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In Time * * 1/2

Posted in Action, Science Fiction with tags 2011 on May 5, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Andrew Niccol.
Screenplay: Andrew Niccol.
Starring: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy, Vincent Kartheiser, Olivia Wilde, Johnny Galecki, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew Bomer, Yaya DaCosta, Ethan Peck, Toby Hemingway.

Writer/director Andrew Niccol is no stranger to scientific ideas. In 1997 he delivered the Orwellian genetic engineering “Gattaca“. In 2002 he tackled computer generated imagery in “S1mOne“. He also penned the predictory script to reality TV in 1998 with “The Truman Show“. Fantasy and Science Fiction seem to be genres that he’s comfortable with but this is not one of his better efforts.

In the not too distant future, people stop ageing when they reach 25. If they are wealthy though, they can buy time. The rest, have to work for it. Lifespan has replaced money in this dystopian world. One of the workers, Will Salas (Justin Timberlake), is gifted time from a suicidal friend, which allows him to escape his poor background and experience the life of the rich. But there are state police, known as “Time keepers” who are out to thwart his new life.

The premise to this is quite an intriguing one and the dystopian futuristic setting is wonderfully captured by the Coen brothers’ regular cinematographer Roger Deakins. It’s just a shame that with such a strong base to work from, it becomes nothing more than a chase thriller and abandons any attempt to delve into some possible existential theories. Even as a chase thriller, it lacks any form of excitement. It has it’s moments but ultimately the film takes too long in getting to it’s destination. Time is of the essence for it’s characters and ironically, it also gets taken from us, having to slog through this. I’m not Justin Trousersnake’s biggest fan, but he delivers a decent performance. However, the progression of his character as a future ‘Clyde’ to Seyfried’s ‘Bonnie’ is uneasy and a little hard to take. Cillian Murphy’s ‘Time keeper’ police officer is quite an intriguing one but he has little, to no, backstory. When we are given a glimpse into his character it’s too little too late. It’s this overwhelming feeling of emptiness that, as a whole, the film suffers from.

I didn’t go into this film expecting a masterpiece or anything but I still expected more than I got. Despite looking good on the surface, it’s ultimately hollow. Fans of the likes of “The Adjustment Bureau” may find more to savour though.

Mark Walker

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Haywire * * * 1/2

Posted in Action, thriller with tags 2011 on April 17, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Steven Soderbergh.
Screenplay: Lem Dobbs.
Starring: Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum, Bill Paxton, Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas, Mathieu Kassovitz, Michael Angarano, Anthony Brandon Wong.

With a first-rate cast at his disposal, director Steven Soderbergh, decides to have them play second-fiddle to his unknown lead, Gina Carano – a real, mixed martial arts fighter – who has never acted before. Soderbergh himself is also on new ground with his first foray in the action genre. And the results, I hear you say? The results, happen to be rather impressive. Soderbergh’s gamble pays off.

Mallory Kane (Gina Carano) is a no-nonsense, highly trained, black ops soldier who gets double-crossed during a government security mission. Assassins from across the globe target her every move and are out for the kill but Mallory turns the tables, in her bid for the truth and her survival.

Double-dealing’s, back-stabbing and espionage across international locations have been done many times before – most recently in the Bourne series. This may leave you feeling that your time is being wasted but it’s to Soderbergh’s credit that he still finds some mileage in it. That’s thanks in large, to his independent approach. The film is well shot throughout, with a minimal music score and excellently choreographed action set-pieces. The fisticuffs themselves are even delivered with the sound toned down, making them all the more realistic and Carano’s fighting abilities are very apparent and impressive. Her acting chops may leave a little to be desired but at the end of the day, she’s there to throw her weight around and that’s exactly what she does. The very fine supporting cast also pitch in and Soderbergh manages to get them sharing scenes with one another. It’s always a pet-hate of mine to see an excellently assembled cast that don’t share any screen time. This fulfils on that front. He also knows not to overstay his welcome and with a running time of approx 90mins, this doesn’t waste any time in getting down to the nitty-gritty.

The story is old-hat and the film has come into some mixed reviews but with an eclectic supporting cast of first-rate actors and a heroine (without the use of CGI) that can genuinely bust a few heads, what more do you want from an action film that pretends to be nothing other than just that. Good quick fun.

Mark Walker

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The Hunger Games * * * 1/2

Posted in Action, Adventure, Science Fiction with tags 2012 on April 9, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Gary Ross.
Screenplay: Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, Billy Ray.
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Wes Bentley, Lenny Kravitz, Toby Jones, Amandla Stenberg, Alexander Ludwig, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jacqueline Emerson, Paula Malcomson, Dayo Okeniyi, Jack Quaid, Leven Rambin, Willow Shields.

Gary Ross has been involved in films for quite some time now. He received an Oscar nomination for his screenwriting duties on the Tom Hanks movie “Big” in 1988 but this is only the third time he has directed a film, following “Seabiscuit” and his very impressive debut “Pleasantville“.

“Capitol” is a wealthy city in a post-apocalyptic North America (now called “Panem”). It rules over the rest of the impoverished nation. In order to be perceived as generous, they hold an annual gladiatorial tournament called “The Hunger Games“, where the country’s youngest inhabitants are randomly selected to fight to the death. Only one can remain alive and receive their riches. After her young sister is selected to compete, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), a defiant and accomplished survivor volunteer’s to take her place.

