Tag: 2005

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Movie Review

Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) Movie Review

Good Night, and Good Luck – Movie Review

Find out why Good Night, and Good Luck is a must-watch film. With brilliant performances and a powerful story, it's a true cinematic gem.

First Reaction – Good Night, and Good Luck has brilliant performances throughout.

Watch Good Night, and Good Luck here.

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ABC Film Challenge – Oscar Nominated – G

Director: George Clooney

Writer: George Clooney, Grant Heslov (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow looks to bring down Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Good Night, and Good Luck starts as broadcast journalist Edward R Murrow (Strathairn) leads stories against the communist witch hunt. He challenges Senator Joseph McCarthy’s ruthless accusations, and his team provides proof of the witch hunt.

Meanwhile, the government is trying to keep them quiet and his team must find a way to prove their story. However, it tests them in ways they never imagined and could rock how America has acted over the years.

Verdict on Good Night, and Good Luck

Recap

The movie follows broadcast journalist Edward R Murrow on his battle against Senator Joseph McCarthy. He wants to expose his communist witch hunt and free the American people from their scary-mongering.

Best Parts

The standout side of this movie is the performances, we get wonderful performances from the whole cast. When it comes to the story, we get to see how America was put in a position of trying to censor journalists and the ripple effects of that. Finally, looking at how communism was treated is shown here and how badly people would let things get out of control.

Worst Parts

The story does have interesting points, but it also struggles to do enough to get us to understand the impact of what was happening at the time. It was a witch-hunting season and nothing seems to come from the bigger picture on show.

Final Thoughts –Good Night, and Good Luck has wonderful performances, but the story can struggle to keep up.

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Movie Review

Cinderella Man (2005) Movie Review

Cinderella Man – Movie Review

Discover the inspiring true story of Cinderella Man, a washed-up boxer who defied the odds to win the heavyweight championship of the world.

ABC Film Challenge – Oscar Nominations – R (Ron Howard)

Director: Ron Howard

Writer: Cliff Hollingsworth, Akiva Goldsman (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: The true story of James J. Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer, who returned to the spotlight to win the heavyweight championship of the world.

Runtime: 2 Hours 24 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Cinderella Man starts when a former champion boxer Jim Braddock (Crowe) finds himself in hard times. He is struggling through the Great Depression to keep a roof over his wife Mae (Zellweger) and children’s heads. His former promoter Joe (Giamatti) tries to help him, but the committee pushes him out.

When Jim is giving a last-minute fight, he shocks the community and wins against one of the highest-ranked boxers. It throws him back into the spotlight and he gets a second chance to make a big name for himself. All leading to him facing the world champion.

Verdict on Cinderella Man

Cinderella Man is a drama following the life of boxer Jim Braddock. He is considered washed up, but he is given another chance leading to him facing the world champion. It is all with the backdrop of the struggle during the Great Depression.

This movie shows the incredible story of Jim Braddock and how much he fought for over the years. It shows how easily a boxer can be forgotten and return to the sport with an incredible following. This follows most of the traditional stories of sports people who completed an amazing achievement in the early years. It highlights how incredible they were and how important their impact on the sport was.

Final Thoughts –Cinderella Man brings the incredible story to life.

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Movie Review

BloodRayne (2005) Movie Review

BloodRayne – ABC Film Challenge – Video Game Movies – K (Kristanna Loken) – BloodRayne – Movie Review

BloodRayne

Director: Uwe Boll

Writer: Guinevere Turner (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: In the eighteenth century, a vampire escapes from the freak show, in which she once participated, and teams up with a group of vampire slayers to kill the man who raped her mother.

Runtime: 1 Hour 35 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: BloodRayne starts when a half-human, half-vampire Rayne (Loken) escapes from her circus freakshow. The daughter of the feared vampire Kagan (Kingsley) wants her reclaimed so he can gain full power. However, Vladimir (Madsen) leads a group that fights back against vampires hurting humanity.

When Rayne joins Vladimir in the battle, she gets to go after the vampire that killed her mother. Although, not everything is going to be as easier as she imagined, as she learns the real cost of death.

Verdict on BloodRayne

BloodRayne is an action horror movie based on the video game. It follows a half-human half-vampire that finds herself in the middle of a war between humans and vampires. She must decide which side to fight for and prevent a battle that would cause massive tragedy to the world.

This is a movie that looks to bring another one of the popular video game franchises to life. It puts the idea of the hero in a world they need to improve in to beat a big boss down well. However, the main characters around them feel generic a stale. We get some fun fight sequences, but nothing about this movie really stands out.

Final Thoughts – BloodRayne is a by-the-books video game movie.

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Movie Review

Doom (2005) Movie Review

Doom – Movie Review

Discover the thrilling world of Doom with this movie review. Join the Space Marines on their mission to investigate strange events on Mars.

