Sorry the posting is a bit slow at the moment. What with holidays and other stuff, it’s been hard to find time to update the site! D however has been out watching this Summer’s blockbusters, and has sent in this review roundup of the 2010 summer film releases! – Dave

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Predators

Predators

If it wasn’t for the cinema release and certain cast members this could easily be a B-Movie rip-off  the classic sci-fi movie! Lines are actually taken from other movies, the musical score is the same as the original too.

I’m a massive Predator fan, got a signed oil painting of one hanging on my wall and a replica Classic and Wolf Predator helmet on display, so when another movie was announced I was clearly excited. But, sat in the cinema I watched as poorly written and bland cinematography destroyed my excitement.

The premise of the movie is a rogue cast of the predator species abduct the most dangerous creatures from planets, dump them on a jungle planet and proceeds to hunt them. Though there is actually very little hunting done in the movie!

The characters are unlikeable and as the movie progresses you find yourself not caring if they will die, but more wishing that they will sooner rather than later.

Apart from one fight between a Predator dubbed “Falconer” and a sword using prey the whole film was a bitter disappointment.

4/10

The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid

It seems the current fad in Hollywood is to remake classic movies, so there is little shock when one of the most popular movies of the 80s was being re-filmed.  Though, this is really not a remake, in fact its international title was “Kung-Fu Kid” as there is no Karate in this movie at all, and the story is not similar to the original in as many ways as you would expect.

The film focuses around 12 year old Dre (Jaden Smith), who was been torn from this home in Detroit and relocated to China with his Mother.  Unable to fit in and repeatedly bullied by local children (which at times he deserves) he befriends the Janitor for this apartment building, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan).  After a small fight and a disagreement with a Kung Fu School teacher Mr. Han agrees to train Dre to compete in a tournament to earn respect.  Basically that is how much this movie draws from the original, as its far more grounded in cinematic visuals of China as he trains and what I consider poor acting by Dre.

The tournament at the end that the whole movie is driven towards ends with what I can only describe as a stupid piece of wire-work and really lowers the tone of the movie to ridiculous levels.

This is really a brain-off and popcorn stuffed in face movie, you don’t need your brain for this one, and if did attempt to analysis it, well then you’d regret spending almost two and a half hours watching it..

4/10

The A-Team

The A-Team

Like many, I grew up with the over the top, no-one dies A-Team on television, and was really looking forward to seeing the big budget Hollywood take on the 80s classic.  The casting is rather well done, with one exception of B.A., but I really don’t know how they could replace Mr. T anyway!

Story-wise I was a little disappointed, the movie briefly touches on how the team was originally formed and then proceeds to show them fighting against everything and everyone around them really.  Action scenes are ridiculous even for movie terms, but amusing at same time.  I found myself actually drawings comparisons to the recently released “The Losers”, which actually has a very similar story, but in fact more entertaining to watch.

This movie had a few saving graces, Sharlto Copley of “District 9” fame (which by the way is in my Top 5 movies of all time) is incredible and really is an upcoming star to watch.  Also Jessica Biel is stunning in the movie and it’s hard to notice anything else happening on the screen when she is there!

Not a terrible film, but certainly does not live up to its name-sake.

6/10

Shrek Forever After 3D

Shrek Forever After 3D

The big green ogre is back, along with Donkey and Puss.  This the fourth and final instalment of the franchise is presented in both 3D and 2D, but apart for a little depth on the screen there is no major difference.

This movies story revolves around an alternate universe, one were Shrek never saved Fiona and the repercussions of that.  A clever idea but ultimately pointless and adds nothing to the Shrek universe in the end.

The animation is great, characters funny and interesting as always and the whole movie is an enjoyable watch.  This instalment does not beat the second movie, but it certainly competes with the first and is better than the third which is an achievement as sequels go.

6/10

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3

After more than a decade since the last one, Toy Story 3 hits our screens again, and this time joins the band wagon that is 3D.  The movie is in fact set 10 years after the last, and Andy is all grown-up and getting ready to move to college, but what does that mean for Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang, well what is left of the gang…

Pixar never fails when it comes to how beautiful their animations are, and this is no exception, its stunning.  The 3D though adds depth to the visuals really isn’t necessary and won’t really be missed once the movie comes out to watch at home.

The story is very well written, and I honestly believe this movie is not intended for children, but more so for the children who grew up with the first 2 movies and are now teenagers and young adults respectively.

Rumour is this is the last Toy Story movie and even though that is a sad prospect the movie really does complete the story with a wonderful ending, even if a little sad.

This is a movie for all ages, but do take the time to see the first 2 movies before this one if you haven’t yet already.

9/10

Inception

Inception

I must admit, I went to see this movie with a little anticipation.  The adverts were intriguing without actually explaining what the hell the movie was even about.  From the first five minutes you are hooked, and fully immersed in an amazing world.

