The Hateful Eight

But when John Ruth the Hangman catches you... You hang!

The 8th movie from Quentin Tarantino is another masterpiece. From start to finish, I was gripped by the visuals and characters on screen. Once again, Tarantino shows why he is, in my humble opinion, one of the modern day greats.

We start on a snow swept road and finish in a haberdashery during a blizzard, but what happens in between is well orchestrated and ultra entertaining. Both Jennifer Jason Leigh as Daisy Domergue and Walton Goggins as Chris Mannix are standout performances. I loved Kurt Russell's character, John Ruth, and also enjoyed Samuel L. Jackson's monologues as Major Marquis Warren.

This film is the sort I could watch over and over. I hope Tarantino gives us an extended version as I felt it was cut. The cinematography is breathtaking, and if you are able, I would suggest watching in Ultra Panavision 70.

The score from Ennio Morricone is powerful and very fitting -- at times almost a character in itself. Some will say this film has too much talking and not enough action. I’d definitely have to disagree. Although there is a lot of conversation, I felt it was all fitting and very entertaining.

Watch this film and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

I give this weather-ridden western 8 out of 10.

Follow me on Twitter @Breezeatmovies

Star Wars : The Force Awakens

 

''There's been an awakening. Have you felt it? The Dark side, and the Light''

A long time ago, we found out that Disney would be taking us back to a galaxy far far away. This was a worry for me as a huge Star Wars fan. After all, we have been disappointed before, so I sat down to watch this with trepidation.

I have to say what I found for the next couple of hours was a poor story mixed with some action sequences. 

I think J.J. Abrams has done a stellar job of staying true the originals but he has been let down by the script, that feeling you should get from watching a Star Wars movie at times is absent. 

Daisy Ridley who plays Rey is amazing throughout, and I can see a great career ahead of this young star. She brings a certain mime quality to her acting, reminiscent of a much older thespian. Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher really help to link this movie to its previous chapters. I think this was important and definitively assisted in the end product. Chewbacca was great, massively assisted by modern technology, which brings me nicely to the 'negative side of the force'. John Boyega as Finn was out of his depth and this did, in my opinion, show on screen at times. Also Kylo Ren as the ''Vader'' of this picture was a little soft, though by the end I felt this was intentional. Finishing on more of a positive note, Oscar Isaac (as Poe Dameron) was once again on top form.

The Force Awakens gets a 6 out of 10. May the force be with you.
Follow me on twitter @Breezeatmovies

Krampus

Krampus is coming to town

Krampus is a fantasy horror, with a good sprinkle of humour. It is based around the Austro-Bavarian, German-speaking Alpine folklore (say that three times fast).

The film is set around a family getting together over Christmas. But when one of the kids, Max - played by Emjay Anthony - loses his Christmas spirit, he accidentally unleashes a dark and ancient demon who will stop at nothing to take the whole family to his underworld. Also starring Adam Scott as Tom and David Koechner as Howard, both are the fathers of the two households, and both bring a healthy dollop of humor/terror. Toni Collette and Allison Tolman are also good, playing sister and mother who get stuck in when the going gets tough.  

Finally, I thought Conchata Ferrell as Aunt Dorothy was great and at times stole the show; and equally Krista Stadler as Omi really brought a real sense of foreboding right from her opening scene.  

I really enjoyed this film and felt the mix of humour and horror worked. It has definitely added to the pre-Christmas watchlist alongside Die Hard and Elf.

I give Krampus a Noel 6 out of 10.

Follow me on Twitter @Breezeatmovies

Spectre

 

''You are a kite dancing in a hurricane, Mr Bond''

This is the fourth and final chapter of Daniel Craig's James Bond. Once again, directed by Sam Mendes, and written by John Logan, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. The story follows on from the end of Skyfall, with Bond on the hunt. After he is left a mysterious message, he has been bending the rules to find someone. As we have grown to expect, this sends him on a whirlwind journey across the globe.

The cinematography is great throughout; this time Hoyte Van Hoytema was recruited fresh from Interstellar. I enjoyed the expansive landscape as we transition from an urban environment, to the snow covered mountains and vast desert. The pace of this film is perfect, from the rip-roaring opening to its explosive finale.

