Tag: Action

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Movie Review

Continental Split (2024) Movie Review

Continental Split – Movie Review

Continental Split is a formulaic disaster film about seismologists racing to prevent the U.S. from splitting while grappling with personal conflicts.

First Reaction – Continental Split is the typical late-night disaster movie.

Director: Nick Lyon

Writer: Gil Luna, Joe Roche (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: When a fault threatens to split the U.S., a desperate team of seismologists and government agents race to prevent disaster as the clock ticks down.

Runtime: 1 Hour 28 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Continental Split begins when a seismic event occurs in the US. Dr Cami Weddle (Morris) must uncover the cause of the events and protect her family, Eric (Morrow) and Emily (Gold). All while dealing with an ex-husband, Alan (Bruno), who may have contributed to the disaster in the first place.

The former couple must put their differences aside to stop the impending disaster. However, it might be too late, as the destruction has begun spreading through the cities.

Verdict on Continental Split

Recap

The movie follows the desperate race to stop a disaster splitting America in half. A group of scientist race to uncover the biggest points before it spreads, but they must put their own differences aside first.

Best Parts

The disaster feels like one which could strike and would be a big race to prevent global changes to the world. There is also a message about different things which could cause environmental changes.

Worst Parts

This offers nothing new to the disaster movies, and the fact that the family seem to be the only ones risking everything to save the day is almost funny at times. Elsewhere, the performances are not the strongest, nor are the special effects. The biggest weakness comes from the fact that the world never feels lived in, as it is only our characters dealing with disaster; nobody else seems to feel like they are moving away from the disaster.

Final Thoughts – Continental Split is a by-the-book disaster movie.

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Movie Review

Novocaine (2025) Movie Review

Novocaine – Movie Review

Novocaine follows a bank manager, Nate, who, immune to pain, embarks on a chaotic rescue mission after his girlfriend's kidnapping.

First Reaction – Novocaine tries too hard to be edgy and outside the box.

Director: Dan Berk, Robert Olsen

Writer: Lars Jacobson (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: When the girl of his dreams is kidnapped, a man incapable of feeling physical pain turns his rare condition into an unexpected advantage in the fight to rescue her.

Runtime: 1 Hour 50 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Novocaine starts when lonely assistant bank manager Nate (Quaid) meets the girl of his dreams, Sherry (Midthunder). He has a secret, which means he doesn’t feel pain. When robbers break into the bank, they force Nate to open the vault and kidnap Sherry.  

Nate decides to stand up for himself for the first time and go in search of Sherry. However, he ends up going through a host of criminals, while Detective Mincy (Gabriel) tracks down the leads. Nate ends up getting himself in more trouble than he imagined.

Verdict on Novocaine

Recap

The movie follows a lonely bank assistant manager who decides to stand up for himself and try to save his new girlfriend after a bank robbery goes wrong. However, things get out of hand, forcing him into a world of criminals.

Best Parts

The twists and turns along the way are fun to see unfold. Some of the action is entertaining and creates the chaotic environment.

Worst Parts

The way the story unfolds doesn’t drag us in and using the syndrome where someone can’t feel pain to make an unlikely action star doesn’t click. Elsewhere, the performances struggle to make an impact and the film ends up feeling like it wants to create viral moments over a bigger story.

Final Thoughts –Novocaine is over the top and doesn’t hold back from it.

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Movie Review

Fire Serpent (2007) Movie Review

Fire Serpent – Movie Review

Discover the intense suspense of Fire Serpent, a thrilling horror movie about alien creatures attacking Earth.

ABC Film Challenge – Horror – F

Director: John Terlesky

Writer: Garfield Reeves-Stevens, Judith Reeves-Stevens (Screenplay)

Writer: William Shatner (Creator)

Cast

Plot: Alien creatures emerge from the sun and attack Earth.

Runtime: 1 Hour 29 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Fire Serpent starts when firefighter Jake Realm (Brendon) helps put out a wildfire. However, tragedy strikes as his partner is killed in a blast, and Jake sees something he can’t explain. Christina Andrews (Holt) hopes the wildfires can be dealt with before it takes too much of the local area, as reporter Heather Allman (Langlois) searches for a big story.

Elsewhere, Cooke (Beltran) has been tracking the incidents for military resources. Meanwhile, an ex-firefighter Dutch (Mantooth) tries to support Jake in his fight against creatures coming from the fires.

Verdict on Fire Serpent

Fire Serpent is an action horror movie following a group of people who fight against creatures that manoeuvre through fire. They must deal with government involvement and a threat they never imagined.

This movie uses a real scary threat in wildfires and mixes it with an alien invasion concept. It creates a terrifying threat because everyone is scared of fire. Even if the story ends up becoming one-dimensional, it checks the boxes for everything you expect from a late-night monster movie. It is nothing fancy, but you can have some fun with it.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Final Thoughts – Fire Serpent is a fun creature feature-style movie.

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Movie Review

The Surfer (2024) Movie Review

The Surfer – Movie Review

The Surfer follows a man confronting local bullies while returning to his childhood beach, showcasing his struggle and desperation.