The basic idea is it is possible to invade someone’s dreams, and as such influence them and steal their secrets.  Obviously the movie takes several fantastic plot twists along the way and keeps the audience in awe.

This is the MUST SEE movie of the cinema in my opinion up to now, incredible writing, acting, directing and stunning visuals make it a true masterpiece.

I won’t reveal any plot twists, but I’m sure you will like everyone else who has seen this movie will gasp at the last few seconds and want more.

10/10

Armored - On Blu-ray™ and DVD on May 31

Armored follows the story of Ty Hackett (Columbus Short – The Losers, Whiteout), an ex-Iraqi war vet trying to make a ends meet working as an armored van security guard, whilst also looking after his somewhat delinquent younger brother. His van crew consists of his godfather Mike Cochrone (Matt Dillon), Mike’s gun happy brother-in-law Baines (Laurence Fishburne), Quinn (Jean Reno), ex-con Palmer (Amaury Nolasco), and Dobbs (Skeet Ulrich).

Faced with the prospect of losing his house to the bank, and his brother to foster care, Hackett agrees to his godfather plan for him and the rest of the crew to fake a heist on their vehicle,  ripping off $42 million. Cochrone promises Hackett that since there are no actual ‘bad guys’, there’s no issues with anyone getting hurt, just the bank being out of pocket… But as in any good heist movie, things don’t really go according to plan…

The actions starts off pretty slow, with some incredibly clunky ‘basil exposition’ set ups, but once things start to go wrong for the crew, director Nimród Antal (soon to be bringing us ‘Predators’) kicks things up a few gears, and it turns into a far more interesting movie. With the introduction of Milo Ventimiglia’s officer Eckehart, thinks start to take a turn for the ‘Reservoir Dogs’… Antal also manages to include the requisite action movie car chase, albeit rather more entertainingly using armored trucks!

Columbus Short

Out of all the cast, it’s really Short that shines through. This is the first movie of his i’ve seen, and he clearly managed to hold his own against the 3 Hollywood veterans – Dillion, Fishburne and Reno. That’s not to say there was anything wrong with their roles either. Dillion – the Faustian godfather, Fishburne – the slightly unhinged brother-in-law, and Reno – the… um… quiet Frenchman… But it’s Short that comes across as the leading force in the film.

Armored is very much a B action movie, but I don’t see anything wrong with that. Yes, there are a few plot holes, and yes, it’s a bit slow to get going, but overall it’s a perfectly enjoyable and interesting Saturday night DVD movie.

Armored is out on Blu-ray™ and DVD on May 31 2010.

7/10 – Perfectly decent Saturday night action movie.

Perseus - Sam Worthington

I LOVED the original Clash of the Titans film so I was hoping for big things from the Louis Leterrier remake.  You’ve got Greek mythology, Liam Neeson and a pair of 3D glasses… Surely a recipe for success?

I have to say they did almost get there.

Myths, monsters and a good cast did make for an epic adventure. Leterrier brings the story smoothly into this century with some sizable special effects and 3D technology but thankfully keeps true to the original film, giving it the same overall vibe. I’m trying to pretend that the brief appearance of the mechanical owl wasn’t my favorite bit of the film… That’s not to say that it isn’t good but its the little details that give a film its edge. If you don’t know what I’m going on about you haven’t seen the original, which you must.

Clash of the Titans

The story starts with the birth of Perseus (Sam Worthington, Avatar) who is destined to settle the age old battle between the gods and man. When Zeus (Liam Neeson) and his brother Hades, the god of the Underworld, wage war on the city of Argos, Perseus is forced on a perilous journey, to eventually face the Kraken, a gargantuan beast wielded by Hades (Ralph Fiennes) and save the princess Andromeda. Perseus embarks on his quest accompanied by band of misfit soldiers and together with help from Io, Perseus’ guide they fight a plethora of unimaginable mythological monsters to stop evil overwhelming earth and the heavens. Pretty exciting stuff.

My one bugbear was the realisation of a pivotal character, Medusa. With the rest of the creatures looking so fantastic and realistic it was such a shame to be brought back to reality of the cinema by what looked like an unfinished computer game graphic.

Despite that it was a thoroughly enjoyable watch, heroic, fast paced and action packed. ?

7/10

Plot

2012 - Out on Blu-ray & DVD 29th March 2010

It’s 2009, and scientist Adrian Helmsley learns that volatile solar flare activity from the Sun is causing the Earth’s core to rapidly heat up. A process which will cause natural disasters around the world on a biblical scale. He informs the Whitehouse who, along with other world leaders, develop a top secret plan to save mankind on a bunch of massive ships, referred to as ‘arks’.