The cast as expected is quintessential Bond. Playing Lucia Sciarra, Monica Bellucci delivers a measured performance for such a small role. Léa Seydoux is superb as Madeleine Swann, coming across as both predator and prey. Mr. Hinx, played by Dave Bautista, commands the room in all his scenes and definitively pulls off menace, with a slight “Jaws” feel. The supporting cast all bring their A-game, as you would expect from a Bond film.

Now we come to the man who steals the show and ties the whole film together. I am of course talking about Christoph Waltz as (no spoiler due to Korea) Ernst Stavro Blofeld. He is flawless as the iconic Bond villain. Bringing his usual crisp feel, he also brings a new ruthless edge to the character.

I really liked the way the movie brings together the previous three and has a added nostalgic feel to it. Hints of “On Her Majesty's Secret Service”, with the hotel atop a peak. The train journey has a certain “From Russia With Love” feel, and the base in the desert has a “You Only Live Twice” feel. All this I believe they want you to sense.

I was enthralled from the opening shot to the closing credits -- once again they have nailed it. One to watch over and over, a true masterpiece.

Spectre gets a perfect 10.

Follow me on Twitter at

Breeze@movies

Sicario

In Mexico, Sicario means Hitman

This tense thriller from director Denis Villeneuve (Enemy and Prisoners) is a stylish and very gritty picture, which at times makes you almost feel dirty. This really comes across great with Roger Deakins’ cinematography (Shawshank and Skyfall).

Sicario stars Emily Blunt as Kate Macer, an FBI Agent who is thrust into a special team to smash or marginally disrupt the Mexican drug cartel.  She does a great job of bringing the straight cut, by-the-book agent to the screen, as she is pushed from her comfort zone and forced into a grey world of blurred lines.

Benicio Del Toro plays Alejandro, and Josh Brolin plays Matt Graver. Both are CIA Agents and both do a stellar job, involved in all the action sequences brilliantly.  Del Toro especially brings his usual flare, and throughout, really brings to screen his character’s internal turmoil and drive to destroy the cartel.

This film really builds its suspense well and was clearly well-structured before shouting “action”.  Some will find this slow at times and may feel 2 hours is a little lengthy.  However, I truly enjoyed this film and definitely recommend it.

A definite, award-grabbing movie. I give this tense and gritty crime thriller a solid 8 out of 10.

Legend

 

 '' Me and my brother, we're gonna rule London! ''

  Legend tells the story of Identical twins Reggie and Ronnie Kray, Britain's most notorious East End gangsters who ran organised crime in the 1960's.  Directed by Brian Helgeland (LA Confidential, Man on Fire) this version is told from France's' perspective (Reggie's wife), as someone who knew Reggie well.  It also covers Ronnie's Mental illness better than any of the previous Kray movies.

  Tom Hardy as Reggie and Ronnie is flawless, his uncanny ability to portray two characters in this way is at times quiet mesmerizing.  Emily Browning plays Frances and brings to the screen her delicate psyche which feels genuine.  Paul Bettany as Charlie Richardson, Paul Anderson as Albert Donoghue and Taron Egerton all support well throughout.  I really enjoyed this film and felt it's portrait of the Krays was moving.  Don't get me wrong I now they did some shocking things in there time on the streets of London, however we get to see there many faces.  Reggie in particular came across as genuinely being torn between businessman and Gangster.  Frances was his one constant and kept him balanced.

  Legend is a top film and well worth the ticket price.  I give this slick and brutal East End jaunt 8 out of 10.

Straight Outta Compton

''Cruising down the street in my six fo''

  This Biopic Directed by F. Gary Gray (Law abiding citizen and The Negotiator) is flawless.  This is probably due to it being produced by both Dre and Ice Cube.  

  We follow NWA as they emerge from the mean streets of Compton.  We start the film at the very beginning with Dre played by Corey Hawkins aspiring to bigger things, he is a DJ earning almost nothing but knows what he wants to do with his life.  Ice Cube played by O'Shea Jackson Jr (Ice Cube's son) is still at school, but spends his time writing rhymes.  Eazy-E played by Jason Mitchell is slinging rocks, but knows his days are numbered.  The way this is scripted together flows.  It is well edited throughout and has a real slick feel.  I believe this is the best film I have seen at the pictures this year and if it doesn't win anything, the Oscars will show once again what is wrong with the industry.

  I say this is a powerful, exciting film that presents a side of American life that is almost never seen on the screen.  The casting in this movie was sublime a shout out to Marcc Rose who plays Tupac he nailed his look.  The cinematography is great, re producing Skateland USA and later Detroit perfectly.
 

