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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Total Recall

Another year, another remake. Supporting a bit less testosterone, Colin Farrell plays a regenerated Douglas Quaid; a factory worker who dreams of escaping the reality of the mundane events in life. Set in a futuristic world, parts of the planet has been declared inhabitable. Quaid is curious of his surroundings believing there is more to life than making routine journeys to a job that pays less than the minimum wage.

Desperate to fulfil a getaway, it is when Rekall's advertisement torments the mind of Quaid, coming to a regrettable conclusion. Rekall is known for it's mind-trip concept that inserts a fantasy into the brain resulting in, what appears to be an accurate human memory. In the case of Douglas Quaid, the dream of portraying a Spy for an agency seems appealing.

So for those who remember the 90's version will know that the plot begins with Quaid's appointment with Rekall going horribly wrong, resulting in a cat and mouse chase between him and the law.

Bewildered to the out-come of Quaid's apparent appointment, it is when a task force barges through the building of Rekall looking to retain Quaid. So it is from there we get to grips of Quaid's abilities as he too is confused by his amazing reflexes. We follow Quaid's path as he goes into hiding, while at the same time his focus is to try and discover who he truly is.

Desperate for help, his surroundings appear deceiving as just like Sharon Stone's portrayal in the 90's, Lori (Kate Beckinsale) is the apparent wife of Quaid, the bitch of Recall 2012.

Total Recall offers a fine introduction, eye-ball popping free. It quickly offers a similar concept but a different landscape completely. It is the New York of the future; constantly smothered with the citizens of the remaining, while being patrolled by robotic troops of the law. The noise is endless while you get the feeling through-out the distraction, there is a lot going on behind closed doors, i.e the resistance; a vigilante group who could hold the key to Quaid's answers and possible survival.

Offering to help Quaid is Melina (Jessica Biel), a member of the resistance fighting against the dictatorship of Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston). Cohaagen is a ruthless leader of a law corrupted system; a task force sweating on the fact that Quaid, considered a liability, becomes top priority as he puts his trust in Lori and her cohorts to capture the fugitive that is Douglas Quaid.

Total Recall offers some fine action sequences with a plot that succeeds in sticking to its roots but almost identical at times. It blanks the dusty red kill zone that we had come to know as mars, resulting in a refreshing change of scenary. The characters in the movie pull off well as you find yourself rooting for Colin Farrell's Quaid, revealing a performance which most times in his career has turned sour.

I adored the futuristic style of Len Wisemen's Total Recall, creating some realistic fight scenes and floating car chases. Len Wiseman has thrown in some humorous references to the original, sticking with the smallest of characters including the three boobed lady and Quaid's deceiving friend, Harry (Bokeem Woodbine).

This remake was surprisingly enjoyable...in small parts, considering the fact I rate Colin Farrell very low in terms of movie choices. (Or maybe it's his acting?). Len Wiseman's Total Recall is nothing special. By that I mean it is enjoyable in terms of a science fiction action movie. It could be included with one of very few remakes that supplied a slice of entertainment, just as the original had done. Although the 80's-90's Arnie era is laughable and quite cheesy, the performances in this return resembles that of the original in relation to the mediocre acting.

There are very few cast members that help to make this an easy watch. Colin Farrell, whom to this date has yet to pick a movie with a challenge, has come out of this flick in fortunate circumstances as he could do no wrong as your basic survivor slash hero.

Someone who is worth a mention is Bryan Cranston, who sadly appears as an extended cameo, although it was still excellent to see him portray a pure bad ass...Breaking Bad "cough!"

Overall; Sticking to pieces of the original supplied me with the entertainment I went in to expect. A better watch than "The Bourne Legacy" that's for sure, but will never match that of Arnie's classic. (apologies for the comparison)

6.5/10