Thursday 28 February 2013

"Pacific Rim", will it be a box-office smash or crash?

From the latest trailer of "Pacific Rim" (If you haven`t seen it, copy and paste the link at the bottom of the screen )we can see that Guillermo del Toro has spared no expense on CGI, with great visuals and a terrific look. I believe "Pacific Rim" has potential, but what do you think? Let me know in the comments section!

Sunday 17 February 2013

A celebration of Retro Arcade Games!

Scott Gentry reviews "Wreck-It Ralph" a new film From Walt Disney Pictures.

"Wreck-It Ralph" (PG)
Directed by: Rich Moore.
Starring (voices only): John C.Reilly, Sarah Silverman and Jane Lynch.
Out Now

Wreck-It Ralph is a villain in a arcade video game, who after years of playing the bad guy, he decides that needs a change.As Ralph goes on an epic quest to become a good guy, he disrupts the peace and tranquility of all the other games.Can his friends bring him home?

The idea of "Wreck It Ralph" began in the mid 1980`s under the name of "Joe Jump" and "High Score". Director Rich Moore always loved Disney and frequently envisaged him directing a feature length movie about Arcade Games. Rich was always friends with John Lasseter and John frequently asked Rich to join him at Pixar/Disney Studios. Unfortunately, Rich would always decline the offer and spent time Directing episodes of The Simpsons; his most notable work involving "The Simpsons" would be the episode named "Marge V.S The Monorail". Rich then spent time Directing and animating episodes of "Futurama". But when thew show was axed, Rich finally took up a job at Pixar/Disney Studios. Production finally began on Wreck-It Ralph in two-thousand and eight.


"Wreck-It Ralph" is in many ways,completely original; with the ability to use high profile characters (such as Clyde from the game "Pacman") which is justified by the narrative. "Wreck-It Ralph" could have a been a massive disappointment for many people, including the fans of Retro 80`s games. The film never ceases to entertain, with large bursts of color and charm that is rare in many recent Disney films. In the second act, "Wreck-It Ralph" begins to lose it`s charge and starts to power down, although the ending is satisfying. "Wreck-It Ralph" could have been slightly shorter as some children may become frustrated towards the end, although the more intelligent children will happily watch "Wreck-It Ralph" set to repeat.


John C.Reilly lends his voice talents to play the character, Wreck-It Ralph; who is at times a depressed villain, but Reilly gives much needed charm to his creation and is thoroughly entertaining to watch. Sarah Silverman voices Vannelope Von Schweetz, a young girl stuck in the game called "Sugar Rush" who is regarded as a `glitch` and cannot leave the game. However, Vannelope is a joy to watch and generally a fun character. While listening to the voice of Vannelope, it was hard to understand that it`s Sarah Silverman talking!

"Wreck-It Ralph" is undoubtedly one of the best Disney offerings in recent years, including a delightful cast, beautiful set pieces and the ability to capture your imagination. Definitely a film for the family during half-term!

4 stars.

Written by Scott Gentry.

Monday 4 February 2013

Prepare For Take Off! Scott Gentry reviews "Flight", the latest film from "Forest Gump" director Robert Zemeckis.

  "Flight" (15)                                     Directed by: Robert Zemeckis.          Starring: Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly and John Goodman.                 Running time: For containing strong language, sex references, nudity and drugs/alcohol misuse.     

Out Now on DVD and Blu-Ray.                                                                              



On a routine flight to San Francisco, Captain Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) and his co-pilot Ken Evans (Brian Geraghty) encounter a malfunction with their plane. Whip manages to guide the plane into crash landing in a field nearby. Soon after, an investigation arises that reveals a shocking truth.


"Flight" begins with a terrifying sequence involving a plane crash that holds you firmly in your seat. Although "Flight" has elements of a disaster film, it manages to develop into a tightly-wound romantic drama. "Flight" is mainly centered on the affects of alcohol and drug misuse which proves to be an engaging sub-plot. At times "Flight" can be generally distressing, due to the effects of the alcohol and substance misuse that provides you with emotions for the main character`s well-being.


Denzel Washington has been known for playing detailed characters over the years, including roles in "Man On Fire" (2004) and "Training Day" (2001). However, it is the performance that Washington delivers in "Flight" that proves to be more intriguing than his other roles. Washington plays an alcoholic with such integrity , that you almost think Washington has had a real life situation that is similar to this. There is an overall theme of Christianity in "Flight", as Washington`s character is constantly told by people that the crash was an act of God; this also proves interesting.


Kelly Reilly plays Nicole, a girl who had lost her way in life, due to the tragic death of her mother and has resorted to Drugs. Reilly plays her role with great enthusiasm and proves that (given a chance) she can handle large roles. John Goodman also stars as Washington`s cocaine dealer/friend; who has a small amount of screen time, but provides the much needed comic-relief to balance the film. "Flight" is a reminder that alcoholics really do exist, so it is fair to say that "Flight" is a detailed look into addiction.


