Month: December 2011

Director: J.J. Abrams

Writer: J.J. Abrams

Starring: Joel Courtney, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Gabriel Basso, Zach Mills, Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Noah Emmerich

 

Story When six friends Joe (Courtney), Charles (Griffiths), Cary (Lee), Martin (Basso) Preston (Mills) and Alice (Fanning) are filming a zombie movie at a train station disaster strikes. A car comes onto the track and drives straight into the train causing a horrific train crash. The six friends are lucky to escape unhurt but as they escape the Air force turn up.

 

The friends decide to use the train wreck for background on their movie. In their town strange things start occurring like electrical equipment going missing and all the dogs running away. After the Sheriff goes missing it is up to Deputy Jackson (Chandler) to find out the truth and Nelec (Emmerich) the leader of the Air Force tries to obstruct his investigation.

 

With a potentially alien creature roaming this small town can the residents make it though the situation? Is the creature dangerous or friendly?

Verdict This sci-fi thriller drama coming of age tale has everything. When things are getting to the edge of thrilling the drama pauses not stops the action and just as the drama gets to an emotional level the thriller comes off pause and picks up right where you left off. The young cast all shine in a realistic environment. The way the creature is hidden through the whole movie and only getting glimpse adds to the huge suspense. This has all the coming of age of Stand By Me mixed in with a monster movie is great effect. I think this movie shines by not having an A list star in letting each of the actors shine on screen, This movie has absolutely everything for all fans of every genre to see truly is a great.

 

Story Mark 10/10 Has everything

 

Action Mark 9/10 Some great action scenes incredible train wreck scene too.

 

Character Development Mark 9/10 Learn who each character is and more and more about the creature as the story unfolds.

 

Friendship Chemistry Mark 10/10 can all be seen to be best friends all the way through.

 

Special Effects Mark 9/10 Very effective special effects through out.

 

Star Performances Joel Courtney as Joe Lamb playing a child who mother has recently died and best friend and driving force of Charles determination to make the movie,

 

Elle Fanning as Alice being almost bossy but really just trying to fit into the group knowing an awkward moment needed to be spoken about.

 

Favourite Characters Charles reminded me of my favourite character in The Goonies Chunk but with a more sensible side.

 

Cary way to into his explosion very funny character

 

Joe determined nature that will do anything for his friends even after what has happened,

 

Best Part The train wreck is pretty special but its hard to pick an actually best part of a near perfect movie.

 

Best Quote after the driver is nearly asleep from drugs Cary goes ‘He’s too stoned!’ Martin goes ‘Oh, Drugs are so bad!’

 

Similar Too – Stand By Me, Cloverfield, The Goonies, E.T

 

My Rating 98%

Director: Jon Favreau

Writer: David Berenbaum

Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Edward Asner, Mary Steenburgen, Zooey Deschanel, Peter Dinklage

 

Story Buddy the elf (Ferrell) leaves in the North Pole with all the other Elves and Santa (Asner). Buddy’s father Papa Elf (Newhart) has to break the news to him that he was adopted and even worse his real father is on the naughty list. Buddy has to travel down to New York City to find his real father Walter (Caan). Walter works for a publishing company that is struggling to find a book in time for Christmas. Walter has been putting his work before his family wife Emily (Steenburgen) and son Michael (Tay).

 

Walter thinks Buddy has come from a mental home and sends him off to a store to work as one of the Elves in a Christmas department. In the store Buddy meets the beautiful Joyie (Deschanel) but things soon go wrong in the store and Buddy needs to be bailed out by his father.

 

Can Buddy turn his anti Christmas father into a more jolly festive man and get him off the naughty list before Christmas?

 

Verdict In a world where there are way too many rubbish Christmas movie this one stands out as one of the best in the recent generation. The perfect amount of Christmas songs to keep the festive feeling going all the way through. Told in a fairy tale style, which gives it more Christmas magic. All actors give great performances. Over all this family festive film is top of its class that everyone will enjoy all year round. Just sit back and get into the Christmas spirit.

 

Story Mark 9/10 Great story on a very simple level comes of to great effect.

 

Comedy Mark 9/10 The comedy flows at the right level to make it very funny without it being too silly comedy.

 

Star Performances Will Ferrell – perfect fit for the role shows how good he can be without having to do over the top silly slapstick with a simple minded master class. One of his best performances too date.

 

Favourite Character Buddy – has a great way of making everything so simple in life without ever wanting to make an enemy.

 

Best Part When Miles Finch (Dinklage) comes to pitch ideas about a book and Buddy thinks he is also an Elf who left the North Pole.

 

Worst Part There isn’t really one

 

Best Quote After being dared to call Miles an Elf again Buddy goes ‘He’s an angry Elf’ in his naive voice.

