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The Disaster Artist (2017)
A great, funny and sometimes even moving story of the making of the best worst movie ever (Oh hi IMDb)
First off, yes I have seen The Room so I went in to this film with prior knowledge of what exactly it was about. Oh and yes the description "The Citizen Kane of Bad Movies" is a fitting description seeing I've called it the funniest non comedy movie I have ever seen. Also yeah I have also seen the actual Citizen Kane and that was brilliant too.
This film was brilliant, James Franco really nails his performance as Tommy Wiseau from his first scene. The first time you see him on screen it all feels familiar about him but by the end of the scene you believe that he was Tommy Wiseau. And with a interview with the real Greg Sestero playing in the background Dave Franco really nailed him in his own way as well. But the thing about this film that stands out is the friendship between James and Dave Franco playing Tommy and Greg. Both actors were what really made this film, you get to feel and go through the ups and downs of making a film or trying to make it as a actor in Hollywood. And the rest of the cast help in the right kind of educated and often in a funny way how ridiculous and inexplicable so many of the things of The Room where neither explained or made sense.
Only spoiler if you have seen The Room warning: All the spoon pictures never come up at all, that's the only famous thing about The Room that doesn't come up if you don't count all the questions everyone has ever asked about Tommy Wiseau but he never answers.
But towards the end you really start to feel the emotions the main characters and it does work in a relatable way. There was a moment were they set up what would ultimately become The Room's legacy as a cult film (only one I know that I know of that has the kind of cult following you associate with The Rocky Horror Picture Show) and the I was actually moved by it. But I still had a good time enjoying the story of this film and being reminder of what made The Room so bad yet enjoyable. There is some irony that the worst film of all time was the basis of one of the best films of the year.
So in all The Disaster Artist is a brilliant film and I would say that if you have seen The Room regardless of what you thought of it you should definitely see this film. But even if you have not there are plenty of things to enjoy about this film.
Scream (2015)
I thought it would never work, and that it would not make it past the pilot. Never been happier to be proved wrong
I have been a long time fan of the Scream movies and there is no point in trying to deny that I was among those who doubted the idea of turning it into a TV series. The pilot episode even states why the idea of turning a slasher movie would never work as a TV series (as a fan of the original that was the first time I believed I was not watching something else).
To its credit it does not change the formula too much, there are still plenty of the familiar meta moments. Each season leaves you guessing and trying to figure out the killer is who once again is still for the most part someone in a mask/ voice on the other end of the phone (text messages are probably used a lot more).
But also from the get go it also becomes clear that this is where the similarities end. While it goes to great lengths to real like the original it also successfully goes to great lengths to become its own thing. Yes, as wrong as it first sounded there is no Ghostface anymore and in his place we have what is played as the "ghost" of a long since killed serial killer that is haunting local school kids of the town where his killing spree took place. So in a sense you could say it still has its roots inspired by other classic slasher movies much like the original films did.
But if there is one strength that this series has is that it does enough to stand out in its own right. They knew it was a risky move that probably was not going to work, in the first episode a character clearly inspired by Randy Meeks from the first three Scream movies compares the formula of the slasher genre (something that burns bright and fast in 90mins) to the TV series formula (that needs time to grow and develop) making light of the fact in its very Scream like way. And to my surprise the way it was successfully developed for TV manages to create something familiar but true to what worked about the movies.
Because there is enough thrills, mystery, entertaining and/or mysterious characters with something to hide that always leaves you guessing and there is also no shortage of blood and violent deaths. I won't spoil too much (I only tick the many contain spoilers box as a safety measure) but sometimes the killers motivation when revealed I guess can feel a little (forgive the pun) phoned in. The season 2 finale while having the killer be one of the last characters you'd expect left me both surprised and thinking "seriously! that's what you are going with?".
But as we are at the moment of writing this two seasons in, there is something of a debate running through my mind as to whether or not I see this series having much of a long term future. I always recall the opening... fake openings to Scream 4 as their way of saying "now aren't you glad we did not make this movie 10 years ago". They find interesting ways of keeping you guessing and wanting more after each season finale but TV series or movies franchise it could still be at risk of following the excessive sequel path so many horror movie franchises (especially slasher movies) over the last 4 decades (Saw/ Paranormal Activity, all the way back to the likes of Friday the 13th and Halloween) have fallen into.
If you are a fellow fan of the movies, I can't promise you will like this series. But this series while gradually seemingly having less to do with the movies does enough to stand out in its own right and still stays true to the nature and spirit of the original movies. So I guess the best advice that I would give on this front is to at least keep an open mind and give it a try. Because lets face it, its not only terrible sounding TV series based on a popular movie franchise out there or on its way.
The Jungle Book (2016)
Captures what made the magic of the 1967 classic work but still puts own spin and it's amazing
It's not quite what you might be hoping for if like me you grew up watching films like the original. I saw the animated film many times as a kid and also seen the 90s film most of you might not have seen or heard of (I barely remember it) but this while somewhat not a musical has more in common with the version they probably knew that most people would have in mind going in. As I will point out later fans of the 1967 film might lose their minds about at a guess 60-70 minutes in (while major spoiler free might want to read that part with caution).
So yeah like I said I grew up on Disney films, not seen that many of the live action remakes that seems to keep coming up. I remember watching both 101 Dalmations films, recently got around to seeing Malificient and I guess you could count having seen Tim Burton's take on Alice in Wonderland (although I'm not sure how much those last two count anyway). And now we have The Jungle Book a new and interesting take on the classic story we have come to love since a young age.
As someone who watched the 1967 Disney classic so many times growing up I got to admit when the first trailers started popping up online I was concerned about what I was seeing, if anything at times I was fearing the worst. It looked great but at the same time there was something I could not put my finger on that also had me worried about it (with a few notes whistled from the Bare Necessities providing some hope).
