Public Enemies

The story is about John Dillinger (Depp) who is being hunted by Christian Bale, an agent of the new formed FBI.

This movie promised so much, Johnny Depp, fast cars, 1930’s style and gangster action.  While the cinematography was beautiful, the story and pace of the film were surprisingly weak.  This movie did not make an impact on me as I had hoped.  Throughout the film you are willing John Dillinger to outsmart the cops, as the FBI just wreaks of bad guy tactics.  But the speed of the film never generates that build up of adrenaline that a good gangster movie should.

Definitely a snoozer.

Steph’s rating: 6/10

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

We can all agree that the first Transformers movie was something pretty special.  But lets face it, it’s always pretty tough for a sequel to beat the original (just think of Terminator, Back to the Future, Matrix).

However I was pleasantly surprised, it was as good as a sequel could be.

While the first was rated pretty highly by both guys and girls, this part 2 is most definitely for the guys and as there’s plenty of Action, Girls and CGI to boot.  We’ve already heard that Critics hate it, but stuff the critics – this if fun watching.  Enjoy.

Steph’s rating: 7.5/10

Star Trek 11

Wow, wow, wow!

J.J. Abrams has made Star Trek sexy and cool again.  This movie will not disappoint.  J.J. Abrams takes us back to the beginning and we meet the characters as young, passionate, hopeful and inexperienced.

There is a lot to like about these characters.  They’ve got the actors right, the pace is fast (no boring bits).  The CGI and the gadgets are beyond cool at ‘lust’ phase.

Even if you’ve hated the old Star Trek, you’ll love this new edition because its so fresh.  Like many of you who will go and enjoy, I’m excited and looking forward to more adventures with this young and hot cast.  The new James T Kirk, Chris Pine does the role proud and so does Zachary Quinto as Spock.  Simon Pegg adds zest as ‘Scotty’ while NZ’er Karl Urban does us proud as ‘Bones’.   This film is a big thumbs up!

Steph’s rating: 9.9/10

WATCHMEN

We Love Movies – Video recommendation of the Week:
by FranksFilms

I’m breaking my own rule – twice.

Firstly, since this is a ‘video recommendation’ segment, I shouldn’t recommending a movie that’s not yet been released on video ………..but I am. If it helps, you can think of it as a video that you have to go over to your “friend’s house” to watch. You know that friend who’s house is that big building in the center of town, with the big marquee,  and he always has lots of your neighbors over, and treats you with enormous buckets of popcorn and soda ……except that you have to pay him.

The Spirit

This was such a refreshing movie to see.  Everything from the storyline to the cinematography is unique and stylized.  I loved it!  The film managed to capture the essence of the cartoon hero and the other characters were fascinating.

The Spirit is not a ghost, but he’s not alive either.  His nemesis is the Octopus (Samuel L Jackson).  He is a very cool villain, some of his lines and costumes are fabulously quirky and hilarious.   The Spirit is also a ladies man and there are lots of lovely heroines and villains in this film.  Scarlett Johansson steals the scene in a Nazi costume (one of the film highlights).

Twilight

Watching E! News and seeing all the hype around this flick, I really wanted to see this film.

It could almost be described as a ‘vampire chick flick’.  Exciting, mesmerizing, different and fantastic is what I thought about this movie.

It has interesting characters (who are very well actor-ed), beautiful scenery (it could almost be NZ).  It however does glamorize vampires and that somewhat ‘dark side’ which doesn’t really appeal to me. I hope teenage girls don’t go ‘emo’ on us after watching it especially as  Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen), is bound to be the next pin up for years to come.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

The first fifteen minutes started really strongly.  It moved along fast and had that Hollywood epic feel similar to watching ‘Independence Day’ for the first time back in the nineties.

However, it kind of eventually turned slow and lost its way.  I really like Jennifer Connelly and she was good in this.  Keanu Reeves character was so so.  However there’s only so many ways that the plot in a an alien sci-fi movie can go, 1)  the heroes kill the aliens and save the world, 2) everyone dies, 3) umm not sure there is a third scenario.

There’s an environmental story-line that is somewhat condescending… snooze…

I love ‘the good end of the world’ style flick, but this one disappointed.  No fear, no shock value, nothing we haven’t seen before.

