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Ultraviolet (2006)
Don't believe people saying "It's not actually that bad": it really, really is.
Although there were a vast number of terrible reviews, I decided to watch this movie because of the people posting 8-10 star reviews that promised that it wasn't actually that bad. It's definitely the case that some movies are unfairly trashed, and can offer fun, mindless entertainment. Don't be deceived: this is NOT one of those.
To summarise, the story is non-existent, the acting is awful, there is no characterisation at all, the fight scenes are on a whole new level of stupid (even for the genre), the CGI is poor and the movie is a waste of time. Milla looks good though.
The story is some nonsense about a vampire disease and the failed attempts to exterminate it. The bad guys are doctors who have somehow turned into a church that has no purpose except killing vampires (who are also the bad guys) yet also rules everything. I don't need to discuss any story events because there really aren't any: nothing of any interest actually happens, and I finished the film wondering what I'd wasted my time on.
The acting is awful, though they admittedly didn't have much to work with, and we never learn anything interesting about any of the characters (pfft, who needs motivations to do anything?) and therefore don't care about what happens to them.
Usually, this type of film remains vaguely entertaining because of the fight scenes and mindless action. Not so here. Half of the fight scenes consist of a huge number of people in a circle around Milla, who spins once with a sword and kills them all. The rest involve them running at her one at a time, never attempting to use their weapons, and she kills them. There is never any tension or excitement, and the repetitive choreography is really dull. The few times where there are so many people that she would have to do something interesting to beat them are simply not shown. The CGI is also ridiculously bad at several points that it genuinely looks like a low quality video game.
In short, even if you have liked many similar looking films in the past, Ultraviolet is almost certainly not worth your time.
Falling Up (2009)
Light and fun - shame about the trailer...
First things first - if you haven't watched the trailer for this film yet, I suggest you don't. Unfortunately, if you have seen the trailer, you've also seen most of the film, because it doesn't offer a great deal more.
Personally, I had seen the trailer before seeing this, so I had a general idea of what to expect - and the film pretty much delivered on that. The whole film has a light feel, and being generally predictable throughout, you're never really in any doubt about the final outcome of... well, everything.
With that said, it's still an enjoyable way to spend some time, and is perfect for being not-too-long. Some of the dialogue between the actors is very forced and wooden, but the performances were generally sound, if nothing special. Sarah Roemer was strong as the leading lady/love interest, and her parents were excellent the few times they were on the screen. Joseph Cross was mediocre as the main character, with his emotional scenes unemotional at best, and I think that another actor might have been able to show a bit more chemistry with a good looking millionairess.
In all, if you happen to come across this film or are a particular fan of any of the actors, it's worthwhile giving it a watch. Otherwise, don't feel that you're missing out on anything that amazing - especially if you've seen the trailer.
6/10 :)