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Alien: Romulus (2024)
All too familiar
Alien: Romulus delivers a gritty experience reminiscent of the original film, with impressive world-building and familiar tech that longtime fans of the franchise will appreciate. The movie captures the essence of the Alien universe, offering a standalone story that fits well within the established timeline and cleverly nods to Prometheus.
However, the film's reliance on callbacks to previous entries in the franchise detracts from its originality. While some references are clever, others are forced and cringeworthy.
The introduction of the main character Rain, played by Cailee Spaeny, feels uninspired. We've seen this before - another Ripley. It's actually David Jonsson's character, Andy, who ends up being the most interesting by a long shot. If there is one franchise that would benefit from exploring new characters rather than rehashing old ones, this is it.
Despite these negatives, Romulus is technically impressive. It's beautifully shot, the effects are good, it has some genuine scares, and manages to deliver solid thrills and action scenes that are sure to please. I just wish it were brave enough to carve out its own identity.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
A worthwhile and emotional sendoff one of cinemas greatest heroes
Forget the naysayers because James Mangold's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, despite some shortcomings stands as a fitting conclusion to the iconic franchise, paying tribute to the legacy of Indy and the actor who brought him to life.
Harrison Ford is the one and only Indiana Jones and delivers a poignant performance as the aging adventurer who is facing his own mortality in a changing world. Time has not been kind to Dr. Jones but when another powerful artifact, the titular Dial of Destiny falls into the wrong hands and threatens the very course of history out hero is thrust back into another globetrotting adventure against a familiar goose stepping foe.
Dial is action-packed with timely humour an familiar nostalgia beats but it can be somewhat gloomy too. It appropriately acknowledges Indy's advanced age and the ravages of time, exploring deeper themes of loss and regret which I think only serves to humanise the character.
Phoebe Waller-Bridger plays his not so trusty sidekick bringing charm and wit while Mads Mikkelsen steps effortlessly into the role of the cold and ruthless villain who threatens to change the course of history. The stakes are as high as ever and James Mangold who is directing in Steven Spielbergs place had the unenviable task delivering the final Indy adventure with Ford pushing eighty years old and happy to say, he has stuck the landing!
While it's not as charming as the Last Crusade or a masterpiece like Raiders of the Lost Ark it's a whole lot of fun and true to the spirit of the franchise and the character, delivering an emotional farewell to cinemas greatest hero.
Emancipation (2022)
A valiant effort overshadowed
Emancipation is a valiant effort by all involved which has been overshadowed by Will Smith's unfortunate actions at the Academy Awards.
The story is simple. A slave on the run and being hunted while trying to return to his family.
It's a great performance by Will Smith who gets down and dirty in the role with top notch production, especially the cinematography. But the choice to desaturate the picture was questionable. An artistic choice and while I understand the symbolism behind the choice, I found it completely unnecessary. I think it took away from the film. Black and white, terrible times. I get it but I'd love to see this again with some of that colour and detail restored.
Prey (2022)
Worthy
Prey is a worthy addition to the Predator and franchise and it might be the best movie aside from the classic original. In a fresh premise it tells the story of the very first alien, a less developed and more vulnerable hunters trip to earth.
The faceoff between a want to be hunter Naru (Amber Midthunder) who is trying to prove to her tribesman that she belongs in the hunt.
The commanche setting was a great idea, the locations are beautiful and the cinematography is great. The action is good too in parts but suffers from some less than stellar CGI shots and becomes a bit overstylised and unrealistic as it reaches it's climax.
Despite those criticisms Prey is a solid movie and returns the franchise to some form after the the last mistep. I was happy with it.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Top Gun Maverick has serious heart
Top Gun Maverick is a thrilling continuation of the Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell's story and having watched the original Top Gun (1986) the night before and seeing the care that went into the making of this sequel thirty six years later, it's hard not to be impressed with the total package and moved by the stories emotional arc what is an improvement on the first movie.