If you’ve seen the Japanese film “Battle Royale” or the Sci-Fi/Actioner “The Running Man” then you’ll be on familiar ground with this one. It’s basically the same premise. Considering the subject matter, director Gary Ross does well to tone down the violence on this one though, making the story more accessible to a relatively younger audience. After all, it was based on a best selling teen-novel by Suzanne Collins – who also co-writes the screenplay here. It’s starts very strongly in it’s introduction to a bleak futuristic America. The wealthy are all greed infused with bad tastes and flamboyant styles while the poor have to feed off the land and strive for whatever scraps they can (No change there then). Ross captures the divide admirably though and takes his time in building up The Hunger Games’ rules. It’s all about the entertainment for the well-off and it’s broadcast across the nation as an immersive reality TV show, meaning sponsors, trainers and promotors are all involved. Amongst the highlights of these are a shaggy Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy, mentor to the contestants and a ruthless Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane, the gamemaker who oversees the action – sometimes manipulating it – by order of Donald Sutherland’s dubious paterfamilias President Snow. The real anchor though, is Jennifer Lawrence. Yes, there may be similarities with her Oscar nominated performance from “Winter’s Bone” but that’s no bad thing. The film relies heavily on her and she’s more than able to carry it. It does, however, go on too long and becomes a tad formulaic in it’s finale. The obvious set-up for part two doesn’t appeal either but other than that, this is a decent film.

Don’t let the fact that Suzanne Collins’ books were aimed at teenagers, put you off. This film manages to work on a level that will appeal to many.

Mark Walker

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Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes * * * *

Posted in Action, Science Fiction, thriller with tags 2011 on February 8, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Rupert Wyatt.
Screenplay: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver.
Starring: James Franco, Andy Serkis, John Lithgow, Freida Pinto, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, David Oyelowo, Tyler Labine, Jamie Harris, David Hewlett, Ty Olsson.

In 2008 director Rupert Wyatt made his debut with British film “The Escapist”. It was a tense and excellently constructed prison drama that was seen by few. Thankfully, someone from across the pond took notice though and gave him a chance on a larger scale. He delivers big-time.

Will Rodman (James Franco) researching a cure for Alzheimer’s takes home a baby chimpanzee after its mother – supposedly a failed experiment – is destroyed. Caesar (Andy Serkis), the chimp, exhibits near-human intelligence, and comes to question his kind’s place on a human planet. After attacking a neighbour, Caesar is impounded and it’s here that he meets other apes and foments rebellion.

This is old school entertainment, in classic B-movie style. It has the hero with a heart and the stereotypical corporate villain. I don’t normally go in for big laden special effects films of this kind but it’s hard to resist when they’re this much fun. Andy Serkis seems to be the actor in the forefront of motion capture these days. His credentials including, “The Lord of the Rings”, “King Kong”, “The Adventures of Tintin” and the forthcoming “The Hobbit”. This, being no less effective. In fact, it may well be his finest yet. He delivers a subtle and soulful performance. As mentioned, the near flawless special effects play a big part in this and are, quick frankly, outstanding.
The biggest disappointment though, is the ending. It’s an obvious set-up for a sequel which leaves an unsatisfying conclusion and the feeling that you’ve just been teased.

As pure unadulterated entertainment this is second to none. One of the most fun-filled films of the year and my personal favourite from the apes franchise.

Mark Walker

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The Adventures Of Tintin * * * *

Posted in Action, Adventure, Animation, Family with tags 2011 on February 3, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Steven Spielberg.
Screenplay: Edgar Wright, Steven Moffat, Joe Cornish.
Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Toby Jones, Mackenzie Crook, Daniel Mays, Gad Elmaleh, Joe Starr, Kim Stengel, Sonja Fortag, Tony Curran.

Herge, the writer and creator of “Tintin” apparently once said that Steven Spielberg was the only director who could truly capture his creation on the big screen. Thankfully for him then that Spielberg has got himself involved, along with visionary support in Peter Jackson.

Uniting elements from Herge volumes ‘The Crab With The Golden Claws’, ‘The Secret Of The Unicorn’, and ‘Red Rackham’s Treasure’, valiant Belgian reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell), along with brainy mutt Snowy, is on the trail of a lost family fortune, involving future friend and rambunctious soak Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis).

I do hope that when (or if) Indiana Jones 5 arrives that Spielberg has a better story to work with. The story here by Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish is familiar Indy fare for Spielberg but it doesn’t have enough in the tank to grab you, leaving him to stage one action set-piece after another to keep the excitement flowing. These set-pieces are undeniably exhilarating though and his handle on the animation side is entirely successful. Before him, director Robert Zemeckis tried (and failed) with similar motion-capture animated features “The Polar Express” and “Beowulf” but Spielberg and Peter Jackson have cracked it. The motion capture is flawless and every pixel of animation is refined to perfection. The problem that Zemeckis had was achieving believable and realistic eyes in his characters. That problem is now gone here. It’s so good that it’s hard to accept that real actors are responsible for the performances. Jamie Bell is impressive as the eponymous man-boy reporter and Daniel Craig is a delight as the villain Sakharine, but the real treat here is Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock the bumbling seaman, complete with Scottish brogue and drunken mishaps.

