All I heard about WWZ before viewing was 'nothing like the book', 'poorly made', and 'don't bother'. Unfortunately for you opinionated folks I like to make up my own mind. However, that doesn't necessarily mean I disagree. Perhaps if I'd been allowed complete darkness about WWZ I would have gone in with higher expectations. As it happened I really didn't expect much.
I believe the appropriate reaction to this film would be 'meh'. I didn't hate it, certainly not as much as I'd been led to believe I would, yet I do not intend to ever view it again.
I have recently discovered that some 3D films work far better on a smaller scale. Watching Dredd from the comfort of my sofa with my awesome 3D shades on completely surpassed the viewing experience at the cinema (which was fairly epic in itself). World War Z will never have the chance to prove it's worth as a 3D film because I shall not be purchasing or renting or borrowing or watching it ever again.
If you decided to pen a zombie movie, what would you need?
Some zombies would come in handy, a heroic main character the audience will hope survives, some victims, a journey and perhaps a reason for the rise of undead.
Oh look, you've just written every zombie movie ever made! Well done you!
It seems difficult to make zombies new or different. I Am Legend made them smarter, Shaun of the Dead made them comical and Warm Bodies made them emotional. World War Z hasn't gone the extra mile regardless of CGI zombies. In parts the infected were so ridiculous I actually laughed out loud. Other undead films have showcased more gore, more tension, more action and more plot.
Brad Pitt and Daniella Kertesz were on top form, I only wish Kertesz's character Segen could have been introduced earlier and had more of a central role. Alongside their commendable performances I warmed to Tomas (Fabrizio Zacharee Guido) and the Camp Humphreys soldiers. There was also one particular moment when I jumped so much I left my chair. Other than those few points I felt it lacked any real drive or direction. My brain was left suggesting ways in which it could be improved. Whilst writing this review I find myself thinking 'perhaps they could have expanded that idea' but I was not left wanting more at the time.
The film was disappointing but not a total disaster.
2 Stars **
Friday, 28 June 2013
Friday, 14 June 2013
Flash review
Bullet to the Head: Disappointing, the concept has been done before, and better. I was expecting a lot more from Stallone and Momoa. 2 Stars **
Star Trek: Jumpy, not as smooth as expected. Watched solely because the advert for the up coming sequel looks amazing, hopefully it will outshine it's predecessor. 2 Stars **
Star Trek: Into Darkness: My hopes were not shattered! Benedict Cumberbatch, special effects and a great story make this an anomaly- a set in which I prefer the sequel! 4 Stars ****
The Croods: An excellent family film, another brilliant animation with potential to continue such as Ice Age and Madagascar have. Witty, heart warming and aesthetically beautiful! 4 Stars ****
G.I.Joe: Retaliation: Although unfortunate that Channing Tatum doesn't appear throughout this was still a successful sequel. Action packed, witty in places and great use of slow motion fight scenes. There were, however, a lot of cheesy moments and Bruce Willis' cameo was short lived and fairly pointless. 3 Stars ***
Les Miserables: Beautiful. Expertly executed, exceptionally acted. 5 Stars *****
Django: Witty, clever and with a perfect balance of action and story. Hopefully a cult classic in the future. 5 Stars *****
Olympus has Fallen: Superb! Gerard Butler seems to be back on the ladder to the top! 4 Stars ****
Evil Dead: A disaster. Cheesy to the point of no return, ridiculous and rushed. This is the movie Cabin in the Woods mocks. At two points I felt there was potential for a decent movie: the tree scene (die hard original ED fans will not be disappointed), and the hyperventilated breathing by the girl in the woods. Therefore, half a star for each moment. 1 Star *
Lords of Salem: Unfortunately Rob Zombie appears to have lost his touch. This odd and creepy addition to his work left a lot to be desired. From the little I read, the book seems much more violent and gruesome. 1 Star *
Admission: Witty, moving and easy to watch. Since Role Models Paul Rudd has done OK films, never quite reaching the height of comedy he rode in on, this follows suit. Tina Fey surprises and there are a few good laugh out loud moments. 3 Stars ***
The Iceman: Cool, slick and harsh. Reminiscent of classic mob films with a surprising cast! My only criticism would be footage from Kuklinski himself could have enhanced the true story vibe! 3.5 Stars ****