 

Fun Trivia Will Ferrell caused several minor traffic accidents when walking through the Lincoln Tunnel in his costume because people were so surprised to see him wearing an elf outfit. 

 

Similar Too – Muppet’s Christmas Carol.

 

My Rating 90%

Director: Joe Johnston

Writer: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely

Starring: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugh Weaving, Dominic Cooper, Richard Armitage, Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones

 

Story Steve Rogers (Evans) a small man who is trying his hardest to join the army so he can help in the war efforts. Steve is constantly getting reject because of his size, while his best friend James Barnes (Stan) joins the efforts. Going for another attempt Steve meets Dr. Abraham Erskins (Tucci) who gives him a chance. Colonel Chester Phillips (Lee Jones) is unsure of Rogers and wants a more built solider for the experiment. The doctor gets his way and showing how much he wants to be the best.

 

Howard Stark (Cooper) has created a way to make a man stronger and a better solider Steve is the choice for this. After the experiment a German spy kills Erskins, Steve captures the spy but the spy takes his own life before questions can be asked. The spy is from the German group HYDRA led by Johann Schmidt (Weaving) and he is out to destroy the world with the power of the Gods.

 

Steve has now become a sideshow hero performing in shows to collect money for the war. On a trip to the front line he learns of Barnes unit getting capture and with Stark and Peggy Carter (Atwell) he goes on a solo mission to save the soldiers. This mission will turn Steve Rogers into Captain America but can he save the day?

 

Verdict Superhero movies were a plenty this year with X-Men First Class, Thor and Green Lantern. X-men and Thor were two of the best superhero movies around so this one had a lot to live up too, and honestly this is a good overall movie but not to the same level as the other two. The thing that makes this movie not meet that level is the fact there isn’t an original villain and not happens that makes you really go wow, like the boat and anchor scene in X-Men does. The level of action is good for the casual viewer looking for a movie you don’t have to think about. Another year this could have been the best superhero film and it would have been if it were up against The Green Lantern. Superhero fans should enjoy this origin story of Captain America.

 

Story Mark 8/10 Routine superhero story

 

Action Mark 8/10 some good action scenes but nothing really special

 

Character Development Mark 9/10 Learn a lot about Steve Rogers becoming Captain America

 

Romantic Chemistry Mark 4/10 Steve and Peggy’s chemistry is just poor

 

Special Effects Mark 8/10 A look at future weapons with big effects, nice effects to make Chris Evans looks smaller and hiding his muscles before transformation and good realism on Red Skull

 

Star Performances Chris Evans shines in a role made for him.

 

Dominic Cooper plays the Stark role perfectly can see how Tony turned out how he did.

 

Favourite Character Howard Stark hard role to play after what Robert Downey created in Ironman as his son Ton Stark but this guy is just as mad and full of wise cracking one liners.

 

Poor Performance Hugo Weaving this guy was Agent Smith in the Matrix and it looked like he never got out of that emotionless persona in a role that need some.

 

Hayley Atwell she was unconvincing in this role, which seemed key to the story.

 

Least Favourite Character Peggy dull boring needless

 

Best Part Red Skull being revealed.

 

Worst Part There could have been a lot more fight scenes instead of montages.

 

Best Quote Johann Schmidt ‘ Captain America! How exciting! I’m a great fan of you films!’

 

Fun Trivia This is Chris Evans sixth comic book adaptation Fantastic Four 1,2, Push, The Loser and Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World.

 

Similar Too – Ironman, X-Men

 

My Rating 81%

Director: James Bobin

Writer: Jason Segel, Nicholas Stoller,

Starring: Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones

 

Story Walter is a lifelong Muppet fan and when his brother Gary (Segel) takes Walter away with him and his girlfriend Mary (Adams) Walter is very excited. Upon arriving at Muppet studio they find it is empty building having tours without going into any of the buildings. Walter sneaks into Kermit’s office only to over hear the plan of Tex Richman (Cooper) to tear down the Muppet studio to get oil.

 

Gary, Mary and Walter decided to find Kermit to tell him the news. Kermit then sets out to reunited the gang and what follows is a series of different ways to re unit the Muppets. Now the Muppets have to raise 10 million dollars before the end of the week by performing in a one off show. Cue the cameos galore good musical numbers and good old fashion comedy.

 

Verdict The Muppets are back and it’s not just a reworked story with Muppets this time. The musical numbers are catchy songs and there is a lot of classic hits Muppetted. All the different cameos come off very well from Dave Grohl to Mickey Rooney and Whoopi Goldberg to Selena Gomez. Having the human story with Gary and Mary relationship gives an almost romantic story to the comedy of the Muppets. It’s the Muppets you have to like it and enjoy watching it.

 

Story Mark 9/10 Nice tale of reunion and joining forces to succeed.

