Rush (2013) Movie Review

When I heard that Chris Hemsworth was going to be playing racing star James Hunt I have to admit I didn’t exactly jump for joy as this genre of film usually isn’t my speciality nor my primary interest. However, I was proved wrong and have been since persuaded to watch more movies by the same director Ron Howard as the delivery of this ever so elegant story was expertly executed and shot.

Synopsis
Written by Ron Howard and written by Peter Morgan this film is focused around the 1976 Formula 1 championship and the legendary racing drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt of whose rivalry was of epic proportions. This movie also depicts the horrible accident where Niki Lauda suffered burns to his body almost halting his career. This film is the perfect choice if you are looking for drama, suspense, a bit of action and a movie that sticks to the facts!

Good Bits?!
To start off, just as I have mentioned before when it comes to making a film about sport Ron Howard really has produced a masterpiece. The best bit for me? The fact that the facts are the facts! Howard stuck to what actually happened and utilised the highlights of their racing careers to create an atmosphere where we feel we can connect not just to the actors but the racers themselves.

This ties into the relationship itself between the racers. Yes they were competitive and their desires to win we’re exponential, but as the film develops we see how their relationship, which at first seems to be hate but turns into appreciation and profound sportsmanship. We also see how even upon retiring the two drivers are still deeply respectful of each other and how their lives developed after racing.
This is also compounded by the remorse that Lauda feels when Hunt sadly passed away in 1993 from a heart attack due to a somewhat fast and furious lifestyle.

Another thing that I was impressed was the casting, you can tell that the director took a lot of time choosing carefully who he thought would portray these famous racers perfectly. This is especially interesting as Howard almost had to cancel the film as he couldn’t find anyone to play James Hunt aren’t we so glad (especially the girls) that Hemsworth came into the director’s view.

Well that’s it for this review, yes it is short, but hey I can’t say no more than rent the film for yourself and enjoy! If you wanna see the trailer simply click the link below!

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“Everybody knows you never go full retard…”

To kick start the week this weeks quote is brought to you by Robert Downey Jr, or shall I say Sergeant Osiris in the hit comedy Tropic Thunder (2008) where he portrays “a man playing a man playing a black man”. For me this film is a comedy favourite having watched it many a time never ceasing to laugh at the original comedy and funny scenes.

This film is perfect for a night in or even just one to watch with your buddies; the actors are class choice, the scenes are original and funny and the irony depicted in this film is kick-ass, also Tom Cruise dancing to Ludacris rap music…..quality. If you fancy watching the trailer (although I imagine many of you have already seen this film) then click the link below and you won’t be disappointed. Also, check the poll below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pl4JNnqNaE 

Robocop (2014) Movie Review

When it comes to Robocop, everyone knows the name, the outfit and the big hand gun coming from the hip and with a lot of hype generated from the new one released this year, does it really live up to it’s original name? Lately new versions of “elder” films have been springing up all over the place and with the success of Total Recall (2012) starring Colin Farrell and Kate Beckinsale everyone was eager to see what director José Padilha has done with such an iconic film.

Synopsis

So the year is 2028 and robots are being used in battle grounds to implement military tactics and have proven to be  a very reliable and effective force. However, Omnicorp want to bring this technology to the home front placing multiple robots around the city in order to control the supposed chaos that is stifling the modern world. Just like before the main protagonist Alex Murphy is a loving father, husband and a kick-ass cop , and exactly like before finds himself somewhat inhibited by the actions of the bad guys (don’t worry I wont spoil it there).

Expectations…

When I saw the first Robocop film, for me it was one of the first sci-fi action films I had ever seen and despite using a video player which always ceased to play after lots of use, I enjoyed every moment of this original storyline and futuristic action. So, you can only imagine my excitement when I prepared myself to watch the new release to see what they have done differently and what iconic parts of the film they left the same.

Also, the promotional material used, especially the poster with the suave gleam of Robocop’s suit, posing for the pistol shot it is understandable that my expectations of this film be high.

Bad bits?!

