Fake families, drug filled RV's and testicle biting tarantulas, it really does sound like the start of a bad joke. Scott Gentry reviews "We're The Millers",

"We're The Millers" (15)
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber.
Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts and Will Poulter.
Running Time: 110 minutes.
Rated: 15, for containing strong language, references to sex and drugs.
Out now in UK cinemas.


David Clark (Jason Sudeikis) has been drug dealing as long as he can remember. Selling to mothers, chefs and just about anyone, David is everyone's preferred drug dealer. On returning from his daily activities, he is robbed and of his money and drug stash, which he partly owes to his supplier and drug-lord Brad Gurdlinger (Ed Helms). To redeem himself, David is forced to smuggle marijuana from Mexico and back into the United States. 

Realising, that men of his style seem suspicious to federal agents, he decides to hire a stripper named Rose (Jennifer Aniston), his neighbor named Kenny (Will Poulter) and a teenage runaway called Casey (Emma Roberts); to act as his fake family, the Millers.

This may come to you as a surprise dear readers, but I actually enjoyed "We're The Millers" to quite an extent. Have I gone mad? No. It simply is a brilliant comedy.

On the pretence that "We're The Millers" was a complete failure, I was adamant to pass my own judgement on the film as soon as possible. Dragging my (only available) friend Sam along to this packed out screening, I really wasn't expecting anything special from this star studded comedy. 

Instead, I laughed so regularly, my belly began to ache. The film continues to throw as many jokes as humanly possible into the mix, some being vulgar and others perfectly clean.

It's been a long time since a comedy has really surprised me and I had begun to lose faith in certain parts of Hollywood. Now my faith has (slightly) been restored, and I am beginning to trust the summer blockbusters, to a degree.


The acting from all the cast is a joy to watch. They all deal with comedy in such a way that includes perfect timing and style, which is perfect for their characters.

Verdict

"We're The Millers" is the fresh spin on the comedy genre that I have been waiting for. All summer long I have had to contend with disgraceful offerings like "Grown Ups 2" and "The Smurfs 2", but towards the end of the summer; I have been rewarded. It may not be outstanding, but it sure is satisfying. 

7 stars out of 10.

Written by Scott Gentry.

Rating key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.

Scott Gentry reviews "Elysium". The latest blockbuster from "District 9" director Neill Blomkamp.

"Elysium" (15)
Director: Neill Blomkamp.
Starring: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley.
Running time: 109 minutes.
Rated: 15 for containing strong language, bloody violence and gory images.
Out now in UK cinemas.

Set in the year 2154, poverty is at an all time high. The rich live in the sanctity of 'Elysium', a utopia, safely stationed on the outskirts of Earth's atmosphere, while the poor are left to die on Earth. When Max Da Costa (Matt Damon) an inhabitant of Earth, is given one of the hardest missions of his criminal career, he is given the chance to break down the barriers between two worlds.

"District 9" is arguably one of the best Sci-Fi films to be released in the last ten years. Dismissing all cliches, "District 9" set out to be different, not to become your average popcorn muncher, thanks to it's director Neill Blomkamp.

This is where "Elysium" fails. "Elysium" really is just another Hollywood blockbuster, which never dares to be as raw and emotional wrenching, compared to "District 9". It's a disappointment on many levels, but worth praising when it comes to other areas in the film.

"Elysium" has an original and intriguing concept to begin with, but then travels into the realm of a typical action film. For at least the first half an hour, the film plays around with the culture of it's setting; shows you how the world has developed and then it thrusts you into bombarding set pieces, which mainly take place on Elysium. Saying that, the action and CGI is a joy to watch; pushing the boundaries of the film when it comes to certain scenes, including a man being healed after a severe wound, due to an exploded grenade. On a whole, the film really does look amazing, with some exceptional shots of the Elysium habitat.

The characters are well played by a sublime cast list, ranging from Jodie Foster to Matt Damon; who both act considerably well. Saying that, it is Sharlto Copley who really steals the show, as Agent Kruger, a vicious sleeper agent who is intriguing and fun to watch. 


Verdict

What I really wanted to see from Blomkamp, was a sequel to "District 9", but instead I got a satisfying piece of cinema, which delivers better than some of this years earlier Sci-Fi offerings. 

5 stars out of 10 = Good.

Film rating key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.

Watch the trailer by clicking on the video box!

The results are in!