Curtis Jackson (John Cusack) is a published sci-fi author (albeit only having sold about 400 copies), who is currently driving a limo for Russian billionaire Yuri Karpov (Zlatko Buric) to make ends meet. On a weekend camping trip with his 2 kids to Yellowstone National Park, they start to see a lot of military activity in the area, and strange geological events. Whilst there, Jackson meets Charlie Frost (Woody Harrelson), who tells him the world would come to an end in 2012, as predicted by the Mayan’s, and the geological events are the start of it… He also informs him of the plan to save those important to mankind (and those that can pay), by boarding them in massive spaceships.

Around the world, the seismic activity begins to worsen, and the race is on for Jackson to save his kids, his ex-wife (and her boyfriend) as they try to escape the devastation, and reach the fabled ‘arks’.

Review

John Cusack - 2012

I’d heard mixed things about 2012 (aka Roland Emmerich destroys the world… again). Thankfully, it was no where near as bad as i feared it would be (althought I had set my expectations pretty low). Sure, the story isn’t great, but then if Avatar proved anything, it’s that you don’t need a decent story to make a film entertaining! It also helps i’m a massive John Cusack fan, so I find him watchable in pretty much anything.

The characters are crafted straight out of ‘How To Write A Hollywood Blockbuster for Dummies’ book. You have John Cusack – relatable leading man, and Amanda Peet – ex-wife love interest that hates (but really still loves) him. Danny Glover – the president with integrity, Oliver Platt – the evil politician, Chiwetel Ejiofor – a scientist with a heart, Thandie Newton – hot love interest for the scientist, Woody Harrelson – crazy stoner (nice to see Woody stretching his range…) and a number of other cookie cutter character types.

There goes LA.. 2012

The whole film is a step by step guide to making a disater movie. 1. Blow something up. 2. Hero escapes in nick of time. 3. Kill a character. 4. Go to 1 (repeat as needed). I think Emmerich must have drawn up a list of ‘stuff that would look cool being destroyed’. Then, handed it to the CGI guys (who, to be fair, made some impressive results), and said ‘think up some interesting ways to blow this lot up’. It’s the only reason i can think of for having the destruction of the sistine chapel in the movie, which was crowbarred in using the excuse that the Italian prime minister was going to stay with his people, and not come to the arks with the other world leaders. That made me laugh more than I think it was intended to. The thought that Berlusconi would go down with his ship rather than save his own skin did make me chuckle.

Overall, I did enjoy 2012. It’s silly, over the top, and utterly ridiculous, but it’s fun Friday/Saturday night ‘take your brain out and let the tidal waves wash over you’ material.

2012 on Facebook | whowillsurvive2012.com

7/10 – Very silly & over the top, but totally watchable.

GeekTown got the opportunity to see a very early preview screening of Matthew Vaughn’s new film Kick-Ass and we have been dying to talk about it but promised to keep schtum til now…

Kick-Ass Review

Kick-Ass

Firstly don’t get put off by what you might read in the papers about offensive language and inappropriate values or by the questionable strap line – Shut up. Kick ass. This film is awesome! And I don’t use that word lightly (because I’m English and it sounds stupid when I say it…)

Based on Mark Millar’s violent comic book story of everyday heroes, the film follows Dave, an inconspicuous school nerd who questions why no-one has ever tried to become a superhero in real life. Armed with only a baseball bat, a death wish and a green wetsuit Dave, played by Aaron Johnson, embarks on a misguided pursuit to fight crime on the streets of America, naming himself Kick-Ass. Without giving too much of the story away, his alter ego gets wrapped up in an old vendetta between a prevalent drug baron and an ex cop turned lethal vigilante and his equally lethal 12 year old child. As Kick-Ass gets way out of Dave’s control, as does his personal life, the story unveils scene after scene of incredibly choreographed action. There are hardly any special effects so the battles are raw, exciting and diverse. Matrix style shoot outs, brawls, knives, bombs, martial arts, it’s got it all. Matthew Vaughn shot this film on a small budget and independently to keep it as loyal to the book as possible, so you know the intensity and energy comes simply from good filming and acting.

Hit Girl

Some of the best bone crunching action is delivered, no holds barred, by Chloe Moretz’s character Hit Girl/Mandy Macready. She is, dare I say it, iconic. Moretz’s performance as the foul mouthed cold blooded but tiny teeny assassin is outstanding without a hint of twee. Her doting father aka Big Daddy is Nicolas Cage’s best role in years. In fact the father/daughter combo bring with them, not only no morals violence, but comedy and a touching relationship that at times is quite sad, which comes as a surprise sandwiched between the slaughters.

