piranha-army Reviews

Challengers (2024)

Match point for Zendaya

[7/10 · 4 June 2024]

Tennis is back on top and more evident than ever with Challengers. The movie is well acted, has a balanced enough story to keep you engaged and doesn't drop the ball all the way through.

Challengers has a backward and forward timeline for telling this tangled love story, while it can be confusing at some points, it helps build the tension on a question, we the audience are asking.

The 3 main stars put on a good show and help drive the story to it's potential. Zendaya was on her A-game and was nice to see her out of a sandy background and in a more natural setting.

Mike Faist and Josh O'Conner bring the chemistry playing two best friends, made even better when they play against each others strengths and weaknesses.

Grab your racquet and hit a few malteasers into your mouth as you chomp into this great match of a movie.

White Fang (I) (1991)

A golden time in the white snow.

[4/10 · 2 June 2024]

White Fang at first glance, looks to be a standard boy and dog buddy adventure film, while those elements are in it, this movie reaches beyond that.

This movie, while not the biggest blockbuster, still carries heart and an underlying emotion on loss. Ethan Hawke, a young Ethan Hawke is a naive and eager young man, looking for gold, of course what he finds is himself or certainly the path he should be on. The co-stars are great and help push the growth in each other, whether it be a man or animal.

This movies does have action and it can be hard to watch when they try to depict animals fighting each other but what makes this movie is the charm and heart of the characters, the bond between men.

The uncredited star of this film has got to be the landscape in which this movie takes place. The breathtaking mountains, lush green fields and clear flowing river is something to soak in while watching this.

Grab a piece of gum and hang tight, this movie takes you and brings you on a classic adventure.

Civil War (2024)

Watching a movie or reality!?

[6/10 · 1 June 2024]

Civil War drops you in to the thick of it with it's opening scene, letting you know you're in for a ride. The movie has a eerie feeling about it, almost reflecting on past and current events that seem to plague our social and news media.

The movie does a good job to show just how numb we all are to the brutal scenes of war, with people getting shot, hanged, blown up and everything in between. 20 years ago and this movie would be labeled as too graphic, but now, even seeing a human being get shot or die is just another scene.

Apart from the above, the movie does have a hold on the viewer, it keeps you watching, even for the sake of wondering what's the next brutal thing you're going to see.

The characters while drawing in real emotions and behaviour do seem flat and have very little character development, but it is good seeing Kirsten Dunst back on the screen and a rising star out of Cailee Spaeny.

Load up your guns, barricade your house and sit tight while you watch what may become the future.

Beverly Hills Cop III (1994)

Back to Beverly Hills for more action!

[7/10 · 31 May 2024]

The third installment in this trilogy is a mixed bag and certainly mixed reactions from the fans, but this is another solid outing for Eddie Murphy as the wise cracking, crazy detective, Axel Foley.

The movie does come off a bit different to the last 2 movies and well it should, it's been 6+ years and the character of Axel Foley, while still the character we love, has done some maturing.

Axel Foley still cracks the jokes and causes mayhem but he does the action with more heroism and takes the case more seriously. (Eddie Murphy insisted this be the case, as he wanted to be taken more seriously as an action star)

The comedy is still good between Axel and Billy, as they bring out the best of each other. Unfortunately there is no Taggert in this one, a hard spot to fill but is managed by legend actor Hector Elizondo.

If you're a Eddie Murphy fan, you'll like this outing of Axel Foley, it stays close to the character, the story is basic but packs a emotional punch and the action/comedy is still intact.

Crack open a cold one and enjoy the third installment of this great trilogy!

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Your ticket to Valhalla

[7/10 · 30 May 2024]

Furiosa starts of with a bang, getting right into the action and even more world building for us, the audience to gaze at. It's always odd seeing nature or even an array of colours in a Mad Max landscape but when you do it is a visual delicacy.

Throughout the movie, Furiosa shows us how crafty, nimble and a warrior she is. From a child who witnessed what the wasteland can do to people, grows to adapt and fight for her place in a world that she does not know.

The movie, while being a prequel centers on past characters already seen and as mentioned before, allows more depth to past movies. The action scenes are top notch and bring you in to feel the heat of what it would be like to be in the wasteland.

Anya Taylor-Joy does a good job as a younger and slightly broken Furiosa, she leans into the Mad Max type, quiet and dominating. Chris Hemsworth plays a wasteland boss set on taking over everything, he even breaks away from just being 'Thor' in this movie.

While the stakes for the main character are never in doubt, you can still go in and enjoy the world that this is set in and indulge in seeing the vulgarness of the characters we have seen in the past.

Chrome your mouth and be witnessed as Valhalla comes in this action packed movie.

Beverly Hills Cop II (1987)

More Murphy and more Beverly Hills!

[7/10 · 28 May 2024]

The sequel to the hit classic that brought Eddie Murphy to the mainstream. This is a sequel that does not dissapoint, it wnhamces on everything the first one was and more.

Eddie Murphy slides back into the role of Axel Foley with extreme ease and is having a blast. He is the center of every scene he is in and it's easy to see why, the man is having fun and knows the character.

The side characters from the first one are back and it solidifys the comradery and playfulness they had with each other. A character treat is John Taggert, It's always nice to see a character who is by the book, let loose and have some fun.