RocknRolla

This is one of the best movies of the year.  Its not often that a film comes along that excites and humours and well almost inspires you to a life of crime.  We’re introduced to two like-able crims ‘Mr One-Two” and “mumbles”.  They quickly get shafted by the head of the London criminal underworld and find themselves in trouble with everyone including Russian mobsters.

Guy Richie does great gangster films.  He is a great story teller, the plot moves fast and the characters portrayed are so normal you find yourself cheering them on.

Gerrard Bulter really impresses as ‘Mr One-Two’, you’ll enjoy finding out how he gets his nick-name and so does Thandie Newton as Stella the accountant.

This film is a must see.

Quantum of Solace

What were they thinking messing with the Bond formula?  It’s been successful for a reason!

The last Bond film ‘Casino Royale’ exemplified everything good about bond, charming wit, impressive gad-gits, strong sassy bond girls and amazing plot.  Quantum of Solace missed on all four counts.  Don’t get me wrong there is plenty of action scenes, but nothing new, nothing we hadn’t already seen before in the Bourne series or any other action film.

This Quantum of Solace was action without the Bond X factor that makes Bond so exciting and unique.  Yeah it was a fun movie, but I probably wouldn’t bother watching again (unlike Casino Royale which I’ve seen over 5 times).

You must go and see this flick, if only to appreciate how great the other Bond movies were!

Journey to the Center of the Earth – 3D

Like many of my generation I have not read the Jules Vern classic, so I really didn’t know anything about the plot.  Whilst this film is not a remake of that classic I refers to the classic and the adventures within it/

In 3D, this film was fantastic.  It made this film come alive, from been spat at to eaten!   It’s a real family friendly, exciting adventure, similar to early Indiana Jones or The Mummy.

Anita Briem plays Hannah the guide and for me, she was the star of this film.  She has some great witty lines and there is good chemistry between her and Brendon Fraser.

Professor Trev (Brendon Fraser) and his teenager nephew Sean travel to Iceland for clues of what’s happened to their missing brother.  Whilst climbing a mountain the get trapped in a cave which leads them to the center of the earth.

Due to the impressiveness of the 3D action and atmosphere that we were living the action I rate this film experience highly.

Steph’s rating: 8/10

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon

The first feedback I heard about this film was from a ‘Classic Hits’ radio presenter who said it ”barked like a dog”. Not an encouraging first review!

Obviously when I went along, I went with very low expectations and was actually surprised as I thought it was a bit of fun.  Having not seen the first two Mummy movies (readers will be shocked to know) I enjoyed the light-hearted action, fused with cheesy but kinda-sweet romantic storyline.  Maybe that is why this film has turned out to be a fizz-er with the blokes.  Overall I thought this was a great family film and reminiscent of the early 80s style ‘Indiana Jones’ movies.

Wanted

I wasn’t sure if I was going to bother and see this film.  I heard some good reviews from colleagues and I’m glad I did.  It wasn’t what I expected… it was better.  This film is surprisingly difficult to describe.  It has influences from The Matrix and Fight Club and its an interesting mix and even comes with the twist ending.

James McAvoy plays a guy frustrated with his job and life.  But life gets interesting when Angelina Jolie turns up transforming his world and turning him into a cold and talented assassin.

This film is over the top! but it’s good and it works.  Whilst James McAvoy is no Keanu Reeves, you follow his journey and his transformation.  There are some amazing ‘must see’ action scenes plus Angelina with ammunition is just too cool.

Great film, enjoyable watch.

Steph’s rating: 8.1/10

BATMAN – THE DARK KNIGHT

WOW…this movie really re-invigorates the Batman franchise. At a cost of $US180m, it looks like Hollywood is going to make a mint on this movie. For instance, in the first couple of weeks in the US, the movie has already grossed $US190m. Not bad!