ABC Film Challenge – Video Game – D

Director: Andrzej Bartkowiak (Romeo Must Die)

Writer: Dave Callaham, Wesley Strick (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Space Marines are sent to investigate strange events at a research facility on Mars but find themselves at the mercy of genetically enhanced killing machines.

Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Doom starts when an incident happens at a research facility on Mars. Space Marines Sarge (Johnson), John Grimm (Urban) and the crew are joined by scientist Samantha Grimm (Pike) to investigate.

They find an abandoned facility, however, the deeper they investigate, the more they discover. The marines must deal with creatures roaming through the halls and trying to escape. It leads to a desperate race to stop the creatures before they can escape Mars and cause destruction on Earth.

Verdict on Doom

Doom is an action horror from the early days of video game adaptations. It follows a group of space marines as they look to contain an outbreak at a Mars research facility. However, things spiral out of control, as they look to deal with a threat unlike anything they have dealt with before.

This movie tried to capture the new idea of using video games for movies. It was the early days and not everything clicked the way people had imagined. However, for a bonkers sci-fi action horror movie, it has plenty of chaos. The standout scene is the first-person shooting sequence which feels ripped right from the game series. It might well have a few flaws, but it doesn’t hold back and commits to the chaotic nature needed.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Final Thoughts – Doom is a chaotic non-stop sci-fi action film.

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Movie Review

Ambulancen (2005) Movie Review

Ambulancen – Movie Review

Discover a gripping movie review for Ambulancen. Read about the desperate robbery and the unexpected twist when they steal an ambulance.

ABC Film Challenge – World Cinema – A

Director: Laurits Munch-Petersen

Writer: Laurits Munch-Petersen, Lars Andreas Pedersen (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Two brothers commit a robbery out of desperation. However, when it all goes wrong they decide to steal an ambulance, but they soon realize that they are not alone.

Runtime: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Ambulancen starts when Tim (Henriksen) and Frank (Larsen) rob a bank. In their attempts to escape, they steal an ambulance. However, they learn they aren’t alone as paramedic Julie (Fagralid) is treating a patient in the back.

The pair can’t simply give up and end up taking the pair with them in their desperate attempt to escape the police. However, not everything goes to plan and the three must figure out what to do to make it out alive.

Verdict on Ambulancen

Ambulancen is an action thriller which famously got remade by Michael Bay. It follows a couple of thieves who hijack an ambulance in an attempt to escape. However, they are not aware of a paramedic on board and must figure out how to elude the law and keep the patient alive.

This is a simple and effective thriller using the high-speed escape to the law. It delivers the moral dilemma of what to do with the patient and keeps us on edge as to what will happen. However, you can see why it needed an update in recent years. It doesn’t have the same level of intensity as the remake and ends up becoming a typical entertaining late-night action movie.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Final Thoughts – Ambulancen is a late-night action 101 movie.

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Movie Review

The Descent (2005) Movie Review

The Descent – ABC Film Challenge – Favourites – D – The Descent – Movie Review 

Descent

Director: Neil Marshall

Writer: Neil Marshall (Screenplay)

Cast

 

Plot: A caving expedition goes horribly wrong, as the explorers become trapped and ultimately pursued by a strange breed of predators.  

Runtime: 1 Hour 39 Minutes

 There may be spoilers in the rest of the review 

Story: The Descent starts when six friends Sarah (Macdonald), June (Mendoza), Beth (Reid), Rebecca (Mulder), Sam (Buring) and Holly (Noone) go on a spelunking adventure. Sarah is still traumatized by the accident one year before, that saw her husband and child killed.

After some bonding between friends, the women head out on their adventure. However, Juno has surprised them with an uncharted caving system. When the entrance they use closes, the group must explore to find a way out. Although that isn’t the biggest problem when they run into a breed of predators who have adapted to the dark.  

Verdict on The Descent

The Descent is a horror thriller following a group of spelunkers that find themselves trapped and being hunted by monsters. They must figure out a way out while staying ahead of the creatures hunting them down.

This is one of the best claustrophobic horror movies ever made. It uses the caving system to create unparalleled tension. While horror is the central focus of the movie. There is also a focus on the human aspect of loss, as Sarah is trying to recover from an unthinkable loss. The movie creates an amazing amount of chaos, that leaves us in a position of uncertainty about whether they can make it out alive.

This is a perfect example of how to make a brilliant horror movie on a tight budget. It has the action, the scares and well-developed characters to take us on the adventure. 

Final Thoughts – The Descent is an excellent, nerve-shredding horror movie.

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Movie Review

Santa’s Slay (2005) Movie Review

Santa’s Slay – Movie Review

Santa's Slay

Director: David Steiman

Writer: David Steiman (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Bill Goldberg (The Longest Yard)
  • Douglas Smith (Don’t Worry Darling)
  • Emilie de Ravin (Brick)
  • Robert Culp (Everybody Love Raymond)
  • Saul Rubinek (Unforgiven)

Plot: Santa Claus is actually a demon who lost a bet with an Angel, so he becomes the giver of toys and happiness. But when the bet is off, he returns to his evil ways.

