The Expendables 3 - Movie Review

After the forgettable first movie and the atrocious second movie, my expectations for the third where justifiably low. And to my surprise they half won me over.

Now lets get one thing straight, Expendables 3 isn't a great movie, to ne honest it isn't particularly a good movie, but it does somehow work.

So, lets go over the bad bits, the main cast of Stallone, Statham, Couture, etc, are still as boring and uninteresting to watch as ever. The whole macho machismo thing is still here and is as annoying as ever, but it is vastly reduced compared to the previous films, but it doesn't spend every other scene forcing things like "brotherhood" and "Camaraderie" in your face. Which is nice.
There is also some awful dialogue and delivery scattered throughout. And Terry Crews isn't in it half as much as he should.

The new guns are also about a memorably as your own phone number, with the film spending way to long introducing them for them just to fall flat. They either don't do anything or are just boring cliched background characters.

The action although an improvement over the previous films, still doesn't add up to much. There are some nice ideas dotted around the place, but there never directed well enough to make them look as cool as they should. However it does seem to have a bit more energy and has some good moments.

Now, the good bits, the film actually has a bit of a personality with the "actual" actors, Gibson, Banderas, Grammer, actual have fun in there roles and overall they just seem to lighten everything up. Mel Gibson (and his over effeminate glidey walk) is a great villain with some really good scenes, its unfortunate that the final showdown is a bit anti-climatic, but you cant have everything.

While Banderas is excatly what the film series needed, he comes in with his zesty and bouncy character and it instantly shakes off the po faced semi serious glum the films have been up to that point.

The story also seems to be better, with a story that could have been great somewhere else, but is serviceable here.

Overall, the film finally somewhat delivers on the series promise, of having all these old action stars comeback for a Big ol' action film, but it doesnt feel as special as it could have done if they did it right the first time. But its a solid action movie with a bit more of a personality, and some better action scenes.

Rating: 4.5/10

Guardians Of The Galaxy - Movie Review

Is it possible to have separation anxiety from a film?

I will look at Guardians of the Galaxy, in much the same way as I look at Dr Who, They both have their flaws, but deep down inside of me, they seem to muster a child like sense of glee that seeps into my bones.

Which is why it's hard for me to be objective in my review, but'll try.

On second thought... F**k that.

Guardians is a lovable Sci-Fi film of biblical proportions that made me fall in love with the characters and setting. And just has a intoxicating personality.

Explaining why I fell in love is a bit more difficult, its most probably due to all the assets of this movie, e.g. soundtrack, style, humour etc, coming together so well to create a universe that's just so fun and enjoyable.

Well lets get into the nitty gritty, The Guardians themselves are played pretty perfectly, with each of the characters bringing something unique to the table, with the whole cast being standout. Special mention must go to Batista who's stilted delivery perfectly suits his ultra literal character.

All in all, their character quirks and their chemistry, mean that this ramshackle gang rouges become very endearing.
The films style and colour is also a great, adding a sense of personality to everything.

To be honest I don't really want to talk about anything more. Because I don't really  want to spoil anything.

There are some flaws, the story is still a magical mcguffin plot, the villain lacks a real personality that would make him memorable, and I wanted it to be longer to flesh thing out a bit more. But I don't really care because I enjoyed it too much.


Overall, Guardians is everything I wanted it to be, and in the end I just want more. It creates a world that I just want to immerse myself in and have a little swim about in. With the films tone and heart making it instantly endearing. Its the perfect example of a Films personality being so infectious and lovable. Look past the faults and I'm sure you'll get Hooked.

Rating: 9/10

The Purge: Anarchy - Movie Review

So, here we are again, ready for our annual Purge, although this years Purge is a slightly more ambitious B grade movie that has an abundance of good ideas, instead of just the one.

The original Purge film, was a good example of a floundered idea, that merely used the good concept as a reason for a home invasion flick.

While this years Purge tries to be a bit more ambitious with its concept, by adding commentaries on class, wealth disparity and Gun control. And to be fair it doesn't do a bad job at either.

The story starts basically with 4 individuals beings stranded outside on the night of the Purge, due to some unfortunate series of events, when a mysterious stranger (basically The Punisher) attempts to help them survive the night. What follows could be considered a gritty road trip movie through the various events that occur on Purge night.