Tom Cruise was practically a kid when he made the first Top Gun and now has well-earned reputation of taking things to another level and this film more than continues that tradition.
While it may not be apparent at beginning of this sequel but Maverick has indeed grown up and there is more to the love story with Jennifer Connelly's character this time around than a steamy schoolboy crush. There is history and the baggage that comes along with it as adults which is also mirrored in his combative relationship with Goose's son, Rooster played by Miles Teller.
The aerial cinematography and the action scenes are astounding, excellent, breathtaking but best of all - they're authentic! With little use of computer generated imagery, these scenes were all shot practically in camera at Tom Cruise's behest which makes it even more impressive feat.
The cast while mirroring the first movies fighter pilot crew in many ways were all likeable from Phoenix, Bob, Hangman and Rooster and the soundtrack while heavy on nostalgia subtlety introduced the riff of Lady Gaga's Hold My Hand which perfectly encapsulated it's more emotive moments.
Top Gun Maverick has serious heart; it's a love letter to aviation, perfect escapism and excellent sequel and a true contender for movie of the year.
Eraser: Reborn (2022)
Wow Eraser Reborn's alright
A fan of the original big-budget Eraser with Schwarzenegger I watched this expecting to last ten minutes before turning it off. I expecting nothing at all but was pleasantly surprised with it.
Aside from some dodgy computer generated effects toward the end that should never have made the final cut and some side comic-relief characters I didn't care for, this was a well put together little action movie.
The scenes are shot well, there' some decent character development, the main characters are likable and overall it was pretty entertaining. Not sure about how big the budget was but I am assuming it wasn't huge. Good effort!
The Batman (2022)
Dark, gritty and great
Dark, gritty and great. The Batman has never been better with Robert Pattison vanishes into the role of the caped crusader stalking the rain-soaked streets of Gotham City, a cesspool of crime and corruption while unravelling the grotesque murders of city officials at the hands of the terrifying Riddler.
Tonally bleak and unapologetically violent, director Matt Reeves effectively borrows from classic thrillers such as Se7en to give us a version of the bat never seen before, the detective. At almost three hours the epic story unfolds and introduces an array of gruff, seedy, underworld characters from Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz) and the Penguin who is played by Colin Farrell in an absolutely amazing transformation.
A fully realized vision from characters, costumes, set design and action this is the best version of Batman ever seen onscreen.
Blade Runner: Black Lotus (2021)
Underwhelming
The desire to cater to reach a broader audience by ramping up the action content is understandable but for something as revered as Blade Runner (1982) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Black Lotus is a slight misstep - underwhelming in both animation and story.
The story revolves around an amnesiac with a black lotus tattoo trying to find her identity in Los Angeles 2032, after the events of the great anime short Blade Runner: Black Out (2017). As the memories and nightmares come flooding back, a conspiracy unravels leading her on a quest for truth and vengeance.
Cue the samurai sword, spinning flip kicks and over the top action but the trouble is that after the initial few confrontations it all becomes very redundant. Black Lotus is far too reliant on its action and the story suffers because of it. It's predictable too and an entire episode of the thirteen was wasted recapping what was relatively straight forward story.
The animation is hit and miss affair and while the world looks great (environment, backgrounds, lighting and vehicles) the character renders lack detail and often look like an old videogame. Considering the quality of Black Out, Black Lotus just does not have it.
The Requin (2022)
Very bad
It was clear from the beginning that the filmmakers didn't have the budget to make this movie which probably read decently on paper.
The special effects and cinematography are some of the worst I have seen in a long time. The constant cutting between visual effects and obvious stock footage is nauseating... and then there's the "acting" by the two leads which was atrocious.
There are so many things that just don't work here on a basic level. The movie is a total and utter disaster. The only thing keeping me from turning it off was my curiosity as to how bad can this really get.
The answer: Very.