And why are people going? Well I can think of following reasons -

(1) Batman movies are always worth going to watch;

(2) Like any Hollywood movie there has been a lot of build up, publicity and word of mouth;

(3) Many will want to see how the franchise progresses after Batman Begins;

(4) Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker. For those who remember the original Batman movie (1989), it had Jack Nicholson play the part of the Joker. At the time I can remember thinking that no-one would come close to acting in that league in an equivalent movie. Well I guess I was wrong. This performance by Ledger easily matches the earlier movie, if not exceeds it.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Let me say from the start that I really enjoyed this movie, it was superior to the first movie in virtually every aspect and most importantly captured the essence of the book really well. Director Andrew Adamson really lifted his game and should be congratulated.

The acting was of a good quality and the animated characters were more realistically portrayed this time around with Reepicheep (the sword welding mouse) a definite star. There was added comedy in places but it wasn’t overdone, and the action scenes were excellent. I particularly enjoyed the storming of the castle.

The movie received some criticism from a segment of avid readers who were annoyed that a few plot items were left out, that Peters character was a little immature, and that Aslan was hardly seen. I have read the series a few times and it did not bother me at all.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

‘Ode’ to the action genre. This franchise is renowned for quality action so expectations were high and excitement was pulsing as we headed off to the most anticipated action movie of the year. So did it live up to the expectations set by the prior trilogy? I’m not convinced.

However this is definitely a film all Indiana Jones fans need to see – and there were some fabulous and intense actions scenes, but was it better than the first three?

It’s obvious they are setting us up for more, but I have to say (this is going to shock many out there), I didn’t leave the cinema feeling fully satisfied. I felt the ending let the rest of the movie down.

Somehow it kinda lost its way… It left the path of the archaeologist and stepped over into the land of ‘too weird’ in a bad way, for an ‘Indy’ flick. Did anyone else think that?

Iron Man

Heroes aren’t Born. They’re Built. That’s the tag-line for Ironman a comic book hero from the Marvel Studio stable.

The plot revolves around wealthy inventor Robert Stark (Robert Downey Jr) who designs hi-tech leading edge weapons for the US military via his retired fathers tech company. Stark is a larger than life character with an ego just as big and has a personal assistant “Pepper” Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) who ends up being a love interest.

Stark is kidnapped by a terrorist group while demonstrating a high tech missile system and is operated on by another captive who designs a magnetic chest implant to stop shrapnel from a bullet wound he incurred from entering his heart. The terrorists want Stark to build them the new high tech missile he was demonstrating however Stark instead redesigns the chest implant into a power source and builds the first prototype of his “IRONMAN” suit. Here the Legend is born as Stark escapes in the suit mostly oblivious to bullets and other explosives.

GRINDHOUSE

We Love Movies – Cheesy video double feature of the Week:

DEATH PROOF

PLANET TERROR

Perfect memory rarely is.

The problem with memory is that the world is too full of detail. And as marvelous as the human brain is, it has a finite capacity. So, to conserve resources, it decides what is worth remembering – the rest is discarded. You know this is true – how many times, while driving, have you suddenly realized that you can’t account for the past twenty minutes? Were you not paying attention? Of course you were, but nothing happened of any importance, so why waste brain bytes? You usually do store a certain amount of detail – but with time, keeping it needs to be weighed against cleaning up the clutter and making space for new memories.

People my age remember the sixties as though it were the Golden Age. They remember the great music and the revolution (everything was a revolution in the 60’s), the Cultural Revolution, the political revolution, the sexual revolution, the civil rights revolution, and the lesser known squid revolution (people started eating more squid for some reason). They remember the excitement of big things happening and especially the music. Ask anybody around at that time and they’ll tell you the same thing, “The music was the best, and things – man, things really seemed to matter. Not like today.” Was it really that great?

No.

But the emery cloth of time sands down the structure of memory until you get a little polished marble that represents just the thing you’ve decided was important to remember, the essential concept. Details like The Cold War, the filth, the bad drugs, the gender gap, the generation gap, the bad music, clashes with the police over civil rights and the war, the “real” war in Viet Nam – these are just sawdust that end up on the workshop floor. Does that mean memory becomes less perfect with time? No, just the opposite. Memory becomes more perfect with time because it becomes more focused ……polished ……..shinier.

3:10 to Yuma

I finally get the appeal of westerns! This movie worked.

