Keepers of the Peace: Review of Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy

Director: James Gunn

By Alex Watson

Stan Lee and his Marvel Enterprise make their way onto our screens once more this week, but there is not Avengers present in this adventure. Guardians of the Galaxy has been one of this summers more hyped movies and so far it has promised great things with a new band of characters who have potential. But as they are outside the staple Marvel characters, will they be able to succeed with the fans?

When scavenger Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) finds a mythical object called ‘The Orb’ he firstly finds a bounty put on his head by his former mentor and rival, but also finds himself the target of Kree terrorist Ronan (Lee Pace) who wants to orb for himself to control the galaxy with Thanos (Josh Brolin). But through his misadventures, Quill will former an unlikely alliance with Thanos’ adopted daughter Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Raccoon Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Tree thing Groot (Vin Diesel) and convict Drax (Dave Bautista). Together, they might just be the universe’s only hope.

Guardians of the Galaxy is by far this summer’s most fun blockbuster and it has a playfulness to it that has been lacking in some of the more recent Marvel efforts. The moment we meet Quill lip syncing in a cave, the laughs and wise cracks begin early. Also the use of 1980’s pop culture references such as the Millennium Falcon and a cracking soundtrack make us smile all the more. Director James Gunn is an untested talent in these waters, but his smooth direction ensures a successful on screen adventure for our new heroes. 

The bonding between characters plays a key part in the films humour. Thrown together by a bizarre twist of fate, their relationship comes alive during a daring but thrilling prison break. From there these tortured souls become an effective team. Rocket and Groot steal much of the films laughter (Groot’s three words never cease to be brilliant), but big lug Drax and his misunderstanding of metaphors is the one that really steals our hearts. Quill is an initially unlikeable leader due his quirky yet self centered nature. But as the film progresses, his begins to win our respect and proves to be a resourceful and brave figure for Marvel.

Although the villain Ronan looks the part with some impressive face paint, he doesn’t have the needed menace to succeed. His back story is underwritten and the hows and whys of his desired vengeance are a big mystery throughout. These elements combined make him rather flat and largely forgettable. Gunn also falls into the same trap that has befallen many before him, he sets his finale as a big air battle. Although this a solid ending, you can help feeling this is become a bit too much like a staple for this studio. But these errors aside, Guardians of the Galaxy has enough wit and enjoyment to make them forgivable.

Chris Pratt succeeds brilliantly as a leading actor and his comic charm helps Peter Quill along and makes him more memorable than anticipated. A solid supporting actor in movies such as Wanted, Moneyball and Zero Dark Thirty, Pratt proves he is up to the big task and this role could be the one that opens the big doors in future. Bradley Cooper on his voice along is excellent as the wise cracking Rocket. But he also brings a great sense of trauma and feeling to his role.

Former wrestler Dave Bautista proves to be the movie’s real surprise package and rather than just giving the picture its muscle, he able to raise his performance to a whole new level. Bautista succeeds in bringing an almost authentic protrayal of a man wanting vengeance but realizing it will take more than hard hits to gain it!

The Marvel enterprise has opened a whole level of new possibilities and Guardians of the Galaxy deserves every accolade bestowed upon it. Everyone may be counting down to the next Avengers movie in 2015, but I cannot wait to see another adventure from these guys.  

The New World: Review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Director: Matt Reeves

By Alex Watson

 

Planet of the Apes was considered long dead ever since Tim Burton’s disastrous (albeit wonderfully designed) attempt back in 2000. By after Rupert Wyatt’s well received re-boot effort ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ back in 2011, it appears that this franchise has a new lease of life! This week our ape friends come hurtling back onto our screens again and they are gearing close to world domination in Cloverfield director, Matt Reeves’ film Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Set 10 years after the ALZ-113 virus has all but wiped out the worlds human population, Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his other ape companions live a contented existence in the forest of San Francisco, where they hope to be alone. But any hopes for peace between the two races are quickly shattered by mistrust and violence. Family man Malcolm (Jason Clarke) works in vain to prevent an onslaught, but his boss Dreyfus (Gary Oldman) has other ideas.

After Rupert Wyatt’s unfortunate departure, Reeves skillfully picks up the torch and delivers a great sequel and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is both thrilling and very emotionally real. The world we see if a very different one and San Francisco has been ravaged by war and humanity is barely holding on. The tone of this movie is somewhat more serious than previously and human/ape relations are continually on a knife edge due the previous violent and this provides the movie with a tense atmosphere.

Family is a major theme of this movie and Malcolm and Caesar are both equals. They are both family men striving for peace and to keep their families safe, but are continually thwarted by the people around them. Their bonding is the heart of the movie and an uneasy friendship is gradually born amongst all hell breaking hell loose. Caesar is the predominate feature of Reeves movie as he is a jaded warrior who although is willing to fight to protect his people, also wants the blood shed to cease which has caused friction among the ranks.