First Reaction – The Surfer takes us down a spiral of madness to unlock the truth.

Director: Lorcan Finnegan

Writer: Thomas Martin (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son. When he is humiliated by a group of locals, the man is drawn into a conflict that keeps rising and pushes him to his breaking point.

Runtime: 1 Hour 40 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Surfer starts when a man known as the surfer (Cage) returns to him hometown to show his Kid (Little) what life used to be about. However, upon arrival he meets a new group of surfers run by Scally (McMahon) who don’t accept outsiders.

When he confronts them, he begins getting tested by the local authority not helping him. However, he has a bigger secret and uses him past breaking point to rid the beach of the troublemakers.

Verdict on The Surfer

Recap

The movie follows a man trying to buy a house in his hometown near a local surfer spot. However, he clashes with a ruthless gang of surfers who don’t welcome outsiders. They push him to his limits as he prepares to stand up against the bullies controlling the area.

Best Parts

The spiral the man goes through is interesting to watch; it shows how quickly his life gets out of control in a way he can’t handle. Nicolas Cage is fantastic in the role and keeps us wanting to see the desperate life going on. It does a great job of showing the gang having control and not wanting to let new people into the area.

Worst Parts

The movie doesn’t do a good job of showing what is actually happening with the gang and what is motivating them. It teases at a few things, but leaves more unanswered questions.

Final Thoughts – The Surfer sends us down a strange and unusual journey.

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Movie Review

Troll 2 (2025) Movie Review

Troll 2 – Movie Review

Troll 2 explores folklore and creatures, but less action and focus on characters diminishes the original's epic feel.

First Reaction – Troll 2 creates a big story, but steps back on the bigger action moments.

Director: Roar Uthaug

Writer: Espen Aukan, Roar Uthaug (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Ine Marie Wilmann (ZombieLars)
  • Kim Falck
  • Mads Sjogard Pettersen (Eddie the Eagle)
  • Sara Khorami
  • Ágota Dunai (Fight of Flight)

Plot: Nora, Andreas and Captain Kris leap back into action when a dangerous new troll awakes – and this time they’ll need more help to take it down.

Runtime: 1 Hour 42 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Troll 2 starts in the aftermath of the first movie, Nora (Wilmann) is recruited to help the government understand the creature. However, their studies spiral out of control, and the monstrous troll is released from captivity again.

Nora must work with Kristoffer (Pettersen) and Andreas (Falck) to stop the new outbreak of trolls. However, this time it is a much deadlier creature that is taking more lives of everyone around them. It becomes a race to stop the creatures before they cause too much destruction, using their knowledge of the folklores to defeat them.

Verdict on Troll 2

Recap

The movie continues the battle between understanding the trolls and exploiting them for one’s own demands. It picks up with the same group trying to defend the country, and a new deadly troll appears to destroy the local area.

Best Parts

The movie delves further into the folklore of trolls and humans in Norway. This is interesting to follow, as it creates a story about history between two different kinds of people in one world. Elsewhere, the special effects are brilliant, bringing the creatures to life.

Worst Parts

There are a lot fewer big trolls involved, and we spiral into focusing on the people around the towns. It seems to step more into the conversation about dealing with them, rather than the action to stop them.

Final Thoughts – Troll 2 doesn’t live up to the expectation after the original epic feeling movie.

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Movie Review

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024) Movie Review

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim – Movie Review

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a welcome additional to the universe.

First Reaction – The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a welcome additional to the universe.

Director: Kenji Kamiyama

Writer: Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews, Phoebe Gittins, Ary Papageorgiou (Screenplay)

Writer: J.R.R. Tolkien (Characters)

Cast (Voice Talents)

Plot: A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and traitorous lord of Rohan seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg.

Runtime: 2 Hours 14 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim starts when Wulf attacks Helm Hammerhand in vengeance for killing his father. The King of Rohan will do anything to protect his kingdom and his daughter Hera. However, the battle will cost more than imagined, leading to the battle for control.

Hera must make a difficult decision to help stop the bloodshed and save her people too. However, her decision means going against everything her father promised, but to protect her people, she will do anything for the greater good.

Verdict on The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Recap

The movie follows a war between two sides in a determination to control Rohan. It follows the son wanting vengeance for his father’s death and the daughter of his target refusing to back down.

Best Parts

This brings us another epic story in the Lord of the Rings environment and gives both sides strong motivation for battle. It makes sense the son wants vengeance, and it was simpler idea which both sides need to protect their people. The animation is beautiful and fully embraces the world and the fantasy creators involved.

Worst Parts

The big question comes from whether we needed more from the Lord of the Rings world. I feel unless you have really invested in the world, certain things would come off confusing.

Final Thoughts – The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a beautifully animated trip into the world.

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Movie Review

Primitive War (2025) Movie Review

Primitive War – Movie Review

Primitive War is an engaging dinosaur film set in 1968, where a recon unit must survive in a jungle filled with dinosaurs.

First Reaction – Primitive War is one of the best dinosaur movies in years.