Box office results from last week through to this week

It's been a strong start to the 'blockbuster' summer, but what has succeeded in making it to the number one spot this week? It's "Kick Ass 2"!.Grossing over £2.48m , "Kick Ass 2 " has moved it`s way to the top, in one week; pushing aside the equally popular "Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa". Below, is the rest of the results.

Why i'm looking forward to "Elysium"...

It's been four years since Neill Blomkamp impacted the Sci-Fi genre with his groundbreaking drama "District 9". The story followed the life of Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a government official who inadvertently becomes exposed to alien technology. 

The film was a critical and box office success, despite it's relatively unknown cast and it's small budget; soon, it was named as one of the top 10 independent films of 2009. A sequel had been hinted by Blomkamp in many interviews, but said that he had many ideas and other projects he would like
to complete first. 

Well, I'd like a sequel soon and I'm sure many people would probably agree with me. However, for now we shall have to contend with his latest sci-fi action-er "Elysium".

"Elysium" sees Max (Matt Damon) become poisoned by radiation and in a desperate attempt to save his life, tool up and visit an in space habitat; known as Elysium. 

It seems to have all the ingredients for a good blockbuster; action, wit, a compelling story and some great CGI. So far it has been met with mixed reviews in America, but I am positive that "Elysium" is going to be the action film of the summer, which we all deserve.

But what do you think?


"Elysium" will be reviewed at a later date.

                 

Scott Gentry reviews "Kick Ass 2", the second installment of the "Kick Ass" series.

"Kick Ass 2" (15)
Director: Jeff Wadlow.
Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jim Carrey and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.
Running time: 103 minutes.
Rated: 15 for containing strong bloody violence, sex references and very strong language.
Out now in UK cinemas.

After the actions of Kick Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Hit Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) in "Kick Ass", their bravery (or stupidity) inspires people to stand up to injustice, become superheroes and join the crime fighting group named Justice Forever, led by Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey). Soon, Chris D'Amico (formerly known as Red Mist) hears of Justice Forever and decides to counteract the superheroes by assembling his own team, led by the world's first super-villain, The Mo*********.

It is without a doubt, that "Kick Ass" was one of the most original and ambitious creations to be released in 2010. It was different, it was gritty and above all, it dared to go that little bit further. Heralded 'shocking', by both critics and classifiers alike, "Kick Ass" really did turn the tables on the comic book genre, by delivering a fresh and brutal piece of film-making.  

Written and directed by the relatively new, Jeff Wadlow (2008's "Never Back Down"), his direction is good but doesn't offer the same style as Mathew Vaughn and has instead gone for a cheap style of Hollywood remake. His script is entertaining, but not satirical in it's approach. It almost feels as though he has deliberately gone for a script which has very few of the qualities of "Kick Ass", but can slightly relate to people who aren't fans of comic books.

"Kick Ass 2" is just as brutal as it's predecessor, but not as effective. It includes all the stabbings, punches and villainous high jinks, but it never seems to be quite as entertaining as it should be. There are many memorable sequences, including a fight scene which takes place on the motorway and a fight in suburbia; but it just doesn't feel enough. 

The cast have acted well, delivering fun and fresh performances; including Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes who has improved on some of his later roles like "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone". 

Verdict

It may not be the sequel we were all hoping for, but it was a little entertaining. Lets hope, that Mathew Vaughn takes the reigns of the third installment.

3 stars out of 10 = Average .

Written by Scott Gentry.

Check out the trailer for George Clooney's latest directorial feature, "The Monuments Men"; starring Matt Damon and Bill Murray.

 Set during World War Two, "The Monuments Men" see's art historians brought together at the height of the war, to save the worlds most precious pieces of art which describe our culture. Boasting a brilliant cast, "The Monuments Men" will surely be the film to look out for this Christmas. 

Check out the trailer on IMDB (using the link below), or use the embedded video from YouTube, below.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2520623385/

You can't hustle a hustler, can you? Take a look at the stunning trailer for "American Hustle" starring Christian Bale and Bradley Cooper.

His first film since "Silver Linings Playbook", David O. Russell returns to the directing chair in "American Hustle", a film about the lives of a couple (Christian Bale and Amy Adams) who are con artists. This lavish film also stars Jennifer Lawrence and Jeremy Renner and is set for a release in December 2013.