Epic: The title is misleading. There was nothing epic about this animation. Some of the characters were brilliant (especially the slugs!) but were lost in a rather pointless and disappointing story line. 2.5 Stars ***
Hangover 3: Hilarious! Back on form although nothing will ever compare to that initial film this came close and smashed the predictable sequel out of the water! The Wolf Pack delivered! 4 Stars ****
Star Trek: Jumpy, not as smooth as expected. Watched solely because the advert for the up coming sequel looks amazing, hopefully it will outshine it's predecessor. 2 Stars **
Star Trek: Into Darkness: My hopes were not shattered! Benedict Cumberbatch, special effects and a great story make this an anomaly- a set in which I prefer the sequel! 4 Stars ****
The Croods: An excellent family film, another brilliant animation with potential to continue such as Ice Age and Madagascar have. Witty, heart warming and aesthetically beautiful! 4 Stars ****
G.I.Joe: Retaliation: Although unfortunate that Channing Tatum doesn't appear throughout this was still a successful sequel. Action packed, witty in places and great use of slow motion fight scenes. There were, however, a lot of cheesy moments and Bruce Willis' cameo was short lived and fairly pointless. 3 Stars ***
Les Miserables: Beautiful. Expertly executed, exceptionally acted. 5 Stars *****
Django: Witty, clever and with a perfect balance of action and story. Hopefully a cult classic in the future. 5 Stars *****
Olympus has Fallen: Superb! Gerard Butler seems to be back on the ladder to the top! 4 Stars ****
Evil Dead: A disaster. Cheesy to the point of no return, ridiculous and rushed. This is the movie Cabin in the Woods mocks. At two points I felt there was potential for a decent movie: the tree scene (die hard original ED fans will not be disappointed), and the hyperventilated breathing by the girl in the woods. Therefore, half a star for each moment. 1 Star *
Lords of Salem: Unfortunately Rob Zombie appears to have lost his touch. This odd and creepy addition to his work left a lot to be desired. From the little I read, the book seems much more violent and gruesome. 1 Star *
Admission: Witty, moving and easy to watch. Since Role Models Paul Rudd has done OK films, never quite reaching the height of comedy he rode in on, this follows suit. Tina Fey surprises and there are a few good laugh out loud moments. 3 Stars ***
The Iceman: Cool, slick and harsh. Reminiscent of classic mob films with a surprising cast! My only criticism would be footage from Kuklinski himself could have enhanced the true story vibe! 3.5 Stars ****
Epic: The title is misleading. There was nothing epic about this animation. Some of the characters were brilliant (especially the slugs!) but were lost in a rather pointless and disappointing story line. 2.5 Stars ***
Hangover 3: Hilarious! Back on form although nothing will ever compare to that initial film this came close and smashed the predictable sequel out of the water! The Wolf Pack delivered! 4 Stars ****
Man of Steel
Superman has never held a pole position when it comes to my favourite super heroes. In fact, I've always been a fan of the villains. The characters and costumes always seemed more appealing. Despite good prevailing heroes such as Superman, Spiderman and Batman just didn't do it for me.
When I was growing up I did watch a number of episodes of Superman on television and often felt that anyone fooled by a pair of thick rimmed glasses was ultimately too stupid to consider as a real character. When Smallville hit our screens in 2001 I was curious and sat down to a few episodes but never felt the 'hook' catch. Due to my dismissal of this superhero I skipped viewing Superman Returns (2006).
A teaser trailer for Man of Steel cropped up and without giving much away told me all I needed to know, it was another superhero film based on my least favourite 'alien'. Subsequently, I forgot all about it until the posters began to pop up. An avid fan of modern cinema it dawned on me that perhaps special effects and a revamp could give Superman the push he needed into the twenty first century. Along with the appearance of a familiar face advertising the reinvented Clark Kent I was compelled by a nagging curiosity.
Immortals was undeniably my favourite film of 2011. Recognising Henry Cavill my interest in and reason for watching Man of Steel changed. Sitting in a large leather chair in a pair of oversized plastic glasses I was content that even if I hated the film I would enjoy two hours of Mr Cavill. The certificate vanished, the list of important people and companies came and went and then... I was gone.
