Review: Captain America: Civil War (2016)

On March 13th 2016, I embarked on a full re-watch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films - finishing up with Ant-Man last night. Today I went to my Gold Class session of Captain America: Civil War. I booked this ticket as soon as they went on sale. The level of anticipation and excitement has been feverishly building for a long long time. It all culminated this morning. 

After all of the films revisited and ranked, I suppose the one thing I was pretty sure of going in was that I was going to love it. In fact, it was probably near on impossible for me to not love it. So, guess what happened - the impossible did not happen. I loved it - review over. 

No, just kidding. I got few more things to say. Anthony and Joe Russo delivered in 2014 what I consider to be the best MCU entry - Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Well, I did have that belief up until now. Now, I am not so sure. Some of you may be wondering about The Avengers film - well, I love that too, and sometimes struggle with which one out of that and Winter Soldier I love more. It is a first world problem - that struggle. 

The team behind this film take the great aspects of Winter Soldier and amp it up a few more notches. That is - great story telling and exciting action set pieces. Couple those two with very very good scripting and character interaction, and it is difficult to even walk away from this film without enjoying it. Whether you think it is the best or not, well, we can debate that shit till the end of time. Hell, I might not even debate it - I'd just agree. 

The story - it seems simple on the surface. Steve Rogers and Tony Stark don't agree with each other, so they fight about it. It really wasn't a simple one though. There are a lot of layers to the story. That is what I really enjoyed about Winter Soldier, and they've pulled off another deeply engaging film with real emotional weight to it. What really surprised me though was how difficult it was to pick a side. The character arcs and their reasons for opposing each other were very well done. I don't want to go too much into it - because I like to write reviews that are generally non-spoiler material. I walked away from this film probably leaning towards Team Cap, but, it was not an easy decision - I still love Iron Man. 

The action - like Winter Soldier, it feels more tangible. Is that the right word? Hmmm. Although we're dealing with superheroes, it just feels more grounded. In particular, the fighting feels like a souped up Jason Bourne film. You feel those hits. The overall explosions and shit like that seemed a bit more restrained in this film as well. It is definitely about the conflict and the character's struggle. Don't get me wrong, there is some great great set pieces, but, it is very different to The Avengers and Age of Ultron - hell, even quite different in some ways to Winter Soldier. Once you watch, or if you have, I hope you see what I mean. If not, then what the fuck aye!

Ok, what else is there. Cool story, cool action. Characters - we've got our favourites here, plus another couple added to the mix. Black Panther is introduced well - so well,  I am quite excited to see more of him. I believe he has a solo film coming up, so I'm keen to see more exploration of his character and origin. The big one people are talking about is Spider-Boy...yep, he is an actual teenage boy this time. No, he is not actually called Spider-Boy, he is still Spider-Man. Very different to the interpretations we've seen so far - well, just younger and less mature I suppose. He's got a solo adventure coming next year. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Aunt May as well ;-) 

All up, we've got another great entry in the MCU. Not all have been great though. In fact, I reckon 7 out of 13 are great films - but the rest a pretty damned good as well. This one sits near the top - if not on top. I need another viewing. I'll give it a few weeks I think. After so many superhero films in the last 6 weeks, with a lot more actually watched in the last 2 or 3 weeks, I actually could be experiencing superhero fatigue. Don't worry about me though, it is a good kind of fatigue. 

4.5/5

Review: The Jungle Book (2016)

Visually one of the most outstanding films you will ever see. I believe almost everything except Mowgli himself is computer generated. The technology behind photo-realistic animals and nature has come very very far since the days of Aslan and Avatar - and that wasn't all that long ago.

I'm not overly familiar with the original story, so I couldn't tell you how true it stays to the source. Basically, Mowgli is a boy (man-cub) raised by Wolves. He comes under the threat of Shere Khan, the great Tiger in the jungle. He decides to leave the jungle to protect his Wolf family - and so begins his journey of survival. Along the way, he meets characters (animals) that will either be his friend or foe.

As you would have guessed, the only human in this film is Mowgli. He is played very well by young Neel Sethi. Most of the animals speak, and it is quite fun hearing the voices of popular actors playing some of the animals of the jungle. I won't say who they are, as it is cool to guess if you don't know already.

The film itself is fun, exciting, adventure-filled and as mentioned before, just amazing to look at. The tone itself can be quite dark and occasionally tense, but there is plenty of playfulness and cute animals to balance it out.

4/5

Review: Midnight Special (2016)

A week after seeing some tweets about how great Midnight Special is, I found myself winning a double pass to a preview/premiere screening here in Perth. I was quite excited to see what people are raving on about. I've seen the Director's (Jeff Nichols) previous films (Take Shelter and Mud), of which I thought Shelter was the better of the two - but Mud is pretty good too. 

They both took their time to explore the characters and relay the story - sometimes to the point of being a bit too slow for me. But, they came full circle and finish very well. This one is no different in that respect, but I found the central plot quite intriguing and more interesting than the others (at least more so than Mud).

Michael Shannon and Joel Edgerton are on the run, accused of abducting a child. That child is actually the son of Shannon's character - a boy with strange abilities. There is a lot of mystery that surrounds the events in this film. Things unfold, but at a pace that sometimes annoys me. I know that the payoff is coming, so I have to remind myself to be patient and enjoy this often fascinating ride. 

The last third of this film is the best. As I said, it builds slowly, but it always keeps you interested. The score is also very good - I am listening to it as I type this. One of the main feelings I had throughout this film was that of John Carpenter's Starman - which is a good thing. Overall, a great sci-fi mystery thriller. The emphasis here is definitely on the characters and their journey - which is a nice change of pace. 

4/5

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