Film Review – Bachelorette (2012)

Director – Leslye Headland.

Starring –  Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, Rebel Wilson, Adam Scott, James Marsden.

Synopsis – Three friends are asked to be bridesmaids at a wedding of a woman they used to ridicule back in high school. (provided by IMDB.com)

Viewed on – Netflix

First Time Viewing – Yes, not viewed before

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

In the last few years have seen more and more recognised names appear in movies that skip the big screen to head straight to DVD. This is a film with an impressive cast that rarely let me down in films, that is until now.

Within the first five minutes we meet the B-Faces (yep that’s bitch faces, they name themselves that) as they are invited to the wedding of their friend, Becky, who they used to torment in school. The group is made up of the usual female stereotypes with Dunst playing Regan, a stuck up control freak who cannot understand why she isn’t the one marrying. Isla Fisher plays the ditzy, frankly annoying, Katie. Lastly we get Lizzy Caplan play the “tell it like it is” wild one Gena, oh of course her ex Boyfriend who she can’t get over is going to the wedding. The B’s (how I will now name them) make their way to the bachelorette party, the day before the wedding, and show little effort in showing Becky’s big day any respect. Between them they see their way through taking lots of drugs, inappropriate speeches and manage to rip the wedding dress. As you can tell the filmmakers behind this are looking for an Hangover meets Bridesmaids cross over but i’m afraid they miss the mark by a mile.

With the main trio of characters, we have a group that within minutes I had developed such a dislike for and they couldn’t recover. They are a unlikable bunch of girls without any recognizable redeeming qualities for me to warm to. As mentioned previously they rip the wedding dress but any funny antics or drama that is normally associated with an act like that isn’t used, instead the length of the film is spent getting high, hooking up with random guys or talking about any nonsense as long as its got swear words in it.  From the off I couldn’t see why Becky would want to talk to them, nevermind want them at her wedding.

The script is so poor here that even now, only 10 minutes after the film has ended, I cannot remember anything decent. For example we get classic dialogue of how to do the perfect blowjob or my personal favorite has to do “Do you believe in a magic vagina”. Unfortunately this is what this film has to offer. No female wedding movie can be complete without the topics of bulimia, alcohol dependency or abortion thrown in there, but they are just breezed over so that a stripper can clean her bits on the wedding dress.

The only, semi, positive thing to come from this movie is Rebel Wilson. She manages to break through the script and add a smidgen of charm to the role. Its a role that could offer more due to jokes about her weight and being bullied by others, but she isn’t afforded the time, despite the film being about Becky’s wedding, Wilson has little more than an extended cameo appearance.

VERDICT 

Kirsten Dunsts character, Regan, uses the sentense “F**k Them” when giving motivational speeches to her friends. After watching this film I believe it was us, the audience, that gets F**ked over.

RATING

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)

Director – Doug Liman

Starring –  Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson

Synopsis – An officer finds himself caught in a time loop in a war with an alien race. His skills increase as he faces the same brutal combat scenarios, and his union with a Special Forces warrior gets him closer and closer to defeating the enemy. (provided by IMDB.com)

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

A few weeks ago I put on one of my favourite films for my girlfriend, a film called “Swingers”. It’s a wonderful low budget independent that launched careers for Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughan and Director Doug Liman. Edge Of Tomorrow sees Liman now as an established Director in charge of this huge Sci-Fi Summer Blockbuster featuring Tom Cruise. His last couple of films haven’t quite hit the mark so does this film see him back on track?

Going into this film I had very low expectations of coming out pleased. Maybe it was down to that last year we had two sci-fi films in the shape of Oblivion and Elysium that were both quite disappointing, and one of them starred Tom Cruise. Well I was very surprised that I came out having thoroughly enjoyed “Edge Of Tomorrow”.

Doug Liman has created a film that uses the best factors of his previous films with some of his best action set pieces since “Mr & Mrs Smith”. If I was to describe these action scenes then it feels like it’s been lifted from a computer game. The special effects look glorious as Tom Cruise is dropped into the beach war zone.  No one should feel safe with all the bullets flying, planes crashing and critters destroying the landscape, but it makes for an interesting picture for the audience. With having Liman in charge we should expect laughs and he delivers. His films have always brought laughs and this is no different. To be honest the large amount of laughs are brought from the set up of the day being replayed over but they are genuine laughs that came out of my mouth.