The main problems comes from human hating ape Koba (Toby Kebbell) whose slowly disintegrating respect for his leader takes his people into dangerous and more violent new territory. Dreyfus on the other hand is emotionally scarred man who wants rebuild the old world and sets about rallying the remaining survivors by telling war is necessary, despite Malcolm’s plea that the apes should be left alone, he disregards this advice with devastating results.

Matt Reeves shows great adaptability as a director and he easily slips into the role of blockbuster maker and brings us a visual stunning world. His greatest triumph on Dawn of the Planet of the Apes comes in a thrilling show down as the apes storm the human compound. One stunning revolving shot shows Koba capturing a tank and through the 360 degree chaos shown- humanities hopes hang by a thread as he nears their door! But its the end sequence that will have the most impact as we feel a new world looming, but may not be one of unity.

Andy Serkis is a long last beginning to get the credit he deserves for his motion capture work and as Caesar he gives a performances that is phenomenal! His is given a troubled persona as a conflicted leader, but Serkis succeeds in bringing this out on screen and his perfomance is incredibly moving and he shows a depth of emotion rarely seen in an animated character.

The always consistent Jason Clarke is a great choice as lead human Malcolm, after years of succeeding films such as Zero Dark Thirty, Lawless and TV’s Brotherhood, Clarke finally gets to show his leading credentials and he passes with flying colours. Malcolm isn’t the most interesting character that the series will show, but Clarke gives him a likeability that makes us want him to get through to Caesar and avoid the potential war. 

Although some may view this merely as a filler before the next installment, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is by far this years best sequel and gives more light to the fact that this series is back- and it sure means business! Caesar you’re welcome back any time!

Explosions In The Sky: Review of Transformers: Age of Extinction

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Director: Michael Bay

By Alex Watson

The Transformers franchise will never make any critics top 10 all time list any time in the next century. What it does do however is make money and judging by the $1 billion plus overhaul of the third instalment, they are safe bets box office wise. Mr Explosions himself, Michael Bay has now brought us a fourth adventure for Optimus Prime and co in Transformers: Age of Extinction. But this time Mark Wahlberg has replaced Shia LaBeouf (and everyone secretly rejoices). But will this change of direction mean better things for this series?

Set during the fall out the ‘Battle of Chicago’, Auto-bots are being hunted down by a secret CIA unit led by Harold Attinger (Kelsey Granmmer) and are slowly being wiped out. Meanwhile in Texas, failed inventor Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg) is faced with his farm being foreclosed and will fail to send his daughter Tessa (Nicole Peltz) to college. But one day when he brings home an old truck, he stumbles upon none other than Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen) and from there, events take a dangerous turn as a mysterious robot bounty hunter is intent on destroying the human race.

Die hard fans will no what be thrilled by the fourth instalment, but if you are expecting a new revolution with Bay’s franchise, then please dim your hopes right here because Transfomers: Age of Extinction provides same cheap thrills as it did before. Bay seems intent on distracting us from the plot by applying as many pretty looking battle scenes as he can. Although the visuals and the bots themselves impress- the plot seems dangerously thin on the ground and we spend the majority of the time wondering exactly is happening? For example, we never gain closure on just why the Autobots are being wiped out other than the fact that Attinger simply doesn’t like them.

Also like its previous counterparts, there feels like there is too much going on to quickly, within the first hour we meet the working class underdogs, the CIA killers, the Bots and the other killer space robots who according to Bay’s history wiped out the dinosaurs to make way for themselves! The film creaks under its long running time and despite and impressive finale set in Beijing and the anticipated (and impressive) introduction of the Dinobots, we begin to feel dizzy from the sheer overload that we are given and by the end you stumble almost drunk out of the cinema.

The introduction of new character Cade is refreshing for this movie because we see a desperate man who is literally doing all he can to survive. As we open, he visits an old and long closed movie theatre for anything he can make a buck from. Although we find the notion of him being an inventor quite far fetched, we still root for him to change his life and find a new meaning. When he stumbles upon Optimus though, the plot takes a turn for the worse and from there the logic becomes managed and the story only seems to involve the family permanently running away from things. Although he is welcome change from Shia LaBeouf’s irritating bleating throughout the past three adventures, he is isn’t enough to take this film to a new level.