Where to Watch

Primitive War only in UK and Irish cinemas from 28 November. Distributed by Signature Entertainment.

Director: Luke Sparke

Writer: Luke Sparke (Screenplay)

Writer: Ethan Pettus (Book)

Cast

Plot: Vietnam. 1968. A recon unit known as Vulture Squad is sent to an isolated jungle valley to uncover the fate of a missing Green Beret platoon. They soon discover they are not alone.

Runtime: 2 Hours 13 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Primitive War starts when a recon unit, including Baker (Kwanten), Eli (Wechsler) and Keyes (Ingruber) get sent to investigate a missing Green Beret platoon. They head deep into a jungle valley and make a shocking discovery.

However, once they reach the location, they discover the valley filled with dinosaurs. The surviving members of the unit must work with a Russian scientist, Sofia (Helfer), to escape the valley before they become dinosaur dinner.

Verdict on Primitive War

Recap

The movie follows a recon unit searching for a missing Green Beret platoon. However, they enter a jungle filled with dinosaurs and must try and figure out how to escape.

Best Parts

The idea that a secret jungle of dinosaurs fighting the Vietnam military works for a conflict story. It brings the sides together for the bigger motivation to survive. Elsewhere, the dinosaurs feel more like a threat, and unlike Jurassic World, we focus more on the bigger threat traditional dinosaurs pose.

Worst Parts

The movie is longer than it needs to be even the biggest Jurassic Park or World movies have shorter runtimes. Elsewhere, the battles show the military looking to overpowered.

Final Thoughts –Primitive War is an entertaining, wild ride against dinosaurs.

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Movie Review

Kraven the Hunter (2024) Movie Review

Kraven The Hunter – Movie Review

Kraven The Hunter feels like it is an older generation superhero movie, without an edgy style.

First Reaction – Kraven The Hunter feels like it is an older generation superhero movie, without an edgy style.

Director: J.C. Chandor

Writer: Richard Wenk, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway (Screenplay)

Writer: Stan Lee, Steve Ditko (Creators)

Cast

Plot: Kraven’s complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff, starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared.

Runtime: 2 Hours 7 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Kraven The Hunter starts when a teenage Sergei gets brutally attack by a lion and saved by Calypso performing a ritual on him. Sergei (Taylor-Johnson) becomes more powerful, deadly and insync with animals. He uses them to fight back against hunters who are taking lives. When Calypso’s (DeBose) friend is killed, Sergei connects and begins a new partnership.

Meanwhile, Sergei’s father Nikolai (Crowe) continues his ruthless ways, forcing Sergei to face off against him. Elsewhere, a bigger enemy is waiting in the shadows to take advantage of Nikolai stepping away from the life of crime.

Verdict on Kraven The Hunter

Recap

The movie follows a man who has animal like power after an incident. He uses the powers to fight back against criminals in a ruthless manner. However, this time it hits closer to home and he must fight to protect his family.

Best Parts

The motivation behind Kraven’s mission is what superpowers should be used for. It keeps it simple to eliminate dangerous people. Elsewhere, the mysterious Foreigner is interesting to watch complete their mission too.

Worst Parts

The core mission the character wants to complete are good, but most of the story is not as interesting as it could be. It lacks the edgy side it wants with the ruthless behaviour and doesn’t have the charm to fit the modern Marvel universe.

Final Thoughts – Kraven The Hunter lacks the edge the character feels like it could have.

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Movie Review

Tee Yai Rerk Dao Jone (2025) Movie Review

Tee Yai Rerk Dao Jone – Movie Review

Tee Yai Rerk Dao Jone is an engaging action film about two outlaws escaping a ruthless detective and gang with magical elements.

First Reaction – Tee Yai Rerk Dao Jone keeps us wondering where the bigger story will go.

Director: Nonzee Nimibutr

Writer: Chanchana Homsap (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Wisarut Himmarat
  • Supassra Thanachat
  • Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat

Plot: Two outlaws whose relationship is put to the test by a detective set on tracking down a infamous gang of robbers in 1980s Bangkok.

Runtime: 1 Hour 57 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Tee Yai Rerk Dao Jone starts when two outlaws, Tee (Wattanagitiphat) and Rerk (Himmarat) go on the run. They are chased by a ruthless detective and a gang they worked for before.

However, their latest job is designed to save their loved one and save their loved ones. Can they get it done before it is too late, and their ability to use magic keeps things a mystery for everyone involved?

Verdict on Tee Yai Rerk Dao Jone

Recap

The movie follows two outlaws with the ability to trick their captors as they try to escape. However, their plan becomes more difficult when the people they have crossed come back to haunt them.

Best Parts

There is some good action throughout the movie, and the twists and turns help keep us guessing. The performances are great and elevate the bigger action and character motivations.

Worst Parts

While the story is interesting, it does feel like another story about gangs and people wanting to escape before they become victims. It plays into a lot of stereotypes without bringing its own ideas to the table.

Final Thoughts –Tee Yai Rerk Dao Jone is an interesting action movie, with plenty of twists.