Sucked into a world on the path to destruction the opening scene throws you into the thick of Krypton with Russell Crowe as a guide. An epic explosive explanation of the planet ensued. Although a bold statement I have no issue in writing that Man of Steel has one of the best opening scenes I have ever witnessed. And believe me, the rest of the film does not waver. Heart pounding I drank up the visual feast before my eyes as though they'd been closed for too long and gone dry. The action starts and doesn't stop until the credits roll. Intense, captivating and consuming; everything comes together exquisitely.
The cast do not disappoint in their deliverance. Henry Cavill has secured his name as one to be remembered. His face will be plastered over teenage girls bedroom walls and diaries. Superman will be the nations new favourite, despite solid attempts from Christian Bale and Andrew Garfield.
For the male audience I would put my money on Faora-Ul (Antje Traue) taking the lead over Lois Lane. The jet black, figure hugging outfit paired with her furious nature make for a smoldering combination. Again, reiterating that villains have it better.
Recently on screen as notorious contract killer Richard Kuklinski in The Iceman, Michael Shannon swaps his dapper suit for a Gears of War inspired suit of armour. Jumping worlds he retains his lack of empathy for the human race. General Zod (Shannon) and his ever changing beard are another factor to consider in the battle between hero and villain. The fight scenes between General Zod and Superman are nothing short of incredible. Just when you think neither man can give any more they punch back with another attack more violent and destructive than the previous. By the end of this film my stomach and temples were aching from the constant tensing the muscles beneath had endured.
Man of Steel has raised the bar on superhero movies. Any film waiting patiently to be released in 2013 should be quaking in it's reel. If, like me, you are unsure I urge you to go anyway, pay whatever you need to pay because this film will be on everyone's lips for some time. You will not want to miss out on giving your opinion, even if you disagree with my ravings! So, films of 2013- you have big boots to fill!
P.s. Look out for the mention of 'Lex Corp' all you Superman fans, these eagle eyes did not miss it! ;)
5 HUGE Stars *****
When I was growing up I did watch a number of episodes of Superman on television and often felt that anyone fooled by a pair of thick rimmed glasses was ultimately too stupid to consider as a real character. When Smallville hit our screens in 2001 I was curious and sat down to a few episodes but never felt the 'hook' catch. Due to my dismissal of this superhero I skipped viewing Superman Returns (2006).
A teaser trailer for Man of Steel cropped up and without giving much away told me all I needed to know, it was another superhero film based on my least favourite 'alien'. Subsequently, I forgot all about it until the posters began to pop up. An avid fan of modern cinema it dawned on me that perhaps special effects and a revamp could give Superman the push he needed into the twenty first century. Along with the appearance of a familiar face advertising the reinvented Clark Kent I was compelled by a nagging curiosity.
Immortals was undeniably my favourite film of 2011. Recognising Henry Cavill my interest in and reason for watching Man of Steel changed. Sitting in a large leather chair in a pair of oversized plastic glasses I was content that even if I hated the film I would enjoy two hours of Mr Cavill. The certificate vanished, the list of important people and companies came and went and then... I was gone.
Sucked into a world on the path to destruction the opening scene throws you into the thick of Krypton with Russell Crowe as a guide. An epic explosive explanation of the planet ensued. Although a bold statement I have no issue in writing that Man of Steel has one of the best opening scenes I have ever witnessed. And believe me, the rest of the film does not waver. Heart pounding I drank up the visual feast before my eyes as though they'd been closed for too long and gone dry. The action starts and doesn't stop until the credits roll. Intense, captivating and consuming; everything comes together exquisitely.
The cast do not disappoint in their deliverance. Henry Cavill has secured his name as one to be remembered. His face will be plastered over teenage girls bedroom walls and diaries. Superman will be the nations new favourite, despite solid attempts from Christian Bale and Andrew Garfield.
For the male audience I would put my money on Faora-Ul (Antje Traue) taking the lead over Lois Lane. The jet black, figure hugging outfit paired with her furious nature make for a smoldering combination. Again, reiterating that villains have it better.
Recently on screen as notorious contract killer Richard Kuklinski in The Iceman, Michael Shannon swaps his dapper suit for a Gears of War inspired suit of armour. Jumping worlds he retains his lack of empathy for the human race. General Zod (Shannon) and his ever changing beard are another factor to consider in the battle between hero and villain. The fight scenes between General Zod and Superman are nothing short of incredible. Just when you think neither man can give any more they punch back with another attack more violent and destructive than the previous. By the end of this film my stomach and temples were aching from the constant tensing the muscles beneath had endured.
