Lawless

Director John Hillcoat must have pulled some serious strings to reel in what appears to be a phenomenal cast representing what we hoped would be a fantastic film.

Set in Virginia, County Franklin is home to the richest and poorest minorities. While parts of New Orleans is struggling within an era of the great depression, the Bondurant family run a bootlegging operation; a profitable alcohol business which proves to be the backbone to the family's financial survival and an income of reputation from the locals. Forrest Bondurant (Tom Hardy) is the eldest of three brothers who not only keeps the operation running, but the discipline of his screwball brother Howard (Jason Clarke) and Jack (Shia LaBeouf).

While Forrest is the "silent but deadly" type and Howard a demented alcoholic, Jack is singled out as one with an emotionally detached personality and a liability to their operation. But it is when the town is greeted with a new face that the folks associated with the Bondurant family are put under scrutiny to spill the beans on the operation. Introducing Deputy Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce), the devil of Virginia, who sees an opportunity in the Bondurant's alcohol business revealing a corruptness to his dark personality.


With one eye on Charlie's demands, Forrest is caught up with new barmaid Maggie (Jessica Chastain) who is set on proving her loyalty to Forrest, and something more. As Deputy Charlie is hell bound on destroying the towns alcohol advantage, apprentice Jack is trying to balance an ambition of two sides; to prove his own worth for out of town gangster Floyd Banner (Gary Oldman), and to convince his love to upper class lady, Bertha (Mia Wasikowska).

So as things quickly escalate, it is when Charlie and his cohorts of the law begin to use physicality in order to send a message to Forrest and co who remain stubborn under the pressure of the task force, leading to unnecessary violence and a clash of emotions. Jack, who metamorphose into a cocky somewhat brave new character following his association with Frankie, the result of his mind frame can either help rid Charlie's devious activities, or jeopardise everything the family have worked for.

Based on factual events, the screenplay is well represented while the director had a variety of actors to nit-pick and blend with the right scene and their credentials. Unfortunately, besides from the quality within the cast, the only actor who stood out in this was Guy Pearce, who gave a haunting performance and took the portrayal of sadistic drama to another level. What is introduced and eventually closed as a fairy tale book, the seriousness of Pearce's on screen ambiance makes this flick seem more serious than I think the director had intended. Besides from a complete focus of darkness, Tom Hardy has still yet to disappoint as his grunting be-wildered character is fun to watch and yet again scripted to add that touch of comedy to the story, something he does quite well.

Lawless shys from straight up gun-slinging at times offering a refreshing element when it dies down. It reveals the balance of two potential relationships; with Forrest appearing sceptical of Barmaid Maggie and Jack dangling from the legs of a girl that would be classed out of his league.

Shia Lebeouf is quite convincing as the rookie within the troubled family and although I am a fan of some of his work (Transformers only, not 2, defo not 3), he offers nothing other than a mediocre performance that could have been the result of having very little to represent. His character was left unexplored. However the biggest let down of Lawless was the cameo appearance from Gary Oldman. Whether that was down to actors choice I don't know, but you embrace his onscreen presence at the littlest chance the film offers.

Lawless gets a pass for portraying an emotional story that will always be memorable in terms of it being factual based, even if you do wonder how factual the telling actually is. The fact it is based on some sort of event does convince us to sit and watch it, but for other reasons such as a fictional element, the plot would still appear weak. Like many movies of this genre, the premise will try to win you over by re-tracing its steps with violent scenes. The violence does come every so often and when it does it hits hard, avoiding Quentin Tarantino's slapstick red sauce and more realistic gore, all at the hands of Pearce's character.

I expected much more in terms of a better plot and smarter dialogue. It appeared every time a dull moment was upon us, the film felt the need to dive in with over the top violence. Guy Pearce is the vigilante and is suspect to the result of the scenes you will most likely remember; the violent ones. He sticks out for that reason because his dialogue and on screen portrayal alone will be the only motive behind anyone classing this movie one of the best of 2012. But is that fair? on the bases of one actors performance? maybe not, but the proof is on the screen.

Overall; Entertaining to say the least with a back-forward love story, but without Guy Pearce, the plot and over all characters would have no impact when it comes to the award cabinet...Factual or not!

7/10

Killing Them Softly

Responsible for Chopper (2000), Andrew Dominik carries his violent imagination onwards and beyond The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007), revealing the dark and twisted character of Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt); a gun for hire who unlike most assassins, the thoughts of killing his target from a distance is quite pleasuring.

Following the heist of a mob protected poker game, the two amateurs involved are Frankie (Scoot McNairy) and his not-so trusty side-kick, Russell (Ben Mendelsohn). Both guys work for low-key puppet Johnny (Vincent Curatola) who runs a business around Frankie and Russell, with a pay-day depending on the job Johnny supplies.

