(Michael) Man(n), This Is A Great Action Film!!! // Collateral Review

Plot Synopsis:

A cab driver (Jamie Foxx) finds himself the hostage of an engaging contract killer (Tom Cruise) as he makes his rounds from hit to hit during one night in Los Angeles. He must find a way to save both himself and one last victim.
Also starring Jada Pinkett Smith and Mark Ruffolo.

Directed by Michael Mann, written by Stuart Beattie.

Official Trailer:

Full Review:

After the atrocities of The Art Of The Steal, which was my last feature film review (read it HERE), I bring to you Collateral in all of it’s guns-blazing glory. And to be fully honest, this may come as a surprise but, this is actually one of my favourite action films of all time. Why? Read the bloody review! But essentially, I love it because of it’s simplicity, meaningful characters, and unforgettable bad-ass action sequences! Allow me to elaborate on all of these points:

Just to clarify, the reason why I thought the fact that Collateral is my favourite action flick may be surprising is because, in my opinion, it’s quite underrated! You hardly see it among many Top 10 lists and it’s not lauded as a modern cinematic masterpiece either. Granted it isn’t a masterpiece, but I believe that it’s so damn good it has become incredibly hard for me to ignore ever since my first viewing. And since then, I’ve re-watched the holy bajeezus out of this and I’m ready to give you my thoughts in full!

First off, this is exactly how action should be filmed. You won’t see any stupid shaky cam, where it’s so vigorous you can’t even make out any details in the scene. Instead, director Michael Mann (Heat, The Insider) treats you with clear, crisp action that’s intense and fast paced, which successfully grips you tightly and shows no signs of letting go. And better yet, it is astoundingly brutal and feels real. Unlike Rambo or Terminator 2: Judgement Day, the set pieces aren’t over the top nor are they specifically designed to boost your testosterone. Each sequence serves to lure us to the extreme edges of our seats as well as enhancing character development and progressing the tricky predicament they find themselves in.

Whilst I’m on the topic of characters, the ones in Collateral are fully fleshed out and are actually interesting! Throughout the film, you are intrigued by Tom Cruise’s (Top Gun, Jerry Maguire) character Vincent & his elusive background, and you feel incredibly sympathetic towards Max who is played by Jamie Foxx (Ray, Django Unchained). Both characters are played extraordinarily by their respective actors as you’d expect from these two mighty fine gentlemen. In fact, the acting was so good, The Academy even offered Foxx an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his sublime performance!

And I have to say that I was shocked that Cruise didn’t get the same treatment since this is genuinely the best performance of his career. End of.. He’s not just a set of cheekbones in this film; he’s meticulous, commanding, and is absolutely hellbent throughout. For someone who doesn’t usually play this kind of role, Cruise is in complete control from start to finish. You could even call it ‘Cruise Control’!!! No? Let’s move on…

From directing to acting, let’s talk about the writing. Stuart Beattie (Pirates Of The Caribbean, G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra) writes a terrific screenplay despite not having the best of track records. The dialogue is engaging when the film switches from bullets upon bullets to serious drama that, although allows you to breathe between action scenes, reels you even more through further character development. And as I said at the beginning of the review, this is a film that’s very simple in concept and in execution. A killer is escorted around town by a taxi driver being held hostage. Done! That’s all you need to know about the plot. There isn’t a ton of sub-plots or hidden meanings you need to worry about, therefore your overall experience is a lot more engrossing. And of course, as mentioned previously, the characters are written with such depth it really adds a lot more substance to an otherwise generic plot.

Speaking of generic, that’s probably my only complaint. At times, the story seems a bit reciprocal in how it all unfolds. Particularly the third act, the film will feel reminiscent of other similar (but not as fascinating) action films. But nevertheless, I wasn’t bothered by this the first time round simply because I was so invested in the film I didn’t think much of it. You know you’ve got a good film when you can make an audience member shut up and forget about any evident problems purely through what’s being shown on screen! Despite seeming familiar, it’s execution is fierce and unlike anything you’ve seen beforehand.

