Time Around
This is one of my all time favourite films and was a landmark in film making that has spawned a whole series of sequels and spin offs and for good reason. The story is told in a matter of fact and mature way with the technology of the time a by product rather than a feature. The ship and its crew are completely believable as is the Alien who is seriously scary. The ship is city size which gives them plenty of tunnels and dark places to explore and for the alien to hide and provides an excellent and original backdrop. The tension at times can be cut with a knife and as the film build so does the fear factor, enhanced by the dark and menacing sound track as the Alien goes on the rampage. The effects in the film are very good and feel as if they belong there rather being added. All the cast put in brilliant performances and look genuinely scared to death. If you scare easily watch with the lights on as it will have you squirming by the end. A classic in every respect.

2nd time around
Endlessly watchable. With quality acting and a palpable tension this film will go down as one of the greats. Not for the faint hearted though.

10/10

Sin City

2009-03-24T14:29:00.009Z

The story of Basin City and its violent and crime ridden underbelly.

In Brief
In Basin City violence and corruption are rife and this film shows the lives of its inhabitants as they are caught up in this dangerous place. It follows several people closely and is told in short stories that intertwine each other. One of the main character's is Marv (Mickey Rourke) , a tough gladiatorial type man who has only one soft spot, for the woman he loves, 'Goldie'. When Goldie is murdered he sets out to find her killer and seek his revenge. What he uncovers leads to the heart of some of Basin City's worst elements and he fights to keep his sanity and take revenge. Another is Harrigan (Bruce Willis) , an over the hill cop who must protect a young woman who has fallen prey to a vile predator of the city while keeping himself alive even though he has a heart condition. Another is Dwight (Clive Owen), a man with a shady past that goes after the abuser of his new girlfriend. His target, who just happens to be a decorated cop, is one of the worst elements of the corruption in the city. Their lives criss cross and impact each other as they all seek to do what in their minds is the right thing. Can the City hold its self together with so much violence at every corner or is this just another day in the lives of its 'Sin' City?

1st Time Around
This a an adaptation of the Frank Miller's short stories bringing them together in a cartoon type way. The presentation in refreshing and one of a kind as a lot is made to look like the cartoon's it imitates and this is done wonderfully. The violence through frequent is done in a mostly cartoon fashion and being in black and white the use of color to add to the impact.The story telling is cleverly done with twists and turns with the characters unknowingly being involved in each others stories. This film is heavily narrated which brings an element to the film not usually seen, you get to know their thoughts and reasons behind what they do which I thought was clever. Mickey Rourke for me steals the show as the unstoppable and unrepentant Marv. A one man army. I enjoyed this film though it does have its faults. Some of the acting I found a little wooden but with such a star studded cast and amazing visuals this can be glossed over. Not a classic by any stretch of the imagination but with its unusual style its sets a president that others are sure to follow.

2nd Time Around
If you liked it the first time around then you will probably enjoy watching it again and filling in on some of the bits you missed. The violence may be too much for some as it is graphic in places but if you can stomach that then definitely worth watching again.

8/10

Serenity

2009-03-24T03:32:00.009Z

The crew of the spaceships Serenity must battle an assassin who wants one of the crew as she holds a terrible secret.

In Brief
Mal (Nathan Fillion) is the captain of a rag tag crew of opportunist criminals. He holds them together with the promise of rich bounties and to this point has just managed to deliver. They rob from the alliance, the all powerful regime that defeated the 'Brown Coats' of which Mel was a member and stay on the run in the less well guarded outer planets and settlements. Among his crew he has a young woman, River Tam (Summer Glau) and his older brother Simon (Sean Maher) who is the ships doctor. He rescued her from the clutches of the alliance who he hates and has protected her from recapture even though she is very sought after, placing more risk to the ship and the rest of the crew. Unknown to anyone she holds in her head a secret. A secret that the alliance want kept at any cost and send a assassin (Chiwetel Ejiofor) to find and recapture River. When Rivers importance is discovered by Mal and his shipmates Jayne (Adam Baldwin), the crews 'muscle', views his disliking for the situation but the rest of the crew are behind Mel and decide to find the secret that River has unwittingly learned. With the stakes building to recover River they must brave untold horrors and be on there toes as they not only need to outwit the government agent that pursues them relentlessly but face the dangers of the outer rim and the 'Reavers', a mindless horde of men gone insane.

1st Time Around
This film is a spin-off from the TV series 'Firefly' that didn't do that well and was cancelled. However the show had enough of a following to make the film and thank heaven they did. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The effects are very good and not over done and the characters are likable and different from the usual space fairing hero's as they are actually criminals, they are more like regular people just trying to make a living which adds greatly to their appeal and believability. The action sequences are nicely done as is the pace of the film with the crew holding each other up. All the main characters are good in their respective roles which at the end of the day makes for a good space yarn (A special note to Jewel Staite as Kaylee the ships mechanic, she can fix my ship anytime). You can tell the budget for this film was not the usual stellar amounts that films studios give out but whats there is stands up on its own and is used to good effect. The film doesn't take itself too seriously either which i loved. For Sci/Fi Fans, fans of the series or anyone wanting to be entertained, for me, this is worth every penny.

2nd Time Around
This film may not be to everyone's liking but I'm sure most will have enjoyed the first watch. As to repeat performances, well I liked it immensely and could watch it again and again but I'm a fan. If your not into space movies then one watch is probably about your limit.