Visit the IMDB page by clicking the link below:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1800241/?ref_=sr_1

A shopping mall, zombies and a lot of blood, Scott Gentry discusses "Death Walks" an upcoming and often hectic zombie horror film.

"Death Walks" (TBC)
Director: Spencer Hawken.
Starring: Lucinda Rhodes-Flaherty, Scott Mullins, Daniel Smales, Joanna Finata and Peter James Hole.
Expected release date: Late 2014.

Plot: Late one night, a shopping centre receives an unexpected visitor and what begins as an act of kindness; turns quickly into a night of horror. 

Ever since "Dawn Of The Dead" arrived on our silver screens in 2004, zombie films have just kept coming. Even Britain has had it`s fair share of the genre. From last year's insanely popular "Cockneys V.S Zombies" to cult favourite "28 Days Later"; the zombies carry on walking...

Finally, the zombie sub-genre has taken a break from worldwide domination and set it sights on the local town of Romford, Essex; and one man has been brave enough to take on the sub-genre, Spencer Hawken. 

A self confessed fan-boy of the genre, Spencer hopes that his film "Death Walks", will be just what the audience wants; gore and a fair bit of it. He feels that the idea for the film came from the influence of "Dawn Of the Dead", but is mixed together with a British style, that is quite different.

A former student of Raindance film school, Spencer had always wanted to do a project on this scale and felt that he did not want to work for other people, but for himself and that is partly where his passion derives from.  

Spencer and the zombie horde!

Many people will be happy to know that Spencer is aiming for an 18 rating from the BBFC. "I want it to be gory and to have a certain feel to it like `Eden Lake`
but not too over the top" he said. 

"Death Walks" has been described as being a film of zero budget and Spencer agrees; stating "It's zero budget, but the community pulling together is what makes it work".

When asked on plans for the future, Spencer replies saying "I wish to run the film through film festivals like Fright-fest and when the film has run it's course, I'll be starting project number two". 

"Death Walks" is currently just over half-way through filming, with over 350 individuals taking part; it's almost certain to be the answer to horror fans prayers. 

From what I have seen (whilst spending time on set), I can honestly say that "Death Walks" could be one of the most inventive British horrors in a long while.


To support the project, like their official Facebook page by clicking on this link:

https://www.facebook.com/DeathWalksMovie?fref=ts


Written by Scott Gentry, with the participation of Spencer Hawken.

Scott Gentry reviews "RED 2", the explosive sequel, to the 2010 summer blockbuster "RED".

"RED 2" (12A)

Director: Dean Parisot.

Starring: Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, Anthony Hopkins and Lee Byung-hun.

Rated: 12A, for containing moderate action violence and moderate language.

Running time: 116 minutes.

Out now in UK cinemas.

*RED stands for retired, extremely dangerous.*

Following the events of "RED", Frank (Bruce Willis) and his girlfriend Sarah (Mary Louise-Parker) are now a happy couple who live together, uninterrupted by the life that Frank was so used to. However, he is soon forced to re-group with his old operatives, including Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich); and plunged once again, into the world of uncompromising assassins, vicious terrorists and relentless government officials. No-one ever said retirement would be easy! 

"RED" was a surprise hit of 2010 (based upon a famed graphic novel); which boasted a fresh take on the action genre. It included a cast that may be elderly, but was more than capable to play characters of a demanding genre.

"RED 2" is much the same as its predecessor. It includes the original cast (excluding Morgan Freeman) and places them in chaotic and overblown action sequences, much like before. However, it is not a straight copy-cat film. "RED 2" mixes the unique blend of humour with plenty of action. 

Saying that, "RED 2" seems to have a less intelligent script than before. It is written by the Hoeber brothers, who are well known for hit and miss scripts for films such as "Battleship" and "Whiteout". 

It almost seems as though they have not tried very hard at all to produce an entertaining sequel, to a film that has grown in popularity. 

"RED 2" is diverting, yet it lacks the narrative needed to carry the film through its close to two hour running time. Although, the film does not seem concerned by the quality of it`s plot, but the characters and the jokes which accompany them.


The film`s cast is well led, by the more than capable Bruce Willis, who uses his "Die Hard" charm to good use. John Malkovich is as zany as ever and Anthony Hopkins is more entertaining to watch than some of his recent roles. 

Verdict

"RED 2" is large amounts of fun whether it be intelligent or not. An enjoyable sequel that doesn't try too hard; but ends up delivering a satisfying piece of film.

