American Sniper: A Movie Review

Genre: Action/Drama
Running: 132 mins
Directed: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Elise Robertson & Goat-Winston

American Sniper is the story of Chris Kyle; a prolific killing machine with 160 kills on record. Renowned as "The Legend" on the grounds of war, Bradley Cooper portrays Chris as someone with much emotion, mental torture and aftermath being an interesting (and surprising) direction in Clint Eastwood's film, despite Kyle's autobiography being "slightly" different in his hunt for American glory. However was this film worthy of its recent Oscar nod?

Spread out over four tours to and back from the war in Iraq, the movie begins by capturing the pinpoint accuracy of Chris Kyle with an intimate scene involving a deer-hunt and a lesson of life's values and harsh realities with his father. With ambitions of being a cowboy looking less likely, the attack on September 11 motivates Chris to play a part in the war against Saddam Hussein's divided Iraq. There we see the build of one man's innocence to the guilty pleasure of killing his proposed enemy. Despite his deadly occupation Chris struggles to balance both his marriage and his desire to stay on the grounds of war.

Director Clint Eastwood captures action and storytelling in a wonderful way but one has to question the source material which is either false or misused for sheer entertainment; so much so that American Sniper may have accidentally wound up in blockbuster territory. This is a cliched story of one mans ego born out of legendary stories both on (and off) the grounds of war with a gruesome battle of who snipes best as Chris sets his scope on "The Butcher" and his troupe. The Butcher is the enemy introduced to add a novel twist to this trail blazer. The Butcher is a horrid man who drills out the eyes of his victims. This is a surprising story that, despite all of what is happening in the Iraq war, a hero versus enemy backdrop is not so backdrop and overshadows the initial story of the navy SEALS and war. Chris Kyle's battle with another sniper through-out this movie proves shamefully entertaining and one can only imagine this to be fantasy in regards to the official story. Other scenes are wonderfully made up too. One such is made for the propaganda enthusiast; Chris Kyle watches on as the second plane hit the twin towers in a scene fictionally crafted to give off a heroic impression of Kyle. We know this event was so tragic it sent shock-waves through-out the globe, but justice looks destined to be served by an emotional Chris Kyle however the movie cuts to him fighting in Americas's war against Iraq? Wasn't  9/11 orchestrated by Osama Bin Laden and not Saddam Hussein? The movie fails to tell us our leading protagonist has wound up in the wrong place.

Based on the book "American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History" by Chris Kyle himself, this movie adaption is a a slight reflection of Kyle's pro-war diary, E.G. the citizens of Iraq are branded "savages" in the movie also. So because this is "Chris Kyle's story" the movie struggles to find a balance, while Clint Eastwood's pro-American perspective is evident throughout (9/11 being one unnecessary ruling in the movies plot).

From a neutral standpoint audiences will applaud the cinematography which is mashed up of beautifully shot landscapes of war, the nitty-gritty tight-squeezed housing of Iraq which gives off a claustrophobic feel of being in battle with Chris Kyle as he picks his enemy off one by one, and the explosive final showdown which is breathtaking all the same. Bradley Cooper on the other hand gives a memorable performance but far from his best; a sense of reality is lacking in Cooper's portrayal and is often saved by his wife Debbie who is played by Elise Robertson. Elise brings this story of consequence and death to a more humane state of mind with a wonderful performance and really grabs this movie by the scruff of the neck whenever she appears on screen.

This is an entertaining movie that is fictionally suited to create a hero in Cooper's Chris Kyle which is true to some extent. Critics claimed a lot of what Kyle has admitted to be pure false, therefore it is difficult to ignore that when watching American Sniper so best see the movie before you read the book. American Sniper sat next to movies such as "The Theory of Everything", "Selma", "Boyhood" and "The Grand Budapest Hotel" at this years Oscars.  Because this movie is running on "fact" based on one mans story it never stood a chance really. However American Sniper is indeed a fine action flick at best with a story so extraordinary on paper that Mr Eastwood ran with the superhero blockbuster effect, transforming Kyle's pattern of kills and emotions into an onscreen plot that should be taken with a pinch of salt.