Although "Flight" is fairly lengthy (in it`s running time) it does not outstay its welcome, including wonderful performances, enjoyable plot twists and an original story line, that made "Flight" an engaging thriller worth waiting for.


4 Stars out of 5

Written by Scott Gentry.





 

Saturday 2 February 2013

An announcement

Hi guys! Have you been to the cinema recently? Well each week or day (depending on what we have been watching), my associate Jon Petre and myself (Scott Gentry), will post Film reviews on the best films out at this moment in time. Jon and I started this Blog, due to our love of Film and Coffeee shops. After a screening of a Film, Jon and I would visit a local coffee shop and begin to write a review on what we had just seen.

We hope you enjoy these reviews and find them helpful in the quest to find a decent Film to watch either at home or at the Cinema.

Happy Hunting!
From

Scott Gentry and Jon Petre.

Welcome back Mr Stone! Scott Gentry reviews "Savages" starring John Travolta.

Savages (18)
Director: Oliver Stone.
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Blake Lively and John Travolta.
Running time: 179 minutes.
Rated: 18, for containing strong bloody violence, strong sex and drug use.
Out now on DVD and Blu-Ray.
 Ben (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Chon (Taylor Kitsch) run one of the most lucrative businesses in America.Based in Long-Beach California, their home grown business, delivers some of the best Marijuana in the whole of America. Ben and Chon wouldn't be complete without their (shared) girlfriend 'O' (Blake Lively). Their wonderful life is soon interrupted by a Mexican Drug Cartel named 'Elena', (Salma Hayek) who wants to join her business with Ben and Chon's. When Ben and Chon refuse Elena's offer, O is kidnapped and threatened to be killed. Now, Ben and Chon must gear up and safe the love of their lives before it's too late.
 From Oliver Stone, the director of old favorites such as "Natural Born Killers" (1994) and "Platoon" (1986), "Savages" sees Oliver Stone tackle a high profile cast including Taylor Kitsch ("Battleship") and Aaron Taylor-Johnson ("Kick Ass").
Stone directs well with elements of "Natural Born Killers" and the grittiness of "Platoon", making this a return to cinema that was worth waiting for. The action is shot beautifully in a style that adds charisma to the text. Salma Hayek is on acting form as 'Elena', the Mexican drug cartel, with Benicio Del Toro as her evil henchman, named 'Lado' who actually adds a small dose of satire to the film.Kitsch,Johnson and Lively have a great chemistry together, that you don't see very often.
"Savages" is a romantic action thriller that appeals to many audiences, whether they like action, romance and drama. Fearing the worst from "Savages", I was proved wrong and instead found  an action thriller that has a deeper meaning about love and life itself.

Three stars out of five.

Written by Scott Gentry.








Who would believe OAP`s could be so much fun? Scott Gentry reviews Dustin Hoffman`s long awaited Directorial debut, "Quartet".

"Quartet" (12)
Director: Dustin Hoffman.
Starring: Maggie Smith, Billy Connoly and Tom Courtenay.
Rated: 12, for containing strong language.
Running time: 94 minutes.
Out now on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Deep in the heart of the English countryside, there is a retirement home named Beecham House, homed to some of the most talented musicians of our age. Every year a concert is held to celebrate the birthday of Giuseppe Verdi (a famous composer). But when the eternal diva Jean Horton (Maggie Smith) arrives, she begins to disrupt the peace and tranquility of the home and even pulls out of the concert. Can her old friends change her mind?

January the seventh began as a depressing day, with the thought that in under twenty-four hours I would be returning to school. All of a sudden I had a great idea; how about I go and see the film "Quartet" ? As quick as a flash I made my way to the cinema and bought my ticket. As I walked into the cinema screen, I looked around and saw that I was surrounded by the elderly. "Quartet" obviously was aimed at OAP's . I began contemplating if I would like the film or not, but I was strong and stayed in my seat. For that reason I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

"Quartet" begins with a wonderful opening scene including the whole cast singing thier heart out to Verdi's "La Triviata". Dustin Hoffman uses a Talented cast to his advantage and Maggie Smith acts wonderfully as a former diva who has lost the will to sing. Tom Courtenay also acts well as a bachelor with the intent to share opera with the world; but Billy Connolly steals the show as Wilfred, a sex-mad lunatic who has his eye on the home`s Nurse.

Verdict

With wonderful old-time favourites sung with joy and laughter, "Quartet" was finnaly Dustin Hoffman's chance to enter the world of Directing. "Quartet" is an uplifting and warm comedy about the joys (and dissapointments) of reaching a grand old age!

Four stars out of five.