7/10

WALL-E

2009-03-23T16:34:00.008Z

Earth in the future had been abandoned and left to one small robot who is left to clear up the mess.

In Brief
The earth is lifeless after having been ravaged by man and his reckless use of the planets resources by the all consuming Buy & Large company. All humans have left on a large spaceship to find an alternate world to call home but have left one robot WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter - Earth class) to clean up the mess which he has been doing for centuries. In this time he has learned a lot about his surroundings and mankind and scurries around collecting rubbish, compacting into cubes and building vast cites out of it. He doesn't know what most objects are for but he collects the one's he likes in the back of a lorry which he calls home. when he is not compacting rubbish he studies the objects he collects and watches musicals on a beaten up TV, in his heart wants to dance like the humans he sees. He has a companion in the form of a cockroach and together explore what is now their world. One day as he is going about his business a ship arrives and drops off another robot. The robot is far more advanced than he is and after a nearly being destroyed by it finds out that its name is Eve, a female robot that has been sent to see if the planet can once again sustain life. He falls in love with Eve and shows her a plant he has discovered on his travels. She collects the plant and shuts down much to WALL-E's dismay and all he can do is protect her from the elements and hope that one day she re-activates. The spaceship that dropped her off returns to collect Eve and WALL-E out of love for Eve hitches a ride on the outside of the ship hoping to see Eve again. So starts WALL-E's adventure into space and his quest to be with his true love.

1st Time Around
This is a heart warming tale of an Innocent robot and his love for Eve, his one and only friend and what he will do to be with her. It is animation mixed with a little live action and does this very well. The animation is cleverly done and the attention to detail is great. It is a story aimed at the younger generation but older viewers will also like this as WALL-E is endearing as is Eve. It is a light hearted and uplifting story and although not perfect by any means is good enough to entertain. To start with the dialog is almost non existent as WALL-E and Eve cant speak apart from saying there own and each others names but that doesn't matter as the animations portray feelings very well. A good film all round, no a classic but very watchable all the same.

2nd Time around
Once watched I think that the appeal to watch it again may fade a little however I have seen this film a few times and it is a satisfactory watch. One for the kids or the child in you.

8/10

Jackie Brown

2009-03-23T14:25:00.012Z

A flight attendant runs a tight rope between the law and an arms dealer.

In Brief
Jackie Brown (Pam Grier) a middle aged flight attendant with a low budget airline gets caught by the local police and the ATF smuggling a small amount of money into the country from Mexico and unknown to her also a small amount of heroin. She refuses to co-operate and is charged with intent to supply the drug and faces a term in prison. The ATF man (Michael Keaton) teams up with the local cop (Michael Bowen) to find the owner of the money she smuggled as they suspect it to belong to a local arms dealer although they don't know his name. Jackie faces a dilemma, keep quite and go to prison or cut a deal and walk free. The arms dealer in question is Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson) a ruthless killer that will let nothing get in his way of making his million and certainly not her. Then she meets Max Cherrie (Michael Forster) the bail bondsman that Ordell has payed to get her released. He is in his late fifties and falls for Jackie almost instantly when he goes to collect her. With Max's help she hatches a plan to play the cops against Ordell and and his associates Louis (Robert De Niro) and Melanie and walk away clean and with the half a million dollars Ordell has stashed away in Mexico.

1st Time Around
This film was directed by Quintin Tarantino and like most of his films this is a slick, intelligent and well directed movie that satisfies throughout. The main characters are believable and well played and as the plot twists and turns, told in-part by re-runs of certain portions seen from different points of view, something Tarantino is well known for, they all conspire against each other for the money. Grier is well cast in the lead role as is Jackson as Ordell the ruthless arms dealer who does his usual brilliant job of being clever and intimidating while still being cool. De Niro is Louis, a departure for him playing a not so clever ex-con, and Bridget Fonda as the stoner Melanie. And not forgetting Michael Forster as Max Cherrie and Keaton as Nicolette putting in solid performances. With such a well acted drama this film cant help but impress. The story moves along at a steady pace helped by the fantastic sound track and builds to a satisfactory conclusion. One of Tarantino's best.

2nd Time Around
With quality story telling Tarantino has made a film that can be watched again and again as the emphasis is on the emotions of the characters rather than the scale of the action sequences which is unusual in this day and age and this is what makes the film stand out, there are a few minor flaws but nothing that detracts too much from it. A definite one for the collection and worth anybody's time.

9/10

The Transformers

2009-03-23T00:12:00.014Z

Two races of mechanical beings able to imitate objects they come across arrive on Earth and fight a battle over the power that created them.