Collateral is not only a tense thrill ride, it’s an intriguing story that revolves around people. Wait… a film that focuses on characters?! Preposterous! That’s uncommon amongst most action films! Trust me mate, that’s a plus point about this film; not so much for Hollywood! This is an atmospheric noir sensation that is as exciting as it is compelling. It has somewhat undeservedly flown under the radar over the years, so don’t let it shoot past you if you haven’t seen it already.

Fergie’s Final Fifteen:

Visceral and thrilling action, with engaging drama and intriguing characters. An under-rated tour de force.

Rating:

A

Guys, if you’d be so kind, I need you to share this review to your friends, family, neighbours, strangers, pets, sex slaves, ex girlfriend’s mother, and many more people! We need to bring this film back into popularity and make it worth talking about!!! Sure, it seems unlikely given the fact that this is, as of yet(!), a small scale blog but we need determination and dedication. And besides, sharing this for the sake of it would be helpful too; it would make my day!

Oh, and one more thing. I’m not sorry for the pun in the title. If anything, I’m very proud of it!

 

Captain America Review // The Winter Soldier is Blisteringly Hot!!

Plot Synopsis:

Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and battles a new threat from old history: the Soviet agent known as the Winter Soldier.

Official Trailer:

Full Review:

Before we begin, can I just rant about annoying movie goers(!). As I was watching this film in the cinema, there was a young kid (about eight years old) sat with his mother in a couple of rows in front of me. Not so bad, right? Hell no! This demon child talked aloud throughout the entire movie, practically shouting about how that explosion was cool amongst other irrelevant topics of discussion the rest of the audience had to endure through as we tried to enjoy this two and a half hour action fest. My friend quietly laughed it off whereas I was reaching boiling point. I just couldn’t stand it. I don’t mean to sound harsh or anything but … I really wanted to smack the kid around the head!! It’s amazing how many people still don’t know that a cinema is NOT a place for conversation. So remember kids, when in the cinema, you need to shut the f*ck up!!

* Relieved sigh * Now that I’ve got that off my chest, we can now review the film everyone is talking about at the minute. Of course, it is the latest movie featuring the shield wielding personification of American patriotism. I am obviously referring to fan favourite Captain America and his alter ego Steve Rodgers, who make a return in this stupendous action sequel that is chock full with explosive eye candy that’s laced with a surprisingly intriguing premise.

Wait!! Hang on! I need to clear something up. This isn’t a film to be taken 100% seriously. Like all Marvel films, The Winter Soldier has a lot of cheesy jokes and quips as well as a few absurd and somewhat cliché moments. But that is part of all the fun!! These films are meant to stimulate and entertain, and this is no exception. So to give a fair verdict, I switched off my brain and didn’t look too deep into what the film meant. Instead, I engulfed on my popcorn and watched it like everyone else and I urge you to do the same.

So exactly how entertaining did I find this then? Well let’s just say I felt like a kid at a mega magic show. I was drooling with wonder and left wanting more. Thanks to the riveting action, you are hooked as soon as the film starts and from that point on, it is such a high octane thrill ride all the way to its spectacular finale that genuinely had me on the edge of my seat. How cliché, I know!. But the action wouldn’t be as invigorating as it was if it weren’t for the Russo Brother’s directing, who somehow managed to use shaky cam effectively and quite clearly knew how to frame each and every scene effectively. So big props to those guys, especially considering this was their first big budget action film.

And even though I said how turning off your inner critic would help you enjoy the film more, I have to say the plot was fairly sophisticated and well thought out for a silly superhero movie. Utilising themes of espionage, conspiracy and corruption, it really helped the film maintain substance throughout the abundance of fiery destruction goodness. And it gave someone like me, who mainly watches films for developed and engrossing stories, something to sink my teeth into. And amazingly, there was a few sombre moments (which I won’t spoil!) that gave the film some dramatic depth and really elevated the film to new heights.

