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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