Bay does find rare moments of charm in this movie, such as the introduction of billionaire inventor Joshua Joyce who is in a partnership with the CIA and has developed a super new metal originally called ‘Transformium’ Joyce’s quirkiness brings the movie to life when it threats to die out. His hysterical laughing fit in a Beijing elevator will bring a smile to even the harshest critic. The same cannot be said for Attinger who is disappointing one note and is given little more to do than have a poker face look throughout. With such a dark presence and a fine actor like Kelsey Grammer, this really could have been so much more.
Mark Wahlberg does well as Cade and although he doesn’t provide the lift we were hoping for, he feels better suited to Bay movie than many before him. One of today’s more consistent actors, Wahlberg does well to convince as struggling father and his gradual turn around from big dream to alien gun touting father is one of the films more impressive aspects. Stanley Tucci however, steals the show as Joyce and his pretentious moneybags persona is slowly chipped away. Single handled he gives the much needed comic relief and proves just why he is one of the most impressive supporting actors around.

To summarize, fans will love this new film, others most likely will not. The box office bell is already ringing loudly in North America so far and it seems certain we will see another outing for Optimus Prime and co soon. Transformers: Age of Extinction is far from being a terrible movie, but Michael Bay is still a lifetime away from having this being considered one of the great franchises.

Together Forever: Review of 22 Jump Street

22 Jump Street

Directors: Phil Lord and Chris Miller

By Alex Watson

 

Rebooted franchises have always been a usually frowned upon exercise by any film maker, but in 2012 the kick started 21 Jump Street proved to be a major success and firmly catapulted Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum into the mainstream and only days after release a sequel was deservedly green lit. This year the boys from the Jump Street division have returned and they have moved across the road to 22 Jump Street. But will their new college misadventures be as hilarious the second time around? 

After successfully breaking the high school drug ring in the previous movie, Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are sent uncover by their superior Captain Dickson (Ice Cube) to college at MC State where a new drug called WHYPHY is currently doing the rounds with fatal consequences. Once more the young guns are faced with trying to fit into new respective crowds and as the pair begin to break apart under the new clique pressures, their partnership becomes threatened- and all this is before spring break is due to arrive!

Firstly I am pleased to inform you that 22 Jump Street will not disappoint in terms of giggles and in a summer dominated by Xavier & Friends, Godzilla, as well as Spiderman, Lord and Miller’s film is an extremely funny and wonderfully dumb ride that is impossible to dislike. The tone is set when after disastrous bust on 90’s loving drug dealer Ghost (Peter Stormare) the pair are dryly informed by Deputy Chief Hardy (Nick Offerman) that division wants them doing ‘the same thing as before’  which takes them to far more impressive digs at number 22! But unlike the original which succeeded on pure laughs, this sequel feels more fleshed out and succeeds on charm alone, particularly during the early scenes where the pair try and fail to get involved with a variety of college groups.

When the laughs come though, they come thick and fast and there are some real gems to behold such as the absolutely joy of Dickson cranking his anger up to eleven and utterly destroying a buffet when he finds out some ‘bad news’ involving his daughter and a car chase where the pair trying to avoid cost the department more money (with a Benny Hill chase gag put in for good measure). But the real comedy comes from the main partnership between Jenko and Schmidt is quintessential bromance as the pair continually bicker with one another. Character wise they are the same, as the pumped up Jenko is still clueless in his job and Schmidt is still a bag of neuroses. Their paths ultimately differ as Jenko gets involved with jock quarterback Nuke (Wyatt Russell) which makes his friend feel threatened. Soon the togetherness begins to fizzle out as they want to go their own way.

Plot wise there is nothing really new about 22 Jump Street and some ways it is merely a beefed up and role reversed version of the previous adventure. But any missteps we are quite happy to overlook because this likeable (thought idiotic) pair keeps us entertained throughout events. A Spring Break inspired finale is the true joy of the movie as our heroes attempt to repair fences whilst hanging from a helicopter, which also forces to Jenko to retrieve a grenade from an ‘awkward place’

Once more the pairing of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum works like a charm and the brainy and brawny team once again steal our hearts. People may frown upon Tatum as another pretty boy actor, but he is always solid and as dimwit Jenko he succeeds admirably. Hill also is equally solid as the talky Schmidt and he finds likeability in the most unlikely places with this character. But it’s Ice Cube who once more steals the show as the permanently foul mouthed Dickson. Thankfully in this movie, he is allowed to let loose and let the characters anger rip, which leads to hilarious results! Just watch the series of texts he sends to Schmidt and try not to cry from laughing!

 

For a sequel effort, this film will definitely stand as one of the most funny movie of 2012 and 22 Jump Street is a step forward in the right direction for this franchise (view the sequel ideas in the end credits). My advice to go see it and loss yourself in the sheer volume of jokes that will ensue. Though try not bust a gut!