The Last Stand

As far as comebacks go, Arnie's route is typical; although its concept of western parody is satisfactory in terms of popcorn entertainment.

Arnie returns to the big screen following what has been quite a successful stint in the chair of Californian Governor. Arnold bowed out of cinema after the Terminator franchise was destroyed in 2003; it was great timing to what was, in my opinion, a parody in comparison to James Cameron's vision.

Post Governor antics and events unspoken, Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as Ray Owens; a veteran sheriff of Sommerton Junction who prior has served his trade as an LAPD officer in Vegas. Considered a place for retirement, Ray is unaware of the trouble heading toward Sommerton.

Modern day bad-guy Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega) flees the courts of Vegas and heads toward the Mexican border. Taking a high speed chase (quite annoyingly through-out the entire movie), Gabriel is hell bent on crossing the border, however the only thing standing in his way is a big Austrian sheriff and his rookie accomplices.

Bewildered to the chaos reaching the quiet town, Ray is alerted of the danger through Agent John (Forest Whitaker) of the LAPD.

We discover a re-invented Arnie in typical fashion following a shoot-out in the outbacks of the town. Sheriff Owens discovers a connection between the oncoming fugitive, and Burrell (Peter Stormare); a stranger in the sheriff's territory.

The Last Stand is action packed - in small sequences. Arnie's presence is not what it was however you can't help but relish the fact that such an icon is still blowing heads off with a shotgun (similar to T2 weaponry). As expected, there is a mindless but simple plot. However for a relatively short movie it supplies timeless sequences as it reflects back and forward to the events in Vegas as we are treated with the same "bad guy in a ridiculously fast car" scene. At one stage it felt like he was never going to reach the town of Sommerton. Because you know the before and after events, you can't help but think the movie could have rushed the middle and slowed the end. After all, we are only there for one thing, Arnie!

There is around 80 minutes of comedic effort and western middle of the road cliche's that are told through a cast of amateurs. Depending on your taste, and taking into account what Arnie offers, actors such as Luis Guzmán and Johnny Knoxville become annoying. Sure, they are there to brighten up the movie, while Luis and Johnny were a tad funny, 15 minutes of Knoxville was way too long. The Last Stand is so centred on Arnie's performance that even Forest Whitaker appeared irrelevant, ultimately resulting in quite a crap acting performance.

Nit-picking at acting performances might be too harsh taking into account the simple mind-frame behind such a vivid R-rate movie. After all, Arnie doesn't have a past of Oscar material but he has certainly done better - am I living in the past? Although he does tend to revive the once pump-action madness of the early 90s. The content is similar to Stallone's Expendables however to say the Last Stand is as far-fetched would be wrong. 

There is a level of positivity surrounding Arnie's comeback, with the Last Stand offering a trip back in time. Instead of originality, Jee-woon Kim creates a very similar, yet likable role to match the cliche's of Arnie's career.

Fans of Arnold will be chuffed just to see him feature in his first starring role since 2003. Anyone heading into this flick with a logical view obviously doesn't know the history of Arnie and should some what "Wake up" in life.

Overall: The Last Stand is a typical return for Arnie. Not entirely action packed, the nostalgic good guy - bad guy concept is desperately inserted with a villain who is ever-so irritating. A dumb plot with bad actors can often be ignored by the cheesy one-liners of Sheriff Owens. Great to have him back but maybe a more intense role in the future.

6/10

See it if you like: The Expendables and Walking Tall.

Top Gun 3D is taking the piss!

                   For me, 3D has pulled its final straw. "Yeeerr outta heeeere"

The Top Gun 3D trailer was released yesterday. Not that you have to watch it for plot points etc, unless you haven't truly lived. (Yep, I said you haven't lived, properly that is, until you have seen Top Gun). It isn't a must, but it is a Tom Cruise movie that has managed to tame the average movie fan for decades.