Classic boys-own adventure and the stuff that Spielberg has been churning out for years. Unfortunately, the script doesn’t hold up to the exquisite visuals and rollicking action but it’s still a treat nonetheless.

Mark Walker

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Hanna * 1/2

Posted in Action, thriller with tags 2011 on February 3, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Joe Wright.
Screenplay: Seth Lochhead, David Farr.
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett, Tom Hollander, Olivia Williams, Jason Flemyng, Jessica Barden.

When “Atonement” was released in 2007, I was pleasantly surprised by how solid a film it was, considering it’s not normally something I’d be drawn to. After that, director Joe Wright went up in my estimation. As did a young Oscar nominated Saiorse Ronan from that film. Much to my delight, they both collaborated again on this espionage thriller. That being said, ‘thriller’ is not exactly the word I would choose for this and it’s certainly nowhere near the standard of their earlier production.

Hanna (Saiorse Ronan) is a young girl who, for most of her life, has been living in the wilderness away from society and being conditioned to be a crack assassin by her father (Eric Bana). When decided that she wants to leave her cloistered life, she finds herself on the run from the CIA in the stern form of Marissa (Cate Blanchett), the very person who knows who or what Hanna really is.

When I first saw the trailer and some of the critical praise this film was recieving I couldn’t wait to see it. That anticipation was maybe the reason I was so disappointed in the delivery though. Everything seemed distant, far-fetched and unreal and not quite what I think was intended – If it was intended, it didn’t work. It started to become a childs eye-view of the world and more specifically, a teenage girls eye-view. This was not what I was expecting at all. I was expecting action, thrills and suspense. I was expecting the film that we were told it would be. Not some dull coming-of-age tale masquerading as an espionage film. It has a couple of impressive action set-pieces but that’s it. The themes have been explored thousands of times before and this brings nothing new to the table. I also struggled to connect to the characters and their unnecessary accents. There were plot holes aplenty and some characters even left without an explanation as to what happened to them. The level of inconsistencies are lazy and quite frankly, insulting. On the plus side, ‘The Chemical Brothers’ soundtrack is fast paced and kinetic and has a vibrancy the film lacks. The performances were also good (despite the dodgy accents). Ronan and Bana are always reliable and Tom Hollander pitches in a creepy role. Blanchett is an actress I have always admired and here her acting is great, but there’s just one problem… It looks like she has stepped onto the wrong set. Her emotional responses are baffling and don’t seem to fit what’s happening onscreen. Very talented actors with wasted efforts. Three times it took me to finally finish watching this. Not because it was convoluted or demanded a level of attention but because it was tedious and uneventful. The only reason I attempted it three times is because I thought I must be missing something. Surely, it couldn’t be as bad as what I was witnessing. Sadly, it was. I’m astonished at the praise this has recieved. It’s an absolute turkey with the only redeeming qualities being a glimmer of originality and very commited performances.

Director Joe Wright still has a lot to learn. After the equally bad “The Soloist” and now this, it’s starting to look like the solid “Atonement” was a fluke. Dull as dishwater.

Mark Walker

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Red State * 1/2

Posted in Action, Horror, thriller with tags 2011 on February 2, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Kevin Smith.
Screenplay: Kevin Smith.
Starring: Michael Parks, Melissa Leo, John Goodman, Kevin Pollak, Michael Angarano, Nicholas Braun, Ronnie Connell, Kaylee DeFer, Stephen Root, James Parks, Kyle Gallner, Gary Sievers, Damien Young.

After the critical panning of his Bruce Willis starring “Cop Out“, writer/director Kevin Smith had to prove that he still had something to offer. On this evidence he doesn’t and maybe this film would be better with the title “Cop Out” instead.

Pastor Abin Cooper (Michael Parks) is a fundamentalist preacher who kidnaps and executes “sexual deviants” and three teenage boys find themselves lured to him in search of group sex from a woman on the Internet. Things go a bit too far though, which attracts the attention of veteran ATF agent Joe Kennan (John Goodman) who lays a siege on Cooper’s heavily armed church.

It’s redneck country and Smith doesn’t fuck about. He delves straight into the extreme religious mindset (probably the same religious fanatics who criticised his film “Dogma“) and he chooses to address it in the torture porn fashion. Gone are his eccentric characters, sharp snappy dialogue and obvious ability for comedy. In their place are detestable characters, mundane monologues and brutal violence. All done with shaky handheld camerawork. It’s not smart and it’s not clever. I have to admit it left a very bad taste very quickly and I couldn’t quite work out the point. Was it to prove his naysayers wrong by changing genres? Or was it a personal attack on his critics? Who knows? Who cares? I’m really not into this disasteful type of filmmaking. Yes, it may be an attack on his critics but Smith is far more intelligent than having to resort to this type of material. I’m a longtime admirer of John Goodman, Michael Parks and Melissa Leo but what the fuck? Did anyone think to inform them of the script before they commited themselves to this? Every one of the characters meant absolutely nothing me but I think I was supposed to care. This is raw, visceral, self ejucalatory nonsense. I hate the very small mindset of the people Smith depicts, but that doesn’t mean I want to spend an hour an a half watching that trash, regardless of them getting their heads blown off or not. And to top it all, just when you think it might all make sense, you get a “single note trumpet blast through an iPod” as an explanation for a major plot development? Give me a break! If it sounds ridiculous that’s because it is.