It is no routine job this time around as Johnny convinces Frankie and Russell to hold up a poker game hosted by Markie Trattman (Ray Liotta), who previously, organised his own cohorts to hold up a protected poker game, leaving himself revelling in the mobs cash. So it is when Johnny sees the second time round an opportunity for some easy money, as well as sticking the blame on Markie's head, opening up a whole new can of worms for everyone involved.

Looking for an immediate response and a possible conclusion to this mess, it is when associates within the mob begin to question those responsible, hiring Jackie Cogan (Pitt) to investigate and wipe out the gang behind the heist.

Killing them softly is not much different from your basic mobster concept, but it does supply two factors; the social setting that reveals the harsh reality of the economic downfall within the slums of America, and a violent drama that although moves at a slow pace, the overall scenes of murder and dialogue result in a movie supporting realistic fashion.

Andrew Domink's latest does carry a lot of pro-American substances, but balances the concept quite well as the cast of characters shed light on the real America, reflecting on a minority of lower class individuals looking to find richness through violence and corruptness. As Jackie Cogan puts it, he represents a personality in business...the killing business.

Although quite short, Killing them softly is a delightful watch, showing the violence and portrayal from all angles. Unfortunately the movie did feel the need to over exaggerate the dialogue element of the film. James Gandolfini's character Micky, who is also brought in by Jackie, had so much potential to make a real mark in filming, but was overlooked by some humorous, sometimes dragged out scenes that failed to express the character he was brought in to represent. 

The plot is a no-brainer as the main ingredient of the movie was to invite the audience into the lives of certain individuals such as Frankie, Jackie, Micky and many more. Although the constant dialogue is smartly written and at times really funny, an hour and fifteen minutes is built up to a climax that ends just like you expected, but all too soon, and without any character development. Some will enjoy the short concept from Andrew as his vision resembles cult classics such as Reservoir Dogs, Mean Streets and Snatch, which are relatively short, characterised movies, but succeeded in having a memorable impact on the audience.

Killing them Softly is a fine example of a film that does not need high-octane action to wow the viewers, instead it teases by nit-picking at the shots of realistic violence and the aftermath of emotions.

Overall;  A refreshing movie with fantastic performances from all of the cast involved. Killing them softly is unique in its own way, supplying a nice soundtrack to match its gritty ambiance. Lacking the action the majority might have expected, the concept is not for everyone. I for one, Loved it!

8/10

                                                              Introducing Jackie Cogan.

                                                    Johnny Cash - The Man comes around

Dredd

                                            "You have been judged. The sentence, is death."

We have come a long way since Stallone's Judge Dredd in 1995. He was considered as the only option, a good one, at that particular time. The only problem with the result of that movie was the lack of relation towards the comics, referencing nothing other than a PG take on what was considered a production that obeyed the rules of Sly Stallone.

Thankfully the resurrection of Dredd begins at the hands of director (Pete Travis) who not only revives the character, but sticks to the 3000 AD concept that the comics portrayed so beautifully.

The storyline is a simple gritty concept showing the aftermath of a once an inhabitable city, is now run by both law and lawless. The authority that over looks the dead city strings into the hands of judges; a law with no boundaries as the lack of remorse is witnessed using a one man Jury, or a sentence of execution if necessary. As we all know, Dredd (Karl Urban) is one who darkens the days of the drug underworld, patrolling the futuristic ruin of a city he portrays it as.

With routine call-outs, it is no ordinary day as Dredd is introduced to Anderson (Olivia Thirlby) a rookie cop assigned to Dredd to carry along side his line of work as he tends to play witness to her dedication by throwing her into the deep end, the worst end...

Ma-Ma (Lena Headey) is the feeder, a wanna-be dictator who overlooks the city from just one of many towers. A scarred and demented human being, Ma-ma controls the residents of her block, a location considered a no-go for the authorities. It is when two bodies are found at the area that Dredd sees this a fortunate day for Anderson as she makes the decision for both to investigate. The decision results in a grim battle against the worst drug mules in the city as the parasites of Ma-ma's block seek to protect an operation, leading to a war greater than Dredd could of expected.

The movie provides a small cast that help deliver a fantastic piece of entertainment. Its comparison to "The Raid" is quite appropriate as it does indeed take place in one building, but trading the martial arts for some straight up gun-slinging proved a delightful result. Not expecting to be wowed by much, Karl Urban's Dredd supplied an element of a dark soul-less body with an over usage of cheesy one-liners topped off with endless violence. The overall character of Dredd was a joy to witness. From the off you anticipate, just like the raid, the closer he gets to the finish-line, the higher you grin!. I watched with glee as Dredd tore through bodies with clever yet hilarious weaponry.

