- Pitfall
What reminds me of a mix of wrong turn and the 2009 friday the 13th. A man called the hunter is stalking the forrest and brutally killing for what seems like no reason what so ever. As siblings Scotty and ash are about to find out after going on a camping trip with their friends. This was a pretty good thought out film. Pretty high on the gore level really. Acting really was not that bad all along its a pretty well made movie and a great horror one.Pitfall - Uptown Girls
Boaz Yakin's "Uptown Girls" doesn't have anything new to say, but it offers us the perfect excuse to spend a mindless hour and a half in the company of Dakota Fanning, one of the best child actresses to come out of Hollywood in quite a while. If the viewer is looking for a light comedy, this film will do the trick. Molly Gunn, a spoiled young woman, finds out in the worst way she has been rendered destitute because of the man in charge of her trust fund has swindled it and ran away with all her money. She must face reality, so she takes the easy way out in trying for the job of being the little girl Ray's nanny. She is in for a rude awakening! Molly finds out that Ray is a grown woman trapped in a little girl's body. Ray is wise beyond belief. She makes Molly's life a living hell until Molly realizes that the little girl is to be pitied because she hasn't known any happiness in her short little life. The combination of Brittany Murphy and Dakota Fanning is what makes this film work. Both are fun to watch together. Both actresses show they have a strange chemistry that works on the screen. The supporting cast does its part, but of course, we can't take our eyes from Dakota Fanning.Uptown Girls - Ali G Indahouse
Ali G is undoubtedly an important character in terms of entertainment. He's a fictional gangster rapper, created and played by Sacha Baron Cohen and was used in short sketches in order to trick unwitting celebrities into giving interviews. And everything about the set-up worked, perfectly. However, when something is designed for 'small bursts' there's sometimes some problems when it's transferred to a full-length movie in terms of story. Here is an example of a film that just about pulls it off. Just. I quite enjoyed 'Ali G Indahouse,' but then I'm a big fan of the series (and I wasn't expecting too much!). However, I can't see the film attracting too many new converts, or really appealing to a wider audience. Gone are the clever interviews the character was known for, plus any real attempts at poking fun at popular culture or social commentary. Now, all that is replaced by a pretty generic story about Ali G trying to save his local youth centre by running for Parliament and getting used by political heavyweights in order to try and appeal to the youth of today. There's nothing particularly inspiring about the story and it's all wrapped up in plenty of pretty unsubtle 'toilet' humour (or at least that of the s3xual kind!). What was once a cutting attempt at poking fun of those too stupid or embarrassed to say what's literally staring them in the face has become one 'body-part' joke after the next. The supporting cast are there for Ali G to play off, including an underused Martin Freeman (before he was mega famous!) and acting greats Charles Dance and Michael Gambon (playing those dastardly 'suits' in power), but it's Sacha Baron Cohen's show all the way. He really does put his all into the role and certainly isn't afraid to send himself up, looking the fool at every given opportunity. And it's this kind of commitment that saves the film. Even as a fan of the original (sketch-based) creation of Ali G, I wasn't too sure about the full length film. Luckily, it's not too long and, although completely predictable, is certainly watchable enough if you're not offended by the language and subject material. It's definitely not 'high brow,' but I feel there should be a place for films which aren't supposed to tax you mentally after a day's work. Here, you can just put your brain on hold and smirk at the silliness on screen. I enjoyed it at the time and I still do today. However, I do feel that Cohen's future (big screen) releases were much 'sharper' in terms of taking a character developed for TV sketches and turning it into a feature-length movie. If you like Cohen's work, you should definitely check out his later offerings 'Borat' and 'Bruno.' Maybe 'Ali G Indahouse' was effectively Cohen honing his art? But, if you're still unsure as whether to watch or not, maybe just look up an old Ali G sketch on YouTube and, if you like it, you may just like the big screen version, too.Ali G Indahouse - Predators
In a season of remakes, re-imagining's and sequels, Predators certainly lives up to what's expected of it. It's a re-imagining of the classic 80's action movie which had Arnie take the reigns as the leader of a super band of commando's being hunted by an extra terrestrial in the middle of the (jungle), and ended up spawning quite a franchise, consisting of a sequel, and 2 movie mash ups, the Alien vs. Predator films. Fans of the original and followers of the franchise can be forgiven for being weary of this remake (after all, I was), but believe me, Predators is the best in the series since the original. Predators, as the name suggests, features more than 1, which alone makes you wonder how true to the original this will be. Well, the movie approaches this question in a strange way. First, it takes the original premise of a band of elite warriors being hunted by an unstoppable alien menace, and gives quite a unique and refreshing twist, delivering another band of elite warriors, but this time being hunted by 