From the start it hooks you into the world of the jungle the characters live in. The jungle is stunning, beautiful and looks amazing, taking full advantage of the 3D format. The creatures are amazing, and many of your favourite characters are brought to live like never before and truly capture what made them great to begin with. Many of the animals are without a doubt CGI or at least involved it in some ways and it is done so well you don't think too much about it (or at least I didn't).
Idris Alba makes for quire the intimidating Sheer Kahan and while when I first saw clips of this version I was on the fence over what I saw Bill Murray nail Baloo. Giving quite the comic relief and entertaining charm that you would hope for in the character, although apparently the Baloo in the original book from what I've heard was very different in terms of mannerisms and behaviour. Christopher Walken while not too bad as King Louie I wasn't really all that keen on to be honest, maybe he had always been that way in the book but he felt misplaced.
It sets out to be its own take of the story with some elements added I've not seen done before but there is still moments that definitely proved which sources besides the book inspired this film (part I warned about in the next paragraph).
It is not a definitive musical whatsoever but that's not to say there aren't nods to the songs Disney fans know and love. There are lines taken from songs although they are usually spoken, or felt more William Shantered than sung enough to count (although some cast members covered them for the soundtrack). But there was one unexpected highlight which at first led to a nostalgic chuckle. That is until the score turns into a epic sounding rendition of it and you start thinking, are they going to do it? And they do actually do start singing a new rendition and wow actually was one of my favourite parts of the film (nostalgia goggles I guess).
It is still very much a family film but in the case of much younger children there may still be scenes early on and towards the end that could be too much for them. They are bound to love some minor characters and it would be hard to imagine that they wouldn't respond to characters like Baloo in a positive way. There was a kind of magic there in 1967 that is still here 49 years later in this version.
As much as I want to avoid the term remake in this case since it was based on a book and with the 1967 version only really inspiring parts of there is no denying that it is one of the best remakes I have seen. It has a love for the story and the characters that much is clear and yet it still very much makes it its own. Almost everything that made the 1967 Jungle Book so great is here and it is still what you could hope for from it. But still there is quite the new spin here as well, it stays fairly true to the classic many of us have come to love but they still made it their own. In some ways it wouldn't have felt right to make this version a musical, it was a nice touch to feature nods to songs in the 1967 The Jungle Book film but somehow I didn't give it much thought for the part.
So in all this was an enjoyable experience of a film, there was much to enjoy throughout and should win over fans of The Jungle Book and newcomers like. It doesn't change too much unlike some other so called Disney remakes but tells the story like never before and it still works in being the film you could hope for.
Deadpool (2016)
Essentially it's Kickass without the ironic secret identities and with actual superpowers
Got to be honest to date I have seen it twice (something despite what some believe I don't do that often) and while I enjoyed it the first time I think I liked it more the second time. On first viewing it felt like the humour was all "smoke and mirrors" hiding what if it had been intended to be taken more seriously a very over the top but sub par superhero movie. (Although Super-Antihero makes for a better description) But second time round having heard the jokes already I was able to find stuff there that I had overlooked the first time and I think I enjoyed it more as a result.
One definite strength of Deadpool is the title character itself once again played by Ryan Reynolds after his brief appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (clearly putting his past poorly received superhero movies behind him). A lot of the fun, humour and what makes the film entertaining in general comes from his portrayal of the character. As much as it would seem that how he was played in the film Wolverine would make it feel like no one else could play the role he makes for a even more memorable character the second time round. While although still technically set in the X-Men universe he brings his own spin to the character that does enough to set it apart from the X-Men movies and to become its own thing. Even going as far so poke fun at his past superhero movies (from a action figure of his original Deadpool design to jokes about how he doesn't want to look green/ animated like he did in Green Lantern) something that was worth a laugh or two for those in the know. A lot of the fourth wall humour from Deadpool himself did stick to this formula that's for sure. Even one moment early on similar to the marketing done based on the Valentine's Day release date by having Deadpool mimic the girlfriends in the audience thinking they were tricked into watching a superhero movie and the seemingly conventional Marvel post credits scene on how there is "no Samuel L Jackson with a eye patch" or Deadpool 2 trailer.
But look past the title character and focus more on the superhero movie satires, it does come across as another kickass type of movie. It is much like Kickass a very over the top, extremely/ graphically violent movie that does not hold back (almost surprising it managed a 15 (the UK mid way between PG-13 and R) in some ways). But in some ways on this front the more ironic nature of Kickass in the sense that the title character was not what you would expect from a superhero (I.e nerdy, not big or strong, doesn't actually have superpowers) dare I say it seemed to work more at what both of those films and also Deadpool where both trying to do in those movies. But despite this Deadpool still comes out on top comes out as the more entertaining character.
Plot wise is a stark contrast to what we have seen, it mainly regards that there had been another movie featuring the character (although if hypothetically if X-Men Origins did happen I would argue that it took place after Ryan Reynolds scenes in that movie and after the climax of it but that's a big if). The character is introduced in a more focused not at all down played way although there is hints of what happened during the character's first appearances in X-Men Origins: Wolverine but so vague it felt more like a Easter egg. There are some moments while that while surprisingly dramatic for a film that wasn't intended to be taken too seriously that goes in some directions that kickass did not. But there was still the downside too this in that this only gives motivation for becoming Deadpool and not much else in the long run. But it's mostly a revenge story somewhat about love, that is the best way I can put it.
But in all Deadpool is still an entertain movie, it is quite the adventure and pure escapism. It has the right kind of self aware nature to it all that seems to work for the movie and does become what you would hope for it to be. Of course if Kickass was not your thing then this will not be yours either , but if it was then this is probably worth checking out.