Russell Crowe is magnificent as gang leader and robber Ben Wade. His messy good looks and squinty eyes are incredibly charming even for such a Bible quoting killer as he. Christian Bale plays the honourable farmer who brings him to justice in order to save his own family.

The Good:

Everything about this film is excellent. From the plot to the acting, to the scenery. An amazing modern western to say the least. The dialog was interesting and witty. Thankfully, it had amazing gun fight scenes without been too violent. It also didn’t really have any boring bits.

Vantage Point

This movie is a thriller, simply summarised as 8 different views of an assassination attempt on the US president at an anti-terrorism summit in Spain. But it is not as simple as that. There are different points of view which are cleverly interwoven to help the viewer see the connections between all the characters.

Without giving too much of the plot away, the story unfolds with some unexpected twists and turns along the way which keeps the viewer intrigued.

THE HOST

We Love Movies -Video recommendation of the Week:

Ode to the monster movie:

I just saw an outstanding monster movie recently called Cloverfield. It wasn’t like Frankenstein or Godzilla or any of the others I can remember from my childhood, and it will very likely change the nature of monster movies to come – a new benchmark – and when it comes out on video in a few months, I’ll have more to say about it then. But in the meantime, it reminded me of another great monster film I’d seen recently – this week’s movie, THE HOST.

10,000 B.C

In prehistoric times, a young man becomes a warrior to save his women and tribes people.

The Good:

By the second half I found myself involved in the story. I loved the beauty of the tribes people and their costumes. The scenery was extraordinary – breathtaking at times. I enjoyed the scenes in ‘Egypt’ with the Mammoths and the pyramids most.

The Bad:

The CGI was very average along with the action scenes. Nothing that really impressed. I found the first hour really cheesy and boring. After seeing ‘No Country for Old Men’ the previous weekend – no movie was going to measure up. Unfortunately it made this below average flick even WORSE….

Jumper

David Rice (Christensen) discovers he can teleport (Jump) himself anywhere. He uses his gift to live a global and indulgent lifestyle until he finds him himself being hunted by those who are determined to kill them.

The Good:

I love the idea of being able to transport yourself anywhere, anytime. This movie concept is pure escapism. The action scenes, especially the car and fight scenes are quite cool. I really enjoyed the Rome and other ‘geographical’ location shots.

I Am Legend

An exciting, apocalyptic style movie.

Will Smith is perfect for the sole survivor, scientist, hero. You quickly are immersed in the story and then at the edge of your seat. Dog ‘Sam’ also soon becomes a loved central character of the film.

It was brilliant how they made New York into a desolate wasteland.

Scary, yet brilliant. Must see for 2008.

Steph’s rating: 7/10

National Treasure – Book of Secrets

A good watch.

Light entertainment with a few laughs.

Its a good old fashioned action/ adventure. Nicholas Cage’s sidekick ‘Riley’ gives most of the laughs.

Steph’s review: 7/10

Beowulf

Wayne’s rating: 6.5

The warrior Beowulf must fight and defeat the monster Grendel who is terrorizing towns, and later, Grendel’s mother, who begins killing out of revenge. (IMDB)

I really liked it but not enough to rave about it. The animation was good for the style of movie it was. It allowed an extra level of graphic violence that made you laugh.

Rush Hour 3

You go knowing what you’re going get, no great expectations but an easy laugh.

Plenty of funny one liners along the same lines as 1 & 2. Good Friday night ‘ wind down’ movie. The acting is pretty average but you go to see Jackie Chan do his thing and its always good.

Steph’s rating: 7/10

The Bourne Ultimatum

I really enjoyed this film. It stayed true to the gritty, spy, thriller from Robert Ludlum. The first fifteen minutes was pretty dull, but then it was all action. The car chasers were amazing. Fav scenes included Jason Bourne driving off a building. It was all very suspensefull and very enjoyable.

There’s lots of character development, we learn Bourne’s past and his true identity.

The polictical intrigue in this film is fabulous, but I doubt the CIA or any govt is that clever with its tracking technology. But makes a great movie.

Steph’s rating: 9/10

Die Hard 4.0

This movie is a must see…

Fast action, great humour, Bruce Willis at his finest. What more can you say! The special effects and action scenes were awesome. I especially loved the fight scene with the asian girl – full on! The tunnel scene and the fighter jet and truck sequence were also highlights.

