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Reviews
Hot Fuzz (2007)
The Cornetto Sequel
Note : Every movie from the 'Cornetto' trilogy, like plenty of other brilliant movies are not just a casual watch, where one can put it on at leisure and enjoy, you need to be in the mind set for some witty, thought provoking messages and unique stories. Packed with quirky remarks on society.
Brilliantly acted, perfectly casted, eloquently directed and fantastically written. The cornetto trilogy are a joint work between the talented Simon Pegg and the talented Edgar Wright.
This one of the trilogy revolves around a police officer who exceeds at everything and is sent to a rural area to not be so good and soon uncovers a creepy conspiracy within the village. What I find so brilliant about these movies is that they have some of the most ridiculous, loony and most random plot points and pieces of dialogue, yet they never take away from the seriousness of the films.
Do yourself a favour and check this movie out!
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
My generations quintessential teenager life story, that is the iconic Spiderman
Many years ago, Stan Lee crafted a story with, perhaps the worlds most beloved superhero. Spiderman is the story of Peter Parkers life. It's the quintessential story capturing all essences of humanity, loss and life. A must for anyone human being to empathise with. The story of a teenager, not extremely social (who really), smart, bullied, has to suffer loss of family (his uncle) and is to be how you want to.
This interpretation of that beloved story is brilliant! The direction is brilliant, soundtrack is great in my opinion and Andrew Garfield makes a fantastic Peter Parker, and his performance is well complimented with all the other likable cast.
Even with it's drawbacks, the movie is great fun! :)
The Dark Knight (2008)
Engrossing, mesmerising and the epitome of modern Blockbusters or even movies.
The Dark Knight trilogy consists of three of my many all time favourite movies. Each movie is as good as each other. However when Christopher Nolan dropped the sequel surrounded with buzz and anticipation; it would go onto change film making ever since. Nowadays a lot of brilliant movies being made, take huge elements and inspiration from The Dark Knight and it shows!
The movie starts off with a brilliant heist scene as an intro, like all three movies we see the villain in not just in action, but we discover the operations, motives and stratagem of the antagonist. Now with a movie like this comes plenty of twist, turns, surprises and we don't yet know who or what the Joker is. Thats also what makes it such an iconic intro.
Not going to go into the plot, but the story is well crafted, the musical score is mesmerising, as is the acting. The cast is fantastic, but we all know the main props go to Heath Ledger who delivers everything immaculately nailing every aspect of the joker and just engrosses you into the movie so much more. I remember when I first saw the movie I didn't see it well and wasn't paying attention (was on holiday at the time and had just came back). I guess that just emphasises that how you see the movie is one of the biggest parts of experience. Now that I look back on it, I realise the movie is engrossing and riveting, especially when The Joker is on screen.
Definitely watch this, a must for any one who wants to be thrilled.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)
Starts off with a bang and doesn't let go til the very end!
Now I'm a fan of all four MI movies, least of all being the second, but I enjoy all of them for them not just being fun action movies, but for having a lot more depth than the average super spy flick. The movie is still written with the same formula which made the original a success but with some amazing dialogue, back-story and innovative tech.
Packed with dense scriptwriting, intense action scenes, perfectly timed comedic moments (mostly thanks to Simon Cowell) and amazing sets and direction. I honestly did not expect this movie to be as good as it was. Having a generic plot of Nuclear codes falling into the wrong hands, this movie still makes still original and enjoyable and worth while.
This movie surely has it's moments. 8.5/10
Serenity (2005)
The End Of An Era!
Serenity is the concluding movie to the masterfully crafted Firefly series from the amazing Josh Weden.
The crew of Serenity have another trouble brought upon this time everyone being reluctant to go, it's the journey that brings them to their human beliefs. Packed with an amazing score, fantastic directing, brilliant story and menacing villain. We all take something away from the whole story of Firefly and Serenity.