As a whole the cast do a good job, with Frank Grillo being the standout, providing us with a bad ass with a hidden motive. While the rest of characters seem to be too inconsistent and lack any substantial personality, although portrayed well enough, I don't feel they are memorable enough to have enough impact.

Now we come to the look and feel of the film, in total the looks pretty good, with some stand out moments and imagery, which is stylized enough to add to the character of the movie.

With burning firetrucks and one percenters who look like modern day photoshopped aristocrats. The style is just enough there to add to the films messages and atmosphere.



Unfortunately, it's the feel of the film that lets it down the most. The action sequences are done well, but a few of them have these strange inconsistencies that robs them of all tension, such as a pursing vehicle that takes about five minutes to travel five meters.

There is also a lack of payoff in terms of the things it does well, enemies have disappointing reveals and the mystery reveal seems rushed. The film also fails to go higher than 3rd gear, with just a lack of that one big action moment.

Overall, This years Purge improves on the original, by having some ambition and some good ideas. But this B grade action movie is fun and interesting for the most part, but fails to fully unleash the beast.

Rating: 6/10

Hercules - Movie Review

Once in a very short while does a great man come to surface, the stuff of legends, a man that forges great stories from his adventures and a name that whole generations adore, that man is...

The Rock.

Now the man with incredibly white teeth  takes the title role at this years second attempt at a Hercules movie, is it better than that other one? Yes a million times yes.

Now I aint going to pretend this is a great movie, it just scrapes being good, but one, its a damn sight better than that other Hercules movies and two, I had some fun with it.


Deep in my cold heart there is a soft spot for action adventure movies, which there are not too many of theses days, so when a movie comes along with a likable bunch of rogues and some decent action, I look upon it favorably.


The story starts badly with numerous cliches and a by the numbers plot, and it carries on like this for a while, but unexpectedly a plot turn occurs that really improves the movie. Which is kind of a shame, because if the whole movie was up to that standard, it might have been a truly good film. But in the end it comes a little to late to save the movie, but it does elevate it somewhat.

The direction is serviceable, there are some nice moments and there are some bad moments, but overall.. Meh. As a whole the actors do save this movie from being far worse, The Rock and his merry band of Men (+1 women), come across as likable and diverse enough to not be instantly forgettable, but they don't really get an awful lot to do. With main stays such as John Hurt, proving a very valuable addition.

Overall, the man with the sandals finds a good outlet in the Rock and the rest of the cast, but inconsistent story telling and some missteps throughout the movie, means that you'll enjoy it, but you won't really know why.

Rating: 5.5/10

Begin Again - Movie Review

Wearing it's heart on it's sleeve, Carney's Begin Again doesn't quite excell, but its sincerity and charm do become annoyingly infectious.

An early scene featuring the imagination and passion that surrounds music, is a wonderful sight to behold and there are moments like these scattered throughout the movies like pearls. These moments fill the film with its sincerity and charms, they come off as a love letter to music that many can relate to. It's a bit of a shame that not all the music performed has enough originality to make them distinct form each other, but there are some songs that stick out and fit the film well.

The story also fluctuates in terms of quality, at times there's an earnest story to be told, but for the majority the film just seems to plod along and becomes to wrapped up in its sappy story. Although never bad or boring, there are times when it seems like the story's on autopilot, but its still engaging and watchable.

The characters also seem to fluctuate in terms of quality with some beginning as a resemblance of cliches (Mark Ruffalo) and some are just not given enough screen time to emit enough personality (the very talented James Corden). But luckily for the film the actors do enough to imbue to characters with all charm and likability that they need. Despite the main relationship between Ruffalo and Knightly, the rest seem a bit flat and unrealistic and takes away from the emotional edge of the film.

Overall, Begin Again is a bit rough around the edges, but its heart is in the right place and that's what matters. At times the film just emits pure charm, but then also seems to then plod to the end and hits some flat notes on the way there.

Rating: 6.5/10

 

Dawn of the Planet of The Apes - Movie Review

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (should be Dawn of the Apes) feels like a natural evolution to the apes franchise, as well as a great stand alone blockbuster.

