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The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (Jon Petre)

"The War of the Worlds"
Author: H.G. Wells
Starring: H.G. Wells, H.G.Wells' brother, The Curate, Miss Elphinstone, Martian 551
First Published: 1897

"Nihil Novi Sub Sole" (There is nothing new under the sun) can be applied here. The War of the Worlds will seem, to many of you, as a generic alien invasion book/film/franchise, but it's far from it.  In fact, you could say that every over sci-fi thing in the past 116 years has copied it, but that would be stupid as well. War of the Worlds is the first book to ever deal with the possibility of an alien invasion, and with a scientific view.

Our story begins in the town of Woking, which is now a London suburb. I think we can all agree with Douglas Adams when he described Woking as "Going into the kitchen and forgetting what you came in for".

Either way, it's the quintessential turn of the century British town. A local astronomer, Ogilvy (Who also starred in Mr. Wells' short story, The Crystal Egg) detects some form of giant 'gun' on Mars, which is firing capsules into space for ten consecutive days. No-one really cares about this, and nothing happens. A few weeks later, one of the cylinders crashes in Horsell Common, Woking. After three days, the capsule opens and the Martians (who cannot walk in the high gravity of Earth) build their sinister tripods, which allow them to move on the planet. They keep bystanders away by using their Heat-Rays, which burn everything.

Every day more and more capsules arrive for ten days, and the tripods march steadily toward London. The Royal Hussars are useless to fight the tripods, and not even the Artillery with their giant guns can stop more than one of the tripods.

The Martians keep their offence up, and deploy a toxic black gas which suffocates anyone who breathes it in. After a week and a half the Martians have reached London and the city has fallen. Luckily they are thwarted from crossing the channel as the gas diffuses into the water and their heat rays simply make steam from the water. The second Martian is killed by a torpedo ram dreadnought, but England is still in danger.

I won't spoil the rest, but it is one of the best original sci-fi books ever written. Though some of you may think that is is dated and the ending a bit weak, you've got to remember that it was written 116 years ago, so the prose is a bit dated, and that the (SPOLIERS) Martians would die because their immune systems have no defense against Earth germs. (END SPOILERS).

Overall, it's a very good read and is the most famous and defining of H.G. Wells' work. I'll be doing a series of his books as he's my favorite writer and his books I reccomend to anyone who can understand English. I especially liked the strange quirks of the Martians' society, like their asexuality, the slave race of other Martians, the fact that they evolved without wheels and that they successfully invaded Venus and presumably occupy all other planets in the Solar System.

Whatever you think of it, I want to visit the giant tripod statue at Horsell Common and sip tea.

Five Stars

by Jon Petre

Scott Gentry reviews "The Great Gatsby", the new adaptation of the F.Scott Fitzgerald classic.

"The Great Gatsby" (12A)
Director: Baz Luhrman.
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan and Jason Clarke.
Rated: 12A, for containing moderate sex, violence and bloody images.
Out now in UK cinemas.


After moving to Long Island (just outside of New York, America) Would-be writer and WW1 veteran Nick Caraway (Tobey Maguire), is thrust into the vibrant and alluring life of Jay Gatsby (Leonardo Dicaprio) his neighbour. Soon, Nick begins to question Jay and how he obtained his large fortune, with consequences no-one could have foretold...

Being a fan of the "The Great Gatsby" novel, I was very much looking forward to this adaptation. Many people remember the 1974 version, starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, which received mixed to positive reviews, but was a financial success. You see, there has never been a `great` Gatsby adaptation, only mediocre ones. The latest adaptation (I hoped) would maybe become the definitive version.

 "The Great Gatsby" (2013) is a well-rounded film, that likes to be daring and add in pieces that are suitable for the youth of today. For example, the film contains a fantastic soundtrack; including music from Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and the likes of the rock band, U2. There are also plenty of light-hearted moments, action and lots of drinking and partying.

