As mentioned on the front page, there are new reviews going up on in a new place. Hop on over for the latest reviews. There are not likely going to be any more updates over here, but the site will remain as an archive for the reviews that have already gone up. -b
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Stars Jackie Chan, Callan Mulvey, Tess Haubrich, Show Lo, Erica Xia-Hou, Nana Ou-Yang, Directed by Zhang Li Jia For an action star who keeps saying he’s stepping back from action movies or hard stunts, Jackie Chan seems as active as ever. Sure there’s more grey in his hair to show off his age, and the super risky stunts have been scaled back, but it doesn’t seem to stop him from having fights atop the Sydney Opera House before taking a tumble down the curved roof. Bleeding Steel may also be Chan’s first foray into the sci-fi rely although it seems like he’s testing the waters by dipping his toe in. The main villain (Callan Mulvey) makes his first appearance looking a little like Darth Vader without the helmet on (at first), but not really… before looking more like a member of the Borg collective later on in the movie, but not really. He’s supposed to be what they call a “bioroid” (I suppose, “biological android”? instead of “cyborg”) complete with a metal heart and some kind of smart blood. That blood becomes the MacGuffin he’s after, supposedly in one other person who Chan’s character has to protect. While the Sci-Fi trappings are there and really no worse than any other SyFy or independent DTV movie these days, the story it hangs on hits all the marks you’d expect. To reveal more of the story would be to spoil some of the plot and (mostly predictable) “surprises” along the way, although there is a cohesiveness to the plotting. Of course, the villains have some super-human ability to turn up when you’d expect without much explanation how they found out about a place or how they got there in the first place. We’ll just chalk it to movie logic, applicable too to the villain’s main transport. It looks impressive but we don’t see it in action, we just have to accept it does what it does. The action is serviceable, but quite below par one might expect from a movie with Jackie Chan, even if you’d allow for him ageing gracefully. It just leaves most of the choreography a little uninspired. Maybe he’s trying out new crew on his stunt team? Maybe it’s within the story that these are not meant to be super-skilled fighters? We’ve been conditioned to expect so much from his previous movies or even Hong Kong movies of the like. Ultimately, if you’re a fan of Chan’s, you may find this forgivable and entertaining, or you may find it sad as he tries to cling on to roles that should be past his prime. The man does keep busy tho. This is his third live action film this year (and two more animated features bring the total to 5). For me, it’s an average action flick that may be okay as a time-waster, but nothing really stands out. Rating: **1/2 / 5 Find the best online deals here. | Barnes and Noble | Google Play Store | Book Depository Discover more about the books here. Please Support. Stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Jack Black, Rhys Darby, Nick Jonas, with Alex Wolff, Ser’Darius Blain, Madison Iseman, Morgan Turner and Bobby Cannavale Directed by Jake Kasdan The first Jumanji movie came out in 1995 when CGI effects were starting to come into bloom, achieving near photorealistic effects for the numerous animals featured in that movie. The benefit of that movie and its grand adventure was that you really had no idea where the story would go. Anything and everything that happened was a surprise, relying on the whim of the dice as the board game was played. The sequel potentials were enormous so long as the creative team had the imagination to let the story go anywhere, but nothing happened. Coming over 20 years later, this belated sequel reimagines the board game. Instead of things going into the board game or whatever might come out as the dice roll, the game magically transforms itself into a cartridge video game that would suck the player into the game. As before, one youngster goes missing while playing the game - but no one really knows about it then, just that the boy has disappeared. Over 20 years later - in story time - four new players find the game and continue, only to get sucked into the magical world of Jumanji, a lush jungle world filled with everything you’d expect to find in a jungle. The four youngsters, nerdy Spencer (Alex Wolff), bookish Martha (Morgan Turner), built footballer Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain) and vapid Bethany (Madison Iseman) take on avatars in the game that are complete opposites such as, respectively, hulking Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), femme fatale Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan), diminutive Moose Finbar (Kevin Hart) and “overweight middle-aged man” Shelly Oberon (Jack Black). As the nature of the game has changed, so have the surprises, making this Jumanji play out as a treasure hunt movie while applying game mechanics, i.e. non-player characters who helpfully dispense advice and directions. The characters have to overcome their own real-life issues in order to work together, finish the game, and return home. Therein lies majority of the fun, particularly with the main stars (Johnson, Hart, Gillan, Black) often playing against