The sequences were beautiful to watch as Karl Urban's slow motion concept is highly original introducing it to the scenes when it really mattered.

Fans of the Judge Dredd franchise (can't say I was) would be pleased with this re-hash and more importantly the revamping of the character itself. The writers smartly chose to keep on the helmet as it is a brave move that goes unnoticed because of the jaw-line and personality portrayed on screen. Sticking to apparent comic book logic, this is something I believe the fans and audience wanted to see.

Those seeking a fine storyline full of drama and sensibility may keep their torso in one place. This isn't a taste for everyone. I believe anyone who chooses to see this flick to purposely slate it should not bother. Leave that brain you hide with your skull at home and enjoy it for what it is. If so, you will remember how ridiculously hilarious Dredd truly was, and supposed to be. I find I am opening my mind with these kind of flicks. In order to truly see it for what it is, you have to.

Overall; a fantastic welcoming for a character that was almost forbidden a return to our screens. Karl Urban's Dredd is guaranteed to make you laugh while you hide the shocking face of what you had just witnessed. Strictly 18's! YEEEAH!

7.5/10

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

The Expendables 2 Review

In 2010 Sylvester Stallone reunited the child within me, and I am not talking Disney fantasies. The Expendables was quite significant in terms of all those big names in one explosive whirlwind leading to a nostalgic spotlight in relation to the 80's action genre. What was a mindless concept from Sly, it was obvious he carried the gruesome portrayal of Rambo (2008) and brought it to the streets which consisted of explosive scenes and disturbed characters.

Expectations were high for the sequel. Was there a chance that Arnold Schwarzenegger would play a bigger part this time around? Chuck Norris and Van Damme were also popping up in trailers. It looked exciting on paper so let's find out.

So after an introduction of pure carnage and to be frank, quite ridiculous stunts, Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) is cornered by Church (Bruce Willis) as he once again seeks to assemble Barney and the gang for a routine mission that goes excitingly wrong. 

According to Church, Barney cost him 10 million from the previous mission so this would be the last of any dealings between Barney's mercenaries and Church. A sense of portrayal is exposed when Christmas (Jason Statham), Gunner (Dolph Lundgren) Hale (Terry Crews) and Co are found to be set up, resulting in immediate pay back and a path of destruction from the guys. The "Villain", who is titled eh, Villain, is the legendary (Jean-Claude Van Damme). Jean plays the role of a heartless Russian who is mindset on a cave full of heavy artillery leading to what he believes will create world war 2012. Yes, looking to start another world war...not on Sly's watch!

So it is from there we witness once again as Sly's expendables attempt to raise their credibility as well as save the day as they bump into Friends of old and older. (you know who).

The anticipation of the cameos we wait so eager for comes a lot sooner than expected. The action scenes and overall acting was genuinely poor. I prayed for a Schwarzenegger appearance to help make this better than it's predecessor. Trench (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is an old friendly rival of Barney and coincidentally bump into each other through-out the film as this sequel shows it's stupidity as Trench and Booker (Chuck Norris) appear in the most random of places failing to explain any logic on how and why they are there?. Booker is the lone wolf who can't help but throw in his own Chuck Norris jokes every so often.

I enjoyed this film for what it is. And what is it? well it is an all out war of the best with a plot that was thought up in the space of 30 minutes or less. To see Arnold and Van Damme back on screen was amusing and exciting. With all these egos, and with their history, neither are ever short of a quote or two...or three!

The testosterone in this film is laughable and I couldn't help but think Sly is bigger than ever as one of his veins looks the equivalent to my left leg.

One cannot help to be entertained by the stupidity of this film as we witness the over-reaction of  splattered heads, cringe one liners and mundane comedy. Unfortunately, I personally enjoyed the previous more as their was a better character in the enemy and supplied that touch of drama with Micky Rourke's involvement. Jet Li's Yang who also went missing through the sequel...unexplained really. I suppose that defines a Stallone movie in 2012.

So with a Mickey mouse storyline and a wider cast, the Expendables 2 failed to live up to the entertaining scenes in the original. I was not hoping to be blown away by actors performances but as a fan of the majorities cast, I felt, once again, manipulated in terms of the apparent involvement of Arnold and the rest that was used to sell the film.

Overall: Enjoyable if you forget your brain like I did with it's promotion supplying a better hype than the overall movie.

The Bourne Legacy Review

Following the trilogy that Matt Damon would be forever recognised, Jeremy Renner takes the brave role of Aaron Cross; a highly trained member of a black ops defence programme.

