Intriguing, if schmaltzy, adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger's 2003 bestseller, first off; I've not read the book thus don't have the literary touchstone from which to draw comparisons. But as a standalone film; 'The Time Traveller's Wife' is an entertaining and well paced romantic sci-fi, albeit with the emphasis on romance rather than sci-fi: More 'Meet Joe Black' and 'Big Fish' than 'Back To The Future' or 'Frequency' whilst some may also liken it's time-shift age gap themes to 'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button' (Brad Pitt was once set to star but opts for a producer's credit instead). Henry (a blank but believable Eric Bana) is the time traveller, Clare (Rachel McAdams) is his wife; they've met at various points in time at different ages, are desperately in love and struggle to meet the challenges of Henry's fantastic, if uncontrollable, ability.
Now they're using 'The Terminator' method of time travel here, the one that rudely robs the passenger of all their clothes, and no; gentlemen, Rachel McAdams doesn't get to time travel in this movie so forget about it! It's actually quite a rubbish power, as anything could trigger it off and away Henry goes; bouncing through time in the nude unable to change anything but constantly struggling to avoid hypothermia or slumming it for some threads. Director Robert Schwentke, whose previous efforts include forgettable action thriller 'Flight Plan', keeps the movie on course but decides to rush things towards the end, it also seems as if editor Thom Noble went cut happy on the 'Avid' and deleted a little too much footage which is often a no-win situation: For on one hand it ups the pace, which is good, but in doing so you lose potential character development. Personally, I felt they were holding back; I'd like to see 'TTTW' remade by Davids Lynch or Cronenberg and starring Jeremy Irons or Daniel Day Lewis, for this film didn't explore all the potentially disturbing and interesting possibilities that could arise from such a power. Bana and McAdams make a convincing onscreen couple and their journey is similar to the one taken by Robin Williams and Annabella Sciorra's characters in 'What Dreams May Come'. 'The Time Traveller's Wife' is by no means a classic and I doubt I'll see it again, but the ladies will weep, the lads will occasionally glance at their watches though no one ought to be offended or bored for there's nothing terribly wrong with this movie at all, that said, there's nothing particularly great about it either. Worth watching for its commendably old-fashioned love story, a small role by the legend that is Ron 'Office Space' Livingston and some genuinely good, mind-bending narrative twists. Not bad, could've been better.
"Torchwood: outside the government, beyond the police. Fighting for the future on behalf of the human race. The 21st Century is when everything changes. And Torchwood is ready."
Captain Jack (John Barrowman) is back, and back for good, literally, as he can't die. And that is all thanks to a little help from Rose (Billie Piper) and the TARDIS in the father show Doctor Who.
The show has grown year after year, with the stories becoming better and better, more engaging and darker. Torchwood is a much loved spin off of the hugely popular Doctor Who, and shows us the sides to the Doctor Who universe that can't be shown before nine o'clock at night, unless edited of course.
The first season sets the premise and the story up really well, giving us characters we can all connect with, and stories that we won't forget in a hurry. The premise of the show is that there is a rift of time and space flowing through Cardiff, and Torchwood is there to pick up the pieces of what comes through that rift, whether It be new technology or aliens, they are there to hold down the line. The first episode shows us a character we can really connect with, Gwen (Eve Myles), as she is leading a normal life with a normal job as a police officer, but she finds herself thrown into the world of Torchwood, and like me I wouldn't leave, so we see the beginning of this show through her, through our minds eye. The show does link into Doctor Who very well, with species such as the Cybermen appearing, but you don't necessarily have to watch Doctor Who or be a fan to watch this superb show.
Season two really cranked things up a gear, with even more engaging stories, great character building and more heart wrenching and surprising moments. This season had it all, from a recurring villain (James Marsters) to mind altering aliens, and from a human eating shapeshifter to a large whale like life form, it truly was impressive. And we even get to see Martha (Freema Agyeman) in all her glory once again.