type. Jack Black in particular has the funniest bits as Bethany trying to deal with being a man. Johnson plays to his strengths as well and helps to carry much of the movie’s action beats. Gillan does well enough with her character while Hart continues his double act with Johnson, carried over from Central Intelligence. Director Jake Kasdan manages to control the action and dramatic beats in order to deliver a rip-roaring adventure, but something still feels missing. The lack of surprise and ingenuity is strongly felt as we are missing the randomness of the dice. The humour and fun may be adequate compensation though, and for some, that is all that’s needed. I just feel it’s a disservice to the core concept of the original Jumanji film. Spoiler zone. (Select the blank area to read) In the first film, the original board game seemed to rely on the first game being played. That meant when the game was concluded, it reverted to the time of the original game with the kids in the present day not fully being aware of having taken part in the game. That has changed here. When the game is finished, we’re still in the present day as if nothing much has changed except that the missing boy was never missing in the first place (he returns to his place a the end of the game, 20 years in the past). Of course, since the four present day kids are the ones we’re following in the story and they’re the ones mostly affected by the game, we have to end with them… story-wise. It also changes a fundamental aspect of the game and nature of the story. Time-travel rules may apply so long as the boy who returns to the past, at some point in time, makes sure the game ends up where it’s supposed to for the four present day kids to find and play the game… although by nature of the game itself, it shouldn’t really need to happen. It’s just a gripe, something for the more detailed oriented fans to discuss at length. It’s mainly why I’m knocking 1/2* and my rating is thus. It tries to respect the original and has a nice little tribute too. While it’s still an entertaining and fun movie to watch, it dents the spirit of the original for me. Rating: *** /5 Find the best online deals here. | Barnes and Noble | Google Play Store | Book Depository Discover more about the books here. Please Support. Well, that was a fun ride! So, for now, I’m not gonna touch on the plot or story; no spoilers here. Rain Johnson wrote and directed this entry into the Star Wars film franchise and he has delivered an extremely entertaining flick, expanding on the known and adding a little more flavour to it. He’s brought us a couple of new worlds, likely only one of any significance, but they are visually arresting in their design and grandeur, fitting for the action that takes place in those places. I’ll get more in depth into the production design later. Mark Hamill properly returns as Luke Skywalker after the much ballyhooed cameo from The Force Awakens (second billing and less than a minute on screen?), very much picking up where we left off… and then heading into some unexpected and occasionally humorous territory in his interactions with Rey (Daisy Ridley) I did have an issue with time dilation, a problem that similarly afflicted The Empire Strikes Back. I’m sure some of you sharp-eyed viewers may raise some issues in that area as well, but it is something that would come to mind only after the exuberance of the movie has passed. Yes, exuberance. For the most part. There is a time factor to the story that keeps the pace going at an urgently fair clip, and that may also cause some scenes to lag just a little. That being said, this is a long movie coming in over 150 minutes, plus credits - because you’ve got to sit through the credits to enjoy John Williams score. Speaking of which, it was fantastic to hear Williams call back certain themes from the original trilogy. This is especially poignant during Carrie Fisher’s tribute in the end credits. (Come on, that’s not a spoiler. Her passing last year was obviously going to be acknowledged.) The rest of the cast do well, even if it may take a moment or two to accommodate the newcomers, especially Kelly Marie Tran or Laura Dern. Benicio del Toro continues to act as eccentric as he can manage giving his character an odd stutter. The three new characters who were introduced in the last movie (Rey, Poe and Finn) continue in their development. Billie Lourd (Carrie Fisher’s daughter) has her character upgraded as well, given more to do and be an active part of the crew instead of simply lurking in the background as before. In all, the movie delivers as much as you’d want to expect from a part of the Star Wars saga. If you’ve managed to stay away from teasers, trailers, reports, leaks and such, there are surprises to be enjoyed; the unexpected to be surprised by. For a Star Wars fan, it delivers, especially in IMAX 3D (highly recommended). There are some gripes which I'll get into in a spoilerific write-up later. (link to be updated after I post). Rating **** /5 Directed by Rain Johnson Stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Issacs,, John Boyega, Kelly Marie Tran, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, Billie Lourd with Benicio Del Toro and Laura Dern Find the best online deals here. | Barnes and Noble | Google Play Store | Book Depository Discover more about the books here. Please Support. In the spirit of "No Spoilers," not posting a trailer either.