It's a beautiful epic with many twists, shocking moments and amazing characters who we all love and they come to an amazing end.
Watch!
Blood Diamond (2006)
Horrifying story uncovered on a matter of events to enlighten and entertain!
Blood Diamond is a brilliant movie! It's a rare gem that sends a huge political message on one of the many, malevolent schemes and systems, that are happening in this world! This one in particular are the trade and smuggling of Blood Diamonds and Child Soldiers. The movie is very disturbing. Rarely do we a see a motion picture show such horrible schemes going on in the world.
It's the story of a fisherman (Soloman Vandy) with high hopes for his son, when his village is burned down and ruined by the RUF. He's is separated from his family and is sent to work in Diamond hunting camps. Where he finds a huge gem, hides it barely escaping with his life and the story ensues from their on end. Taking place during the civil war in Sierra Leone. The movie accurately portrays the corruptness of the malevolent smuggling scheme used for smuggling conflict diamonds and the even more disturbing, use of child soldiers. Young children are kidnapped and go by the doctrine of men who convince them of evil and that their family are weakness's utilising them as weapons. If you've seen 'Kony 2012' you get the idea. It's used to great effect on one of the story lines in which Soloman's son in kidnapped and transformed into a child soldier. Displaying the morale of the bond between father and son no matter what.
The second underlying story is of Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio) an ex solider turned business man who is a definitive example of damaged characters. He is keen on nothing more than leaving Africa due to the horrible things he's seen in this 'uncivilised' place. He has to battle with his inner demons and desire to find whats right. He bonds brilliant with Soloman in the movie even though at first he had the intentions to exploit the situation which he is in. He falls in love with Maddy (Jennifer Conolly) whose character has the different convictions and believes in hope. Something that's been taken from him young of age.
The third underlying story is of Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Conolly) a journalist who's on the struggle to do good. To make change in the world. She's an amazing representation of finding love and hope in small things and how an individual can change the world, as you see her struggle to change the world and get the information on conflict diamonds.
These three riveting story lines are flawlessly sewed together to present a masterpiece taken place during rough times, yet utilising the beauty of Africa in the cinematography to give you an entertaining movie with great dialogue, satisfying villain, soul shattering soundtrack and many morals (including how you look at jewellery and "good things happen everyday" -Maddy Bowen).
Please watch this movie!
Firefly (2002)
One of the greatest stories of all time.
Firefly and it's conclusion 'Serenity' are absolute masterpieces, beautifully crafted by Joss Whedon. It's on of those shows that I'll have to fill you on the back-story, as the story itself is so rich in content, that just saying it's amazing would not do it justice. I'm going to go into full depth of this amazing creation.
It revolves around the lives of the crew of a ship named 'Serenity'. Now in the future, the human population has grown to such an extent; we've spread across the galaxy and terraformed to different planets, in another solar system. Technology, medicine has advanced deeply, but there are still the same political, moral issues we have today, but by the end of the show (and it's concluding movie) you truly 'believe' that we can pull together as fellow human beings.
There's a war in the future between the 'Alliance' and the independence. The alliance being the government controlled 'civilised' elite wanting a complete controlled way of living. The independence is essentially the only people willing to fight to keep their fundamental rights and to stop the Alliance from taking full control of everything. The independence, not so obviously, get their ass handed to them. This leaves a deep scar in the heart of a Malcolm Reynolds. Six years later, we see the world as it is. The mostly civilised planets rich on technology and life and we see Malcolm Reynolds after the war. He's a smuggler of illegal shipment and does any kind of work he can find. From heists to simply giving people a lift from galaxy to galaxy.