3 Predators, and on THEIR planet, rather than Earth. Then on top of this, Predators takes much of what made the original great; the cheesy dialogue, the big guns, the crude humour, and even some of the same great moments, and adds them in to give Predators its own unique style, while still paying a worthy homage to the classic. There are some direct references to please the original fans, but it's not spoiled by filling it with references that only the die-hard fans would understand like many other movies are. Most of the action scene's deliver and the fire fights are well done. The scenery of the planet is beautiful (though it's actually only Hawaii), and the movie generally has a good pace, despite some times where this falters. And I have to award bonus points for the movie's opening: it was a unique way of introducing us to the situation, and without giving too much away, it sucks you in, even if it is a little far-fetched. But don't get too excited, the movie definitely has its problems. Some of the dialogue, especially of one character is just bad, and I'm still not sure whether or not it tried to do it purposely and just failed, or if the writers just scribbled down anything they could think of at the last minute. Then there's also some back-story and deeper meaning to the entire Predator universe and their scenario, which is nice, but at times it really drags on and takes the rest of the movie down with it. There's also one specific scene, which includes a homage to the original, but is ridiculous, and apart from the reference, it's almost laughable. One of the biggest things that got me though, and it may not annoy others, is the amount of Predator screeches and screams. It seemed as though every 5 minutes, another Predator was screaming for some unknown reason. Maybe he didn't hit what he was aiming for, maybe he trod on a sharp rock, or maybe his Predator wife left him and he's not taking too well, but any way I don't care what's happened, so please stop screaming at me! The casting is strange to say the least. Adrien Brody, trying to channel the essence of Schwarzenegger, and who would have been my last pick as an action hero, pulls off the role surprising well. Most of the actors perform satisfyingly, and the brief appearances by Laurence Fishburne and Danny Trejo are a nice touch. My only queries with the casting are that of Topher Grace. He spends the entire movie seeming out of place, not quite fitting in to the situation, and at no point is he even slightly convincing as the character he is meant to portray. Predators was released with some big shoes that it knew it had to fill, and so instead of trying to outdo the original or be new and fresh, it uses what made the original great to its advantage. I must say kudos to Nimrod Antal for directing, and kudos to the make-up department, because they definitely outdid themselves with this project. Predators is a refreshing shot in the arm to a nearly dead franchise, and stands out in the ocean of movie remakes and sequels that Hollywood is churning out. For what it's designed to be, an action blockbuster popcorn flick, it definitely delivers.Predators - Reign Over Me
Reign Over Me is a success due to the powerful work by Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle. While comedic actors going dramatic has been seen as somewhat of a distraction, Sandler is no stranger to playing more serious roles. Most of the characters he portrays have an unstable temperament and a vulnerability that can burst at any moment. He might even be typecast for characters with such hidden anger problems. However, this performance has some considerable dramatic weight, unlike his roles in less comedic fare like Punch-Drunk Love and Spanglish. In the film, Alan Johnson (Cheadle) runs into his old college roommate, Charlie Finerman (Sandler), whom he hasn't seen in several years. Five years before, Charlie suffered the overwhelming loss of his wife and three daughters in a plane crash. Charlie barely even recognizes Cheadle's character due to the repression of his memories and consequent reclusive childish lifestyle since the accident. It isn't until Alan persists in engaging him in conversation that Charlie remembers who he is. Their renewed relationship that follows will allow Finerman to have a friend who doesn't speak about his loss, eventually enabling him to confront the thoughts and feelings he has suppressed on his own terms. Though writer-director Mike Binder doesn't show much sense of an individual style and some of his shots and transitions are a bit awkward, he does have a knack of getting decent to great performances from his actors while being a talented and funny writer. He shot this film with a digital camera, as more and more filmmakers are doing today, enabling the crew to shoot the night scenes with limited lighting. This kept the colorful backgrounds of New York City in focus, but resulted in creating frequent digital grain, which resembles blue specks scattered and moving on the screen. Almost every main character in Reign Over Me gives a great performance. Jada-Pinkett Smith and especially Liv Tyler are memorable in their respective roles as a frustrated wife to Cheadle's character and a psychiatrist. However, it is Sandler and Cheadle that give some of their finest work to date. They completely owned this movie. Sandler actually plays a character that doesn't outwardly resemble or act like himself at all, partially credited to his Bob Dylan-esquire wig. Though Cheadle's character has more screen time than Sandler, they both should be considered to be leading roles, as they equally support and help each other throughout the film. Music also plays a great part in this film, especially the title song "Reign Over Me," or "Love, Reign O'er Me" by The Who, and later covered by Pearl Jam. In one of the most powerful moments of the film, Binder shows Sandler using music to shut out his feelings and memories, but this particular song provokes such intense emotion that rather than diminishing his anger, it incites his emotions. All an all, Reign Over Me is an enjoyable, sad, yet many times funny film, driven by its amazing leading performances.Reign Over Me - The C Word