  If you don't go see this film and class your self as a film fan you have done an injustice to yourself and need to re think your position  I am and always will be a fan of hip hop and this group revolutionised the industry and laid foundations for what we hear now.   

  Hardcore lyrics and savage beats Straight Outta Compton gets an easy 10 out of 10.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

  This 2015 Action Thriller is written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects, Edge of Tomorrow and Valkyrie).  It stars Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt back to his rip roaring stunt driven ways.  Cruise always seems to hit new heights while playing this role and this is no different.  Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames are back and hold there own.  However the two stand out performances are from Rebecca Ferguson and Sean Harris.

  Rebecca plays Ilsa Faust she is striking throughout, pulling off the Femme Fatale mixed with kick ass super spy down to a tee.  I hope we will be seeing more of her in the near future.  Sean Harris is the antagonist and he does a fantastic job of it. Cruel, mysterious, calculating, manipulating, menacing... just evil to the point that Hunt is at the end of his wits.  His luck seems to be running out... his skills, his way of operating, all his usual tricks and methods exhausted.

  The action sequences are awesome, turbo charged car chases and gun fights through the streets of London.  The whole scene where Tom Cruise actually clings onto the door of a plane while it's taking off - CGI just cannot compare with real thing!  It was very well shot and the fact that he actually performed the insane stunt adds to it.  This intensity and excitement is constant throughout the movie.  Tom Cruise also rides the motorcycle in the chase sequence - which is a highlight for me. 

  Cinematography is  amazing from wide-angle shots to POV shots that feel like you're really there. The movie looks and sounds great.  Also worth a mention is the gadgets and gear they are futuristic looking, yet you can imagine them being used.  This is another must see at the pictures.  I can honestly say the best MI since MI:1.  I don't want to say anymore in case I give anything away.  This review will self destruct in 5 seconds.

9 out of 10

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezeatmovies

Terminator Genisys

 

 

It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead!

  Directed by Alan Tyler this 2015 Sci-Fi movie is in my opinion a great one.  It blends the original movies cleverly as it follows a new time line.  The attention to detail in the first 25 minutes is clinical and very nostalgic, clearly they wanted to insure they captivated the original audience.  The plot is ok... well mostly and the action sequences throughout are entertaining.

  Sarah Connor played by Emilia Clarke is superb, she mimics Linda Hamilton's original  role flawlessly.  I felt she made the movie really tick and I always respect someone who can pull you in with just a look, let alone her monologues.  She has real emotion and grace.  I also think she is going to become a real seat filler going forward.  Arnie is great, as arguably his best ever character.  In this installment he is aptly named 'pops'.  The Way they cover his age is genius.  He is on form and really brings the film cast together.  Which brings me on to Jason Clarke and Jai Courtney who play John Connor and Kyle Reese,  they do well to bring the roles to life.  Holding there own against the previous actors.  Filling Michael Biehn's shoes was never going to be easy.

  There will be many who don't like this movie and I doubt it will win any awards.  However I stand by my prior opinion and urge you to watch it on the big screen.  The special effects are great throughout, I felt like I was 12 again and watching T2 for first time!  

  If you loved the original 2 movies, I struggle to see why you won't love Genisys.  It fits really  well as a third instalment (as we all know it should only of been 2). 

It gets a solid 8 out of 10.

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezetmovies

Slow West

  This John Maclean film, has already one a major award at Sundance.  Some will find this film slow, but at such a short running time I hope will give it a go.  It stars Michael Fassbender as Silas and Cody Smit-McPhee as Jay.  Jay is making a pilgrimage to find is love.  He meets Silas, who neglects to mention that his beloved is a wanted fugitive with a $2,000 price tag on her head.

  Silas tries to instill Jay with enough "smarts" to get him through the journey. Unfortunately, some lessons take more quickly and harshly than others.  The film has a light touch of humour.  I felt this paired well with the grimness and violence of the West.  Maclean peppers the film with sublime sight gags and in one instance, an outlaw's recollection of a former colleague's disappointment at not having his own wanted poster. 

  Unlike most of this genre, Slow West doesn't revel in the wide-open Leone-esque expanses of the frontier.  Instead it is squared off in a narrow frame, the cinematographer (Robbie Ryan) gives it a more intimate feel.  This works, without taking away from the country's beauty.  The colour palette is striking throughout from one scene with Jay wading through the ashen remains of an Indian camp, to a character being abandoned in the desolate prairie with nothing but his longjohns and a blanket.