It Came From Down Below: Review of Godzilla

Godzilla

Director: Gareth Edwards

By Alex Watson

 

Ever since Roland Emmerich’s disasterous (albeit financially rewarding) take on Godzilla back in 1998, Hollywood has been waiting for someone to step forward and correct this error. Finally it appears the man for the job has appeared in the shape of British director, Gareth Edwards whose last feature ‘Monsters’ was one came a pleasant surprise to many and demonstrated his great visual eye. But Godzilla is no easy monster to bring the big screen, so will Edwards succeed in his difficult task or will we leave the cinema cursing under our breath again? All questions will answered in this new Godzilla reboot!

In 1999 a seemingly massive earthquake shatters the lives of scientist Joe Brody (Bryan Cranston) and Ford (Aaron Taylor- Johnson) whilst stationed in Janjira, Japan. Fifteen years after the incident, Brody is now serving in the US Navy and Joe is still convinced that the event was no accident and has set out to prove there is something out there causing it! As father and son team up, they begin to discover a threat that could devastate the world and it comes in shape of a monster, awakenened beneath the sea many moons ago- Godzilla! His arrival along with the equally dangerous creature MUTO will shake the earth to the core and will leave both scientists and the military clueless on how to stop it.

After a magnificent trailer campaign, Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla reboot is an entertaining affair, but sadly is not a definitive version of this monster tale. It’s main problem lies in the increasely slow pace of the movie, which begins very sharply with the destruction of the nuclear plant where Joe works and the gut wrentching loss of his wife Sandra (Juliette Binoche), but from there the pace lessens and the build up before the great beast arrives is far too long. There are brief moments which do impress and thrill us such, such as a submarine stuck in a tree and the image of the damaged Statue of Liberty on the New York, New York casino in Nevada. Also although it tries mighty hard to shred its B-Movie origins, Edwards just cannot shift things to the required level and aside from the magnificent effects, the result rings distinctly hollow.

The characters on display we never get a chance to really care for, purely because there is not much to their personality to draw us to them. Brody is a committed soldier, but there are not nearly enough scenes of him with his wife Elle (Elizabeth Olsen) for us to root for him to get home safely, likewise crackpot scientist Joe whose has spent more of his life looking a wavy lines on a computer than looking after his son. Also there are a variety of one note characters who fail to add things to proceedings such as Admiral Stenz (David Strathairn) who is required to do nothing more than look serious and Japanese scientist Serizawa who seems to just spout conspiracy theories. The script by David Callaham also confuses the logic of the movie as well, such as why transport a key nuclear missile by rail when they are massive beasts lurking? And as impressive as the noted Halo Jump sequence is, why is neccessary to the army?

But one sequence Godzilla does redeem itself on, is in the presentation of the notorious creature, when he strides onto screen, the long wait is very much worth it and his iconic roar pierces right through us! Also he is singled handly responsible for a hair-raising finale as Godzilla does battle with the MUTO and descends San Francisco into rubble! But bizarrely in the midst of all the terror and fear he creates, Edwards makes him into an unlikely hero at the films end. Criminally though, he feels severely underused in his own movie and never feel like see enough of this character when he has such potential to thrill us.

Performances in this movie are fine, but nothing groundbreaking, Aaron Taylor-Johnson makes for a decent hero but this isnt a role that requires anything great from him which is a shame as he has proven a good leading man in movies such as Kick Ass. Bryan Cranston is again short changed in the movie world as Joe and we are still waiting for someone to give a role that demonstrates just what he is capable of bringing to the big screen. A great supporting cast including Elizabeth Olsen, Sally Hawkins and the always consistent David Strathairn are also given stringy parts, to waste a cast of this calibre is very disappointing. Though do play a game of counting the number of Ken Watanable’s facial expressions- you will be pleasantly surprised!

Although Godzilla is not the movie that we hoped it would be, it is still a very way to spend two hours and asides from the hoaxy premise, the movie is still damn good fun and this is the closest we have had so far to properly nailing this famous Monster. Edwards is a director with a big future before him and his visuals in this piece could set him on his way- though sadly he did not hire Jamiroquai for the soundtrack- at least Emmerich got that part right!

Along Came A Spider: Review of The Amazing Spiderman 2

The Amazing Spiderman 2

Director: Marc Webb

By Alex Watson

 

So far Marc Webb’s Spiderman franchise reboot has been getting some positive mentions and with a few decent touches, this could be something very interesting. Many may have sneered at this idea as just another money making suggestion, but so far you can’t argue with the results. This week, New York’s favourite web slinger returns and he has a major fight on his hands as he faces at least three tough villians in The Amazing Spiderman 2– but after the difficult choices made in the first movie, how will Spidey live with his decisions in this movie?

