American History X

  This 1998 movie from Tony Kaye, tells the story of Derek Vinyard.  Played by Edward Norton he is the ex neo-nazi  trying to prevent his younger brother from making the same mistakes he did.  Written by David McKenna it's a powerful and thought provoking look at the way a young man can be twisted and contorted.  Often by those closest to you, as the said younger brother Danny (Edward furlong) points out in conclusion.  Life is too short to be pissed off all the time.  The cinematography is paramount to this movie.  It takes on a role of its own and really shows how life is not just black or white.  The supporting cast do a great job of bringing the story to life.  The stand out performance being Avery Brooks as Dr. Bob Sweeney.  This piece of cinema tries to look past the pigeon holed neo-nazi scene in so many bad movies.  I believe it does the job, this is a well made modern picture.  Hate is a powerful sub text and extremism is something we are dealing  with every day.  This film is as relavent today as it ever was.

I give it 9 out of 10

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Comment if you have a review in mind, all thoughts welcome...

In the Cage with Cage

  Nicholas Cage born 07/01/1964 Nicholas Kim Coppola, he is truly brilliant, his early career is seen as quirky with films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Valley Girl and Rumble Fish. 

I'm going to start my review with a classic, Raising Arizona (1987).  In this off-the-wall crime comedy Cage acts alongside Holly Hunter.  The plot is simple a childless couple (Cage/Hunter) help them selves to one of the Arizona family's quintuplets, there lives get slightly more complicated than they expected however when a bounty hunter and escaped con's get involved.  Directed by the Coen brothers you know it is going to never be as simple as it says on the tin and Raising Arizona is no different.  The film snowballs into a mash of well choreographed car chases and getaways with the odd fist to back them up.  You have to watch this film for yourself, as it kind of gets under your skin. Visually pleasing and with some great lines, you have to watch to truly understand (even then you wonder did I didn't I).

Best Scene - Fight in a Trailer

Best Line - 'You go right backup there and get me a toddler, they got more than they can handle'

  7 out of 10

  Next we go to (1996) and The Rock in this Cage plays Stanley Goodspeed a FBI (none field) Agent who gets caught up in a renegade generals coo, using chemical weapons on San Francisco.  Cage is a chemical weapon specialist and supporting actor (a rare phrase for this legend) Sean Connery is John Patrick Mason, the only man to have escaped Alcatraz (The Rock).  They are given the job of attempting to stop the renegade generals chaos by breaking into Alcatraz.  Micheal Bay directs and Ed Harris supports as the renegade general Francis Hummel, a mix of action and whit make this a must.

Best Line -  'Your best... losers always whine about there best, winners go home and fuck the prom queen'

7.5 out of 10

  Now its a double for (1997) first Face/Off it's Cage as Caster Troy alongside John Travolta as Sean Archer(or is it the other way around), I feel that if you don't have any idea as to this film's plot you have issues (if so contact me and I will happy to assist in your predicament with a blunt object).  However in short, It is a cat and mouse tale as Travolta tries to capture Cage.  Directed by the always reliable John Woo you know you are going to spend most of the film on the edge of your seat.  I cant say enough about this film if you only own 5 films this should be 1 of them along with Jaws and Blade Runner...

Best Line - 'If I were to send you flowers where would I... No, let me rephrase that. If I were to let you suck my tongue, would you be grateful?'

8.5 out of 10


Second its Con Air (1997) in this rip roaring plane ride, Cage is Cameron Poe ex army ranger more recent ex con returning home to his wife and young child. He is stuck when his fellow not so ex cons take over the plane.  Staring another favourite John Malkovichas Cyrus 'the Virus' Grissom and co starring John Cusack  as Vince Larkin to name a few!  This is adrenalin fuelled action from the moment you 'buckle up'.  Directed by Simon West you cant really go wrong if you are spending a night in.

6.5 out of 10


I felt it would be wrong to jump past (1998) and City of Angels it's based on a modern classic and tells the story of an angel named Seth played by Cage, who is spotted by a doctor Maggie played by Meg Ryan. Seth begins to struggle with his 'duties' as he starts to 'fall' for her, suddenly his immortality is a hindrance and he has to make a choice. This is directed by Brad siberling who brought you Casperand more recently Land of the Lost, I feel this is one of those films easily over looked that surprises you and shows another side to Cage's ability to play vast roles (though people so easily pigeon hole him)

6 out of 10



   Complete change of scenery now and 8MM (1999) (no not a story of bullets) in this crime thriller Cage plays Tom Welles a private investigator hired to find out if a 'snuff film' is real.  In this gritty film directed by Joel Schumacher your transported in to a seedy underworld of porn and he is soon faced with a horrific truth. Dark, violent and at times heart pounding suspense.

4 out of 10


  Now its boosting time with (2000) and Gone in Sixty Seconds.  Cage plays Memphis Raines a retired master car thief, alongside a VERY HOT! Angelina Jolie as Sara 'Sway' Wayland and (the under rated) Giovanni Ribisi as Kip Raines (Cages younger brother).  He is forced out of retirement for one last job to boost 50 cars in one night to save his brothers life.  He has no choice but to take the job and get his old crew to help.  Simple and very effective.  With a great supporting cast, nice cinematography and action sequences.  It also has a great soundtrack, this is my third fave Cage movie!

Best scene - Getting Eleanor to the dock

Best Line - 'You stole a car that wasn't on the list, why don't you go to the police station in a red clown suit and let everybody know what we are doing'

7 out of 10

 And Finally...
 2005 see's Lord of War my second fave Cage movie.  Cage plays Yuri Orlov an arms dealer who confronts the mortality of his job while been chased by Interpol Agent Jack Valentine played by Ethan Hawke.  Supported by a great performance by Jared Leto as Yuri's younger brother Vitaly.  This film has action and great monologues by Cage, with some superb confrontations with Hawke, Ian Holme as Simeon Wiesz and Eamonn Walker as Andre Baptiste.  Thus film realy hits home on a subject that is more and more in the lime light.  In closing I love the multi levelled feel to this movie, which crosses so many story's and is directed by Andrew Niccol (you truly can tell he wrote as well as directed) what I feel is a modern masterpiece and very clever.  With out a doubt thus is a modern classic.  A must watch for any fan of cinema.