I have never been a fan of 3D (so this is easy). However  I have given certain movies such as Life of Pi the exception. But to further the wallet bill by releasing a movie such as Top Gun is in fact taking the piss! Who needs it? Who asked for it? WHY! The argument here is; if they had of just re-released Top Gun for a week or so, with the 2D concept, I would be more than happy to see it. I don't need 3D to persuade me into believing the flick being re-released is a classic...I know it is. For the soundtrack alone, an maybe the cheesy acting, I would be more than happy to enter a world of nostalgia for 100 minutes.

This unfortunately, is just another step toward a change in filming we don't want to see. Last year they re-released Scarface (2D) for one night. It was one of the best experiences I have had in a cinema. Just to have the opportunity of seeing the rise an fall of Tony Montana on the big screen was exceptional. I did not ask for much more than the basics, and I never will. Obviously Top Gun is on a completely different level to Scarface, but certain movies, depending on how old they are should be simply left alone.

It is like when a director steps up to remake a horror movie...just leave it alone. What ever happened to originality!

So 26 years later, Top Gun is set to be re-released on February 8th. It will be shown in IMAX for one week before it's immediate push to blu-ray. You can Watch the trailer for Top Gun 3D here.

"I feel the need...the need for speed!"....sorry.

JJ Abrams takes the reigns of Star Wars!

Okay so news broke two hours ago that the official director for the next Star Wars is in Fact, JJ Abrams. The Visual messiah will be pulling the strings to master episode 7 of the roller-coster franchise. Fans can finally sleep following a vicious rumour last week that saw the name of Zack Snyder circle the net; a director of great taste, although one could argue he hasn't done enough to be giving the reigns of the galaxy. JJ Abrams on the other hand, has. That's all for now. Keep an ear out for further comments on this story.

Zack Snyder to take on Star Wars

The reports are strong with this one...sorry! IMDB and numerous websites are reporting the most recent news that Zack Snyder will have his hands on a Star Wars universe (eventually).

Following the mega-deal that saw Disney snap up Lucas Film, George Lucas was safe to declare himself out of the frame but will no doubt lurk the backgrounds (for back-up I suppose). Although the media can only guess the next director to step up to the plate, Zack Snyder has said he will in fact make a Star Wars movie, but reports suggest it will be "post" trilogy. Zack denies any future relationship with Star Wars episode VII, instead he looks to focus on a new galaxy that will parallel alongside the George Lucas trilogy.

In terms of the distant plot, Zack is looking to create an origin of Jedi's based on Seven Samurai; a 1954 sword wielding movie directed by Akira Kurosawa. The black and white flick is an apparent cult masterpiece that follows the recruitment of seven unemployed samurais to defend a village under attack. Sounds crazy, particularly for those with no knowledge of the movie, however IMDB rates it a cracking 8.8/10.

Although Snyder's take will fall into the previous episodes chronologically, it looks to be a stand alone episode with a broader view into the abyss of the galaxy.

It's safe to say fans won't turn their nose up just yet and would be quite foolish considering the visual creations of 300 (2006) in which he made Gerard Butler look half decent. We got Watchmen (2009), a mediocre remake of Dawn of the Dead (2004) and of course the eagerly anticipated Man of Steel set for release this year.

For more on this visit Vulture.

Gangster Squad

Inspired by true events; Gangster Squad's entertainment fails to hide the lack of originality.

Set in 1940s  Los Angeles, members of the LAPD join forces to align against the corruptness within Micky Cohen; a despicable kingpin of the Mafia.

In an era when doo-wop slash jazz music echoed the streets, Los Angeles is also slave to Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) and the Mafia; a no holds barred affiliation that gains its notorious reputation through laundering money and drugs. Destined for full control over Los Angelas, and with the help of the police department and local Judges, Mickey thrives on striking fear into the people of Los Angeles by way of intimidation and serious bodily harm.