Goosebumps (2015)
Not quite spot on from the books but still a fun and entertaining nostalgia filled film
Unlike with many films based on books and in this case to a lesser extent old TV shows I was a fan of Goosebumps when the books and TV show was at the peek of its success. Years later while there are found memories of both (although a little vague in some areas), it was something that only occasionally came to mind. I saw the TV show again on Netflix some time ago and I can't say I stood up although I know there are still kids discovering them years later today. Given that it was been around for as long as it has it seemed surprising that it took this long for there to be a film to be made. But with this likely to be the decade for 90s Nostalgia and with more 90s kids stuff getting big screen reboots with a new Power Rangers movie out next year it seems right to try and beat the competition to it.
First off this is not directly based on any specific book from the series, but acts as a original story acting as Nostalgia for the books featuring RL Stein's monsters brought to life like never before. The Books are definitely a main focus as Jack Black is playing a fictionalised version of its author and in this universe there is no mention of a previous adaptation having took place. If anything it seems to be in some ways targeted at Nostalgic adults as well as their kids, with some of the self referential moments more likely to mean more to my fellow "90s kids" than it would to their kids. But this is film very much a film both fans of the original and their own kids alike.
At first it sound like the firmilar formula, the new kid Zack moves into a new town and is suspicious of the weird next door neighbour who turns out to be RL Stein. RL Stein was someone I remember being in the TV show but this would be the first time he (played by Jack Black in this case) plays a big part in the story. It was somewhat slow to get going at the start but it does do a good job of introducing the main characters. The main character does have a relatable back story and is very much of his time (as in 2015), and would even add to much (or most) self referential moments in the film. These being things like what they had in common with each other and how he should had stopped trying to be Stephen King who as it turns out while he had a higher sales per book average has not sold as many copies worldwide as RL Stein (that was a surprise actually).
As far as the monsters in the film go, they do stay true to the original counterparts, although this is not a superhero movie it could have easily still have been a case of villain overload but it does not come across as such if anything it felt more like Jumanji with RL Stein's creations in place instead of wild animals. Only a few are heavily featured but there were many firmilar ones making come kind of cameo towards the end. But still some still remain pretty memorable and do stick and one which was one of those I recognised right away is a entertaining character. If it is effective in scaring kids might be something yet to be determined but it is going to be one kids might remember for a while.
But is it really as good or better than the books or TV show? Really I would say it's better than I found the old TV show to be when I saw it again on Netflix a few years back. But I'd say the books were better, while this is a effective action/ adventure film it's not much in terms of children's horror. I remember the books have more of a slower pace and while as Zack jokes about in the film their are a lot of similarities story wise in each of the books some guessing and mystery is there in some way. This while entertaining and manages to be a fun film to watch is more focused on adventure. But still manages to stand out on its owns at least. So that's not all to bad for something to keep the kids entertained at least.
So I guess in all it was an entertaining film, there was much to enjoy and it was fun to see in 3D as well. As for my fellow 90s kids, I am not sure how you would fellow 90s kids I don't know how you will feel about this film. Guess it will depend on how well you remember the book so really and what you thought of them at the time and even now years later but could still be worth checking out for the curious at least.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
Slow moving at the start, contrary to word of mouth isn't all that much like previous film but when it gets going, boy does it get going
But here we are, after years of rumours that actually date back to around the time Empire Strikes Back (no really) was being made we have Episode VII. I got to admit while George Lucas selling his company was a surprise, knew he was retiring but I did not see that coming. However Disney right away announcing a new trilogy was not a surprise. But while this new film is slow to get going early on, when it gets going it feels like Star Wars is truly back.
OK first off to address the one comment everyone is making, yes there are so many similarities to a new hope but it is still quite different from the others. The best spoiler free way I can put it is that if you read into a handful of key scenes of this one there are major moments somewhat taken from a new hope. It is hard to avoid going into too much detail on this front even though there is a spoiler warning tagged onto this review. But the best way I can put this is that it is stuff that stands out if you take the bare bones of the key moments in the film without focusing purely on the specifics especially with one moment towards the end that you will find obvious nods to the previous films.
The pace early on into the film is slower than the other films. it does keep moving along at the right pace as we are introduced to the new main characters of this third trilogy. without any major spoilers the best way I can put it is that there isn't any clear indication as to who is meant to be which original trilogy character. Rey you can imagine becoming the new Luke Skywalker, Finn maybe as this generation's Han Solo. As for the villains, one or two new twists on this front but that is where it becomes different. While the new main definitely brings villain does bring things back to the original and the prequel trilogies in a major way. I am not just talking about the either. his storyline does call back to major themes from previous films while taking on a new twist which I guess if you saw the trailers you could see coming but I didn't seem to mind for that long.
But if there is one factor that is this films strongest factor as a long time fan of this series is that many characters do actually come back. As I said it is slow to get going early on into the film but this film. It is when iconic characters/ vehicles start appearing from the original trilogy that it really does feel like the pace is picking up. Dare I say it, when the millennium falcon first appears on screen I lost my mind due to overwhelming giddiness. It was definitely then that you really do start to believe more than ever that this really is the new Star Wars.
Because while technically this is a purely original creation as JJ Abrams and co while they approached the making of this film as films of the series disregarded George Lucas's original plan for his sequel trilogy. There is no way they could get so much criticisms of the similarities to A New Hope if they weren't fans of the series. I have been a fan of his previous work including Lost, Mission Impossible and of course his Star Trek movies there was no denying I had faith that if anyone was going to do it right it would be him. He stays true to the classic formula, somethings are different because times changed both in the series and behind the scenes but you don't really seem to mind. It is with this is where you start to see why it has been a big hit with fans. (People are still going to watch it again and again after all).
A downside is that there are not that many lightsaber battles this time round, they definitely toned this factor down to focus more on the plot but it is still thrilling. But there are still plenty of the familiar space chases and battles. Strange new world and creatures, while still revisiting some old favourites which was great to see.