Best Line - 'Of all the weapons in the vast soviet arsenal, nothing was more profitable than Avtomat Kalashnikova model of 1947. More commonly known as the AK-47, or Kalashnikov. It's the world's most popular assault rifle. A weapon all fighters love. An elegantly simple 9 pound amalgamation of forged steel and plywood. It doesn't break, jam, or overheat. It'll shoot whether it's covered in mud or filled with sand. It's so easy, even a child can use it; and they do. The Soviets put the gun on a coin. Mozambique put it on their flag. Since the end of the Cold War, the Kalashnikov has become the Russian people's greatest export. After that comes vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists. One thing is for sure, no one was lining up to buy their cars'.

8 out of 10

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3 Days to Kill

  This 2014 film tells the story of Ethan Renner played by Kevin Costner.  He is determined to give up his high stakes life to finally build a closer relationship with his estranged wife and daughter, whom he's previously kept at arm's length to keep out of danger.  After finding out some life changing news this CIA agent re evaluates whats important to him.  This action thriller is directed by McG and written by Luc Besson.  With some great action sequences and good cinematography this is a classy film that shows Costner has still got it.  Amber Heard is show stopping as Vivi Delay full throttle throughout.  A well crafted story, great visuals and a good sense of humour make this one to watch.  I give 3 days to kill 6 out of 10.

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Sabotage

  This 2014 thriller is a violent ride start to finish, it tells the story of an elite DEA team who are taken down one by one.  Directed by David Ayer (End of watch) this guy makes a good cop film.  I really enjoyed this film and felt it had a powerful story well written by David Ayer and Skip Woods (Training Day/Swordfish).  Arnold Schwarzenegger plays John 'Breacher' Wharton, he brings a hell of a lot to the role with a certain Eastwood feel.  Some of his looks to screen and the final scene especially illustrates this well.  You can also see his inner turmoil, but you don't quite no the story behind it till later on.  His team has a style of there own with some great roles well played throughout.  Sam Worthington plays 'Monster', Joe Manganiello as 'Grinder', Josh Holloway is 'Neck' with Terrence Howard as 'Sugar', Max Martini 'Pyro' and Mireille Enos as Lizzy.   Though these are all adequate in the gun totting fire fights and bro down after parties.  Olivia Williams steels the lime light as Caroline who also has great back up from Harold Perrineau as Jackson..  Don't watch this film expecting to find academy award material, but an action film with a good story.  It got slated for lack of plot which I feel is unfair, there are a lot worse out there.  The story is gripping, but could have had a few more twists. The original 3 hour running time would have helped to build the characters more.  Some well choreographed action sequences and good camera work help keep it rolling along.  This is a well rounded picture well worth a watch more than once.
I give Sabotage 7.5 out of 10.

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The Asian Invasion

 Over the past few years there has been a surge in the foreign film market, this effect has given way to a large in flux of great movies, that at one time you really had to search for, now being widely available.  There are many movies that fall in to this bracket and too many to discuss in one review.  However below are three I have chosen that cover a wide spectrum of what you can expect.

  I thought I would start with a favourite from 2010. 13 Assassins, this movie has more slashes of glimmering katana than a Akira Kurosawa film. The plot is simple 13 former samurai, of different classes come together to take out a tyrant.  I say former for as soon as they take on this task they become master less so becoming Ronin.  This film is subtitled, but don't let this put you off it is easy to follow and packs a punch in the truly epic battle sequences.  Directed by Takashi Miike who has also since directed Hara-Kiri: Death of a samurai.  You can sense that this is a homage to Akira Kurosawa throughout from the detail of the characters, use of individual music score for each character and the vintage combat sequences.   A true classic in the genre already and arguably better then many of its predecessors.

Best Scene -  The 35 minute fight scene (oh yes)

In closing this is a 105 minutes of well choreographed cinematic mayhem! A real must see...

9 out of 10

  Next is War of the Arrows 2011 set in the second Manchu invasion of Korea.  This is directed by Han-Min Kim, the plot is set against the greatest archer in Korea.  Nam Yi played by Hae-il Park who fights against the Qing Dynasty to save his sister.  This is a good film which has powerful dialogue threw its main character and super cinematic sequences you come to expect from Korean cinema.  However the star here is the bow, which is central to the story throughout.  This is a well made film worth a watch and set apart by its focus on the bow and arrow which can be over looked in other movies.  For the cinematography alone it is a valuable asset to this genre.

8 out of 10

  Finally I thought I would mention Ninja Assassin 2009 for two reasons really, one is that it is truly inspired by world cinema and unlike many before it lives up to its masters.  The plot is Hitman Esq with a young ninja turning his back on his orphanage and then having a confrontation via a mass of blood soaked action sequences well worth the awards dished out for cinematic sequences and superb choreography.  It stars Rain, known more in his native Korea for TV and Dancing (dancing really)...  He plays Raizo who was trained as a ninja by the  Ozunu clan.  The second reason is that it is directed by James McTeigue on his directorial debut, oh yes he was involved with the Matrix trilogy and V for Vendetta but this is his first full direction.  Which I feel adds to the movie even more.  A great debut all round.

Best Scene - Starts in a underground car park and ends on a roundabout (trust me on this)

  In closing this is one of the great all out action films ever, a must see and deserves to be on your shelf!

9 out of 10

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Why do we love the bad guy?