The films continues 10 or so years after Rise of the Planet of the Apes (should be Rise of the Apes) and opens with a tour of the civilization the apes have built for themselves. This opening segment sets an incredibly high bench in terms of stunning visual effects and cinematography, that the film just continues to reach throughout the entire movie. Then the apes encounter humans, which then sparks tensions in both groups as both leaders strive for peace.

This is My Movie

In terms of story the film travels some fairly used plot points, but approaches it in some intelligent and unique perspective that means the story always has a sense of tension and agency. 

The story also runs some great parallels between the apes and humans stories meaning that both sides are given the right amount of focus.

The tensions within both sides are also wonderfully shown, with each character always seeming fair and grounded in there fears and ideals, and never seeming detached. 

This is the films greatest strength, showing how the dynamics of leadership and beliefs, play out as they clash within the mind of the characters, especially Caesar's. There are some missed opportunities in terms of the story, that if expanded upon could have added even more emotion and intimacy to Ceasar's character, such as the relationship between is partner and his son, but what's there is enough.
Special Mention has to be given not just to Andy Serkis, but the rest of the cast of motion captured apes. Every scene they are in are mesmerizing and the simple act of watching them interact with each other is dazzling.

Then watching as their society breaks down due to the introduction humans is brilliant.and watching this story play out through the movie is the real treat.

Now we come to the not so good bits, as with 2014's Godzilla reboot, the humans are just lackluster overall and fail to leave any imprint in the long run. Although in terms of the war each site are well evened out, the problem is, one is far more interesting that the other. Which means the entire time their on screen your waiting for the apes to come back and to the films credit they aren't given a lot of screen time on their own. The main issue is that they are just uninteresting characters and what little personality they are given, just isn't enough.

Overall Dawn is a great movie that is only let down due to the humans, who need a better story and more interesting characters. Dawn's an intelligent Sci-Fi blockbuster treat, with a tremendous 3rd act that is visually stunning and gut wrenchingly awesome, and shouldn't be missed.

Rating: 8/10

Boyhood - Movie Review

Woah This is going to be a difficult movie to review. 

Filmed over 12 years we watch as both the characters and actors grow up before our very eyes, in this authentic story that encapsulates childhood, parenting and overall just life in general. My initial reaction to this story behind this film and its 12 years filming time was suspicion. I assumed that the premise was going to be used as a gimmick, but after seeing the subtle and natural transitions between the years it does feel well done and authentically. Although at the same time I wouldn't say it was an absolute necessity to the story being told.

Anyway for the rest of this review I will try to review this film solely on the film and separate from the time lapse filming style. I believe that the film should be able to stand on its own. 

So, lets start the good bits. The film is acted and written brilliantly for the majority, with each of the actors just giving a realistic but also nuanced performance as the film progresses. With Ellar Coltrane giving an accurate performance that ties certain characteristic to certain stages of growing up. Each of the parents also give fantastic natural performances. Even though there are some missteps here and there but they can easily be overlooked in the grand scheme of things.

Then we come to the story, this both makes and somewhat breaks the story. Without going into too much detail the film follows these characters growing up and gives us a glimpse into their lives at roughly yearly intervals. This provides us with a chance to get to know these characters and to see the events that shaped their lives.

The problem is that the film often feels like a small collection of short stories, which are all fantastically well done, but also fail to hang together perfectly as a whole. This is due to the fact that some of the character transitions seem to be done so rapidly, and we always seem to miss them changing. We also don't really see the effect and the impact that these events have on the characters, due to the fact that the story just continues on. This also means that many of the story threads are just dropped completely and the characters just seem to move on. 

There also seems to be a lot of filler especially through the later stages of the movie. This in addition to the film seeming to becoming more pretentious towards the end, much like the main character. But nearing the end, the film seems to be searching for a grand meaning and message that it want to shove in your face, rather than have the films story and characters teach you the lesson. The film also went on for 5-10mins more that it should have, it seemed to have missed the opportune time to end and just decided to keep going.