Drive (2011)
Destined to become a cult-classic
Based on the novel by John Sallis, Ryan Goslings plays a stuntman by day and a getaway driver by night in Director Nicholas Winding Refn's artsy neo-noir thriller. Oozing style, complex characters, visceral action and an amazing soundtrack, 'Drive' is not your average action fare at the movies.
Rather it's a menacing, slow burn which relishes in its love story between Gosling and Carey Mulligan whose chemistry simmers on screen - but it's the films ability to explode into sudden and shocking violence when the stakes are raised that elevates this thriller into a different beast entirely.
With a great supporting cast of Bryan Cranston, Ron Perlman, Oscar Isaac and Albert Brooks, 'Drive' is an underrated gem and a modern-day masterpiece destined to become a cult-classic.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
A fun, nostalgic trip down memory lane
A fun, nostalgic trip down memory lane and love letter the original beloved Ghostbuster movies. Jason Reitman got the assignment and obviously took great care in crafting a script that pays homage. The casting was great, especially the kids and the story was different to what came before.
When a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.
A worthy entry to the franchise with some welcome surprises along the way.
Baby Driver (2017)
A feel-good, pop version of Drive
The comparisons are impossible to ignore considering the obvious similarities. Edgar Wright's "Baby Driver" is essentially a feel-good, pop version of Nicholas Winding Refn's visceral hit "Drive". Boasting a great soundtrack, action scenes and cast - but none of the grit or depth.
The characters are quite cartoonish and the cornball love story falls short fast. The cast are enthusiastic and give it their all but this movie certainly isn't high art. For action buffs, the car chases are clever and extremely well-choreographed and the action scenes are sure to thrill.
Anton Elgot plays an eccentric getaway driver who wants to break free of the criminal underworld while Kevin Spacey plays his boss and nemesis whom he owes. Lily James is the love interest and the supporting cast consists of John Hamm, Jamie Foxx, Jon Bernthal, Eiza González.
6/10.
The Many Saints of Newark (2021)
A solid and befitting prequel to 'The Sopranos'
The Many Saints of Newark is a solid and befitting prequel to 'The Soprano's' which tells the story of the oft-mentioned but never seen figure Dickie Moltisanti. Nobody knows The Soprano's world like David Chase who wrote this film too but with an average movie runtime of only two hours, it was never going to reach the epic depths of the beloved television series as far as characters are concerned.
For all the critics of Many Saints, Soprano's was never a gangster series but a family drama with gangsters. Memorable characters and brutal hits are its hallmarks, but it was never an action series and sticks true to the formula, focusing on the characters against the backdrop of a race riot and a gang war.
The characters Dickie Moltisanti, Johnny Soprano, Livia Soprano, Uncle Junior, Paulie, Silvio and Pussy are all here, albeit younger. Tony Soprano is back too and in the latter stages of the film is played by the late James Gandolfini's son, Michael. An inspired casting choice which works greatly as a tribute to his late father, whose legacy lives on as one of the vilest but beloved characters of all-time.
As an outsider who has not seen the show I can totally understand the reluctance to hail this as a great standalone movie but if you did watch the show, enjoyed its characters and lore but didn't appreciate the details in Davis Chase's trip down memory lane ( not to mention and brilliance of the ending), you probably never really understood what 'The Soprano's' was actually about - or it's time for a re-watch.
Your mother's $#%*!
The Last Dance (2020)
Fantastic!
The Last Dance is a 10-part documentary series chronicling the six-time champion, Chicago Bulls led by the incomparable Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan's rise to stardom in the NBA was instantaneous as he took the league by storm but individual accolades didn't immediately translate to team success and like anybody throughout basketball history, he needed the right supporting cast to compliment him and General Manager Jerry Krause did just that. Insert coach Phil Jackson, rookies Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant and center Bill Cartwright acquired by trade and a championship caliber-team had been built, however the "Bad Boy" Detroit Pistons stood in their way and a bitter rivalry ensued.