In Brief
Sam Witwicky (Shia Lebeouf) is just an ordinary high school kid. As a present to him his father buys him his first car, a beaten up Camero. Unknown to Sam the car is far from what it seems. It is in fact an Autobot, a member of a race of Automatons that transform into any objects they encounter. The Autobots who stand for freedom and justice are looking for their 'holy Grail', the power source that started their race known as the 'Allspark' and have traced it to earth. The actual place on the earth is still unknown to them but through there interaction with the World Wide Web they have a lead. A pair of sunglasses being sold on E-Bay has the co-ordinates imprinted onto the lenses by an accident with Megatron (Hugo Weaving), the evil leader of the the Decepticons who had, centuries before, traced the 'Allsparks' location but had crash landed in the Arctic circle. The owner of the glasses was an explorer named Archibald Witwicky who stumbled upon Megatron frozen and encased in ice. And the now owner and seller of the glasses?, Sam Witwicky. Sam's car, known as BumbleBee is not the only Automaton looking for the glasses. Some Decepticons are also closing in on Sam and BumbleBee has to fight to protect him revealing his true identity, to Sam's great surprise. BumbleBee calls for the other Autobots, lead by the charismatic Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) and the hunt begins with Decepticon vs Autobot fighting to be the first to find the 'Allspark' and with mankinds future in the balance.

1st Time Around
This film has a good start with the destruction of a military base by one of the Decepticons disguised as a military helicopter. This gives it a more realistic feel, unfortunately this cannot be said for the rest of the film. The effects are very good but effects don't make a film. They have added a rather tongue in cheek approach as well which I didn't think fitted the film entirely. The voices of the Autobots are good however, especially Optimus Prime and Megatron, and the music adds to there presents. I found the story a little lacking and unbelievable which was a shame as this film could of been so much more. The love interest is provided my Megan Fox who plays Mikaela and for me one of the worst played parts in the film although she is kind on the eye too all the male audience members. This film is squarely aimed at the younger audience who may enjoy this film more than me but for the slightly more mature crowd, who first enjoyed the original cartoons its not one to rush to watch. Disappointing. If you are a big fan or just want to watch a film with action in it then by all means give it a go but don't expect anything more.

2nd Time around
If you have a few hours to kill and are fan of The Transformers then this is worth a repeat watch but apart from that, one to wait for to come on the TV.

6/10

John Rambo

2009-03-21T14:46:00.012Z

Rambo is tasked with saving some Christian missionary's from the sadistic Burmese military.

In Brief
Now living a simple life away from the dangers of combat Rambo is asked to ferry some Christian missionary up the river into Burma to help the Karen people who are being slaughtered at the hands of the Burmese military, a war that has lasted fifty years. He turns there offer down telling them they will change nothing but eventually is persuaded to take them by the female of the group Sarah (Julie Benz) and drops them off. They encounter pirates along the way which Rambo swiftly dispatches to save them from being tortured and murdered, alienating the missionaries from him. The missionaries go to a small village where they help with medical supplies and education only to be captured by the military and imprisoned deep in the jungles of Burma. Rambo is haunted by his past and the recent events bring back memories of this. Upon hearing of their capture and of the planned rescue attempt by some mercenaries Rambo offers to take the men to the area he took Sarah and her party. Upon arrival they witness the brutality of the military regime and with Rambo's guiding hand attempt a rescue.

1st Time Around
This film pulls no punches. From the opening title sequences that the show actual brutality of the Burmese military against the Karen people to the gory action sequences little is left to the imagination. Stallone although advancing in years and unable to do the physical work of his previous films is good as the aging veteran and shows not mercy for his foe (has he ever?). The Burmese commander is suitably brutal and cold hearted as are the troops he commands. The Mercenaries do a good job with there roles lead by Lewis (Graham Mctavish) as the old school SAS soldier as do the rest of the cast. With the public now used to guns and explosions the action takes a distinctly brutal feel with body parts and blood flying left right and center but this is only used to portray the true brutality of war. I Enjoyed this film a lot as it served to wrap up the loose ends of the Rambo franchise and bring closer. Definitely worth a watch.

2nd Time around
For fans of the Rambo franchise this is easily watchable again as the story is told with care not to go too over the top and tries for realism over 'Hollywood' action. For the casual viewer maybe the gore goes a little too far but what do you expect of a Rambo film.

8/10

Rambo 3

2009-03-21T13:56:00.009Z

Rambo is back, this time to save his friend and Commanding officer Samuel Troutman.

In Brief
Colonel Samuel Troutman(Richard Crenna) finds Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) living in Thailand working for a group of monks and tells him of a mission that he Will be undertaking and would like Rambo along. The mission: To help the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan fight the soviet invaders by supplying them with anti aircraft 'Stinger' missiles. He turns the mission down wishing to live a peaceful life and continue living in the monastery. Troutman undertakes the mission without him and is captured by the Russians lead by a ruthless commander who tortures Troutman for the location of the missiles. Rambo is informed of the missions failure and his friends capture by a local field agent and convinces them to send him in alone to Rescue Troutman. He arrives in Afghanistan and with help of the Mujahedeen attempts to rescue his friend from the Russian stronghold.

1st Time Around
Rambo is back doing what Rambo does best, kill lots of people and blow things up. This time it is the Russians who are on the receiving end of his wrath. He dispatches foe after foe in a variety of ways and although this seems to be little more than an excuse to use the character again and make some more money from him Stallone does his best as does Crenna in bigging Rambo up. Rambo's signature themes are all there and help the story a little. The ending although action packed is a bit silly and not really believable which is a shame. This is frankly nothing we haven't seen before and may only appeal to fans of the Rambo series. I'm not saying this is a bad film its just not up to the par of the first two.

2nd Time Around
If there is nothing else on and you want to see stuff get blown up then give it a watch. Otherwise I can just see it gathering dust on the shelf. The worst of the Rambo series.