On the other end of the stick is Sgt John O'Mara (Josh Brolin), an experienced cop but a rookie in LA's criminal jurisdiction. His ambition is witnessed through his "loose cannon" personality as he is hell bent on destroying Mickey, despite warnings from his department. However John gets the opportunity of his career; an off the books "guerrilla warfare" style operation that includes the gathering of LAPD cops to help crack the illegal operations of the Mafia. The humorous and serious are introduced when the pessimistic persona of Jerry Lewis (Ryan Gosling) signs up, leading the way for individuals such as Coleman (Anthony Mackie), comic book hero Max (Robert Patrick) and Ramirez (Michael Peña). The gangster squad is eventually formed and quite convinced in their plan to tackle the most dangerous man in America.

Gangster Squad gets off the mark quickly, but too quick in my opinion. The squad is formed and  easily convinced which leads to poor chemistry from all the characters because of the lack of development from each person. However the movie supplies an unexpected ingredient of comedy that takes away the seriousness and overall operation at hand. From the off the blending of cheesy one-liners from Brolin's super cop lets you know what you are in for in relation to the creation of characters. Sean Penn's presence as Mickey Cohen takes you back and forward as the movie ignites a dark premise whenever he is on screen.

Ryan Gosling gives his typical performance but surprising as it was not great, but wasn't bad either (which I have never said about his past performances). His acting credentials and his movie catalogue might be the reason he is included as the cheesy playboy as a relationship develops between him and Grace (Emma Stone). Grace brings an unbelievable level of sexiness to the film but I couldn't help but view her overall appearance as quite irrelevant. In the mix of all that is going on, and although affiliated with Mickey Cohen, she wouldn't be missed if she was removed. Okay I get it, she is a very attractive lady, but in the mist of 100 minutes of gun powder, I felt there was no room for her greatness. It came down to the exaggeration, and yet over the top action sequences that I felt led to her lack of attention and presence.

Their is a huge cast including Giovanni Ribisi who takes charge of the communications within the squad; as well as many more who showed their face and left.

Gangster Squad is highly enjoyable, with Sean Penn leading the way supporting an imitation of Guy Pearce's character in Lawless (Pearce is also the reason I praised Lawless). The antagonist stands out once again, and really, with the cast at hand, he shouldn't have. A story inspired by events as we know, Gangster Squad supplied some great shoot-outs and car chases, it just lacked a plot with depth and a shortage of character development. We have seen it before in The Untouchables as it supports all the nostalgic cliche's that gangster movies had thought us in the past.

Overall: Nothing we haven't seen already, Gangster Squads' rushed plot appears weak; however the graphic content, consistent gunpowder, car chases and fist fights are enough to keep you entertained.

6.5/10

Box Office 2013 - Predictable America

Texas Chainsaw 3D is continuing to out-do the crafty work of both Quentin Tarantino and Peter Jackson.

 

The box office has released a shocking yet quite predictable outcome in terms of the American audience. Texas Chainsaw 3D is the latest (desperate) attempt at reviving a franchise that is well and truly deceased. The fact director John Luessenhop is calling this a sequel to the 1974 classic is not only laughable, but a clear cut creation that lacks serious initiative. Towering above critically acclaimed movies such as The Hobbit, DjangoUnchained and musical lovers - Les Miserables, Texas Chainsaw has gathered a whopping 23million - Really!

 

Although Texas Chainsaw has leaped due to its lonesome release in American cinemas, it would be logical for it to fall quickly, unless the audience continue to throw away their money!

 

In second is Django Unchained at 20million followed by The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey at 17.5 million; read my review here.

 

Les Misérables sits at 4th with 16.1million while Parental Guidance holds 5th with 10.1million (Jesus).

 

I do agree on the positions above as Tom Cruise's latest flick Jack Reacher holds 6th with 9.3million; and rightly so! I am sick to death of seeing the trolls of Tom Cruise claiming this to be so "awesome", really? are we really that gullible? Anyway I am yet to go and see Jack Reacher. Anyone who has please give me an honest review...