If there is one critique that definitely came too mind which goes back to the A New Hope similarities and moments that are hard to avoid serious spoilers. The most surprising moment in the film, which managed to get a huge gasp out of me because by that point I truly was on the edge of my seat was kind of predictable. But what I will say it didn't seem all that shocking because I knew of some debates going on behind the scenes in the past with the series and it made sense that they would do it. But still when I watched this scene, part of me without recalling what I had read or heard in the past was guessing but still on the edge of my seat wondering what was happening next.
But in all if there is one thing I could say about this film is that Star Wars is truly back. It doesn't beat the originals but it does make the prequels feel that a thing of the past. They are still considered part of the main series but none of the infamous mistakes made that time round have not been made in this film. While continuing the saga in a brand new direction there are still plenty of great call backs to what fans around the world have loved about the series for almost four decades and makes me excited about what is to come in episodes VIII and IX. So in all, from a long time massive fan I can honestly say I loved it.
Creed (2015)
It's not quite Rocky, was ever going to be? but it still stands out as a moving, heartfelt instalment to the series
Let's face it, much like the force awakens this is a 7th entry (even if this is meant as a spin off) in a legendary franchise that has been going around since the 1970s. And much like Star Wars to say that the Rocky movies was going to be a tough act to follow is a understatement.Yet while it doesn't quite match what the other movies were it still does a pretty good job at standing out on its own.
This is a pure next generation spin off which still carries on Rocky's story but this is still far from Rocky VII. The title character acting as the son of Apollo Creed that no one knew off, who is pretty much along with his relationship with Rocky who is still very much a big part of the story the driving force of the film.This could have easily have been the new Rocky V because when I first heard of the idea of this one it still sounded to similar to Rocky and Tommy Gunn in the fifth film. But this is far from the case, the only real similarity is that Rocky is training and mentoring a younger up and coming boxer.
If anything it goes to great lengths to stay true to the nature of the original Rocky, has plenty of nostalgic nods to the other movies but does more than enough to stay out on its own. Creed works well as a great main character to root for in his own right, he has some of the same struggles of living in a legendary fathers shadow that could have found with Rocky Jr's in the last two films. But there is more to the character than this, there is a new sense of trying to prove himself before word gets out about his family history. This starts to bring a new sense of relatability to the character even if we couldn't all know what he is going through.
But it doesn't quite have heart the other films did in the series. It manages to be just as inspiring as the original, and it is a excellent, well made, well acted sports film that regardless of what people will think of it manages to successfully go in its own direction whilst not diverting too far away from what the fans would hope for in the series.
There isn't much that this contributes to the franchise and it might have been best left alone at the end of Rocky Balboa. But it is still worth seeing if you are interested, because even if he is no longer the main focus Rocky is back there is no denying that.
Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
It's well made I have to give them credit for that but it gets ridiculous when it gets going. The Room was worse
I have not read the book lets just get that out of the way now, but when a film gets this kind of hype regardless of whether it is positive or not. It is only a matter of time before I watch it and this was no exception. I might not have read the book but I am aware of how poorly written everyone says it is and how "stupid" they also say the dialogue is. It is because of this, the first 40 minutes while not exactly brilliant were rather surprising.
For the most part at the start the title characters almost feel like regular people. That is not to say that it wasn't cheesy at times but I did find myself laughing at parts that where likely intended to be funny. Although there was still a sign of what was to come with the famous hardware store scene (seriously a billionaire couldn't afford to get a proxy to do it? or to buy a lot more stuff to make it less obvious?)But when we finally start to get into the parts the book is famous for, that is where as you could imagine it starts to go down hill. From there it gets silly, laughable and while their dialogue doesn't sound as bad as say they it was in the book it still is hard not to find it cringe worthy.
Now I would like to think despite having fairly low expectations of this film I did my best to go in with as open minded as possible. I have seen other films whether they were as famous or lesser known than Fifty Shades of Grey and I had not always received them positively. In fact the 1996 film Crash (not to be confused with the 2004 Oscar winner) still remains one of the worst films of all time. But at least this film was actually not as graphic and still had something of what I could consider to be a obvious plot. I have also seen The Room, what many consider to be the worst film of all time and that was actually worse than this.
But what makes it earn the extra points out of ten for me is the fact that it is well made. Even at its worst everything on screen looked amazing and the score was pretty good. Unlike many poorly rated films on here you could tell they knew what they were doing behind the scenes. And not all of the so called worst films of all time that I have seen could claim that.
But I guess still it is purely for the fans of the book. I know I probably won't be rushing to see Fifty Shades Darker when that comes out that's for sure.
Ted 2 (2015)
Manages to squeeze more of a plot there and feels longer than it is but still much of the humour and over the top fun is there
I was always going to be going into the first Ted as a fan of Family Guy, American Dad and just Seth Macfarlane in general. I can remember first hearing of the premise of the first film, this being some time before the trailer had come online and having no idea what to make of it. And when I saw the first Red Band Trailer and seeing Ted appear on screen for the first time and seeing a character that immediately reminded me of Stewie Griffin, Roger The Alien and with the voice of Peter Griffin I knew this would be Seth Macfarlane (a director who was stepping into the live action medium for the first time) at what we have come to think as his best. And the end result being the first Ted a comedy that pretty much became a huge hit has come to prove that this was the case.
This time round the story while still living up to the rude, crude, over the top nature you would go in expecting takes more of a somewhat (and i really do mean somewhat) serious and a elaborate turn. While of course this is still not a movie to be taken to seriously it does contain a number of social commentaries and in a number of moments point out how modern day prejudices are not that different than those of a few centuries ago. While Family Guy in the past has caused a number of controversies with such satires, in this movie the characters only state such moments in history in a way that says although it should not happen again it could easily do so. (Think Brian Griffin had a similar storyline where he wasn't happy about being treated as a everyday house pet) But what these moments lead to is a plot that is more elaborate and actually felt much longer than it actually was. This is not to say that I thought that is dragged on, actually the pace was just right. But this still makes for more of a buddy picture than the first Ted was as we explore more of the relationship of Mark Wahlberg's character and his beloved childhood teddy bear.