  Smit-McPhee stands his ground admirably in the part of Jay.  He also has a skill with silent comedy his visual gestures throughout is almost Chaplin-esque.  Fassbender gives perhaps his best performance since Inglorious.  Silas's duality is really brought to the screen.

  The bulk of the film focuses on just these two actors, although occasionally they share screen time with others, notably Ben Mendelsohn as a wily, cigar-chewing outlaw. I am a big fan of Mendelsohn and he is on top form here.

  I will say, that I feel this picture owes a debt of gratitude to True Grit at times it could be its spiritual twin.  This film will be in selected Cinemas on June 26th and will look great on the big screen, well worth the price of a ticket.

I give Slow West a 7 out of 10.

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezeatmovies

Jurassic World

The Park is Open

  This Action/Adventure epic is Directed by John Trevorrow.  It starts 22 years on from the original film.  We are transported back to Isla Nublar, which now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park as originally envisioned by John Hammond.  This park named Jurassic World has been open for 10 years and slowly had a decline in profits as people are no longer wowed by seeing a Dinosaur.  As we would expect, Ingen is never far away and brings in a mandate to boost profits and re invigorate visitors.

  We follow Zach and Grey played by Ty Simpkins and Nick Robinson, who are nephews to Claire played by Bryce Dallas Howard (The village and The Help).  They all play there roles well throughout, but the stand out performance here is Chris Pratt as Owen he is our Robert Muldoon from the Original movie (played by Bob Peck).  He covers all the requirements of his role and stands out throughout which based on some of his scenes cant have been easy.  The best character in this epic though is the quartet of Raptors.  Blue, Charlie, Delta and Echo are a class act and by far the best of the prehistoric bunch.

  I also appreciated Jake Johnson's role as Lowery from his T shirt and plastic dinosaurs to his one liners and attempts a chivalry.  Which brings me nicely on to the respect given to the original film.  We get little mementos throughout, some more subtle then others.  I really felt this was fitting as I couldn't help but feel a little sad knowing Richard Attenborourgh would never see this movie.

  Now for the bad news, the plot is a little weak and there is one moment that I couldn't help thinking "why bother with this bit".

  On the whole though I really enjoyed this Dinosaur extravaganza and for a change felt it was fitting to watch in 3D.  

I give Jurassic World a solid 8 out of 10

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezeatmovies

Mad Max: Fury Road

  "what a lovely day"

  George Miller is back and at his very best in this 2015 post apocalyptic masterpiece.  I will start by saying this movie was absolutely bat sh** crazy.  It was filled right to the brim with continuous over the top action sequences that keep you on the edge of the seat.  I was amazed at what was happening on screen, now this film doesn't have much of a plot if any at all, but seriously you're not going into this film for an intense plot.  To be fair this film almost didn't even need one at all

  I just absolutely loved this movie!  It's intense action from start to finish and didn't slow down at all, which made it ridiculously fun to watch.  Great characters and awesome visuals keep you glued to the screen.  Its absolute carnage with Trucks, motorcycles and hot rods.

  Tom Hardy is great in this role as as Max, his ability to shine through as a man of few words once again shows his quality as an actor.  Charlize Theron is Sublime as Furiosa a women of action trying to get to her childhood home.  Also Hugh Keays-Byrne as Immortan Joe (Toecutter in Mad Max) and finally Nicholas Hoult as Nux both shine as the mad archetype bad guys.

  Nothing really let the film down and everything really worked, such a great time and the best cinema experience this year so far.  A gritty blockbuster that deserves nothing but praise.  A rip roaring visually fuelled extravaganza.

This film is an easy 10/10

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezeatmovies

Ex Machina

"I am become death, The Shatterer of Worlds."

  This 2015 British Sci Fi/Thriller is written and directed by Alex Garland (28 days Later, Dredd). 

  Starring Domhnall Gleeson as Caleb, a young coder who is participating in a breakthrough experiment into AI.  He arrives at the remote home of his CEO Nathan, who owns the largest Internet search company.