Season three (Children of Earth) was truly a masterpiece, and really showed off what Torchwood could do. The season was a five part mini-series, with each episode being shown consecutively each day over the period of one week, which made for some great television. The show has been a massive success, starting on BBC3, then moving to BBC2, and then moving to BBC1 which gave the show what it deserves, a seat at the top of the tower so that it can be seen by all. The ratings for this season basically tripled, and for those that couldn't watch every night, they recorded it as it was a must see. The season shows us the threat of the 456, who want to take our children and use them for their own twisted means, but watch out coz Torchwood are about, and they don't go down without a fight. Every episode left you wanting more, left you with questions that were always quickly answered and resolved, and left you with a better and better cliffhanger every time, just as well the next episode was on the next evening otherwise I would have gone mad whilst waiting to see what happens. This season was the best by far, so role on season four, we're expecting great things and with Torchwood you know you'll get great things.
Every episode is fantastically directed and the show always looks superb, whether that be because of camera work, set designs or special effects, it always has that wow factor. The show also has an exciting soundtrack which adds an extra layer to those heart wrenching moments and action sequences.
Torchwood is something special, and it grows and moves on just like its father show Doctor Who, never does the show get boring or repeat itself.
This is a great sci-fi show, and if you haven't seen it already then you should really give it a go. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Three babes, a handsome guy, a funny fat dude and two geeks go holidaying in a wooden cabin in an isolated outback region of Norway. They're having a grand old time having snowball fights, sliding around on an inflatable rubber tube and laughing at the funny fat dude's wise cracks and jokes. Then, as I am sure is the experience of many people, they find a load of Nazi gold under the floorboards...perhaps hidden by some bright soul who's never heard of a safe and just tucked it away for a rainy day in case they ever needed a few hundred grand worth of gold for a new exhaust for the car, or some new lenses for their specs or something of the like! After a midnight visit and a tall yarn from a crazy old dude (who for some reason is taking a stroll in the pitch black in the middle of nowhere) the cabin is besieged by zombies. Maybe this motley crew could have handled ordinary zombies but these ones are Nazi zombies who have the added bonus of military training (and they lost the war so they're not in the best of moods). What ensues is a cavalcade of calamities as the group try to stay alive in the most comic ways the writers could imagine. They try ringing the police but strangely the law don't seem convinced by their tale of woe. Molotov cocktails seem like a neat idea until they set the cabin on fire. Oh well there's always that chainsaw conveniently stored in the shed next door.
My favourite scene saw the fat dude paying a visit to the outside karzy to 'drop the kids off at the pool'. He's halfway through his business when one of the babes unexplainably bursts in and has relations with him right there on the toilet. Classic.
A close second sees one of the geeks get his arm bitten by a very angry zombie. He thinks he's going to be transformed into the living dead and so naturally he needs to chainsaw his own arm off to counteract this impending misfortune. By the look on his face it smarted a little.
Dead Snow is an incredibly enjoyable comedy horror. It's not very scary (unless your five years old...and then you shouldn't be watching it anyway) but it is funny. Recommended for military minded zombie fans with a sense of humour, who like their sex scenes on the toilet. An adequate description of a great many people I'm sure...but not positive.
Death Proof is my favourite Tarantino movie to date. I feel really shocked to have written that last sentence but amazingly it's the truth! The film shown as a Grindhouse double bill alongside Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror flopped big time at the box office when originally released in cinemas. Why? I have no idea...maybe people just didn't like the idea of the Grindhouse double bill clocking in at nearly 3 and a half hours. The film observes the perverse antics of one Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russel), a murderer who targets young attractive women and kills them with his 'death proof' stunt car. From the start of the movie we are introduced to a group of beautiful women and Tarantino's unparalleled dialogue quickly encourages us to grow fond of each of them as the story develops. It's at this point that Stuntman Mike kills and there's nothing the law can do to stop him. It looks just like an unfortunate road traffic accident and he moves on to another state and another group of gorgeous victims. But this time he's messed with the wrong women! Just like Kill Bill, Death Proof is a story of revenge and female empowerment. You'll feel shock and anger halfway through but satisfaction soon follows as Stuntman Mike gets his just desserts! Awesome dialogue, sublime acting and a jaw dropping car chase with a woman hanging on to the bonnet for dear life! Incredible! 5/5
Made of Honour is a heart warming romantic film. The chemistry between Thomas (Patrick Dempsey) and Hannah (Michelle Monaghan) is electric. You can tell right from the beginning that they are meant to be. The film would be suitable for 12 years and above. But the romantic comedy film will melt everybody's hearts!!
There's little to say about the film that will not give it away cheaply, Dennis Quaid gives an accomplished performance alongside then wife Meg Ryan.