This relationship is something that helps the humour of these two movies. I can't imagine the kind of imagination it would take to spend the most part of a movie like this interacting with what would have most been a voice behind the camera. Something that is to very much the actors credit. But this movie does gather a great cast delivering their own spin to the kind of daft nature of the movie. But the return of the villain of the first movie, wile still serving more of a key role and serves some kind of purpose felt questionable in his purpose. And yet he also feels just as if not more underplayed than he was throughout much of the first movie.
But all these thing still make for a excellent, funny as hell and very heartfelt sequel. As is usually the case it does not quite top the original but still makes to be the kind of second outing you would hope it would be. It is definitely more for those who loved the first movie and will probably not disappoint them either. So in all I did really enjoy this movie, I had a lot of fun watching it and would go out and watch Ted 3 in a heartbeat.
Terminator Genisys (2015)
Full of great nods to the original, tons of surprises and while far from the best of the series is still a awesome movie
Four movies and more than 30 years after the original movie came out, you would think you would know the formula it would follow. OK so Salvation which to be honest I did enjoy even if it was for the wrong reasons, was different from the others and probably wasn't gonna have the same impact. But this is pretty much the game changer. The idea that I had going in was that they were disregarding 3 and 4 and while that is definitely the case I think you can throw the second one in there two cause there too. The events of the first film or at least how they should have occurred play a much bigger part this time round.
So at first the film feels more like a prequel to the first film and gradually leading up to the half prequel half remake direction Rob Zombie took in his first Halloween movie. There are plenty of nods to the original and even includes/ reuses footage of the original when the T- 800 first arrives. These parts were enough to get me excited at first, but this still does change soon, the big twists that make this the big game changer of the series come into play early on. I would say the fact that it does defy expectations to the point you no longer know what to expect is what kept me engaged in the movie the most. You don't know what is really going on, while I can't really say it keeps you guessing it does keep you wondering where could they take this next.
As a fan of the series there was no denying that a big plus for this movie was to see Arnie return. There are some self aware moments in the movie nodding that anyone who would go in thinking he was too old to do another Terminator (or I guess another action film altogether) and he does pull the action scenes off. A downside is though as he was sent further back in time than he had been in the other movies this Terminator was somewhat more adjusted and become other of a robotic father figure. But there lies some brief annoying parts for me at least, while Emila Clarke (looking extremely different from her Game of Thrones character) still almost manages to be as kick ass as Linda Hamilton's portrayal in Terminator 2 in this alternate timeline version she has some parts where she comes across more like a annoying teenager. While this doesn't happen too much thankfully it does establish that long and meaningful relationship had been formed between the two.
But as far as rebooting the series goes, this does take place after the original definitely but like I said at the start the second movie is also almost forgotten about. The relationship to this Sarah Connor shows signs of what could have been if the T-800 had survived the second film and was there to see John Connor grow up and while references would not have seemed necessary for the parts where it might have seemed relevant for the most part there was only one major element towards the end that would suggested Terminator 2: Judgement Day still occurred.
The element that does suggest Terminator 2: Judgement Day happened lies in were it explains what ultimately caused the Judgement Day event itself. The idea layed down in Rise of the Machines that it was always going to happen and that the events of the second movie was only going to delay it still play a big role here. I liked how it portrays how modern technology has taken over people lives, over reliance on Smartphones, tablets and especially the cloud does become a theme. I am someone who loves technology and having such gadgets but at the same time this made me glad I try to keep some activities old fashioned (I.e doing this like buying the CD as opposed to downloading of iTunes as much as possible). Looking back on it, it now seems hard to imagine how Judgement Day might have been caused at the time the first two film where made, the internet was around in some form but the World Wide Web was not around until 3 years after the second movie was made.
This movie is still filled with great actions scenes and effects, once it establishes the world of the first film no longer exists they really up the scale of the action. They found a great double to use for this film when the T-800 as we first saw in 1984 really helped build the excitement for when the main T-800 seen throughout the movie appears and takes on his original self. The effects looked amazing throughout, they were moments where the impact they made really made me glad that I saw this movie in 3D. Plus while still disregarding the events of the last two sequels there were elements or themes while brief (and not completely revelant) from those movies that are present. (Won't elaborate more to avoid spoiling what the trailers have done already) Plus heads up for any fellow Doctor Who fans Matt Smith is barely in it, but leads to a big twists in the plot thats for sure.
It is bound to annoy a lot of the fans of the series, I can not deny that is a strong possibility, the most skeptical of those who have not seen this yet reading this I would say keep a open mind. There are some fan service moments to enjoy and I know I got a kick out of seeing but could still seem cheesy for others.
But nonetheless this was a awesome outing for the series, it leaves you wanting more but even if these other films don't get made this still makes for a great ending to the series. 9/10
Unfriended (2014)
Like Scream meets Paranormal Activity with a Anti-Cyberbullying message
Filmed through Skype/ FaceTime webcams and all taking place in real time this offers a new twist on the "found footage concept". It can be over the top but there is still a element of realism to it. It starts of naturally as it would as if it was a regular conversation for the characters and progresses in a alarming way. I could not see this film having been as effective if hadn't taken place in real time, its pretty much told through the point of view of the main characters computer. It would have been hard to create that same tension if there had been time lapses in the film.