Stars Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Pfeiffer, Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Daisy Ridley, Tom Bateman, Josh Gad, Leslie Odom Jr., Derek Jacobi, Olivia Colman, with Willem Dafoe and Johnny Depp Directed by Kenneth Branagh I suppose one might ask if we need another adaptation of this murder mystery. The last big cinematic adaptation was back in 1974 with Albert Finney as Poirot, and also featured a star-studded cast for its time, including Sean Connery, Micheal York and Ingrid Bergman. As this little murder mystery is based on the celebrated novel by Agatha Christie, there isn’t going to be many changes to the end where the murder is solved. Talk about spoilers. Then again, knowing how a Shakespearean tragedy ends wouldn’t stop one from checking out any new adaptations that may come along. Watching these remakes and adaptations is like taking a journey. We know where we’re ending up, but it’s about enjoying the trip getting there; the different vistas and performances where movies are concerned. Director Kenneth Branagh does take the lavish route utilising the 65mm film to capture the grand vistas of improbable landscapes the titular train takes to its inevitable delay point where the case is to be resolved. He also manages to wrangle a star-studded cast, at least by today’s standards, from the classic performers (Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi), to renowned actors (Michelle Pfeiffer, Willem Dafoe, Johnny Depp), to the rising stars (Daisy Ridley, Leslie Odom Jr, Josh Gad) and more. It’s a fine cast and they all deliver where it counts. Branagh manages some variations, primarily by having a new opening with Poirot solving a case in Jerusalem, thus establishing his character and some eccentricities. Penelope Cruz plays a new character, albeit replacing one of the originals. Some of the other characters have minor adjustments as well, but as a whole, things remain the same. What comes across well is the witty dialogue in Michael Green’s script, mostly reflecting Poirot’s eccentricities and beliefs. This provide much of the entertainment and some unexpected humour that works well enough within the context of the film. All this provides us with a nicely updated adaptation that keeps the pace going, the drama tense, and the mystery intriguing. If you’ve never seen any previous adaptations or read the book, it is a captivating film. Some people may be heavily distracted by Poirot’s moustache, and it is quite the eccentric accruement. Granted, it is something attributed to the character in the books, but it is a mild distraction for any viewer. It is the overall production design that captivates with some sumptuous visuals put on screen. Add in the solid performances and you have a classic piece of filmmaking that may very well stand the test of time. Rating **** /5 Find the best online deals here. | Barnes and Noble | Google Play Store | Book Depository Discover more about the books here. Please Support. Stars Frank Grillo, Bojana Novakovic, Callan Mulvey, Jonny Weston, Zarah Mahler, Pamelyn Chee with Yayan Ruhian and Iko Uwais Directed by Liam O’Donnell The first Skyline came out in 2010 and was made by the Strause brothers (Greg and Colin) more as a showcase for their effects company HyDrauLx, and their ability to do some impressive effects at a modest budget. While there were some cool moments, the movie came across as a standard sci-fi flick with a bunch of characters experiencing and trying to survive an alien invasion by hiding out in an apartment. It was not quite as grand as the concept or trailer might have wanted it to be, and a disappointing box-office return sealed its fate at the time. No franchise possibility despite getting the movie to a point where you get a small taste of what they promised. One of the lead characters got his brain implanted into an alien body and manages to regain his memories instead of becoming a drone. He sets out within the alien ship to rescue his girlfriend… and that’s where it ends. I really wished they’d gotten to that point within the first hour and made a cool rampage-through-the-alien-ship for the second half, but no; we didn’t get that. Seven years later, original co-writer Liam O’Donnell, with HyDrauLx Pictures backing, returns to this idea with a part side-story and part sequel. We start before the alien invasion with the introduction of new characters, particularly cop Mark (Frank Grillo) and his son Trent (Jonny Weston) on a subway train dealing with family issues as the aliens arrive. It isn’t long before we catch up with the first movie and we find out what happened to the other two character left over from the previous movie. In a weird way, I got my wish from the first movie, the new characters are rampaging through the alien ship within the hour and we get a whole different kick-ass movie in the second half when the alien ship crash lands in Laos. O’Donnell really runs with the concept this time with technically two different movies in one, and yet seamlessly running as one. The action heavy second half, thanks to the appearance of Iko Uwais and team handling the fight choreography, takes the movie to another level. Sure, it’s not quite Avatar levels of storytelling or action beats, but it is better than the average sci-fi action flick you’d find on SyFy or some other cable/satellite channel. With Grillo and Uwais, along with Yayan Ruhian, the action is in fairly safe and dependable hands for action movie aficionados. Sci-Fi fans may tolerate the story giving way to the action, but the plot is supported ably to move the story along. O’Donnell does well enough wrangling all the aspects and relying on Uwais’ team for the action. In all, it’s a decent time waster with some effective elements coming together Rating ***1/2 / 5 Find the best online deals here. | Barnes and Noble | Google Play Store | Book Depository Discover more about the books here. Please Support. Stars (Vocally) Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Alfonso Arau, with Gabriel