Seven Psychopaths

             Harrelson, Rockwell and Walken all good....Farrell, not so much!

 

From Martin McDonagh comes another brilliantly developed movie with the characteristics similar to that of  In Bruges (2008).

 

Let's start by saying upon the release of the trailer, there wasn't a movie that looked as unattractive as this one. I mean I did not want to see this movie, in fact I passed this one up to see Rise Of The Guardians at one stage. Why? well an apparent dark and twisted comedy just didn't look that funny. I have been wrong before, and I am yet again.

 

Seven psychopaths tells the story of a struggling screen writer who through-out the mundane events in life has lacked the activity of the pen. Based in Los Angeles, Marty (Colin Farrell) is mind-set on creating a love story, with a touch of violence. The movie? seven psychopaths. Although a writers block refrains him from lifting off, it seems a designated plot comes round when friends Billy (Sam Rockwell) and Hans (Christopher Walken) steal a Shih-Tzu from the wrong guy.

 

Running a corruption business that involves a rob and return routine, the guys are unaware of the gangster reputation behind Charlie (Woody Harrelson). Marty gets caught up inadvertently, leaving a mess that he Billy and Hans must clean up (to stay alive).

 

The introduction to McDonagh's four year return immediately describes the sheer madness to come. Seven psychopaths is hilariously gory and extremely unpredictable. Marty is an alcoholic character who is centred as the main character and carries a storyline that could have done without his presence; maybe it was the Irish accent I couldn't take to? I have seen Colin in some decent flicks, but his original-self didn't blend so well with the other characters.

 

The characters of both Walken and Sam Rockwell give this movie the psychotic premise the critics are labelling it as. The comedic performance from Rockwell is the highlight of a movie narrated so well by Farrell, but I simply didn't fancy is performance. The bloody graphics and Harrelson's bipolar villain is enough to convince you.

 

This might sound crazy but the movie appeared made up the longer it went on. I felt that way because it was that crazy. The wonderful concept is yet again the dark and twisted humour, offering some cracking dialogue between certain characters, particularly Hans who, behind his criminal lifestyle  cares for his cancer stricken wife.

 

Overall: Seven Psychopaths is one of the most surprisingly enjoyable movies of 2012. With quite an original concept, and a fine cast of veterans, it is a nice send off to what has been a fantastic year at the movies.

 

8/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Holy Shit! Man of Steel - Official Trailer #2

Rise Of The Guardians

        Rise Of The Guardians rekindles the imagination we thought we had lost

In a world outside of the norm, the North Pole to be exact, Santa and affiliates are forced to regroup in a bid to prevent the Boogieman from taking over the world. The only problem is they ain't strong enough; introducing Jack Frost to help the rise of the guardians!

Dreamworks creates yet another fantastic animation that shows once again Disney does not rule the imagination of the audience.

Jack Frost (Chris Pine) is bewildered to the fact he possesses a rare power, although it becomes a point of acceptance 300 years later. Given to him by the moon, his perks involve invisibility, flying and to pretty much turn everything to ice. However Jack is part of a collection of guardians but doesn't know it yet.

The North Pole is home to North aka Santa (Alec Baldwin). North is the Leader of the guardians;  Tooth (Isla Fisher),  Bunny (Hugh Jackman) and the Sandman who all thrive on making the lives of children very happy. However when Pitch (boogieman) played by Jude Law shows up, a year by year agenda of celebrations take a turn for the worse as he sets on vanishing any such beliefs in the guardians, creating an impact of nightmares for the children. It is then that the "Moon" decides to invite Jack Frost as the new guardian in a bid to save the world from utter darkness. Much to the dislike of Bunny and Co, the guardians are forced to accept Jack as their own in a desperate fight against the dark and brilliantly humorous, Pitch.

