At the end of this film somebody said to me that there weren't very many mutants involved. I think that just about sums it up.
If you are looking for an X-Men movie, this isn't it. Which the title does tell you.
If you are looking for two hours of Hugh Jackman and muscle mania then you may have picked the right film.
The fight scenes were brutal, bloody and aggressive, exactly as they should be! Wolverine was still as angry and feral as always but...
....and yes there is a 'but'.
The romance was pointless and I actually felt sorry for the ninja who didn't 'get the girl'. The mutants introduced weren't the most inventive (and the lizard lady [a.k.a Viper] was basically just Poison Ivy). Viper leaves a lot to be desired. She was unnecessarily evil, and not even for personal gain. Along with that the story line in general was weak. Everything was just a bit wishy washy. The Wolverine is clearly nothing more than a stepping stone to the next big X-Men film (which hopefully will show more time and effort have been put in).
<3 the bullet train scene <3
3 Stars ***
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Love for...
In my future reviews I will be incorporating a second judging system. Along with the star rating I will now be adding <3 ('love for') to zone in on a particular element or scene I loved during the movie. It's all just for fun but you can really get an idea for what I like to see or what I am impressed by in a film.
Parker: Lackluster towards the end, felt rushed to finish. The whole film was based around revenge and once it came to it the action could have been better, especially by Jason Statham's standards. J-Lo played a decent role but the lack of romance was frustrating. As usual Statham's American accent didn't hit the mark. He's done better but I believe this was poorly written rather than poorly acted. I wanted more blood, more fights and more sex.
<3 knife through hand shot <3
1 Star *
Frozen Ground: One of Nicholas Cage's better acting performances, John Cusack's role was also executed brilliantly. The film itself was a slow burner and again felt rushed towards the end when everything falls into place a little too quickly. Vanessa Hudgens over sold this part, swearing unnecessarily and trying too hard to prove she can be something other than a disney channel child star. Intriguing because it's based on true events the film is disturbing but lacked any real brutality.
2 Stars **
Identity Thief: Laugh out loud funny, echos of Due Date, entertaining and incredibly silly. I was surprised by Jason Bateman, usually his characters really irritate me in some ay but I warmed to him much more in this role.
<3 throat punches <3
3.5 Stars ****
Monsters University: Not as good as the first one, it was inevitable! A feel good family friendly fun film with loveable characters and a heart warming story. As with Monsters Inc the story is very strong but I felt the comedy lacked a little because of that in this prequel.
<3 the slug & falling disco ball <3
3 Stars ***
Despicable Me 2: The minions return an they are in full force! Again the first one will always be one of a kind but this sequel is a commendable follow up. The world is in danger once again and Gru is involved as usual, but this time he's on the right side. Juggling saving the world with his three girls and a new partner everything seems to be going wrong. Lots of laughs, great animation and minions. What more could you ask for? (More 3D, more Agnes and more gadgets?) Good but not great.
<3 'sorry didn't see you there', 'didn't see you again' <3
<3 'my momma wipes my boogas' <3
3.5 Stars ****
Jack the Giant Slayer: A thoroughly family film. A dose of action, a drop of cheese and some pretty nifty CGI stirred together with a splash of romance and heroism. Exactly what you'd expect. Not really my cup of tea but not unbearable.
<3 Bill Nighy's voice <3
3 Stars ***
I Love You Phillip Morris: I knew what this film was about, I knew it was based on true events, I knew the cast and yet it totally surprised me. Odd, funny and completely outrageous in parts. Jim Carey and Ewan Mcgregor prove their versatility in acting.
<3 Rodrigo Santoro <3
2.5 Stars ***
The Conjuring: One of the BEST horror films of 2013. Packed full of old school tension and creepy music. Another script based on true events making it all the more terrifying. The actual haunting comes in early but is slow in progression. Brilliant build up and the ending doesn't disappoint. Definitely worth a watch...just maybe not on your own!
<3 Vera Farmiga <3
<3 Joey King's convincing terror <3
5 Stars *****
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters: Before I go any further, I have not seen Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, which may effect my judgement. However *insert huge sigh* this was a complete and utter waste of my life. I hated every minute of it from the terrible acting to the horrendous plot line right up to the portrayal of mystical beings. As a fan of mythology I am ashamed to have made my eyes subject to this monstrosity of cinema.
And what kind of a name is Percy, really? It's 2013 for goodness sake!