After two devastating defeats the Chicago Bulls in the post-season, the Bulls swept them in 1991 and went on to defeat Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 for their first ever NBA Championship. The Chicago Bulls win two more championships in 1992 and 1993, a "three-peat" before the untimely murder of Michael Jordan's father where he retired from the sport, briefly taking up baseball before returning in 1995. The 1996 season saw the Bulls returned to prominence, acquiring former "Bad Boy" Dennis Rodman via trade and blitzing the league on route to a then record 72 wins from 82 games and their fourth NBA Championship. The following year came Championship number five against the Utah Jazz.
All was not well though behind the scenes despite the sustained success with in-fighting, egos from players and management as well as bitter contract disputes threatening to tear this great dynasty apart, the 1997/98 season dubbed "The Last Dance".
A great documentary unleashes a barrage of never before seen footage from that last season, providing insights and interviews from the players and personalities who covered and witnessed this historic run. My complaints are minimal here. More supporting cast interviews from Horace Grant and Toni Kukoc who were instrumental in the team's success would have been nice and less on the 1992 Dream Team because I have seen that documentary. Nothing's ever perfect - not even Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan is savage, cut from a different cloth. His will and competitiveness to win is unmatched but his methods didn't always make him likable, even with his teammates. "Winning comes at a cost", he quips fighting back tears. If anything, this only cements his greatness and his indelible impact on the game of basketball globally - and reminds a new generation of fans just how formidable and great the Chicago Bulls of the nineties were.
Space Jam (1996)
A cult classic, right place and right time.
A cult classic, right place and right time.
Basketball legend and global icon Michael Jordan is thrust into the world of Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes to defend their freedom in a basketball game against the maniacal Mr. Swackhammer and his team of Monstars who have stolen the talent from NBA Superstars.
That's all plotwise folks, it's no masterpiece and goes for only 87 minutes but it is original, funny and has a fantastic soundtrack.
Michael jordan is no actor but he's very endearing and he's backed up with the comedic talents like Wayne Knight and Bill Murray along with some other great cameos from the NBA landscape.
"Spacejam" is a good time for families and basketball fans alike.
Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
A bombastic mess with great animation
Computer animation and special effects sure have come a long way since '96 because this movie looks fantastic. Unfortunately that's all folks (for the positives) because this '21 sequel is a bombastic mess, void of anything new and aside from the "server-verse" angle, it's not good.
The original was never a masterpiece but it was just that - "original". The six writers decided not to actually write a movie and instead just copy "Ready Player One" by scouring and unloading the entire Warner Bros intellectual property catalogue on the audience to overload the senses and mask how unoriginal, unnecessary and contrived this all is.
Lebron James and the cast put in a solid effort with what they've got to work with, especially Don Cheadle as the villain.
The trouble with "A New Legacy" is that there isn't a story to warrant a sequel, let alone the whopping 115 minute runtime. The original was a swift 87 minutes which served as a celebration of Michael Jordan's return to basketball at the height of his popularity - it was lightning in a bottle!
Kids and basketball fans who love LeBron James will surely like this movie. As previously said it looks great. It does hit the funny bone more than once, it has a soundtrack too and for some people that might be enough to call this a good time. If this were original and the first one I'd be more flexible in my rating but it's not. I've seen this movie before - it was better the first time.
Bill Murray, you the real MVP!
3/10.
Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)
"Ok"
The premise of this movie coupled with an exciting trailer and Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Wind River, Yellowstone) directing made me want to see this. The marketing department deserves the credit because they got me to the cinema.
While it has it's moments action wise, it's not great or memorable at all. The fire and special effects are excellent as you'd expect but some of the casting didn't work for me. Jolie was not believable in the role and the assassin's sent to dispose of the boy weren't particularly formidable. The boy was good though conveying emotions.
What bugs me about this is that we're introduced to what appears to be the top villain, somebody who actually is formidable in one scene but it all amounts to nothing because it never comes back into play.
I just thought as with most Taylor Sheridan projects there'd be more to it. As far as an action thriller goes it's "ok". Watchable. If you're a fan of Sheridan you'll be dissapointed because it's his weakest work.
Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
Passable action but not Die Hard
Die Hard 4.0 sees supposed "everyman" John McClane (Bruce Willis) in the wrong place at the wrong time once more. This time sucked into the plot of a nationwide cyber attack.
Building, airport, city and now a country. Die Hard gets bigger in scope with every new entry into this blockbuster franchise. Unfortunately John McClanes everyman charm is completely lost here as he assumes the role of superhero in Die Hard 4.0 which is a soft entry compared to the previous three movies, hence the PG13 rating.
It's got the set pieces and action to please but it completely jumps the shark with it all and especially John McClane who is invincible here. His New Jersey swagger, grit and charisma is gone. He's too cool, never vulnerable and this seems to be Bruce Willis being Bruce Willis.
The supporting cast is good but there is clearly something missing. It's not detrimental to the movie if you're an action fan because there is plenty to go round but make no mistake, this is not Die Hard.
Perry Mason (2020)
Gritty and hardboiled. Quality television!
I've never read so many crybaby reviews. Its not like the original... and that's great!
The plots a compelling, slow burn murder mystery which seems to get deeper and deeper by the episode. It's gritty and hardboiled like Chinatown.
The performances and sets are fantastic. This is quality television with Matthew Rhys in the titular role as Perry Mason.
Not the cleancut, gentlemen from the original series but a worn down shell of a man still haunted by the great war.
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
Some good, some bad, nothing great...
I was disappointed more so when I read a review comparing this to Apocalypse Now saying how great it was. It's nowhere near that level so maybe the disappointment is of my own making because I had high expectations going into this.
Unfortunately its an average film with some good, some bad and nothing great. The cast was good but the dialogue was too on the nose. Some real cringe-worthy moments that don't work and some shocking deaths in the battle scenes which worked well.
Overall it's just watchable. Good to kill two hours but far from Spike Lee's best.
The Last Dance (2020)
Fantastic!
The Last Dance is a 10-part documentary series chronicling the six-time champion, Chicago Bulls led by the incomparable Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan's rise to stardom in the NBA was instantaneous as he took the league by storm but individual accolades didn't immediately translate to team success and like anybody throughout basketball history, he needed the right supporting cast to compliment him and General Manager Jerry Krause did just that. Insert coach Phil Jackson, rookies Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant and center Bill Cartwright acquired by trade and a championship caliber-team had been built, however the "Bad Boy" Detroit Pistons stood in their way and a bitter rivalry ensued.
After two devastating defeats the Chicago Bulls in the post-season, the Bulls swept them in 1991 and went on to defeat Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 for their first ever NBA Championship. The Chicago Bulls win two more championships in 1992 and 1993, a "three-peat" before the untimely murder of Michael Jordan's father where he retired from the sport, briefly taking up baseball before returning in 1995. The 1996 season saw the Bulls returned to prominence, acquiring former "Bad Boy" Dennis Rodman via trade and blitzing the league on route to a then record 72 wins from 82 games and their fourth NBA Championship. The following year came Championship number five against the Utah Jazz.
All was not well though behind the scenes despite the sustained success with in-fighting, egos from players and management as well as bitter contract disputes threatening to tear this great dynasty apart, the 1997/98 season dubbed "The Last Dance".
A great documentary unleashes a barrage of never before seen footage from that last season, providing insights and interviews from the players and personalities who covered and witnessed this historic run. My complaints are minimal here. More supporting cast interviews from Horace Grant and Toni Kukoc who were instrumental in the team's success would have been nice and less on the 1992 Dream Team because I have seen that documentary. Nothing's ever perfect - not even Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan is savage, cut from a different cloth. His will and competitiveness to win is unmatched but his methods didn't always make him likable, even with his teammates. "Winning comes at a cost", he quips fighting back tears. If anything, this only cements his greatness and his indelible impact on the game of basketball globally - and reminds a new generation of fans just how formidable and great the Chicago Bulls of the nineties were.
