This film made at the turn of the 90's decade, looks and feels like those terrible 80's, B movies (that went straight to a video release). Obviously there were a few gems in the genre but this is just such a tired formula, where gunfire and explosions replace anything like a decent script, or the development of character. I only watched as Oliver Reed stars but even he sinks down to such a base level and 'hired to kill' only features only a couple of odd, enjoyable moments.
Reviews
710 Reviews
Rambo
(2008)
An R rated Blood-fest!
1 May 2021
I have seen countless action movies over time and most of the very finest (say over the last 15 years) have chiefly come out of South East Asia, or Russia (and everywhere else) but 'Rambo' (2008 version) brings the U. S right back up to spec. Stallone really has done a brilliant job, directing this thrilling, all action adventure. It's basically an R rated blood fest and though over reliant on C. G. I, it's really a no bars hold look at the atrocities happening in Burma; which over a decade later is still going on big time! I was never a big fan of the original 'Rambo' films and judging by a lot of inferior remakes, I'm kind of shocked at how good it is. Sly fans will love it and a new generation will also join the fan club (myself included).
Apt Pupil
(1998)
A portrait study in the being of an evil Nazi.
27 April 2021
This is an excellent film and the acting from Ian McKellen, is as excellent as expected. If books are always usually better than their movie counterpart, well I'd certainly want to read the Stephen King novel. Brian Singer is an excellent director and 'Apt Pupil is not far off his best work. There is lot's of plot twists and plenty of high drama, to keep you gripped until the end, although I think the first half of the movie is more powerful.
#Like
(2019)
The danger of internet stalking, for modern times.
23 April 2021
Suspenseful and frightening story that will have you gripped into the chain of events. One year before 'Alone' the great Marc Menchaca, plays yet another onscreen baddie, who this time though is the hunted quarry (and for good reason). The said actor has previously been in a lot of U. S TV shows and is now breaking in to these type of low budgeted, high tension thrillers.
Alone
(V) (2020)
Marc Menchaca, a name to watch.
23 April 2021
The actor Marc Menchaca is cast perfectly as a deranged killer and is worthy of all the plaudits. Although this movie has been done countless times , it's still wrought with tension and the first part plays like a modern version of 'Duel'. If it proves one thing, it shows you can make seemingly fresh, vital movies from such well worn material and although already typecast, Menchaca plays just about the sleeziest creep, you would pray never to meet for real.
Female Trouble
(1974)
Divine Intervention.
23 April 2021
It's sort of impossible to write a review to these early John Waters fiascos and the word trash seems to have been invented just to describe such cult classics. The actors all seem suitably mad and are are a perfect foil for underground superstar, to work off. This was his fourth full length feature and such cast and crew had all ready gained notoriety with films such as 'Multiple Maniacs' and of course 'Pink Flamingoes'. 'Female Trouble' is a bit hit and miss but at times very funny indeed. For me Mink Stole (already a grown woman) steels the show, as Divines daughter.
Come and See
(1985)
A certified masterpiece and never bettered.
21 April 2021
'Come and See' is a certified masterpiece and for me just one of four WW2 war films that truly deserves a perfect 10. Although it's a harrowing film to sit through, it remains such a worthy and deserved experience (nonetheless). The story documents just one village in Belarus (circa 1942), out of over 600 that were cruelly burnt by SS regiments, on the march east. All of the inhabitants, men, women and children were locked inside wooden structures (commonly this would be the local church) and torched. These atrocities committed by the 'Barn Burners' Leibstandarte, are well documented and with just a single Soviet film, shifted the whole focus of attention, firmly out of Hollywood and horrifically into the heart of the Eastern Front; where the Russians eventually destroyed 85% of the 'Nazi War Machine'. 'Come and See' is not only an invitation to witness the truth but also to view a true masterclass of movie making. A must, not only for film students but for budding historians to. The 'War is Hell' theme has never been more clearly evident and even the ammunition fired was genuine for the sake of the mud, rags and tatters of hyper realism.
An interesting but padded out recollection of events?
20 April 2021
This is for sure a very interesting, documentary, styled reenactment. For any one who enjoyed the rather excellent 'Hunting Hitler' series TV series (me included) will obviously find this of great interest. I wonder though about a lot of the information they deem as fact and the dramatization is padded out, on what we are told as "factual testimony". We do know for sure that 30,000 high ranking Nazis escaped to South America and most lived out very peaceful lives, as well as the ones who ran very successful companies in a Post War Germany.
72 Hours
(2016)
A film of both power and emotion.
20 April 2021
Shocked that after seven years, I'm the very first to write a review. It's a moving film and a WW2 story based on true event. The story revolves around a Russian, German collaborator who committed, horrendous atrocities against his own people. It's a film not only of murder and crime but of loyalty and human compassion. The usual Russian War picture, usually depicts any German as an almost cartoon baddie but here the enemy is used in a subtle way and the focus is (firmly on) one of their very own war criminals.
Glory
(1989)
A worthy look at a very brave regiment.
20 April 2021
I'm always wary of movies that have Oscar nominations heaped on them but 'Glory' is just a very good film, dealing frankly with discrimination in Civil War times . A true story of a brave, black regiment (The 52nd) of Union soldiers, fight and gain respect, as they volunteer for an almost suicide mission to take Fort Wagner. Broderick, Washington and one of Morgan Freeman's very finest performances.
The Good German
(2006)
The not so good 'Casablanca'.