Baz Luhrman has not conformed to the traditionalist’s view of the novel, and has instead put his own swing on it, which proves to be entertaining. The style of Luhrman is wonderful; the way he has set out the world of Gatsby is quite brilliant. It is colourful, vibrant and above all true to the book.

The cast was well thought out and I believe that "The Great Gatsby" gave Tobey Maguire his chance, to show the world that he wasn`t just bound to the “Spiderman” franchise and can actually act. The moment, Leonardo Dicaprio signed on, I was hooked. Dicaprio has been making films for nearly twenty-four years, but has never won an Oscar. At the next Oscars, I hope that Dicaprio wins; as he is superb as Gatsby. The supporting cast is brilliant, Carey Mulligan (veteran of "Doctor Who") plays Daisy Buchanan, the love of Gatsby`s life and is surprisingly good.

 In summation, "The Great Gatsby" is a good adaptation, boasting a great cast, lavish effects and the chance to bring an eighty-eight year old novel, swinging and dancing into the modern age.

4 STARS

Written by Scott Gentry.

Scott Gentry reviews "Dead Man Down", the new action-drama; starring Collin Farrell and Noomi Rapace.

"Dead Man Down" (15)

Director: Niels Arden Oplev.

Starring: Colin Farrell, Noomi Rapace and Terence Howard.

Rated: 15, for containing strong language and violence.

Out now in cinemas.

Victor (Collin Farrell) is a rising member of a successful crime syndicate led by the vicious Alphonse (Terence Howard) and his henchman. Little does Alphonse and the team know, that Victor has actually infiltrated the group, hell bent on revenge against its leader. However, Victor soon becomes captivated by the illustrious Beatrice (Noomi Rapace) and through many meetings, his main mission soon becomes clouded...

I must start the review with this message: If you are expecting a film with action, car chases and plenty of high octane fun, then DO NOT SEE THIS FILM. It is without a doubt, that "Dead Man Down" has been sold to audiences wrongly, it has in fact been marketed as an action film with wits. That I cannot agree with. There are in fact only two, action set-pieces and the rest of the film is (pretty much) unintelligent chatter between Victor and Beatrice.

The narrative has been used many times by films such as "Get Carter" starring Michael Caine and the average thriller, "Taken"; starring Liam Neeson. Let`s face it, it has been played out. To be honest, I don`t really want to see just another revenge film, it has to be intelligent, with plenty of enjoyment to be had.

The acting is one of the main reasons that I stuck with "Dead Man Down", as Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace, are great actors; but stuck inside a bad film.

"Dead Man Down", is interesting at times, but it lacks the main part of the action-revenge genre. If the film was more exciting and included less needless chatter, I probably would have enjoyed it more. If anything, this has only damaged Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace`s careers. 

2 STARS

Scott Gentry reviews "Star Trek: Into Darkness", the latest expidition into space from J.J. Arbrams. Expect LENSE-FLARE!

"Star Trek: Into Darkness" (12A)
Director: J.J. Abrams.
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Rated 12A for containing: Moderate violence and threat.
Out Now in cinemas nationwide.

After acts of terrorism reign in places such as London, Star Fleet decide to send Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and the rest of the USS Enterprise deep into space, to search for a lone terrorist known as John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) who is held responsible for these attacks. This deadly mission however, could lead them all into a situation much more sinister...

From the first moment I laid my eyes on the "Star Trek" TV series, I was completely baffled by it. To me, it didn't make a whole lot of sense.Why wasn`t there action? Why was the plot so confusing? And, why was it just so hard to understand?

Now, at the age of 15 and three quarters, I can respect "Star Trek" for what it really is, super-intelligent Sci-Fi. Looking back at the "Star Trek" series, I can see that it tackled racism  was culturally diverse (having a Japanese helmsman, a Russian navigator and Black female communications officer wasn`t normally featured on television back in the 1960`s) and even included one of the first (televised) inter-racial kisses, between Captain Kirk and LT. Uhura. That must have been ground breaking.