Before we CAP off the review (see what I did there?! It was so fu … never-mind), I would like to say what I didn’t particularly like. These issues are by no means colossal flaws but yet are still noticeable. As I’ve mentioned already, there are moments which are cliché and down right stupid and some of which I just couldn’t ignore. Unfortunately, my enjoyment was very slightly diluted as I realised I had rolled my eyes during these specific points of the movie. If you have a higher tolerance for cinema that’s as cheesy as a guy that’s obsessed with awful puns, then you won’t be as bothered as I was. But then again, what did I expect from a Marvel movie?!

Another thing I wasn’t too fond of was a certain storyline/scene which, if I talk about it, will be classified as a spoiler so I will save it until the very end of the review under the heading ‘SPOILERIFIC!‘, so if you haven’t seen the film yet then DO NOT read all the way to the bottom of this article. Enjoy the film first and then come back to the site and read what I had to say. Please do so, since it helps my site statistics!!

The Winter Soldier was a tremendously amusing and incredibly delightful film that is absorbing in its entertainment value and compelling in its story. This movie has done something which the other stand alone Marvel films have yet to achieve; focus solely on the fun factor. This was the reason why The Avengers worked so well and the Russo Brothers understood that perfectly, and in the process churned out a fantastic action movie that is enlightening in every aspect. And I for one cannot wait to see what they do for the next Captain America instalment in 2016!!

Fergie’s Final Fifteen:

Gripping, exciting, awesome. A superhero movie of epic proportions. A true marvel from Marvel studios!

Rating:

A

Out of all the films you can watch at the cinema at this very minute, this appears to be the best option. For all the reasons stated above, The Winter Soldier is a must see and you will leave the cinema with a massive smile on your face guaranteed … As long as there isn’t a inconsiderate bratty child in the cinema with you!!

SPOILERIFIC!!!

Alright guys! We’re getting nitty and gritty into spoiler territory so if you haven’t seen the film, I’m giving you one more chance to leave and rush down to your local cinema to see it. You’ve been warned.

As I mentioned earlier, there was a particular scene in the film which bothered me and that was the computer scene featuring a A.I version of Arnim Zola from The First Avenger. There are a couple of reasons why this scene kind of fell flat for me; one of them being the absurd irony of watching the trailer for the upcoming Wally Pfister feature Transcendence, which focuses on the same concept of Zola’s resurrection, beforehand. Not done on purpose, I’m sure, but I found it funny nevertheless!

But the other reason why I didn’t like this scene was because of the hefty amount of exposition that drained my enjoyment away like liposuction, thankfully only throughout the length of the scene. This is a problem that all films which deal with a large amount of mystery in their plot suffer from (one of the biggest culprits, in my opinion, being French murder mystery Tell No One) but nonetheless, it seemed to be thrown in the film just to tie up all loose ends between The First Avenger and this unbelievable sequel. Fortunately, the rest of the film shoots back into action and my brain was left paralysed for a further hour.

So that’s why my grade isn’t significantly low but also why it hasn’t achieved the top grade of A+. I still loved the film and I hope you did too!

 

Sunshine // Shining Spectacle or Dim Lit Disappointment?

Plot Synopsis:

50 years into the future, the Sun begins to die, and Earth is dying as a result. A team of astronauts are sent to revive the Sun – but the mission fails. Seven years later, a new team are sent to finish the mission as they are Earth’s last hope. Starring Cillian Murphy, Rose Bryne, and Chris Evans.

Official Trailer:

Full Review:

Following last week’s review of The Dark Knight, which I considered to be a perfect film (find out why here), I thought I would review Sunshine. Why? Because Sunshine should’ve been perfect but ultimately it wasn’t. So how can a film from living legend Danny Boyle, director of Trainspotting and 28 Days Later, be anything less than expected? The answer to that question rests in this article.