Runtime: 1 Hour 18 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Santa’s Slay starts on Christmas Eve as Santa (Goldberg) starts his murderous rampage in a small town. This sees him searching for revenge after a millennium-long bet has finished. Meanwhile, Nicolas Yuleson (Smith) is preparing for another empty Christmas with his Grandpa (Culp).

As Santa continues his rampage through town, he locates the man that placed the curse on him. However, Nicolas and Mary (de Ravin) have joined forces in an attempt to stop the bloodshed.

Verdict on Santa’s Slay

Santa’s Slay is a Christmas horror comedy diving into the mystery around Santa. It builds up the idea that he has been cursed to be jolly for 1000 years and now he is free to return to the violent ways. This leads to the one person who can stop him teaming up with her grandson to fight back on Christmas Day.

Horror Christmas movies have always been a fun thing to watch. Over the years some have become cult favourites, while others have failed to impress. This is one that gets caught up in the middle because certain moments are ridiculous on the killing spree. On the other hand, the idea that Santa was cursed to be nice for 1000 years is an interesting one. This movie is wildly over-the-top and filled with cheap puns. It works for the film but doesn’t make it a classic by any means.

Final Thoughts – Santa’s Slay is a wildly over-the-top Christmas horror movie.

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Movie Review

Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild (2005) Movie Review

Stuart Little 3 Call of the Wild – ABC Film Challenge – Sequels – S – Stuart Little 3 Call of the Wild – Movie Review

Stuart Little 3

Director: Audu Paden

Writer: Bob Shaw, Don McEnery (Screenplay)

Writer: Douglas Wick (Story)

Cast Voice Talents

  • Michael J Fox (Back to the Future)
  • Geena Davis (Thelma and Louise)
  • Hugh Laurie (House M.D)
  • Wayne Brady
  • Kevin Schon

Plot: The Little family spend their vacation near Lake Garland. Meanwhile, in the forest, a beast is threatening the animals to give her food every night.

Runtime: 1 Hour 12 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Stuart Little 3 Call of the Wild starts as the Little family head on vacation in the wilderness. Stuart and George become part of the scouts, where Stuart struggles to fit in. He makes friends with a skunk Reeko a smart wild animal who hustles his way through the day.

When Stuart learns about a Beast in the woods, Reeko uses his connection to prepare Stuart. Meanwhile, Snowball gets used to being in the wild, only to get himself in trouble again. Stuart needs to show his bravery to save Snowball from the Beast in the woods.

Verdict on Stuart Little 3 Call of the Wild

Stuart Little 3 Call of the Wild is an animated adventure continuing the adventures of Stuart Little. This time he goes into the wilderness where new threats lay and the potential of what he could achieve as a human is affected. He only wants to fit in which is his biggest desire of his.

When it comes to comparing to the last movie, this isn’t on the same level. Being a big step down from the previous too despite holding on to the voice talents. There is still a strong message but deep down it doesn’t get enough enjoyment in everything.

Final Thoughts – Stuart Little 3 Call of the Wild is a typical straight-to-video third chapter, keeping the basics safe but lacking the magic.

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Movie Review

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) Movie Review

ABC Film Challenge – Sequels – O – Obi-Wan Kenobi – Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith – Movie Review

Revenge of the Sith

Director: George Lucas

Writer: George Lucas (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Three years into the Clone Wars, the Jedi rescue Palpatine from Count Dooku. As Obi-Wan pursues a new threat, Anakin acts as a double agent between the Jedi Council and Palpatine and is lured into a sinister plan to rule the galaxy.

Runtime: 2 Hours 20 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith starts with Anakin (Christensen) and Obi-Wan (McGregor) leading the rescue mission of Chancellor Palpatine (McDiarmid). Once rescued, Palpatine starts to guide Anakin, much to the Jedi’s concern.

As Palpatine looks to unleash his master plan, Anakin shows his true colours leading to a showdown with his mentor Obi-Wan.

Verdict on Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith

Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith is the final chapter in the prequel saga. It does have the most interesting turn of events, as it will show Anakin embracing the dark side and the war between the two sides starting.

Apart from the massive battle between the two sides, the story does still seem to have a bit of a disconnect, when we follow the two sides of the story.

As the final chance to see Dark Vadar in his true human form, this is what we needed. We have seen the darker side rising from Attack of the Clones. Proving he was going to become the great evil in the universe. It might have been more interesting to see more between Anakin and Obi-Wan about controlling the good side because in most of the films we have seen isolation becoming the major factor for his change.

Final Thoughts – Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith has the battles to save the conclusion of the series.