Last Film(s) You Watched

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 1:00 am

Last weeks viewing...

Cemetery Man (1994) Dellamorte Dellamore
Old Italian comedy horror with Rupert Everett as a cemetery attendant with zombie problems. One of the most beautifully filmed horror movies around also one of the most original and surreal, worth it just for the visuals. There was two release versions of this, English, where Everett obviously sounds normal but other cast members are dubbed, or Italian which is a reverse of the above. First one is preferable but either way there's no getting away from some dubbing just like the Italian spaghetti westerns were done.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109592/

Corman's World, exploits of a Hollywood rebel (2011)
The story of legendary low budget producer Roger Corman who's made hundreds of B-movies from the 1950's and still going strong. Tons of movie clips including on the set of Dinoshark! and contributions from Jack Nicholson, one of his first stars, and Martin Scorsese, one of his first directors. Even if you don't like Corman's stuff it's an insight into an independant who doesn't give a shit about the Hollywood system and did his own thing for over 50 years. (som ace don't miss this if you haven't seen already)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1185371/

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 3:55 pm

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

When his lightning bolt is stolen, Zeus accuses Poseidon's son Percy Jackson and gives Poseidon's son fourteen days to return it, otherwise he will initiate a war amongst the gods. Meanwhile the teenager, Percy, who is dyslexic and has ADHD is visiting The Museum of Metropolitan of Art and is attacked by a Fury disguised in his teacher. His crippled best friend Grover reveals that Percy is a demigod and that he is his protector and his teacher Mr Brunner gives him a pen telling him that it is a powerful weapon. They go to Percy's house and together with his mother Sally they drive to the Camp Half-Blood. However Sally is attacked by a Minotaur and vanishes before Percy can help her. In the camp, Percy befriends the gorgeous Annabeth; when they are attacked by Hades who wants the lighting bolt for himself, Percy discovers that his mother is in the Underworld with Hades. Percy decides to travel on a dangerous quest to retrieve the lightning bolt and save his mother...

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 3:58 pm

The Pact (2012)

Not bad, not that scary either when you work out whats happening.
Run of the mill storyline once you work out whats happening.
It doesnt take long to work out whats happening.

Still worth a look though. 7/10

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 4:57 pm

I watched an anime about a little deer called bambi and his mum died and I cried

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 7:30 pm

Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)

The next generation crew steps up to the plate with a third film but does it knock one out of the park?. Well not to beat around the bush no it doesn't, its a full strike if you ask me.

I'm not gonna sugar coat it, gotta be cold here. For me this was easily the weakest Trek film so far, even worse than 'Star Trek V'. I know I have used the term 'outstretched TV episode' a few times in previous reviews with Star Trek but this one term really sums up this film to a tee.

Apart from the quite dreadful grey scale shade tone that accompanies every scene on board the Enterprise which somehow now seems more intrusive than in the previous two films, the plot is utterly non-engaging or even remotely interesting. A planet which harbours immortal regeneration powers that Starfleet and the alien race 'Son'a' wish to keep for themselves whilst at the same time evicting the local hippie population.
Say what now?? yes that's right, its basically all about evicting some perfect happy go lucky boring blonde haired blue eyed farm folk off their planet...and that's it. I'm not even sure if there were any bad guys in this! I suppose they were naughty, not really much of a threat though, it was just a few groups fighting amongst themselves really, nothing more.

The whole film is so so utterly pointless and dull for virtually the entire run time! It only kicks into action for a small segment near the finale and even that was very mediocre stuff. Everything looks exactly as it does on the TV show, there is nothing that would make you think this is a big budget movie. The effects are no better! you would think they might be getting better but no, this film actually goes a step backwards.

There is just something about the next gen design, even though these are movies they just can't seem to shake the look and feel of the TV series. The classic crew movies didn't always look tremendous but they were always much better looking than the original show, they always had real silver screen moments. I'm afraid to say this entry has none what so ever.

It seems as though everything is now fully cgi here, I'm not a fan of computer generated effects and I think this is a good example why. The only thing that looks good and realistic in this film are the space vista's, nebulae, planets etc...which is exactly what cgi is good at. Starships can be done well but here they are no better than their TV counterparts, satisfactory at best. There are still the age old issues of dodgy bluescreen going on but now they also have the added downside of completely fake cgi sequences on top.

So apart from the dreadful plot and god awful cgi are there any plus points? I guess F. Murray Abraham does add a sprinkle of class onto the proceedings, its just a shame he does completely nothing of interest for the whole film. The alien race he portrays (Son'a) are such a generic concept with little to no imagination in design, their faces are simply plain grey just like all the uniforms of the Enterprise cre...zzzzz.