We get introduced to Aaron (Jeremy Renner) in the freaky weathers of Alaska as we witness the abilities of Aaron as he fends off wolves and climbs mountains...literally. The survival skills revealed would put Bear Grills to shame. As we try to get a hold of Renner's character, another story is unfolding as Jason Bourne has operation Blackbriar sweating on the fact he is trying to expose their links between a Treadstone project. This leads to a cameo return for Pamela Landy who is now being investigated by the FBI.

With the FBI up the asses of the CIA's operations, it is when former USAF colonel Eric Bryer(Edward Norton) is called upon to help weather the storm. So with the plot slowly getting under way, all is forgotten about the one of few remaining soldiers, Aaron, who finds himself caught in the headlights as Eric seeks to rid any trace of Treadstones trained soldiers.

Mark Turso (Stacy Keach), a retired member of the operation is also on thin ice. Although the majority of Turso's operation may not agree with Eric's way of dealing with the situation, it seems the clock is ticking as with Pamela Landy under interrogation, the programmes oblivion seems logical.

With Eric and Co desperate to finish Aaron, he is fighting two battles with his stamina and abilities beginning to wear. Aaron is pretty much a super-soldier who in order to remain in shape, he needs to take certain pills. Subscribed by the programme that assigned him, the green and blue pills are what is needed for Aaron to sustain his energy and hopes of surviving long enough to unravel the reason behind the programmes portrayal.

Dr. Marta (Rachel Weisz) is responsible for the routine dosage of pills supplied to the soldiers as Aaron soon learns that she might be the key to his investigation and survival.

Expectations were high, for myself anyway. So it saddens me to say that this movie could have been made under a different name and nobody would have noticed let alone cared! It succeeded in terms of a fine cast of acting but lacked the same high-octane concept of the originals. Of course the movie wanted to do-way with the previous flicks but it couldn't. It struggled to be it's own. The plot was pretty mundane as you focus on the situation of both Aaron and the Treadstone controversy.

When you are not watching Aaron run around landscapes you are updated every 15 minutes on how Jason Bourne is here, there, most places blah blah. The film seemed it wanted to try ever so hard to remind you that this movie is still a "Bourne" flick. News flash, it isn't. The story was weak, the action scenes were boring concluding with a car chase near the end that failed to anticipate an apparent sequel to come.

It is set a couple of years after the "Ultimatum" so the Pill concept might have seemed appropriate or original. Personally, the super soldier thing didn't do it for me. It stole the human knowledge and overall abilities that Jason Bourne Graced us with.

The Bourne Legacy was two hours too long for me. I was looking forward to Edward Norton and was quite glad to see him on screen again. As for the rest of the cast, quite frank they could do no wrong in such a basic movie!

Overall: Dull and too long with a story that failed to keep interest. Skip this and have a Jason Bourne night in!

5/10

Robocop Review (1987)

The 80's was the epidemic of landmark movies. It was no doubt an era of heavy artillery supplied by Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. To name a few; Predator 87", First Blood 82", Aliens 86", The Terminator 84" and more would all go forward to rule the 1980's. Released in 1987, Robocop would have to bring something explosive to the table.

This futuristic sci-fi takes place in Detroit were crime rate is at its highest. The streets are crawling with Junkies, prostitutes while a global tech business, OCP (Omni Consumer products), over looks the city and controls the reign of law. It does not get more gritty than the portrayal we see at first hand.

OCP is known for its advanced technology and continuity in daily developments created and mastered to protecting the public from the scum. With not much belief in your average police department, it is when the giant company buys out the police task force in hopes to creating something stronger and less vulnerable as murderers and rapists pile the dark streets of Detroit.

It is when rogue cop Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) is blasted to death during a tense infiltration into one of Detroit's cold blooded gangs, (a gruesome scene that joined movie history) that sees Bob Morton (Miguel Ferrer) of OCP perform a body transformation. With adjustments to save the general organs of Murphy's remains, the staff at OCP construct a steel shell around the dead body of Murphy resulting in a ""Robocop",a programmed walking talking killing machine assigned to protect the innocent with the ability to sustain and arrest.

While Murphy's soul is nothing short of deceased, it is when former partner and witness to the crime Lewis (Nancy Allen) discovers the man behind the metal plates resulting in Robocop's reflection of memories, which is something OCP didn't want. The action packed plot sees Bob's Robocop create a kill list behind the death of his former self. The main target is indeed, in my opinion one of the biggest dirt bags to ever hit our screens, Clarence (Kurtwood Smith). If Satan had an apprentice, it was this guy. It delights me to witness the path of revenge that Robocop follows, leading to an all out war as Clarence and his men try ridding the streets of the only thing standing in their way.

