Tag: 2001

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Movie Review

Raptor (2001) Movie Review

Raptor – Movie Review

Raptor is a 101 B-movie.

First Reaction – Raptor is a 101 B-movie.

Director: John Blush, Jim Wynorski

Writer: Jim Wynorski, Michael B Druxman, Frances Doel (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: When Sheriff Jim Tanner investigates a string of unexplained and grisly killings, he uncovers a prehistoric terror.

Runtime: 1 Hour 21 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Raptor starts when Sheriff Jim Tanner (Roberts) faces an unexpected series of deaths. Barbara Phillips (DeMarco) offers expert advice on the unusual tracks at the death scene. Elsewhere, Dr Hyde (Bernsen) sees his experiment escape into the wild, and one of his created raptors is hunting the local area.

When the attacks continue to get worse, Jim must guide the local authorities to a safe solution before more bodies turn up. Meanwhile, Dr Hyde looks to cover up his mistakes before he gets blamed.

Verdict on Raptor

Recap

The movie follows a small town which comes under attack from an accidentally released dinosaur. A sheriff and animal expert must work together to investigate before it spreads too far and causes too much damage.

Best Parts

The small town environment, seeing them come together for an attack, is interesting. It also plays into the idea that scientists will use remote locations for dangerous experiments.

Worst Parts

When it comes to the rest of the movie, it is not great; the effects are not very impressive. Elsewhere, the story, while simple, doesn’t seem like there is ever any urgency to solve the problem. It feels like there would be a much bigger rush to solve this, rather than anything else.

Final Thoughts –Raptor is a simple B-movie with basic creature features.

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Movie Review

Deep Freeze (2001) Movie Review


Deep Freeze – Movie Review

Deep Freeze is a bad version of The Thing.

First Reaction – Deep Freeze is a bad version of The Thing.

Director: John Carl Buechler

Writer: Robert Boris, Dennis A Pratt, Matthew Jason Walsh (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: An Antarctic drilling station is under attack by a mysterious killer. Will anyone survive?

Runtime: 1 Hour 23 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Deep Freeze starts when a group of scientist and workers at an Antarctic drilling station come under attack. The team have arrived to complete the next stage of research, but begins seeing their number dwindle when they get attacked by the mysterious creature.

However, the differences between the team become clear and they must put them aside if they want to make it out alive. Even if the moral dilemma takes over in hopes of saving the planet too.

Verdict on Deep Freeze

Recap

The movie follows a group of researchers and workers working on a remote Antarctic base. However, they begin getting attacked by an unknown creature, which starts picking them off. It leads them into a battle to try to discover what is behind the attack.

Best Parts

The location is the one solid thing about the movie; it creates an isolated environment for the characters to operate in.

Worst Parts

In the end, this feels more like a cheap knock-off version of The Thing. It lacks the scares, the atmosphere and the creature creations. The performances don’t impress, and we are left spiralling into a forgettable movie.

Final Thoughts –Deep Freeze is a cheap The Thing Knock-Off.

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Movie Review

The Devil’s Backbone (2001) Movie Review

The Devil’s Backbone – Movie Review

The Devil's Backbone is a chilling horror film, set in a haunted orphanage during the Spanish Civil War, showcasing outstanding performances and profound themes.

First Reaction – The Devil’s Backbone is a brilliant, outstanding and chilling horror movie.

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Writer: Guillermo del Toro, Antonio Trashorras, David Munoz (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: After Carlos – a 12-year-old whose father has died in the Spanish Civil War – arrives at an ominous boys’ orphanage, he discovers the school is haunted and has many dark secrets which he must uncover.

Runtime: 1 Hour 46 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Devil’s Backbone starts when Carlos (Tielve) gets left at an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War. Carmen (Paredes) and Dr Casares (Luppi) run the orphanage, while bullies look to make his time difficult. As Carlos adapt to his new surroundings he meets a ghostly figure.

However, once Carlos begins investigating the history of the orphanage, he discovers the ghost’s identity, Santi. Carlos must uncover the truth before it is too late, as the residents of the orphanage continue living a normal life.

Verdict on The Devil’s Backbone

Recap

The movie follows a young boy left at an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War. He overcomes problems while finding his feet again before meeting spirit walking the hallways. The orphans must work together to uncover the truth, which brings a disturbing truth to light.

Best Parts

When it comes to horrors, I have always loved the ones where a ghost guides somebody to answers. This is a perfect example of how they work using the innocence of the orphans in a conflict zone. It shows a darker secret which haunts them and a danger they can’t prepare for in war. This balances horror from ghosts and war perfectly to leave us with one of the most chilling movies of all time. The performances add to everything, where the whole cast is outstanding throughout the movie.

Final Thoughts –The Devil’s Backbone is a brilliant, chilling masterpiece in horror.