Don’t get me wrong, this is a GREAT film. And I mean a REALLY great film. I’ve seen a lot of Sci-Fi films over the years and this is one of the most thrilling and nail biting films I’ve seen in this genre. So what’s the problem? Well first, let’s start with the positives because there is plenty of good points to talk about!

With Danny Boyle behind the camera, of course this is going to be a good looking movie. In fact, the film looks fantastic! The direction is very crisp and concise and every scene has such a strong sense of emotion. It is an incredibly intense experience too, so make sure you don’t have any Red Bull before you watch this film! Sunshine oozes with incredibly powerful scenes that will stick with you long after the end credits have stopped rolling.

I also feel that this is a film worth analysing and studying. There are many films out there which are replayed over and over again in many film schools such as Citizen Kane and Casablanca, with students picking apart every detail trying to decipher what the significant purpose of a character’s actions are. This is one of those films. I’ve seen many online film lovers debate over the philosophical meanings of certain scenes in Sunshine, and that’s for a good reason. Because there’s a lot of unanswered questions which delve into the psychology of each character, particularly Cillian Murphy’s character, as well as larger than life questions about the mysteries of the universe and the human race. I will leave you guys to make up your own mind about the film’s hidden meanings when you see it!

Speaking of Cillian Murphy, he gives a really good performance as Robert Capa. Not the famous war photographer but instead the spacecraft’s go-to physicist. He gives a really enigmatic, cold to the core style of performance, unflinching about the possibility of dying in an attempt to save mankind. How nice of him, eh?! Chris Evans’s Mace is the hot headed leader of the crew who is played with vigorous amounts of energy and his emotional instability is a perfect contrast to Cillian Murphy’s cool-as-a-cucumber character.

And the special effects are, if you excuse the very obvious pun, out of this world! Achieved with a budget of £20 million (roughly $35 million), the visuals are simply stunning and put many Hollywood films to shame. Just look at the trailer if you don’t believe me! And yes, the trailer has the absurdly overused music from Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem For A Dream playing in the background but don’t let that influence your opinion of the score heard in the movie. John Murphy’s score is filled with such raw emotion from beginning to end and this film wouldn’t be as intense and dramatic as it is without this glorious soundtrack. I immediately bought it on iTunes after I first saw this!

Now for the big question, what’s the problem? For what sounds like one of the best sci-fi films to be released in the past decade, I must be mad to say otherwise. But to my dismay, there is one major flaw that stops me from wholeheartedly loving this film and I believe some of those who have seen this film may already know what I’m eluding to. And that is a certain plot point involving a certain someone at a certain point in the film. Since I don’t want to spoil this film for anyone, I won’t say too much because it is a major revelation which I want you guys to experience for the first time.

But I will say that it is a pointless revelation. I personally felt it wasn’t necessary in the slightest; only put in to elevate the already sky high intensity near the end of the film. There was no need for this element of the storyline to be introduced as the film was already doing fantastic without it. And to be honest, it kind of annoyed me when I first saw the film since up until the revelation was made, Sunshine shot its way into my favourite films of all time. But unfortunately, it was at that point it fell from grace. And I absolutely hated the fact that it did. It left a third degree burn to my movie loving heart, which has since been treated by recent Sci-Fi epics such as Inception and Gravity. Damn you Mr. Boyle!

Overall, this is a thrilling, spectacular Science Fiction film illuminated by nerve shredding intensity and truly tear jerking scenes. But alas, the nonessential side story has scorched my final verdict and that really p*sses me off!

Fergie’s Final Fifteen:

A mesmerising Sci-Fi of intergalactic proportions. But went one step too far. Still highly recommended.

Rating:

B+

This could’ve been a straight up A+ but I was so irritated by the “you know what”, it has subsequently brought down my mark. I still urge you to see this, but you have been warned!