Although OCP staff and second man on the managers board Dick (Ronny Cox) represents true justice, Dick has eyes on a different future for the advanced company, a future without Robocop, which leads Robocop on an investigation that connects dots between the criminals of Detroit and the rich that overlook it.

Ah yes, the nostalgic reflection of this movie still excites me. One year before my birth, Robocop was swarming cinemas global, estimating a total of 13,000,000 in budget. Just like a plethora of 80's action, Robocop was, and still is one of the best of that era.

Its concept was highly original then, and unfortunately could not have competed with The Terminator and T2, it did succeed in terms of Sci-fi action and joined a host of movies that showed the possible gruesomeness of real-life shootings.

Scene of Death: Upon the origin of Robocop, Murphy had to make a sacrifice. Not knowing he would become a protective cyborg of Detroit, he foolishly rushed in, disturbing a group of animals, resulting in a terrifying scene. Do you remember? He had his leg, arm, and eventual head blasted with shotguns, machine guns the lot. Clarence and his affiliates were a new breed of murders and rapists, which lead to a whole new direction in my movie history. The gore was frightening and the screams of laughter toward a dead cop is more haunting.

The overall cast consisted of some well known faces of that era, if not genre of movies. In my opinion, it was just as well Peter Weller had to play out the movie in a metal suit and robotic concept as I don't think I could have stuck his cheesy acting through-out the 100 minutes or so. Although he is the hero an lead star, he is the worst actor associated with this classic... sorry. Apart from a handful of low budget movies, Weller has done the voice for Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 & Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2...random?

Ronnie Cox, as we know from Eddie Murphy's Beverly Hills Cop, was then and maybe still an accomplished actor playing numerous roles of good and bad.  Kurtwood Smith made appearances in Deep Impact, Rambo 3, Broken Arrow and many more.

Apart from its cheesy one liners, Robocop is and always will be one of my Childhood favourites. I know, it was strictly 18's (strictly), there was just no way I wasn't watching this movie. Unfortunately I can't say the same for what was to follow. I am sure the majority of fans will agree if I say that  RoboCop 2 was mediocre, although it will never, NEVER be as bad as RoboCop 3!!!  It is hardly worth referencing, but I believe the situation was played out with Peter Weller witnessing a script that read Robotic Ninjas and immediately decided to shove the pen he was given up the writers ass!

For those who don't know, a re-make is set for release in 2013, with a cast Gary Oldman, Joel Kinnaman and Samuel L. Jackson.  At this stage I struggle to see how anything can go wrong when the legendary Gary Oldman is involved. Joel Kinnaman is the star of the murderous tv series, The Killing. As for Samuel Jackson?...

Overall: 80's Sci-fi action, 80's bloodshed, 80's acting = a damn good time!

8/10

Killer Joe Review 2012

Just when I thought the movie industry had descended from strange minded concepts, Killer Joe turns out to be one of the most uncanny movies to ever hit our screens! Although one would cringe in admitting it is weirdly enjoyable!

The haunting thriller focuses on a trailer park in southern Texas which is home to the Smiths, a bizarre family of red-necks. Chris (Emile Hirsch) and his father Ansel (Thomas Haden Church) are far from your average father-son relationship, that is until they discover a loop-hole relating to an assurance policy consumed by Ansel's previous wife (Chris's mother). Chris who is in depth with loan sharks and a gambling addiction lacking him in favours, he receives information regarding the pot of money sitting beneath his mother, believing if something should happen her, the loot would be forwarded to his deranged sister, Dottie (Juno Temple.)

Introducing Killer Joe (Matthew McConaughey); a recluse sheriff of the law and a gun for hire. Both guys are advised on the work ethic of Joe, leading them to a hosted agreement which will see Joe kill Ansel's wife for a hefty share of the cash. However there is a catch. One that shows the true nature of Joe's perverted character. Both Ansel and Chris struggle to convince Joe of the eventual pay he will receive leaving Joe to come up with the idea of him holding a"retainer", a "keep-safe" until he receives pay. Dottie, the sibling in the family, serves as that "retainer" opening up a frightening new path to Joe's persona.

Mystified to the sadistic ways of Joe, Chris and his degenerate father can only sit by an watch as Joe's hesitation and visits to their home become more frequent. Ansel's girlfriend Sharla (Gina Gershon) is suspicious of Joe's antics but sees no reason why she shouldn't slave her step-daughter to Joe. Her greed and overall character is obvious and is revealed along with Chris and Ansel as desperate measures to receive the assurance money. What was originally a contract to assassinate, Joe's striking presence results in a sociable friendship, which was more than originally intended resulting in what Ansel believes to be a dangerous situation. Although Chris's selfishness is revealed through-out the deal, he himself is worried for the manipulation of his be-wildered family.

