Review: London Has Fallen (2016)

Secret Service Agent Mike Banning and POTUS continue their turbulent love affair - this time in London. Terrorists are on the hunt for Mr President - the only man that can keep him alive is Banning.

Gerard Butler was just born to play wise cracking tough guys. This film spends about 25 mins getting things set up, then it is all out action for the next 70 mins. It is a fun film, with plenty of explosions, gun fire and knife fights. As with the first film, the effects are fairly average (hell, it is probably below average). But, for a low budget actioner, the fun is in the close quarters action scenes and listening to Gerard spew macho shit.

Compared to Olympus Has Fallen, this one isn't as good, but it is still enjoyable. If you're an action fan, and don't mind some cheese with it, then you'll like this.

3/5

Review: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

I will admit my initial reaction to the announcement of this film was along the lines of - "How the hell are they going to do that? Superman will kick Batman's ass". I couldn't see it working in a live action film, but of course I became very keen to see it come to life. I love both characters - in fact, they're my absolute favourite superheroes. My love for Superman started with the seminal classic from 1978. I used to love watching the cheesy as hell Adam West/Burt Ward TV series from the 60's, but my passion for Batman was truly realised with the 1989 film by Tim Burton.

Over the last nearly 4 decades (yes, that long), there have been various big screen versions of these characters. Plenty of ups and downs, plenty of actors trying out the suits. With Man of Steel in 2013, we saw a very fresh take on Superman, and the start of a DC Comics version of a Cinematic Universe (films that tie their characters together, instead of separate worlds). I don't want to really compare to Marvel Comics Cinematic Universe, but I'll tell you this - I love that we have both universes to play in.

Man of Steel was a great start. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is the next entry. Set 18 months after the events of MoS, we're introduced to Ben Affleck's Bruce Wayne/Batman. He's a pretty pissed off character - angry with Superman and the threat he poses to the safety of our world. Is Affleck's version of Batman any good? Hell yeah it is. He's the oldest incarnation of Bat's we've seen in a live action film, but he is very tough and a brutal fighter. He moves a lot like the animated TV series version of Batman. Batfleck is very different to the recent Christian Bale portrayal (not better, just different).

Cavill was great in MoS, and he continues that stellar performance here. His character is presented with some interesting personal challenges (not just the fact Batman wants to kill him). The rest of the main cast is rounded out by Amy Adams' Lois Lane (perhaps not developed anymore than what she was in MoS), and Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor. I found Eisenberg's take on Lex to be quite good. He's a bit nutty, but also supremely intelligent and just downright evil. No, he's not playing Mark Zuckerberg in this film as well. My wife mentioned an interesting impression she got of Eisenberg's Lex - it seemed like he was trying to channel Heath Ledger's Joker performance - I could sort of see that.

Now this film is a sort of setup for a Justice League film (coming in 2017). So, we not only get Batman and Superman, but the brief introduction of Gal Gadot's Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. And, let me tell you, this is handled very well. Her few moments of screen time are teasing and exciting. I'm really keen to see her solo film coming in 2017.  Additionally, we have a great new Alfred Pennyworth to back up Batman - Jeremy Irons is just perfect.

As for the film itself (aside from the great casting and performances), the story is jam packed. There is a lot happening on screen, and that first 1 to 1.5 hrs moves along at a steady pace. Up until that last hour, I was enjoying the movie. Cool looking and well constructed action sequences, much better scripting than MoS, and a very engaging plot line. I especially liked how Bruce Wayne/Batman is actually brought into the events at the end of MoS - something that may not have been planned during MoS production, but it is pulled off quite well. Some of the flow of the story is a bit jarring sometimes, but it is a minor gripe. There really is a lot going on.

After that first 1.5 hrs, well what can I say, it all just gets better. Yes, I was hoping it would. The actual battle between Batman and Superman is very well handled, and any sort of notions I had in my head about this not going to be believable were thrown out the door. The overall production of this film is top notch (you would expect that for $250m). The visuals are amazing. I really liked Batman's new lair and gadgets, including an awesome new Batmobile and Batplane. If anything, you could be a bit let down by the effects in the final conflict/battle. Thankfully, this film doesn't go as bombastic as MoS did towards the end. It almost does, but it is reined in and is pretty cool.

I certainly don't get the hate and extremely negative reviews this film and MoS have generated. They're completely different to the Marvel films, but of no lesser quality. They are definitely darker in tone, which I enjoy. Why can't people be happy that we have some really great superhero films coming from different studio's? I could probably write another article on my feelings about this torrid hate that DC films have towards them - sometimes it feels like people can't except both universes. If you feel one is better than the other, then fine - but don't hate for the sake of it. As an audience member, lap it up! These characters are great, and for the most part, we're getting some great live action versions. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is definitely one of those - go see it. 