After saving the Big Apple from ‘The Lizard’ previously, Spiderman (Andrew Garfield) has become a hero to the city, but is struggling to maintain his relationship with girlfriend Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone) after his pledge to her late father Captain Stacey (Denis Leary). Meanwhile ‘nobody’ Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx) has a grave electrical accident which transforms him into villian Electro and his rages quickly devastate the city while Spidey works in vain to prevent them- but his problems will grow in sequence as baddie ‘The Rhino’ (Paul Giamatti) comes charging into view and old friend Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan) rolls into town with tricky intentions.

The Amazing Spiderman 2 makes for a solid sequel to the earlier reboot and there are flurrys of exciting actions throughout. Thankfully Webb skillfully avoids any urge to retread previous events and lets the new story play out. In this movie we see a Spiderman both loving and hating his new role as hero and he is continually haunted by the presence of Gwen’s father. The romance between the two young adults is the affecting part of the movie and rather than overplaying any potential sentiment and instead provides us with a love tale which is both sweet and very funny as the pair continually bicker over Peter wanting to make choices for their relationship.

But although we are kept entertained, the centre story feels a little lost in places and seems unsure what exactly to focus to on. The side story of Peter looking into the mystery of his beloved parents disappearence diverts the story from its intended path and at times we are not sure whether Webb intends this film to be either a mystery film or a superhero piece? Also although the new improved Harry Osborn is a welcome relief from the whiny brat of old, his tale of desperately trying to avoid succumbing to the same illness that has killed his father Norman (an excellent Chris Cooper) is interesting rather than completely neccessary and you would have to feel this could have been a stronger piece without the numerous distractions going on.

One of the strongest elements of The Amazing Spiderman 2 film is the excellent villians on display, there was a danger of having too many at once and it could suffer from the same problem that plagued Spiderman 3. But here there are given us to perfect measure and the introduction of the Electro is excellent. Max is a true loser who is continually ignored by all around him, but his transformation is spectacular and he demolishes Time Square, thrill levels are raised early on. But there is also a great human element to him early on as after years of neglect, Electro relishes his power from the electric current as well as the attention he gains as he sets about trying to become a god to the people . But his obsession with at first loving, then later destroying Spiderman sets the audience up for a great showdown! But although the electric blue man is given his day, Rhino feels underused and set aside a great closing battle, he never gets to demonstrate what he can do.

The action on display is of very high quality and there are moments which make the ticket price worth paying, including a finale where Spidey and Electro do battle in the midst of a hugh electrical plant and the city descends into chaos as the power goes out! But after the film has finished the action was almost seem secondary as in a single moment, the feel of the movie turns on its head and we are given a moment of pure shock which will last several moments after and most likely be a key ingrediant to the next Spiderman!

Andrew Garfield once again makes for a wise choice for Spiderman and he is being to make the role his own. He easily handles the films laughes, but more vitally he raises his game in the more emotional content and gives a more real feel to this character. Emma Stone equally matches him on both grounds and proves to everyone that she is on the most reliable and promising young actresses around at the moment. But its Jamie Foxx who steals the show as Electro, nerdy and desperate to be seen to the early stages, Foxx succeeds in capturing audience sympathies but then wisely gives Max a 360 turn of badness when he realizes that his hero isn’t the man he thought him to be! After that he is given a thrilling sense of menace and he becomes Spideys most troublesome nemesis in some time.

While it may not be this years most advanced sequel, The Amazing Spiderman 2 is still another another step in the right direction for Webb, Garfield and co and with a little polishing, any flaws could be avoided for the next adventure. Welcome back Webslinger, we’ll see you again soon!

 

 

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold: Review of Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo

By Alex Watson

 

After his last outing defeating the mighty Hydra force, Marvel’ s Captain America returns to our screen this week. The previous tale of ordinary man Steve Rogers becoming America’s new hope was a very entertaining adventure and so far he has proven to be one of the more charismatic yet conflicted creations. But after saving New York from Loki and friends, the Cap now faces a far sterner test on home soil as he learns that some enemies can be closer to you than you realize! Also he has a  master assassin waiting in the wings to cause mayhem in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is adjusting to life in the 21st century after being unfrozen from his ice tomb, but although he is still the front line of defense for the nation, Captain America is struggling with his new spy role and is beginning to doubt if the agency he works for- S.H.I.E.L.D is really helping protect people or just looking out for its own interests? But soon a deep rooted conspiracy will rear its head and his own agency will turn on him, leaving him to wonder just who he can trust? Also the emergence of legendary assassin, The Winter Soldier really doesn’t help matters!