  Is a question asked a lot... I mean we shouldn't like someone who usually has done some very untoward things, but we do!  In the following I'm going to review some films which really hit home on this.

  I'm starting with my personal favourite 'Bad Guy' Snake Plissken played by Kurt Russell in the cult classic Escape from New York (1981).  'Snake' epitomises all things bad.  I mean this guy is a bank robbing, murdering rapist.  Yet you cant help but love him, John Carpenter who directs this futuristic dystopia look at New York, even said that he is shocked by the love for this character.

  The plot; after being captured for a bank robbery (the special edition includes the unseen robbery)    'snake' is told he will be pardoned for his very long list of crimes.  All he has to do is go into New York (now the only maximum security prison in America, which once you enter you don't ever leave) to save the president, who crashed landed there.  What ensues is a battle for survival as 'Snake' searches New York and meets several unsavoury characters.  Worth a mention is Isaac Hayes as the The Duke and though a good guy (term used loosely) Lee Van Cleef as Hauk who is very cool as always.

  This movie is a must see, I am a massive John Carpenter fan myself.  I truly appreciate his take on violent and often realistic futures.  In closing if you haven't seen many John Carpenter films, this is a great starting point.

 8 out of 10

  Next up is Henry Hill played by Ray Liotta in Goodfellas(1990) 'ever since I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster' and he definitely brings the cool to the party in his portrayal of this hood.  I think Ray Liotta has been a little unlucky not to have made bigger moves in Hollywood and has been a little over looked.  You almost believe he was made for this role though, start to finish he doesn't put a foot wrong and has some great lines.  A real class act!  You also get a Stella cast with this movie, this includes Robert De Niro as James Conway and Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito.  Loosely based on the biopic of 'Mr Hill' the film shows his rise through the Hierarchy of 'the family'.   A great story directed by the one and only Martin Scorsese.  If you haven't seen Goodfellas sort it out!  This is one of my favourite gangster classics.

9 out of 10

  Finally no list is complete without Al Pacino, in this case as Tony Montana in Scarface (1983) this film takes place in 1980's Miami.  Tony Montana a Cuban refugee, takes over a drug cartel and succumbs to greed.  Tony is cool, humorous and ruthless throughout.  He stays honest to his values, always getting what he wants with force and that is why you have to love him.  One to own on any movie shelf.  Al Pacino is at his best in this picture.  I can't imagine anyone doing this role the justice he does.  Directed by Brian De Palma this gritty, slick and uber violent crime drama is as near perfect as you can get.

10 out of 10

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Starred up

  Directed by David Mackenzie and written by Jonathan Asser, who based the screenplay on his own experiences as a voluntary therapist at HM Wandsworth.  This prison drama is everything I love about British film.  Gritty and thought provoking from the outset.  We watch as a troubled and explosively violent teenager is transferred to adult prison where he finally meets his match.  His match being his estranged father, this simple plot is all we need to set the wheels in motion.  Starring Jack O'Connell as Eric who is 'starred up' (moving to adult prison as a minor 2 years early due to his violent record) this young actor has burst on to the scene since I watched him in skins.  He has been a Athenian in the new 300 and next up is starring in epic true story Unbroken.  He plays this role to perfection and like a seasoned pro.  The first 20 minutes sum up his abilities as he is transferred in to the prison and forced to go through all the rituals that come along with this, he really sets the tone without uttering a word.  Along side O'Connell is a great supporting cast including.  Rupert friend the therapist who is trying to rehabilitate, Ben Mendelsohn as Eric's father (both are instrumental to the main character).  Also worth a mention is Sam Spruell as Governor Hayes, the anger you feel towards him, as a viewer at certain points in this film is palpable.  A brutal, unflinching expose of a world most of us probably don't want to imagine. Let alone go through, I really enjoyed this film.  If you haven't already partaken in this prison masterpiece (high praise I know) watch it asap.

I give Starred up 9 out of 10. 

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Lucy

  Okay... erm where to start... well this hold no punches brazen thriller from the one and only Luc Besson, stars Scarlett Johansson.  Who as always holds your attention throughout what essentially is 'crank' meets 'limitless'.  The plot is simple; a student is kidnapped by Taiwanese gangsters and forced to mule a new drug via minor surgery (they put it in her abdomen).  After been attacked the bag bursts and the drug ends up in her bloodstream.  This has the effect of increasing her brain capacity to 100%.  As with all 'Besson' movies the pace is high and the action well choreographed.  The special effects are cool and Johansson has enough natural charisma to keep the character compelling.  As an action packed fast paced thriller this film works.  However it goes a step beyond, asking questions about human behaviour and why we do what we do.  Luc Besson wrote this so clearly he has an interest in human behaviour and this is brought to the screen brilliantly by the supporting role of the sublime Morgan Freeman who plays Professor Norman.  Also worthy of mention is Min-Sik Choi who plays Mr Jang a ruthless gang lord. 

  The soundtrack is not bad I only say this as Eric Serra has high credit working with 'Besson' on Leon and fifth Element and it doesn't quite hit there heights.  However another superb job by Thierry Arbogast, who worked along side 'Besson' again (Leon, Nikita and Fifth Element) his cinematography is visceral and palpitating, great camera work and use of his surroundings keeps the film visually pleasing.  The violence throughout has a certain 'pulp' feel to it.  Johansson steals the show and reminded me of her role in 'her' this may sound a little strange, but it does.  A great watch and well worth purchasing. 

Lucy gets 8 out of 10.