Two years into her happy marriage with Pete, Lisa Lynch learns she has an aggressive form of breast cancer, to deal with it, Lisa writes an online blog, that gathers a level of popularity Some dramas are good, some are on in the background, few dramas take you out of yourself, this one did that, I forgot about work, family stuff, bills etc, 90 minutes of quality, absorbing drama. It's funny, it's moving, it's sad, it's everything you could possibly expect, and more than you would hope for. It gives you an insight into the devastation cancer can cause, not only just for the sufferer, but those around. A few tears along the way, that moment where Lisa can't get out of the bath, so upsetting. Sheridan Smith was robbed at The BAFTA awards that year, let's be in no doubt, this was an award winning performance from the incredibly talented woman. Paul Nicholls and the supporting cast deliver.The C Word - The Last Boy Scout
Action and comedy come together in this buddy movie. This is a fast-paced thriller that incorporates all the typical elements of the genre, such as: blackmail, escapes, chases, political corruption and infedility. Willis is a washed-up secret service agent turnned shabby, unshaven private detective. He is assigned a case by his partner (Bruce McGill) and while Willis drives home fast to find his wife's (Chelsea Field) lover. Willis has to protect a strip-tease girl (Halle Berry), whose boyfriend is an ex-football player (Damon Wayans). This is the first piece in a jigsaw of a multi-million dollar case involving legalising certain firms of gambling. A typical film of the blockbuster producer Joel Silver, including thrills, noisy action, shootouts, sadistic violence, car pursuits and spectacular set pieces. Funny lines and unexpected moments are embedded in this film, which features an ingenious script by writer/director Shane Black, at the time was the highest-paid in history. Formula thriller stars Bruce Willis giving sympathetic acting in his usual style as a joker eye private. Bruce goes back to the "Die Hard" formula, the kind of two-fisted pulp fiction in which people will pay to watch him. Willis get beaten up a lot, but, for once logically, never rubbed out, as the henchmen suspect has something they want. He teams up with his companion, Damon Wayans, as a drug-addicted, ex-quarterback, both of whom fight against a football team owner who will stop at nothing to obtain his purports, to get political backing for a bill promoting legalized gambling on sports. This is an entertaining and violent movie that results to be another variation of the ordinary sub-genre: "Buddy Movie", in "Weapon Lethal" style. Along with the two protagonists who display attractive chemistry, there's a good plethora of secondary actors, such as: Chelsea Field, Noble Winningham, Danielle Harris, Kim Coates, Joe Santos, Chelcie Ross and one of the first roles by the oscarized Halle Berry as an exotic dancer. There's also a colorful and luxurious cinematography by cameraman Ward Russell. As well as a moving musical score fitting to action by composer Michael Kamen. The motion picture was professionally directed by Tony Scott (The hunger, True Romance, Top Gun, Domino, Dejá vu, The fan, Unstoppable), although it is too dominated commercial tropes. Score: 6.5/10, the film is especially recommended for Bruce Willis fans.The Last Boy Scout - ATM
ATM is actually a pretty good horror movie. It focuses more on suspense than blood and gore, which I appreciate, and it maintains a sense of realism throughout. Yes, it is fairly contrived and yes, the ending is unsatisfying, but the movie, as a whole, does a good job of creating tension. Plus, each member of the small cast gives an excellent performance. I'd watch this one again.ATM - The Death of Robin Hood
I didn't go into his film with much vigor, I'm not a personal fan of the Robin Hood character, and I was only interested in it because Hugh Jackman is in it. Have to say though I'm surprised at how good the film was, it definitely has problems, the violence can be exploitive, the film is a slow burn with only bits of action thrown in and the performances are great to bad, and though it looks gorgeous, it's dark tone and mature themes maybe hard to deal with, but if you can accept the darker tone and there are definitely bits of brilliance here and even the music sets the mood, isn't bad for a film, a little over a couple of hours and it wasn't bad at all!!The Death of Robin Hood - Mr Bigstuff
I love both Ryan Sampson and Danny Dyer so thought this would be good. The first episode was certainly different but the more you watch, the more you are drawn in. It's definitely not for everyone but if like me you enjoy a giggle, are not easily offended and have no issue with swearing (and the c-word) then seriously give this a go. Not only humorous, it does get a bit deep at times. The actors play the parts well and Sampson and Dyer are an unlikely combination, but it works really well... a modern Del Boy and Rodney 😀 Although it is a six parter, be prepared that you may want to binge it... I did!Mr Bigstuff