After a few previous missteps, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a much more improved affair and goes to show that this character is fast becoming one of the more impressive Marvel movie creations. Whereas last time dealt with Rogers becoming a super soldier, this one deals more with him still trying to fit the role and his early crisis of conscience is well played out. After a beginning mission tackling French/Algerian criminals on a ship, the Captain has begun to resent what S.H.I.E.L.D and Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) stand for and rather than being contented being protector of the nation, he rather sees his part as “holding a gun to the nations head” After having his confidence shaken- from there is begins to shatter completely as the dark side of the organisation continually rears its head with devasting results!

The central story is admitly, a little creaky and the conspiracy plot anchored by shady S.H.I.E.L.D agent Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford) is a bold one, but ultimately feels very muddled in places and isn’t helped by a messy transition where an old enemy rears its head. But this fact aside, this movie still has plenty of thrills to keep people going, after a slow start, things kick into life when in a crowded lift, the Captain cooly asks “Before this goes down, does anyone want to get out?” Cue fist flying mayhem! The action compared to other previous Marvel movies is a more realistic affair and unlike the previous battles by lasers and trains in the first movie, this sequences in this movie are a more exciting affair and thankfully the Russo brother decline to use montages and by letting the story play itself out, the result is far better.

When the main enemy, The Winter Soldier appears though, the result is both good but yet slightly underwhelming, as a creation this soldier is fantastic and through his metal arm and piercing gaze, a great showdown is promised- but sadly this character doesn’t quite come with the threat needed that the Red Skull was able to produce last time, and when his true identity is revealed- it is a predictable affair. However, in spite of this we are willing overlook this fact as it sets up an emotionally charged battle sequence for the finale and despite once again there being a battle in the air (which has just become Marvel stock these days) it begs serious questions of what both men are willing to do to end things?

Chris Evans once again scores big as Captain America and over the course of the three movies he has appeared in, Evans has grown into the role well and is able to bring across a great sense of humour and a terrific sense of moral confusion this time. Last time he was all about protecting the nation, but in this film, Evans invests a more troubled side of this character which really gives the Captain a big lift emotionally. This man is fast becoming a dependable character actor and Marvel should hang on to this one for the future!

In the supporting ranks, Robert Redford has great fun as the devious Alexander Pierce and proves that even with age, he is still a very compelling presence on screen and it is wonderful to see this man back again! Scarlett Johansson enjoys her biggest slice of screen time so far as Natasha Romanoff/The Black Widow and provides the movie eye candy along with providing the Captain with a strong sidekick. Elsewhere there is an intriguing new partner for our hero in the shape Anthony Mackie’s Sam- an ex special forces soldier turned confidant.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a movie that does exactly what it says in tin- it provides great thrills and laughs for all and it is a great set up for the next Avengers movie in 2015. But this is one franchise which could have a solid foundation for the future- at ease Captain Rogers!

New Beginnings: Review of Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

As an action character Jack Ryan has become a firm favourite of this genre ever since first Alec Baldwin then Harrison Ford brought him from page to the screen in his three memorable 90s flicks, The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games and Clear & Present Danger. But Ryan has now been absent from our screen for over 11 years ever since the rather limp Ben Affleck effort, The Sum of All Fears. This year we turn to British Thespian, Kenneth Branagh to bring this character back to life by starting from the beginning in his reboot, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. But in a movie age dominated by Ethan Hunt, James Bond and Jason Bourne, how will brain box Ryan stand up? 

After a helicopter crash ends his promising military career, Jack Ryan (Chris Pine) is thrown a lifeline by veteran CIA officer Tom Harper (Kevin Costner) who recruits him to work within a special unit that observes Wall Street very closely! While working, Ryan stumbles across a series of illegal accounts belonging to Russian millionaire Viktor Cheverin (Kenneth Branagh) and soon it becomes clear that this man is intent of reducing America to ruins! But his role has put a strain on his relationship with girlfriend Cathy (Keira Knightley) who through complete accident becomes involved with his world!

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is a decent reboot attempt and it gives this character a sound base in which to work from, but although this is a relatively entertaining ride, it doesn’t quite fit as perfectly as we had hoped. Ryan’s back story is only mentioned fleetingly in Red October and here we get to see it live- problem is that it doesn’t feel nearly explored enough and as we begin with Ryan witnessing 9/11 whilst in college and then enlisting. After his helicopter is hit, his rehab scenes are simply glossed over and never really get a true depiction of his difficult recovery. When Harper mysteriously appears with no real introduction, things feel a little too conveniently put together!

But one area that Branagh’s reboot does score some key points is in its realistic transition of Ryan going from being a desk jockey to a field agent. The man on display here is a nervous wreck after his first (and difficult) kill and isn’t used to making moves without confirmation, this is demonstrated in a funny sequence where he has to make his way down a staircase with Harper telling him when to move! Being a junior version of this character, he isn’t the resourceful and hard nosed character that Ford brought us so memorably, but this works in the films favour and we have to learn to like this character with all his faults as he strives towards perfection!