The current issue of cyberbullying is a big theme to the film. As someone who had been bullied a lot himself i know what it could do to things like self esteem. It does make light of the extremes it can go to and the results it can lead too. It even does make light of the fact when it leads to such extremes as suicide no one in their right mind would think of it as OK. But the way that it is done is still alarming, to the extent it shows that this is an on going issue that needs to be dealt with. A lot of great horror films over the years have tried to and succeeded in doing just that and it feels like its been a long time since a new horror film has done this.
Much like Paranormal Activity the horror is what you don't see, there is on screen elements of "frapping" (Facebook) and other online account hacking. But there is always a presence of something the characters don't see happening around them. It makes the tension more believable most of the time but the some of the deaths are so over the top it can distract as much as horrify. There is one death that was kind of a given as to how it happens moments before it does happen in retrospect but it does make for those moments that can startle people for how out of nowhere it seems to happen.
Much like the found footage genre it does leave a lot of big questions unanswered and left to interoperation. You never really find out who or what was stalking (or "trolling" them), the motivation is a no brainer and you do eventually realise that these teenagers all are terrible people. They have all lied to each other and got secrets that they don't want the others to know including how they have betrayed them. This is where the comparison to scream really comes from. Webcams/ Skype/ instant messaging replace telephones as the medium for the stalking but tension is still there.
But at the end of the day it still is a tension filled horror film that is the most unique one that I have seen for a while. It could be a case that you will either love it or you will hate it for many but it is still worth checking out for horror fans.
Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie (2014)
It is everything any fan could want it to be
No major plot details are revealed, but some details may be too much information for fans who have not seen it yet.
I have heard some crazy film ideas in the past, and aside from the Sims movie they thankfully never made there was no doubt this topped the list. How do you make a 2 hour movie based on a character like the angry video game nerd? Well now the movie is out online for the world to see and despite my last comments I was seriously hyped to see this. And there is no doubt that they succeeded.
I discovered the original web series I think it was back in 2008, some guys I knew back at University were goofing off in the classroom and showed me several reviews in the process. I don't remember which ones they were but I was hooked immediately.
And so years of waiting with the only kind of release date being "in this life time" the AVGN movie is here. And while it has it's no doubt intentional flaws, it is so freaking awesome that I don't even care. The movie expands further on the character and shows a whole other side to him that you could have never got in the online series. James Rolfe had compared his vision for this to the Wayne's World movies and here it works.
Here truly is a 2 hour movie about the Nerd we know and love on his own adventure and not just entirely a game review. There is a proper review as we would expect (and plenty reviews of fictional games) but for the most part I never really gave it much thought until towards the end of the film when you start to think it's coming. (The review itself was actually refreshing new way of looking at the "worst game of all time.) But a lot of the humour that you associate with the series was still there, its not as gross out as you come to expect but there is more heart to it and I felt that was something that kept the movie engaging.
So if you are a fan of the web series and you could not make it to the screenings, then what are you waiting for?
Glee: Michael (2012)
Possibly one of the best tributes out there with superb covers but did they really know wwmjd?
WWMJD= What would Michael Jackson Do
I don't know how much of a Glee fan I could really say I am to be honest. I do watch the show and in a time when cover versions feel bland, all the same and too much like the original I am supportive of Glee for now and then doing something different. Episodes involving mash-ups and their famous renditions of Journey's Don't Stop Believing all being great examples of this. Plus also as someone who is a strong supporter of diversity acceptance and equal rights I do think the show does convert a lot of positive messages for these subjects.
But I am I near life long Michael Jackson fan without a doubt. As far as the first three seasons goes to date I have seen all episodes where they had covered his songs and I would say that this is the best one. Yet, for the kind of messages Michael would sometimes try to convey in his music... I don't think I would say this was the most fitting tribute to the man himself.
There was a episode during the second season which may have been their first attempt at a Michael Jackson tribute where two rival clubs, being the Glee club and the school's American Football team would in attempt to break an ongoing feud by performing Thriller during a half time show (inspired by the Prison youtube video). Although Thriller may not have been a song Michael would have used for this they succeed in bringing the clubs together, motivating other characters to overcome their troubles and more.
This full on tribute does succeed in being a excellent tribute to Michael Jackson, there is no references to how he died, the controversy surrounding his personal life or him with young boys. For me as a Michael Jackson fan (who was never convinced any of that controversy was true) I can appreciate this. The covers of his songs where well done, most of the song choices reflected the character's situation or that moment in time. If anything it shows the kind of legacy and impact he has had and left behind on people.
But there is part of me that thinks they didn't convey his messages in the same way they had the previous season in the Thriller episode.
(Spoilers): Much like that episode this involves two rival Glee clubs arguing over who can perform his songs in a upcoming competition. Although their use of Black or White at the end of the episode did reflect on whether the other club understood Michael, I am not sure giving in to pressure like that would have been what Michael Jackson would have done (Ok yes he did give into difficult problems of his own before but would reflecting on that really be the best way to pay tribute?) When they where saying about how he would have taken a stand part way into the episode, I think the only way his message remained by them giving in was that he wouldn't have let it go that far to begin with. (This has been hard to put into words so if it doesn't make sense I'm sorry. (End of spoilers))
But however they still succeed in paying probably one best Michael Jackson tributes that i have seen yet. Even if you hate this show but are a Michael Jackson fan I would urge you to at least give it a try with an open mind.
Breaking Bad (2008)
Shocking , intense, occasionally emotionally disturbing topped with a fitting yet underwhelming conclusion
Spoilers will be hinted at and will barely touch on the finale.
I got to admit right away I got into it pretty late, I watched it from the first episode yes but that wasn't until just before the second half of the final series had started. Like many I have only seen Bryan Cranston for the most part as Hal in Malcolm In the Middle (or other TV Sitcoms) and was hard to imagine then him in a drama I could take seriously. After seeing him as the only consistently good thing in the Total Recall remake suddenly I changed my tone.