James Caan is menacing in every scene, his performance is one of his better portrayals.
I would imagine the bleakness of the landscape is to liken to the bleakness of Quaid's character's lifestyle.
Ryan as usual at that time gives a secure performance, assured even.
The story starts 30 years before the main story, an awful multiple murder (of implied violence) to which Quaid's character is witness/accomplice.
The woven tale is rich and full, when the film is over there's an emptiness left. The damaged people in this photoplay do nothing to hide their wounds, some damage others and some get on with it wounded and hurt.
It's an interesting piece with a few actors at their best and bringing a sombre tale to you for a couple of hours.
It is worth a watch and at a price to match postal rental you would own it.
Road movie - family discord, implied violence ,moody, sombre.
Quite simply this film is amazing, it is a follow on from the 'firefly' TV series, but is still strong enough to be a standalone movie. If you are a fan of Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dollhouse) you will love the blend of humour bought to this high octane sci-fi adventure.
The characters are amazing and performances are sublime. The film is held together by Nathan Fillion (White Noise 2, Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog) who plays Captain Mal Reynolds, the father figure to the crew, who will stop at no end to protect his crew, his character and performance are a particular highlight and you can't help but love the mixture of badass who can also make you laugh.
I would comfortably give this film 10/10 it is a great watch for any sci-fi, action, adventure genre enthusiasts. But also a great film to watch with friends. If you have never heard of it, well worth a watch.
A follow on from Joss Whedon's cancelled TV series 'Firefly' This film tracks the roots of River Tam (Summer Glau). In this action sci-fi film, the crew of Serenity are tasked with protecting their lives while discovering a terrible truth about the galaxy.
In the tradition of Gillo Pontecorvo's classic 'The Battle Of Algiers', Italian auteur Roberto Rossellini brings us the impressive 'Rome, Open City' a sparse and engaging portrait of resistance in Fascist Italy during World War II. Freedom fighter Giorgio Manfredi (Marcello Pagliero) attempts to evade Gestapo troops with the help of comrade Francesco (Francesco Grandjacquet), his feisty fiancée Pina (Anna Magnani) and partisan priest Don Pietro Pellegrini (Aldo Fabrizi). 'Rome, Open City' was the first film in Rossellini's wartime trilogy along with 'Paisà' and 'Germania Anno Zero', it also restored and set a course for the Italian neo-realist movement, which began in 1943 with director Luchino Visconti's controversial 'Ossessione'. Respected film critic Andre Bazin once defined neo-realism as a genre that "...portrays truth, authenticity and is the cinema of duration" and in that regard, Rosselini's picture ticks all three boxes, though at the same time; there's no denying the experimental nature of the thematic elements being put into place: for Renzo Rossellini's score along with good, but intentionally exaggerated, performances from Harry Feist, Giovanna Galetti and Maria Michi are still firmly rooted in the melodramatic style of the 1930s. 'Rome, Open City' began filming two months after the end of the second world war, so shots of bombed out / bullet ridden buildings, shrapnel littered streets and ramshackle structures give this movie an authentic look that would later inform the documentary visuals of films like 'The Bicycle Thief', 'La Terra Trema' and 'Army Of Shadows'. And though 'The Battle Of Algiers' is the last word on neo-realism, 'Rome, Open City' is an equalling compelling look at how the genre was revived and reinvigorated in post-war Europe.
Whats Occurin'? One of the best TV programmes to come from the BBC, no wait, to come out of England, ever, Is whats occurin'.
The show is lush I tell you, and has received critical acclaim since the very beginning. It is well written by stars James Corden and Ruth Jones, who have managed to effectively create a show, and characters, that improved and evolved year after year. And that is proven by its high ratings and channel ascension, as it started out life on BBC3 and ended up on the one and only BBC1.
I know (In Nessa's voice), It was a very sad day when the news came about that the third series would be the shows last, but I can predict many more one off specials to come, because this show can't end, It's a look at a life we all dream of, that perfect meeting, the perfect coupling, that life that can only move forward Into a new direction. It's a programme that shows you your own life in a way, the way you most likely want it to be or to have been like. The show won't end completely, we haven't seen the last of little Neil Noel Edmund Smith, the show is too popular to be gone for long and will be back at some point in the future, for one it's comedy gold.