The very last words uttered at the end of this movie are… “Shut the fuck up!”. I wish those had been the words heeded by the director before embarking on this major shit heap.

Mark Walker

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Eragon (x)

Posted in Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy with tags 2006 on February 2, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Stefen Fangmeier.
Screenplay: Peter Buchman.
Starring: Ed Speleers, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Guillory, Robert Carlyle, John Malkovich, Djimon Hounsou, Garrett Hedlund, Alun Armstrong, Joss Stone, Chris Egan, Gary Lewis.
Voice of: Rachel Weisz.

I enjoy a good fantastical story but I had avoided this one due to the bad things I’d heard of it. However, I eventually thought I should still give it go and see for myself. Seriously though, I wish I’d listened to the naysayers now.

Young farmer Eragon (Ed Speleers) finds a dragon’s egg, and teams up with the newborn dragon, Saphira (voiced by Rachel Weisz), a former Dragon Rider (Jeremy Irons) and a female Elf (Sienna Guillory) to tackle an evil king (John Malkovich) and his shady accomplice (Robert Carlyle).

Bad dialogue, bad acting, bad movie. If your going to release a fantasy film these days then make sure it has some mileage, as “The Lord of the Rings” has set a very high benchmark. This was also based on a series of books by Christopher Paolini but it’s not even in the same league as some of the quality we’ve recently been spoiled with. Admittedly, I’ve never read the books, leaving me unsure as to how the adaptation should be but I do know this… the voice of the dragon was a bad move. It made no effort to even look like the dragon was communicating and just came across as cheap and insulting. Although some were impressed with the special effects, I didn’t find them to be anything special at all. Speelers doesn’t really cut it as the hero of the tale, lacking charisma and any form of acting ability and the rest of the cast seem perplexed. You get the impression from Irons and Malkovich that they know they’ve made a mistake with this one. The same goes for Carlyle but he still manages to deliver a decidedly nasty villian that’s way above this nonsense. Normally a fantasy yarn has something to hold your interest – no matter how poor – but it just goes to show there are exceptions to that. This is one, and quite possibly the definitive to those exceptions.

The only positive that can be taken from this is that due to it’s box-office and critical failure, we will probably be spared the adaptations to the rest of the series. A very bad film indeed.

Mark Walker

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True Romance * * * * *

Posted in Action, Crime, Romance with tags 1993 on February 1, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Tony Scott.
Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino.
Starring: Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, Dennis Hopper, Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer, Michael Rapaport, Saul Rubinek, Bronson Pinchot, Chris Penn, Tom Sizemore, James Gandolfini, Samuel L. Jackson.

To fund his directorial debut “Reservoir Dogs“, Quentin Tarantino unfortunately had to sell his script for True Romance and as good a job as director Tony Scott does here, you can’t help but wonder what might have been had Tarantino been given the chance to helm it himself.

Shy and lonely comic store clerk Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) can’t believe his luck when he meets doting Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette) in his local cinema. What’s more, she shares all his interests and the two fall madly in love. There is one small problem however, as Alabama is actually a prostitute and still under the control of her abusive pimp Drexl (Gary Oldman). Taking it upon himself to pay Drexl a visit Clarence then finds himself high-tailing it with Alabama and a suitcase full of cocaine which invites the attention of gangsters, cops and Hollywood producers.

If you can imagine this film being shot in the same split-time frame structure that “Pulp Fiction” had, then this would give you an idea of how Tarantino intended this to look. His original screenplay was certainly layered in this way, with the characters appearing then reappearing at different times throughout the film. Sadly, we’ll never get to see this, but it doesn’t matter very much, as this is still an excellent ultraviolent foray into Tarantino’s criminal underworld. What really makes this standout is his astute ear for dialogue, played out by an impressive ensemble of wonderful actors. There are so many excellent scenes (and performances) it’s hard to pick a favourite. Crime boss Don Vincenzo (Christopher Walken) and Clarence’s dad Clifford (Dennis Hopper) having a tete-a-tete over the historical inter-racial relationship between the Moors and Sicilians and Clarence’s confrontation with wild-eyed, white rastafarian pimp Drexl being just a couple of numerous quality ones. Added to which, there’s a brief but brilliant turn from Brad Pitt as a stoner flatmate, who uses all the toilet paper and has a liking for beer and cleaning products and James Gandolfini as a cold, sadistic hitman. Like I said, there’s too many to mention. Influenced by previous ‘lovers on the lam’ films such as, “Bonnie & Clyde” and “Badlands” but most notably like “Wild at Heart” with it’s numerous violent confrontations and it’s array of colourful characters. Holding it’s own against any one of them. I’m not director Tony Scott’s biggest admirer but his hyperkinetic style actually suits the pace and explosive nature of this story and it’s characters and he actually compliments Tarantino’s writing.

Stylish, gripping, violent, profane and endlessly quotable. What more do you expect when sitting down to a Tarantino flick? He may not have directed it but it still stands as one of his finest.

Mark Walker

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Zombieland * * * 1/2

Posted in Action, Comedy, Horror with tags 2009 on February 1, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Ruben Fleischer.
Screenplay: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick.
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Amber Heard, Derek Graf, Mike White, Bill Murray.

Zombie flicks have always had an underlying sense of humour throughout them, which has also made them perfect fodder for an out and out comedy. “Shaun of the Dead” was a British attempt at it and this, in some ways, could be seen as it’s American cousin.