Killer Joe is in a category of its own; and so it should be. What starts off as a pretty direct plot, this movie takes the biscuit in terms of the ridiculousness of its immediate turn around. Without giving away too much of the original twists, Joe's dark humour and manipulation expands as his disturbed fantasies are directly shown as the movie seeks to turn ones stomach. His love for a 9 year old (or 10) takes its toll as well as a plethora of gross fantasies, the audience will settle for non-other than great despise towards both Joe and the Smith family. The family are not the brightest of red-necks and  can't help but get sucked into the mind and discomposed ways of a powerful yet insane individual in Joe.

The concept resembles that of The Devil's Rejects and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre which succeeds in drawing your attention to each character on screen, the outskirts of the dangers and typical cold bloodied Texans. Killer Joe is extremely dark and frighteningly funny, with scenes I couldn't possibly begin to describe.With a strange element of characters and a nice soundtrack, it offers some fine twists and memorable yet shocking scenes. (trust me)
Although Killer Joe offers up some fantastic performances from both Matthew McConaughey, Gina Gershon and a brave portrayal of innocence from Juno Temple, the movie itself is a simple no-brainer that might not be everyones cup of tea though one should see it for McConaughey's performance alone.

Overall: Attacks the vulnerable with its original concept, Killer Joe is extremely entertaining while testing the gag reflex of the audience.

Prometheus Review 2012

Ridley Scott cut the anticipation on June 1st releasing the eagerly awaited Prometheus to cinematic screens everywhere.

Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron lead a promising cast in this Sci-fi whirl-wind exploring once again, the genre that brought Ridley Scott's ego to light.

Elizabeth Shaw (Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Green) spend their days exploring caves and landscapes seeking clues, leading to conspiracies, leading to self-belief of the numerous possibilities and unanswered questions behind mankind's creation. Their obsessive will for exploration pays off when they discover what they believe is the key direction to the life-form that walked before us. The loved up pair can't help but accept a thousand year old carving to be an open invitation to join whatever it may be they seek.

Prometheus is the holding vessel carrying a crew of numerous qualifications. The Journey through space is constructed by Shaw and Holloway, with both of them being the navigational system to the universe they are destined to arrive in. Idris Elba plays Janek, the captain of Prometheus. He represents a strong character, ever so careful as to why he, as well as others should risk their life believing in Shaw's ambitions.

Meredith (Theron) is on board for one reason only, to see the journey out safe while so obviously wanting nothing to do with the desires of both Holloway and Shaw. From what Meredith can see, this is a far-fetched idea and a pointless journey...how wrong she was about to be. Theron is once again the bitch in the movie. Sure why not? she plays it ever so sexy!.

The journey through one universe to the other leads Prometheus into a battle that could change history. Upon an amazing discovery through the ambitious Shaw and Holloway, their mysterious yet expected find leads the ship and crew into a fight not only for their own lives, but the lives of others.

Prometheus is a brilliant sci-fi movie as Michael Fassbender helps by leading the movie to the enjoyment it Deserves. Introducing his robotic character, David. He is constructed by Peter Weyland to have as much interaction and affiliation with a human, as one human would be to another. His hilarious, soulless body is well created to the point where the viewer believes in Fassbenders' desire to act. David is the back-Bone to the ship, as the crew appear unfastened to rest their lives in his hands. A darker side to Fassbenders' character is surprisingly exciting, giving Prometheus tense interactions both on and off the vessel.

Prometheus is as mysterious as the trailer makes it out to be. Ridley Scott does fantastic in returning to the concept of Aliens, but not "Alien". Just like his previous movies, without naming the obvious, Ridleys' way of creating likable characters is still smartly written with his latest work appearing highly nostalgic. The audience will realise the ship descending into the unknown and where you will once again find yourself rooting for certain characters to make it home. There are always individuals on board who you know are either too arrogant or unqualified to be on such a mission. Prometheus does well in offering the audience a general mix of personalities.

However, it does, like most movies with a great introduction reveals some loose ends with an explanation much needed if Ridley Scott was to return for a Prometheus sequel. The first 100 minutes or so are quite tense and does well in keeping the audience attention and anticipating a possible unforgettable climax. Prometheus will disappoint some fans on the basis of what I and most would believe to be a highly rushed ending to the movie. The production just seemed to run out of ideas in the last 20 minutes or so. Maybe that is the appropriate result and much deserved outcome for a film that got the wrong attention and anticipation and seemed to have manipulated fans awaiting its release ever since its first statement which claimed Prometheus to be a prequel to alien...

There is so much to be said about Ridleys' return, but so much the audience must answer for themselves. Prometheus is an all-round bloody good sci-fi movie. A concept not too original but fans of the Alien saga will enjoy without having to connect any apparent dots.