The characters are amazing, each one having their own distinct personalities and humour. From Bryns' love of his Picasso and Sat Nav to Nessa's love of Cigarettes, the characters never let you down. Even the subtle and background jokes get you laughing out loud, the shows that good. For example, Nessa requires some batteries, comes back downstairs and makes a remark about not having needed them, she then runs two fingers under the tap and uses a washing up cloth, In use by Gwen, to dry her fingers, a subtle background joke that just tickles you endlessly.
As you go from Barry to Billericay, you will notice how well the episodes are strung together, the humour flows effortlessly and the comedic timing of some of the jokes is Immense.
The show is renound for its smart comedy, and has been rightfully rewarded for its humour several times, but the characters also give you brilliant and touching heartfelt moments, well acted by the likes of Joanna Page and Matthew Horne. The drama is integrated Into the show very well and all comedy related shows could learn a thing or two from Gavin and Stacey.
Gavin and Stacey Is a must buy. If you're after some great comedy then buy it. If you're after a touching story and heartfelt moments look no further and buy it. And if you're looking for a smart, well written and hugely entertaining show, then of course buy It. you will not be disappointed!
The show provides a Barry-full of laugh out loud moments, its Tidy.
Not a huge fan of the vampire genre, and desperately bored with Bella in the Twilight series (get a life), the Vampire Diaries Series is much better entertainment, with regular memorable cliff hangers, great story lines and amazing performances, particularly from Paul Wesley who plays Stefan and Nina Dobrev (Elena). I haven't read the Vampire Diaries, and apparently the series does deviate greatly from the books but this is generally viewed as a positive aspect of the show. The characters, even the evil brother Damon - who is the stunningly good looking, but vain, Ian Somerholder, a misunderstood soul really, are engaging and grow on you throughout the series, making a really promising prospect for the second one.
Verdict
Exciting and well developed vampire genre story - with adventure, romance and sexual tension! Excellent viewing!
This film is brilliant, yes it's a rom-com but it's no typical rom-com as the narrator states at the start of the film "this is not a love story, it's a story about love", it's a much more realistic interpretation of love and real life. It still brings in the laughs as good as any other comedy and brilliantly alternates between its moments of hilarity and its moments of seriousness. This is for anyone who likes rom-coms even remotely as it's not what anyone would expect from an average rom-com.
So you thought that Tarantino was going off the boil? To tell you the truth, so did I. There's no doubting that Kill Bill was a lot of fun, but it felt bloated and lacked the sharp dialogue and well observed characterisation of his earlier work. Then the disappointing Death Proof and talk of the Vega Brothers project seemed to cast doubt on his genius.
Step forward, then, Inglourious Basterds. Every bit as sharp, intense, funny, clever, stylish and brilliant as his earlier works, the film benefits from its familiar World War 2 setting in that it manages to both play up to war clichés and utterly confound them.
The opening scene is a killer, almost unbearably tense mainly due the perfectly measured performance of Christoph Waltz as Landa. The calm, controlled Landa, perfectly aware (as we are) of the Jewish family hiding under the floorboards of a French farmhouse, sits calmly with the farmer, drinking his milk, biding his time. It's a scene that establishes not only the shape of the ensuing plot, but Landa as centerpoint to the whole film.
Amongst the intricate, time-shifting plotting, flashbacks, character moments and action, it's these intense scenes that Tarantino really excels in, and Basterds has some of the best of his career so far. It's these scenes, where characters play each other off against each other, where a glance, a pause or the slightest movement speak volumes and will stay with you forever.
And yes, there's humour. But it's wry. It's dry. It works. You think Brad Pitt's Deep South character's half-arsed attempt at an Italian accent in a room full of Nazis sounds funny? Well, yes, it is, but it's also makes for tension as you just know that this simply isn't going to work. Even then, you might be surprised.
It's not perfect. Some bits don't work. Most jarring is the use of early 80's David Bowie, which hits the soundtrack like a sledgehammer over a scene that looks like it's from another film altogether. It's a step too far, but thankfully brief, and we are soon back in the moment, as the multiple plots pull together. And then take yet another right turn.
You don't have to like Tarantino to enjoy this film. You don't have to like war movies to enjoy it. But if you're looking for strong characterisation, excellent performances, deft direction and an intriguing, twisting plot, then this film is for you.
Funny Games is a horrific film. There's no other way of putting it. It will serve as a shocking ambush on your expectations.