A virus has swept the world and turned 99% of the population into ravenous zombies. A few “normal” humans remain, like young Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), who hooks up with a gun-toting zombie-eradicator named Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson). Their road trip gets detoured when they encounter two savvy sisters Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) heading for an amusement park in California.

This film had me hooked from the beginning with it’s excellent fun packed introduction complete with Eisenberg’s life saving “rules” to surviving a now over populated world of Zombies and a hilarious slow-motion credit sequence with zombies, of all kinds, chowing down. As it progresses though, it begins to run out of ideas becoming a bit uneventful. This is mainly due to the characters having no real purpose in their lives and are left to just waste time on their travels. As a result it becomes a little stale but the arrival of a cameo appearance by Bill Murray playing himself, lightens up the proceedings and the amusement park finale is pure excitement. A perfect way to see our Zombies friends meet their fate. The four actors all put in good performances. Harrelson gets the juicy role but it’s Eisenberg who really shines, combining comedy with drama effortlessly. It’s good to see that he is getting some choice roles and continues his good streak. Ruben Fleischer does a fantastic job here and is definitely a director to watch. He has a creative and fun-filled visual style that keeps this film going, despite some periodic lulls.

Zombie fans should find plenty of enjoyment and fans of comedy won’t be displeased either. Roll on the sequel.

Mark Walker

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The Quick And The Dead * * * 1/2

Posted in Action, Western with tags 1995 on January 29, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Sam Raimi.
Screenplay: Simon Moore.
Starring: Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lance Henriksen, Gary Sinise, Keith David, Kevin Conway, Fay Masterson, Tobin Bell, Pat Hingle, Roberts Blossom, Mark Boone Junior, Scott Spiegel, Mick Garris, Bruce Campbell, Woody Strode.

There’s no doubting director Sam Raimi when it comes to his playful nature. He managed to inject hilarity into horror in “The Evil Dead” series and does so again with the western. Not taking his material too seriously at all, here he delivers a cartoon take on the duelling western gunslingers.

The town of ‘Redemption’ holds an annual gunslinging contest (a strict local custom in which pistol-packers young and old, local and not, shoot to the death). Riding silently, moodily and mysteriously into town is, Ellen (Sharon Stone). A woman who keeps her motivation quiet, working her way into the contest with a score to settle against the town owner Herod (Gene Hackman).

Although this borrows heavily from the great Sergio Leone/Clint Eastwood cowsers, it’s playful use of the camera and refusal to take itself seriously gives it a fresh feel all it’s own. Raimi’s use of camera angles and slow motion shots are sublime and what really make the film. The camera is just as much a character as the eccentric bunch on screen. The focus being on the nervous eye-contact and elaborate ticking of clocks, in keeping with true spaghetti western style. It’s a very stylish parody on the western showdown scenario helped by a who’s who cast of ecclectic character actors, not to mention a young Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe at the beginning of their careers.

It’s completely ludicrous but it’s ludicrous nature and style is exactly what makes it fun.

Mark Walker

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The Last Of The Mohicans * * * * 1/2

Posted in Action, Drama, Romance with tags 1992 on January 29, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Michael Mann.
Screenplay: Michael Mann, Christopher Crowe.
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe, Wes Studi, Russell Means, Maurice Roeves, Steven Waddington, Eric Schweig, Jodhi May, Patrice Chereau, Terry Kinney, David Schofield, Dylan Baker, Jared Harris, Colm Meaney, Pete Postlethwaite.

Director Michael Mann’s vast canvas is normally urban with a keen eye for a sprawling cityscape. Here though, he shows his vision is just as effective when his surroundings are the sweeping forestry and mountain ranges of North America.

1757, the French and British battle for control of North America in the French and Indian war. Travelling through these lands are mohawk ‘Chingachgook’ (Russell Means), his son ‘Uncas’ (Eric Schweig) and his adopted white son ‘Hawkeye’ (Daniel Day-Lewis). They want no part of the war but when they happen to become a rescue party to ‘Cora’ (Madeleine Stowe) and ‘Alice’ (Jodhi May) daughters of Scottish Colonel Edmund Munro (Maurice Roeves) they gradually become embroiled.

During the making of this, Mann was forced by the studio to cut his +3 hour long film. Despite this, it still feels like the intended epic at just under two hours. That’s thanks to his assured pacing, the beautiful cinematography and the stirring music combining to marvellous and rousing effect. It’s a magnificent modern adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper’s classic novel brought vibrantly to the screen by Mann’s skillful direction and his ability to stage superb action set-pieces. The quietly thrilling and powerful Shakespearean finale is something to behold and one of the most tragic, yet most satisfying endings you’re ever likely to see. The acting is flawless throughout, with Day-Lewis delivering a charismatic central performance and despite having very little dialogue, Wes Studi is a standout as the native ‘Magua’, one of cinema’s greatest villains.

A sweeping epic with breathtaking cinematography, gripping action scenes and a rousing music score all coalescing for a kinetic and powerful romantic adventure. One of Mann’s finest.

Mark Walker

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The Town * * * *

Posted in Action, Drama, thriller with tags 2010 on January 28, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Ben Affleck.
Screenplay: Ben Affleck, Peter Craig, Aaron Stockard.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm, Rebecca Hall, Blake Lively, Pete Postlethwaite, Chris Cooper, Titus Welliver, Slaine, Owen Burke.