So the film ticks along with tonnes of dialog including so much space jargon I felt completely bewildered and detached. I'm sure this one film has more Trek technical mumbo jumbo speeches than any other, by the end of the film I had actually lost how or what they were all suppose to be doing.

Add to this some really vomit inducing romance with 'Picard', really hokey sets, really fake plastic looking props, hokey fights and the very annoying practically perfect farm civilisation in their typically 'I'm a goodie' beige loose fit garments. Yeah I know its a Star Trek film and you come to expect this kinda stuff but by this point I think certain aspects of this really should be better.
The classic Trek crew were loved for their quirky comedic like adventures and Shatner's fluffy fist fights. The next generation crew just can't pull that off, they are too serious and too dull basically haha. For me they can't get away with the charming nonsense that the classic crew got away with.

This film lacks punch and energy, its a complete non entity and in my opinion will only please Trekkies. For fans it basically has all you need as its pretty much a very long TV episode so you can't go wrong. For neutral non-fan folk it will be a slow slog through some heavy dialog that will probably leave you dizzy and not much of a reward at the end.

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:57 pm

Iron Sky........I must be weird as many people don't like the movie but I thought it was one of the best movies I have seen in a while. Humour was black and sharp but the effects were great and the overall story was fun and the comedy did make me laugh as opposed to only chuckle.
Not quite as insane as a Monty Python but certainly worth a look if you like that type of fun.

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 11:38 pm

Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)

The final showdown for the next generation crew and FINALLY the Romulans get a chance to shine. Thing is they are overshadowed and pushed to the side by the Remans haha guess the Romulans had to wait for the reboot.

Sooo here we are again, Earth in danger from an alien race and 'Picard' also being abused by another alien race again. First he's assimilated now he's being mentally tortured by his power crazed clone who wants his blood...literately, some days huh.

I must admit I can't get my head around film responses at times, I've read this was looked upon negatively. Why? its actually a pretty good Trek adventure and possibly the slickest of the next gen films, maybe the best of the four. Certainly better than 'Insurrection' and 'Generations' and much more open for everyone instead of just the Trekkies, which is probably for the best if you think about it.

Plot wise this is total Star Trek, exactly as you would expect with overblown ideas and fantastic notions of sci-fi. Its not original and its not gonna surprise you but at the end of the day it does the job and entertains for the run time.
Hardy is the bad guy dressed in shiny black armour (and am I the only one who forgot all about him being in this?! I was like 'hey that's Tom Hardy!'), He's bald, he sounds like David Thewlis and he's unpredictable with bouts of sulky anger down to his young age, I presume that was intended. Put simply he was a darn good villain (finally) who was perfectly slimy enough to get under your skin, just what the franchise needed.

The rest of the bad guys all look really decent too. The Remans makeup/prosthetics are excellent infact, first really good Star Trek aliens I've seen to be truthful. OK they do look like a race of 'Nosferatu', infact a bit too close really, almost a complete rip off hehe but I must admit they look damn good, highly aggressive and imposing visually, kudos.

Actually the bad guys in this film coupled with the nice makeup and regal work/designs on the Romulans completely steal the show from the Enterprise crew. We all know the next gen crew are dull but they pale in comparison to the villainy on screen here, I actually wanted the bad guys to win this, would of been much more interesting.

It was also weak to see they finally got the balls to kill off one of the next gen crew ('Data') only to basically have him survive on by introducing an earlier model. I could see that coming miles away, and of course 'Data' conveniently manages to upload all his personal 'data' into the earlier model before he sacrifices himself. So basically 'Data' was killed but low and behold the replica earlier model takes his place complete with all 'Data's' personal memories and attributes, as if he had never left *groan*.

As I said earlier this is easily the best looking of the next gen films, probably all the Trek films. Production values look high as does everything in the film, all sets look quite swish with depth and a solid appearance. 'Picard' and his crew look as boring as ever in their grey uniforms but as I said before both the Romulans and Remans outfits all look superbly crafted and boarded more on 'Star Wars' quality.

Space sequences look delicious as they tend to in these films but this time the starships look much better than before. Its mainly cgi as usual but clearly much sharper and with some good looking weight to them, still not quite up to Mr Lucas' spaceships but getting close, the cloaking effect still looks a bit dodgy.
Must mention the rather sweet looking cityscape on Romulus at the start of the film, very much on form with another certain popular sci-fi fantasy, dare I say quite 'Naboo-ish' . A big kudos to the death sequence of the Romulan Imperial Senate also at the start. The infection and fast decay shown is some of the best cgi mixed with real time model work I've seen. These effects really put the film on good stead showcasing a newer sexier Trek offering.

