Film Review – What Doesn’t Kill you (2008)

Director – Brian Goodman

Starring –   Ethan Hawke, Mark Ruffalo, Brian Goodman, Amanda Peet

Synopsis – Two childhood friends from South Boston turn to crime as a way to get by, ultimately causing a strain in their personal lives and their friendship. (provided by IMDB.com)

Viewed on – Netflix

First Time Viewing – Yes, not viewed before

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

As my friend puts it I’m a fan of gritty “Cops and Robbers” films so I noticed this little film on netflix and added it straight to my list. It has a good line up and although it’s taken a while to get to our shores I took a chance on it.

The film is based around Director Brian Goodmans life growing up and focuses on the petty thug duo of Paulie (Hawke) and Brian (Ruffulo) as they go through the struggles of organised crime, family, prison and dependency to drugs. With these factors Goodman, who co-scripted, obviously sees parallels between this movie and Goodfellas, even using a voice over, but unfortunately this isn’t as compelling as that title. There’s a decent amount of drama for the guys to go through but it lacks any punchy action, or any real danger of the path they are going down. They seem to just move from one small hijacking to the next but without any real danger coming their way.

For his first feature as Director, Goodman produces a solid piece with the gritty look you’d expect from a film like this. He does try to impress with a nice looking shots, as in the snow, only lit by a street light, Brian is shot by a hitman outside a bar. It looks good but unfortunately these stand out shots are few and far between.

Overall this film has some decent scenes and when you have actors such as Hawkes and Ruffulo you can be ensured of solid work. I’m afraid though that this film doesn’t attempt to stand alone but opts to go to a safe zone, and is more forgettable for it.

VERDICT 

If you are a fan of Goodfellas then you may want to take a watch, or you should just watch Goodfellas again.

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 – How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

Director – Dean DeBlois

Starring –  Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Jonah Hill, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera. 

Synopsis – When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace. (provided by IMDB.com)

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

Like it or not when it comes to animation films we always judge the films on whether they are as good as a Pixar film. Over the years Pixar have produced films of the finest standard that a few other films match, one that did was “How To Train Your Dragon”. Can they repeat the magic again with the second instalment?

The first film was a great mix of humour, adventure and bloody great looking scenery, so where can a sequel go from there? Well by building a script that adds a natural emotional side to the story as opposed to the usual sequel tactic of bigger and noisier. From the start Hiccup is at odds with his fathers wish of taking over as Chief at his village but also from wondering what qualities he gets from his deceased mother. The real heartbeat to this film comes from the reappearance of Hiccups mother. Hiccup finds himself understanding where his caring humble side comes from, but the biggest surprise is how his Father, Satiric, reacts. There are scenes in his movie that can match live action films for heartfelt emotion and they involve Satiric. He might be a Chief but a husband and family man is what he treasures. A real gem of a scene is where he sings for his wife, it’s pure sweetness and emotion. There is another scene that I want you to experience for yourself, if you have seen the film then you know the one, it’s heartbreaking.

In regards to other aspects of the script we still have the humour and adventure from the original. They have gone bigger in this film but in the correct manner. The dragons are bigger, the scale is bigger with a villain that comes from outside the village but with his own army, and the picture is glorious.

The film-makers and effects team should take a bow regarding the look of HTTYD2, it’s some of the best looking animation I’ve seen. From the viewpoint of the skies, down to the sea, right to the dragons hideaway den it all stands out. To see Toothless swoop down from above the cliffs to meet a huge army ascending onto the beach is a beautiful delight.

The film-makers and voice cast do a fine job again in again, creating good layered characters. Although couldn’t quite work for Cate Blanchett unfortunately….. as her character veers from a deep Scottish accent to an accent I’m not sure I’ve heard before, but I’m sure it’s not Scottish.

Overall this film doesn’t hit the heights of the first one but it’s still a very good addition to the franchise. The cuteness of the first film has been replaced by an emotional edge, but abit of the fun factor has been lost on the way.

A side note is that if you are able to see his in IMAX then do so. The screen size and quality only add to the great work the film-makers have done on this film.

VERDICT 

I really enjoyed this film and would recommend a viewing to all that ask. It’s not often we get that many nice feel good films at the cinema so snap it up whilst you can.

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 – Chef (2014)

Director – Jon Favreau

Starring –  Jon Favreau, Sofia Vergara, Dustin Hoffman, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr, John Leguizamo, 

Synopsis – A chef who loses his restaurant job starts up a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while piecing back together his estranged family. (provided by IMDB.com)

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

Just a few weeks after Doug Liman goes up a blockbuster gear with “Edge Of Tomorrow” we see his fellow Swingers allumni Jon Favreau drop down from making Blockbusters to a small budget but more personal film. Will this be another positive step on Faveaus career snakes and ladders?

Chef sees Jon Favreau play Carl Casper, a chef that has lost his way with his son and as a chef. This is obviously a passion project for Favreau after years of big budget films. The first thing that struck me is the indie feel that this film brings. Mr Favreau has taken “Chef” back to “Swingers” basics by writing a great little character driven story that is full of charm, humour and a great dollop of feel good.