After his excellent directorial debut “Gone Baby Gone”, Ben Affleck then had the pressure of fulfilling his potential with the tricky second feature syndrome but with “The Town” he proves that he’s no flash-in-the-pan behind the camera.

Based on the novel “Prince of Thieves” by Chuck Hogan, it follows professional thief Doug MacRay (Affleck) and his crew after a bank heist, where the bank manager, Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall) may be a potential witness against them. Just to be sure, MacRay keeps tabs on her, resulting in them developing a romantic relationship and putting himself and his crew in even more danger. Meanwhile, MacRay’s hot-headed friend Jem (Jeremy Renner) shows his disapproval and F.B.I agent Adam Frawley (Jon Hamm) closes in on them.

The story is nothing new and has shades of Michael Mann’s “Heat” and Kathryn Bigelow’s “Point Break” coursing through it’s veins. However, Affleck still manages to make the film his own. He shows his knowledge of the neighbourhood with excellent use of Boston locations and employs a fine supporting cast. Jeremy Renner channels another wild man performance that got him a Oscar nomination for “The Hurt Locker” and Jon Hamm effortlessly crosses over from TV’s “Mad Men”, this time playing a ruthless and driven F.B.I agent, hot on the gangs heals. Affleck himself, is also really rather good. I’m not his biggest fan but he has a brooding, cold and calculated presence and next to Renner’s unpredictable hot-head, he never looks shaken or concerned by his friend’s dangerous behaviour. There’s no doubt that he’s in charge.
Much like “Gone Baby Gone”, Affleck shows his film to have substance. He gives his characters and actors time to establish themselves and you get the feeling that he’s not cutting corners. Its a solid piece of work and I shall watch with anticipation for the next time he’s calling the shots.

Its not as grand or as flamboyant as “Heat” but more a grittier look at the working-class criminal lifestyle.

Mark Walker

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Team America: World Police * * * *

Posted in Action, Animation, Comedy with tags 2005 on January 28, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Trey Parker.
Screenplay: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Pam Brady.
Voices: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Kristen Miller, Masasa Moyo, Daran Norris, Phil Hendrie, Maurice LaMarche.

“I’ll rip your fuckin’ balls off and stuff them up your ass. So, the next time you shit, you’ll shit all over your balls! Got it?” This quote pretty much sums up the level of humour from “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s take on the conflict in the Middle East, with their usual offensive and riotously funny approach.

“Team America” are an anti-terrorist group who claim to be the “world police”, bringing democracy and the American way to people ‘less fortunate than them’. During a terrorist busting mission in France, one of their team is killed-in-action which results in the team’s decision to replace him with an actor. Their intention being, to bring down the terrorist organisations and dictators with someone on their side who can infiltrate ‘the baddies’ using their acting chops.

More a pastiche of the old marionette puppet show “Thunderbirds” and several Hollywood blockbusters than a political satire. It’s a bit overlong and doesn’t always hit the mark but it’s very hard to dismiss a film that has a recurrent song with lyrics like…”America, Fuck yeah! Lick my butt and suck on my balls”. Profane but absolutely hilarious. It’s ridicules everyone from the Taliban to former North Korean dictator Kim-Jong Il and left wing politicised actors, namely Alec Baldwin, Sean Penn, Tim Robbins and Matt Damon among others, as well as the gung-ho destructive and ignorant nature of America. It doesn’t take prisoners, any political or celebrity figure who CAN get the piss taken out of them, DO get the piss taken out of them and political correctness goes out the window from the get go.

The puppets are uproariously funny but this is definitely not for the easily offended. However, if you like your humour a little (or a lot) more risque, then this is for you. Fuck yeah!!

Mark Walker

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Scott Pilgrim vs. The World * * * 1/2

Posted in Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance with tags 2010 on January 28, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Edgar Wright.
Screenplay: Edgar Wright, Michael Bacall.
Starring: Michael Cena, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick, Ellen Wong, Mark Webber, Don McKellar, Abigail Chu, Clifton Collins, Jr, Bill Hader, Thomas Jane, Brandon Routh, Chris Evans, Jason Schwartzman.

Following the success of “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz”, director Edgar Wright ventures into the American market with a lot more zero’s added to his budget. I’m an admirer of his style, despite his previous outings lacking a little something.

Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) is a jobless, aimless 22 year-old who plays in a garage band, shares a rent free flat with his gay friend Wallace (Kieran Culkin) and is dating a 17year old high-schooler (Ellen Wong). His life doesn’t have much focus, until he meets Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and falls head over heels in love with her. In order to continue dating her though, he’ll have to fight her seven Evil Ex-boyfriends in hand-to-hand combat.