I will start with the bad bits as I do like to leave my reviews on a good note, and there were lots of amazing parts to the film so let’s analyse the not so great bits first. Okay, so as a fan of Robocop I was a bit disappointed when at the beginning the outfit was its traditional metal-like mix of silver and black, then changed to just black looking like something from an obscure Audi car commercial. This was a bit disappointing as everyone remembers Robocop with his traditional colours so the fact they changed this was a bit annoying as hey, we all like what we know and are used to right?!

Also something I cannot understand which only a true fan would understand, is in the original version of this film Alex Murphy was completely shot apart making only his organs and parts of his head let’s say, salvageable. But, in this version they decided to keep his hand in tact, which hey I am open to new things but it served no purpose in the story line and kind of made him look a bit odd. For most this would be considered adjustable, but I do fear for the die hard fans this was bit of a deal breaker.

Good Bits?! (and yes there are many)

In the original version I always remember Robocop being a bit immobile and slightly more cumbersome than I would have liked, which for me kind of made him a one man band when it came to taking on the bad guys. However, in this new film he seems to be very mobile and a lot more agile in an I Robot kind of way which made him seem a lot more exciting as opposed to being limited to just full frontal attack mode.

Also, the computer effects and imagery were pretty amazing which made me feel kind of guilty as being a loyal fan of the original versions I didn’t want to like this “new technology”. But the special effects are simply beautiful and helped the sci-fi element a lot and really made you believe in the story line as rather than naturally reject it.

However, the best thing for me was the ethical part. With new technology constantly advancing nowadays after watching this film I did think to myself “hey, this actually is a possibility and may even be possible for future generations” I personally very much like this about films, films that get you thinking about your own existence rather than be just for entertainment. Also, in the film the people face a difficult decision i.e. choosing to relinquish control to these robots that have been put in place to safeguard the human race. Something we know from watching many sci- fi films can be a scary decision! It also makes you think about the value of a human life, forcing us to think about the repercussions of some life threatening decisions, and the effects if were to give that control to something automated.

Conclusion

For me this was an all round good film, and the casting of the characters was particularly well done. For example, Gary Oldman (too many films to name) played an amazing role as Dr. Dennett Norton pulling us in furthermore to the story line and feeling more connected to the characters themselves as if they were real people we could relate too.

For die hard fans I fear this film may have been a bit of a disappointment as the things they did change could have potentially spoiled the film in the sci-fi genre. But if you want to see an old classic re-vamped I would definitely recommend you to see this film, the action sequences are good, the story is familiar and as a cinematic experience you are in for a treat.

If you wanna see a sneaky peaky of this film why not click the link below and see what you think of it, also for any requests don’t be afraid to use the contact form also below to get in contact.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INmtQXUXez8 

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Today’s Quote: “How about we call it a night?!”

Today’s quote comes from yet another WWE Studios film The Marine 3: Homefront (2013) depicting the scene where Mike The Miz Mizanin, or Sgt Jake Carter as we know him in this film, protects his friend in a bar fight which is the start of many decent action scenes and a not so bad plot line.

This film wasn’t very popular as unfortunately these types of films produced by WWE Studios have been pigeonholed as a kind of low budget, low rate action films however if it’s just action you are looking for then you are in the right place!

If you fancy giving this film a watch then click the link below for a trailer to make you more than curious.

http://youtu.be/jKhtBKsiTyM

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) movie review

In Martin Scorsese’s newest film The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jordan Bellfort a former Wall Street stockbroker who served 22 months in jail for financial offences such as securities fraud, aggressive sales tactics and penny stock manipulation and built Stratton Oakmont stock corporation from the ground up. This film focuses on the quick uprising (and downfall) of the company and also more importantly the life of debauchery and scandal Jordan Bellfort lead.

Initial Thoughts?!
At first I have to admit I wasn’t too taken by the advertisements at bus stops; with Leo contently stood right hand tucked behind left showing the $40,000 Breitling, typical of the Wall Street businessman look. However once I started seeing advertisements on TV, I couldn’t have been more persuaded, the debauchery, loud music and suggestive sex scenes had me like a fish on a hook…

Review
To start with I have to say the characters were very well chosen, there are many familiar faces which makes it easy to connect with the characters and to enjoy the film as it unfolds. Such faces include Jonah Hill (21 Jump Street, Superbad, Get Him to The Greek) and Matthew McConaughey (Sahara, The Lincoln Lawyer) keep the action coming and challenges their roles as these two actors has become somewhat stereotyped as only being one trick ponies, thus their need to adapt is shown in this Scorsese future epic.

