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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