The Last Dance (2020)
Fantastic!
The Last Dance is a 10-part documentary series chronicling the six-time champion, Chicago Bulls led by the incomparable Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan's rise to stardom in the NBA was instantaneous as he took the league by storm but individual accolades didn't immediately translate to team success and like anybody throughout basketball history, he needed the right supporting cast to compliment him and General Manager Jerry Krause did just that. Insert coach Phil Jackson, rookies Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant and center Bill Cartwright acquired by trade and a championship caliber-team had been built, however the "Bad Boy" Detroit Pistons stood in their way and a bitter rivalry ensued.
After two devastating defeats the Chicago Bulls in the post-season, the Bulls swept them in 1991 and went on to defeat Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 for their first ever NBA Championship. The Chicago Bulls win two more championships in 1992 and 1993, a "three-peat" before the untimely murder of Michael Jordan's father where he retired from the sport, briefly taking up baseball before returning in 1995. The 1996 season saw the Bulls returned to prominence, acquiring former "Bad Boy" Dennis Rodman via trade and blitzing the league on route to a then record 72 wins from 82 games and their fourth NBA Championship. The following year came Championship number five against the Utah Jazz.
All was not well though behind the scenes despite the sustained success with in-fighting, egos from players and management as well as bitter contract disputes threatening to tear this great dynasty apart, the 1997/98 season dubbed "The Last Dance".
A great documentary unleashes a barrage of never before seen footage from that last season, providing insights and interviews from the players and personalities who covered and witnessed this historic run. My complaints are minimal here. More supporting cast interviews from Horace Grant and Toni Kukoc who were instrumental in the team's success would have been nice and less on the 1992 Dream Team because I have seen that documentary. Nothing's ever perfect - not even Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan is savage, cut from a different cloth. His will and competitiveness to win is unmatched but his methods didn't always make him likable, even with his teammates. "Winning comes at a cost", he quips fighting back tears. If anything, this only cements his greatness and his indelible impact on the game of basketball globally - and reminds a new generation of fans just how formidable and great the Chicago Bulls of the nineties were.
Twelve Monkeys (1995)
Hypnotic
An outstanding screenplay by David and Janet Peoples comes to life in Terry Gilliam's hypnotic masterwork 12 Monkeys, which was based on a short film a 1962 short film "La Jetée".
12 Monkeys stars Bruce Willis in his greatest performance as time traveler and mental patient, James Cole who claims he has been sent back in time to gather information on a deadly virus which has wiped out the human race in the year 1997.
Along for the ride is Madeline Stowe, his doctor and Brad Pitt before stardom, whose role as an out-of-control mental patient with daddy issues got him a best supporting actor nomination.
12 Monkeys is captivating, once you understand it. A movie which necessitates repeated viewings to appreciate its intricacies. Science Fiction at its best!
Midway (2019)
A cartoon war movie
Forgive me. I made the mistake of watching Midway after watching 1917 and here are my takeaways. 1917 is high art from its camerawork, set design and action. Midway is not. It's a poor depiction of war which plays and looks more like a video game. Complete with over the top computer generated effects and unrealistic characters being superheroes.
The special effects are terrible here, laughable even and the characters are even worse. I could have sworn I was watching a parody. This is a cartoon war movie compared to 1917 void of any emotional weight. Shame because the real story is so compelling.
I am surprised the ratings are as high as they are. This was a big disappointment.
1917 (2019)
One of the best movies of 2019
The cinematography is absolutely amazing with the movie appearing to be one continuous shot while the action is well choreographed and realistic. The movie is never excessive and while it has its fair share of action, it takes its time to not rush the quiet and more human moments amidst the carnage. It is a gritty depiction of war and all its horrors, not for spectacle's sake but to tell the story of two men given a mission to deliver a message. It's a race against time to save 1,600 men from a surprise attack during the World War I.
I found myself immersed in this and felt like I was with the two mains on the battlefield. A fantastic technical achievement in cinematography and one of the best movies of 2019.