The centre romance between Ryan and his doctor lady Cathy doesn’t quite gleam like it should, but we are however given a girlfriend who most men would kill to have! Cathy rather than running a mile when she learns of his job, aides him in his efforts which includes going head to head with Cheverin! This is a girl who knows who to think fast and here we see a flicker of the Cathy that we will become such a rock to Ryan in the later movies- although they argue constantly, the pairs love is solid. Also this lady is an inventive one, evidences by her dropping everything and getting a Visa in less than four hours! Now that earns some kudos!

The action in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit feels a little bland and throughout we never feel the adrenaline rush we are supposed to, but this is just beginnings of this franchise and hopefully the newer efforts will raise more pulses. Also Cheverin is rather routine bad guy and although he is menacing whenever he appears, we don’t feel that he is any particular threat and would probably have been better placed during the original series two decades ago.

Chris Pine proves he is the new go to man for reboot and makes a good early impression as the new Jack Ryan and the sense of vulnerability he gives the character swerves him well in the long run. Will this man leave as lasting impression as Han Solo before him? Time will tell this, but for now he has made a good start! Kevin Costner makes for a great mentor figure and he is tasked with the movies more gritter aspects and through his coolness on screen, Costner succeeds admirably and for the future this could prove an inspired choice!

Against odds, Keira Knightley greatly impresses as Cathy and although some most likely frowned upon her inclusion, this gives evidence to the fact that Knightley can be good in blockbusters. Shame the same cant be said about Kenneth Branagh whose rather flavourless turn as Russian Cheverin makes him a forgettable villian!

There may have been a few bumps in the road, but Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is still solid fun and hopefully in future installments of this reworked franchise will make for similar and smart thrillers from what we are accustom to! Hello again Jack, nice to have you back on screen.

Rumble in the Jungle: Review of Predator

Classic from the Vault

Predator (1986) 

Director: John McTiernan 

By Alex Watson

Back in the late 1980’s John McTiernan would help shape one of the decades most iconic action films as Bruce Willis squared off against foreign baddies in the Nakatomi plaza in Die Hard. But in all truth, the dye had been previously when he brought a movie which combined the perfect mix of thrilling action and male testosterone in his 1986 classic Predator. Where a group of macho soldiers go hip against the ultimate enemy in the midst of a large jungle!

When a US Senator is abducted by a Guerilla force in South America after his planes crashes, Major Dutch Schaeffer (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is hired by old friend, CIA agent George Dillion (Carl Weather) to help recover him. As Dutch and his team are dropped deep into jungle territory, it becomes apparently this will be no ordinary job. Because above them lurking in the trees is an enemy like no other… The Predator!

Predator is one the most purely entertaining films of the 1980’s and perfectly mixes stunning action with sci-fi. The concept of humanity facing off against the ultimate enemy is one that is continuously gripping and McTiernan smartly delays showing us our villain until the films final act, but not once does the Predator’s lurking threat leave us and as we hearing his clicking  growl through his thermal heat sensor, we sit quietly worried in our seats!

The heroes we have given to us are some the toughest and most charismatic of the action genre. As we first view them we hear a great story from soldier Blain (Jesse Ventura) about how eating his tobacco will make you “A God damned Sexual Tyrannosaurus” but once in jungle land they are all manly business and with the help of their beloved rifle ‘Old Painless’ they execute a brutal raid on a guerrilla compound! But although it appears a normal job, our heroes can’t help shaking a suspicious feeling and Dillion’s elusive attitude makes them wonder!

But as events drag on, we come to love our heroes and their various quirks in battle such as Mac (Bill Duke) shaving his bald head with his knife and Hawkins (Shane Black) with his bad girlfriend jokes! But this makes it all the more gutting as our invisible friend makes his way through then one by one- the deaths involved are as gory as the movie deserves and adds fuel the burning anticipation of Arnie eventually seeing this creature up close, but as he stumbles across a mysterious green liquid, he comes to a crucial realisation “If it bleeds… We can kill it!”

The final showdown in Predator is truly one to remember as Schaeffer truly goes to war with his nemesis! Here is two fine warriors against one other and as the pair play hunt and survive in order to stay ahead! But when the Predator is finally unmasked, it is a horrific yet unforgettable sight, and us perfectly summed up by Schaeffer legendary line “My God, You’re Ugly Motherfucker!” After this finale, you won’t be disagreeing, but its final and smirking revenge conjures up a moment that is notable, let’s just say can imitate people well.