Wright’s venture to Hollywood, unfortunately hasn’t ironed out his weakness. That, being the script. While watching with my partner (who wasn’t impressed) she astutely and bluntly observed, that the film is essentially about a “pubescent young boy looking for his hole”. Otherwise, Wright’s visual flair is there in abundance. A highly stylish film but unfortunately, it still has the feel of just another Michael Cera flick, of which, I am not a fan. In fairness to Cera though, he does manage to shake off some his goofiness this time around and his action moves are convincing. What isn’t convincing is the attraction he would have to the ladies, unless as suggested, the whole film takes place in his head and is in fact, a boys own fantasy. The fight fests and showdowns are visually stunning and the brief appearances from Chris Evans, Brandon Routh and Jason Schwartzmann as three unsavoury exes are excellent but it’s a film directed at a particular gender and particular generation. Wright expertly captures the feel for the comic and video game generation though, channeling Japanese Anime with “Street Fighter” and “Tekken” and again shows what a quality director he is. If the names of these video games mean nothing to you, then its likely that’ll be the effect the film will have on you also. It probably won’t appeal.

The gaming generation will rejoice in it’s fresh, creative approach to film, while others will find it more style over substance. Either way there’s still an abundance of fun to be had.

Mark Walker

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The Book Of Eli * * * 1/2

Posted in Action, Western with tags 2010 on January 28, 2012 by Mark Walker

Directors: Allen & Albert Hughes.
Screenplay: Gary Whitta.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals, Evan Jones, Joe Pingue, Michael Gambon, Frances de la Tour, Tom Waits.

Having already been dealt a dollop of the post-apocalyptic with “The Road”, we are dealt another, in the same year, with this latest offering from “Menace II Society” and “From Hell” directors Allen & Albert Hughes.

An atomic war has ravaged America leaving it a harsh and barren land. Wandering through this land is Eli (Denzel Washington), guarding his most precious possession – a book. Carnegie (Gary Oldman), boss of a small town, wants the book, which he thinks will give him power. When Eli escapes from town with Carnegie’s adopted daughter Solara (Mila Kunis), Carnegie and his gang set out in pursuit, in the knowledge that the book is in fact, the only one remaining of the King James Bible, that brings protection and guidance to whoever possesses it.

Religious undertones – or overtones for that matter, as they are hardly subtle – don’t sit well throughout this modern, ethereal western. It unashamedly preaches Christianity from the heavens but if you can see beyond the religious mumbo-jumbo, the film has a lot going for it. The cinematography by Don Burgess is simply stunning in capturing the burnt-out and desolate apocalyptic landscape. Some of the images – although bleak – are beautifully captured and a photographer would be pleased to have them in their portfolio. The direction by the Hughes Brothers is slow paced, which adds to the loneliness of Eli, but when it kicks up a gear the action scenes are undeniably impressive and they handle it very well. In particular, the camerawork during the house shootout scene is magnificent, weaving in and out of the action, giving you a full immersive experience. Fine performances from a fine cast also, but both Washington and Oldman seem somewhat subdued this time round. They’ve done similiar roles in the past to much more effect but then I suppose it’s difficult for an actor to convey any real emotion when they’re wearing sunglasses for almost the entirety of the film. Great use of music also, adding to the overall supernal feel. However, with all the effort and talent involved in this, it’s the story that’s left lacking. There are numerous inconsistencies and the “Bible shall set you free” message, leaves a bad taste.

Essentially it’s “Mad Max” on “The Road” with a little “Children of Men” thrown in. Plenty to enjoy, but at times, I had the feeling that I should have been wearing my Sunday best, during the sermon.

Mark Walker

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Miami Vice * *

Posted in Action, Drama, thriller with tags 2006 on January 27, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Michael Mann.
Screenplay: Michael Mann.
Starring: Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Ciaran Hinds, Gong Li, Barry Shabaka Henley, Justin Theroux, Naomie Harris, Luis Tosar, John Ortiz, Eddie Marsan, Isaach De Bankole, John Hawkes, Oleg Taktarov, Tom Towles, Tony Curran, Kristen Stewart.

Director Michael Mann does a retread and modern film version of his highly successful 1980’s television series and despite his calibre, this turns out to be just like all the other poor makeovers of hit TV shows.

Detectives Sonny Crockett (Colin Farrell) and Ricardo Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) work undercover investigating narcotics-smuggling in Florida. But when Crockett falls for the beautiful wife (Gong Li) of a powerful arms and drugs trafficker, and Tubbs’ loved ones come under threat, their personal and professional lives start to mesh together.

Much like “Heat” and “The Insider”, with similiar wonderful cinematography (complete with intense close-ups and methodical pace), giving the impression that we’re involved in the action. Problem is though, the action is not exciting enough. It’s too slow. Far too slow. This had real potential and from the beginning it looks like we’re going to be treated to another classic like the previous films mentioned but the normally reliable Michael Mann (especially in this genre) delivers a damp squib. Foxx and Farrell make a great Tubbs and Crocket, full of style and intensity but they’re left to basically wander around for over two hours, looking mean, tanned and brooding. The editing and camerawork are excellent in capturing the urban landscape of Miami but it’s not enough. It is without doubt, all style and no substance. All buck and no bang and definitely no bark OR bite. It took me three attempts to get through it, without falling asleep and that’s just not what you expect with the style and excitement of a usually on-form Michael Mann.

A massive let down. Mann can do much better than this, with the most impressive thing about it being how Farrell managed to get away with successfully sporting a mullet and handlebar ‘tashe. Not an easy combination and more impressive than the film itself.

Mark Walker

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Starsky & Hutch * * *

Posted in Action, Comedy with tags 2004 on January 27, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Todd Phillips.
Screenplay: Todd Phillips, Scot Armstrong, John O’Brien.
Starring: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Snoop Dogg, Jason Bateman, Juliette Lewis, Fred Williamson, Chris Penn, Amy Smart, Carmen Electra, Richard Edson, Terry Crews, Paul Michael Glaser, David Soul, Will Ferrell.