0 Stars, nope, not one.
Only God Forgives: Ryan Gosling delivers once again. I love films such as Oldboy and other Tartan Asian films and admit apprehension in viewing an American take on the style. I was not disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed the viewing experience...now to watch this Drive everyones so mad about!
<3 Ryan Gosling (let's face it, which girl doesn't?) <3
5 Stars *****
Parker: Lackluster towards the end, felt rushed to finish. The whole film was based around revenge and once it came to it the action could have been better, especially by Jason Statham's standards. J-Lo played a decent role but the lack of romance was frustrating. As usual Statham's American accent didn't hit the mark. He's done better but I believe this was poorly written rather than poorly acted. I wanted more blood, more fights and more sex.
<3 knife through hand shot <3
1 Star *
Frozen Ground: One of Nicholas Cage's better acting performances, John Cusack's role was also executed brilliantly. The film itself was a slow burner and again felt rushed towards the end when everything falls into place a little too quickly. Vanessa Hudgens over sold this part, swearing unnecessarily and trying too hard to prove she can be something other than a disney channel child star. Intriguing because it's based on true events the film is disturbing but lacked any real brutality.
2 Stars **
Identity Thief: Laugh out loud funny, echos of Due Date, entertaining and incredibly silly. I was surprised by Jason Bateman, usually his characters really irritate me in some ay but I warmed to him much more in this role.
<3 throat punches <3
3.5 Stars ****
Monsters University: Not as good as the first one, it was inevitable! A feel good family friendly fun film with loveable characters and a heart warming story. As with Monsters Inc the story is very strong but I felt the comedy lacked a little because of that in this prequel.
<3 the slug & falling disco ball <3
3 Stars ***
Despicable Me 2: The minions return an they are in full force! Again the first one will always be one of a kind but this sequel is a commendable follow up. The world is in danger once again and Gru is involved as usual, but this time he's on the right side. Juggling saving the world with his three girls and a new partner everything seems to be going wrong. Lots of laughs, great animation and minions. What more could you ask for? (More 3D, more Agnes and more gadgets?) Good but not great.
<3 'sorry didn't see you there', 'didn't see you again' <3
<3 'my momma wipes my boogas' <3
3.5 Stars ****
Jack the Giant Slayer: A thoroughly family film. A dose of action, a drop of cheese and some pretty nifty CGI stirred together with a splash of romance and heroism. Exactly what you'd expect. Not really my cup of tea but not unbearable.
<3 Bill Nighy's voice <3
3 Stars ***
I Love You Phillip Morris: I knew what this film was about, I knew it was based on true events, I knew the cast and yet it totally surprised me. Odd, funny and completely outrageous in parts. Jim Carey and Ewan Mcgregor prove their versatility in acting.
<3 Rodrigo Santoro <3
2.5 Stars ***
The Conjuring: One of the BEST horror films of 2013. Packed full of old school tension and creepy music. Another script based on true events making it all the more terrifying. The actual haunting comes in early but is slow in progression. Brilliant build up and the ending doesn't disappoint. Definitely worth a watch...just maybe not on your own!
<3 Vera Farmiga <3
<3 Joey King's convincing terror <3
5 Stars *****
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters: Before I go any further, I have not seen Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, which may effect my judgement. However *insert huge sigh* this was a complete and utter waste of my life. I hated every minute of it from the terrible acting to the horrendous plot line right up to the portrayal of mystical beings. As a fan of mythology I am ashamed to have made my eyes subject to this monstrosity of cinema.
And what kind of a name is Percy, really? It's 2013 for goodness sake!
0 Stars, nope, not one.
Only God Forgives: Ryan Gosling delivers once again. I love films such as Oldboy and other Tartan Asian films and admit apprehension in viewing an American take on the style. I was not disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed the viewing experience...now to watch this Drive everyones so mad about!
<3 Ryan Gosling (let's face it, which girl doesn't?) <3
5 Stars *****
Pacific Rim
I have found it incredibly hard to review this film.
The first time I watched Pacific Rim it was in 2D. The credits began to role and I had a great big grin on my face. Unfortunately, on the way home myself, my sister and my fiance began to pick it apart. So, there was only one thing for it- we had to watch it again. And so we did, in 3D this time. Once the credits rolled for a second time I decided that I loved the film and any criticism was merely nit-picking. However, I will say save your money and watch it in 2D as the 3D didn't add anything extra.
On one hand the film has serious themes. World wide war, alien invasion, human sacrifice, revenge, death and doomsday. Pretty heavy stuff. Idris Elba gives the performance of his life, selling it as a army general! Add to all that the awesome Jaegers (huge ass robots), the ugly looking aliens (Kaiju), the amazing fight scenes between the aforementioned beasties and the stunning graphics this film was a huge success.