4/5

Review: Deadpool (2016)

The second go around for Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool. We saw him first up in X-Men Origins: Wolverine back in 2009. He was the smartass that got his mouth stitched up. I thought that interpretation was interesting, but I know nothing about the source material. Now comes along a supposedly more faithful origin story. Who knows - some comic fan boy can tell you if it is truer to the source.

Is it a better version than the first? Yes. The trailers essentially show you this film will be crude, lewd and definitely more bloody than any other superhero film you've seen. Along with all that, you get a fun action film with plenty of one liners. Ryan Reynolds pretty much laps it up and the script allows him to reference Hollywood and pretty much go to town on the industry and himself. There is regular breaking of the fourth wall, which, if you don't know, is when he speaks to the audience - yeah, that's you and me.

Although you should have a lot of fun watching this film, it is nowhere near any of the great superhero movies we've had so far. This is really an opportunity for audiences to get a taste of something different - mind you, if you've seen Kick-Ass, you may not think it is anything new. There's really not a whole heck of a lot to say about this film. If you're easily offended, then just stay away. 

3.5/5

P.S. There is a great cameo in this. You'll know it when you see it.

Review: The Hateful Eight (2015)

I've recently completed a full rewatch of QT's feature filmography. This man really does know how to write some interesting dialogue. His love for cinema is most definitely evident, and that love just becomes more and more obvious with each film. 

His latest, The Hateful Eight, is his eighth feature film - Kill Bill is officially considered 1 film, but I consider it to be 2. This film sees the return of some of Tarantino's all-stars with Jackson, Russell, Roth and Madsen. The rest of the cast is rounded out with Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Bruce Dern and Demian Bichir. Everybody here is fine form, with particular standouts being Jackson, Goggins and Russell. Leigh is nominated for best supporting actress, and she is pretty good, but I don't know if it is oscar nominated worthy. 

I have to say I had a good time with this film. There are some very funny character interplays and some damn funny dialogue. Here comes the but though.....But, the length of this film is probably a bit over done, the freshness and sumptuousness nature of his previous films isn't quite felt here either. Although the dialogue is very good, QT has done better. There wasn't any sort of exchange that I felt I walked away with sticking in my head. That is not to say this is a forgettable film, but I don't feel this one being one that people will come back to a lot - or myself at least. I may eat these words - time will tell. I did feel similar with Django after one viewing - after a second, I fucking loved it. At this point, I don't feel like watching it again for quite some time. 

I was never bored though. Yes, it felt a little long here and there, but the story and script have a way of keeping you interested and keeping the film evolving. There is a distinct feeling between the first half and the second half of this film. It is the second half that pulled this film over the line for me. You can feel something is coming. The pieces, like chess, are being put into place for some sort of revelation or grand finale.

Technically, this film is spot on. That sort of aspect of QT's films you don't have to worry about. The cinematography is great, the music is powerful (hello to the legendary Ennio Morricone) and the overall setup is well staged. In fact, I definitely can see how this could be done as a stageplay. It is a particularly violent film (as you would expect these days), but the part that surprised me the most is the amount of times the 'N' word is used. I mean, I expected it, but fucking hell, he's wearing that word out completely. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but it is very noticeable in how frequent it is used. 

Overall, this is an enjoyable film, but be prepared for the long haul. A rewatch before the end of the year may put it in the top films of the year list for me, but as at now, no.

3.5/5

Review: The Revenant (2015)

The very first thing you will be in awe of with this film is the cinematography. Filmed using only natural light, Oscar winning Director of Photography Emmanuel Lubezki captures some amazing scenery whilst also immersing the audience into the action. 

Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu was responsible for the last years Birdman, which had amazing success critically. That film I was a little disappointed with. It was good, I suppose, but the acclaim it was receiving set me up to be unamazed in the end. With that in mind, I was going into this a little reserved. The trailer looked great though, and the plot line seemed more accessible, so I was really hoping not have a repeat experience like Birdman.

Well, what an excellent film this turned out to be. From the opening scenes, I could feel a great sense of satisfaction with what I was seeing. The action is brutal and very upfront and personal. The story is simple, but the performances really pull you in. DiCaprio and Hardy are no slouches in the acting arena, and both give you their absolute best.