  Oscar Isaac as Nathan gives a great performance, at times chilling and very erratic.  Also the breakout performance of Alicia Vikander as Ava.  Her beautifully seductive take on a robot is flawless.  It's beautifully shot, fantastically lit, intelligently written and brilliantly cast.  The edit is original and brave, as is the direction.  It has a sharp Zen like quality, clearly the application of a disciplined mind.

  The movie it's self is engaging, thoroughly watchable and the characters are simple, yet layered with complexity.  The film strikes the perfect balance of not spoon feeding yet not being too arty just for the sake of it.   

  We have been here before: Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner" covers similar ground, but in perhaps a less claustrophobic manner than Ex Machina. This serves the story well, ramping up the tension as we await the age old Sci Fi question.  What will a machine "think" if its plug is to be pulled.

This film is a must see and fully deserves 8 out of 10 

Follow me on twitter

@Breezeatmovies

Everly

   A 2014 Action/Thriller starring Salma Hayek as Everly.  The film centres on 6th floor apartment which over the course of one night becomes a bullet ridden gauntlet for the for mentioned Everly.  I was surprised that this film had legs (not just Hayek's).  I mean to say that the script is simple would be a understatement.  The plot involves her Ex a Japanese Mob Boss trying to kill her after she betrays him... loose translation "the betrayal" as she has been his slave for 4 years. 

  The director and co writer for this is Joe Lynch a relative unknown in main stream cinema.  However he does have some cult following.  I felt he did well with this picture for his first go and clearly he loves a good B movie.

  The supporting cast is a mix of semi well known Japanese actors.  Including Togo Igawa (last Samurai) as The Sadist and Hiroyuki Watanabe as Taiko.  Guns, knives, swords, grenades, chemicals and various other implements of destruction are brandished by Hayek, Noh masked killers, greedy hookers and a SWAT team.  

  Hayek is great as Everly, throughout her portrayal of a woman who simply wants to survive and having a knack of making it up as she goes along from one bullet fight to another.  There are more "that makes no sense" moments then I wish to count, but throughout I enjoyed the mix of gore and humour.  I also loved the Christmas setting and the clever use of music.

I give this a 5 out of 10 BUT... I implore you to watch this at least the once!

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezeatmovies

The Drop

  Directed by Michael R Roskam this is truly a under-the-radar gem of a film. 

  Tom Hardy plays Bob, a quiet, reserved bartender at his cousin Marv's bar.  The bar happens to be a "drop bar" which is a place illegal gambling money is dropped off. 

 
  This crime drama is dark and brooding throughout.  It makes sense that The Drop is written by Dennis Lahane (writer of Mystic River and Shutter Island) who adapted the film from his short story "Animal Rescue".  It once again shows how good Tom Hardy is and is a fitting farewell for the late great James Gandolfini as cousin Marv.  Also on show is Nadia, played by Noomi Rapace (Prometheus) she holds her own on the screen. 

  This is one of those films people will easily miss and don't be one of them.  It has a slow, deliberate pace that perfectly builds suspense. The Drop is a character driven film that constructs each scene with great dialogue and fantastic acting. 

  The director allows his characters to inhabit the world they live in.  Following this up with a great wardrobe and set design it really helps to bring everything together and add to the authenticity of the film.  A stellar cast and great story make this film truly great.

9 out of 10. 

Follow me on twitter

@Breezeatmovies

Killing Season

  Starring John Travolta and Robert De Niro this 2013 Mark Stephen Johnson Movie (Dare Devil!?).

  For starters, the movie gets absolutely everything wrong about events of the Bosnian war, but since such ignorance is expected from Hollywood, there is no reason to hold it against this particular title.

  The premise of the movie is good, the basic story is decent, but the script could have been written a lot better.  The two characters past never gets satisfyingly explained.  If this had been directed by John McTiernan as originally suggested, I believe it could have been great.  Sadly, instead we got the guy who did Daredevil and he once again delivered a bland, uninspiring product.

  The acting is acceptable but not inspired, Travolta did his best to hold a consistent accent (though the wrong one) throughout the movie, while De Niro looked more like he was only concerned with the paycheck.

  All in all, the movie is not terrible, I guess it wouldn't kill you to watch it if you have nothing better to do for an hour and a half.

  The sad thing is this could have been a much better movie... perhaps even a classic.

5/10

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezeatmovies


Blockbuster's coming soon...

Daniel Craig ; Re-inventing Bond

  I believe Daniel Craig is the perfect Bond.  He has the style and charisma required to pull off the ultimate spy, while having the lethal and uncompromising edge that makes him gripping to watch.  The best bits of Connery and Dalton combined.