An original tale, Rise of the Guardians is brilliantly told through the eyes of Jack Frost and other imaginative characters we have all believed in. Santa is visioned far from the jolly old fella we have all waited on Christmas eve; he holds an egotistic personality with a funny accent. Both naughty and nice, the pros of being a historic figure to children is still referenced nicely through-out. Bunny, as in the Easter bunny was my favourite character. Ironically perceived as an Australian Kangaroo, make no mistake he is a grumpy bunny and even more so when he confronts Jack in numerous altercations.

Jude Law plays a boogieman that only a child could have imagined; making Rise of The Guardians all the more appropriate. Aside from Yetties instead of Elf's, and Bunny's boomerangs instead of Eggs, this short tale is a consistent ingredient of comedy and originality with 97 minutes of wonderful CGI animation.

Overall: Rise of the Guardians is beautifully constructed with scenes that pull off with, or without 3D glasses. Just one of many animated movies this year, Rise of The guardians will stand out in terms of the originality involved.

7/10

An Interview with Owen Roddy

 As part of an assignment, we, the journalism students of Colaiste Dhulaigh constructed an interview with a personality of our choice. Myself, Jaime and Ray decided to set up an interview with Owen Roddy; an MMA fighter. On top of competing amongst the best fighters in Ireland and the UK, Owen (right) also runs Primal; an MMA gym located in Finglas.

 ^  Click the link above to listen to how we got on  ^

Return Of The Tournament: Mortal Kombat Season 2

Mortal Kombat legacy is set to return for a second season, with director Kevin Tancharoen reprising a web series that raked in more than 60 million views in 2011.

Fans of last years web-series are in for treat, with Tancharoen set to take the series back to its original concept - tournament style. With fan favourites such as Liu Kang and Ermac on board, Tancharoen reveals a nostalgic return, he said; "Fans are in for a real treat with the second season of Mortal Kombat: Legacy. With added visual effects and storylines that dive deeper into our warriors as they make their way to the tournament, we’re taking this series to a whole new level. I'm really looking forward to showing fans the first clip during the Streamy Awards on February 17."

What was an unsuccessful pitch to Warner Bros in 11", Mortal Kombat: Rebirth supplied an original imagination, but it was on the brink of disperse following the online teaser. Although Tancharoen's original agenda had failed, Rebirth went viral with out-cry for a theatrical release. Failing to re-invent Mortal Kombat to the big screen, Tancharoen was giving the go-ahead to shoot a plethora of web series, leading to where we are now. However I still wouldn't rule out the possibility of an MK re-boot.

"Machinima and our audience have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this series, and I’m thrilled to announce that Mortal Kombat: Legacy 2 will return to its original home on Machinima," said Allen DeBevoise, Chairman, Co-Founder, and CEO of Machinima

Although I am a die-hard MK fan, and with the "Legacy" failing to impress me on many occasions, Tancharoen's second pop looks set to make a significant mark and some what a redemption for what has been a mediocre adaption in 95" followed by a terrible sequel.

MK Legacy season 2 will see Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa reprise his role as Shang Tsung. Those who remember the theatrical release will have vague images of his introduction following the "Fight music"? you know, "Your soul is mine!". He was bad ass and should retain that image in February of 2013.

In the mean time, it's an MK Legacy catch-up for me.

Happy Birthday Richard Pryor

Fans and Hollywood personalities will be taking time out today to reflect on Richard Pryor and the life he lived; leaving behind an influential path for those to follow. Just as Bill Cosby did for Richard, he did the same in his wake with comedians such as Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock to name a few. A large majority have embraced and represented the on-stage ego of Richard Pryor.
Richard carried a life of mixed montages, with multiple marriages and a media established drug addiction. However concerts such as Richard Pryor Live on the Sunset Strip (1982), Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979) and Richard Pryor... Here and Now (1983) created the comedic icon we fell in love with. Richard is one of the stand-out most influential comedians to ever brace a stage.

                                   Richard is 65 today. Happy Birthday and RIP (1940 - 2005)