So, I can see that "Star Trek" has definitely had an influence on the world today, but has the "Star Trek" film series, made an impression? Well, the early "Star Trek" films were good and made quite a favourable impression, but the films that came later, like "Star Trek Nemesis" just wasn`t up to the task. Then, for nearly seven years, Star Trek projects laid dormant, waiting for somebody young to reboot the franchise...

Finally, in 2009 J.J Abrams (an obsessed "Star Trek" fan) made his mark on the franchise, with "Star Trek"; starring the original `Spock` played by Leonard Neemoy, in a cameo appearance  In many ways, it was a love letter to the series Abrams had known and loved for many years, and to be honest; it was received well. "Star Trek" currently holds a rating of 8.0 out of 10 on "IMDB" and a 95% rating on the reviews site "Rotten Tomatoes".


"Star Trek: Into Darkness" has a fantastic opening. On the planet named `Nibiru`, Captain Kirk and Dr "Bones" McCoy are distracting the local indigenous people whilst Spock attempts to stop their planet from being wiped out by a volcano. How "Star Trek" can you possibly get?

I must admit, "Star Trek: Into Darkness" is a fast paced action thriller right from the word `go`. It seems that J.J. Abrams has definitely learnt from his last SCI-Fi adventure and has catered to the needs of audiences who are not familiar with the "Star Trek" references and back-story.



"Star Trek: Into Darkness" is at times very witty, it plays around with the bantering between crew members and even produces little nods to the references we (Trekkies) all love and know. The action is fast and impulsive, whether it be running through cities or Vulcan populated areas, they`re always having a blast. 

An extreme effect in "Star Trek: Into Darkness" would be Lense-Flare. For those of you who don`t know what that is, well Lense Flare is caused when light is scattered in cameras. It is quite a novelty effect, but after a while it becomes a little played out. One tip J.J. please cut down on the Lense-Flare!
The characters are well played, with Chris Pine more settled in his character and Zachary Quinto clearly enjoying every moment on set. Simon Pegg definitely deserves a mention here, as the Scottish engineer named Scotty; who has definitely improved his accent since the first film. 

Karl Urban is also on good form as Dr `Bones` McCoy, who rather than speaking fluently instead uses at least two metaphors in every on screen conversation.

As Abrams is now going to direct the next "Star Wars" trilogy, he leaves "Star Trek" on good terms and keeps the book open for perhaps, another installment. In conclusion, "Star Trek: Into Darkness" is a fantastic Sci-Fi action-er  with wits, excitement and a dash of sensibility. I pray,that it will live long and prosper.

4 STARS

Written by Scott Gentry.

Watch the trailer here!

The brand new "Gravity" trailer is now here! Starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock.

For nearly four years, the production of "Gravity" has been in constant turmoil. Before 2010, "Gravity" was a Universal Pictures Film, but the rights were eventually sold to Warner Bros, in a company turnaround. When Warner Bros finally acquired the project, many female actors were interested in the main (female) role, including Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Yohansson, but nearly all applicants changed their mind and left the project. Finally, Sandra Bullock took the female role. Robert Downey J.R was also cast as the main (male) character but eventually left to scheduling conflicts. He was then replaced by George Clooney.

Alfonso Cuaron has directed fourteen films, including the award-winning "Children Of The Men" starring Clive Owen. The Film garnered Alfonso wide critical success, and a name which critics soon respected.     

To watch the trailer, click on the link below, or watch it here, by clicking on the above video.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2518132249/

"X Men: Days Of Future Past" is now in production!

The first image from "X Men: Days Of Future Past" is here! The long awaited follow up to "X Men First Class" see`s the X-Men travel through time to change a historical event that could effect man and mutants alike.

 X-Men: Days Of Future Past stars Michael Fassbender and Peter Dinklage from "Game Of Thrones". X-Men:Days Of Future Past has a possible release date of 2014.

Happy Birthday to Micheal Palin!