The plot is also very original and entertaining and you know why?! That’s because this story is 100% TRUE so there are no plot holes or ‘could that actually happen?’ Filtering through the audience’s minds which obviously adds to the entertainment factor and makes this film one to watch. Also Scorsese has captured Belfort’s life in a comical and yet pensive manner focusing not only on the funny side of the debauchery and drugs but also the effects that take their toll on his life like his wife leaving him and also business associates that give their lives for the life they were leading. Not only does this film have you laughing insanely but also makes you think about another chilling world that exists among us- the life of Wall Street. And not to be a spoiler but Jordan Belfort himself even has his own cameo in the film, see picture below to see if you can spot him in the film- enjoy!

ALSO
…….for most the sexual content of the scenes are far from tame and the funniest thing is in the article from the link below courtesy of The Guardian you can see how Belfort’s life was not even comparable to that of what you find in the movie but in actual fact is much, much worse. Below is a pic of the real Wolf of Wall Street himself.

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/feb/28/wolf-of-wall-street-jordan-belfort-sex-drugs

If you liked this article or any of my articles please feel free to let me know via the contact information provided on my website or even share or put a like here and there. Thanks!

” I have nipples Greg….could you milk me?”

This classic film all had us laughing when it was released in 2000 and still makes a good film to watch despite who you have in your company. Jack Byrnes played by Robert De Niro gave us all that feeling of humour mixed with being uncomfortable in a ‘I shouldn’t be laughing but I can’t help it kind of way, similar to when we ourselves meet the parents.

Also this is a classic Ben Stiller film in his prime during his earlier days which sent him into better things which has kept us all entertained for years.

Other great Stiller movies include…

There’s something about Mary (1998)

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004) This film also includes Vince Vaughn making a perfect comedy duo to a seemingly obscure cult classic.

Starsky & Hutch (2004)

“22 million dollars in 3 hours!”

In Martin Scorsese’s 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street Jonah Hill plays insanely white-toothed and somewhat trigger happy character Donnie Azoff who is an incredible feature in this film in this soon to be cult classic. Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stock broker convicted of stock market manipulation and sentenced to prison for 22 months, this film is definitely one for the DVD shelf.

Also, Jonah Hill makes the best motivational speaker to get you pumped- if you’re investing in stocks of course or even if you just need that extra push in the morning!

Tom Hardy’s twin double up!

Bronson star Tom Hardy is to be cast as both Kray twins in the working title Legend directed and written by Brian Helgeland who brought us timeless action epics such as L.A. Confidential, A Knight’s Tale and Green Zone.
According to Screen Daily this is but one of many productions this rising (and somewhat risen) star is considering

The Kray twins (Ronald and Reginald) were London’s most prolific crime pair during the 50’s and 60’s which saw their lucrative nightclub business become the front of some major organised crime rings during this time. These twins even had on going relationships with classic singer Frank Sinatra and politicians such as Lord Boothby. The film details the tumultuous relationship between the twins and Reggie Kray’s sadistic control over his younger twin brother Ronald, whilst running their crime ring, The Firm.

However, have no fear the Kray twins were arrest in May 1968 so the only fear we should have is whether this film can deliver- personally I don’t doubt this as Tom Hardy has proven to only better himself which each role he has been appointed. Filming for this film starts later this year and I have to say I am very excited to see the final outcome!

Want to do your research?!
Other great Films starring Tom Hardy include:
1. Warrior (2011)
2. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Plays best bad guy Bane don’t be fooled by his charming accent!
3. Lawless (2012)
4. Bronson (2008)

Foreign film review (French): Comme un Chef (2012) directed by Daniel Cohen

Film Plot
Somewhat socially awkward but ultimately genius amateur chef, Jacky (Michaël Youn) just can’t seem to find the perfect chef job where his unique and often misguided but fruitful skills do not earn themselves their rightful respect from his peers. His girlfriend is pregnant, he can’t land a job for more than a month and yet in the hopeful city of Paris, nothing could seem more bleak. However, famous tv chef Alexandre Lagard (Jean Reno) is in a similar situation, critics are losing their flare for his cuisine, his own daughter resents him and he is in desperate need of a newer flavour to resurrect any chances of future prosperity for his restaurant and his name. These two chefs, special in their own ways of course meet rather serendipitously and comedy ensues and their personalities and love of food take them on their own mini adventure. (And yes I am purposely using these food puns!)