The film has been quite an arduous production for the cast and crew, and you can see the actors have put everything they've got into bring something quite authentic to the screen. There is a particular scene with DiCaprio and a grizzly bear that is just a standout for me. How this was so convincingly pulled off on screen I don't know, but it will leave your jaw dropped. That is one part of an amazing journey you really can feel. Such is the attention to detail and the raw nature of what you're watching. 

As far as nitpicks go, I would say the film borders on being overly lengthy, and perhaps some of the dream sequences were unncessary or didn't feel like they fit with the rest of the film. Also, the first half really knocks it out of the park, and that feeling drops a bit in the last hour or so.

This was my first new release film for 2016, and wow, what a start to the year. I love starting out a fresh year with a film that leaves an impression like this. 

4.5/5

Top FIlms for 2015

Another great year in cinema. 322 films watched overall, with 35 trips to the cinema. Of the 322, 87 were rewatches. For my top or favourite films of the year, I have 32 films that I rated 4 stars or more. They are in no particular order, as I find ranking films to be a very difficult task. If I was to pick my top 5 out of the below list though, then they would be: Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Selma, Inside Out, The Martian and Sicario.

I have also decided to include a list of films that I'll call honourable mentions. These are films I rated 3.5 stars, and for whatever reasons, I didn't find them great or better than great, but they were very good or pretty entertaining.

Remember, this is a personal favourite list, not a critical darling list. Unfortunately, I couldn't catch everything that was released here in Australia in 2015. Some films that are appearing on other lists are ones I haven't seen due to missing them or they simply haven't been released here yet. 

First up, in no particular order, are the honourable mentions: The Walk, Beasts of No Nation, Mississippi Grind, Mr Holmes, It Follows, Bone Tomahawk, People Places Things, Crimson Peak, A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night, Knock Knock, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Ant-Man, Bridge of Spies, While We’re Young, Manny Lewis, Southpaw, Spy, Terminator Genisys, Black or White, Taken 3, Jurassic World, Tomorrowland, Top Five, A Most Violent Year, The Gambler, Jupiter Ascending, The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything, X+Y.

UPDATE: 3/01/2016 - Just watched Mistress America - it is also an honourable mention. 

And now, my favourite 32 films for 2015 - no particular order. 

Review: Star Wars - The Force Awakens (2015)

 

After many many years of anticipation (long before any actual announcement), thanks to Disney, we finally have Episode VII. 

I don't want to really go into the nitty gritty details too much, or at all, because I think it is worth going into this film with just your knowledge of the previous episodes. Armed with that, you will get a kick out of this movie. There is an enormous amount of nostalgia flowing through the veins of this film. Just seeing the characters you grew up with and loved will be enough to make most happy. 

JJ and co have crafted a visually spendid and very enjoyable beginning to a new trilogy. The film moves at a decent pace, and fortunately the new characters are very interesting. My pick of the bunch is Rey, the scavenger we've seen in the trailers. Boyega is also very good and brings plenty of humour to the film, but not in a cheesy way. Another of my favourites and no doubt what will become a big toy item is BB8. What a joy that droid is - I so want one.

The story itself, ever so secret in the promotion of the film, is an interesting one - mainly because of what it sets up for the rest of the series. For all the questions raised, there weren't many answers - both annoying and intriguing at the same time. I've seen some minor quibbles from others about the script/story being a bit lacking, and I can see that, but what is there is definitely promising of a bigger things to come - hopefully. 

Is this film great? Is it the masterpiece or exercise in excellence I was wanting? No. But, I instantly feel like I need to give this film time to sit, let the expectation fade away a bit, and then watch it again. I know I have that habit of letting films fall under the weight of 'I can't fucking wait to see this' pressure, that I struggle to reconcile my own thoughts. 

I can tell you this though, The Force Awakens is the Star Wars movie we deserved in 1999 - sadly we had to wait till 2015 to get it.

3.5/5

Review: Spectre (2015)

Topping Casino Royale and Skyfall was always going to be hard. Instead, we have a great film still, but not quite as exciting as the previously mentioned. It does, however, wallop Quantum of Solace.

Everything about this film is gloss, but, the substance is still very much there. Intriguing story, stunning visuals, massive action set pieces (albeit a bit far between), roaring score, stunning Bond girls and a flash and confident as hell James Bond. And, of course, an interesting villain with a flare for the eccentric.

I suppose the twists were not that surprising, but I enjoyed the way they played out. The film could use a cut down, as the pace did wane in the second half. As has been mentioned in other reviews, the opening sequence is probably the most exciting sequence for the film, with the ending being surprising lack lustre.