 

Comedy Mark 9/10 classic Muppet humour and clever use of cameos.

 

Friendship Chemistry Mark 9/10 Strong bonding between characters who are and become friends.

 

Star Performances Jason Segel can pull off a range of comical reactions.

 

Favourite Character Animal starting in anger management class and can’t go back to the drums.

 

Least Favourite Character Tex Richman evil character determined to finish the Muppets.

 

Best Part Muppet or Man song.

 

Worst Part Not enough Rizzo

 

Similar Too – Muppet movies

 

My Rating 82%

Director: Tom Shadyac

Writer: David Seltzer, Brandon Camp, Mike Thompson

Starring: Kevin Costner, Susanna Thompson, Joe Morton, Ron Rifkin, Kathy Bates

 

Story After Joe Darrow (Costner) wife Emily Darrow (Thompson) dies in an accident while working for the Red Cross her body was never found.  Joe’s work in the emergency ward starts to decline. Hugh Campbell (Morton) suggests Joe take some time to off. Having help from family friend Mrs Belmont (Bates) he decides to complete one of the tasks Emily asked off him.

 

Joe decides to look in on the children on Emily’s ward. Only one of her patients is still there, and after he nearly died Joe presences seems to revive him. When the boy a wakes he has been drawing the same symbol over and over again, he also has been given a message from Emily to give to Joe.

 

With Emily trying to communicate on a supernatural level can Joe figure out what the message is?

 

Verdict This supernatural drama thriller has some nice touches without really providing anything to over the top. Each message Joe receives is one many a believer could have happen from out of body experiences or symbols appearing on windows. The ending is very emotional charged when Joe finally gets some closure on his wife’s death. Where the $60 million budget came from is beyond me and this could have easily made with a much smaller budget. If you like a nice touching tale of messages from beyond the grave this one is well worth the watch.

 

Story Mark 8/10 Nice story but may not attract all viewers because of its simplicity.

 

Character Development Mark 8/10 You learn a lot about Joe and how much he misses his wife.

 

Star Performances Kevin Costner is the best performer but most other characters don’t get much screen tine,

 

Favourite Character Victor – the pilot who takes Joe to the accident scene

 

Least Favourite Character Some of the nurses are too straight minded not willing to believe in the afterlife.

 

Best Part The end is very good

 

Worst Part Feels more like a made for TV movie

 

Similar Too – Moth man Prophecies,

 

My Rating 71%

Director: Duncan Jones

Writer: Ben Ripley

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright

 

Story This starts when Captain Colter Stevens (Gyllenhaal) wakes up on a train head to Chicago. He has no idea how he got there and why he is sat opposite Christina (Monaghan) who keeps referring to him as Shawn. Starting to panic a bomb goes off, Colter wakes up strapped to a chair in a closed capsule.

 

Colleen Goodwin (Farmiga) is in charge of Colter who is in the Source Code run by Beleaguered Castle. Colter is being set back into the same eight minutes to locate a bomb and the bomber. Each time he returns a different piece of the puzzle is revealed, both in the train time line and in Colter present time. Can Colter figure out what is happening in both time zones before it is too late? Watch this action thriller for all your answers.

 

Verdict Coming from director Duncan Jones who bought us the brilliant Moon, his second outing it an edge of your seat thriller ride with just as many twists and turns to keep you guessing from start to finish. Even though the movie is pretty much the same eight minutes with slightly different outcome each time this is a movie that keeps you involved from start to finish. Some twists are small while others are huge. For action thrillers this could well be the best this year and will be enjoyed by all.

 

Story Mark 10/10 Keeps you guessing all the way through.

 

Action Mark 9/10 Thriller side is real edge of your seat.

 

Character Development Mark 10/10 Only real focus is on Colter Stevens but you seem to learn more about him as the story unfolds.

 

Star Performances Jake Gyllenhaal strong lead performances without looking like the big action star.

 

Favourite Character Colter Stevens reluctant hero of the train but real hero in his life.

 

Best Part Some of the twists unfolding.

 

Worst Part Hard to say but I guess being picky the ending is a bit to Hollywood.

 

Fun Trivia Duncan Jones using the song ‘The One and Only’ by Chesney Hawkes as a ring tone much like in Moon is was an alarm for Sam.

 

Similar Too – Twelve Monkeys, Moon

 

My Rating 93%

 

Director: John Carpenter

Writer: Bill Lancaster

Starring: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David, T.K. Carter, David Clennon, Richard Dysart, Charles Hallahan, Peter Maloney, Richard Masur, Donald Moffat

 

Story Set in Antarctica a small base filled with scientist, there peaceful environment is interrupted by a Norwegian helicopter chasing a husky. After the helicopter lands one man comes out with a gun and starts shooting aiming for the dog, not very well shooting one of the scientists before being killed himself. Another man falls out the helicopter dropping some dynamite blowing up the helicopter and himself.

