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
—
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
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
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
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
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
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