The film starts in a fairly bland manner; a typical American family make their way to their holiday home by the lake. They plan to play some golf with the neighbours and take their boat out onto the water. Later, two young men who've been staying with the neighbours drop by. One asks for some eggs, the other compliments the family's impressive set of golf clubs. They're polite - almost clinically so. They do nothing particularly untoward, other than being a little clumsy - breaking a few eggs and knocking a mobile phone into the sink. But if you've read so much as a synopsis for this film, you'll know that the smiles can only last so long.
And in true horror film style, the boys soon reveal themselves to be psychotic - preying on helpless families just because they can. But this is where the similarities with other horror films end. This film is not, I cannot stress enough, a horror film in the traditional sense. The sense of sheer dread that this film invokes from start to finish is unlike anything I've experienced from a film before.
The director, here creating a shot-for-shot remake of his Austrian original of the same name, turns every horror convention on its head. The killers have no particular agenda. They do what they do for the sake of entertainment. In a typical slasher movie, the victims are chosen for a reason: the killer sees something in them that is punishable. Here it's different. The two boys make it clear that they're not interested in punishing them. They're simply bored with the banality of existence. It's a game.
Later in the film, the two boys make a bet with the family: that they won't be alive in 12 hours' time. In their discussion, the ringleader breaks the fourth wall and asks us directly: who are we rooting for? It's something not typically seen, and in this context it's something quite distressing; we're no longer just observers - we're complicit. Later on, something unusual happens. We see a scene played out twice: first in the Hollywood style we would expect, and again in a style more fitting with the rest of the movie. It's not difficult to guess which one is ultimately taken forward.
Funny Games, among other things, is an unbearably tense experience. Long, lingering shots drip with uncertainty. There are long periods in the film where very little happens, and I couldn't tear my eyes away if I tried. The performances are all nothing short of excellent, with Naomi Watts' Anna taking centre stage as the believable mother plunged into the kind of situation every mother would dread. Michael Pitt, playing the stronger of the two intruders, is unnervingly convincing in his portrayal of a pleasant, polite and psychotic young man.
This film is a punishing experience; an endurance test that I expect not everybody will be able to pass. The director has made it plain that this was the intention. His agenda is pushed throughout the film's duration and in doing so, as viewers we feel manipulated and cheated. It's cruel. But as an audience, we see these types of films because we find violence entertaining. Deliberately, there is nothing entertaining about the film (nor particularly violent; the most explicit violence is kept off-screen). It's a relentless assault on movie conventions, leading to an ending that's both alarming and bleakly inevitable.
When watching the film, a number of words came to mind to describe it: harrowing, disgusting, horrific, appalling, In spite of all these criticisms, I can't deny that the film is a success. It achieves everything it sets out to, and for that reason it is difficult to ignore. This isn't a film for everyone, but I found it to be worthwhile viewing. I still can't decide whether I would want to sit through it twice, but without doubt it's an unforgettable experience.
An excellent blend of the serious and surreal, as Matt Damon bulks up and tunes out in director Steve Sodenbergh's dramatised account of the corporate misadventures of whistleblower Mark Whitakaer; whose work as an FBI mole out to expose a price fixing scandal at a leading U.S. agricultural conglomerate, spirals out of control. Matt Damon, overweight and complete with moustache (always good for comedic effect) puts in his best performance since 'The Departed'. Actor and director, having worked together on 'Ocean's 11,12 and 13', are on the same page and it seems that this movie also serves to channel / coherently arrange elements from Sodenbergh's experimental, if one note, satire 'Schizopolis'. There were times were I would've preferred it if Sodenbergh had reigned in the farcical elements just a tad, but not at the expense of Whitaker's hilarious, stream of consciousness voiceovers, the kind that even Eddie Izzard may deem odd: "I don't like wool on skin, not even that Marino wool they have at Marshall Fields in Chicago, Ginger likes it because its form fitting, but she likes Avocados, and who wants that texture in their mouth?" Set in the 1990s though filmed in a retro 70s style that evokes 'Blow' and 'Burn After Reading', 'The Informant' won't appeal to everyone. But if you're in the right frame of mind; it works to highlight both the rank hypocrisy and unequivocal absurdity of corporate America today. Oddball satire at its best.
Set phasers to shock because Trek fan or not, you are going to love this movie. It has the story, the sound, the action, the look and the characters, what else do you need in a film.