I’m used to seeing a macho Tom Cruise usually play the Alpha-Male so it’s a good twist to see him play the fish out of water type. The film opens with Cruise as a cocky American Soldier that fails to blackmail General Brigham (Gleeson) when he finds out he is going to the front line of the battle. Thrown into the deep end we see a Cruise that is a novice in the fighting game, and it makes a good change. So who does take up the Alpha Male role? That’s down to the ever watchable Emily Blunt. She’s a joy to watch as the kick ass character of Rita and has definitely got into shape for the part. Rita has previously had the same powers as Cage and acts as his own personal Yoda to ensure he understands his powers and be battle ready.

The idea behind “Edge Of Tomorrow” is one that has been executed perfectly in other films such as “Groundhog Day” and “Source Code” but Edge still manages to find a good enough reason for the idea and execute it very well.

What I was disappointed about was the ending. Right now it feels like a copout and i’m not too sure what happened, believe me I’ve asked people and they don’t quite know. I won’t tell you everything but It involves Cage defeating the alien mega brain, and although he seems doomed he manages to infuse with the alien blood. This gives him the power to restart the day again although this time it’s the opening scene of the movie and not when he is awoken at the army base. So why were the other times he awoken after dying at the Army base? Does he now have the whole power that the aliens possessed? Why do we need a love interest ending?

Overall this was a good film that entertained me more than I thought. It was also nice to see a blockbuster daring to be set in England and Europe (how many times in the last few years has London cameoed in films just to get blown up?). Last point I want to make is that i’m sure other screens look good, but this film looked and sounded superb on the IMAX Screen, if you can then see it on there.

VERDICT 

A Summer blockbuster that ticks the right boxes.

RATING

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – Fruitvale Station (2014)

Director – Ryan Coogler

Starring –   Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer

Synopsis – The purportedly true story of Oscar Grant III, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family, and strangers on the last day of 2008. (provided by IMDB.com)

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

Having seen the YouTube videos and press coverage over the past few years I kept my eye out for the release of this film in UK cinemas. I was intrigued to see the story behind Oscar Grant and the events leading to this terrible incident. It’s a shame that this film is only a limited release because so far this year I haven’t seen such an intense and heartbreaking story on screen.

Fruitvale opens on the raw footage that was shot on the fateful evening, then proceeds to tell the story of the day leading up to the event. A lot of credit should be given to first time director Ryan Coogler, who has managed to translate this mans final day into something real of which the audience can connect with rather than the melodramatic style that Hollywood usually brings. Whether all scenes are the true to days events running up to the incident or not, it cannot be denied that by the end it feels like you have been winded by the heartbreaking portrayal of his families lose.

Michael B Jordan had a difficult task ahead of him in portraying Oscar Grant and should be commended on his performance. We have to remember Grant is not a fictional character but was a living person who had a chequered past with varying media reports showing him in different lights. Jordan balances both sides of Grants personality by playing him in way which doesn’t make him out to be a hero or a villain but a regular guy. The film makers have resisted the urge to fill Grants scenes with big, and unnecessary, dramatic moments but have kept it quite reserved as the audience watching already know the devastating outcome.

Credit should also go to the rest of the cast as they play their roles so perfectly, drawing you into their close family life, but whilst always knowing the pain which is to come. Actresses Octavia Spencer and Melonie Diaz really carry the emotional weight of the film, and in final scenes will bring you to heartbreak that you’ve dreaded was coming all along.

Overall Fruitvale is a film that definitely packs a punch, it’s there to tell a story with a strong message about the harsh reality of life, which it does well. The incident involving the police and fatal shooting of Oscar isn’t given as much airtime as you would image. It’s almost as raw as the footage shot on the mobile phones and one that escapes quickly to an end that looks like it could have been avoided. It’s not for me to get into the actual case here but from the film, if these events happened as stated, then it sends a strong message regarding race, violence, and respect that the audience could do with hearing.