A prequel originally, but I believe Ridley Scott himself fails to agree. Prometheus is its own concept, with some convenient characters. A must see for all Sci-fi fans, leaving a positive result in a return to chilling torture in outer space that no other director would dare to challenge. Oh except for James Cameron. :)

The Raid Review 2012

The Raid is an explosive, all out Indonesian war as a SWAT team storm the building of a wanted drug lord and is army of tenants!.

Located in the slums of Jakarta, the apartment block, considered a no-go area by police in the past, is run by a ruthless nemesis by the name of Tama (Ray Sahetapy). With previous unsuccessful attempts to bring him in, a SWAT team is ready to infiltrate the building in the cleanest way possible.

Rama (Iko Uais) is just another SWAT agent hoping to come out of the "Raid" alive, although something tells us his participation is not accidental. A mixed martial artist, ready to ruin his fists with the blood of the ruthless mercenaries.

The tactical enforcements have little knowledge of the 30 floor apartment block other than it been occupied as a safe-house for the worst kind of wanted criminals.

The Raid is mind-blowing with constant non-stop action from start to finish. Its concept is typical good versus bad, but with high octane tensity, fantastic fight scenes and numerous twists to this Indonesian master piece. The Raid gives Ong-Bak a run for its money. A six minute fight scene featuring two guys on one, is just a tease of what The Raid offers fight fans.

In comparison to what we have seen this summer, The Raid offers so much more in terms of gunfights so terrifying, I was only short of ducking in the cinema!

Lookout for Tama's right hand man, "Mad Dog". A guy the SWAT are informed about on rout to the apartment block "He will tear down walls for Rama". He is exactly what he is made out to be. A tiny, ruthless Little character, showing his finest skills in martial arts. The consequence for the SWAT team? Bloodshed!

Overall; The Raid is a terrific movie that must be seen, over and over again! I will be surprised if another action movie beats this one any time soon.

10/10 (yep, it deserves it)

The Thing Review 2011

The Thing. Not John Carpenters cult classic, but an apparent prequel to the original. Let's face it, last year when myself, as well as most heard of a new release of the Thing? automatically I thought, okay, another horror remake. Horror remakes, or any remake if you like have an awful habit of staying a float in the sink for a good hour or so before quickly releasing the plug as we watch, happily, as it flows down the drain! It surprised me a couple of days ago before seeing the movie that they had set it out to be a prequel to the first. That was the reason I decided to push myself into seeing it without having to judge it based on John Carpenter's version.

So here we go. Kate Llode (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is a graduate student who some how finds herself tagging along side a Dr Sander Halvorson, who's played by Ulrich Thomsen. The two, also accompanied by a group of scientists and pilots are held together at an Antarctica Research facility (a couple a miles from the 1982 base might I add).

It becomes clear that Dr Sanders is after something not yet known to the rest of the crew. The movie eventually lifts off after they discover the alien life form frozen in one giant ice cube! The find quickly lights up the eyes of Sanders as he sees this as a great discovery that could possible get his name down in history. Himself and the scientist pitch an idea of moving the alien from outside into a Lab inside were they can run some tests and try discover what exactly they are dealing with.

Kate, who seems paranoid over the idea of running tests on the alien creature quickly makes it known to Sanders about her feelings and safety. We get introduced to Carter (Joel Edgerton) who is a pilot for the facility. Kate turns to Carter after failing to talk to Sanders out of his plans. According to Dr Sanders, they have made the discovery of a life time as he fails to understand why Kate is blind to that.

A good half hour into the movie was all it took for the Thing to be left alone. The crew had left it out back, still in the ice cube. I am guessing to let the ice melt? Then Boom! the Thing is released and goes on a rampage. The idea of it's agility to kill and transform by embracing human cells is quality. It was nice to see it keep the same isolated scene...kind of like in Alien? Were in space it said no one can here you scream? yeah, kind of along the lines of that. But not as amazing...obviously. The idea of any group of people being picked off one by one by anything always makes for an entertaining movie.

The CGI in the Thing, was in fact horrific. There was one part, without saying, that was pretty decent, but the rest was hideous. In modern day effects in movies, especially one that's supposed to involve a gruesome looking alien? they should have done miles better with the look of the Thing. I did not want to rub off the original too much, although I might have had already, but the director labelled it a prequel? A lot of what you see in this is exactly what you will find in the 1982 version.

As for characters, there is no one in this movie that you grow to like, or even dislike. They are all quite anonymous. Joel Edgerton, who is clearly supposed to be the equivalent to Kurt Russel's character just never takes off. It is fair to say Joel is the best actor in the movie, but in fairness most of the characters never got a look in. My point is there was never a character in the movie you find yourself rooting for. Maybe the Thing? but that's it.

