Scott Gentry reviews "Jack The Giant Slayer"

Scott Gentry reviews "Jack The Giant Slayer"

"Jack The Giant Slayer" (12A)

Director: Bryan Singer

Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci and Ian McShane

Out Now In Cinemas Nationwide

Years ago, a war reigned between humans and a race of Giants; whom lived in-between heaven and ear

th. Many centuries later, a young farm boy named Jack; coincidently reignites the war between the two opposing forces and is inadvertently sent on an epic quest, to save the princess of the land, which could also send him to hell and back.

 "Jack The Giant Slayer" has a strong opening, which explains how the Christian church became too curious about the idea of becoming closer to God. The Monks at the time, decided to use black magic (against god`s will) so they could create a passageway to heaven. This passageway is the beanstalk. Although, the beanstalk only lead to the horror above and they were not greeted by God but instead, greeted by Giants. Well, curiosity killed the Cat!

The acting (from all the cast) , whether a small part or large; is well played. Ewan McGregor seems to be enjoying himself quite well, as Elmont, the chief guard of the palace. Stanley Tucci is delightfully silly as Roderick, the stuck up Lord, who is hell bent on bringing war back to earth. Nicholas Hoult is a wonderful Jack and brings needed charm to the film, that helps set a nice mood.

"Jack The Giant Slayer" is at times, quite enjoyable, with snippets of laughter that help to lighten the mood. It is also quite terrifying for young children as the giants (although quite stupid) tend to feed on humans by ripping their heads from their bodies. This partly shocked me.

Th CGI is fairly impressive, the finale of the film is stupendous, with trees flying into knights and giants running through the landscape, destroying everything in their path. This film is clearly meant for the cinema. Even the music is brilliant, with a score by John Ottman, who has completed many soundtracks for Bryan Singer including "Valkyrie".

"Jack The Giant Slayer" is one of Bryan Singer`s best offerings in years, it includes a well rounded cast, brilliant CGI and plenty of family entertainment to boot! Yes it is silly, yes it is nonsensical at times, but this film proves that not all films must be serious; they can just be fun if they want to be!

A perfect Easter Treat!

4 STARS

"The latest British action film packs quite a punch!" writes Scott Gentry.

Welcome to the Punch Film review:

By Scott Gentry.

"Welcome To The Punch" (15)

Director: Eran Creevy

Starring: James McAvoy, David Morrissey, Mark Strong and Andrea Riseborough.

Out now in selected cinemas .

Max Lewinsky, (James McAvoy), is one of London`s toughest policemen. However, when ex-criminal Jacob Sternwood, (Mark Strong), returns to London to retrieve his lost son, Max is determined to catch the man he`s always been after.

Eran Creevy`s film debut "Shifty" was an outstanding film, which included some decent acting and a repulsive look on London life. So Eran Creevy, is no stranger to making gritty films. "Welcome To The Punch" looks stunning with some brilliant cinematography and stunning action sequences. It is also very bleak, which is correct for the tone of London as it is very cold, damp and unpleasant; just what a crime drama should include.

  However, "Welcome To The Punch" begins with a cheesy, but entertaining chase, which sets the scene for a gritty, but drama-filled action film. It is no mystery that British films can be outstanding, when they try hard. A great example of this was last year’s blockbuster "The Sweeney" which was extremely enjoyable.

Anyway, "Welcome To The Punch" (unfortunately) falters in the middle and becomes quite un- entertaining, with quite a lot of talking scenes and no action. However, "Welcome To The Punch" regains its strength in the last half-an-hour with plot twists and heart-stopping action.

The acting is good, with James McAvoy firmly at the reigns of this carnage-fest. Although, Mark Strong doesn’t seem to be playing his character with any enjoyment or interest in the film at all; which is unusual as he has played many roles well, including Lord Blackwood in "Sherlock Holmes". 

In conclusion, "Welcome To The Punch" is a well played action flick, with charisma, charm and the odd twist and turn; Mr Creevy, has delivered well.

3 STARS

Jon Petre reviews "Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters" in 3D.

Diabetes Candy: Hansel and Gretel

by Jon Petre

      

"Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters"

  Director:  Tommy Wirkola

   Starring: Jeremy Renner, Gemma  Arterton.     