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Any Given Sunday

  "I firmly believe that any man’s finest hours – his greatest fulfilment of all that he holds dear – is that moment when he has worked his heart out in good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”
                                                    - Vince Lombardi

  This 1999 Oliver Stone film is set around a Pro football team called the Miami Sharks.  As an avid NFL fan I appreciate the detail throughout this picture.  Starring Al Pacino as Tony D'Amato the coach of the sharks.  Pacino really shows the weight he is carrying as a coach with an old time philosophy.  You can see his anxiety as he watches the whole game changing around him.  As we have come to expect from Pacino he is flawless as the quintessential coach.  He has some super lines and the monologue in the dressing room towards the end of the movie stands up to any other roles.  Another stand out performance is Dennis Quaid, he plays ageing quarter back Jack Rooney.  Who is feeling the heat due to a young pretender in Jamie Foxx as Willie Beamen.  Willie Beamen is a complex character and Foxx nailed the part. He was magnificent. He played the part to perfection and arguably out shined Pacino at times.  Jamie Foxx can be very hit and miss in my opinion but he is on good form here (it would not surprise me if he played ball).  The list of great performances goes on and on.  Cameron Diaz as the owner running the franchise for profit, James Woods as the sleazy physio,  John C. McGinley a sports reporter, LL Cool J as the 'Merc' free agent and Aaron Eckhart as the offencive coordinator hungry for the lead role.  A powerful screenplay and superb soundtrack help to keep the films pace.  We follow the team as they try to make the playoffs.  There have been several good football films, but none have covered off the field events as well as this, while still matching on field action.  This film is definitely worth its running time (157).  As with all Oliver Stone pics the cinematography is well thought out and really sets the mood early on. It is very rare to find a great dramatic football movie but this is definitely one of only a few.

Overall, this is one of the greatest sports movies of all time and it is highly enjoyable. I recommend you watch this movie. 

Always great before the SUPERBOWL

 "Nobody blitz's like the Shark" Any Given Sunday gets 9 out of 10.

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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

  I've just got in from watching this Sci Fi epic and in a word it was epic.  From the starting credits to the closing I was gripped.  The roots of this film are bedded on family.  Values that are shown by ape and human alike.  The film centres on Ceaser (Andy Serkis) who 10 years on has created a utopia for his race deep in the red woods from the last film.  All the apes we met in "rise" are back.  With Maurice the orangutan creating a school in which the young learn to sign and that "Ape shall not kill Ape".  While this has been going on the human population has been decimated via the virus released in "rise" nick named the "simian flu".  This is shown through a montage at the very beginning of the film.  This is when we meet Dreyfus (Gary Oldman) and Malcolm (Jason Clarke) who have created a rag tag camp in San Francisco.  When the too races accidentally happen upon each other.  They have to decide what to do next, both races go through similar emotions and have similar personalities within positions of power, a flimsy pact is made.  The script for this film is very strong throughout and it is backed up by a super cast.  I felt drawn to Ceaser who really shows on screen, his heavy burden of wanting to protect his family and the civilisation he has created for all apes.  This too was true of Malcolm, who also wishes above all else to create some kind of normality for his son.  Both characters are backed up by Dreyfus and Koba (Toby Kebbell) the scarred up chimp who he saves in "rise".  Koba has true hatred for man due to the years he spent behind bars, while Dreyfus has true hatred for Ape due to his own loss.  On top of a super script; we also get amazing cinematography that fuels the film throughout showing how nature has taken back the land that humans had colonised.  With a great use of scale you see through clever camera techniques to show the vast landscape of the city and the relative close quarters of the forest.   I believe this is to show how the apes are closer and more trusting than there human counter parts.  Director Matt Reeves (under siege 2) has done a great job with this movie which toes the line of being original, but also creates a sense of nostalgia by giving us tokens from the original movies.  This is always done in a way that doesn't deflect from the story. Which I believe is very important.  I am struggling to see a flaw in this powerful, emotional, dramatic and heart palpitating thrill ride.  A must see I give Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 9 out of 10 (probably a future 10 and most likely the best film of the year).  Go see it and leave a comment if you have an opinion...  Signing off.

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Under the Skin

  This (2013) Sci Fi thriller stars Scarlett Johansson as Laura, an alien posing as a women who seduces lonely men on the streets of Scotland by night.  This is a truly mesmerising performance by Johansson throughout what at times is a haunting movie.  Directed by Jonathan Glazer (Sexy beast and birth) this picture has no obvious narrative mainly because it has no real significance or importance.  We follow Laura as she harvests the skin from men who follow her for what they assume will be a quick and easy pleasure.  This I believe has a meaning, showing the need for love and substance rather then a quick thrill.  This is one of multiple layers that has been hidden in this film.  Johansson's character is another, you will see how she is struggling in this society.  She is always portrayed as going against the tide, she is lost in a sea of rushing people throughout.  You will also notice visually this contrast from the clever use of objects such as the cake she eats looking so good and tasting so bad. Or earlier the rose so beautiful but with thorns cutting a hand.  Clever use of sound throughout helps to keep the tension and stunning camera work holds your attention.  I could sense a familiar presence while watching this film, there is a definite influence of Stanley Kubrik (Eyes wide shut and 2001) his use of subliminal messages and the sound use giving it away.  Even though, in my opinion, the images are very meaningful and extremely powerful.  Like most films which break a standard mould, you are going to get mix opinions.  I believe Under the Skin to be a clever well made piece of art and appreciate what Glazer has done. Who knows maybe we all need to stop and look at the beauty that is all around us.  Based on this it gets 7 out of 10.