VERDICT 

A great film that anyone reading this should seek out and see.

RATING

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – 22 Jump Street (2014)

Director – Phil Lord, Christopher Millar

Starring –  Jonah Hill, Channing Tattum, Ice Cube, Peter Stormare, Amber Stevens 

Synopsis – After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go deep undercover at a local college. (provided by IMDB.com)

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

For me 21 Jump street was not only the best comedy of 2012 but also a great turning point for all those involved. We had Jonah Hill leading a project successfully, found out that Channing Tattum has the capacity to make me laugh and that directors Chris Millar and Phil Lord can make live action films as funny as their animated tales. Like with any sequel, the audience has expectations now so do they deliver in 22 Jump Street?

This is the second film of the year for the director team of Millar and Lord, after the exceptionally crazy yet brilliant “Lego Movie”, but they have managed to continue the crazed brilliance throughout his film. These are directors that know how to allow all involved to be funny, but to also construct a scene to allow it to service the laughs.

Normally a sequel means bigger, louder and crazier, but not in this one. most the orders given to them from Captain Dickson (Ice Cube) is to create no damage as the budget for the department has run dry due to their policing. This does lead to one car chase where Jenko does his best to avoid destroying anything, only to lead the villains through expensive locations where they have no problem destroying most things in their path.

Again the double act of Jonah Hill and Channing Tattum did not fail to make me laugh. They both seem very comfortable with each other, which ensures they can pull jokes from very awkward situations. I have a surprise though as the actor that gets the best laughs is ICE CUBE! We all know his stereotypical gruff on screen persona, well it’s in this movie but it’s a 15 rating so gets to release more anger and swear words on the screen. Spoiler here, but one of the best scenes is also one that makes you never want to date a daughter of Ice Cube.

One of the continuing jokes though out is also the weak link in my opinion. The film starts in the first act when Chief Deputy Hardy (Nick Offerman) informs the duo of the plot beats of sequels and that they are being given a case that’s exactly the same as the first film. This works fine on the page but in truth the film loses momentum as it’s intact very similar to the first one. We have Jenko and Schmidt struggling with their differences, drug trips, jokes about their ages and struggle to be accepted by their peers, we’ve had been there now and definitely done it.

Overall “22 Jump Street” is a good film that will make even the most grumpy guy laugh. As stated it’s all abit familiar but you are here to laugh, and laugh you shall.

VERDICT 

22 Jump Street is guaranteed laughs for anyone watching it, just runs out of steam towards the end. Very much Recommended!

RATING

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – A Million Ways To Die In The West (2014)

Director – Seth MacFarlane

Starring –  Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Giovanni Ribisi, Amanda Seyfried

Synopsis – As a cowardly farmer begins to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, he must put his new-found courage to the test when her husband, a notorious gun-slinger, announces his arrival. (provided by IMDB.com)

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

Last year was a very good year for Seth MacFarlane, with the huge success of Ted and hosting of the Oscars, it seemed as though he could do no wrong! So the question is will “A Million Ways to Die in the West” keep this train of success going or will it run off the tracks?

Where to start, well I should probably tell you I found this film dull to say the least. In recent years I don’t think so many unsuccessful jokes have been thrown at an audience in one film. The film was 90% jokes and 10% story. MacFarlane’s creations in Family Guy and Ted have animated characters spewing out crude jokes which I think we find funny because of who’s saying it. However, when a 40 year old tells dick and poo jokes, well it’s just not that funny to me.

Now to look at the other 10%, the story. I believe this was something of an after thought, just put there to fill the gaps between all the jokes. The whole basis of the story is that Albert (Macfarlane) is born of the wrong era and too scared of the wild west to feel at home in it. This sounds like a decent base for a comedy of Wild West adventure, but despite what the title tells you, there’s not a million hilarious ways to die in the West, but the usual bar brawls and show downs.