Written by Scott Gentry.


Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and the Sandman; this honestly sounds like the start of a bad joke. Scott Gentry reviews "Rise Of The Guardians".

"Rise Of The Guardians" (PG)
Director: Peter Ramsey.
Starring (voices only): Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, Isla Fisher and Hugh Jackman.
Rated: PG, for containing mild threat and language.
Running time: 93 minutes.
Out now on DVD and Blu-Ray.

For centuries, the worlds children have been protected by the four guardians; Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy and The Sandman. But when the world is threatened by an evil spirit named Pitch Black (Jude Law), the guardians must rise once again, but they are going to need a little help from Jack Frost (Chris Pine).

Animated children's films nearly always prove to be interesting for adults and children alike, however "Rise Of The Guardians" is mainly aimed at children, so unfortunately adults will find this film less amusing than other Dreamworks classics such as "How To Train Your Dragon" and the "Shrek" franchise. Nevertheless "Rise Of The Guardians" is still an enjoyable romp with harmless humour and stunning special effects. The voice cast is brilliant, with famous names such as Alec Baldwin and Hugh Jackman who bring to life their characters.

Although it doesn`t have the likeness of the "Shrek" franchise, "Rise Of The Guardians" is still a fantastic film for youngsters with the ability to captivate the minds of anyone. "Rise Of The Guardians" is really Marvel`s "Avengers Assemble" but for children.

Three stars out of five.

Written by Scott Gentry.



Mr Bilbo has gone on an adventure! Scott Gentry reviews "The Hobbit: An Unexpected journey".


"The Hobbit: An unexpected journey" (12A)
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Martin Freeman, Sir Ian McKellen, James Nesbit and Richard Armitage.
Rated: 12, for containing moderate violence.
Running time: 167 minutes.
Out Now on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Long ago, in the land of Erabor, the Dwarves lived a happy and fruitful life in the Lonely Mountains along with their vast amount of treasure. On one fateful day, a dragon named Smaug, decided to overtake the lonely Mountain and the whole of Erabor; taking all the Dwarves `s gold and riches for himself. After a large battle the Dwarves were forced to leave their homeland behind. Years later, a young reclusive hobbit named Bilbo Baggins unexpectedly joined a group of vengeful Dwarves and a wizard in the attempt to retrieve Erabor.This is his story...


From the visionary director of "King Kong" and "The lord Of The Rings" trilogy, comes an all new prequel to "The lord Of The Rings" trilogy. In many ways "The Hobbit" is a triumph in the world of cinema, containing fantastic CGI and brilliant 3D. Martin Freeman plays our eponymous hero (Bilbo Baggins), who is more interested in the comforts of home rather than the chance to save a kingdom from ruin. With a running time of nearly three hours "The Hobbit" could be lengthy for some people, however i did not affect me in the slightest. If you are not sure whether to watch "The Hobbit" in 3D or 2D, choose the 3D; as this film is based around its visuals, which are beautiful.

"The Hobbit" is without a doubt, one of the best enjoyable films of the year, containing adventure, comedy and splendid effects (especially in 3D). A treat for all the family!

Four stars out of Five

Written by Scott Gentry.


The Seven Psychopaths are on the loose! Scott Gentry reviews "Seven Psychopaths"


"Seven Psychopaths" (15)
Director: Martin McDonagh
Starring: Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken and Woody Harrelson.
Out Now on DVD and Blu-Ray.

An Irish screen writer named Marty, (Colin Farrell)  is struggling to finish a screenplay named "Seven Psychopaths", whilst battling strong intakes of alcohol and writers block. But when his two friends Hans (Christopher Walken) and Billy (Sam Rockwell) kidnap a dog called Bonnie, they realise it belongs to one of the most feared gangster bosses in america. Now, Marty, Billy and Hans are plunged into an unpredictable game of cat and mouse, with extreme violence and hilarious comedy.

Martin McDonagh`s follow up to "In Bruges" has one of the best casts in recent years. Colin Farrell is on top acting form as a troubled screenwriter who uses acts of extreme violence as inspiration for his writing. Sam Rockwell`s energetic charisma is put to good use in the film, as a hilarious psychopath. Christopher Walken plays his role brilliantly, and hasn`t been this good since his role in "Pulp Fiction". "Seven Psychopaths" also has some of the sharpest comedy lines in ages, including some of the most sexist jokes in recent years. "Seven Psych

opaths" has been shot beautifully with some nice bakdrops, that work well with the overall tone of the film and it`s characters feelings.

Verdict
Martin McDonagh is the director everyone has been waiting for, with his great ability to shock and amaze. "Seven Psychopaths" is without a doubt, one of the best comedies in recent years, this is almost a tribute to Quentin Tarantino movies, which works surprisingly well.

4 Stars

Written by Scott Gentry.