Arnold Schwarzenegger provides great movie muscles as Dutch and this one ranks as one of his most iconic and quotable roles (“Knock, Knock”). But its his on screen strength that drives the movie forward and then n the films final act, he makes it come alive. He also aided by a great squad including Bill Duke, Jesse Ventura and Sonny Landham, who each add something different to proceedings.

Carl Weathers also heightens our suspicions through as Dillion and the former Apollo Creed keeps us forever guessing as to what his really motives are and just what he has brought his ‘friend’ Dutch into?

Predator is one of those movies you can watch time and again and still be entranced by its action. John McTiernan along with special effects wizard Stan Winston have created action film for all time. Now turn the light off and watch the hunt begin- you god damned sexual tyrannosaurus!

Phoenix From The Flames: Review of THe Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Director: Francis Lawrence

By Alex Watson

 

The adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ novel The Hunger Games proved to be a major success last year as we saw the daring Katniss Everdeen battling fellow teens to stay alive in what was considered by many to be a children’s version of Battle Royale. Now we turn to their follow up story The Hunger Games: Catching Fire which under the new directorial reigns of Francis Lawrence promises to give our heroine a much harder time than before because this time- she will be watched far more closely than before!

After the events of the 74^th Hunger Games Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutchison) have become national icons for the rebellion are forced to do a countrywide publicity tour to boost public morale and stop any potential riots occurring, but when a series of violent events derail it- President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in an act of revenge determines the 75^th Hunger Games will include a ‘Quarter Quell’ where previous winners are forced once again to compete and fight for survival! Katniss is now faced with a difficult choice; does she stand with the rebels? Or does fight to save her own skin?

As sequels go, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a darker and edgier effort than the predecessor by Gary Ross and under the director of Lawrence, we have a second outing that is slightly slow to move along but provide us with a worthy payoff. We start watching Katniss and Peeta struggling to live in luxury in District 12 while all around them struggle. This is partly where Lawrence’s direction shines as we view as straved and grey skied district which beings to chafe under the oppressive capitol system which glides in an established a brutal rule!

But its the scenes on the road that spark the early interest as we see people beaten for giving the three finger gesture seen in the last movie and Katniss is reluctanty forced to play the political puppet while in the Capitol, the bigwig president scowls repeatedly upon each problem that arises whilst plotting his evil deed. Katniss love and fear of becoming a symbol of hope for the rebellion is one of the driving factors of the movie as she continually pressured to please both sides- her faked romance with Peeta is the main element to this as the public demands them together yet the pair have conflicting feels about each other.

Many may just see this as a like for like redoing of the original and as we yet again see the pair drafted for duty among the killing fields, followed by the training scenes of Katniss and Peeta skulking out potential allies whilst the lady dazzles us with her bow skills, it does smack of familiarity somewhat! Also we are left with somewhat unthreatening villains as we knew previously of Snow’s underhandedness and it doesn’t help that new games controller Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) lacks any kind of real threat and knowing Hoffmans skills, this is a wicked sin to waste!

The scenes in the arena as expected are where The Hunger Games: Catching Fire really lights the flames because unlike the typical dog eat got mentality of the first one, here we have a band of warriors who must instead work together to survive and possibly undo the system. The introduction of the disturbed Joanna (Jena Malone) and quiet yet tech savvy Beetee (Jeffrey Wright) aid the tension and unpredictability stakes as we continually wonder just how this group will end up and Katniss be forced to impale one of them on an arrow. The logic is much higher in this sequence and it rises this film considerably and gives it a far more grittier edge! But it’s surprise ending that really gets us pumped up and as we view the horrified look on Katniss face turn to one of pure desire for revenge- it gets us counting down the minutes until outing three Mockingjay hits theatres!

Jennifer Lawrence confirms her teen idol status as she gives another strong willed and gutsy turn as Katniss, Closer to the Edge’s Top Female Star of 2012- Lawrence once again demonstrates just people are referring to her as the most exciting young actress on the planet right now! Woody Harrelson and Josh Hutchison again impress male acting stakes and together they give this film the spark of warmth and romance that it so very needs.

But it’s other contenders who hold our attention more with Jeffrey Wright giving a great turn as Beetee as through his soft spoken and world weary ways, his give the battle field a more human field- just don’t let him near electricity though because it will prove fatal! Donald Sutherland makes a compelling villain as President Snow but it doesn’t feel like a role that particularly stretches his ability- but there will still be more to come from the great leader though!

One of this years better sequel and now with a potentially exhilarating threequel on our hands, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire may be long on running time but it once again provides us with a heartfelt and pulsating couple of hours but even more a heroine who could transpire into a teen film icon- see you real soon Katniss!