It was everything you’d hope from a Bruce Willis movie.

Steph’s rating: 8/10

Transformers (Still the best film of 2007)

For me this was easily the best film of the year!

I absolutely loved everything about it. It had flashes of Terminator, Gremlins, Herbie, ET and it was awesome!

Definitely a surprise hit. It took me back to the first time I saw Star Wars, it had that fresh, ‘awe inspiring’ feel about it. It just shows what genius’s Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg are that you can be so engrossed in alien robots. Everything about it was clever, funny and so cool…..

I loved it and cannot recommend it more. This movie is in a league of its own – classic action film, and I’m sad to say it – it well surpassed Pirates of the Caribbean 3!!

Steph’s rating: 10/10

Fantastic 4 – Rise of the Silver Surfer

Spiderman 3 and last years Superman were so disappointing, so I was slightly apprehensive about seeing this film.

However this movie definitely stood out amongst it’s genre. It was witty and had all the gadgets and action that you would expect. Some critics have been quite tough on Jessica Alba’s acting, but I thought she was great and I enjoyed her performance.

I wouldn’t put this film into the X-men category, but I really enjoyed the light, entertainment that this film offered. Very pleasantly surprised.
Steph’s rating: 7/10

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

Despite much anticipation and fanfare in waiting to see this film, it did not disappoint. This movie had everything I had hoped for, laughs, drama and relentless action.

I thought the 2nd installment Dead Man’s Chest more than equalled the original and this third feature, whilst being a little lighter in content was just as satisfying. Although it is a bit slow at times (2hrs 50min! yikes) it hardly lets up and continuously provides action and witty laughs. There are some great lines by Jack Sparrow (which I tried to remember – but there were so many – I forgot) and the same fun characters (Keira Knightley – becomes the Pirate King!) definitely an inventive and fun story, and some brilliantly staged action sequences. I loved the wedding ceremony during the fight scene – very funny. Although the rolling wheel scene from movie 2 still probably rates as my favourite laugh sequence in the trilogy.

Keith Richards (Rolling Stones) has a small cameo. But what makes his performance funny is not his part or his average acting, but the thought that maybe he just woke up and turned up on set (no makeup used here).

In summation: You must SEE IT! and see it on the big screen!

Steph’s rating: 9/10

Spiderman 3

Spiderman goes bad… not just the character, but the movie too!?

What can I say, It was OK (and that’s being very generous). It had its moments that it felt sweet and I really do like the MJ and Peter Parker storyline, but mostly it felt like it was a made for TV movie… cheesy, not much decent action and very ‘overacted’.

But hey, its spiderman.. I wasn’t expecting that much! The audience (in the session we joined at St Lukes) were quite rowdy. Consequently the ’sentimental’ aspects of the movie were completely transformed into mocking, fits of laughter. It was obvious that this movies message was geared to an audience of 10 years of age or younger.

Unfortunately this 3rd episode of Spidey no longer impresses, it was just OK.
Steph’s rating: 5/10

Shooter

Our ‘movie going’ has been in a drought for some weeks, so I think I enjoyed this movie more than I should or what the movie is really worth.

It’s a basic action formula flick, however I like Mark Wahlberg as an actor generally (loved him in ‘The Italian Job’). Whilst the plot is predictable and nothing out the ordinary; the movie flows well, even with a hint of romance for us ladies.

As far as action films go, I liked this one. However, if I compare it to ‘Blood Diamonds’ or ‘King of Scotland’, I’m afraid it doesn’t quite measure up. Good movie just to enjoy and not think to hard about.

Steph’s rating: 5/10

Apocalypto

A Mel Gibson shocker

Honestly I can’t think of anything positive about this movie, I was extremely disappointed. I expected a lot of bloodshed and gore and it certainly provided that unfortunately that was it, the plot is extremely ordinary, the acting weak, the directing appalling.

In summary we have a Mayan village that is happily going about it’s village life, an attempt is made to add the “spiritual” quality of wisdom and shared nature “nice people” etc. Unfortunately the Mayan Kingdom is in the throes of decline and are offering blood sacrifices daily to the gods, we see a group of Hunters that are raiding villages taking the men for sacrifices, and the woman as slaves.