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Movie Review

Lara Croft Tomb Raider (2001) Movie Review

Lara Croft And The Race Against Time: Movie Review

ABC Film Challenge – Video Game Movies – L (Lara Croft)

Lara Croft And The Race Against Time: Movie Review

Director: Simon West (Skyfire, Stratton, Wildcard and Stolen)

Writer: Patrick Massett, John Zinman (Screenplay)

Writer: Sara B Cooper, Mike Werb, Michael Colleary (Story)

Cast

Plot: Video game adventurer Lara Croft comes to life in a movie where she races against time and villains to recover powerful ancient artefacts.

Runtime: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Lara Croft Tomb Raider starts when Lara (Jolie) discovers an artefact in her home which has activated. It was left by her father Lord Richard (Voight). However, Manfred Powell (Glen) has been assigned to get the item, which presents the next alignment of the planets. If they fail, they must wait thousands of years for the moment to come again.

After the item is stolen, Manfred leads the expedition to uncover the missing parts. Joined by fellow treasure hunter Alex West (Craig), they have a massive team to search for answers. However, Lara must figure out how to stop them from using the item for evil.

Verdict on Lara Croft Tomb Raider

Lara Croft Tomb Raider is an action adventure movie following the popular video game character. She must go up against another ruthless reassure hunter who is searching for an artefact which would give them power. It sees her using her skills to stay ahead of the problem and uncover the truth.

This was one of the first video games, that managed to follow in the footsteps of the Indiana Jones and Mummy franchises. It brings us a fun adventure which takes us on a globe trotting journey to solve the mystery. While it can be seen safe first adventure, we don’t need anything overly complicated. Angeline Jolie is fantastic as the treasure hunter and we can’t wait to see the next adventure from her.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Watch If You Liked: Indiana Jones, The Mummy

Final Thoughts – Lara Croft Tomb Raider is a fun globe trotting adventure.

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Movie Review

Along Came a Spider (2001) Movie Review

Along Came a Spider – ABC Film Challenge – Mystery – A – Along Came a Spider – Movie Review

Along Came a Spider

Director: Lee Tamahori

Writer: Marc Moss (Screenplay)

Writer: James Patterson (Novel)

Cast

Plot: When a senator’s daughter under Secret Service protection is kidnapped from a private school, detective Alex Cross investigates the case even though he’s recovering from the loss of his partner.

Runtime: 1 Hour 44 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Along Came a Spider starts when a senator’s daughter Megan (Boorem) is abducted by a teacher Gary Soneji (Wincott). Soneji contacts Dr Alex Cross (Freeman), bringing him into the case. Cross teams up with secret service agent Jezzie Flannigan (Potter), who has been watching over the school for years.

As the pair work together, they start trying to put the pieces together to understand his motivation. This sends Alex down a dangerous path, against a mastermind that has been planning for years.

Verdict on Along Came a Spider

Along Came a Spider is a mystery thriller that brings Alex Cross back in for another criminal case. This sees Alex Cross needing to get over his own personal problems after losing his partner. With a case leaving him questioning plenty about what is going on.

This is an interesting mystery that keeps us guessing, despite knowing we will get a twist of sorts after giving us the criminal in the opening sequence. Elsewhere, in the story, there isn’t too much more coming out of it, which could leave you wanting more.

Final Thoughts – Along Came a Spider is an interesting mystery thriller.

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Movie Review

Replicant (2001) Movie Review

Replicant – Movie Review

Replicant

Director: Ringo Lam

Writer: Lawrence Riggins, Les Weldon (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Scientists create a genetic clone of a serial killer in order to help catch the killer, teaming up with two cops.

Runtime: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Replicant starts as Detective Jake Riley (Rooker) sees serial killer the Torch (Van Damme) escape once again. He is forced into early retirement. Only he is offered a new chance to hunt for the Torch by a special scientist unit that has been creating clones to follow suspects.

Jake is given the replicant of Torch (Van Damme) to learn about the killer, but the replicant struggles to adapt to life, once he learns he is connected to the serial killer. As the Replicant finds himself being the pawn in the game, he is left to wonder what side of the fight he should be on.

Verdict on Replicant

Replicant is an action thriller that uses the idea of cloning someone to help solve a series of murders. It is an interesting idea and works well for the most part because the clone must learn how to adapt to the world.

In the end, this is a detective hunting down a serial killer, using a different option to help him get the upper hand. It works as an interesting concept because it is always entertaining to watch a good cat-n-mouse.

We get to see Jean-Claude Van Damme fighting himself, or his body double. Showing off his martial arts skills that we have over the year. Michael Rooker as the determined detective is great too, showing his pure determination.

Final Thoughts – Replicant is a fun Jean-Claude Van Damme action movie.