As for the actors in the story they are wasted, with the involvement of Liam Neeson I would’ve expected a little bit more than the stereotypical outlaw villain, but that’s what we got, oh but he did have a scene with a flower sticking out of his bum, yes this is the level of humour on show. Sarah Silverman and Giovanni Ribisi appear in this film, but for no other reason than to allow the script to branch off to tell some unfunny prostitute and sex jokes.

I normally try to come up with some positives from the film I review but there isn’t much that I can come up with other than a “Back To The Future” Cameo, that made me wish I was watching that film instead of this.

VERDICT 

Over long and unfunny, unfortunately there isn’t a million ways to die but one big way to send an audience to sleep.

RATING

 

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – Maleficent (2014)

Director – Robert Stomberg

Starring – Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Juno Temple, 

Synopsis – A vindictive fairy is driven to curse an infant princess only to realize the child may be the only one who can restore peace. (provided by IMDB.com)

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

Over the last few years we’ve been retelling and creating prequels of classics such as Snow White and Wizard Of OZ, neither have been good but both were successful at the box office. This year we get Angelina Jolie stepping into the villain’s role in what should also be a box office hit, but is it any good or will it send me to sleep like I’ve been cursed?

Here’s something that I’ve learned over the years, if I come out of a film and the first thing I tell you is that it looked good, then I didn’t enjoy the film. So what can I say about Maleficent then .. Well at least the film looked good. The production team behind the film is of a very high quality with the special effects team creating a great looking world for the characters to inhabit. We get all kinds of different creatures for our eyes to take in, from little fairies to giant tree like creatures. Maleficent herself looks wonderful on the screen with the costume department coming up with the ideal look for Jolie to play the villain with horns and a costume that looks like a living creature.  She uses her beauty to great effect with her high cheekbones, piercing eyes and wide smile giving her that desired evil look for each and every close up, even to the point that younger kids may find her scary so be warned.

For me the problem is that all that effort was put into the look of the film, and not much into the actual story. Maleficient is supposed to be a new twist on the Sleeping Beauty story but it felt like it was me under a curse. The opening act did a good enough job setting up the story of a betrayed fairy and a greedy human, and soon to be king, but as soon as the curse is announced, it goes downhill fast. Maleficent just seems to watch Aurora grow up (Elle Fanning) from her view in the trees, and of course is changed by the charm of this little lady. Problem being that I didn’t see any charm, she just overpowered me with her annoyingly nice nature, that I think was a spell put on her. Elle Fanning has played a positively charming character before, in “We Brought A Zoo” but this is so sugar sweet that I couldn’t wait for her to be put to sleep. Of course this film couldn’t be complete without the paranoid king, played by Sharlto Copley, reduced to sitting in a tower talking to himself. I’ve always enjoyed this actor but this is a role to forget as the Scottish/South African accented King.

So for me with the talent on show and massive budget backing it up, this is a missed opportunity to make a better film. This is a film directed by first time director Robert Stomberg who decides to fill the film with a lot of close ups of Jolie. I know she’s beautiful but we don’t need so many close ups.

Overall it wasn’t a film for me but I would guess I’ll be in the minority as a big box office will definitely come and enjoy this film. I just hope that in the next classic story remake to hit the big screen they decide to put more focus on enhancing the story.

VERDICT 

All style and no substance, which we should expect from a director coming from the world of visual effects. Keep an eye out for Jolie’s daughter Vivienne making her acting debut as young Aurora!

RATING

 

 

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – Blended (2014)

Director – Frank Coraci

Starring – Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Terry Crews, Joel Mchale, Wendi McLendon-Covey

Synopsis – After a bad blind date, a man and woman find themselves stuck together at a resort for families, where their attraction grows as their respective kids benefit from the burgeoning relationship. (provided by IMDB.com)

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

You have to give credit to Adam Sandler for understanding his audience and captalising on it with each film he does. Let’s face it, his films always do well at the box office despite what critics say about them. For me I loved his earlier work like Waterboy, The Wedding Singer and Big Daddy, but I clocked out from Sandler films at the cinema after seeing the trailer for “Jack And Jill” back in 2011. Now after re-teaming with Drew Barrymore, a need for comedy and basically a slow week at the cinema, I decided to watch Blended.