Iglesias, and Edward James Olmos Directed by Lee Unkrich & Adrian Molina For some of us, chasing our passions often come with a price. it’s also not always with the support of family, particularly if that passion falls more into the artistic field where there may not be any monetary returns in the long run. Sometimes, keeping up with that passion comes with certain rewards, and the sacrifices can really get one down at times. For Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), chasing that musical passion could mean losing his family, particularly a family of cobblers that has no love for music. It even leads to the destruction of his own homemade guitar. Eager to show off his skills and compete during the Day of the Dead festival, Miguel “borrows” a guitar on display in a crypt, and finds himself a journey of more than self-discovery. And that journey… Thanks to Pixar’s animation, the journey is a spectacle of colour; a visual feast of design. While your eyes are treated to some of the more spectacular vistas Pixar has created, your ears have Michael Giacchino’s amazing score to enjoy and that’s also accompanied by songs written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (Frozen, and ironically, working on Coco kept them from contributing songs to the accompanying ‘short’ Olaf’s Frozen Adventure) with Germain Franco. The key song, “Remember Me” gets numerous renditions throughout the movie, working its way from a popular version to a personal version, and it carries much of the emotion for the movie as it goes on. As with some of Pixar’s best, the emotional journey is a strong one here, emphasising not just Miguel’s passion but the importance of family, familial support, and forgiveness. In a way, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a Pixar feature, and yet, it still works and well worth a repeated viewing. Rating: ****1/2 /5 Find the best online deals here. | Barnes and Noble | Google Play Store | Book Depository Discover more about the books here. Please Support. Got a rather lengthy review for Justice League. Hop on over to my Wordpress blog for it... by clicking here. Stars Ethan Hawke, Qing Xu, Paul Anderson, Nathalie Boltt, with Liam Cunningham and Rutger Hauer Directed by Brian Smrz Ethan Hawke tends to be recognised more for certain drama films and some action films, but he has taken on a few of these “small” projects that have sci-fi leanings from time to time. He started out in Explorers, and has since appeared in genre films like Gattaca, vampire flick Daybreakers, time travel thriller Predestination, and more recently, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. In 24 Hours to Live, he plays an assassin who mucks up a mission and is killed…. but then revived through some procedure complete with some digital countdown display on his arm showing how much time he has left. It is a sci-fi conceit even if the setting seems fairly contemporary Outside of that, this is very much an action thriller as Travis (Hawke) goes on a mini rampage to set things right, by helping his initial target, Lin Bissett (Qing Xu). On average, this could very well be a direct to video action flick, but the choreography of the action set-pieces gives this an edge that elevates it a little more. This is likely thanks to director Brian Smrz who has spent the last decade or so working as a stunt coordinator or second unit director (more years before that as a stuntman). From vehicular stunts to gun fights and fisticuffs, all are handled with purity and aplomb, supported by a competent and fairly solid plot. Hawke’s presence gives the movie a little more credence, bringing a credibility to the proceedings. The addition of stars like Game of Thrones’ Liam Cunningham or genre stalwart Rutger Hauer add a little more gravitas in terms of performance and character. Still, it’s the action that carries the movie in the end and if you’re a fan of such movies, it’s a nice little time-waster. Rating: ***1/2 / 5 Find the best online deals here. | Barnes and Noble | Google Play Store | Book Depository Discover more about the books here. Please Support. Stars Taran Killam, Alison Tolman, Bobby Moynihan, Aaron Yoo, Steve Bacic, Alex Duncan, Peter Kelamis, with Cobie Smulders and Arnold Schwarzenegger Directed by Taran Killam Despite Arnold Scwarzenegger’s name and faced plastered all over the ads and posters for this film, he’s barely in the picture. His titular Gunther, however, looms large over the proceedings as a somewhat second rate hitman, Blake (Taran Killam), rounds up several other hired killers in an attempt to take out the reputed ‘greatest’ hitman in the world, that being Gunther. He also decides to commit this particular endeavour to film in the form of a documentary. Of course, when Gunther gets wind of the little plot against him, things don’t go easy for the increasingly hapless assassins. SNL writer and performer Killam manages to create humorous situations out of the plot including a few segues away from the core conceit just to keep thing interesting and the pace flowing. Even Blake’s motives are brought into question. Once Schwarzenegger comes in, he (and Gunther by default) practically hijack the movie, and it’s clear the big guy is having a hell of a fun time with this role. As an action / comedy, it’s a decent waste of time. there’s nothing profound or deep, but it is entertaining for the most part, surpassing much top the silly frat humour that seems to permeate many other comedies these days. The documentary format manages to work tot he benefit of the film for a while, but it also means that you miss out on some of the action as the camera crew run and duck for cover… as one might expect to do so if they’re following a bunch of crazy assassins around. Just don’t expect too much and you might have a good time with this one. Rating: **1/2 /5 Find the best online deals here. | Barnes and Noble | Google Play Store | Book Depository Discover more about the books here. Please Support. |
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