Granted, it's not your father's Star Trek, and it's not the Trek you likely watched as you were growing up, but it's still Trek and it's superb.
The film follows what Star Trek is all about, discovering those strange new worlds and seeking out new life forms and new civilisations, and it does it well. JJ Abrams has used the Trek we know (It's still the Enterprise and not the Lollipop, and Its still Kirk, Spock and McCoy and not Dave, Spikey and Joe) and he has made It something new and special, he has put Star Trek back Into the Publics eyes where It should always be. Having said all that, most of the Star Trek canon we all know and hold dear is brilliantly thrown out of the window by using a clever alternate timeline story, so Kirks upbringing is different and his Initial meeting with Spock Isn't love at first sight, but Its genius, and It's exciting to see how our much loved characters will now evolve in new ways.
The story Is fantastic, an alternate timeline created by future events, technology and a crazed Romulan bent on revenge that has come from a future where his world Is no more, thanks to a supernova that threatened the entire galaxy.
The actors do a fantastic job with making these characters we all know, new again, with some surprise performances from the likes of Chris Pine (Kirk), who had previously only really been in chick flicks. And Quinto is brilliant as Spock, and was the perfect choice for playing the character as he not only looks similar to the legend that Is Leonard Nimoy but can act extremely well also. It is however hard to not want him (Quinto) to suddenly go Sylar on everyone.
The film flows tremendously well and keeps up the pace constantly and has an effective blend of action, story and humour. Star Trek also has some of the best CGI I've seen in some time, from the destruction of one key characters home planet down to the hull of the Enterprise, it all looks so real. Thank you Industrial Light and Magic.
JJ Abrams has also bought about a fantastic new look to Star Trek, for example the sets are amazing, especially the bridge of the Enterprise which really does make the Apple shop look dull. The camera movements and angles are superb as well, the fast moving action scenes especially really show off JJ's talent for directing. And JJ seems to have an obsession with lens flares but I like them, they add to the movie and give It even more realism and depth, It gives you a feeling more Is going on outside of the camera shot.
The movie is well written by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman who can do no wrong in my eyes of late, as they have written movies such as Transformers and write for fantastic shows such as Fringe, of which is another of JJ's creations.
The movie also has a fantastic score to boot from Michael Giacchino, giving us some great classic Trek tunes along with something new and exciting. Giacchino has worked on shows such as Lost, so I knew from the start the Soundtrack would be a good one. Lost being yet another of JJ's great creations.
The film Is Excellent. If you haven't seen Star Trek then please go boldly where you may not have been before and give Trek a go, because this film Is fantastic and you'll love It just as much as Scotty likes the ship.
History should never forget the name Enterprise.
This is amazing, the best programme I have ever watched and most definitely appeals to all ages!
This is a MUST buy, you will definitely not regret buying!
'Smokin' Aces' (2006) was quite an entertaining movie, so I wasn't expecting much from this straight-to-DVD prequel; but besides its occasionally noticeable low budget and tenuous links to Joe 'Narc' Carnahan's underrated original, 'Smokin Aces 2' is surprisingly watchable fare. The basic structure remains unchanged (i.e. colourful assassins try to do in a high level target whilst FBI agents try to protect him) as lowly Bureau hack Walter Weed (Tom Berenger) is marked for death with a $3 million bounty on his head; a price which attracts all manner of top drawer killers to a Chicago jazz club / state-of-the-art military bunker for the inevitable showdown. Screenwriters Osunsanmi & Odebunmi successfully manage to weave real world events into the narrative whilst gun-for-hire director P.J. Pesce, whose efforts range from the good ('Dusk Till Dawn 3') to the downright damnable ('Lost Boys 2') keeps up the pace, though lets himself down by overdoing it with the jump cuts and filters. Tommy Flanagan and Maury Sterling reprise their roles as Laszo Soot and Lester Tremor respectively, Ernie Hudson makes an exposition heavy cameo, Vinnie Jones is Vinnie Jones, Martha Higareda ('Volver') plays her femme fatale to the hilt and Clayne Crawford, though not as good as Ryan Reynolds, still makes for a convincing lead. But top marks have to go to the Tremor clan, memorably described by Ben Affleck's Jack Dupree character in the original as "...neo-Nazi speed freaks with the same skank mom, different deadbeat dads". Well, we finally get to meet that "skank mom" in the form of Autumn Reeser and it just so happens that one of those "deadbeat dads" is none other than the legendary Michael Parks! Some of the shootouts are quite creatively done (e.g. exploding clowns, the last scene in the car) and listen out for the 'Platoon' reference / nod to Tom Berenger. Not on a par with the first film but with enough twists and turns to hold your attention for the lean, 90 minute running time. Worth seeing once.