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Movie Review

The One (2001) Movie Review

The One – ABC Film Challenge – Thriller – O – The One – Movie Review

The One

Director: James Wong

Writer: Glen Morgan, James Wong (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Jet Li (Hero)
  • Carla Gugino (Gerald’s Game)
  • Delroy Lindo (Da 5 Bloods)
  • Jason Statham (Hobbs and Shaw)
  • James Morrison (Catch Me If You Can)

Plot: A rogue Multiverse agent goes on a manhunt for alternate versions of himself, getting stronger with each kill. Only the last version of himself, an LASD cop, can stop his crusade before he becomes “The One”.

Runtime: 1 Hour 27 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The One starts when Yulaw (Li) continues his multiverse travelling to kill the alternate versions of himself to gain power. Agents Roedecker (Lindo) and Funsch (Statham) are tracking him, knowing the more he kills, the stronger he becomes.

When Yulaw escapes, he has one more version of himself to kill, Gabe (Li). Travelling to his universe, he searches for him, while the agents look to stop him, without killing him. The agents must work with Gabe to stop Yulaw before it is too late because the side effects could cause major consequences throughout the multiverses.

Verdict on The One

The One is a sci-fi thriller that uses the concept of multiverses to bring to life the characters. We follow one who is looking for ultimate power by killing every other version of himself. While multiverse agents must track him down and stop him before he kills the last one.

This might end up being a very busy movie, despite having an interesting concept in play. It brings the consequences of potentially only having one version of anyone throughout the multiverse could have on the world.

There is an amazing cast here, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Delroy Lindo and Carla Gugino. Everyone is great in the movie and Jet Li gets to show off his fighting skills throughout the movie.

Final Thoughts – The One is a great fun ambitious multiverse movie.

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Movie Review

Legally Blonde (2001) Movie Review

How Elle Woods Challenged Her Image in ‘Legally Blonde’

How Elle Woods Challenged Her Image in 'Legally Blonde'

Director: Robert Luketic

Writer: Karen McCullah, Kirsten Smith (Screenplay) Amanda Brown (Novel)

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge, Holland Taylor, Ali Larter

Plot: Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority queen, is dumped by her boyfriend. She decides to follow him to law school. While she is there, she figures out that there is more to her than just looks.

Runtime: 1 Hour 36 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Legally Blonde starts when a sorority queen Elle Woods (Witherspoon) gets dumped by Warner (Davis), only for Elle to look to overcome her image and tackle law school, with her ex-boyfriend is attending.

Once Elle starts to realize that she deserves better, she starts taking law school more seriously, making waves in how she approaches cases, seeing her put onto a murder trial, where she will look to get the evidence to get her client off the murder charge.

Thoughts on Legally Blonde

Thoughts – Legally Blonde is a romantic comedy drama, bringing a character that looks completely out of place in the world of law. Elle proves that looks can be deceiving and brains will be what makes a career. When it comes to the studying side, we rarely see any of this side of things, which works because this is more about being accepted in the studying side of the learning curve, rather than just being expected to know everything.

When it comes to the case, we see the strengths of being knowledgeable in different fields, only it might have been better to see the rest of the team getting in some input, rather than just following the guidelines to be like the rest. Reese Witherspoon (Your Place or Mine) will always have this role, as one of her best, being one of the more iconic performances in film history. This is an enjoyable movie, with laughs, courtroom drama and important life lessons.

Final Thoughts – Legally Blonde is easily one of the most iconic movies of modern cinema.

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Movie Review

ABC Film Challenge – 2000s Movies – K – A Knight’s Tale (2001) Movie Review

Director: Brian Helgeland

Writer: Brian Helgeland (Screenplay)

Starring: Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon, Paul Bettany, Laura Fraser, Alan Tudyk

Plot: After his master dies, a peasant squire, fuelled by his desire for food and glory, creates a new identity for himself as a knight.

Runtime: 2 Hours 12 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: A Knight’s Tale starts when three squires William Thatcher (Ledger), Roland (Addy) and Wat (Tudyk) decide to take their master’s place in a joust after his death. When William wins, the three decide to continue the journey becoming Ulrich thanks to the stories of Geoffrey Chaucer (Bettany).

As the group start to make a reputation for themselves, they start turning heads with William falling for Jocelyn (Sossamon), while a champion jouster Count Adhemar (Sewell) is looking to expose him for the fraud he is.

Thoughts on A Knight’s Tale

Thoughts – A Knight’s Tale is the action-adventure movie that made jousting an interesting sport, showing the unlikely rider competing in championships which is meant only for the knights of the world. It will show us that a sport can be competed with anyone who is determined to fight for the right reasons. The action sequences are great fun, but the comedy is where this movie shines, with Alan Tudyk, Paul Bettany and Mark Addy getting all the laughs along the way. Heath Ledger shines as the charismatic aspiring knight filled with the confidence and insecurities he might face in everyday life. This is an enjoyable tale that is filled with the adventure you need to escape in this world.

Final Thoughts – A Knight’s Tale fun adventure movie