6/10

Rambo: First Blood Part 2

2009-03-21T05:25:00.018Z

An imprison Vietnam war veteran is sent on a mission only he can complete.

In Brief
Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) has been imprison for the crimes he committed in Rambo: First Blood. He is visited by his old commanding Officer Colonel Samuel Troutman and is informed that he has a way out, by signing for a mission back into the jungles of Vietnam. He is whisked away to a base not from the the border and told his mission is to look for POW's that have survived from the Vietnam war in a POW camp that he had previously escaped from during the war. The leader of the operation, Marshal Murdock (Charles Napier), tells him that it is doubtful that there will be anything there and Rambo is to photograph the area only and not engage any enemy he may encounter. He is kitted with the latest equipment for his task and a team at the base to over see the operation. During his insertion by parachute his is forced to abandon all his equipment except the bare essentials as he gets caught on the plane after jumping from it. Once on the ground he rendezvous with a local who knows the area (Julia Nickson-soul) but soon realizes the camp is far from empty as was first assumed, in fact there are POW's in the camp that are close to death as they are being ill treated by there captives. He rescues a POW and heads for his pickup point where Murdock's men and Colonel Troutman are to chopper him back to the base, only to be left behind to his own fate. With the betrayal fresh in his mind he does what he does best, be the fighting machine the US army taught him to be.

1st Time Around
This is the ultimate action movie. Unlike Rambo: First blood which was more the story of a man seeking retribution because he was out of his element with society this is the story of him as the all out unstoppable soldier we saw a glimpse of in the first film. There is much less emotional drama and more non stop action and violence that sees Rambo's combat prowess at its best. He is cold and brutal to his enemy's and warm to his allies,what little allies he has, and once again faces ever increasing odds of survival. With the stakes raised, facing soldiers and not the police this time, so is the action and this film will not disappoint in that respect. Not too realistic in terms of what one man can do but that doesn't seem to matter too much as Stallone plays the part convincingly. The Musical scores once again heighten the tension and add to the feeling that Rambo is not a man to be messed with, as does Stallone himself looking on top physical form. The Villains, notably Lt. Col. Podovsky (Steven Burkoff), are suitably villainous and provide ample fodder for Rambo. Not as good as the first in the series but this is a different kind of film. A close 2nd.

2nd Time around
A very watchable no hold barred romp that see Stallone at his best as the muscle bound warrior. Is it as good as the first film, in my opinion no, but it stands on its own two feet none the less and delivers a powerful punch.

Nit-Picking
Some of the dubbed in sounds are a little over the top as Rambo fights Podovsky's right hand man, but this is an over the top film after all.

8/10

Rambo: First Blood

2009-03-21T03:55:00.018Z

A drifter in a small American town is harassed by the local law enforcement until he can stand it no more.

In Brief
John Rambo (Silvester Stallone), a Vietnam veteran has been wandering aimlessly since he left the services. He has few friends or family and has lost touch with humanity, he is alone. He visits the family of the last of his platoon to survive the war only to find that he has died from cancer and a little more of Rambo dies inside. When he finds himself in a small hick town just wanting a meal and a hot bath he is picked up by the local sheriff, Will Teasle (Brian Denehey), and is escorted to the outskirts of town with the clear message that he is not wanted. With his mental state at breaking point he defies the sheriff and returns only to be arrest for vagrancy. The police are unsympathetic to his plight and he encounters brutality at there hands as they try to run him through the system. As they restrain him in an effort to shave him after hosing him down he sees the cut-throat razor raised before him and something snaps. War memories come flooding back of the imprisonment and torture he suffered at the hands of the Vietcong and he explodes with rage, escaping the prison confines and heading for the hills. With the local and state police on his heels he disappears into the local forests but not before killing the main protagonist against him in an act self defence. The sherrif, learning of Rambo's past as a decorated Green Beret in the special Forces, and a trained killer, calls for re-enforcements. For Teasle this is personal. With the world looking for him can he survive as he did in Vietnam?

1st Time Around
First blood is the first in a series of films and the benchmark to which all others try to live up too. The story of a man pushed beyond breaking point, of his exclusion from society and subsequent private war against it. This is one of my all time favourite films and stands as a testimony to Silvester Stallone as an actor and story teller. He brings the character to life and from scene one you care for his plight and will him to succeed against insurmountable odds. The action has a very realistic feel and does not try to be the 'be all and end all' of action movies which makes it stand head and shoulders over the vast majority of action films old a new. The musical scores are appropriate to the situations, menacing at times and uplifting at others, adding to the drama. Hollywood take note. This is how it should be done. With today's CGI driven movies that usually lack authenticity this film proves that you don't need flashy effects to tell a story and leave a lasting impression. Definitely one for the collection.

2nd Time around
Because this is more of a drama with action sequences and because of the quality of the acting by all concerned, Brian Denahey as the self absorbed Sheriff, Richard Crenna as Rambo's commanding Officer and of course Rambo himself, this film is endlessly watchable. You genuinely feel for Rambo and as the film closes there are even moments that pull at the heart strings. Outstanding in every way.

10/10

Tropic Thunder

2009-03-20T17:38:00.011Z

Can a selection of Hollywood celebrities make 'The greatest war movie ever told'?