So our village is raided, the elders son manages to drop his pregnant wife and son down an empty well, tries to save the village and is captured. He struggles with the head hunters son almost killing him before being overpowered so the plot is set for their mini battle throughout the movie. In revenge the marauders son kills the leads father when he notices the relationship.

Time is spent getting them to the Mayan capital (slow / boring) where they are eventually sacrificed one by one, when it’s the leads turn there is an eclipse of the sun and suddenly the head spiritual loon decrees sacrifices are over. The hunters try some sport with the slaves but our hero escapes against odds and they then pursue him as he heads back home to save his wife before the rains start and she drowns. Earlier in the plot a young girl pronounced a prophecy and we now see this enacted out to our hunters, crap, crap, crap

Of course he/nature/fate kills them one by one, violent deaths, etc, gets back as rain is falling, she gives birth in the well, he somehow rescues her as she is about to drown, water to her neck balancing on a rock, down a deep well, with a newborn baby and young son…..??? Then the movie ends as they head into the forest to restart life.

Anyhow you get the picture, the sacrifices were graphic if thats your thing (Hearts being pulled out, heads rolling down the side of the temple, crowds baying, graphic deaths, then you may enjoy the movie. I need something special to make that worth watching.

Seriously don’t even bother.

Wayne’s rating: 2/10

Casino Royale

Really loved this new James Bond movie…. so much so, Wayne and I took in two screenings this week firstly with Daniel & Julie, then with Richard & Mel.

I really liked that Daniel Craig represented a ‘rugged’, almost vulnerable, action hero. A definite improvement on the smooth, unrealistic, previous Bond portrayals. The action sequences were continuous and Eva Green stood out as the ’smart’ but very cool Bond girl. Favourite scenes included Bond and Vesper meeting on the train and the very witty dialogue. This movie had everything, amazing action sequences, grit, humour, romance – perfect!

I would not have considered myself a Bond fan previously, but if any of the future installments are like this one, I’ll be coming back for more. Martini anyone?

Steph’s rating: 8 /10

The Guardian

A very predicable, military, coastguard story. There were so surprises through out the 2 hours, so it made for a pretty average film. I was really looking forward to some heroic, action sequences but unfortunately you could guess it before it happened.

I liked Kevin Costner in this film, but Ashton Kutcher was pretty flat. The highlight for me was the scene in which coastguard teacher Kevin Costner (KC), shows the class ‘the levels of hypothermia’. But unfortunately a line from the scene in which (a barmaid having drinks with KC) sums up this film nicely ‘ your wife has divorced you, your best mate is dead, if you had a dog he’d be dead by now too…’

Steph’s Rating: 4 /10

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

So much to love about this movie.

The cast are the very best… heaps of action and comedy. The beach scene was especially funny and the wheel scene – fabulous!

But why do they have to make it so scary! I didn’t like all those pirates who had coral and worms coming out their bodies…yuck.

But definately one of the best movies of 2006 so far.

Pirates 2 Movie Link

Steph’s rating: 9/10

Superman Returns

I was so hopeful about this movie.

I love Kate Bothsworth (and her wardrobe), but this movie was too slow for me.

Maybe I’m just over the whole Superman thing – or maybe I’m expecting to much from directors who recycle the old tried and true thing … just for another buck…

Mission Impossible 3

I think I had way to much Tom Cruise exposure to really enjoy this movie.

A highlight for me was was knowing that Felicity star Keri Russell was in this movie. I couldn’t believe they killed her off in the first 5min!

The love story between Tom and his wife (very beautiful Michelle Monaghan) was way too over done, (and this is coming from me – who loves a good chick flick!). But this was way too much and too similar to Katie Holmes.

Steph’s Rating: 4/10 – The Cruise overexposure ruined it for me. Will sit down and watch again in 6-12 months to see if I enjoy it more then.

Poseidon

Great disaster movie.

While ringing in the new year aboard the cruise ship Poseidon, a giant wave crashes into the ship and flips it upside down. A group of survivors make their way to the deepest bowels of the ship, then to the top to escape.