  Certificate: 15

  Out Now

 

Hansel and Gretel has had a lot to live up to. Jack the Giant slayer and Oz the Great and Powerful have both come out within a month of each other and Hansel and Gretel, and all three movies share the idea of "Fairy tale/Classic story with a modern/steam punk twist". If I was Wirkola (the director) then I would have personally waited a few months or released it earlier, although I can see the advantages of releasing it in March (the bar will have been set and harder to beat if he released it later, and the audience would be more critical if it was earlier). Still, Jack the Giant Slayer has set the bar pretty low for Hansel and Gretel, so that's a little less pressure. 

Hansel and Gretel starts off kicking, with a strong opening sequence. The back story of Hansel and Gretel's parents is interesting and engaging, if somewhat generic. But I think the movie went sort of downhill from there. It was pretty stereotypical, and they really didn't do anything truly original with the film. I mean, if you didn't see the plot twists and turns coming, then you should probably see a doctor. But to be honest, I expected as much from an action movie with an already established story line behind it. 

Another thing that I think the movie was lacking was the characters' well, characters. The characters were pretty two-dimensional and Gemma Arterton (Gretel) seemed a bit wooden. It was much the same with Jeremy Renner (Hansel) but he was a little more developed. Still though, there was definitely room for expansion/improvement. I mean, the giant troll guy named Edward, his story was never even explained! When Gretel was stuck in the woods with him, the audience was lead to believe that we'd find out his touching story in a coming scene, but instead it was never explained, save for the fact that "Witches don't like trolls".

One of the film's merits was the addition of Hansel's diabetes, which I thought was smart. It's not often that you see an action hero with some sort of medical or physical disability/condition *cough* Tony Stark *cough*, and I suppose if you eat sections of a house made from witch candy then you're bound to at least get a tummy ache. However I found it quite convenient for our hero Hansel that despite the fact that his condition required him to take an Insulin shot every four hours or so, he was able to survive without one for at least a day and a half. And what were the chances of his insulin running out in the middle of the big spat with the Grand Witch in an action movie?

Honestly, it was a huge huge plot hole! And what's worse is that the whole problem could have been fixed by getting him to stab himself in the leg at least once in between the village fight and the mountain fight! Seriously! And Insulin wasn't extracted from pigs until 1899, nor was it synthesized until past 1920! So where did Hansel's supply come from?

I Hate plot holes. 

Overall, Hansel and Gretel was good for what you get. If you want an action movie to watch once or twice if it's on TV, then this is your movie. However, if you want more than an action movie, look elsewhere. the CGI/3D was pretty amazing to be honest, so that's also another plus for you action guys out there. The characters could have been deeper developed, but action movie characters rarely are, so I'm not really surprised.

3 STARS 

Reviewed by Jon Petre

          

Scott Gentry reviews "Oz The Great And Powerful"

"Oz The Great And Powerful"
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Zach Braff and Michelle Williams.
Certificate: PG
Out Now In Cinemas

Oscar (James Franco) is a womaniser and also a compulsive liar; but Oscar`s best quality is being a magician. After many years of taking part in a travelling circus, Oscar faces the truth, that he is a con man. However, one afternoon after a show had gone wrong; Oscar attempts to flea from an angry mob by stealing a hot air balloon. His plan seems to be going well until he realises a tornado is hurtling towards him. Minutes later, Oscar finally awakes and finds himself in the Land of Oz, with chaperon monkeys, angry dwarfs and vicious witches.

"Oz The Great And Powerful" begins with a wonderful opening (shown in black and white), Raimi protrudes the camera around, which shows the various types of Entertainment that has slipped away in recent times. 

As "Oz The Great And Powerful" progresses, we are led into a complete mixed bag of CGI thrills and spills, within the land of Oz. So for the first half-an-hour, "Oz The Great And Powerful" is right on track, with plenty of Raimi style touches and a particular ability to dazzle the audience. But as the Film carries on, it begins to drag its heals, hurtling 3D effects in your faces, that aren't worth including and making unfunny jokes that play on the nerves. One of my main problems with "Oz The Great And Powerful" is that it is too long, little children will find this Film particularly, a downhill struggle.

However, "Oz The Great And Powerful" has a light, at the end of the tunnel, which is the final half-an-hour; which includes mesmerizing characters and some rather menacing flying baboons. In conclusion, "Oz The Great And Powerful" is a wonderful piece of Cinema, that dazzles, entertains and captivates your heart and mind. On the whole, Raimi has done a good job, considering his transition from Horror, to Superheroes and then to children's films; but his instalment (I believe) leaves a possibility to a sequel.

3 STARS