  Daniel's story start at the very beginning,  Casino Royal (2006) James Bond sets out on his first mission as 007 and must defeat a weapons dealer in a high stakes game of poker at Casino Royale.  This is exceptional from start to finish and has the quintessential cinematography we have come to expect from this franchise.  Directed by Martin Campbell the man who re invented bond previously (GoldenEye) is a great man to take the rains on this re vamp.  Along side Daniel is a Stella performance from Eva Green as Vesper Lynd the treasury official, tasked to look after the money for the poker game.  She really brings across the angst of her character throughout the film.  Also Mads Mikkelsen is Le Chiffre, Le Chiffre is a man out of his his depth desperately struggling to stay afloat long enough to replace the money he lost from his employer.  Yet Mads brings across a chaotic feel and later his utter despair.  Also Giancarlo Giannini as Rene Mathis Bonds ally in Montenegro.  In closing Daniel Craig's first outing as Bond is a great one, start to finish I was gripped and this film should be on any film shelf.  A modern masterpiece and will stand the test of time.

9 out of 10


  Quantum of Solace (2008) is a difficult one, slated by many I feel this Film is a required narrative following on from Royale.  Without this you miss Bond's inner turmoil after Vesper.  He needs this "revenge piece" to deal with his loss.  Yes I agree this was a poor sequel to Casino Royal.  However it was always going to be like this.  Directed by Marc Forster he spends too long on choppy action sequences.  Olga Kurylenko plays her part well as Camille Montes, also seeking revenge for her parents.  They bounce off each other well and Bond see's his own issues through her eyes.  Other then a brief moment or two with M Judy dench, Fields Gemma Arterton and Mathis Giancarlo Giannini. There is very little depth.  A mediocre villain in Mathieu Amalric, who is neither Evil or world dominating.  We get a glimpse at the organisation from Royale (Spectre).  In closing Quantum is a let down, but watched immediately after Casino Royale is really a fitting end to Bonds first chapter and shapes his character.  A necessity but not a great watch.

5 out of 10


Skyfall (2012) is by far the greatest Bond film ever.  From the first to last shot this film is a thing of beauty.  Director Sam Mendes is flawless, from his action sequences to his monologue's it flows.  He shows why he was the right choice to direct a film of this magnitude, this is truly an epic movie.  Javier Bardem is electrifying as Silva, he plays a blood thirsty ex-MI6 agent out for revenge. His performance is equally as creepy and twisted as his portrayal of Anton Chigurh in "No Country for Old Men" and it is an Oscar worthy performance in my opinion.  Judi Dench reprises her role as M and Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney give important and memorable roles.  In this film we get a glimpse into our mysterious hero's dark past.  Where he came from and what made him the person he is today.  Roger Deakins is the man behind the camera and his cinematography is exceptional,  He manages to capture mood visually and really adds to the story dynamic.  While on Story Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan created this masterpiece.  There is not enough positives to say about this movie...

  With Spectre around the corner and Sam Mendes and his writers back, I believe we are in safe hands and the franchise is as strong today as it has ever been.  Skyfall is one to own and love!

10 out of 10

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezeatmovies

John Wick

  

If you love a full throttle, rip roaring bullet fest!  Then John Wick is for you. 

  

  It takes as much time setting up its elaborate action sequences as it does the world in which they happen and what a world it is too.  We are shown a criminal underworld where, if you are connected many powerful people know who you are and respect you.  John Wick was connected and was certainly respected,  but he got out.  He is the rare killer who has found peace and he is grateful for that peace.  When someone decides to destroy this peace he is more than capable of exacting a one man war of revenge.

   

  What I like about this film is its ability to bring a certain noir feel, while keeping to its action roots.  No easy feat unless you are Chad Stahelski (The Matrix) this director has sequences that flow so smoothly it puts other action films and their quick cuts to shame.  Keanu Reeves is on form as John Wick, moving so fluidly throughout the film and it comes across so natural, the only disappointment is that we have not seen him like this enough.  There is a feeling throughout that Reeves brought to the role that made you feel he was not to be trifled with.  A strong supporting cast including character actors Willem Defoe and Ian McShane do there bit to add to the over all depth.  While fans of Game of Thrones and The Wire get some pleasant reminders.  But Keanu steels the show, I honestly can't recommend this enough.  It easily ranks as the best action movie of 2014.  Judged as just a movie, it is simple in story structure, but what it does it does very well.  