In Brief
The film set of the new war epic 'Tropic Thunder' is in trouble. Its actors are spoilt, it is way behind schedule and vastly over budget. The film is based on the memoirs of 'Four leaf' Tayback (Nick Nolte), a soldier in the Vietnam war who wants this movie made very badly (and it is :-). Having shut the film down for a week after a heated roasting from the studio head (Tom Cruise) the director (Steve Coogan) decides to make it a fly on the wall gritty film and takes his main actors away from the luxuries stars are used to. After an initial mishap the actors are left alone in the deepest jungles of east-Asia thinking they are being filmed from hidden camera's where as in reality they are completely alone. With only a scene list and a small map to guide them can they keep up there act? The lead, Tug Speedman (Ben Stiller) who plays Tayback leads his men into action as he is desperate for a movie hit after his career has nose dived. Lazerus (Robert Downey Jr.), who plays Sgt Osiris is not convinced even though he is one of those actors that totally immerses himself in his role, even to the point of getting a skin pigmentation to play an African-American and never breaking character. As Speedman, Lazarus, Portnoy (Jack Black) - known for his comedies ,Chino - rap artist(Brandon T. Jackson) and Sandusky (Jay Baruchel) - the unknown actor, head into the jungle do they have what it takes to be real soldiers?

1st Time Around
With an impressive cast list this film seemed like a sure fire hit, and almost is. The jokes come thick and fast as they ruthlessly make fun of the movie industry, the celebrity culture and even themselves. Stiller is good as lead but for me Downey Jr. steals the show as the all or nothing actor and that wont be anyone but his character until he does the DVD commentary. there are times when things don't go totally according to plan but none the less this is a enjoyable romp that doesn't take itself too seriously.

2nd Time Around
Watchable again for a few scenes but that's about it. This film could of been a disaster but holds it head up through some good acting. If it comes on the TV or if you havnt watched it in a long time watch it again.

7/10

Ironman

2009-03-20T15:56:00.011Z

A wealthy industrialist realizes he is doing more harm than good and builds a suit so that he can right his previous wrongs.

In Brief
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is a genius when it comes to technology. He had built an empire with his innovative inventions, not least in the weapons development market and is living the life of a decedent playboy from his endeavors. After the successful test of his latest invention, a weapon of mass destruction, he is kidnapped by the same people the weapons are to be used on and is forced to build this weapon for them. During the kidnapping he is severely injured by shrapnel from one such weapon but his life is saved by another kidnap victim who helps him build a miniaturised generator to power a strong magnet keeping the shrapnel from entering his heart and killing him. His kidnappers are ruthless and single minded and want his genius to work for them, Tony has other ideas. To Facilitate his escape and that of his saviour he builds an armoured suit to break out of there prison using weapons the kidnapper's have captured. During this time he reflects upon his life and his actions having seen the destruction his weapons can do up close and personal he decides to change his life for the better and for the better of mankind. Upon his return to the life he knows, he build a fully working version of the suit that saved his life and charges himself to make the world a better place. The Ironman is born.

1st time around
From the opening sequences you Like Tony stark. He lives the high life with untold wealth at his finger tips (helped by a rocking AC/DC track or two). The addition of the military gives this film a more realistic touch rather than just being another action hero feeling film as does his building of the final suit he wears which is very cool with some state of the art technology. The effect are excellent and believable and as the Ironman he kick some royal butt. This a film for the hero in us all as Tony rights the wrongs of his past and does the right thing, protecting rather than destroying. Pepper Pots (Gwyneth Paltrow) is good as Tony Secretary as is Jeff bridges as the No.2 guy in Stark Industries and both add to the film. A good watch.

2nd Time Around
The suit is obviously the main draw to watching this film but Robert Downey Jr. adds a lot to this and plays Tony as the super intelligent wise cracking playboy with ease. The action is of a good quality if a little 'boys own' ish. Not one to watch over and over but worth watching more than once.

Nit-Picking
As cool as the Ironman is the Hollywood physics come into play here as he does things that would almost certainly liquidise him inside the suite. I wasn't completely happy with the ending but it didn't disappoint me either.

8/10

The Road to Perdition

2009-03-19T14:54:00.009Z

One man's fight for justice after the murder of his family.

In Brief
Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) is a hitman for the mob during the great depression era in America. His two sons know little of what he does for a living and one day the older son Michael hides in his fathers car to see exactly what his father gets up to. He witnesses the murder of several men instigated by the mob leader John Rooney's (Paul Newman) son Connor(Daniel Craig) and sets in motion events that would lead to the murder of Sullivans wife and younger son at the hands of connor who has been stealing from the mob. Sullivan confronts John telling him of Connor's betrayal but John refuses to give him up. Sullivan must then go on the run with Michael and find a way to avenge his families death while keeping them both alive. On his trail is Harlen Maguire (Jude Law), an assassin tasked with finding them and executing them both on the orders of John even thought Sullivan has been like a son to John. The bonds of family are strained as both sides battle for survival.

1st Time Around
A very enjoyable tale of a man protecting his family against all odds. Tom Hanks is on fine form (when isn't he?) and makes his character likable. Paul Newman is the agonised mob leader torn between his real son and the man he has cared for as a son, Sullivan. Danial Craig is the slimy Connor that has little empathy for anything or anyone and Jude law shines as the cold blooded and creepy assassin Harlen. As the story unfolds you care more and more for the welfare of Sullivan and his son as they duck and weave the mob's attempts to find them, due to Hank's performance and to enhance this a little humour is injected as father and son bond as they never has before. The ending is a surprise but does not disappoint. One for the collection.