Thoughts:
A lot happens in this movie and sometimes the storyline can seem a little like it is dragging however there are plenty of comical moments inspired by a desperate situation which keep you smiling throughout the movie. Also, the connotational messages of this film are also very unique; typically maintaining the “if you put your mind to it and keep at it then all will pay off” theme, Comme un Chef puts forward this message in a comical and authentic way, making you care for the main characters and their troubles who ultimately coming together in the end to show you the result of this persistence. For me this film also makes a good comedy for those who are not French speakers as the ability to speak French (or not) does not inhibit the quality of the material and I would recommend this movie happily to those who are not French speakers.

Also one bad thing about this film is that if you haven’t already eaten then this film will leave your mind veering off in the way of “I wonder if that new restaurant down the road is good?” However being a lover of food myself this was only a good thing- apart from when I needed to concentrate.

Also for all you romantics out there this film makes a perfect movie night in with the girlfriend and/or boyfriend as there are plenty of funny moments but also some typically cute scenes which will keep those hugging on the sofa moments extra special!

Favourite Scene?
My favourite scene has to be when Jacky gets a job painting a residence building for the elderly and rather than do his job, utilises his scissor lift in order to reach the second floor to watch his favourite chef cooking show with the other workers in the kitchen. Youn is a very natural comedy actor and this scene only shows off his skill to be funny, oblivious and serious all at the same time.

Trailer courtesy of YouTube:
http://youtu.be/iWvrVGJ6rmI

7 great action films you probably didn’t think to see!

Okay so nowadays with so many films coming out it in the cinemas and so quickly (so it feels) being transformed to DVD, it is becoming really hard to figure out what films are worth watching. This is especially troublesome for the action film junkie as so many similar scenes have been used over again and that thirst for newer, fresher and much more original material remains parched! HOWEVER have no fear as here is a list of some action films that are original in their own right and contain unique ‘tough guy’ scenes that action film lovers should still be watching today. Don’t worry, I won’t bore you with endless analytical approaches to these films JUST the reasons why you should watch!

So here goes…

1. The Last Boy Scout
Year: 1991
Director: Tony Scott
IMDb rating: 6.9
Trailer: http://youtu.be/UbASN5yCgAI

Reasons to watch?!
This film really does epitomise the happy-slap action style off films, containing unique scenes of action, tough guy lines and the typical “Go F*** Yourself” attitude exhibited by Willis in his early days. Bruce Willis plays Joe Hallenbeck, a rugged and somewhat troublesome private detective (similar to Die Hard) teams up with Jimmy Dix (Damon Wayans) to solve a murder involving himself and another upstanding member of the community. The same director of this film also produced such master pieces like ‘Man on Fire’ (2004) starring Denzel Washington, also praised for its authentic approach towards realistic action and the relationships between the main characters and their peers.

2. Bulletproof
Year: 1996
Director: Ernest R. Dickerson
IMDb rating: 5.8
Trailer: http://youtu.be/RzVGlzm2geE

Plot summary
In this other film from the ’90s Damon Wayans (Keats) sees himself infiltrating the lower levels of a drug smuggling gang, making an unexpected criminal friend in Adam Sandler (Archie Moses) whilst on the job. However, this relationship goes south once Sandler realises the truth and comedy and action ensues when Wayans has to escort his perp, Sandler to a safe police district whilst evading their pursuers.

Reasons to watch
Whilst on the road together, the relationship between the two characters both develops and diminishes and the comedy scenes in this film are both original and laughter-provoking. The story line is also very capturing, revealing the reasons for the distrust between protagonists the near swapping of roles and good/bad attitudes portrayed by Wayans and Sandler. And of course, the action scenes are very engaging and frequent leaving you wanting more but satisfying those needs to see gun-toting, explosive scenes!

