The Infiltrator

''This is what I do. I’m an undercover narcotics agent, I sit with murderers and made men and I lie. I lie my ass off ''

Based on true events, this crime drama starts with us meeting Robert Mazur, a US Customs Agent who works undercover, played by Bryan Cranston.

Bryan has impressed me for a long time. Trumbo should have won him an Oscar for his performance, but apparently, not enough heavy breathing. He, once again, is on top form -- pulling us into his world of deceit.

John Leguizamo as Emir Abreu, a fellow undercover who has contacts within the Colombian Cartel, brings with him a gritty paranoia you would imagine is rife in his line of work; I think he holds his own throughout the movie. I also felt Yul Vazquez as Javier Ospina, and Joseph Gilgun as Dominic both brought powerful performances that stand out in a film, which on the whole, really has well-played characters.

Moving on to the set and cinematography in this 80s coke-fuelled environment, I found it to be very immersive. The retro vibe is well done throughout, with the huge 80s phones and neon backdrop; it’s almost comical at times! The soundtrack I felt worked well (discounting the song playing in the strip club, ''I Can’t Wait'', which wasn’t released until 1986, and this is set in 1985 -- whoops!)

I enjoyed this film and felt it rolled along at a pleasant speed, although the last third did have a certain clunky feel. Knowing what we know about government operations, this could have been more purposely present.

In closing, this film tells a story that deserves to be told. Does it feel like this will be especially memorable? -- No. Is it worthy of a trip to the pictures? -- Yes. I am a Bryan Cranston fan, and this film has more going for it than just him.

I give The Infiltrator 7.5 out of 10.

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezeatmovies

Signing off... for now

 

Suicide Squad

 “I’m known for being quite vexing, I’m just forewarning you.”

I know it’s been a while, but what can I say. I’ve been busy, but I’ve missed you, and all good things come to those who wait!

* * *

Suicide Squad is directed by David Ayer (Fury). I’m a fan. However, I do feel that his style is more suited to real-life gritty action like the aforementioned Fury. He does what is required of him here, though I just feel it could have been better.


Starring Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, from her first moment on screen, I was bewitched -- she’s burst onto the screen since Wolf of Wall Street. I was a fan then and I’m not letting this crush go away anytime soon. Margot shows off her multi-faceted acting abilities, playing a whole lotta crazy. Yet also managing to portray Harley's inner angst, as anyone who knows Harley knows she secretly wishes to be normal... Well, semi-normal anyway.


Will Smith plays Deadshot and he surprised me (you still get that squinty confused look on his face for half the screen performance -- yes you know what I mean). However he brings to the role a certain old school “been there done that, got the red suit”. Yes, Deadshot is a poor man’s Deadpool, but he works as well as can be expected.


Joel Kinnaman is a surprise to a House of Cards fan. I’ve not seen that much of him; he was good in Child 44, but not that memorable. He plays Rick Flagg who is supposed to be leading this bad-to-the-bone group. I believed his performance as a man who simply wants to save the women he loves while staying alive.


Moving nicely onto Cara Delevingne who is Enchantress, a witch, who at one time was worshipped. I found her performance while in character great, but whenever she switches back, her acting was tame.


Jay Hernandez who plays Diablo is the finished article. In my opinion, he was the perfect actor for this role, who throughout doesn't want to be "that guy". AdewaleAkinnuoye-Agbaje is Killer Croc. I did manage to work out it was him though it wasn't easy. A great actor who plays a difficult role well. Viola Davis plays her role as Amanda Waller very well. Fierce and at times evil, she packs a real punch. Karen Fukuhara and Jai Courtney also star but their characters kind of fade away.


I know what you’re thinking... no I haven’t forgotten anyone. I am struggling here to be honest. I’m a huge Jared Leto fan. To say he is anything but a great character actor would be stupid. He takes on a role here, which is in a way a no-win situation. No one will ever surpass Heath Ledger, he managed to debunk a god. I am of course talking about the Joker. Jared brings a certain ghetto -- and in some ways "yardie" -- feel to his version of the greatest villain. This I felt worked quite well. He certainly managed crazy well too. I can see that some will not like his portrayal, and he’s possibly one of the reasons for the negative reviews I’ve seen.


However, I like this film. In fact, I really like it.


The plot works. Yes, some will use the word thin; but you have to start somewhere, and we all know we are in for a sequel and spin-off or two. Bearing this in mind, I think we got a solid opening; the "head and the tail" of the distilling process, and all we need now is the heart.


In closing, this is more like it from DC, and with several on the way, hopefully they can build on this. If they want to compete with Marvel, more is required.

* * *

Before i go, if you’re going to the pics to watch this, or any other comic-related venture, remember one thing: Do not under any circumstances leave the cinema without watching the whole of the credits. You have been warned.


I give Suicide Squad 6.5 out of 10

Follow me on Twitter

@Breezeatmovies

 

DEADPOOL

 

''Oh, hello there! I bet you're wondering, why the red suit? Well, that's so bad guys can't see me bleed!'' 

OK, so this is the first review of 2016... I know I have missed several of the Oscar nominees. However, if Bryan Cranston doesn't win, it is clearly rigged and who cares! Trumbo is a great movie, and just go watch it!

*    *    *

Now let's get down to this dark and twisted piece of cinema called Deadpool, which tells the origin story of my favourite anti-hero. Wade Wilson is ex-special forces operative turned mercenary, who helps out the little guy via his ''Merc Club''. After a very unsanitary experiment, he ends up with accelerated healing abilities and a twisted sense of humour. Becoming his alter ego, Deadpool, this film supplies an equal dose of humour and violence, which should never be underestimated.

Starring Ryan Reynolds, I reckon this film was his calling, as he nails it from the opening credits to the last line of the movie. It also has worthy mentions for Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, and T.J. Miller as Weasel. Ed Skrein is the villain and makes a fair-to-middling effort, although he was a little bit of a let down and I believe they could’ve done better.

This film is what I wish more Marvel films could be like, but then again, I think that I enjoyed the fact it took the piss out of Marvel throughout. So I guess I hope they continue to take themselves so seriously so the Deadpool sequel can hit the bullseye once again. In closing, this film is great; and it’s a 15-certificate, which makes it even better! Finally, Stan Lee nails his cameo -- watch out for him.

I give Deadpool a solid 9 out of 10.
Follow me on Twitter

Breeze@movies