2nd Time around
Is this film endlessly watchable, no. Is it entertaining and does it pull at the heart strings a little, yes. One for gangster film lovers.

9/10

Saving Private Ryan

2009-03-19T14:10:00.008Z

Can one man be found bought safely from the battlefields of WW2?

In Brief
Private Ryan (Matt Damon), just another soldier in the war against the Germans in war torn France is deep behind enemy lines. Unbeknown to him his three brothers who also serve in the forces have all been killed. When the powers that be discover this they send someone to find this private and get him out before he too is killed as no one family should have to bear such a burden. Enter Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) who is tasked with getting Ryan out alive. He and a group of rangers that have come from the slaughter of the D-day landings set forth to find Ryan, risking all there lives to save one not even knowing where he is or if he is still alive. The group face enemy lines and must battle to find him. Casualties ensue as they face snipers and machine gun fire at every turn. The men all have mixed feeling as to the validity of such a mission and Captain Miller must unite these man and get the job done as a professional soldier. Private Ryan must return alive.

1st Time Around
This had me gripped from the start. From the jaw dropping opening battles sequences of Omaha beach to the war torn countryside there is little doubt the sacrifice the soldiers made and the hurdles they had to overcome just to stay alive. Attention to detail second to none as is the acting for all the cast. It felt so accurate it was almost like watching a documentary. Hanks is at his best as are his fellow actors portraying soldiers on the front line. This film shows the reality of war in all its forms and the brutality one man can have against another, It is a fitting tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the men that served in world war 2. If you only watch one film in your life watch this. An all time classic.

2nd Time Around
I could watch his film time and time again. The action is like nothing ever seen before and the cast and direction are second to non. I cant recommend this film highly enough and it deserved all the accolades and awards it was given after its release. A must have.

10/10

The Chronicles of Riddick

2009-03-19T13:04:00.007Z

An escaped convict is hunted by an army but Riddick is no ordinary convict.

In Brief
Riddick (Vin Deisel), one of the galaxies most dangerous and difficult men to catch has hidden himself on a ice planet away from civilization after escaping from a nightmarish world with a priest and a young woman (Pitch Black). The rest of the Galaxy has forgotten about him until the priest he saved some years ago needs his help. An invading army that is sweeping the galaxy, Necromongers, converting or killing anything they come across has reached his home world and he can think of no-one else to turn too so he hires some mercenaries to hunt Riddick down. There is only one problem, Riddick is not the helping type. The leader of the Army is Lord Marshal (Colm Feore), a half dead who has seen the gates of the 'Underverse'. He fears only one thing, a prophecy of his downfall at the hands of a race called Furians, well known for there resistance to be enslaved. With that in mind he has systematically wiped the Furian race from existence, that is apart from one, Riddick. As his armies sweep aside any opposition he learns of Riddick and the hunt begins and he sends his right hand man Vaako (Carl Urban) to find and kill him. With the bounty hunter 'Toombs' and his posse as well as the Necro's hot on his heels can Riddick use his knack of escaping to his advantage?

1st Time Around
This futuristic action fest is one of Vin Deisel's best. He portrays Riddick as the hardest and smartest convict in the Galaxy well and has the 'cool' factor because of it. He plays the character with style and is believable. The action is fast paced from the start and does not disappoint. The effects are fantsatic and used well to portray some nightmarish places like the prison Crematoria, a world almost totally inaccessible due to its location next to a star. Toombs the bounty hunter is also worth a mention as he comes across as similar to Riddick in may respects with the 'cool' factor. Judie Dentch as the elemental does a stand up job as does Urban as Lord Marshals closest Lieutenant. This film is not perfect by any means but is good entertainment and worth a watch.

2nd Time around
This film will not be to every one's cup of tea as it is aimed at the younger generation and sci/fi fans but it does its best. A good addition to your collection of sci/fi but as to its watchability if your not, possibly not.

Nit-picking
More than a pinch of salt is need for this film, a truck load should be about right but this is sci/fi so fans wont find it a problem.

7/10

The Transporter

2009-03-18T17:42:00.006Z

A man that will deliver anything anywhere for a price.

In Brief
To the outside world Frank Martin (Jason Statham) lives the quite life after retirement from the armed forces. He pays his taxes, keeps his nose clean and enjoys the French countryside . However Frank leads a double life. For the right price he can transport things anywhere 'No questions asked.' He lives by three simple rules, 1) Never change the deal, 2) No names, and 3) Never open the package. He is a professional at his work and makes a good living from it. He accepts a package to be delivered from a very shady character and is on his way to deliver the package when circumstances force him to open it, breaking rule 3. The owners of the package want him dead and they attempt to kill him, something Frank does not take lying down and from this moment on his life is turned upside down as he battles them for survival and a little pay-back. With the police and the 'mob' on his tail can Frank better them all?

1st Time Around
The Transporter is a no holds barred action flick. From the very start you are in no doubt as to Franks talents and professionalism and as the movie progresses so does the intensity of the fights. The fight sequences are very well choreographer and clever use is made of the situations Frank finds himself in. The man is almost unstoppable, taking no bull from anyone and looks good doing it. The stunts are believable even though they are over the top as is Statham himself. This film made me think of a more action orientated James Bond on heat. If you like action movies this one is a cracker and wont disappoint. Its not a classic but if you want action you have come to the right place.