 

My First Review! // The Dark Knight

Plot Synopsis:

In this sequel to the critically acclaimed Batman Begins, Batman/Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker (Heath Ledger). Also starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman.

Official Trailer:

Full Review:

Before I begin this review, I would like to explain why I chose to look at The Dark Knight for the blog’s first ever review. The reason is that this will be one of the easiest films for me to review. Why? Because there’s nothing to pick apart. NOTHING!. This is genuinely one of the few perfect films in the history of cinema. WHOA! “That’s a really bold statement” I hear most of you cry. I understand it’s something that can twist several knots in a lot of people’s panties, but I stand by it completely and I’m here to back up why I think it cannot be improved upon.

Directed by Christopher Nolan (Memento, Inception), The Dark Knight is yet another Batman film. This was the seventh Batman movie to be released in the uber-successful franchise and the second of which to feature The Joker as the villain. Oscar winning actor Jack Nicholson (The Shining, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest) played the clown prince of crime originally in the Tim Burton gothic flick simply titled Batman, released in 1989. So what exactly does The Dark Knight have to offer? A superhero story which pushes all the boundaries and completely obliterates the mould of modern comic book movies. It’s also completely different to the atrocious (but hilarious) Batman And Robin, which is definitely a plus!

The first major strength of this film is the script. My god, this is exactly how a script should be written! The story is woven together so well, it flows like the beverage you bought in the foyer being slurped up by the straw. And every line of dialogue spoken just feels so right. Every word has a purpose; not one fragment of the script is wasted on anything we know already; something so many screenplays suffer from. Speaking of the dialogue (Ha! Get it?! Speaking? Dialogue! … never-mind), this screenplay is responsible for some truly memorable quotes which I always try to slip into conversation, including the infamous question posed by Ledger’s character “Why So Serious?”. Each letter that drips out of the character’s mouths is pure movie gold.

The acting is great all around as well, as you expect from such a top notch cast. Christian Bale really gives depth to the character of Bruce Wayne; pulling off the egotistical side of him in a sublime manner and the broken, damaged side of him in such a way that you can relate to a billionaire who dresses up as a giant bat at night. It takes a really good movie in order to pull that off! And I know some of you hate the fact that Batman sounds like he has throat cancer, but personally I don’t mind it. It’s there for a reason; to scare the seedy underbelly of Gotham to their core, and it works.

Gary Oldman plays Batman’s trusty partner in crime Lieutenant Gordon. Well, he’s Batman’s crime partner only in this movie since Robin is not included! As you expect from Oldman, a quality performance helps the audience sympathise with his character as he tries to correct the corrupt legal system and end the high octane mayhem. Aaron Eckhart also gives a good performance as you watch his character struggle to cope with the madness inflicted upon him and those he holds dearest.

But of course, this wouldn’t be a complete review if I didn’t talk about a certain actor’s iconic performance. Heath Ledger’s Joker. What else do you want me to say about this magnificent performance?! Seriously, there isn’t much I can add to the large amount of praise for Ledger’s oscar winning performance. But I will say that I’m a HUGE Batman fan and I can safely claim that the Joker that’s portrayed in this film is the perfect Joker. You don’t know his background, his real name is unknown and he doesn’t have any motives. As Michael Caine’s Alfred puts it, he is someone “who just wants to watch the world burn” His chilling chuckle sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it.

The Dark Knight has set a new precedent for all films being released nowadays. Not many films can sell an idea that’s as ridiculous as a vigilante dressed as a bat. And many films still can’t pull off the same realism inherent in this film. It’s completely in it’s own league and has yet to be matched. This is a truly immersive experience which I can very happily watch over and over again. Plus, it looks stunning on Blu-ray!

Fergie’s Final Fifteen:

Simply brilliant on every level. A true masterpiece of cinema. This is a MUST see!!

Rating:

A+

What else did you expect?!