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The Matrix

  This (1999) Wachowski brothers film is a super Sci-Fi romp.  Starring Keanu Reeves as Neo.  In the near future, he plays a computer hacker who discovers that we are all living a lie.  Laurence Fishburne is Morpheus he guides Neo throughout.  Fishburne is great in this role he has a presence on screen and at times stands out with a powerful performance (shades of his mentor role in higher learning).  Carrie-Anne Moss plays Trinity the love interest.  She surprised me in this role giving a great performance.  She brings a angst that you feel on screen for most of the film as she deals with her true feelings for the main character right till the very end of the film.  Also strong supporting roles by Joe Pantoliano as cypher, Gloria Foster as Oracle and Belinda McClory as Switch to name a few.  However the best role in this film which I believe makes the film stand out that little bit more is Hugo Weaving, he plays Agent Smith the main henchmen of "the bad guy" and his ability to put across sheer hatred for the human race is gold.  The interaction with Neo is flawless start to finish.  Keanu Reeves plays the protagonist perfectly, his acting style (yes he can act) fits the mentality of the role in a way that most would struggle and I believe no one would play a better Neo.  The Matrix punches and kicks it's way above the rest of the films in its genre.  Due to there being no loopholes. The script, written by the Wachowski brothers is intelligent but carefully not too geeky.  The kung-fu sequences were choreographed perfectly - something even Bruce Lee would've been proud of.  The photography was breathtaking every shot looks pre ordained.  This mixed with flawless cinematography, from the detail in the old run down building's when Neo meets Morpheus to the stretched vertical lines of a sky scraper filled back drop and the close quarters of the sewer system.  Truly a beautiful movie which will always look great.  I can give The Matrix a well deserved 9.5 out of 10.

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True Romance

  This Tony Scott (1993) cross genre classic, has many positives.  For starters a Quentin Tarantino screenplay kicks it off.  Followed by a stellar cast including Hopper, Kilmer, Pitt, Oldman, Gandolfini and Walken.  Assuming I now have your attention!  True Romance is absolutely shameless in its exploitation of excessive violence, over-acting, melodrama, sex, and rampant drug use...I love it.  Starring Christian Slater as Clarence Worley and Patricia Arquette as Alabama Whitman.  Clarence is a down on his luck loner who loves movies, comic books and Elvis (yes the king).  Alabama is a small town girl who fell in with the wrong crowd (putting it lightly).  They hit it off straight away via an unlikely meeting involving popcorn.  Gary Oldman plays Drexl Spivey a white pimp who believes he is a rasta.  Oldman's small role is one of many memorable performances.  Dennis Hopper plays another small and memorable role as the father of Clarence.  His monologue with Christopher Walken is a highlight and possibly the best scene in the movie.  Then you have James Gandolfini playing a "soldier" for "Blu Lou Boil" a mafiosi after the starring couple. Gandolfini gives yet another master class in method acting with his powerful and evil portrayal.  Arquette and Slater arguably give their best performances in this movie.  As I touched on before Christopher Walken steals the show (with the help of Hopper) there back and forth in a trailer is a work of genius.  This film oozes Tarantino start to finish.  Tony Scott directs well pulling what essentially is 12 conversations with a gun fight into a great movie.  The cinematography and tight camera angles show the gritty detritus of Detroit followed by the open vast landscape of LA.  This combined with a great soundtrack (Tarantino esq).   You will be moved throughout by the fast paced romance and savage violence.  Slater's wardrobe has to be seen to be believed.  

True Romance gets 9.5  out of 10.

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Heat

  Michael Mann's (1995) masterpiece is a action fuelled crime thriller.  He is both writer and director,  the plot is simple a crew of professional bank robbers start to feel the heat from police when they unknowingly leave a clue at their latest heist.  One of the most amazing things about Heat, is the scale of the film at nearly three hours long it's packed full of mind-blowing visuals from the opening scene to the closing credits.  Starring Al Pacino as Lt. Vincent Hanna and Robert De Niro as Neil McCauley, both give powerful performances as they play a game of cat and mouse.  The support cast to this epic is impressive on both sides.   McCauley's crew includes Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis, Tom Sizemore as Michael Cheritto and Danny Trejo played by Trejo.  Lt. Hanna has Mykelti Williamson as Seargent Drucker,  Wes Studi as Detective Casals and Ted Levine as Bosko.  A long side the above you get great performances from Jon Voight, Ashley Judd and a young Natalie Portman.  I can't stress enough how powerful this film is, the cinematography (Dante Spinotti) is flawless from overlooking a table in a diner (great scene) to long landscaping views across LA or the camera work during a carbine filled street battle.   Music by Elliot Goldenthal flows from scene to scene.  Pacino oozes class playing one of the most intense characterisations of "the tragic hero" I believe you will ever see.  Only matched by De Niro's portrayal of the ruthless leader of a crew who will rock and roll at a moments notice.  You have a front row seat as he calculates his need for survival and vengeance.  Heat grabs you and pulls you in. This is a true film masterpiece.  It gets 10 out of 10

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The Last of the Mohicans

  A action packed drama set in the 18th century during the war over the north American colonies, between the French and English.  This (1992) epic is directed by Michael Mann, who went on to direct Heat (review to follow).  Starring Daniel Day-Lewis as Hawkeye an orphan adopted by Chingachgook played by Russell Means a Mohican and one of last of his tribe.  It also stars Madeleine Stowe as Cara Munro daughter of col. Munro (Maurice Roëves) who falls for Hawkeye.  Eric Schweig as Uncas and Jodhi May as Alice Munro.  Finally Wes Studi as Magua hatred filled war chief allied with the French.  The script/screenplay are immersing you feel the tension and foreboding inevitability of war.  This mixed with powerful thought provoking music by Randy Edelman and Trevor Jones.  Cinematography by Dante Spinotti (Heat) make for a stunning take on the French Indian war.  The cast all play there roles well throughout with Daniel Day-Lewis/Wes Studi as the stand out performances.  If you haven't seen it (some how) it's time to remedy this.  A special film and easily worth 9 out of 10.