In the pilot, we're introduced to all the characters. I don't want to refer to Malcolm Reynolds as the main character because he genuinely isn't and every single character is a relevant key factor to, not only the story but, the show's success. There's Malcolm Reynolds, the captain who genuinely has a hard of gold is someone's essence who we all wish we had inside us. Zoe Washburn, his right hand man (she's a female) who also fought in the war for 'The Independence'. Wash, the pilot who is also Zoe's husband. Inara, the prostitute who is usually the voice of reason along with Preacher. Shepard Book, a voice of reason and is most definitely the wisest, with his own secrets. Jayne Cobb, that quintessential dumb badass man, who loves women and guns. He sounds like a simple character, be it he is very simple minded and unintelligent, he's hilarious. Haylee, the cute mechanic, who fancies the good doctor and last but not least, the Tams. Simon and River Tam. Simon Tam, a devoted brother who gave up a prosperous career in medicine (Which means a lot) to find his sister. River Tam, a child prodigy and sister of Simon, who was sent of to this special academy and 'messed with mentally'. She begins hallucinating and seeing stuff. She really is the key puzzle of the entire series, and so is the captain. You see the characters at their worst and darkest moments, and their strongest times. Theirs a lot of development throughout each episode. Each episode takes place like a sitcom, you see the everyday lives of the crew and their work, but every episode develops the undergoing storyline of the captain, River Tam and the crew.
Everything about Whedon made Firefly what it really is. His choice of music, at times the show feels like a western, the music score compliments the notion. When it's intense, the score is nail biting. When the show goes from one direction to another (which it really does! A twist every 20 minutes) the score is perfect. You really get the sense of the future with the perfect blend of cultures in the soundtrack. A sense of the western world, with abit of Arabian undertones. It's all-beautiful. It all compliments the show. Every episode, their will be laughs (sometimes when you least expect it) tears, frights and cheers! What I, and mostly people, love about Firefly/Serenity is the writing. The show, in a whole, is just about loads of social/ethical/moral messages.
What do you belief? Is there hope? Can something be done or fixed? Are you the underdog? Is that right, can you change it? Must I do this? What would I do for the people I care about? Who are the people I care about? There are so many messages this show displays. It inspires you and gives you hope and touches you in many ways and once it does.. You can't be 'untouched'.
Raw - beautiful - masterpiece.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Ignore the criticism! It's a good movie at heart!
The Hobbit is more humane and passionate novel aimed at kids. This movie contains those traits, but is certainly not a juvenile film. So ignore what many have said. The CGI in the film is suitable for the tone and is the epitome vision of what this story should be like on the big screen. The movie's driving point, other than the brilliant story is the underlying themes that revolve around Bilbo in the movie. The struggle of being small in a harsh world. We are once again absorbed into this amazing world as we once were in 'The Fellowship Of The Ring', but this being many years before those events Middle Earth isn't so dark. So it's less gritty than lord of the rings, but I prefer this text over Lord Of The Rings.
The movie starts fairly with an amazing monologue and with plenty of scenes faithful to the lore, especially the scene with the Dwarfs singing. But after that and journey picks up; it's all you could ask for and more.
Packed with an excellent cinematography, soundtrack, acting and a brilliant riddle scene. The acting is nailed by every member of the cast and Martin Freeman is the definitive incarnation of Bilbo Baggins.
I love this movie and I definitely believe it will shine throughout time as a classic story and a perfect beginning to what should be a hopeful trilogy.
Now to the criticism. How can one camera alteration lead to the actual content of the film being worse. The 48fps benefits those viewing it in 3d and those who wish to watch it in 2D will most likely see the 24fps version, which is to be desired by majority.
PS. Their are several links and cameo's that will give most Lord Of The Rings fans goosebumps, especially the tie in with 'Radagast the brown' and the eerie and misfile 'necromancer'.
50/50 (2011)
A movie that will touch you for the rest of your life!
Know a lot of us know (unfortunately) what it's like to feel when we get diagnosed with something we didn't expect, not necessarily cancer.. but it shocks us and some go through a deep and troublesome process. I did for my IBS and it's caused by my stress. I too wouldn't have the best sessions with a therapist and soon went through the alienation faze. I was so depressed until I realized how some friends could help I and how much I could help myself..