On this basis it gets an easy 8.5 out of 10.

Follow me on twitter

@Breezeatmovies

RoboCop

 

 Before we begin I think it it important to clarify this is a review of the 1987 film and not the abomination of 2014.

  This Paul Verhoeven Sci Fi/action movie is a gritty and gruesome affair.  We follow Officer Alex J. Murphy played by Peter Weller, he has just been transferred to a new precinct.  Set in the near future of a crime ridden Detroit.  RoboCop is so over the top and out of control, it speaks of a future where big companies will run the governmental defence.  Those times are upon us more and more everyday.  Paul Verhoeven has made one of the most iconic science fiction films ever made and it's a brilliant piece of cinema.  Ultra-violent throughout, there is a strong cast including Kurtwood Smith as Clarence Boddicker and Ronny Cox as Dick Jones.  This film is a cult classic and should be owned by all.  It has a half decent sequel and lets not mention anymore...

A solid 8 out of 10

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezeatmovies

Black Rain

 

  Ridley Scott is the director of this action crime thriller.  Starring Michael Douglas as Nick Conklin a veteran cop who is under suspicion of been on the take, he pulls off the bad ass role to perfection throughout.  A long side is Andy Garcia as Charlie Vincent a young cop on his way up.  They get involved in a gang war between members of the Yakuza.  After arresting Sato (Yusako Matsuda) they are ordered to escort him back to Japan.  This action packed jaunt through the streets of Japan is an example of how good Ridley Scott is.  With some great cinematography by Jan De Bont and superbly crafted music from Hans Zimmer.  What's not to like... great roles from Ken Takakura as Masahiro and the legend that was Tomisaburô Wakayama (ninja assassin) as Sugai.  I love this film and would class it as Michael Douglas's best film.  Well worth watching if you haven't and a good shelf filler if ya have.

8 out of 10

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezeatmovies

Ronin

  This 1998 film is everything you could hope for a Action/Thriller, from the out set it set you are immersed into the underworld of freelance specialists who take any job that pays.  In this case to retrieve a mysterious package.  This film is a rare breed, my meaning being that it is Directed by John Frankenheimer and stands apart from the rest of his back catalogue which is mediocre at best.  Starring Robert De Niro as Sam, De Niro is at his usual (at the time) best in this role keeping you guessing throughout.  Supported by Jean Reno as Vincent a specialist at getting whatever may be required for the job and Natascha McElhone as Deirdre the Irish contact who brings the "Ronin" together for this job.  Also worth a mention are Stellan Skarsgard, Sean Bean, Jonathan Pryce and Michael Lonsdale.

  The main body of this film is set around a package, wanted by both the Russians and Irish.  A rip roaring, bullet laden cat and mouse ensues with arguably one of the three top car chases ever filmed. This film ticks all the boxes for me.  An absolute classic and a must see.

7.5/10

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezeatmovies

ALIEN

 
  Directed by Ridley Scott, this Sci Fi/Horror is in my opinion the creative beginning of the greatest movie franchise ever.  We begin this masterpiece in outerspace, as the crew of the USCSS Nostromo are awoken from cryosleep to find themselves still 10 months from earth (there original destination).  After receiving a distress call from an unexplored planet.  Starring Sigourney Weaver as Warrant Officer Ripley, Tom Skeritt as Captain Dallas and a terrific performance from Ian Holme as Ash the crews Science Officer.  This film is expertly constructed, a journey of low lit room after low lit room.  It's art is to keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for what seems an age... and then Bam the briefest moment of carnage (then rinse and repeat).  Throughout it almost makes you shiver.  With the style and mood you would expect from a Ridley Scott movie it is now crazy to think it almost was never to be,  due to most production companies believing it too bloody and Fox originally passing on it.  Thankfully they then took it to production due to Scott's extensive story boards.  He also had the sense to change the original working title of 'star beast'.   Last but by no means least Gerry Goldsmith's musical score really adds to the feel of the movie from the opening scene to the closing credits he really sets the mood. 

   Light years ahead of its time though it was released in 1979 it still seems at home against any of its kin.  Making this one of the greatest Sci Fi movies ever made and a true classic.

10 out of 10

Follow me on Twitter 

@Breezeatmovies