The really refreshing thing about Kick-Ass is that at no point does the vulnerable hero eat, fall into or step on anything radioactive which means him gaining a real super power, in his attempts at crime fighting he really does kick some ass and it is all the more enjoyable. The Nowhere Boy actor Johnson is a natural lead in the film and hides his British roots astonishingly. In fact all the performances are great, even Dave’s stereotypical school mates made me laugh. Mark Strong in particular plays another superb bad guy as drug lord Frank D’Amico, which brings me onto the final hero wannabe. Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Role Models) plays Chris D’Amico who, desperate to be included in his father’s underhand dealings, joins forces with Kick-Ass as the flash Red Mist. He is not as cool, equally useless, definitely more recognisable and for me the weakest character but I guess that is the intention.

Kick-Ass

Based in a world where people don’t seem to bat an eyelid if you commit multiple murders in a wig I found the film staggeringly credible and real.  Prepare yourself not ask questions like ‘wouldn’t they get into trouble for that?’, or ‘where has that guy’s wife gone?’, and just get totally sucked into the story.  One word of warning, if you don’t get a chance to see the red band trailer, boy, it is violent… Jaw dropping is an understatement. But alongside brutal it is also original, funny and tender (and slightly controversial).

If you enjoy wincing your way through a seriously good action comedy, go and see this movie!

www.kickass-movie.co.uk

9/10 – Kick-Ass, kicks ass!

World Premiere of Alice in Wonderland

Last night Geektown reporter Sam dug out her glad rags and headed to Leicester Square to attend Sky 3D/Sky Movies HD and Walt Disney’s Royal Premiere of Tim Burton’s newest fantastical creation, Alice in Wonderland.

World Premiere of Alice in Wonderland

Walking the green carpet with the stars of the film surrounded by giant topiary animals and screaming fans with bunny ears and painted faces definitely set the scene for the weird and wonderful world ahead. Of course, being England, umbrellas were an essential part of the outfit, but despite the foul weather, the glamorous cast made huge efforts to meet and greet fans, Johnny Depp in particular spending almost an hour standing in the rain signing autographs. He is lovely isn’t he (I was slightly concerned we’d just get 100s of photos of Johnny Depp back from Sam, but she managed to restrain herself – Dave ).

Once inside and away from the glitz and soggy paparazzi, the audience watched Alex Zane interview the cast from the warmth of their seats before viewing a short documentary on the work of The Prince’s Foundation for Children & The Arts. Attended by Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall, the event was in aid of the charity with two thirds of proceedings being donated. The Royal Party, arriving last, were welcomed by important film bods and chatted to Tim Burton and the cast before being presented gifts by Burton and Boham-Carter’s children. They entered the cinema to the sound of trumpets and God Save the Queen before Tim Burton himself introduced the film and its key cast members on stage. Finally, buzzing the with excitement, we donned our 3D specs and the film began…

Review of Alice in Wonderland

Of course, being Burton, you can not expect a straight retelling of the original Lewis Carroll story. In fact, it is more of a sequel seeing Alice, now 19, return to Wonderland with only a faint recollection of her previous adventures down the rabbit hole.

Alice Kingsley (Mia Wasikowska) escapes an unwanted marriage proposal by following a strange white rabbit and is once more plunged into a fantastically eccentric world of spectacular creatures. Growing up believing that her dreams of blue caterpillars and vanishing cats were just that, she does not remember anything she learnt on her last visit, leading the inhabitants of Underland, as it is correctly called, to excuse her of being the wrong Alice. She is quickly reunited with old friends like Dormouse and Tweedledum and Tweedledee and starts a journey that she is told will lead her to slaying the Jabberwock dragon, the only thing that stops The White Queen (Anne Hathaway) reclaiming her crown and ending the terrible reign of her sister, The Queen of Hearts.

Australian Wasikowska is brilliantly cast as the curious and dreamy Alice, she is more demure and less spoilt than the Alice we knew before. Burton’s favorites Depp and Bonham-Carter, prove why they are so with fantastic performances as the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts. The screeching demands of the over sized royal head are reminiscent of Blackadder’s Queenie and are just as amusing whilst Depp brings new depths of emotion to his character, highlighted by his mood reflective, colour changing clothes. You will hear plenty of familiar voices throughout the film, Timothy Spall, Paul Whitehouse, Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry and Christopher Lee, all chosen to perfection. Burton, admittedly a big Eastenders fan, shows his love of British TV by casting Barbara Windsor as the feisty Dormouse and Matt Lucas as the Tweedle twins, I mean… was that part made for him or what?!

The film does not make too much of its 3D element but it is definitely the right kind of genre for it. As you move through Burton’s imaginings of Wonderland you feel yourself taken in by the characters and scenery as Alice does. That coupled with a Danny Elfman soundtrack makes Alice in Wonderland a sensory delight that is definitely worth a trip to the cinema. It was everything we’ve come to expect from a Tim Burton film. Original, enchanting and captivating.

8/10

Photos from the World Premiere of Alice in Wonderland