This movie really shows that along with so much more! The movie is heart-warming and for a majority of the last half hour is very depressing, thanks to the superb acting by the talented Joseph Gordon Levitt! He really shines as does the entire supporting cast! It's a mixed bag of emotions, with a slight upbeat comedic touch due to Seth Rogen and his amazing portray of a dumb ignorant, slightly horny friend(a friend who well can relate to), but has a good heart.
Everything in this movie is very well done and I would recommended it to everyone!
Layer Cake (2004)
Excellent entertainment!
WOW! After watching this movie for the second time, I can see why Daniel Craig got his audition of being the beloved Secret Agent. To be able to play a character with so much flair, charisma and sophistication is just the spitting image of James Bond!
The movie is masterful in terms of story telling! The narration and dialogue make the movie really intriguing and entertaining! There is never a boring moment and why should there be with a soundtrack is worth a separate purchase and riveting characters .The premise is simple, but the movie has more the layers than you think it would, hence the title 'layer cake'.
Very Entertaining!
Primal Fear (1996)
A movie that will stick with you forever!
Being someone who's considering Law as a profession, this movie really makes you think twice about that. An altar boy accused of killing a priest is taken to court, his accused act stirring controversy and who loves controversy more than Richard Gere's character.
The acting in this movie is enjoyable! Edward Norton shines throughout is the focal point of this movie! This drama really has all the basic elements of a court-drama, but with abit of sophistication and originality! This movie really does make you think twice about your morals,how naive we are and if we should feel sympathy for 'criminals'.
Good watch. Great ending.
Hawking (2004)
Inspring, thought-provoking 90 mins of entertainment.
Entertaining, educational and completely inspiring! Hawking is a film that really makes you want to go out and learn. Thanks to the humane nature of the person it's revolved around. Stephen Hawking.
The movie starts off with Steven Hawking laying on a coach (in a position highly resembling how we lays on his speech generating device) watching television. The movie instantly kicks off to going to Cambridge and when he gets Motor Neuron Disease, nevertheless the man soldiers on going to Cambridge to discover Einsteins theory of relativity! Be assured if you don't have any interest in science, there will be several scenes that will either bore you or not make much sense, especially the transitions between Stephen and the nobel prize winners.
As an individual with a passion for physics, the actual prospect of this being purely a educational documentary intrigues me! But it's more! This drama is brilliantly told with fantastic screenplay (Written by Steven Moffat)!Benedict Cumberbatch continues to amaze me with his amazing acting skills! From Sherlock to Hawking- this man is f***ing brilliant!The soundtrack really reflects the plot well as your marvel at how brilliant Hawking was! It starts of great,then goes slightly slow but the climax is compelling enough to satisfy most viewers.
Defiantly check this one out!
Se7en (1995)
David Fincher's redeems himself!
After the mess known as the third instalment of the beloved Alien franchise, Mr Fincher didn't exactly have a 'first rate' reputation in Hollywood. Thank God he proved us wrong!
Se7en is a thrilling movie with a climax that keeps you thinking about the movie, days after the initial viewing!The plot makes the movie completely re watchable, making this defiantly worth a purchase and great addition to your home video collection. First of all, this movie is dark, literally and figuratively!
The cinematography just suits the tone of this movie. Two cops, both keen on catching their man, are on a chase after a array of murders specifically resembling the seven deadly things. The deaths are never shown on screen, just the mess left after really keeps the audience thinking (the movie is very thought provoking) and how disturbing they can be, really does make the audience think twice about your own morals! The acting is top-notch with three amazing actors portraying the main cast- Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey and Brad Pitt, but Kevin Spacey steals the show in his memorable performance.
Even the supporting cast is brilliant! For me what really brings the whole experience together is Howard Shores brilliant score. I mean who didn't get goosebumps just watching the intro credits!
I' d highly recommend you watch this film!