Best scene for me?
On the road, these two protagonists find themselves sharing a honeymoon suite in one of those stereotypical love-in bed and breakfasts in some deserted town. In this scene Sandler pretends to come onto the somewhat socially uncomfortable and experienced male receptionist using most encouraging words- ‘sandwich action’. This scene and many others had me in stitches and I’m sure you would love this film as much as I did.

3. The Marine
Year: 2006
Director: John Bonito
IMDb rating: 4.6
Trailer: http://youtu.be/xSpqXC3V7iw

Reasons to watch?!
So during the early noughties movie viewers were witness to many wrestler to action star conversions (thank you Dwayne Johnson) and many of these conversions failed due to the doubtful attitudes of the movie audiences. However, this particular film, despite it’s rather low IMDb rating was actually pretty good. The action scenes were original, the story line wasn’t actually that bad and John Cena (John Triton) made a very good typical buffed-up action star. The bad guy in this film, Rome played by Robert Patrick or as we know him as the Terminator sent to kill John Connor in the second terminator film, played an excellent evil doer. The use of this familiar face engages the audience well and adds some familiarity to the audience to a film not very well known.

4. The Raid: Redemption
Year: 2011
Director: Gareth Evans
IMDb rating: 7.6
Trailer: http://youtu.be/6f6f_kfp1Z8

Reasons to watch
So this film made by Sony Pictures which takes place in Jakarta, to me seemed somewhat underrated. In the United Kingdom this film was not very well publicised however among the film community had earned itself several film awards! This film sees a crack police squad in Jakarta infiltrate a high rise building full of organised crime affiliates overrun by drugs, armed weapons and degradation all operated by a big- boss figure. The martial arts in this film Silat was a fine addition to the action film genre as this provided fresh action scenes which most film audiences had never seen before. Also for you Bruce Lee fans, this film has a somewhat modern feel to the classic Big Boss film which help make Bruce lee famous.

5. Alex Cross
Year: 2012
Director: Rob Cohen
IMDb rating: 5.1
Trailer: http://youtu.be/wXtRKrcPwKE

Why watch this?
This film sees James Patterson’s novels come to life depicting Alex Cross; a by the book detective turned renegade in order to capture the ingenious assassin who killed his wife. This is not just a ‘let’s blow things up’ action film like the examples I have given before, but rather a unique detective story which encompasses good action sequences and interesting plot twists which keeps audiences very attentive in this action thriller. Also the main killer in this film Picasso played very well by Matthew Fox gives a more eerie feel to the nature of killing rather than a cash for kill business and has intrinsic links into the psychotic nature of Picasso.

6. The Last Stand
Year: 2013
Director: Kim-Ji Woon
IMDb rating: 6.4
Trailer: http://youtu.be/0yMc9h3h9bs

Another Schwarzenegger film? Any good?
So Bodybuilding and tough guy legend Arnold Schwarzenegger nowadays has a slight reputation for being a somewhat geriatric in the eye of cinema goers, however he shows he has still got it in this later version of cop action. In this film Arnold plays an ex DEA honcho turned small turn sheriff who finds himself in the cross hairs of a prolific cartel member and has to defend his town. As you would expect Schwarzenegger exhibits the same tough guy exterior found in most of his films, however if you are looking for a happy run of the mill action film to keep you sated on an evening then this film is for you. The car chase scenes in this film are very unique and even though Arnold is considered as geriatric, he certainly shows age is just a number in this action special.

7. Homefront
Year: 2013
Director: Gary Fleder
IMDb rating: 6.6
Screenplay: SYLVESTER STALLONE
Trailer: http://youtu.be/tjSOj8b804U

Yep that is right, action cinema hero Sly Stallone was the influence and brains behind this should be action classic!
In this rather new addition to the action film genre, Phil Broker (Jason Statham) detaches himself from his high DEA position to better his and his daughters lives in the bayous of the southern states. However, once one of the Red-neck drug manufacturers finds out who he is, things turn for the worse when another crime syndicate is notified.

This film is littered with amazing action sequences and the storyline is also something that keeps you going just when you think you have pre-seen what’s going to happen. From start to finish you are launched into this characters life and feel compassion for him and and his daughters security which keeps you glued to the screen and as usual Statham mixes good quality action sequences with good standard acting.

Thank you for reading and don’t forget to like and post!

Sources include YouTube and IMDb