5 stars out of 10 = Good.

Written by Scott Gentry.

Haven't got anything to watch this weekend? I think i can help you there... Writes Scott Gentry.

I know the feeling. You arrive home after a long week at work or school and realise you haven`t got anything watch. It's something we all go through. However, I have a cure. You can make a decision, either take a trip to the cinema, or watch a film on DVD and Blu-Ray. Well, I am here to give you the five best films currently showing at the cinema and on DVD and Blu-Ray. Hopefully, this list will keep you perfectly entertained!

Cinema Releases

1) "Monsters University"

2) "Pacific Rim"

3) "Now You See Me"

4) "The Wolverine"

5) "The World's End"



DVD and Blu-Ray Releases

1) "Robot and Frank"

2) "A Field In England"

3) "Arbitrage"

4) "Jack The Giant Slayer"

5) "Welcome To The Punch"



If you do choose to take a trip to the cinema, why not try the "Premiere" cinema, located in Romford, Essex. All tickets are £4 and sweets/drinks are both well priced. Click on the following link for their website and directions to the cinema. Please be advised, they are quite likely to ask for ID, for all films over the certificate of "12A". 

http://www.premierecinemas.co.uk/

Scott Gentry reviews the UK Box Office results, ending on the 28th of July, 2013.

It's been a strong start to the 'blockbuster' summer, but what has succeeded in making it to the number one spot? It's "The Wolverine"!. At grossing over £4.69m , "The Wolverine" has moved it`s way to the top, in just two weeks; pushing aside the equally popular "Monsters University". Below, is the rest of the results.

Blood, sweat and tears, "The Wolverine" steps up a notch; writes Scott Gentry.

"The Wolverine" (12A)
Director: James Mangold.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Tao Okamoto and Brian Tee.
Rated: 12A, for containing moderate action violence and one use of strong language. 
Running time: 126 minutes.
Out now in UK cinemas.

Many years after the events of "The Last Stand", we learn that the Wolverine has become a drifter. Moving from town to town, seeking justice where he can deliver it. One night, after a fight in a bar; the Wolverine meets Yukio (Rila Fukushima), a skilled samurai swordsman who asks Wolverine to journey with her to Tokyo, to meet the dying man that he saved during world war two. On arriving, Wolverine is given a chance to become mortal; declaring no, he is poisoned and is plunged into a life or death battle to become immortal once again.

Tuesday the 30th of July. It was finally my chance to watch "The Wolverine". From what I had heard (by other critics), "The Wolverine" was in some respects, a critical failure. So, due to these verdicts, I built the assumption that I was not going enjoy it and probably end up awarding it a low rating. That, however is not the case.


Instead, I was actually quite surprised at the efforts of "The Wolverine". Compared to it`s predecessor ("X Men Origins: Wolverine"), it had improved greatly. Here, Wolverine is given a chance to develop his character, whereas last time large amounts of mutants were introduced to keep the story interesting; which didn't really work. 

The film begins fairly slow, but as the story progresses, it begins to pick up the pace quite dramatically. When Wolverine arrives in Tokyo, it`s not too long before he`s busy stabbing and smashing his way through hordes of Chinese mafia. 

The film continues to put it`s audience through various set pieces that are quite inventive. For instance, the fight scene on top of the Japanese Bullet train, is funny and creative; swapping ludicrous action for a more realistic tone. 

Here, I couldn't help but feel, the "The Wolverine" was similar to the popular Jason Statham film; "Crank". They have almost the same plot-line and both share the same tone. Despite it`s similarities, "The Wolverine" is aimed at people of a younger audience, which pushes (in my opinion) the 12A rating. 

As "The Wolverine" continues however, it begins to disappoint. The 3D effects are quite worthless for the film, as they are not used to their full potential. The CGI is also quite disappointing, for example the fight scene inside the large medical centre is very shaky.

It`s the stars of the film that save it from failing. Hugh Jackman steps into a more personal role this time round, and acts perfectly well, cracking some good one-liners here and there. First time actors Tao Okamoto Rila Fukushima, both act to quite a high standard considering it is their first feature length film.  

Verdict

Despite its flaws, "The Wolverine" has been delivered well, whilst trying to avoid the plot-holes of its predecessor. It has succeeded, to a degree.  

6 stars out of ten = Good.

Written by Scott Gentry.