Battlestar Galactica - It's truly one of the all time great Sci-Fi shows, seriously, it's up there with Star Trek.
The Cylon war wages on, WEAPONS FREE!!
The show grew year upon year and just got better and better every season, always keeping you guessing, making you ask yourself who's a Cylon.
It's not your Dad's Battlestar, but it's just as good, with the same underlining story and plot, and you even get to see those classic walking chrome toasters from the original series every now and then.
The show successfully creates a blend of story, action, politics, character development and religion. It's got it all, SO SAY WE ALL!!
Battlestar is very well written and the shows actors/actresses are superb, giving fantastic performances that enable you to really connect with the characters. Even the Galactica Itself seems like a character, you see It go through thick and thin, taking one nuke after the other.
The show has so many fantastic episodes such as "Pegasus", some of which parallel stories from the original series, and it's true when I say that there is not a single dull episode.
The show has a fantastic visual style, using documentary type camera movements and angles which really adds to the show and gives It even more realism, of which adds to the amazing CGI, and many new shows have now used the same visual approach as a template.
If anyone out there is planning a new Sci-Fi show but is unsure how to go about it, then look no further, take notes from Battlestar Galactica
Save for It, buy It straight away, get a loan from a friend and buy It, either way It's a must buy series and you won't be disappointed
BY YOUR COMMAND!!
Heroes strikes back with a bang, saving Itself from what was, at best, an average second season. The show has regained its momentum and has rekindled its ability to truly surprise its audience. The first volume of season three (Volume Three - Villains) shows you what our Heroes can do more so than ever, however the shows new emphasis on action did hinder the plot In some ways, and too many new characters were Introduced, but this was dealt with relatively quickly as the action soon caught up with some of the new Villains. The plots were, however, vastly Improved upon within the second volume of season 3 (Volume Four - Fugitives) and It felt like the show was getting back on par with the amazing story of season one, which captured all of our Imaginations. This season of Heroes truly saved the show, just like saving the cheerleader saved the world. Some of the new abilities cropping up within these new volumes are truly amazing; my favourite being the Portal ability which sees's a so called villain having the capability of creating artificial singularities or black holes. And of course, as we have come to expect from Heroes, the special effects team make these abilities look fantastic. That's another reason for loving Heroes; its well put together and looks fantastically different to many other shows, as it has a comic book element to It. The shows third season ends on a high, leaving you wanting more, which is what we felt during the show's first season. Character development has also been great, some of the characters received more attention than others, such as Sylar, which is understandable though as he is by far one of the best characters in the show. Season four has now been shown on the box or is currently being shown and it continues to grow and add to the amazing story of season three. This set is definitely worth adding to anyone's collection, it's got action, story, plot, look, feel and great characters - it's got it all!
Well, this was a Kevin Smith movie, so I had to see it. I love his earlier movies (Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma,...) and even recently Clerks II, and the box-office bomb Jersey Girl.
However, this isn't your typical Kevin Smith movie, and that's mainly because of Seth Rogen. I really liked him in Knocked Up, and the other Apatow productions, but in this movie, I find him more annoying than anything else. It is however nice to see some familiar faces like Jeff Anderson and of course Jason Mewes (Who doesn't have the largest part, but as always, gets the biggest laughs whenever he's on screen.)
In my opinion this movie keeps its head above the water thanks to the side characters. Because while Miri (Banks) and Zack (Rogen) play their parts well enough, it are the side characters like the high school jock (Brandon Routh aka Superman) and his gay Pornstar lover (Justin Long), the two pornstars (Katie Morgan & Traci Lords), the aspiring actor turned sex-slave (New face Ricky Maybe) and the black "producer" (Craig Robinson) and his foul-mouthed dominant wife who get the big laughs.
So, not a typical Kevin Smith movie, but if you liked his earlier work, you'll like this. Just don't expect a new Clerks, expect a cross-breed between an Apatow and a Kevin Smith movie.
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