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Divergent

  In this 2014 Sci Fi movie directed by Neil Burger (limitless) based on the novel by Veronica Roth.  We are immersed into a future earth where society is split into factions based on virtues.  I sat down in the cinema and was pleasantly surprised to find that this wasn't just another hunger games.  I admit there is an element of "arm candy" and "shoulder to cry on" in the lead actor Theo James who plays Four (I know) he quickly shows that he can act and pulls off a half decent role.  The film pulls you in with a solid cast including Kate Winslet as Jeanine Matthews the leader of one faction and the lead role played by Shailene Woodley as Beatrice Prior, she commands presence on screen and at times I could barely take my eyes off her.  Lookout also for Zoe Kravitz and Jai Courtney who both are memorable.  Gritty in part which surprised me with great cinematography throughout (you get a great feeling of the barren wastes and dystopian surroundings).  I haven't read the books but you get the feeling that this first instalment has done a good job of staying true to its origins.  The main plot line is that when you come of age you are tested to see which faction fits your personality.  You then choose to go with the outcome or you may choose any faction, once you have made your choice you stay with that faction for life.  "Trice" finds out she is divergent and that's the springboard into the film.  I firmly believe this script is a good start to finish and though at times I saw what was coming next and the fact that this is only the beginning of yet another ongoing franchise.  It gets a firm 7 out of 10.

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Dallas Buyers Club

  A film by Jean - Marc Villée and written by Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack.  It is a biographical drama.  A strong script start to finish and great casting help to make a powerful well produced movie.  Starring Mathew McConaughey as Ron Woodroof and Jared Leto as Rayon.  After Ron is diagnosed with HIV the film tells the story of his in ability to accept and later fight to survive against the disease.  Rayon he meets along the way and forms an unlikely friendship.  Both actors give outstanding performances and it is easy to see (on this occasion) why both received academy awards.  The film is gritty and holds no punches in regard to subject matter throughout.  The treatment of HIV/Aids in its early onset is shown through the FDA and the medication administered to patients in the medical trial of AZT is explained and presented well.  The supporting cast all "bring it" including Steve Zahn and Denis O'Hare with Jennifer Garner who plays Dr Eve Saks standing out, with her take on a doctor who stays true to her ethics in a time when her colleagues are pill pushing.  If you haven't already seen Dallas Buyers Club remedy this (doctors orders).  What could have been a depressing outing is in a way heart warning. It gets 8 out of 10.

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Transformers : Age of Extinction

  Micheal Bay is back to his action best in the latest transformers film which is attempting to reboot the franchise with a whole new human cast.  Written by Ehren kruger who has done nothing before this (comment if I'm wrong).  There are some old robotic faces and a few new ones.  Starring Mark Wahlberg as Cade Yeager a mechanic who accidentally discovers Optimus prime via purchasing what he believes is some junk (how the mighty have fallen).  Peter Cullen is once again voicing Optimus and Nicola Peltz plays Tessa Yeager the daughter.  Also Jack Reynor plays Shane Dyson the secret boyfriend and arguably the best acting coming from Stanley Tucci as Joshua Joyce.  If you enjoyed the previous instalments of this franchise you will not be disappointed at 165 minutes you will certainty get your money's worth.  The cinematography and action sequences are well... out standing as you would expect from a Bay production,  but you have seen it all before (3 times).  The main premise of this outing is that following on from the last near global catastrophe we have evolved technology we can't control, while yet another sinister alien power has set it's sights on earth.  Once again we don't want the autobots until suddenly we need them (been hear before too) as a spectacle its worth the ticket price.  However I won't be purchasing it when its released as another instalment is already on the horizon.  The special effects and soundtrack help were at times the script fails.  It falls short of the original as did it's predecessors, Age of Extinction gets a solid 6 out of 10.

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King Of New York

  This (1990) drug fuelled joy ride is an Abel Ferrara creation (Bad Lieutenant and Driller Killer) he does both the screenplay and direction.  It stars one of my all time favourite actors Christopher Walken as Frank White.  The films opening credits begin with Frank leaving the big house (prison).  The tone is set early with his former competition taken out swiftly, set against a New York back drop which covers both high society and the seedier gang controlled back streets.  Walken is sublime throughout he plays a kind of a vengeful Robin Hood, don't get me wrong he is a stone cold killer throughout but you really get to see his vision for a sort of socialist gang.  The story covers the police who can't let go of the fact he has been released and in some ways they are worse than Frank.  To Frank's need to do something good and leave a legacy.  The cast includes Victor Argo as Roy Bishop the lead detective,  supported by David Caruso and Wesley Snipes.  While Walken's entourage includes Laurence Fishburn (Larry on the credits) as Jimmy Jump and Steve Buscemi as Test Tube.  The film has a great hip hop soundtrack and a true quintessential 90's feel from suits to stretch limo's.  The cinematography is great and you can see the expense through vast defused lighting in hotel rooms to the bleak back drop of the rain drenched streets.  The audio is really well done too there is a scene where they use the subway to score the scene.  There is a good balance of hard hitting action sequences and well written monologues.  Plus a great car chase involving a limo a personal favourite.  Laurence Fishburn does really well in his scenes with Walken to hold his own.  This film became a springboard for a group of actors including Fishburn, Snipes and Janet Julian.

  In closing if this crept under your radar on release or you never got around to seeing it.  A cult movie (though Ferrara likes to gloss over this) well worth a watch.  It gets a gun wielding 8 out of 10

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Edge of Tomorrow

  This movie differs from many in that when you watch it you clearly can see it's gaming origins.   I feel this makes it stand out as there are many movies that are based specifically on a individual title, this takes ideas from a genre i.e the shooter.  The film starts with an invasion of earth by aliens who seem to have hitched a ride via a comet.  Directed by Doug liman (jumper and Bourne identity) and starring Tom Cruise as Cage and Emily Blunt as Rita.  This hits the spot for Sci Fi/Action fans alike, supported by a cast including Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson and Noah Taylor (fresh from game of thrones).  Steeling the show throughout though is the special effects from the Mecha suits the characters are wearing to the aliens them selves you can see the attention to detail.  The story covers the battle to take back Europe in a kind of futuristic D day reenactment.  It's kind of call of duty meets groundhog day.  This movie ticks most of the boxes with a clever script and good action sequences wrapped up in stunning cinematography.  There is one moment when you think enough is enough (avoiding spoiler), but for the most part it hits a home run.  Well worth a watch and for most a place on the shelf.