One good aspect that Favreau has brought to this script is the use of social media. A lot of jokes come in the form of Casper starting to use twitter and that it takes his young son to teach him the basics, this is the youth of today. Anyone with their own business could easily be inspired and motivated by what they see on screen.

Favreau is always consistently good on screen and as Chef Casper he continues to bring it. This is a troubled man that is full of passion for his food but can’t show it and at the same time struggles with the needs of being a father. Favreau has always had an eye for talent (Robert Downey Jr as Iron man) so it’s no surprise to see him bounce off the rest of the cast to great effect. For me though it’s the scenes with Percy (Emjay Anthony) that really stand out as they don’t have many big emotional scenes together but a natural progression between them as the film goes on.

This isn’t the big studio picture that I’m used to from Favreau. Yes It may have big star names on the poster, but believe me they are mostly small roles that screams out as a favour between friends. This isn’t the flash sets of Tony Starks mansion, nope, this is mostly hand held cameras in real locations of America and it’s more the better for it. The film looks glorious on the screen as the food truck travels through various locations. Please heed this warning though, make sure you have eaten beforehand because every shot of food looks delicious. This is food porn at it’s best.

You know when a film is a little more personal to the director because every little aspect has been considered, including the soundtrack. It really does add to the feel good factor as it’s got some well known songs but remade for the film. One scene involves the build up of a song that you know is familiar, but it’s only when the cast start singing it, a version of Marvin Gayes “sexual healing”,  that you can’t help but nod your head along.

I really enjoyed Chef but there is a couple of let-downs in the form of the ex wife Inez (played by Sofia Vergara) we all know how good Vergara is from Modern Family but unfortunately her character is here just to service Casper getting his food truck. She is also involved in the slightly soft ending of Casper and her getting remarried, and the reception being in his new restaurant. It’s not a bad ending but a little less creative than the message this film is sending out

VERDICT 

I really enjoyed this film and would recommend a viewing to all that ask. It’s not often we get that many nice feel good films at the cinema so snap it up whilst you can.

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 – 3 Days To Kill (2014)

Director – McG

Starring –  Kevin Costner, Hailee Steinfield, Connie Nielsen

Synopsis – A dying CIA agent trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter is offered an experimental drug that could save his life in exchange for one last assignment (provided by IMDB.com)

(there will be spoilers)

REVIEW

To see Kevin Costner in the lead role in a film at the cinema is about as rare as England doing well at the World Cup. It’s been 11 years since I saw him take the lead in “Open Range” so I was intrigued enough to head down to the cinema to catch “Three Days To Kill”.  Quite frankly I wish I hadn’t.

So “Three Days To Kill” starts off looking like a decent action thriller where we see Costner deep in a mission to track the elusive “Wolf” in a European hotel. Straight away we get explosions, gun battles and Costner as a cool American hit man. It then goes downhill very fast as he finds out he has cancer, so tries to get back in his daughters life and is forced to take on one last mission to receive an experimental drug to prolong his life. Its so poor and dull that I really struggled to make it through to the end.

The film was scripted by Luc Besson, and just like his last film “The Family” it struggles to define what it wants to be. So the solution appears to be that he tries for a lot genres at once, without any working. We get the emotional father/daughter stuff where he ticks all the dull sentimental stereotypes for a father trying to reconnect with his daughter. We get him watching old home videos of his daughter, he buys her a purple bike, as that was her favourite colour when she was a kid … Blah blah blah. Then there’s the really unfunny awkward comedy that didn’t make me laugh, chuckle or make the corners of my lips raise to form a smile once. Situations such as his mobile phone ringing to the tune of “I don’t care” at unfortunate moments brought about more groans than laughs in my screen, although mostly from me. Overall the script is such a mess of any ideas to stretch out the limited crime story on offer for example we get a squatting African family that take over his flat and paint his room yellow (yes I don’t know why either).

With such a poor story it’s not going to be time for Costner to shine in his leading role. He is the usual gruff speaking American hardass that doesn’t show an ounce of real emotion at the news of cancer. On speaking about the illness could they not have given him something that didn’t require him coughing every few seconds, it’s just downright annoying.

Opposite Costner is Amber Heard, as his Blackmailing CIA boss. McG and Heard were obviously looking at making her character badass, like Sam L Jackson in Marvel films, but fails miserably. I thought being part of the CIA means you stay inconspicuous, whereas she stands out in her tight all black outfit and striking blonde hair. She hires Costner to finally get “the wolf” but she is on hand and turns up when the action is on, so what was the point in hiring him?

Despite a decent blast of action at the start,  this was such a poor film with McG directing some of the most lacklustre action scenes this year. Its so dull to see the ill protagonist collapse at the end of every chase with the villian. It’s even so bad that shoddy editing was easily noticeable with people talking without lips moving and random scenes thrown into the mix, without making sense. For example one minute Costner is at the fair suffering further rejection from his daughter, next minute he is getting shot at a convenience store, without a scratch on him despite it being a shotgun (yes a shotgun!).

I don’t want to wait another 10 odd years so please lets get another Costner starer at the cinema as he deserves much better quality than this offers.

VERDICT 

Terrible film that had me clock watching before the first act was 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 – 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 – 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