2nd Time Around
This is definitely one to watch again as the fight scenes and music score are terrific. Statham is likable as the hero and looks the part.

Nit-picking
Fantastic as the action is it is to be taken with a pinch of salt as sometimes the laws of physics don't seem to apply but that can be said of most films these days.

7/10

The Shawshank Redemption

2009-03-18T15:03:00.005Z

The story of a good man imprison for life for the murder of his wife and her lover and his struggle with the prison system.

In Brief
It is 1940's america. Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker is sentanced to life imprisonment at Shawshank prison for double murder. He is far removed from the typical prisoner, quite and thoughtful he finds it hard to make friends and is a loner. This marks him as a target and life soon becomes harder than ever as he is forced to defend himself against the prisons predators. Then he meets 'Red' (Morgan Freeman), the man who can get you anything. 'Red' is a long serving prisoner who has a lot of respect in the prison system for his black marketeering. Over time they become close friends and life becomes tollerable for Andy, even enjoyable at times. Andy dreams of starting his life over even though he will never leave the confines of prison life and through his natural desire to be a good man manages to lift the spirits of the prisoners and himself and give a little hope to the forgotten man who see themselves institionalized. His ability to never give up his dream, never give up hope of freedom and being the man he knows he has always been endears himself to almost all he meets. The system does its best to beat him into submission but he refused to give up hope.

1st time around
This film is one of the greats. The performances are outstanding by all concerned and completely believable. You genually feel for Andy and Red as they are different from the people around them, they are men of honor and dignity in a world that punishes weakness and as the story progresses the more you want to see justice served. Will they be redeemed, will there friendship last? Will the system beat them as it has done to everyone else. Despite the bleak surroundings and harsh and often violent encounters seen in the film this is a feel good movie. This is a film not to be missed. If you love films and have an ounce of emotion in your body you will love it.

2nd time around
This is one of those films I can watch again and again. Not only do the main characters shine but so do all the ensamble cast from the Prison gov'nor to the guards to the 'bad guy' prisoners. The director never lets the film slack and builds to a believable and satisfactory conclusion. Out standing in every way.

10/10

The Matrix

2009-03-18T14:53:00.006Z

Thomas Anderson, a computer programmer finds that his life and the reality he knows isn't all it seems.

In Brief
Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) is just wondering through life, he works as a computer programmer by day and is basically just an other number in the system. After work he makes money as a hacker and goes by the name 'Neo' as his alter ego. He never really feels completely comfortable with life and after a slightly disturbing conversation with a mystery man calling himself 'Morpheus'(Lawrence Fishbourne) he finds that the life he has come to know id far from what he thinks it is. Eventually he meets 'Morpheus' and 'Trinity'(Carry-Ann Moss), his second in command and is shown the true vision of 'The real world'. As he goes deeper and deeper into the 'real' he comes to realize that he has abilities he could not of dreampt of and joins with other people who have been 'woken up'. His life was to this point mundane and boring and now he has seen the light the true powers that be what him stopped, so he must fight them. He must unlearn what he has learned, start a new and rebuild from scratch. More than that Morpheus and his gang believe him to be 'The One', the person that can set them all free. His nemesis is 'Agent Smith'. a agent sent to stop him and the rest of Morpheus's troupe at all cost and with unlimited resources at his disposal. With the odds against him and danger at every turn he falls headlong into a world he no longer knows. Can he live up to the expectations of Morpheus?

1st Time Around
This story is a must for anyone interested in Sci/Fi, computers or just a good yarn. It surprises you at every turn and as the film progresses and 'Neo' finds his feet in the 'world' you feel more and more drawn into the story. The cast are outstanding, Keanu Reeves is very good as the nerd turned hero, Hugo Weaving is excellent as Agent smith, singled minded in his efforts to defeat Morpheus, Neo and the rest. And Morpheus and trinity (especially Morpheus) play there parts to the full. The effects are amazing and not overused if a little unrealistic at times but this never detracts from the story as a whole. This film used the new 'bullet time' effect which is spectacular, And the whole film has a 'Wow thats cool' factor'. Not to be missed.

2nd Time Around
Although the initial surprises are gone the film is easily watched again and again as the effects and the whole idea of a 'nobody' turning into a 'somebody' (The One) that can do incredible things factor is still there. The fight scenes are second to none and the story builds to a satisfactory conclusion.

Nit Picking
The real world effects could possibly be a little more real but this is a minor flaw.

10/10

The Gangs of New York

2009-03-18T14:42:00.006Z

Set in a time when poverty and civil unrest are common (1863), one young man seeks vengeance for the murder of his father in New Yorks early years.

In Brief
Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio) the son of a prominent New York gang leader is sent away after his fathers murder only to return years later with hate in his heart and vengeance on his mind against his fathers killer, Bill 'The butcher' Cutting (Danial Day-Lewis). The story is set around the slum areas of New York called 'The five points', where five roads verge and the place thats gangs constantly fight over. Since his fathers death Bill cutting has total control over the five points and rules with an iron fist, or knife, whichever comes to hand. Bill is a 'Native' and hates the new influx of immigrants that are invading his turf and fights and kills them at every opportunity, with the help of the local police and politicians. Amsterdam, still angry at his fathers death, sets about rising in the ranks to get close to Bill. This is a time of civil war in America setting man against man in bloody battles to see who controls what and the violent confrontations between the gangs only spur them on to greater deeds of barbarism. The government's call for national conscription leads to mass riots further heightening the violence. All the while Amsterdam plots his revenge against Bill.