I guess you could say this one film is merely an action film in Star Trek clothes and not exactly what Star Trek is all about. Where has all the exploration gone? the seeking out of new worlds and new civilisations etc...There is definitely more bias towards fighting, death, multiple laser blasting and even the obligatory action film 'car chase' sequence. But its hard to win with Star Trek, either its too flashy and gun-ho, not 'Trekkie' enough for the core fans. Or its too dull and slow for everyone like some of the older Trek films or its too in depth for non core fans and more of a Trekkie treat fan film.

Its not very original and is pretty much a cookie cutter production but what do you expect with Star Trek. Plenty of decent action in space and a bit on land with a moon buggy chase, some of the best effects so far (about time), great visual designs throughout with the usual high calibre imagination but maybe it loses the true Star Trek essence along the way?.

Entirely predictable to the last minute but ultimately very enjoyable like most of the good Trek adventures. Another good franchise bookend, this time for the next generation crew. It hasn't been as memorable as the classic crew films in my opinion but a valiant effort none the less.

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 10:38 pm

Lockout

Hmmm dare I say a Die Hard clone in space? I don't wanna go there I really don't but I think I may have to slightly go there. 'Die Hard' with some continental Besson flare. That flare being evident in the rather short swish high speed bike chase sequence at the start that seems to be a curious blend of videogame and live action comicbook visuals. Either that or its just poor cgi, not sure, looked kinda neat though.

Of course its not exactly 'Die Hard' in space but once the action kicks in you do get that feeling from time to time. Prison in space ('Fortress 2') with lots of naughty spawns all in hibernation. Presidents daughter goes there to see if all the prisoners are being treated well (typical PC goodie goodie), prisoners get loose (didn't see that coming), take presidents daughter hostage so the suits send another freshly convicted badass to save the day.

That badass being Guy Pearce who does add to the 'Die Hard' theory with his snug fit t-shirt and continuous quick wit during the most awkward moments. You do get the impression he's trying his best cocky smart ass Willis routine and while a few lines are sweet it gets dull fast.

From here on the action is violent and brutal with lots of big bald men fighting each other and running amok with guns. For some reason the leaders of this convict outbreak are two Scottish brothers, I got the impression they really wanted Gerard Butler for the lead bad guy seeing as the guy they have (Regan) is a dead ringer for him. If you like brutal Scottish lunatics portrayed by fellow countrymen of England and Wales then behold the glory before thee.

So the plot is completely flat out unoriginal but the look of the sets and space sequences are impressive. Everything does look realistic, not an overblown future with silly laser guns. The sets are of cold steel designs in various tones of blue and grey, add to this the nice lighting and shadow work to really give the place an epic gloss that is slick and ultra cool. I expect nothing less than quality from Besson with action and this film does deliver exactly that with some great visuals, mainly in space.

Its a good smack in the mouth film with lots of aggression which obviously you can't take seriously. Thusly small issues of how the prisoners manage to overcome hibernation so quickly after being released, Pearce's character giving Grace's character a quick trendy haircut so she can fit in with the general population of psycho's without them noticing she's a woman (yeah right!), the end sequence plummet and can gun turrets fire bullets in outer space/orbit?....you must overlook all.

Problem is at the end of the day its just a run of the mill action flick in space with a little bit of brains around the edge. It looks good and that's its trump card, a solid action flick and expensive looking B-movie.

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:43 am

Watched several Iranian films lately.

The Color of Paradise

A troubled story between a single father and son. The boy is blind and despite this lives a happy life. As for his father he is ashamed of his son and does not feel he will succeed in life and tries several times to abandon him. The rest of the boy's family respects and loves him. His grandmother has faith in him and his two sisters adore his company. 10/10!

No One Knows About Persian Cats

Musicians' lives are hard when living in Iran. Two aspiring musicians try to get a gig outside of Iran and the authorities find ways of putting them down. They are willing to do whatever it takes to get their voices heard even if it means leaving their homeland for good. 9/10!

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:09 pm

The Raven

Very fictionalised account of Poe's last days up until the point where he was mysteriously found ill and dying on the streets of Baltimore. Apparently the writers included some real accounts of Poe's life into the film but to be honest you would never have guessed.

What you have here is a serial killer horror set at the time of Poe and that's pretty much it. This could be set or made anywhere its that generic and bland, its only the dark rustic mists of old 19th century Maryland that make this remotely interesting to watch.