The series throughout is full of great drama, with some humour too throughout. The series is always full of diverse characters, many with a dark side and there's few that I wouldn't consider forgettable. As the series progresses there's a startling transformation in the title character and his family. The sad thing about it was the thought it only took place over the space of two years (most of it covered in the first 5 1/2 seasons), which is one of the things that did make it slightly disturbing.
The humour itself varies from dark, gross out and mildly slapstick in a few episodes, Many guest stars like Cranston I knew as reoccurring characters in sitcoms too. (You may not look at some of them the same way again).
Warning most of the following touches upon the last 8 episodes.
But towards the end it does get intense and extremely disturbing, when the truth truly comes out then the tone changes drastically. Suddenly characters you cared about from the get go are portrayed in a whole new light. It definitely shows how the drug world can change people to rapidly yes but you may start to change your hopes for the ending.
Walter White who you might have once felt for was truly a one of a kind character you loved to love and at the same time loved to hate. The transformation he goes through in the first episode to the final few episodes is what made the show so emotionally disturbing, there was one episode I couldn't sit through in one go. I found myself hoping for the cliffhanger only to find there was another ten minutes left.
But sadly with all this in mind, the ending I feel looking back on yet was fitting and what I wanted but it was hard not to feel underwhelmed by it considering the buildup to it. The tone felt too somber, you knew it was going to lead up to a big confrontation which you get and it has some awesome moments.
But well the final moment just disappoints, there's a sense Walt and his on off partner still cared but it just left me thinking "that's it are you kidding me?" but still you hoped for the opposite to what happens between the two.
But despite this the show did live up to the hype, and is worth checking out regardless.
The Dark Knight (2008)
An excellent sequel
Dark, sometimes intense filled with great action scenes and performances with a unforgettable performance from Heath Ledger.
There are moments that may scare children, not just on terms of violence.
However the film does provide a new twist on the comic book genre. There is a powerful plot that drives the film, the film is not the typical good vs. evil and this sequel along with its predecessor Batman Begins proves that the series has come along way from the disaster that was Batman and Robin.
Should there be a sequel to this film, i will have a keen interest as to where the series would go next. The film was in someways thought provoking, the joker as twisted and evil as the character was provided a comic relief with the frequent line "why so serious" would come as ironic for the less mature audiences that may want the film to lighten up more.
Overall this film is a great sequel to Batman Begins and providing Nolan doesn't change direction as with Batman Forever or the more recent Incredible Hulk film there is a potential for more sequels in the future.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
see it!
this film was a brilliant edge of your seat action movie. the story picks up from the action ended in the second film not were the second ended despite what you may have heard.
i hear you're still looking for me- this line from the second movie was more like an preview of what was to come.
The story was brilliant although there were times when the action ran on for bit too long and came close to losing the plot. this was the only thing that was wrong with the film. The action was however intense and exciting at the same time and this was without a doubt the most violent one in the series.
As someone who has read the books i've found that they weren't very true to the books, the idea is still there but considering how different the world has become since the books were written this is understandable.
Also they've only just touched the surface of his past, but if i hadn't read the books i would have been disappoint by the fact that there's not much new you find out about him. for obvious i'm not going to say what that is.
despite this, it's worth every penny and should be worth seeing if you like the first two. 10/10
Hairspray (2007)
A lot of fun!
This film is probably more suited for girls, but this film was quite entertaining and had some great songs. Not too mention probably the longest musical number i've probably ever seen on film.
The story was quite inspiring and very insane, the cast pull of some great performances and can actually sing. Many of the characters were also quite of their heads as well.
Personally I've not actually seen the original film or the stage show so I didn't have much to compare it to. So if you have you would have more to compare it too.
Overall this film was a lot of film and this has for sure become a big guilty pleasure of mine.
A lot of fun 10/10
Evan Almighty (2007)
Great effects, some funny bits but generally disappointing
Basically that heading does say it all. There were quite a few funny bits but the film was generally disappointing and Bruce almighty was a lot better.
Evan from the first movie takes Reporter turned politician gets a message from god telling him to build an Ark. A decent aspect of the story it didn't so much mean global warming as some people have been suggesting. (Won't say what)
The story was a little daft and the film generally disappointing and doesn't compare well to the first film. However on the plus side the special effects towards the end were one of the few highlights and kept the review above 1 star. It was one thing that was better than the first film but it only saved it from being rubbish. If anything the scale and the quality of the effects did to an extent save it from be rubblish.
The humour which should have been an important aspect considering this was meant to be a comedy was brief but funny. So it did add another point onto the score.
Strictly for kids, adults are more likely guaranteed to be disappointed. 4/10
The Simpsons Movie (2007)
everything i wanted it to be
I've pretty much grown up on the Simpsons and there's no saying how long I waited for this film. As the heading says this film was everything i wanted it to be and the biggest surprise was the response. I seriously never would have thought that this would be in the top 50 let alone the top 250.
the film's story does like an episode of the show but longer/ funnier and seriously on a bigger scale. The creators have gone all out for this and I don't think i'll look at the show the same way again. (The show is still good to clear that up) The film is also full of memorable scenes, one liners and action and a BIG NAME guest star i would not have seen coming.
This film should appeal to children and adults of all ages especially if you love the show as much as I do.
Also you have to see it on the big screen. You must not illegally download this movie.
Warning: Adult humour and the nudity rumours are true (split second blink and you'll miss it).
10/10
The Naked Mile (2006)
Nothing Like I expected (Minor Spoilers)
Don't get me wrong I liked Band Camp probably for all the wrong reasons. Lets face it I surely wasn't the only one who thought that kid was trying too hard to be like his brother.
Meet Eric, average kid, virgin pretty much the Jim like character failing to live up to the family name Stifler. His girlfriend having trouble with the fact he wants sex too much and after messing up a first attempt he gives him a guilt free pass as he leaves for a wild college party (same one Jim went to).