Bellucci is way too underused here - she gets about 10 mins of screentime, if that. Lea Seydoux is just a delight, but doesn't have the chemistry with Bond that Eva Green did. Bautista utters one word in this film. His part stays true to classic Bond henchmen - all brawn, little to say. And then there is Waltz. Always fun to watch, good guy or bad. Here, I think he was a bit underused as well, and his motivations were probably not enough for me.

Craig is definitely a great Bond. I think we all knew that after Royale. It is unfortunate that Quantum didn't have the script to allow him to have a great entry there too, but, 3 out of 4 ain't bad. I hope he returns for one final outing. He's still young enough for one more.

I've probably highlighted a few more negatives than positives about this one, but, overall I had a great time with Spectre. It has all the hallmarks a Bond film should have, and combines them well enough to make this a must see film. Royale and Skyfall hold up very well after repeat viewings, so I look forward to seeing if this one does too. 

Rating: 

4/5

Review: Sicario (2015)

Denis Villeneuve has become one of my director's to watch. After Incendies, Prisoners and Enemy, I was hotly anticipating his next feature. Sicario delivers!

From the get go, we're drawn into this fucked up world of the drug cartels. We're introduced to Emily Blunt's FBI agent in a very dark and harrowing way. It pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the film. Sicario is no walk through wonderland, but rather a journey into the bleak world of the war on drugs.

This is not a guns blazing action film - it is so much more than that. Villeneuve likes to have lingering shots, and keeps the pace at a slow but tense level. Sure there are action scenes, but you're on the edge of your seat as they build and play out. You are well and truly on board with the main players as they navigate hostile territory. 

Aside from Blunt (one of the best actresses working today), we have excellent co-stars with Brolin and Del Toro. Brolin is great as the cool and confident shadowy govt figure. Del Toro is even better.

There is some stunning cinematography on display here as Villeneuve again partners with his Prisoners lenser Roger Deakins. The score is highly engaging - I want this soundtrack right now. 

This film delves deep into that world of moral ambiguity. What is right, what is wrong. Who are the bad guys. What are we fighting for. It is precision film making, and just leaves me wanting more. 

Rating:

4 out of 5.

Review: Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

One of my most aniticpated films of the year. When news broke that it was being released nearly 6 months early, I was very pleased. The production has been pretty tight lipped, and the first trailer created a buzz...well, for me anyways. 

Christopher McQuarrie, better known for his script writing (e.g. The Usual Suspects), helmed Cruise's recent picture Jack Reacher as well as penning the script. It was a big success. My expectations were because of that, and because the previous entry (Ghost Protocol) was a great film - essentially rejuvenating the series. That's not to say M:I-3 didn't do much for the series - in actual fact, it rescued the series after the much maligned M:I-2. Another fact - I really enjoyed M:I-2. You can deal with that fact however you please. 

You've done it Christopher McQuarrie! Rogue Nation succeeds at being both a thrilling action film, but also a great spy film. Cruise seems like he doesn't age. The man is 53, and yet he runs, jumps, dives, swims, fights, drives, rides and completes many major stunt pieces like he was someone half his age. The man has a dedication to entertaining audiences, and in my opinion, he succeeds almost every time he has a film released. 

Ethan Hunt and his team are on the trail of The Syndicate - an anti-IMF, which has been secretly causing mayhem around the world. I don't really want to say more about plotline - watching the trailer is enough. Because this is a spy flick, it is best not to know too much about plot threads and how the characters are involved in them. Let the film take you for a ride and uncover them in very thrilling ways. 

You will see the familiar faces from previous films (Pegg, Renner and Rhames), with new ones thrown in to keep you guessing where their allegiance lies. Ving looks like he has been enjoying the good life (if you know what I mean) but it was still good to see him back; Pegg's role in the series looks like it is becoming more prominent; and Renner, well, I think he could have been given a bit more action scenes. Newcomer Rebecca Ferguson is great - sexy and tough, and can definitely hold her own on screen. I look forward to seeing her in future film roles. 

So how does it compare with previous entries? Well, I am glad you asked. After a recent revisit of the series (I actually watched them all again over the weekend), I would say my favourite is still probably Ghost Protocol (4). Number 1 and 4 are pretty close together though, with 2 and 3 being about on par with each other. Rogue Nation (5), well, that sits in the company of 4. I definitely want to see it again soon, and something tells me I will have difficulty in picking a favourite between 4 and 5 after a few more viewings. They're both great films in this franchise - and to have them come along one after the other is a treat. It makes expectations for the inevitable sixth entry off the charts. 

Rating:

4 out of 5.