 

Check out the full chart at box office mojo!

 

 

 



Life Of Pi

Ang Lee crafts a visually indulging 3D experience

My second review also originates from a novel; a huge trend in Hollywood. If inheriting an accomplished book to the big screen reveals a result such as this one, I say keep them rolling.

 

An Indian boy, a Bengal tiger and a storm to weather helps develop this imaginative story. A writer (Rafe Spall) visits the home of Pi Patel (Irrfan Khan), a man with an apparent "unbelievable" story to tell. Verbally retracing the memories of his childhood, Pi's greatest memory of his father and the zoo he ran is what eventually leads to a tragic incident..

 

Financial problems hit the family and force Pi's father (Adil Hussain) into gathering the animals and sailing to Canada where he hopes to set up a new zoo.  However, a younger Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma) seems reluctant to leave India with hopes of returning one day. The movie is visually enhanced when a terrifying storm in the middle of the pacific ocean awaits the death of some, and survival of Pi.

 

Pi is stunned and some-what hesitant when the boat begins to flood but finds himself on a small boat drifting into the abyss of the ocean. The movie grabs your emotions as the boat as well as the animals on board are swallowed by the sea, as Pi watches is whole life sink beneath him.

 

The story is then centred on the task at hand as Pi fights for survival against both the ocean and the carnivores in his company.  Although the presence of an orangutan and a wild hyena can be dealt with, it is the daunting discovery that his fathers Bengal tiger known as Richard Parker has also survived the wreck. Pi has the extraordinary task of keeping himself alive as well as taming Richard, who to Pi's luck, is getting very hungry.

Ang Lee's novel adaption nit-picks at religion and the portrayal of God depending on your beliefs. Pi represents a teenage boy who prior to his situation, he carries three religions. That is where the beauty of Pi's story is revealed as an incident such as Pi's results in an overly dramatic yet a once in a life times story that people may rightly choose to believe in...but rarely do. Pi continues to express his story in the belief that god helps his survival instincts and that it is he who decides the faith of both himself and Richard Parker.

We see through-out, a desperate attempt at friendship with no love lost as Pi fights for territory of the boat. Suraj Sharma weighs in a fantastic performance as the teenage Pi and will be up for an Oscar although whether Ang Lee's instalment makes it that far is another question (it should). Besides from the centred portrayal from Suraj, the movie is a stepping stone in the visuals department. A rare 3D experience for me and will be for most. From a montage of animals at the intro, right through to the meerkats, wales, the species of the ocean and creatures unknown, Ang Lee has created a plethora of sequences that you will not believe to be CGI. The night time visuals alone make this movie the best and most enjoyable creation I have seen in a few years. Some of the scenes are simply breathtaking.

Life of Pi is getting rave reviews however you will read the odd "troll" talking about the religious perspectives and signs an what the movie truly means. Yes, like I said it supports a rightly so concept of religion but don't think too much of it. For the magical story and enhanced visuals alone will have you lost for words. Maybe afterwards one can nit-pick at the movies true meaning although maybe ones opinion can be pointed more so at the book, by Yann Martel.

There is a climax, a quite unexpected one might I add but an acceptance of brilliance in my view. I have read some critical disappointments in terms of the end but like I said above, if you understand a movie for what it really is and the experience you feel at that moment in time, you won't need to torment your brain too much.

Overall: A fantastic story as expected. Ang Lee brings to life a visual masterpiece and manages to recruit a fine Young actor in Suraj Sharma. Two and a half hours in a 3D cinematic roller coaster, I never wanted it to end!

9/10
 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Okay, Im thinking Walking Tall Part 2!