19 April 2021
Despite having an all star cast, or because of it, this movie had some good intentions but ultimately feels a bit fake and lost at times. A lot of serious time and effort has obviously gone into recreating a post war Berlin (which is completely fine) but with such recognizable faces, you can never completely buy into the proceedings. It's basically a war time mystery, thriller or 'Casablanca' without the good bits. Another based on a very famous book (which I have not read) but from what I have been told falls well short.
Payment in Blood
(1967)
Entertaining, violent Spaghetti Western
19 April 2021
Ticks all the right boxes with some whacky characters and several exciting action sequences. The musical score is half decent to. The story concerns a Confederate Major, who is caring on his own private campaign and after the official surrender. Sort of plays like an inferior 'Hellbenders' by the great Sergio Corbucci. The lower score of six, is just a comparison to the many other, better examples of this particular genre but the fans will still enjoy.
Crated
(2020)
Too fantastical for any serious concept.
18 April 2021
The film was watchable and not too bad for a ultra low budgeted production. The story without giving anything away is unbelievable and it losses even more credibility along the way (especially the conclusion). The three stars are only for a promising idea that could have been half decent with a higher budget and much more thought behind the notion. Low grade Sci-fi, is never the best.
My Guardian Angel
(2016)
Not completely without merrit.
16 April 2021
This British T. V movie is good in parts and the young girl is played very well, by a young actress. Some of the adult performances are hit and miss (at best). The story to its credit keeps you watching, where some much higher productions loose the interest.
Hold the Dark
(2018)
A cut above the average, standard horror fare.
15 April 2021
This movie has all the ingredients to make for an enjoyable and thought provoking horror movie. Contains a high level of tension, atmosphere and a really original plot (that makes it stand out from the crowd). The Wolfman theme has been done to death but 'Hold the Dark' makes you ponder on the very nature of such creatures. Brutal, yet truly misunderstood.
The Odessa File
(1974)
Brilliant performances, coupled with old school movie making.
15 April 2021
This is a fantastic thriller, adapted from the famous Fredrick Forsythe novel. John Voight is cast as a new breed of optimistic German, an idealist who picks up on an old diary of a Jewish inmate (imprisoned at Riga). The story concerns his dangerous journey, to hunt down a notorious Nazi War Criminal. Realistic to the hilt and with one of the best Surprising twists. Hardly anything today comes out half as good and topped only by the most brilliant performance by Maximiliam Schell. Only the musical score is a tad mundane but does not distract from this epic, suspense thriller.
Disturbing and controversial.
14 April 2021
An early Collin Firth outing, sees him as a crippled, bitter vet of of the Falklands conflict. The horrific fighting of hand to hand conflict at Tumbledown, harps back to the carnage of WW1 and in this instance, not fighting against Argentinian, teenage conscripts but hardened troopers. The whole vibe of this T. V movie is that the war was a complete waste of time and showing in bloody detail the terrible human cost.
The Misfit Brigade
(1987)
No way up to the infamous Sven Hassel book, but enjoyable.
10 April 2021
This is no way as good as the book 'The Wheels of Terror' which is an all time classic in the genre of War novels. I found the story and characters fairly faithful to the original story (concerning a penal regiment) but it chops too much out of the real life atrocities, you get from the strongest of reads. This is Sven Hassel without the sadistic violence, rape and torture; which was the real 'Eastern Front'. On the positive side is a very inventive cast including David Carradine and Oliver Reed.
Underrated and little seen.
9 April 2021
Really a good western yarn, that gives you some understanding of the politics behind the Indian Wars and leading up the the infamous battle of 'Little Big Horn'. A very god cast of actors who went on to make bigger movies and with a cameo from the great Lee van Cleef. I would have liked to have seen the trilogy of T. V episodes, cut down to make this movie.
Sobibor
(2018)
A worthy entry to the 'Death Camp' genre.
27 November 2020
Most Russian movies concerning WW2 are pretty reliable (and certainly watchable), although they seem to be riddled with propaganda and as 'Sobibor' does, depicts all the Germans as as murdering, cartoonish sadists . This is a shame really as they themselves, have so much more right to churn out these films than any other nation.
American Conjuring
(2016)
Another horror that makes a noise and quickly disappears.
27 November 2020
Seriously if I did not note note and record the films I watch, I'd totally forget about films such as American Conjuring. It's obviously a poor cash in on the successful Conjuring movies and this has nothing new really to bring to the table.
Cruel Will
(2014)
Started with some promise.
27 November 2020
This film started off quite well with a decent shocking scene but it soon went downhill fast. Some of the cast were half good, whilst one seemed to have no acting ability at all. The story was pretty routine and a pretty much below average production.
Jaws
(1975)
A classic example of the monster at large genre.
26 November 2020
Jaws opens with one of the most dynamic and terrifying scenes. Really starts in a chilling fashion and can't really hold up to the first 10 minutes of the movie. Still with a cranky model of a Great White shark (that sometimes didn't work) and some first class acting performances, this proved to be such a sensational blockbuster. To cap it all was that truly haunting music by John Williams and some first rate one-liners.
T-34
(2018)
Watched the horrid dubbed version.
26 November 2020
Would really love to see this one in the original Russian language, instead of those awfully dubbed American voices but this Eastern Front, War Film, also suffers from some substandard C.G.I effects. The tank battles and action are well handled but feel this could have been a real epic, if it only had a bigger budget to reflect some of the most ferocious fighting.
A highly polished animation.
26 November 2020
These type of animated films come and go with such regularity, they are difficult to keep track of and review. They also tend to rely mostly on the voices of the stars they can attract (for the voice overs). Sindbad has no less than Brad Pit and fans of this particular genre, should be pretty much satisfied with the final product.
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