 

R.J. MacReady Mac for short (Russell) goes to investigate the base of the Norwegian only to find the place has been burnt out and what looks like a deformed body burnt outside. Upon further investigation Mac finds a block of ice half melted inside the base.

 

Back at the home base the husky from the beginning has been wondering around all day but is forced to stay with the over huskies. With the people gone the dog soon starts changing shape shifting trying to use the other dogs. The scientists catch it during the process. Grab the flamethrower to dispose of the creature; is that the only creature on the base? Isolated tension between the scientist’s rises no one knows who to trust, who is still human? What is the creature?

Verdict This horror film is considered one of the best films of all time. And after watching again just yesterday this film just doesn’t seem to age. It is truly a brilliant film the tension through out is full blown edge of your seat stuff. Each character has hints they could be one of the creatures but just after you start thinking it one character you are more convinced it is another. John Carpenter is one of the masters of horror and this is a strong contender to be his best having Halloween in there to makes it hard to pick his best. If you a horror fan you watch this movie, if you a film fan in general you should watch this movie.

 

Story Mark 10/10 Many films have tried to copy the simple ideas this one uses to brilliant effect, this would be the best of the ones with the same story.

 

Action Mark 9/10 Explosions, flamethrowers all against an snow storm background.

 

Horror Mark 10/10 The shock values brilliant the fear given to the characters works to great effect, isolated in the middle of Antarctica no where to run against a deadly creature.

 

Special Effects Mark 10/10 No CGI just old fashion brilliant special effects.

 

Star Performances Kurt Russell great lead performance able to keep calm through out all the panic.

 

Favourite Character Childs (David) seems to be level headed but also looks ready to snap at any time

 

Best Part One of the characters who has died head comes off turning into a creature and tries to sneak off.

 

Worst Part Nothing

 

Best Quote Clark ‘I dunno what the hell’s in there, but it’s weird and pissed off, whatever it is.’

 

Fun Trivia John Carpenter has stated that of all his films this is his personal favourite.

 

Similar Too – Well only comparing this to worse movies in Whiteout, The Thing (2011)

 

My Rating 94%

Director: Michael Bay

Writer: Ehren Kruger

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington- Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson, Patrick Dempsey, Frances McDormand, Kevin Dunn, John Malkovich, Julie White, Alan Tudyk

 

Story A few years after past since the last attack, all seems normal now with the Autobots help sort out human conflicts. On one mission an undiscovered Decepticon reveals a secret on the dark side of the moon. Turns out that the moon landing was to discover an Autobot, which crashed on the dark side of the moon.

 

Sam (LaBeouf) is now living in the big city with his new girl friend Carly (Huntington-Whiteley). Sam is on the hunt for a job after college, on of his last attempts is with the eccentric Bruce Brazor (Malkovich). While on his new job Sam learns of a conspiracy that the Decepticon are planning to use the Autobots to bring their planet to Earth and using the resources of Earth. Cue the over the top machine fights, action scenes and cheap one-liners.

Verdict Following on from Transformers Revenge of the Fallen this is a huge improvement, but lets face it, it wasn’t hard. The whole idea of in the story is something that all fans really wanted to see, one with epic battles. The action is way over the top but sit back and enjoy. The addition of more smaller characters extends an already too long a movie. Overall if you like you action you will like, if you like your epic fight scenes you will like. This is the best of the franchise to date.

 

Story Mark 9/10 The story feels like it was one of the cartoons but bought to life in spectacular effect.

 

Action Mark 10/10 Some of the best action sequences you will see, plus a recycled one.

 

Romantic Chemistry Mark 3/10 Carly and Sam really don’t look like a couple

 

Special Effects Mark 10/10 The Autobots versus Decepticons battles are epic.

 

Star Performances John Turturro as the first two he steals every scene.

 

Favourite Character Simmons (Turturro) – lives for the battles

 

Dutch (Tudyk) – Simmons assassin like personal assistant

 

Bruce Brazor – John Malkovich gets to play silly to good effect.

 

Dylan (Dempsey) everyone is used to him playing a good guy only here he plays a villainous role.

 

Poor Performance Rosie Huntington-Whiteley where to start you dump a already mediocre actress for a model who has never acted and you can tell.

 

Shia LaBeouf really this guy is over rated to a new level.

 

Least Favourite Character Sam he is meant to symbolise the normal guy but he is never anywhere close to normal.

 

Best Part the epic war zone like battle at the end.

 

Worst Part Bit too much focus on the Autobots and Decepticons rather than man will to survive.

 

Best Quote Simmons ‘Years from now they’re going to ask us: where were you when they took over the planet? We’re gonna say: we stood by and watched.’

Similar Too – Transforms 1, 2

 

My Rating 84%