The latest posters from the last stand replicate a similar movie (like the trailer hadn't already).
Arnie's cinematic comeback is just around the corner, and I am excited. However the trailer shows some resemblance to that of The Rock's Walking Tall and the inclusion from "off the radar" slash part-time actor Johnny Knoxville supports my argument. Yeah sure this movie is a no brainer but I can't help to have hoped for a more creative return from Arnie (excluding Jackass).

Anyway I am still looking forward to some mindless punishment from the man himself!
The Last Stand hits theaters January 25th.

 

                                                            The Last Stand (Trailer)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2013)



     

  A flashback to a fantasy premise we know all to well, but missed the most!

I would like to start off by wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR and may 2013 bring the best, and possibly the worst of movies! :)

Following and yet trailing behind a trilogy that many claim to be the best movies ever made, Peter Jackson returns with much hesitation. Eagerly anticipated is an understatement, fans global shared mixed reactions before the release following the destiny of the Hobbit; a trilogy. What some might have expected, others were in a state of limbo as the "bookish" clan were quick to judge. It is fair to say the "not as good as the book clan" might have been disgusted with Jackson's desire to extend what is quite a short novel, the movie industry, like many is a business, were very few movies will fail to go-ahead unless a profit is foreseen. In this case, a profit will be seen as well as a beautifully constructed dream-like flashback to an origin that would create Frodo's quest.

The protagonist in this story is Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman). Bilbo is some what a reclusive resident of the Shire who spends his days cooking, cleaning and admiring the green hilltops that surround the land. However the reluctant persona in Bilbo is recognised when the intrusion of  Gandalf (Ian McKellen) is upon him. Gandalf is a mythical wizard, a character in who Bilbo can only believe as false as there are very few people that have crossed the path of Bilbo Baggins.

Gandalf recognises the distressed character within Bilbo. Much to the annoyance of Bilbo, it is when a gathering of Dwarfs disturb him later that night. The course of that unwelcoming meal goes on to change Bilbo's direction in life.

Bewildered to the reasons behind his unwelcoming guests, Bilbo soon learns that he is chosen by Gandalf to accompany the dwarfs on a quest to the east  of the land...far from the Shire. Leading the dwarfs is Thorin (Richard Armitage), an ignorant dwarf with a past he seeks to avenge by claiming back the dwarfs habitat. However the task is easier said than done as it is a journey that is set to test the nerves of the dwarfs and more importantly, the courage of the Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins.

The hobbit begins at slow pace but not as bad as I was originally told. Yes, it moves slow but the dialogue seeks to pave the way for the journey to follow. The meal between the dwarfs, Bilbo and Gandalf will be recognised as quite an iconic scene in what is resembled as a series of characters supporting superb chemistry. From the unknown Dwarfs to the popular, each improvisation doesn't go a miss. I found the overall humour to be more childish than LOTR, however it suits the concept and not forgetting the book is a children's fantasy novel. Peter Jackson pays a fine tribute in that case.

Martin Freeman is no doubt the stand out performance. He gives a presence of character that tricks you into believing he has always been around, but yet we know he hasn't. His acting credentials are represented greatly for the two and a half hours. In typical Lord of the Rings fashion, the movies concept and overall time line thrives on the events surrounding the journey from A to B. Each scene is met with a flash forward of what we know to have seen, and a flashback of the history of the Dwarf. The humorous rivalry is once again shown between the elf's and Dwarfs, and like I said, there is a dark history that reveals the aged rivalry between the pair.

All I heard was the fact Peter Jackson shot this movie at 48fps (frames per second). I was weary going into this because I was warned about adjusting my eyes to it. All I can say to you is ignore that and just enjoy it for what you see. I saw no big deal an I believe no matter what frame was used the overall result is just as fantastic. If anything though, the 48fps (which is normally 24fps) make the action sequences look and feel superb. There are scenes of interventions from trolls and orcs that stand in the way of the clans destination. The final hour and a half sums up the routine climax that Peter Jackson has consistently greeted us with; not to mention the best scene in the entire film, Gollum's introduction, once again played by Andy Serkis.

7/10