The popular comedian has starred in many of Britain's most famous sketches along with comic greats such as  Terry Jones, Graham Chapman and John Cleese. Since his "Monty Python" days, he has had minor roles in television and Films. Currently, Palin`s latest film named "Absolutely Anything" is currently in pre-production, and the plot details have been pretty quiet. Last (heard) in "A Liars Autobiography: The Untrue Story Of Monty Python`s Graham Chapman", Palin has been keeping screen appearances down to a minimum; and has instead been working on "Brazil With Michael Palin".

Happy Birthday Mr Palin!

"Gears Of War: Judgement" Game review by Ben Treloar.

 "Gears Of War: Judgement" (18)

Director: Chris Borders.

Starring (voices only):Brian Bloom, Ali Hillis and Brian Kimmet.

Out now for XBOX-360.

Blood, Guts and Gore. If you don’t like these words, you won`t like "Gears Of War".I have been a massive fan of the "Gears Of War" franchise, every since the first one came out in 2006. The company behind the game (Epic Games) has made three sequels and one prequel. I have now played all of them.

​

When  "Gears Of War: Judgement" was announced, I wasn't very excited for it, this was mainly because of the newly released "Bioshock Infinite" and the latest "Call of Duty". However, a couple of months after its release, I decided to finally buy it. 

My first impressions of the game were pretty good, I thought that the game was amazing, this was purely because of how good the graphics and the game play was. 

Epic games have always made a game with amazing graphics, this is important in the "Gears Of War" franchise  because of the way it is played in 3rd person.

 Another aspect which makes the game enjoyable is the new game modes, such as `overrun` which is a survival  based game mode, but you can fight against your friends as either the locusts or the cogs.

 The only down side of this mode, is that you only have custom classes to use. With the previous "Gears Of Wars", you could create a class. Another downside is that you need to protect an e-hole cover, from the locust horde, this means that you can’t just fight your way through wave after wave of locusts because you need to protect the e-hole. 

They have also added in  the new `Free For All` mode. In other games this is when you play aainst other opponents who are trying to kill each other. In  "Gears Of War" there isn't much difference. This means that when you see something move, KILL IT.  

​The campaign isn't your average killing routine, but you play as four different characters who are Braid, Cole, Sofia and Paduk. The idea of this campaign, is that they have been arrested by a man called Loomis and put into court, this is because they fired a weapon without permission. Each character has an interesting story to tell. With all the  "Gears Of War" campaign’s it has the same sort of story line. 

​The new leveling up system is much better than  "Gears Of War 3" because in the last game, it took forever to get through the levels, but now everything is shortened so you can reach the top level very easily.  

​The overall look of the whole game isn't for the faint hearted,but for people who want to enjoy them self whilst playing a game. All "Gears Of War" games are full of blood, guts and gore, therefore deserving of its 18 age rating.

4 STARS


Written by Ben Treloar.

What makes you tick whilst in the Cinema? Asks Scott Gentry.

I don't know about you, but the thing that really makes me angry whilst watching a film; is the small teenagers who don't know when to be quiet. Maybe it`s just me; but I think not. From the moment you set foot in the auditorium, the kids and teenagers are busy sending messages, playing games or phoning a friend. 

The preferred weapon of choice for the modern age teenager, seems to be a Blackberry phone, in which they message each other on the insanely popular Blackberry Messenger, or BBM for short. 

In February of this year, I watched "Warm Bodies"; a popular zombie-comedy. As I entered the cinema screen, I witnessed hordes of young annoying children. Once the adverts began to roll, I wasn`t too bothered. For nearly ten whole minutes, I was forced to watch expensive videos of Cars being driven through exotic places, beautiful women and the odd Mobile phone advert. Trust me when I say, it was highly annoying. 

Then the trailers for up-and coming films arrived, the trailers nearly always grab my attention; but it seemed not to grab the attention of the mindless teenagers who sat before me. The trailers then went on, but the kids still played on the their phones. 

Then, the Films opening credits began to role and the teenagers were still playing! They took pictures with their phones (with the flash mode on) and some even decide to play musical chairs by running around the cinema oblivious to the excellent film (which they paid good money for) which is standing above them. 

Well, it seems to me that teenagers have a very small attention span. I must confess, that I myself, am a teenager; but when I visit the cinema, the only thing on my mind is my checklist.

Checklist for the Cinema:
1) Pay for your ticket.
2) Trip to the toilet (you don`t want to miss anything).
3) Enter the auditorium.
4) Find a good seat (preferably at the back).
5) Switch of phone and enjoy the film.

At the end of the day, it is common decency to be quiet during a film. Just think back to the days when they had ushers. I say,

BRING BACK THE USHERS!

What do you think? What ticks you off on a trip to the cinema?
Let me know in the comments section!

Roland Emmerich directs the upcoming action blockbuster which is "White House Down". The latest trailer is right here, right now!

"White House Down" (TBC)

Director: Roland Emmerich.

Starring: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx and Jason Clarke.

Released later this summer.

While on a tour of the white house, a young Policeman is placed into action, to save his daughter and protect the president from terrorists. 

Watch it by clicking on the video above; or click on the link below.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi841524761/

Scott Gentry reviews "The Master", Paul Thomas Anderson`s stunning new film.

"The Master" (15)
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson.
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams.
Rated 15, for containing:Strong language, once very strong, strong sex and sex references.
Out now on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Set in the years leading on from World War Two, a Navy veteran named Freddie Quell; journeys through post-war depression and extreme intakes of alcohol. Until, he stumbles upon `The Cause`; a movement, (which some people have suggested has some similarity to Scientology)  led by Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman).

For some time, it has been difficult to find a drama which is quite like this. "The Master" is unique in many ways, it boasts a powerful script and a wonderful story which (I think) is about ultimately, the feeling of belonging. 

In the  "Concise Oxford English Dictionary", it states that the word `Cult` means, "A system of religious devotion directed towards a particular figure or object". In the case of "The Master", `The Cause` is not a cult. It is simply a movement, which is slightly peculiar.

I have always felt that films by Paul Thomas Anderson, are only for serious audiences, who can withstand complex stories and powerful scripts. "The Master" is just that. From the word `go`, I was immersed in a spellbinding film, which most of my friends (not naming any names) would probably call, a pile of rubbish. This is not the case.

"The Master", has some of the best performances I have seen in a film for a long time. Joaquin Phoenix, (who plays Freddie Quell) is a superb actor; who on a regular basis turns down even the best scripts. For Phoenix, a script must be spectacular. 

Originally, the role of Freddie was destined for Jeremy Renner ("The Avengers" and "The Bourne Legacy"), but he dropped out. So, after much thought, Phoenix took on the role. 

Phoenix plays Freddie with much bravura, which is one of the reasons I was completely gripped. Philip Seymour Hoffman is equally good, as Lancaster Dodd, the leader of `The Cause`, Hoffman is very powerful and I feel that "The Master" has brought out a side to him, that we have not seen before. Amy Adams is close to perfect, with a small, but significant role.

"The Master" was shot beautifully on 65mm film. It is shot in this format for a wide-high resolution in motion picture photography. 

In conclusion, "The Master" is a superb film (which is shot creatively), has plenty of character and some of the best acting roles in recent years. A true classic, for fans of Paul Thomas Anderson, but what it lacks for in the last ten minutes, is made up for; by the rest of the film.

5 Stars out of Five.



Watch the trailer, by clicking on the video to your right hand side.



You can buy this Film on Blu-Ray or DVD from the following addresses:

http://www.sainsburysentertainment.co.uk/en/Films-TV/DVD/Philip-Seymour-Hoffman/The-Master/product.html?product=E11192815

http://www.sainsburysentertainment.co.uk/en/Films-TV/Blu-ray/Philip-Seymour-Hoffman/The-Master/product.html?product=E11192814

Here are the UK`s Box-Office results ending on the 28th of April, 2013.

Iron Man 3 fairs particularly well in first place with £13.7m in the bag on it`s first weekend, and "Oz The Great And Powerful" still hangs on in tenth place with £14,7m after eight weeks on the big screen.