I give a solid 7 out of 10.

Over and out.

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Blue Ruin

   This (2013) Cannes film is an American thriller/drama, directed by Jeremy Saulnier it starts with a loner living rough and takes a huge unexpected turn that really effects the pace of this film.   I felt the main character Dwight played by Macon Blair was clever and thoughtful.   You begin to feel what he feels and care about his decisions.  With fast paced action sequences paired off with slow drawn out chit chat this film is a smart and grim tail of revenge.  I enjoyed this flick from start to finish and would urge all to check it out sooner rather than later.

8 out of 10

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The Grand Budapest Hotel

  As with my previous review this is classic Wes Anderson,  the reason for following on with this film straight after is simple... I just watched it.  As I'm sure you are aware this came out last year (2013) it is quint essential Anderson at its best.   I really enjoyed this film which is a story that spans the life of a simple concierge of the grand Budapest hotel.  It starts at the very end and quickly returns to the very beginning.   Great acting throughout from Ralph Fiennes as M. Gustave as said concierge.   Supported by a plethora of greats including Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Willem Defoe, F. Murray Abraham and Harvey Kietel.  The stand out parts are both relatively unknowns though, first Anthony Quinonez as Zero is class throughout simply a glance at camera or his ability to pull you in emotionally.  Finally Saoirse Ronan as Agatha who like my previous review is a young actress who I see a great future.  She plays here part perfectly start to finish.  The cinematography in this film stands out from vast wilderness to detail within museum and prison corridors.  I truly enjoyed this movie and look forward to his next outing. 

8.5 out of 10

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Moonrise Kingdom

  Wes Anderson what can I say, you usually either love him or hate him.  I'm sure this film will be treated the same.  For my part this clever (2012) film and it's director fall firmly in the first category.

  It follows a orphan named Sam played Jared Gilman, who falls 'in love' with Suzy Bishop played by Kara Hayward.   Sam is a keen camping enthusiast who runs away with said love.  As you would expect with Wes Anderson  he has a stella cast including Bill Murray as Walt Bishop and Bruce Willis as captain sharp.  However the star of this movie is Kara Hayward who won an award for her part and I believe she will be a future star if she carries on in the same vein.  This simple film with great attention to detail (as always with Wes) is an enjoyable romp.  Well worth a watch if it passed you by.

 7 out of 10

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TED

 Ted is one of those movies that always gets over hyped, however Seth Macfarlane manages very well for the most part to keep you laughing out loud, while managing to keep a solid structure to a quite heart warming story.  Don't get me wrong I'm not saying its perfect, far from it... 

  Mark Wahlberg as John Bennett (sounds like an Arnie special) does well, but is a little lost at moments and Mila Kunis as Lori Collins is good as the girl friend that always has a problem with her boyfriends lack of prospects, responsibility and best friend (but what's new there).  The major star here though of course is Ted voiced by Seth himself, nearly all the jokes go through him and he is truly great start to finish.  Also watch out for Giovanni Ribisi as Donny who I thought played a great part.  This film is quite nostalgic at the beginning (for me anyway).  It is also thought provoking towards the end and gets across its change of mood well. 

  In closing this is a good starting point for Seth Macfarlane (shame about his most recent escapades) showing a few of his abilities as a director. Well worth a watch even if you choose to miss it on the big screen.

 6 out of 10

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"If It Bleeds We Can Kill It" Arnold Schwarzenegger an early career

Arnie is and always will be a legend, he is irreplaceable!  In the following reviews I will be covering his early career.

  I am going to start this journey with his first big break (it hit problems early on and Arnie didn't exactly get on with De Laurentiis) Conan the Barbarian (1982) Arnie plays Conan, a Cimmerian who became a slave as a child when his village was destroyed by raiders and his parents both slain.   He is eventually set free and the film follows him on his journey to avenge his parents.  Directed by John Milius this epic tale is visually pleasing and immersed in its world of fantasy with warriors, thieves, witches and sorcerers all making an appearance.  Cast wise James Earl Jones plays Thulsa Doom the warlord who kills Conan's parents and Sandahl Bergman as Valeria Conan's squeeze.  Well worth a watch, it spawned a sequel Conan the Destroyer (1984) directed by Richard Fleischer (who did Soylent green 1973) this doesn't quiet meet my expectation's and is a shadow of the original. I still believe that Arnie could re visit this franchise and finish off with a sword wielding re emergence to a great role.

Best Quote : "Conan, what is best in life?" "Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.

  Now we come to The Terminator (1984) and Arnie's first go at been BAD.  It is directed by James Cameron, it co stars a cult favourite of mine Michael Biehn as Kyle Reese and Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor.  Arnie is sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese is sent to protect her simple enough, but it's never that simple.  A great film made on a small budget, with a clever story that is the perfect foundation to start an epic franchise.  Also his first use of his iconic line 'I'll Be Back'

Returning to fantasy in his next role he is reunited with director Richard Fleischer, he plays Kalidor in Red Sonja (1985).  His role though small in this film really adds to it and makes it one to watch, that you may have missed.  Brigitte Nielsen plays Red Sonja and Sandahl Bergman returns as Queen Gedren.  No masterpiece, but definitely worth a watch and has some cult following.

Best Quote : "I know you are a brave girl,  but DANGER is my trade".