Next we come to the overall design, which included a fantastic and fitting soundtrack, but also included fairly boring a bland cinematography. Not to say it was bad, but there wasn't anything that stood out as being particularly good. One positive point was the inclusion of nostalgic items and events, that did seem to draw me back into a nostalgic frame of mind.

Overall what we have here is a film that feels like an authentic story of growing up and all the trials and tribulations that surround it. It's unfortunate then that the film takes a few to many missteps and fails to create a story that somewhat works together as whole. There are also a  few to many dropped story lines and a bit to many scenes that seem to be filler. Although for the most part the film consists of mesmerizing moments, that can bring you to tears one moment and grinning ear to ear the next.

Its difficult for me to rate the film, as a technical achievement I would give it an 8, but take that away the films flaws mean that I feel it deserves a 7, so i'm going to rate it

Rating: 7.5/10

Transformers: Age of Extinction & Bad Shot Composition.

While watching the new Transformers film the other day, something continued to bug me and that was my inability to focus on the cool and interesting visual goings on. Instead I seemed to focus on random areas of the screen. At first I thought this was due to my lack of engagement with the film, but on further inspection I realized that it was just the way the film was constructed and how some of the shots where very badly composed.

Focal Point

The main example of this for me must be Lockdowns "Big" reveal. Him stepping out of billowing smoke with a spacecraft flying behind him is cool no matter my feelings towards Micheal Bay's Transformer films.

But Instead my eyes are drawn to thing above him and I seem transfixed by it. The focal point of this shot doesn't seem to be the bad-ass Transformer but instead the engine on the ship above him.

That's Better

What makes this so baffling to me, is that the poster featuring this scene amends this mistakes.All this shot needs is to be re-framed a couple of inches down. Thereby making Lockdown The focal point of the shot. Although it doesn't help that the whole thing is lopsided to the left.

This isn't the only time that it happens either. A continuing theme throughout all the Transformers films is the weird way that the actual Transformers themselves are always shot using these obtuse angles and shots. They are almost always shot using low angle shots, this is probably used to create and constant sense of there size and to make the audience feel small by comparison.

The issue is that the low angel is often used when the transformers are simply conversing among themselves. Combined with the fact that these shots often feature two Transformers, This just makes it very hard to focus and concentrate on what they are saying. When  conversing they should just be shot like normal human characters, this should help to keep the audience visual attention.

Overall when you add this to the often messy and very cluttered visual style, it just means that the majority of the action scene just passed me by, while my eyes glazed over. Is it just me??

Dirt Cannon lol

Devil's Knot - Movie Review

An interesting story and good acting, strangely enough creates and unsatisfactory and un-engaging film.

The films slow and just boring attitude towards itself just removes any tension or intensity. It just doesn't know what it wants to be, one part thriller, one part documentary and one part court room drama. The problem is that it doesn't do any of these particularly well and it doesn't merge then into a cohesive whole.

One issue that often plagues films that are based on real events, is that the film looses its structure and pacing due to the fact that it has to somewhat stick to real events and timelines. This therefore has a cascading effect on the rest of the film, with these problems sapping the life out of the film.

Overall the film meanders through while trying to tell an interesting story, but the film just feels unsatisfactory due to its uninspired take on the real life events.

Rating: 5/10

Oculus - Movie Review

A prototypical Horror movie that stands on the knife edge of good and Great.

With such a classic and simple idea, such as a haunted mirror, the film could have simply been ok, but with a jarring (in a good way) editing style and good central performances the film proves to be a good modern horror.

So let's talk about the editing style, the film constantly jumps between the present and the previous events, often merging the two together. This works because it allows the films to build a huge amount of tension and pace, while never doing the same thing for too long. This helps push the story through, with the mystery of the past events keeping the engagement levels high.

Then as the film progresses the two timeline start to merge, this works so well because it places a sense of uncertainty around what you are seeing. Combined with the Mirrors illusions it just creates a feeling of unease and uncertainty.

Another reason the film works so well, is that it ditches the cliche of "Scary little kids" and instead makes the parents the manifestation for the Mirror. Watching as the kids parents slowly turn from Normal to Feral and Demented, really creates a huge amount of tension and fear. Parents are normally seen a "Safety" and "Comfort" but watching them slowly descend really creates a feeling of dread, that is easy to relate to.