On the other hand the film was pure cheese. It was difficult to take the Australian characters seriously when they were angry because of their accents, the two scientists (Newt and Herman) were outrageously funny and Ron Pearlman was the icing on the cake. All made for a good laugh.
While both areas worked alone pairing the ever serious Idris Elba with cheesy 'lol' moments I struggled to decide whether it worked. In the end I was glad there was no solid romance (just hints) because I feel that would have spoiled everything. I am also in two minds about Charlie Hunnam's transition to the big screen (we'll have to wait and see what his next role is like!).
On the whole, everything worked. A roller coaster of emotions. Definitely worth watching if you love robots, Idris Elba, films about the apocalypse or just a decent action movie with plenty of braun. I would also suggest watching it more than once (if you can afford it) as there is a lot going on and I picked up on things the second time round I'd missed before. Including a scene after the credits, very short but it's there!
<3 Idris Elba <3
<3 'by jove' handshake <3
4 stars ****
The first time I watched Pacific Rim it was in 2D. The credits began to role and I had a great big grin on my face. Unfortunately, on the way home myself, my sister and my fiance began to pick it apart. So, there was only one thing for it- we had to watch it again. And so we did, in 3D this time. Once the credits rolled for a second time I decided that I loved the film and any criticism was merely nit-picking. However, I will say save your money and watch it in 2D as the 3D didn't add anything extra.
On one hand the film has serious themes. World wide war, alien invasion, human sacrifice, revenge, death and doomsday. Pretty heavy stuff. Idris Elba gives the performance of his life, selling it as a army general! Add to all that the awesome Jaegers (huge ass robots), the ugly looking aliens (Kaiju), the amazing fight scenes between the aforementioned beasties and the stunning graphics this film was a huge success.
On the other hand the film was pure cheese. It was difficult to take the Australian characters seriously when they were angry because of their accents, the two scientists (Newt and Herman) were outrageously funny and Ron Pearlman was the icing on the cake. All made for a good laugh.
While both areas worked alone pairing the ever serious Idris Elba with cheesy 'lol' moments I struggled to decide whether it worked. In the end I was glad there was no solid romance (just hints) because I feel that would have spoiled everything. I am also in two minds about Charlie Hunnam's transition to the big screen (we'll have to wait and see what his next role is like!).
On the whole, everything worked. A roller coaster of emotions. Definitely worth watching if you love robots, Idris Elba, films about the apocalypse or just a decent action movie with plenty of braun. I would also suggest watching it more than once (if you can afford it) as there is a lot going on and I picked up on things the second time round I'd missed before. Including a scene after the credits, very short but it's there!
<3 Idris Elba <3
<3 'by jove' handshake <3
4 stars ****
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Now You See Me
Magic and entertainment have never been so magically entertaining. New age tricks with state of the art contraptions and technology make Now You See Me visually breath taking and incredibly modern. There was a sceptical part of me wondering if it would involve old school rabbits in hats and people escaping from tanks and while those items are featured the advanced tricks will leave you stunned.
Everything about this film is clever and precise. There are a few trade secrets spilled but some tricks are kept quiet and leave the viewers pondering 'how did they do that?'. Along with all the brilliant effects the story line is great. I have to admit a little disappointment on the romance front, it was unnecessary and weak. Without the added kissing and hand holding the film would have worked just as well, if not better.
While the posters brag Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine they keep quiet Dave Franco, Mark Ruffalo and rapper Common. Amongst the cast, costumes and stage magic there are a number of laugh out loud moments, intense action and a little bit of history and mythology thrown in.
Now You See Me has shed a new light on magic and illusion. A tremendously well crafted and meticulously executed film with special effects to knock your socks off!
4 Stars ****
Everything about this film is clever and precise. There are a few trade secrets spilled but some tricks are kept quiet and leave the viewers pondering 'how did they do that?'. Along with all the brilliant effects the story line is great. I have to admit a little disappointment on the romance front, it was unnecessary and weak. Without the added kissing and hand holding the film would have worked just as well, if not better.
While the posters brag Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine they keep quiet Dave Franco, Mark Ruffalo and rapper Common. Amongst the cast, costumes and stage magic there are a number of laugh out loud moments, intense action and a little bit of history and mythology thrown in.
Now You See Me has shed a new light on magic and illusion. A tremendously well crafted and meticulously executed film with special effects to knock your socks off!
4 Stars ****
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