Overall the movie stuck to some important spectacles of the original. The chilling base isolated in the middle of the Antarctica definitely succeeded in adding horror to the movie. I was delighted to still hear the creepy tune that plays through-out the movie. There were scenes I did find myself jumping to, to be honest. The cinema can do that to you sometimes!

So fans of the 1982 classic might find this movie hard to avoid. I would advise them to see it to judge themselves. The Thing is also for any horror fans just looking for a good scare mixed with the entertainment of watching humans get splattered! This was in no way a bad movie, but unfortunately fails to be anything other than mediocre.

I believe, if this was meant as a prequel? it should have been giving a title, with a title. So instead it is just the Thing? just like, the Thing in 1982. But hey, don't be fooled...apparently it isn't a remake.

A horror movie that is worth a watch, but don't expect to remember it after your next movie of choice.

Straw Dogs Movie Review 2011

James Marsden and Kate Bosworth star in the 1970's violent remake, Straw Dogs.

The movie takes place in modern Mississippi in the south of America, where loved up couple David (Mardsen) and Amy (Bosworth) return from Miami where they had met previous. David is a screenplay writer who writes for low budget movies back in Miami and is keen on settling down for some peace and quiet once they arrive in the small town of Mississippi. Amy appears to be a popular character in her home town as she is welcomed with more than open arms once they arrive.

We then meet Charlie (Alexander Skarsgard) who grew up with Amy. He shows a great obsession for Amy and is more than happy to see her return home. Once he finds out she is happily married to David.....we see a dramatic change in his persona.

David is a genuine guy who worked hard to get to were he is. He wants nothing more than to settle down on his laptop and write. He is perceived by the residents of the town to be cocky, arrogant and flashy with his cash. David is introduced to his new neighbours in one scene when he stops off for a beer in the local bar, a ruffed up shack might I add that looks like one of those places from a western with the small doors!!

There we meet Tom (James Woods) who coaches the local football team. Tom is a horrible racist, a profane character. I mean this guy is a right Mercenary! You get the feeling of Tom's reputation when he starts pulling his own pints! It seems the locals fear Tom, some such as Charlie (Skarsgard) and his gang will quickly obey him.

The plot moves off when David offers Charlie and his group of workers the job of revamping the roof behind their house. As much as Charlie needs the money, he also sees this as an opportunity to be closer to Amy.

David, who is bewildered to the real reason for Charlie taking the job soon regrets his decision. The group of workers are your typical bunch of perverts who have absolutely no intention of getting the roof done by the specific deadline. This Leaves Amy feeling uncomfortable in her own home as numerous incidents lead to both David and Amy having arguments over David's lack of courage towards Charlie and his men.

Unfortunately I have not seen the Original Straw Dogs with Dustin Hoffman so I can't compare this version to the 1971 classic. But I must say I really enjoyed this movie, it is hard not too say too much about this remake. Straw Dogs does have a slow start but when David and Amy finally settle down, the consequences are crucial.

This is a pure Bad vs evil movie. According to what I have read, the original version has a shocking rape scene. To be honest if it is any more graphic than the remake's scene, I do not fancy it. I mean you feel for Kate's character Amy! She honestly receives an awful time.

Charlie and football coach Tom are a force to be reckoned with. They will not tolerate any hotshot coming to their town and settling down in a hurry. These two are heartless monsters! You feel for David because you want him to man up and protect his wife and new home. Unfortunately that is where my problem was with the movie. It took too long for David to finally crack. And as much as I love the "Everyone has a breaking point" slogan on the poster? for me, anyone else would have cracked a lot sooner if that was real life....even a wimp like me!

Overall Straw Dogs was entertaining. James Mardsen surprised me, he showed some really impressive acting in my opinion, I mean when he finally does man up, you really root for him aginst the scum in the movie! And we have to remember this is Cyclops from X-Men......

As for Kate Bosworth I felt was superb on her own, I am not too convinced on the romance between the two of them though. The creep, Charlie was okay. He basically just had to play a violent hunk with a six pack and a great fan of women....women with whimpy husbands that is! He would never pick on someone is own size, that's for sure! And can't forget James woods, I will be honest I did not even know he was in the movie. Thank god he was because he was excellent. He was a rotten delinquent but it worked.

So for me, someone who is yet to see the original, I enjoyed Straw Dogs. Unfortunately I think most people will disagree with me because of it's birth place but give it a go. It's gruesome, creepy, and disturbing all in one! With a surprising performance from Cyclops....I mean James Mardsen.!


7.1/2