One for the action nuts now and John Matrix in Commando (1985) adrenaline pumping action from start to finish, this film still has it's place against more recent action movies.  Directed by Mark L. Lester (Showdown in Little Tokyo/Firestarter) Arnie truly comes into his own in this film.  It has it all humour, action and some great music I really appreciate what Commando brought to the table.  Don't get me wrong it is a simple plot and straight forward throughout, but its simplicity is its greatest asset.  One to own always a blast!

Best Quote : "Don't disturb my friend he's dead tired".

  Two back to back greats now, first it's Arnie as Dutch in Predator (1987). I love this film I know every line out of the film and often repeat them, it's seared in my brain forever.  It is easy to see why as this is a well thought out movie.  Well written by Jim Thomas and John Thomas and well directed by John McTiernan AKA the man behind Die Hard.  Also you are immersed into this film by the amazing music throughout by Alan Silvestri.  It also has one of the greatest aliens ever thought up.  I am of course talking about the Predator played by Kevin Peter Hall (who also plays the helicopter pilot during the incursion).  This film ticks all the boxes and even invents a few more, truly an iconic movie loved by more than one generation.  Arguably Arnie's greatest outing!

Best Quote : "Get too the chopper"!

Another favourite of mine now in the Running Man (1987) he plays Ben Richards.  Falsely accused of murdering unarmed civilians.  He is forced to go through a public execution in the form of a TV show.  Directed by Paul Michael Glaser this film has some great one liners and visually well choreographed fight sequences.  There is something in this film for everyone, based on a great novel by Stephen King the story is well structured.  Arnie is once again at his best in this role and brings his own edge to the part. Another classic 80's action fest.

Best Quote : "Sub zero, now plain zero"!

I believe all of the above have there place on any movie shelf and I personally watch them regularly. 

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The Dark Knight Rises

  It's 8 years on from the dramatic fall of Gotham's dark all seeing vigilante.  The streets have been cleaned and Gotham is at peace, but to coin a phrase 'there is a storm brewing' and soon it will whirlwind its way through Gotham.  I am and always will be a fan of the Batman! However even as a fan I wasn't prepared for this epic masterpiece (strong praise indeed).  This is as well constructed a film as you will see from a comic franchise.  It has all the pieces of the puzzle and knows where to place them.  

  Directed by Christopher Nolan flawlessly, casting by both John Papsidera (previous bats and Inception) and Toby Whale (History boys, East Is East and Largo Winch) is outstanding.  It is also written by Jonathan and Christopher Nolan.  Then we come to the stars on screen and we have to start with Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne and Batman obviously.  He truly stamps his self as the dark knight in this final instalment.  Next is Tom Hardy who is epic as Bane Gotham's brutal adversary.  Now we come to Anne Hathaway as Selina aka Cat women (who I will always associate as Michelle Pfeiffer in her previous escapades back in 1992's Batman Returns).  The problem that arises here though, is that I believe Anne does more justice to the character showing off Selina's multilevel personality and rocking an awesome costume by the way (love the goggles to cat ears touch).  So unfortunately for Pfeiffer, she is going to have to step aside and dust off the mantle piece for the new and improved 2012 feline.  Worth mentioning are Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Blake, Marrion Cotillard as Miranda, also old favourites Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon and of course Morgan Freeman as Fox.

  At points in this film I was quite literally blown away, the cinematography (Wally Pfister) throughout is mesmerising.  The original music (Hans Zimmer) is powerful, thought provoking and immersing.  You truly need to experience this film on the big screen to understand its true awe.  

  In closing this production is as near to perfection as you could ever hope.  DC Comics can be proud of this trilogy and I believe it wont be the end of there productions... Only the beginning!

9 out of 10

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The Warriors

Warrior's come out to play!

   This is the story of a gang who after attending a meeting in the Bronx, with all of the (main) gangs in New York are wrongly accused of murdering Cyrus (Warlord of Gramercy Riffs).  They then have to bop (fight) their way back to Coney Island their own turf.  While fending off other gangs after 'the word' is put out to take them out.  The Warriors (1979) is an uber cool tale of fists, bats and even roller skates, set in a dark underworld of street violence.  If you show weakness here you will be punished.  This visually stunning movie has a great soundtrack and super story that has plenty of action from start to finish.  It also has one the greatest opening credits I have ever seen.  

   This film is ageless and when you see it on Blu Ray looks like it was filmed yesterday!  Directed by Walter Hill in my opinion one of the true greats.  He really pulls you into this gritty street existence and you are immediately in tune with all the characters.   The leader of The Warriors is Swan played by Michael Beck a great character that uses his brain aswell as his fists.  He is supported by James Remar who plays Ajax (you may recognize him from Django unchained).  Also worth a mention is  David Patrick Kelly as Luther the loud mouthed and cocky warlord of The Rogues.

  You get to meet a lot of gangs as The Warriors make there way through this gauntlet, including the Baseball fury's (my personal favorite).  This film is a cult classic and I firmly believe one of the greatest gang films of all time.  In the words of Cyrus 'CAN YOU DIG IT'!

In closing if you haven't seen this film... see it! One to own well worth the shelf space.

The Warriors gets 9 out of 10.

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In the beginning...

Recently I have been watching a lot of movies that passed me by on there release.  I thought I would start with A single shot

A Single Shot

Starring Sam Rockwell who plays John Moon a down on his look ex farm hand who's family have left him.   He lives alone in the woods with his dog.  This gritty thriller is purposely set to a slow pace at times almost too slow, however your perseverance will pay off.  This tense and taught ride has a supporting line up including William H Macy, kelly reilly and geffery wright.  Sam Rockwell is the stand out performance here though.  A great actor yet to get the recognition he deserves in my opinion and this is yet another film he shows his ability to keep you in suspense. The cinematography is beautifully bleak and sets the mood for many of the performances.

In closing A single shot is well worth a watch and I give it a solid 6 out of 10.

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