So someone is killing folk just as Poe has written in his literary works and its up to Sherloc....I mean Edgar to track down the killer before his beloved is murdered. Poe is portrayed by John Cusack and I didn't really think too much to this decision. He does look the part somewhat I admit but Cusack comes across as a bit too humorous at times, he doesn't really fit the bill for this type of dark thriller. He gets better towards the end but for the most part he really doesn't stand out a tall.

Rest of the cast are pretty much your standard affair with all the mutton chop sideburns and beards in place. Gleeson does seem terribly type cast here, any period flick going they stick him in it with facial hair.

Its all very dull with not much happening to keep you in your seat. Slow plodding plot with lots of 'Scooby Doo' type clues and searching intertwined with the odd gory moment. Its hardly nail biting stuff, I didn't really care about any of the characters and the ending is so so....plain!.

Without my own review seeming to generic itself as I'm sure others will have made this same observation but think of this film like the recent 'Sherlock Holmes' films. Less glossy action and much more darkness and blood, an adult version if you will. On the other hand you could think of it as a much weaker version of 'From Hell', bit of a duffer I'm afraid.

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 12:42 pm

I watched these movies in last week.
Transit & Act of walor.

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 3:16 pm

"the amazing spiderman" is...............................amazing Smile

really enjoy'd it!! nice to see it a bit darker then the others!! a one to watch!!!!!

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 4:51 pm

Safe House

SPOILER WARNING!

If you need a powerful performance for serious high quality espionage/wartime/crime type thrillers then you call on Mr Washington, its common knowledge. 'The Pelican Brief' 'Man on Fire' 'Inside Man' 'Courage Under Fire' 'The Manchurian Candidate' etc...the man is a serious actor and doesn't do silly summer blockbuster fare.

That in mind who better to use in another serious espionage double cross thriller that looks as if it was directed by Ridley Scott. The film could almost be a sequel to 'Man on Fire' its so similar in terms of plot development, action sequences, locations and the character Washington plays. Well OK its not exactly identical but you can see what I mean.

So we swap the hot humid sweaty conditions of Mexico for the dry heat conditions of South Africa. Washington is an ex-CIA agent turned criminal who gets procession of a disc containing lots of dirty secrets about the CIA and other agencies. Its up to the inexperienced Reynolds to protect him, even though he doesn't really want to.

The whole film plays out as you would expect but unfortunately like too many other films you may have seen. What you get throughout is directed and filmed with outstanding quality and high production values but its not really very original. The action is top notch and certainly so extremely realistic you can taste the tension. A lot of deafening gunfire, fist fights that make you wince, some brutal car chases and crashes and all filmed within highly atmospheric real locations or sets.

So the problem is its just by the numbers and you know its all gonna end in double cross and twists...you just know it!. Without giving the game away there will be a lot of what I just said, but surely you all know that, its common practice in films like this hehe. The plot is simply your basic structured thriller which includes all the basic ingredients that are usually required.
Using some top actors for the main roles of course helps but it doesn't hide its short falls I'm afraid. I'm pretty sure most people will probably deduce what Gleeson is up to and the obvious fact that the top ranking suits in the story are most probably hiding something. Always the same with these high rankings US officials in thriller films.

Ruben Blades has probably the most common role in a film like this, he is an old time friend who Washington's character retreats to in a time of need. There is a small sequence where they reminisce, then they get down to business as 'Frost' requires his help one last time, then of course the bad guys find them in their 'off the beaten track' location and Blades' character is killed. Just as quickly as he is introduced he is killed off, merely a stop gap for the main character to get some vital last minute help and refuel as it were.

If you wanna see some excellent action set pieces then you can't go wrong here. Alas that is all your gonna get really as the plot is chock full of all the regular thriller/espionage cliches that we have all seen before. Its not a bad film, its very very well made, its just old hat. It also seems to try and morph into a 'Bourne' type concept right at the very very end, almost hinting at a sequel which might take Reynolds character into familiar territory.

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 1:42 am

angeljarvis wrote:

"the amazing spiderman" is...............................amazing Smile

really enjoy'd it!! nice to see it a bit darker then the others!! a one to watch!!!!!

really? i always thought Sam Raimi's Spiderman were pretty dark.

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:12 am

Columbiana - IMDb Link

IMDb wrote:

A young woman, after witnessing her parents' murder as a child in Bogota, grows up to be a stone-cold assassin.

Ok so this isnt really a new movie, downloaded it ages ago but just watched it with the mrs the other day - great film. As the plot summary suggests, the main character is a little girl who sees her parent murdered and then grows up becoming an assassin. And she kicks all kinds of ass too! Well worth a look, 8/10