Well I have to report that Blended isn’t as bad as I thought it would be, but truthfully it didn’t make me laugh. This is definitely a Sandler movie, full of the usual trademarks that we have grown used to over the years but now unfortunately these traits aren’t as funny to me any more. Sandler should get a little reprieve though as the best part of his character is his sweet caring nature that’s brought out whilst caring for his daughters. It’s the little scenes like these that make me wish he would take on more challenging roles like ones in Funny People, Punch Drunk Love and Reign Over Me.

If we are looking for the main issue with the film then it’s all down to the script. For me the story is pretty weak and then stretched over a two hour run time. The whole reason they ended up on a joint holiday didn’t make sense to me and the whole thing just seemed to go from scene to scene without a strong idea taking the lead.

Overall despite the charm of Barrymore, this can be added to the disappointing films list that Sandler is building over the last few years.

VERDICT 

A forgettable movie that really does question why Adam Sandler always produces the goods at the box office, but never on screen.

RATING

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – Rio 2 (2014)

Director – Carlos Saldanha

Starring –  Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Jemaine Clement

Synopsis – It’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids after they’re hurtled from Rio de Janeiro to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets his father-in-law. (provided by IMDB.com)

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

We all know Pixar are top dogs when it comes to animated films but over the years we’ve started to get good films from other studios. We’ve had the “Ice Age” Series, “How To Train Your Dragon” and this year the monster hit “Frozen” (although for me it wasn’t as good as the hype). In 2011 we had the film “Rio”, which scored well at the box office and was an enjoyable film, so naturally there had to be a sequel and here it is.

Rio 2 follows on from the previous film, in showing Brazil on the big screen, with that being a big explosion of colour and life. There will be no complaints when judging this film on the look of it but then again the first also looked glorious on the big screen. So why is this film a let down compared to the original, its all down to the script.

For me the main reason I left the screen disappointed was down to a thin plot, lack of action and was very dialogue driven. For me Pixar manage to get across a certain charm and humour (some for adults, some for children) that the first Rio had more of.

I should also say that if you are also going to put singing into your film then please try to make them catchy and memorable. I might not have enjoyed “Frozen” like the rest of the world but even now I can remember the songs they sing. As soon as this film ended so too did my recollection of any songs they sang.

VERDICT 

Let’s face it I was disappointed with the movie, but I did watch it with my young niece and nephew, and they didn’t seem to mind it so much so I guess that’s what’s important.

RATING

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – The Love Punch (2014)

Director – Joel Hopkins

Starring – Pierce Brosnan, Emma Thompson, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie.

Synopsis – A divorced couple scheme to recover the retirement money that was stolen from them (provided by IMDB.com)

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

The Love Punch sees a second film release of 2014 for Pierce Brosnan, who unfortunately hasn’t hit many great heights since leaving Mr Bond behind. So choosing to do a film along side Emma Thompson, who should have been Oscar nominated in last years “Saving Mr Banks”. will it be a turning point to start hitting the film highs again?

I’ll be honest there’s two different films within “The Love Punch” and putting them both together doesn’t make for a good overall film. The first film is one of those good old English comedies, where a mature divorced couple still have feelings for each other and bicker their way back together. The other film is a weird heist movie with a lazy story full of plot holes that struggled to keep my attention. To me credit should be given for the idea to do something different but unfortunately didn’t work out.

Lets face it before I see a Pierce Brosnan film I normally have an idea as to what his character is about. He has built a career playing the handsome and charming Englishman, and this film is no different. Between him and Thompson they really do try to give this film a reason for watching it. Their banter and ease with each other creates a good few laughs on the screen, it’s just a shame there’s a poor zany heist story around it to pull it down.

Overall nice locations, good supporting cast and a great onscreen relationship between the leads aren’t enough for me to stay interested. An audience could be out there for it and my guessing is a mature audience will find it all more charming.

VERDICT 

A disappointing overall film that wastes the talents of all those involved.

RATING

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE