Tom Cruise sets out to destroy an alien race, and foil an inevitable invasion, in "Edge of Tomorrow", from Director Doug Liman. Written By Scott Gentry.

"Edge of Tomorrow" (12A)
Directed by: Doug Liman.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson and Jonas Armstrong.
Rated: 12A for containing moderate violence, threat and infrequent strong language. 
Running time: 113 minutes. 
Out now in UK cinemas.

Tom Cruise is 50 years old, but by heck, he doesn't look it. His latest Sci-Fi epic "Edge of Tomorrow" takes the alien invasion plot device and neatly places it within the subject of time travel (or time displacement, it depends on your interpretation!). 

Cruise plays Major William Cage, an officer who has never seen a day of combat, due to his job of literally being the face of the army, during a war between the human race and an alien nation, known as Mimics. Yes, you guessed it. Cage is a cowardly, yet slick, public relations officer (a reinterpretation of his character Jerry Maguire?) who is safe behind the cameras and news crews. But, due to unforeseen circumstances whilst in Britain, Cage is thrust into the battle for the front line, which will eventually amount to becoming a complete suicide mission. 

Upon landing on a beach within France (it’s slightly reminiscent of Normandy), Cage is killed within minutes, but is inexplicably caught within a time loop, that forces him to relive the cursed battle over and over again. As Cage fights within each battle however, he becomes stronger and wiser, eventually discovering that with the help of fellow officer Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), they might just be able to end the war for ever.

A trip to the seaside? This isn't exactly what they had in mind...
Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt feature in a still from
"Edge Of Tomorrow". 

It's complicated, yet intriguing, and that's possibly why this adaptation of the graphic novel "All You Need Is Kill" by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, is so entertaining. From the opening battle to the very last scene, Doug Liman's eighth directorial feature is completed in its excellence by screenwriters Christopher McQuarrie, Jez and John-Henry Butterworth. The trio of experienced writers (McQuarrie wrote "The Usual Suspects", if you haven't seen it, you must!) strive to bring audiences something fresh and exciting despite the format having been used numerous times within "Source Code" (2011) and “Groundhog Day” (1993).

Cruise goes full action
hero, in a still from
"Edge Of Tomorrow".

Fortunately that's just what they do, by simply adding in romance and comedic elements, with Tom Cruise seemingly doing what he does best, by contributing his humorous charisma and providing a great and appealing performance, in order to keep the film light at times, yet dark in others. Emily Blunt also acts well in the form of the officer, Rita (aptly named the “full metal b**ch”), who seems to perform in a reserved manner, yet keeps in line with the warrior style.


 The rest of the cast also provide fine support, especially actors such as Bill Paxton (equipped with a wonderfully unhinged performance), and Brendan Gleeson who isn’t given a large role, but performs well, and is always welcome on the big screen, especially after his performance in this year's black comedy, "Calvary" from John Michael McDonagh. Other actors such as Jonas Armstrong (formerly portraying Robin Hood, in the BBC series), Tony Way (also seen in “Game Of Thrones”, as Ser Dontos Hollard) and Franz Drameh (from “Attack The Block”) all act perfectly, nailing the fine line between serious and comical.

Despite the great chemistry between Blunt and Cruise, I couldn't help but notice however, that (because it’s a Doug Liman movie, it must have a tad bit of romance!) the romantic side to the main characters relationship, seems slightly tedious, but when it does work, it works particularly well and the two leads are more than capable of holding the romantic side of the story together. 

Cruise and Blunt become better acquainted, 

in a still from "Edge Of Tomorrow". 

In regards to the director Doug Liman, this is possibly his finest film since “The Bourne Identity”, directing each action sequence with style and proving that he can direct a film that is decent in terms of its plot and cast. Each action sequence has also been planned and edited perfectly by James Herbert, in order to deliver a “Saving Private Ryan” feel to the battle, putting his skills as editor on Guy Ritchie’s highly stylised “Sherlock Holmes” films, to good use. The composer Christophe Beck also contributes by creating an exciting score to the film, including an impressive theme that is used throughout the film.

 

Cruise gets out the big guns, in a still from "Edge Of Tomorrow".

 It is also worth mentioning the quality of the visual effects by Nick Davis (“The Dark Knight”), in particular the aliens known as Mimics look extremely well designed. In addition to the visual effects, Dion Beebe’s cinematography is perfect, capturing the gritty style of war and apocalyptic themes just as well his cinematography for “Equilibrium” (2002).

Verdict

“Edge of Tomorrow” is an intriguing and ambitious blockbuster which is constantly funny, shocking and engaging; it’s arguably Tom Cruise’s finest performance for years.

8 Stars out of 10

Written by Scott Gentry.

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.

The first trailer for "Kingsman: The Secret Service" is released...

"Kingsman: The Secret Service" (TBC)
Directed by: Mathew Vaughn.
Starring: Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Taron Egerton, Michael Caine, Mark Hamill and Mark Strong.   
Rated: TBC.
Running time: TBC.
Out in UK and Irish cinemas from the 17th of October, 2014.  

Based upon the celebrated comic book series "The Secret Service" by Mark Millar & Dave Gibbons and directed by the British director Mathew Vaughn ("Kick Ass" and "X-Men: First Class"), "Kingsman: The Secret Service" tells the story of a top-secret, British spy agency, who after recruiting an undisciplined yet auspicious gang member into their overly competitive training program, receives a global threat from a technology genius... 

Courtesy of 20th Century Fox, here's the first action packed trailer:

 

"Kingsman: The Secret Service" is released in UK and Irish cinemas from the 17th of October, 2014. 

Adam Sandler's latest comedy is at times brash, yet it proves to be enjoyable family entertainment... Scott Gentry reviews "Blended".

"Blended" (12A)
Director: Frank Coraci.
Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Joe McHale.
Rated: 12A.
Running time: 117 minutes.
Out in UK cinemas on the 23rd of May, 2014. 

Lately, Adam Sandler's films haven’t exactly mirrored the style of his early, more successful motion pictures, like “The Wedding Singer”, “The Waterboy” and his Sci-Fi/Romance vehicle, “Click” (2006) and have led to negative reviews for films such as "Grown Ups 2" and "Jack and Jill". Now thirty-five years after his acting debut ("Going Overboard"), Sandler's style of comedy seems old and not as appreciated as it once was. However, here he seems to have gone back to his roots, by starring in a (barely) family friendly comedy, which occasionally ranks above the general comedic releases of today.

Adam Sandler with Bella Thorne and others,
in a still from "Blended".

Marking the third collaboration between Sandler and director Frank Coraci, "Blended" tells the often entertaining story behind single parents Lauren and Jim, who after a disastrous date, vow never to see each other again. However, the rule is broken when the two families (who couldn't be further apart in terms of their likes and dislikes) are forced to become friends, after an encounter whilst on holiday in Africa. 

It most definitely sounds silly, but in the situation of a reviewer, the only (fair) option is to sit back, exclude all cynicism and watch the film from a non-bias perspective. And that is exactly what I did (and what I do for every film, no matter how bad it sounds). I will be truthful, I myself was dubious regarding this star-vehicle, but in the end I felt pleasantly surprised at how Sandler had starred in a comedy which often pushed the limits, yet was funny and dare I say it, heart-warming?

If you're wondering why they look slightly shocked, it's due to
 the fact that they've just witnessed two elephants,
 having sex. No really. "Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore
 in a still from "Blended".  

With a screenplay Written by Ivan Menchell & Clara Sera, the pair have managed to re-write a tired and dreary formula and turn it into a film that's appealing to a mass audience.But despite this smart choice of reuniting two of the 90's most favourable actors, it doesn't mask the fact that this film is 117 minutes long, with the average comedy lasting just 90 minutes. So that's probably I felt that the film was running short on its comedy element, but in all honesty this was the only problem to be found within the film. 

So, the damnation of "Blended" was ultimately suspended, due to the smart casting of Sandler and Barrymore, who after "The Wedding Singer", seemed the perfect choice as single parents who (SPOILERS) obviously get back together in the end; this is due to the way that the film is delivered, with the two leads using their natural chemistry to act well within their roles, proving that "Blended" is far above the standards of "Grown Ups 2". 

Terry Crews struts his stuff,
in a still from "Blended". 

 It's not just the two leads, who act well, but the other cast members including Kevin Nealon, Braxton Beckham and Bella Thorne are spot on; the extremely steroid-pumped and stereotypical Terry Crews also decides to show up within the frivolities, but ultimately becomes irritating after his rather funny entrance. 


Verdict:

Where the film falls slightly flat within its script, it is made up for within its performances and direction. A surprisingly passable offering from Sandler, let's hope he's on a winning streak. 

5 Stars out of ten

- Written by Scott Gentry.

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.

Bryan Singer's long awaited return to the "X-Men" franchise is impressive, yet it doesn't live up to the standards of "X-2", writes Scott Gentry, as he reviews "X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

"X-Men: Days Of Future Past" (12A)
Director: Bryan Singer.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Peter Dinklage.
Rated: 12A, for containing moderate fantasy violence and infrequent strong language.
Running time: 131 minutes.
Released in UK cinemas on the 22nd of May, 2014. 

Since Bryan Singer departed from "X-Men: The Last Stand” in 2006 (to direct “Superman Returns”, we could have done without it, right?) and foolishly left it within the incapable hands of Brett Ratner, the franchise never felt that it reached the same heights as "X-2", despite Mathew Vaughn's well received continuation of the series, "X-Men: First Class". However Bryan Singer has finally returned to the directing chair to deliver drama, action and interesting Sci-Fi, in his classic style. 

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, in "X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

Set in the year 2023, "X-Men: DOFP" finds our world in absolute apocalyptic turmoil, as the mutant-slaying, robotic hunters known as the Sentinels, scour planet Earth in order to rid the world of all Mutant-kind. Now with only a small pocket of Mutants left (including Wolverine, Magneto and Storm) acting as the resistance, they realise that the Sentinels are an unstoppable force.

 As Patrick Stewart’s Professor X so rightly states, “Is the future truly set?” It seems not, as Kitty Pryde (Ellen Page, where’s she been these past few years?) argues that due to Logan’s ability to heal at lightning fast speed, his consciousness should be sent back into the past to seek the help of the team's former selves, in order to change the events of history forever. Despite its slightly confusing plot-line "X-Men: DOFP" deals well with the interweaving stories, and presents itself as perhaps this summer's most inventive blockbuster.

Bryan Singer and Patrick Stewart on set of
"X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

In regards to being inventive, Singer once again directs with a perfect balance, as he directs his ninth film with expert camerawork and beautiful cinematography from Newton Thomas Sigel (“Drive”) to match. 

The cast itself are (as always) uniformly brilliant, along with Jackman, McAvoy, Dinklage and Fassbender delivering great performances amongst the large and ambitious set-pieces; it's Jennifer Lawrence though, who ultimately receives the largest amount of screen-time and character development as Mystique, and rightly decides to once again prove her undeniable talent for acting. Despite this ensemble cast however, it unfortunately seems that there are far too many characters to actually keep a track of, and are (like the characters of “Godzilla”) ultimately missed.

Michael Fassbender as Magneto, in
"X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

In spite of its misused cast, we are (briefly) introduced to the character of Quicksilver (AKA Pietro Maximoff, played brilliantly by Evan Peters), a young man who has the amazing ability of superhuman speed, who sets about saving the team from many a misfortune, including an exciting scene in which Maximoff sprints around a villain-filled room so fast, that whilst running, he rearranges the directions of each security guard's guns, hats and fists, leading to a humorous climax.  

Jennifer Lawrence is compelling as Mystique,
in "X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

There is also a welcome return from Singer’s regular film composer John Ottman, who produces an often dramatic and exciting score, which is reminiscent of Alan Silvestri’s soundtrack of “The Avengers” (2012). 

The overbearing cast was an unfortunate step to have made, but Singer and his screenwriter Simon Kinberg eventually make up for their minor mistake, in the form of some much needed, yet reserved character development, which is what the first two “X-Men” instalments prided themselves upon; being a Superhero film that was intelligent and dramatic, yet action-packed. 

Peter Dinklage as Bolivar Trask, in
"X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

Verdict:

"X-Men: DOFP" is an impressive return from Singer and despite the misuse of this high-calibre cast, it works almost as well as “X-2”. It's most definitely not perfect, but it is an excellent beginning to the large group of summer blockbusters.

7 Stars out of 10

- Written by Scott Gentry.

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.

Exclusive: The second trailer for Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar" is ready to watch, right here...

"Interstellar" (TBC)
Director: Christopher Nolan.
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Casey Affleck, Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain and John Lithgow.
Rated: TBC.
Running time: TBC.
Out in UK cinemas from the 7th of November, 2014. 

It's been four years since the release of Christopher Nolan's mind-bending Sci-Fi "Inception" and two years since "The Dark Knight Rises", but it seems that Nolan has been hard at work with his latest blockbuster, "Interstellar". With elements of "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Signs" (well, there is a heck of a lot of cornfields!), Nolan seems to be producing a taught, tense and exciting story which tackles wormholes and perhaps, alternate dimensions.   

 

As expected, Nolan hasn't given away a large chunk of the film's plot, but the trailer has made us ever more excited for the film's 7th of November release. We just can't wait. 

Do you have annoying, loud and selfish neighbours? Here's how to solve your problem... Scott Gentry reviews "Bad Neighbours".

"Bad Neighbours" (15)
Directed by: Nicholas Stoller.
Starring: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne and Dave Franco. 
Rated: 15, for containing very strong language, drug use, strong sex, crude sex references and nudity.
Running time: 97 minutes.
Out now in UK cinemas. 

In the past five years, Seth Rogen and his co-writer/director Evan Goldberg have dominated the sub-genre of crude, yet hilarious comedy. Last year the duo wrote and directed (Rogen also starred) the summer hit, "This Is The End", which stars actors such as James Franco and Jonah Hill, portraying fictional versions of themselves and opened to critical acclaim. 

A still of Zac Efron in "Bad Neighbours".

Now, director Nicholas Stoller ("Get Him To The Greek" and "The Five Year Engagement") has placed Seth Rogen (Goldberg is still noted as a producer) amongst some of cinemas youngest stars, in "Bad Neighbours" (previously called "Townies"), which follows the story of Mac (Rogen) Kelly (Byrne) and their daughter Stella (she’s unbelievably cute!), who believe that they live in the perfect suburban town, until the day a fraternity house (led by Zac Efron) moves in next door. 

Despite its interesting, yet extremely silly premise, as you'd expect, there doesn't seem to be an aim to which the filmmakers are trying to reach, but in regards to this bawdy outing, it doesn't seem to matter. Many reasons contribute to its overall success, and that's mainly due to Stoller's talented cast. Rogen and Byrne portray a hilarious couple, who after becoming parents, realise that being married and having a baby, has taken a toll on their social life; this is where Byrne begins to steal the limelight from Rogen and a small section of the rest of the cast, due to her owning some of the most hilarious lines and scenes throughout the entire film (notably the morning after a heavily-drink induced party, in which complications arise, when Kelly decides to feed Stella).

Amongst the partying and frivolity, Craig Roberts (the main lead from Richard Ayoade's "Submarine"), Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Jerrod Carmichael also make appearances, but aren't allowed time to explore their characters and are ultimately wasted upon the audience, despite delivering some hilarious lines. Zac Efron manages to take some time off from his dramatic roles (he's excellent in "Parkland" and "The Paperboy") to provide some almost effortless support alongside the already cramped cast and works well beside Rogen, providing many improvised lines of hilarity. 

Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen in a still from "Bad Neighbours".

But, there is no middle ground here. "Bad Neighbours" could be described as an obnoxious, self-indulgent comedy that relies heavily on film (the Robert DeNiro impersonation party scene is hilarious) and television references (dressing the baby as Don Draper), or as a one-note comedy that’s forgotten in an instant. The trouble here is that the film appeals to both descriptions, and despite its far-fetched yet comical approach to comedy, there is ultimately no goal that the filmmakers are attempting to reach.

Verdict 

However funny it may be, “Bad Neighbours” could arguably work better as a series of sketches, rather than a feature length film; but even with its failures, “Bad Neighbours” is a film that works, but just not for long enough. 
 

6 stars out of 10

Written by Scott Gentry.

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.

Charlie Stratton's feature directorial debut is an engaging thriller, regarding love and murder. Scott Gentry reviews "In Secret".

"In Secret" (15)
Director: Charlie Stratton.
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Oscar Isaac, Tom Felton, Jessica Lange, Matt Lucas and Mackenzie Crook.
Rated: 15 for containing strong sex and moderate threat. 
Running time: 107 minutes.
Released in UK cinemas from the 16th of May, 2014. 

Period dramas are in many ways, a difficult genre to master, yet many directors such as Ang Lee ("Sense and Sensibility") and Joe Wright ("Pride and Prejudice"), have managed to succeed in creating pieces which are of an acutely high grade. In the case of "In Secret", it delivers a costume drama that is not only captivating, but also riveting. 

Directed by Charlie Stratton (also writing and producing) and based on the novel "Thérèse Raquin" (published in 1867) by Émile Zola, "In Secret" tells the tale of Thérèse (Elizabeth Olson), a sexually repressed young woman, who years after being adopted by her aunt, Madame Raquin (Jessica Lange), is quickly married to her first cousin Camille (Tom Felton), and whisked away to Paris in search of new beginnings. Unexpectedly, that is exactly what she finds, in the form of Laurent (Oscar Issac), a painter, with a penchant for nude art. Soon, Thérèse develops a love for Laurent, and what was briefly considered as an adventure into sexual immorality, soon turns into a dangerous affair. 

Marriage can be murder... A still of Oscar Issac and
Elizabeth Olson, from "In Secret". 

It may be considered quite the formulaic concept now, but in the year of its publication, Émile Zola's first major literary work was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, due to its scandalous story and a review published by a French book critic named Louis Ulbach, who classified the book as "putrid". However, this condemning report proved to be pointless, as Zola used the review to his own advantage and was eventually met with further publicity, eventually selling far more copies of his book, than ever before. 

So, despite its formulaic concept and having been adapted for television and film thirteen times, how was Stratton going to produce an endearing piece that offered something fresh and exciting, yet honour the text?

Messing about on the river...
Tom Felton, Oscar Isaac
and Elizabeth Olsen in a still from "In Secret".

Well, the answer is to change nothing. The reason why "In Secret" works so well as an +adaptation is because of its appealing cast, including in particular, Elizabeth Olson. Now at the age of 25, Olson has acted in thirteen feature films (also counting the upcoming "Avengers: Age of Ultron"), delivering auspicious performances in most, confirming that Olson is a progressing star that is definitely worthy of her EE “Rising Star” award nomination, at this year’s BAFTA celebrations. Here, she proves her versatility and proficiency to adapt into a performance that she is not particularly used to. 

Oscar Issac is also one of the film’s standout cast members, as the charming but poisonous Laurent, who enjoys his role to the full, by providing a fiendish performance and yet again provides a notable portrayal of one of literature’s greatest villains. 

Jessica Langes stars as Madame Raquin;
a still from "In Secret".

The formidable actress Jessica Lange also makes an appreciative appearance in a role that is noteworthy and suited to her style as an actress, providing admirable support for the rest of the cast, including Matt Lucas and Mackenzie Crook, who both prove to be beneficial and humorous within their roles. 

The film’s visually striking cinematography by Florian Hoffmeister, the score by Gabriel Yared and the direction of Charlie Stratton are also points which deserve recognition, as they are all used to bodacious effect and proves that Stratton’s move from Television to Film, was the right decision. 

 Tom Felton and Oscar Isaac find friendship; a still from "In Secret".

Aside from the exceptional cast, cinematography, score and direction, the film falters upon its script, leaving each actor striving to provide a performance which could have been improved, with the addition of sharper, more intelligent dialogue. However, the entire cast provide marvellous performances that include the emotional and moral complexity that the novel demands. 

Verdict

Preserving the moral ambiguity, Charlie Stratton’s promising directorial debut is exciting, suspenseful and superbly acted; a career high for Elizabeth Olson. 

7 Stars out of 10

Written by Scott Gentry.

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.

           

Exclusive: Wolverine and Beast clash, in a new clip from "X-Men: Days Of Future Past".

"X-Men: Days Of Future Past" (TBC)
Director: Bryan Singer.
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, Ellen Page, James McAvoy, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry and Patrick Stewart.
Rated: TBC.
Running time: TBC.  

Based upon the "Uncanny X-Men" storyline "Days of Future Past" by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, this highly anticipated adaptation sees Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen) unite and put aside past differences, to send Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) back to the past, in a desperate attempt to change history before the destruction of all mutant-kind. 

Today's clip now marks the third in the series of videos released by 20th Century Fox within the past week, and this one reveals the beginnings of the friendship with Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Hank McCoy/ AKA Beast (Nicholas Hoult). It's seriously cool... 

"X-Men: Days Of Future Past" is released in UK cinemas on the 22nd of May, 2014. 

- Written by Scott Gentry.

Exclusive: the second trailer for "Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes" is released, and ready to watch here!

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" (15)
Director: Matt Reeves.
Starring: Andy Serkis, Judy Greer, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Jason Clarke and Kodi Smit-McPhee.
Rated: TBC.
Running time: TBC.

Set ten years after the events of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", the eight instalment of the franchise follows Caesar (played by Andy Serkis), as he leads the constantly growing tribe of genetically evolved apes, to an area for them to live in. 

The group however, is soon threatened by a crowd of humans who have survived the apocalypse (unleashed by the virus), but wish to make peace. Peace is achieved, but proves to be short-lived, as a series of events trigger a war that will determine who Earth’s dominant species remains. 

Thanks to 20th Century Fox, here's the exclusive new trailer, for "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes", featuring explosions, gun-toting apes and a tyrannical Gary Oldman... 

 

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" is released in UK cinemas from the 17th of July, 2014. 

- Written by Scott Gentry

Book Reviews are back! -- Lavie Tidhar's Osama

Hey everyone, just a quick word to say that we've started reviewing books again. I'll be posting some more later on, for Joe Abercrombie's "The Blade Itself" and Scott Lynch's "The Lies of Locke Lamora" (which was picked up by Warner Bros in 2006 for a film). Thanks!

I was almost sold by the powerful cover alone.

Lavie Tidhar is one of my new favorites. His "Bookman Histories" series was some serious steampunk, and although the quality dropped somewhat in Book 2 ("Camera Obscura"), "The Bookman" was brilliant. I'm looking forward to Lavie's next book, "The Violent Century", but I wasn't actually planning on buying Osama. However, I found a signed copy in Forbidden Planet, and, welp, I trust Lavie's repertoire. I was not dissapointed.

Simply put, there's a reason why Osama won the 2012 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel. It's clearly borne of the same trope as Phillip K Dick's seminal SF alternate realities. Osama is set in a world where there is no global terrorism, no 9/11, and, of course, no Osama bin Laden. In this world, the main character, Joe, is hired by a mysterious woman to find Mike Longshott, the writer of trashy pulp fiction books, which feature the vigilante Osama bin Laden. In their world, Osama's just a book character. As Joe goes from Vietnam to Paris to London to New York and then Kabul, his reality starts to blur and fragment around him, as his world begins to merge with that of the mysterious, ghost-like Refugees. 

Osama works on so many levels because it parodies so many genres. Osama is written like a  pulp fiction novel (purposefully), and Joe the private detective (he doesn't even have a second name) is the archetypal private detective; drinks/smokes too much, has an empty office, and doesn't dream anymore. And you can see where Lavie, a prominent traveler, has used his globe trotting to craft interesting and varied settings--the book opens in Vientiane, a city on the river Mekong. I hadn't heard of either of those places before I'd read Osama.

That said, the book wasn't without its faults. The action slowed toward the middle, and I found myself a little tired by it. But that's probably my fault--I trust the good folks at the World Fantasy Award panel. While Joe was in London, there were some repetitive scenes--he'd go into a pub, listen a bit, ruminate, decide something, and then go. Joe did that three or four times, and I think that Lavie did that on purpose, but I didn't enjoy it fully. 

Nevertheless, Osama was genuinely entertaining, and I really liked it. It's interesting, thought provoking, mind bending and, in places, funny. I don't want to give too much away, but all I'll say is that, well, everything gets a fandom. If you're looking for something engaging to read over the holidays, this is for you. As an Isreali-born writer who has lived through many of the conflicts in the middle east, Tidhar manages to shed new light on arguably one of the worst villains of the 21st century without endorsing his terror, nor condemning it. There's actually very little on Bin Laden himself--it's all about, well, people.

4.5/5

Pliny Quotes and Euphemisms: Pompeii

I'll admit, I was very..apprehensive...about going to see Kit Harrington's new film, Pompeii. It was advertised as I expected it would be; as a crappy action-cum-disaster movie that utilized Star Theory to some extent, coupled with the big explosion thing to top it all off.
I was happily mistaken; Pompeii was extremely entertaining.

Pompeii, the setting of "Fear and Loathing in Pompeii".

Kit Harrington (Jon Snow in Game of Thrones) plays Milo, a young, ripped Celt from the Roman colony of Britannica (which, strangely, seems to be in a state of permanent downpour), is a gladiator slave who is, well, a gladiator. He is taken to Pompeii, which the director (WS Anderson) describes as "the Las Vegas of the Roman World", where a tale of corruption, court politics and Kiefer Sutherland. Oh, and I almost forgot; that massive Volcano that they all live in the shadow of.

 Pompeii had a very strong opening, which was typical but at the same time different; these things always start with some sort of tragedy that sets the wheel in spin--of course, Pompeii had that, but I genuinely enjoyed it, and I'm usually a cynic for this genre. You watch Milo's family get slaughtered, and then he wakes up among a pile of corpses to gaze, stunned, at the burnt remnants of his village--and all in silence, except for the faint, eerie tinkling of swords and corpses hanging from a nearby tree. The lack of music can be just as powerful as the best John Williams score, and Pompeii, surprisingly, used this. I was very entertained, and honestly, it was a refreshing change of setting, to see something set in the ancient world. The only competition that Pomepeii will be facing in this genre comes from The Legend of Hercules (which was an insult to the trees felled to print my ticket) and 47 Ronin (It was set at the same time, wasn't it?), both of which were laughably horrible.

He's white and he's black, so that makes it more special-like!

I honestly enjoyed Pompeii. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't anything outstanding, but it was entertaining and a surprising change from what usually graces these genres. I'm glad that Kit Harrington is decent outside of GoT. And even the special effects were realistic--I checked with my Geography friend, who saw it with me, and apparently everything that happens environmentally is accurate. The sea would withdraw a few miles out, and then come crashing back, because...earthquakes, I think.

Come on, Kiefer, admit that you could've been better.

But it wasn't without a few blunders. Some of the action sequences were unrealistic, and I was aware of that when I was watching, which took me out of it somewhat. Also, Kiefer Sutherland has been better, and WS Anderson has stuck to the key stock characters here, most noticeably in Sutherland's sneering senator. This is good Saturday Night TV--the sort of thing you'll choose to watch, but wouldn't go out of your way to see. Pompeii hasn't lost marks because it wasn't good--it just wasn't outstanding.

So dear readers, watch Pompeii if you want an action movie that isn't $100 million drivel. Pompeii is $100 million entertainment. (seriously, that was the budget). I usually hate action movies, but I was pleasantly surprised.

3/5

Written by Jon Petre

Once again, a new clip from "X-Men: Days Of Future Past" has been released. This one is particularly, tension filled...

"X-Men: Days Of Future Past" (TBC)

Director: Bryan Singer.

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, Ellen Page, James McAvoy, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry and Patrick Stewart.

Rated: TBC.

Running time: TBC.

Based upon the "Uncanny X-Men" storyline "Days of Future Past" by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, this highly anticipated adaptation sees Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen) unite and put aside past differences, to send Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) back to the past, in a desperate attempt to change history before the destruction of all mutant-kind. 


This week has already seen one clip released from "X-Men: Days Of Future Past", but seeing as it's pretty exciting, here's another one! After all, you can never have too much of "X-Men", can you? 

Featuring Magneto (Michael Fassbender), Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Professor X (James McAvoy) and Beast (Nicholas Hoult), this new clip (courtesy of 20th Century Fox) shows the sort of tension and confrontation we can expect from the multi-million dollar production, when it opens here in the UK, on the 22nd of May, 2014. Check it out below, and don't forget to tell us what you think in the comments section! 

"X-Men: Days Of Future Past" is released in UK cinemas on the 22nd of May, 2014. 

- Written by Scott Gentry.

An exclusive clip from "X-Men: Days Of Future Past" (featuring Jennifer Lawrence), is released...

"X-Men: Days Of Future Past" (TBC)

Director: Bryan Singer.

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, Ellen Page, James McAvoy, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry and Patrick Stewart.

Rated: TBC.

Running time: TBC.

Based upon the "Uncanny X-Men" storyline "Days of Future Past" by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, this highly anticipated adaptation sees Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen) unite and put aside past differences, to send Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) back to the past, in a desperate attempt to change history before the destruction of all mutant-kind. 

Courtesy of 20th Century Fox, here's a new clip featuring Jennifer Lawrence's Mystique, who enters into a little bit of trouble, when Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage) reveals his latest gadget...

"X-Men: Days Of Future Past" is released in UK cinemas on the 22nd of May, 2014. 

- Written by Scott Gentry.