1st time around
This is based on actual events in US history and is told in a no holes barred way. The violence is gratuitous but justified in the circumstances and graphically depicts the terrible conditions suffered by the residents of early New York city. DiCaprio does a good job of being the avenging son but the real star is Day-lewis who steals the show as the bloody thirsty Bill 'The butcher'. The scenery is authentic and gives the film the right look of poverty and degradation and you can see that a lot or research has gone into it. The actors as a whole play there parts well and make the situation believable. Maybe not for the faint of heart as nothing is left to the imagination. This is a must see film.

2nd time around
This is one of those films that can be watched again but maybe not immediately due to its length but all the same is an enjoyable film made all the better by Day-lewis's portrayal of Bill who is unforgettable.

8/10

The Departed

2009-03-18T14:38:00.006Z

Two young men enroll with the Massachusetts State Police department. Both get embroiled with the local Irish mafia, One is a crook the other a cop. Both sides want the other and shed blood to find them.

In Brief
William Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) are both intelligent men, both enrolling with the MPD. Sullivan is smart and calculated with a clean background where as Costigan is street smart and brash with criminal ties in his family. Sullivan is posted to the task force to stop organized crime in Massachusetts and Costigan is posted to an undercover unit inside the organized crime family that Sullivan is working to stop. Both hide there secret, they are working for the other side. what follows is twist upon twist, lie upon lie as both keep there true identities a secret while trying to discover the others identities. In the world of organized crime the smallest indiscretion has the harshest consequences and both run a tight rope of deception from the other and there superiors. There lives intertwine yet they unaware of each others presence yet know that there is a 'rat' out there somewhere. The head of the crime syndicate Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) is a ruthless killer as are his subordinates and will stop at nothing to uncover the rat. With both sides playing the other will they be able to keep the front up, will they be discovered as the frauds they are. Can they protect themselves from there respective bosses and each other or will there lies uncover them?

1st time around
This is a slick crime drama that doesn't pull its punches. The lives of the two men are expertly portrayed and executed (no pun intended) by DiCaprio and Damon as they duck and weave each other. There are a lot of twists in this movie so its not one you can look away from for long. Nicholson plays his usual part as the slick intelligent brains behind it all and is completely believable, a part made for him. As the story progresses and lie builds upon lie the tension builds and builds and serves the plot well. Does vengeance have an ending or is cyclical? close attention needs to be paid at all times as characters come and go and change almost constantly with deception upon deception changing how each react. The pace never slackens as does the violence which is not gratuitous yet happens frequently and the soundtrack has some great songs. A great movie for gangster film lovers.

2nd time around
If you missed anything the 1st time around then another watch would be advised. However as to its longevity, possibly only for the die hard gangster fans or if you haven't watched it in a while.

Nit picking
Ray Winstone play Costello's right hand man and does so brilliantly but I didn't completely buy his American accent.

8/10

The Green Mile

2009-03-18T14:34:00.004Z

The story of John Coffey, An extra ordinary man sentenced to death for the murder and rape of two girls and his time on death row.

In Brief
It is the 1930's and John Coffey, a giant of a man is sent to death row to be executed for the murder and rape of two girls. There is however something very special about John apart from his size. He has a very unusual talent. The power to heal. Despite his overpowering presence he is a gentle giant that seems completely benign and struggles with the world around him which he doesn't really understand. He is little more than a child in a mans body, even to the point he has to sleep with the light on. The guards of death row, known as the green mile from the lime colored floor are a little taken aback by him. hardened as they are to the rough criminal element and death which is a part of there job. As the story progresses and they get to know John more and more and see the good in him. This is an emotional and moral dilemma for them all as they will eventually have to execute this docile and passive man. The prisoners can see it, the guards can see it yet it is there job which must be carried out according to the law. There are however a few exceptions, notably 'Percy'. A young guard who has taken the job so he can get to see death up close. he is cold hearted and callous and is disliked by everyone he meets and makes life difficult for all concerned. The story is told in flash back by the captain of the guard (Tom hanks) and focuses on his struggle with the job he knows he has to do. As the characters lives inter win in and out of prison life he finds it harder and harder to remain unattached as do his work colleges, but the law is the law.

1st time around
This film is one that should not be missed. The cast of characters and there portrayals are grade A. Tom Hanks does his usually outstanding job as do all the guards. Michael Clarke Duncan (John Coffey) is perfect as the Gentle giant you empathize with completely and I consider this his finest role. You feel for the prisoners and the guards alike as they face the inevitable. There struggles with the moral dilemma's that come out i the film are well played out and tug at your heart strings. I Recommend this film whole heartedly as one not to miss.

2nd time around
This is one of my favorite films of all time. It deals with the harsh reality of a man facing death made worse by the fact that he is an innocent soul that knows nothing of real life and has been lead though life by chance. The direction is without fault as is the acting and this is a worthy addition to anyone movie collection. If you haven't seen it you are missing a gem.

10/10