The film on falters on a few fronts, the main issue is that the "glassed" eyed spirits fail to be all that scary after there second or so encounter. Although due to the fact that they are almost absent for the first two thirds of the movie, its fine, but it does just detract from the films final act. The film also needed just a few more little finishing touches throughout to really make the film shine.

Overall with a focus on unease and dread the film is engrossing to the end, but it will make you think twice before buying another antique Mirror.

Rating: 7/10

Only God Forgives - Movie Review

They say you can't polish a turd, well now they have tried dousing it in neon lights and kubrickian imagery, but unfortunately it's still s**t.

An ultra-violent revenge film that just fails due to being bloated with pretension and just plain boring. The neon infused aesthetic in the only thing the film has going for it, with a convoluted story, empty characters, slow pacing, lack of tension being just the tip of the iceberg.

The film fails for me just due to the lack of any intelligent design. For me long cuts that attempt build tension in films work because they are often juxtaposed by normal or fast editing, giving the scene more focus and time. Here on the other hand they are a constant feature that just doesn't build tension and just creates a sense of boredom.

And that's the films major problem, its a mess of ideas on concepts that haven't been constructed to work together. Therefore it means that none of them work and overall the film feels pretentious.

My other main issue is Ryan Gosling who gives another minimalist performance and the film suffers for it. With much of the time spent with the character being obtuse and difficult to comprehend being combined with this minimalist performance, it just creates a character who is just an enigma with no presence or personality.

Similarly the story also falls apart due to it being presented in the most convoluted and un-engaging way.

Overall the film just wreaks of desperation and in total is just a cacophony of concepts that fail to work on any level.

Rating: 3/10

A Million Ways to Die In The West - Movie Review

Although Consistently amusing and sometimes very funny, this comedy western falls short due to its bloated length and jokes that fail to progress.

Seth McFarlane fairs better with his comic timing and delivery often saving a few of the not so good jokes, and with a good supporting cast often able to make jokes better than they actually are.

The length here is the main problem, with it clocking in at about 2hrs the film therefore meanders at times and can go through long stretches without many jokes.

The story for the most part seems to be fairly joke free affair, with the romance and evil villain story being played very straight. With Liam Neeson playing the villain admirably, it's a shame he isn't given any jokes.

The jokes also felt a little repetitive, with many of the same jokes reoccurring throughout the film just in a slightly different form. This means that most of the jokes never seem to evolve or grow with the film.

Overall the film an ok comedy western that just needed some more jokes in more places and needed to be a bit more self-assured. But it will still make you laugh out loud in places.

Rating: 5/10

Edge of Tomorrow - Movie Review

Although never anything truly transcending,  a great film never the less. A strong sci-fi concept and a good script, turns what could have been another bland action blockbuster into a great sci-fi epic.

My only two complaints about this film is that I wanted it to be a bit longer so it could flesh things out a bit more, and that the film just lacks that edge that could have turned it into a truly great film.

Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt also do a great job in the lead roles, its just a shame we don't get to spend a little more time Emily Blunt and that Tom Cruise's Character transition was done a bit too speedily.

Overall though this is a great blockbuster action epic, that ironically I wouldn't mind seeing again.

Rating: 8/10

Maleficent - Movie Review

Have you ever been doing something and then had one person pop their head around the door and say "Don't Forget..." and then you realize you had forgotten. This Film seems like somebody did that throughout the entire production.

Don't Forget.... That it's a kid movie.
Therefore the films tone jumps all over the place, from dark to light at a moments notice. This means that instead of creating a family film, they created a film with scenes that seem like they are from a Saturday morning cartoon.

Don't Forget.... The Comic Relief Characters.
The three Fairies that's all I have to say.

Don't Forget.... Prince Charming.
A character who somewhat undermines the main concept of the story and is cringe worthy the rest of the time.

Don't Forget.... to make sleeping beauty an interesting character.
They didn't even try.

I highlight these aspects because they protrude so much from the magnificent movie that's here. Angelina Jolie steals the show, with a complex and interesting performance and creates a strong likeable  and nuanced character. With the ark of her story being a fantastic CGI treat, with some fantastic art design and cinematography.