Man of Steel has raised the bar on superhero movies. Any film waiting patiently to be released in 2013 should be quaking in it's reel. If, like me, you are unsure I urge you to go anyway, pay whatever you need to pay because this film will be on everyone's lips for some time. You will not want to miss out on giving your opinion, even if you disagree with my ravings! So, films of 2013- you have big boots to fill!
P.s. Look out for the mention of 'Lex Corp' all you Superman fans, these eagle eyes did not miss it! ;)
5 HUGE Stars *****
Monday, 10 June 2013
1,041 and counting...
Recently, I decided my spare time would be well spent making a list of all the films I've ever seen. I know, I need a new hobby...
Regardless of how depressing it would be to add up all the hours I've spent in front of a television of cinema screen I am proud of my list! With a staggering one thousand and forty one titles so far I think it's safe to say I am an addict! I am positive I have missed some and there are a few films (i.e. Ghost, Rampart, The Man With The Iron Fists and Dirty Dancing) that I started watching and never finished for one reason or another.
The things I've seen range from family fun films to foreign slasher movies. Choosing a handful to add to my list is going to be hard, maybe I'll share thoughts on them all...lucky you!
For now I shall whittle it down a little.
Favourite movies of all time:
1. The Goonies
2. What Dreams May Come
3. Constantine
4. Immortals
5. The Gift
6. Waiting
7. Seven Psychopaths
8. Identity
9. Hancock
10. Romeo & Juliet (1996)
Top ten disturbing movies:
1. Audition
2. Eden Lake
3. Martyrs
4. Antichrist
Top ten movies to avoid (or that I just hated):
1. Skeleton Key
2. White Out
3. Chernobyl Diaries
4. The Village
5. Hobo with a Shotgun
6. Click
7. The Butterfly Effect
8. A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)
9. Quarantine
10. Boogeyman
Top ten animated movies:
1. Fantasia
2. How to Train Your Dragon
3. Despicable Me
4. Finding Nemo
5. Princess and the Frog
Top ten favourite comedies:
1. Waiting
2. Grandma's Boy
3. The Hangover
4. Get Him to the Greek
5. Trains, Planes and Automobiles
6. Goon
7. Role Models
8. Little Nicky
9. Zack and Miri make a Porno
10. Cabin in the Woods
Keep an eye out for some serious flash reviewing!
Regardless of how depressing it would be to add up all the hours I've spent in front of a television of cinema screen I am proud of my list! With a staggering one thousand and forty one titles so far I think it's safe to say I am an addict! I am positive I have missed some and there are a few films (i.e. Ghost, Rampart, The Man With The Iron Fists and Dirty Dancing) that I started watching and never finished for one reason or another.
The things I've seen range from family fun films to foreign slasher movies. Choosing a handful to add to my list is going to be hard, maybe I'll share thoughts on them all...lucky you!
For now I shall whittle it down a little.
Favourite movies of all time:
1. The Goonies
2. What Dreams May Come
3. Constantine
4. Immortals
5. The Gift
6. Waiting
7. Seven Psychopaths
8. Identity
9. Hancock
10. Romeo & Juliet (1996)
Top ten disturbing movies:
1. Audition
2. Eden Lake
3. Martyrs
4. Antichrist
5. The Three Extremes: Dumplings
6. Oldboy
7. Deliverance
8. The Killing Gene
9. One Hour Photo
10. Seven Pounds
Top ten movies to avoid (or that I just hated):
1. Skeleton Key
2. White Out
3. Chernobyl Diaries
4. The Village
5. Hobo with a Shotgun
6. Click
7. The Butterfly Effect
8. A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)
9. Quarantine
10. Boogeyman
Top ten animated movies:
1. Fantasia
2. How to Train Your Dragon
3. Despicable Me
4. Finding Nemo
5. Princess and the Frog
6. Robots
7. Up
8. Surfs Up
9. Monsters vs Aliens
10. The Incredibles
Top ten favourite comedies:
1. Waiting
2. Grandma's Boy
3. The Hangover
4. Get Him to the Greek
5. Trains, Planes and Automobiles
6. Goon
7. Role Models
8. Little Nicky
9. Zack and Miri make a Porno
10. Cabin in the Woods
Keep an eye out for some serious flash reviewing!
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