As film versions of classic Television shows go, this happens to be one of the most appealing, from “The Hangover” director Todd Phillips. The appeal comes from the fact that it sends up it’s original, rather than try and replicate it.

Detectives David Starsky (Ben Stiller) and Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson (Owen Wilson), have a lead on a new type of undetectable cocaine which takes them to the door of businessman and philanthropist Reese Feldman (Vince Vaughn) who they become determined to bring to justice with the help of street-savvy informant Huggy Bear (Snoop Dogg).

The styles (complete with cardigans), the cars, and the haircuts are all here and they are all exagerated to fine comedic results. Wilson and Stiller are a fine comedy duo and this is probably the most suited for their double-act. They are both perfectly cast as the crime fighting duo with excellent support from a handlebar mustachioed Vince Vaughn as their arch rival, along with furry mustachioed partner in crime Jason Bateman and a perfectly cast Snoop Dogg, with some sharp lines, as the eponymous informant “Huggy Bear”. Already an iconic character, here he’s re-imaginned to delighful results. Although, I’m not a massive fan, the cameo appearance of hair-netted convict Will Ferrell, with an affection for belly-buttons and dragons is hilarious as he displays a “Midnight Express” desire toward Wilson. The film itself is not entirely laugh out loud material but it is mildly amusing and maintains it throughout it’s entirety. The main goal here, seems to be fun and that exactly what it achieves, throwing in an enjoyable cocaine-fuelled disco dance-off scene.

Not normally my type film but its a good buddy-buddy cop movie that’s nothing more than light entertainment and works well, for what it is.

Mark Walker

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The Incredibles * * * *

Posted in Action, Animation, Family, Fantasy with tags 2004 on January 27, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Brad Bird.
Screenplay: Brad Bird.
Voices: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, Wallace Shawn, Lou Romano, Elizabeth Pena, John Ratzenberger, Brad Bird.

Pixar have had numerous heroic characters throughout their animations but here, director Brad Bird introduces us to a full-blown superhero story.

When Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), catches a jumper who doesn’t want to be saved, he opens the door to a wave of legal compensations that puts all superheroes out of business and into a relocation programme. Years later, Mr. Incredible, real name Bob Parr and wife Helen (Holly Hunter) – formerly Elastigirl – are trying to raise a ‘normal’ family when they receive a mysterious call for help, bringing them back into their crime fighting ways to save the world.

An interesting take on a similiar story covered by “Watchmen”, whereby superhero’s are resigned to living a normal life and attempting to fit into society, despite the superhuman powers they possess. The animation is second to none in the Pixar catalogue and it’s refreshing to have a cartoon with human characters as the main focus. There’s no cuddly sidekicks or talking animals, it’s all from the (human) heart this time, which is quite a brave change of direction for a Disney film. Thankfully for us though, it’s a winner and ranks as one the best that Pixar have produced. Great voice cast also, Nelson and Hunter are perfectly suited to their characters, as is Samuel L. Jackson as their sidekick ‘Frozone’ and Jason Lee as the evil nemesis ‘Syndrome’. They are all warm, humourous and believably written.

A bit overlong for younger viewers but bags of fun, once again, from the Pixar team. A real treat.

Mark Walker

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Valhalla Rising * 1/2

Posted in Action, Drama, History with tags 2009 on January 26, 2012 by Mark Walker

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn.
Screenplay: Nicolas Winding Refn, Roy Jacobsen.
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Maarten Stevenson, Gary Lewis, Alexander Morton, Stewart Porter, Gary McCormack, Gordon Brown, Andrew Flanagan, Jamie Sives, Ewan Stewart.

Director Nicolas Winding Refn has gained a bit of a cult following after his previous film “Bronson”, about Britain’s most notorious and violent prisoner. Now he gives another portrayal of a violent prisoner, in this art-house, ethnographic, dreamlike film.

A thousand years ago, ‘One-Eye’ (Mads Mikkelsen), an enigmatic, mute warrior-slave, is freed from captivity and falls in with a party of Christian Vikings who set out for the Holy Land but cross the wrong sea, reaching a vast, overwhelming land with potentially hostile inhabitants.

This is a film that’s guaranteed to split audiences as it’s definitely not for all tastes. It’s a spiritual Viking film with a ghostly atmosphere permeating throughout and sudden bursts of graphic violence. It also has a highly effective meditative pace an ethereal feel but I struggled to find anything meaningful and seriously considered whether any of the actors knew what was going on either. They looked just as lost and bewildered as I did. Yes, it has shades of Werner Herzog and Terrence Malick but it’s not quite as accessible as those directors. Winding Refn certainly makes it look the part though. The cinematography is gorgeous with wonderfully captured Scottish landscapes and every frame is a work of art but it left me feeling like I do about ‘modern art’, which is… Blah – pompous and pretentious claptrap. What I found most intriguing was how the actors could walk around the Scottish highlands, battling the elements without as much as a decent raincoat on. That’s not an easy thing to do… I’m impressed.

There’s no denying it’s hallucinatory beauty and must admit that it lingered long after it finished, but really, for me, it’s Valhalla Shmalhalla.

Mark Walker