Overall a good movie that excels when its flying high, but hits some turbulence when it attempts to add the old overused cliché's.

Rating: 6/10

The Wind Rises - Re-Visited

So, after writing a positive review of the film and thinking it was another Ghibli home-run, my mind just seemed to linger more than it should have. The more I thought about it the more I found my self seeing the cracks and flaws, that are hidden underneath the gorgeous visuals.

At first I think I was distracted by the fantastic animation and amazing sound design and the fact that I wanted to love it. Then I pinpointed the reason for my lingering troubles with the movie, and unfortunately it was Jiro, the main character. My disdain stems not only from his character but from what the film-makers decided to do with him.Therefore my dislike for the character slowly decayed everything that had him in it (which is most of the film).

My main quarrel with the character, beside the fact that I think he’s quite bland and uninteresting, is that for such an ostensible “Good” character, the way that he and the film treats the morale dilemma is so disingenuous. The fact that the character and film just simply ignores this ethical issue creates this strong dissonance between the character and his attitude. The characters in-curiousness about his actions and the world around is mirrored in the films in-curiousness about delving in to such subject matter. This just leads to some very frustrating moments in the film

Then there is the romance which is made dull and uninteresting by his involvement. It often feels forced and contrived because the two lack any resemblance of a spark or chemistry together.

Ultimately the film falters due to a lack of conflict and urgency in the story and the characters. The film felt like it often had a lot to say, but just decided to say nothing at all.

Re-Rating: 6.5/10

The Wind Rises - Movie Review

This is the most visually stunning and gorgeous animated movie I have seen to date, with awe inspiring visuals that are just ... WOW.

Incredible sound and visual design, gives the film both its melancholic, period and setting relevant tone, as well as the tone of child like wonder as our protagonist follows his dreams.

Although the films few short comings do stand out, with a strong avoidance of any more complex ethical issues and the characters feeling towards them being non-existent, it just holds the film back a little.

A quick note on Joseph Gordon-Levitt's performance, at times his delivery was quite stilted and wooden and just pulled me out of the experience.

Overall this is a fantastic film, with a touching story, but just lacking a little bit of an edge in key areas that could have propelled it into greatness.

Rating: 8.5/10

Bad Neighbours - Movie Review

Disjointed and crude but overall funny. Some scatter shot plotting and theming that often puts the film against its self, but due to some funny and likeable performances from the main cast, it stays quite endearing to the end.

At times the film lingers a little to long on irrelevant sub-plots and missed jokes, that just distracts from the rivalry that makes the film. 

Crude and rude and at times very funny, but if this isn't your cup of tea, it isn't going to win you over. However if it is sit back and enjoy the chaos.

Rating: 6.5/10

Blue Ruin - Movie Review

Stripped back and thrillingly raw at times, but also slow and meandering at times too. Due to some well executed scenes and a fantastic performance from Macon Blair, some moments are carved into your mind.

My main issue was the reluctance the film has to delivering the back story that just causes the film to stumble throughout. When the story is delivered it is often done quite awkwardly and with forced dialogue.

With sprinkles of tension and wit the film starts to take off, until its shot down and simply glides to the finish.

Rating: 6.5/10

Pompeii - Movie Review

Ironically the film went not with a bang but a whimper. Another film that felt consistently undercooked in all aspects, and was riddled with cliché's. With one dimensional characters and Kieffer Sutherland doing a funny voice, there isn't much to like in this movie that isn't completely forgettable.

The ever present Volcano in the background also undercuts any sort of story or tension. Due to the fact that you know its going to erupt and everything preceding that is worthless.

With CGI that just failed to pop visually and everything else being sort of forgettable, it just forms a never boring or particularly entertaining movie.

Rating 4/10

The Artist - Movie Review

Much like the films main character, the film is charm personified. Obviously someone's passion piece and that passion spills onto every frame. With some fantastic cinematography and excellent lead performances the film shines.

Although at times the "silent film" style does get in the way of creating a deeper story and characters. While some excellent scenes use the silent film style as an active part of the narrative and the style becomes intrinsic to the way the story is told.

Rating: 8/10