The villians in this movie are sub-par, not bringing anything extremely new. It's an 80's action movie, of course they're going to have a 6ft+ tall, blonde who carries big guns.

The story is better than the first, giving it weight and plausibilty for Axel Foley to return to Beverly Hills, all while making the action/comedy move through the story.

All in all, a good sequel to a classic. Grab your rum and coke, sit back and enjoy the laughs.

Disturbia (2007)

Disturbing the Neighborhood

[6/10 · 27 May 2024]

This film is a call back to that 2005-2010 era of movies where they have something special about them, less CGI, less connected storylines, just a basic plot and some decent young acting.

Disturbia is an entertaining movie that showcases Shia LaBeouf's acting skills and commitment in his roles. He is the main focus of this movie and he certainly holds it as well, the side characters are alright, but this is definitely a Shia Showcase!

The plot of the movie is okay enough, nothing special happening, typical teenager thinks his neighbor is a killer and then proceeds to play detective and see if it is true type of story.

All in all, this movie is worth watching or re-watching just for Shia alone, but the movie holds promise albeit letting some cliches hold it back. So strap in, make sure your seat belt is on and swerve into this guilty pleasure.

Pieces of a Woman (2020)

An Immense focus on a Tragedy

[6/10 · 26 May 2024]

Pieces of a Woman opens in one of the most vibrantly raw and emotional roller coaster scenes in the last 2 decades, it's a tour de force of acting from Vanessa Kirby.

From the immense climatic first scene the movie sets it's pace, showing stages throughout the following year of how the parents and surrounding peoples lives are affected.

Shia Labeouf is an underrated actor (mainly due to the bad press he gets). He commands the best from himself in every movie he does, this movie is no exception.

If you are looking for an upbeat hero story with a heart-warming ending, maybe look at Air Bud or Shrek. This movie demands your attention, not only for the brilliant performances but for the subject that it shines a light on for what many women have gone through before.

Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Murphy in the 80's

[6/10 · 25 May 2024]

What do you get when you add Eddie Murphy, Bad Guys, LA and the coolness of the 80's? You get Beverly Hills Cop!

I recently rewatched this movie and it still has it's charm and comedic heart, albeit the roughness of the 80's moral times.

This is Eddie at his best, throwing lines and acting up a storm for everyone. It's always refreshing to see a actor have an absolute blast with a role, it shines through with the character with ease.

The backdrop of Beverely Hills in the 80's is always a retro persective, especially watching it in 2024. The action scenes and story are standard, as are in most 80's movies. They get to the point of the plot early and jump into the action right away.

The movie is a good time and an easy watch, especially with Eddie Murphy at the helm. Grab a soda and some twizzlers and sit back and enjoy this classic 80's action/comedy movie.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

Sending it, Guy Ritchie style!

[7/10 · 24 May 2024]

This movie is a good sit back, relax and crack a beer with the boys type of movie. It has what we guys like to say, the total package.

It has men being men (Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson), looking jacked and taking out the bad guys with style.

It has a beautiful woman (Eiza González) who can fight with the best and look good doing it. It has top notch action scenes of bad guys getting wrecked (similar to the 1st Expendables) and last but not least, It has Nazis, yes, we men love anything and everything with WW2, especially when the Nazis are getting shot up.

This is a solid action film that keeps you entertained throughout the film, so grab a beer and a handful of popcorn and enjoy the ride.

Tigerland (2000)

Tigerland: Full of drama and views on American army life

[5/10 · 23 May 2024]

A hidden early 2000s movie that I had only recently found. Starring Colin Farrell, I had to check the film out and see what it is about.

Tigerland is an okay film about being a 'grunt' in a US army training barracks (note: this is set in the 70s). The look of the film throws you off at first, thinking your watching a early 80s film and it helps add to the roughness of the characters and setting.

If you're looking for an all out war film, then you will not find it here. This film is set and based around going through basic training for the Vietnam war. The characters all manage to show their young age and bravado while still having moments of empathy, anger, happiness and fear.

The main character, Colin Farrell does an alright job playing an American, a Texan at that too but falls a little short with the accent being a bit heavy. He portrays a cocky yet confident cadet,who shows he's not here to play by the army rules, yet has empathy to his fellow comrades and the impeding approach of war.

The shots thorughout the film are jagged and brash, which helps transport you into the setting of what the characters are going through. Joel Schumacher has always been loose with how he approaches his shots and Tigerland is no different.

Tigerland falls short to grab your attention throughout the movie, only having a handful of dramatic/exciting moments. Tigerland is no Full Metal Jacket but it does allow you a small glimpse into the training at a US Army barracks.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

A different tale on the life of Abraham Lincoln.

[6/10 · 18 October 2012]

This movie was surprisingly entertaining, which I doubted when I saw the trailer. It begins slow but steadily gains speed throughout the film. Though it doesn't get as good as a good vampire film should, it offers a fictional story with a non-fictional setting and characters. Benjamin Walker gives a good performance as the president who believes in vampires. Dominic Cooper as Henry was OK but could of been better. Mary Elizabeth Winstead I believe was miscast in her role as Mary Todd, she was too young for me too believe her as an older Mary Todd. Other than that the film was generally entertaining if leading away to boring conversation parts. The fight scenes are done well and the weapon of choice: An Axe, which is well used in this film. If you like Abraham Lincoln and you like Vampires then you will love this movie!. Thanks for reading and enjoy the Film.