Jodorowsky's Dune 2013
The greatest science fiction movie never made.
After reading a few review I see that this documentary is very divisive. But love it or not, it is a wonderful making of documentary.
Telling the story of Alejandro Jodorowsky's and his attempted version of Dune, the documentary recounts his almost Quixote-esq journey and immense preparations. From having his young son train i martial arts to traveling the world to assemble his fellow 'warriors' to create the movie with him.
And who would not want a copy of his Dune bible!!!
The documentary itself looks great, is told in a efficient and informative manner but it is Jodorowsky that elevates it. He is a magnificent story teller and I was gripped to him as he recounted anecdote after anecdote about his encounters on his 'magical journey' to bring his vision to life. His passion for the project is undeniable and shines through.
Wether or not his version of Dune would have been the master piece it hints at in this documentary, we will never know but this stands as an enjoyable alternative.
Rating: 3/5
TRON: Legacy 2010
The game has changed.
I stuck this on when I came in from the pub and that is how this movie should be enjoyed. Late night fun.
Sequel to the classic and some what ground breaking 80's movie in which Jeff Bridges travels into a game to do battle with a tyrant with The Grid.
This movie finds his son pretty much doing the same, entering The Grid, now a sprawling metropolis and fully realised world, and having to do battle with a tyrant. The action is pretty decent and fun, the performances are fine, Jeff Bridges cross between The Dude, Ghandi and Jesus is great however but its some of the effects that really let it down.
Instead of recasting, they chose, for some bizarre reason to digitise a young Jeff Bridges. However the effects are terrible and unrealistic and pull you out of the movie and take away from the other slightly more impressive effects.
While not the classic the original was its still by no means terrible and is good enjoyable fun.
Rating : 2/5
Cuban Fury 2014
All's fair in love & salsa.
I like Nick Frost in Edgar Wrights movies and he plays well off Simon Pegg, but I was a little unsure on how he would be able to hold his own movie. And the simple answer is, he does well. The story is simple, a former salsa prodigy wants to dance again to impress a girl, and defeat a rival. nothing original there, the salsa simply the twist in the tale.
However the performances are great, from all. Frost holds his own in the lead role, having charisma, charm and most importantly being funny. Chris O'Dowd is his hilarious self only a little more slimey as the rival. Ian McShane plays the gruff former master brilliantly.
If your looking for a light hearted, funny rom-com with a bit of salsa then you cant go too wrong with this.
Rating: 3/5
Bad Johnson 2014
Say hello to his little friend!
Everyone's favourite Cam Gigandet stars as a philandering personal trainer who wishes to atone for his mistakes but in doing so his wish is granted when his penis disappears and comes to life in human form. And yes that is weird, but makes for good watching.
An unusual premise to say the least but this was a really enjoyable movie. Not much you can really say about it, the cast is good and there are plenty of laughs throughout, if your looking for a slightly raunchy comedy look no further.
Rating: 3/5
Calvary 2014
After a priest (Gleeson) is threatened during confession and told he will be killed he face the seeming darkness that is growing around him in his small village/parish while facing his own mortality.
The movie begins with the confessional threat and then sets about introducing all the possibilities of that threat. Gleeson's priest first appears to be liked but as the movies progresses we see a slight animosity creep in in different ways from different characters. Gleeson, who appears at first to be a good-natured priest cannot help but morally corrupted by everyone around him.
The movie is filled with absurd moments, some comedic in the blackest sense, the overall tone tone remains melancholic and a sense of futility grows as his final days advance.
As with McDonaghs previous film The Guard this is filled with absurd and dark humour, philosophical, and often foul mouthed, conversations and observations but their is a stronger state-of-the-nation observation within this. Modern Ireland is presented as morally corrupt in the wake of the church ceasing to be a political power following corrupt and scandal.
The undoubted stars are the lead and the director. Gleeson, whose mutli-layered performance may be his best to date, is superb and captivating in every scene.
McDonagh is proving to be an outstanding filmmaker. his story are told with a real sense of knowing the places, characters and events intimately, while his direction is stunning. The cinematography in this is breathtaking, especially the scenes on the beach.
Rating: 4/5
In A World... 2013
.jpg)
Speak up and let your voice be heard.
Written, directed and starring Lake Bell, I A World... tells the story of a struggling voice actor and coach trying to make it in a male dominated world. While the story is nothing too original, its is well told and acted. The drama plays out pretty much as expected with a sprinkling of comedy. Bell is great as the lead and the supporting players are all solid.
Nice little indie drama, nothing bad but nothing amazing or ground breaking, good directorial debut effort.
Rating: 3.5/5
The 'Burbs 1989
He's a man of peace in a savage land...suburbia.
This is one of my favourite Tom Hanks movies. Back when Joe Dante was still making fun movies we got this gem. The tale of a suburbanite whose holiday is disrupted by mysterious neighbors and to a greater extent his own friends.
The mix of comedy and horror puts this right up there with Gremlins, and while it takes a little bit of time to get properly heated up, when it does the chaos that ensues is brilliant.
This movie gets a yearly viewing without fail. Any fans of Hanks, Dante or Gremlins, need to see this movie, post haste!!
Ratings: 5/5
Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood 1996
One o the earlier and better efforts from the Wayans, this spoof of 'coming of age in the hood' movies is funny in places but not always hilarious.
Not much to say about it really without rehashing the gags! Funny, the title of the movie may turn out to be longer than my review.
Not the best spoof comedy but is a good and funny way to pass a bit of time. I highly recommend watching one or two of the movies it spoofs beforehand.
Rating: 2/5
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit 2014
Trust no one.
Jack Ryan for the 21st century. Good espionage thrillers are always welcome. However this is such a bland one I really don't know what to say about it. The story, the acting, the action are all fine. I perfectly enjoyed it while it was on, even Branagh's ridiculously forced accent, but once it was over it was forgotten. I doubt I will rewatch it and I am ok with it.
If you like these type of thrillers, watch it, if not dont, it really doesnt make a differeence.
Rating: 3/5
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut 1999
Uh-Oh.
As a fan of South Park, you will undoubtedly be a fan of this and how could you not be. All your favourite foul mouth characters are here, all your favourite humour, but with added songs.
Rating: 3.5/5
Frank 2014
.jpg)
When you think you've gone far enough, go further.
Firstly I have to get out of the way that I got half way through had to get over my disappointment that this was not a movie about Frank Sidebottom. But it was easy to get pastit, this movie is engrossing from start to finish.
This may be one of the strangest movies of the year, is off-beat, quirky and funny and thoroughly enjoyable. Both Fassbender and Gleeson put in fantastic performances, especially Fassbender who despite a paper mache head on, is able to convey a range with movement alone.
If you like your comedy out there, but with a lot of heart and some strangely catchy, but not very good, music, then this is for you.
Rating: 4/5
No comments:
Post a Comment