While at this party the students take place in something called the naked mile. Something that started as a political thing that started by a few people in the 1960's had turned into a huge yearly event (Wait to you see who started it!!!). This is where the big question will Eric and his cousin/ friends use this pass at this party or do a Jim.
Anything that counts as spoilers ends here.
If you liked the first three you would go crazy for this film, this goes further on terms of crude/ rude/ sexy humour than ever before. The character Eric being nothing like either of the Stiflers makes up for where I thought Band Camp went wrong. (Too much like a Stifler wannabe, the cousin was the same but could get away with it.)
10/10 Don't eat while watching it! But if you're a fan of the first three (or four) you'll love it.
Hostel (2005)
If you liked saw, you may like it but you're better of waiting for saw 3
At first I wasn't that sure if I thought the film looked good or dreadful. My brother saw it and almost left halfway through, i didn't see it in the cinemas but i would have done the same thing. Though at first for different reasons. I did hear quite the opposite from other people i know and though i wasn't that sure I just went for it to basically make my own mind up.
My brother would have left halfway through cause it wasn't liking it while I was loosing interest. Which during the second half though there were some plot twists that i didn't see coming (which was the only thing that kept the rating above 1) wasn't enough yet there was something that i can't explain that kept me glued to it.
On some level I was expecting it to be like Saw and though it was gorier than both films put together it lacked a lot I did like about Saw.
While like saw it was a sick, twisted gore fest it there wasn't anything about the characters that where stuck in the middle of it that i found intriguing which as weired as it sounds was something i liked about both of the Saw movies. Plus the fact that some of my favourite directors (Tartantino/ P. Jackson) where backing it wasn't enough.
On a positive side the film was well made for a obviously low budget and wouldn't disappoint blood and guts fanatics. Would entertain the younger saw fans but this is a 100% teen movie and but some of the older fans may not like it.
At the end of the day if you liked Saw (depending on your age group) you may like it but then again you're better of waiting for Saw 3.
Awful but with some decent & unpredictable plot twists 2/10
Saw II (2005)
Warning: Not for the squeamish (there really was blood!)
It's going to be hard to talk about it without spoilers but I'll try to keep them as brief as I can.
The first thing I would have to say is it proved me wrong when I thought this film couldn't beat the original. I can imagine the first film being a cult classic in 20 years and I thought this would be like the 2nd Exorist or the 2nd Blair Witch films.
But surprisingly this film did actually beat the original by far.
A quick summary of the story would be that the film involves Jigsaw capturing 8 more victims. Keeping them locked in his house they have two hours to find a cure for a virus thats going through the air until it keeps them. On the other side it has a story like the first film where there are cops on the hunt for Jigsaw.
The film is not for the squeamish as it's gory.
The main thing that was wrong with it was mostly the ending, it did have a better twist than the first film yet it was a little confusing and took a while to figure it out. (By then the film had finished) This was mostly why it didn't get ten out of ten.
The great thing about it was that it was intense and exciting towards the end. And if you liked the first film this is well worth the look.
Gross but worth every penny 9/10 (was originally 8 but changed it but the star rating stayed on 8)
The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
So funny i was in tears, and was cute as well
The first thing that comes to mind is that this would have to be one of the funniest films ever. I am someone who had grown up watching the original 20-30 minute short films so I was really excited about this film.
I guess I could see them making it from the moment I first saw the trailer for Chicken Run. And thank god they did make it, as they brought two very lovable character to the big screen and failed to disappoint.
The story was a little cheesy and was like a Frankenstein knock-off. But with non-stop gags these things do go unnoticed and will surely make this film a big hit. If you don't laugh you may as well be a robot.
What I did like about this film was that there was plenty of cute characters which included Gromit. A lot of the new characters aren't that funny and looking at Wallace's love interest it's a good thing this wasn't live action.
If anything this showed that the old fashioned animation seen in the original films has died. And that vegetables can really grow really big as one of the things that made me feel for Gromit was seeing him prepare for a vegetable show that the film was centred around.
A warning though there's some scenes that younger children have find to scary.
And if anything it was so funny I left in tears!
SEE IT OR ELSE TO SUM IT UP!!!
20/10
Goal! (2005)
About time, a football (soccer) film not about hooliganism
After seeing one Football film after another been released that was about just hooligans. From the likes of Green Street and Football Factory (not seen them to be honest) it was nice to see a film about FOOTBALL.
The first thing that comes to mind is that it's like a Million Dollar Baby type rags to riches sports tale. That captures the excitement and emotion of watching a football match anywhere. And if you don't like football it's worth watching as an inspirational drama with great performances.
For football fans it would be great and inspiring if you want to be the next Beckham or Owen. I wouldn't get to excited about Beckham's appearance it was only one scene.
One thing that's wrong with this film is that some people may find it a little predictable in some of the match scenes. And it was a little boring in some areas, and has yet to cover allot of areas in the football world.
But these things don't let the film down to much and I would recommend it. I even cried at the end.
Loved it! 10/10
War of the Worlds (2005)
Great effects but rather shocking disappointment
I honestly thought that this would be a great film. I have been a big fan of big special effects films for a long time. So naturally I had been pretty hyped by what I had seen in the trailers.
While the actors in it gave great performances and the effects blew me away, these where the only good things about it at the end of the day.
The first thing that came to mind about what was wrong about this film was the fact that I was told mostly from Tom Cruises POV. I would have thought it may have worked better from a Third Person POV instead. I am aware it work for some films but not the kind of film this was meant to be.
But one problem that comes to mind that some of the special effects during that invasion scenes was that it looked well dated.
One good thing I could think of it from what I had seen from DVD or album covers is that they managed to do a good job of bringing the book to life. Which was helpful to know considering not everyone knew it was a book.
At the end of the day I would suggest that see it for the effects or besides that don't bother.
3/10