AVENGER'S ASSEMBLE - Superheroes galore. One leads the show, one steals it.

This week saw the release of Avenger's Assemble. There was no question really as to what we were going to see. This film was one many have been waiting for, probably to see if it will fail due to the top characters all fighting for screen time, but I tell you know it doesn't fail at all and it is actually surprisingly really good. There seems to be a lot of fighting but not for screen time, and each character has their own reason for being in the film and pull the story along. However their is one character that stands above the rest, and one character who completely steals the show when you finally see them in their armour.

Iron Man is the character that seems to lead it. Robert Downey Jr has the best lines, playing his typical Tony Stark, and he is the superhero that leads the charge in the final epic battle, and he is the one that seems to do most of the destroying. Not that this is a bad thing of course because Tony Stark is a great character to watch. The acting is also good but Downey Jr does know this character inside and out. He is also the only major character whose love interest is shown in the film. Captain America and Thor don't steal the show. Cap, to me, is out of place in the Avenger's Initiative and he is only there as he is a soldier who leads the gang. I find his character a little dull and it is no different here. Thor turns up the latest out of all the heroes and he has more reason to be there but still takes a back seat compared to some of the others. Hemsworth is fine as Thor but he isn't as compelling as the other characters. However he does claim the best comedic line in the film. Nighthawk and Black Widow gain more relevance than Cap and Thor which is a little disappointing as they are not as known as the others for being part of the Avenger's, but they at least have some meaning. All of them do have reason to be there, some more than others, but they all do bring their story to the bigger picture.

You maybe thinking I have left someone out, but actually I am saving the best till last. Dr Bruce Banner is the most interesting character in the story. Mark Ruffalo completely steals this picture. As Banner he is shy, weary and does all he can not to antagonise "the other man". Whilst watching all you are willing him to do is turn and when he finally does it is not disappointing. Here the Hulk character works and it is due to their handling of him, the brilliant acting and the dialogue they have given him. As Banner he is an ordinary man, and when he changes it is frightening. Hulk steals the show as a character, but Ruffalo as Banner steals iT completely. A genius bit of casting.

The villain, Loki, is much more scary than he was in Thor. Here he has drive and determination and isn't that feeble character from the previous movie. This time he manages to have his way with most of the team. Hiddleston is brilliant as Loki, and he brings charm, and the devil with his character. The only issue I have with him though is that he seemed to know too much about the Avenger's too quick. He knew them all individually before they had already been formed. I wander how much telecoms they receive on Asgaard. Also the writer's do a great job of building him up as menacing and steal it away so quickly in a scene where Hulk gives him a smashing. It is a funny moment but then you realise they should have set the Hulk on him quicker instead of containing him and this would have been over earlier. Many comedy moments in this film though generally are brilliant, however one or two can border on making the film a bit of a farce.

There is so much that is good about this film. One scene alone stands out, and it is when all the heroes are in a room bickering. That is the best bit. The chemistry between them is great, and all the issues people may have had prior to viewing will be washed away. Joss Whedon has done a great job of bringing all their stories together and not leaving many plot issues. It is a film that is miles better than expected, a film full of great acting especially from Downey Jr, Hiddleston and mainly Ruffalo, and a film with a fantastic final forty minute long action sequence that shows you all the heroes doing their thing. I still do wander though why Samuel L Jackson is there. He just seems out of place. Not Nick Fury, I actually mean Jackson. I just feel as an acting presence he seems like he is in the wrong place. He also has the most cheesy lines. Despite that though this is a top movie, and the positives well out weight the one or two negatives.

Pros: Action, humour and top acting; all you want from an action flick.

Cons: Sometimes the humour doesn't fit in.

7.5 / 10


Top 10 films of 2012 so far:


1. The Hunger Games     8 / 10
2. Avenger's Assemble     7.5 / 10
3. 21 Jump Street     7.5 / 10
4. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol     7 / 10
5. The Grey     7 / 10
6. Safe House     6 / 10
7. The Raven     6 / 10
8. Contraband     6 / 10
9. The Cabin In The Woods     5.5 / 10
10. This Means War     5 / 10

In Cinemas This Weekend: It's time for the Avenger's Initiative.

There are 3 new films released into cinemas this weekend but let's be honest here, there is only one film on everybody's mind. That's right it is time for our ensemble of superheroes to defend the world. Other films released this week I'm sure will have a tough time at the box office due to this, but then again six superheroes fighting a super villain with a space army is not everyone's cup of tea. Have a look at the films below.


1. It is the biggest release of the week, and a highly anticipated super hero action flick. AVENGER'S ASSEMBLE brings back the superheroes who have had their own movie; Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and Hulk, teams them up with two others; Black Widow and Nighthawk, in order to defend the world from annihilation by Thor's brother Loki. The initial worry of too many heroes fighting for screen time have been dashed and the film has received nothing but positive reviews so far. Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson & Jeremy Renner. Have you been waiting for this?


2. Attempting to fight against the above film is ALBERT NOBBS. Starring Glenn Close, this film follows her posing as a man in the 19th century, where women were not allowed to be independent. When she meets a handsome painter however she must find a way of revealing that she is putting on a front in order to gain some much needed acknowledgement. Also starring: Mia Wasikowska, Aaron Johnson & Antonia Campbell-Hughes. A serious reverse on Mrs Doubtfire?





3. Finally is the story of a trio of girls set to change a male dominated college campus in DAMSELS IN DISTRESS. The trio attempt to rescue the students from falling into depression, grunge and low standards. Starring: Greta Gerwig, Adam Brody, Analeigh Tipton & Megalyn Echikunwoke. Want to see male dominance crumble?





Seems rather ironic that two films based around women trying to overthrow men are released the same weekend as the male dominated film Avenger's Assemble. Coincidence? Regardless I'm sure there is only one film on each persons lips this weekend. I'm sure I will be seeing it so come back Monday and read my review of it.

THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD movie review

The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford

Starring: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker

Running time: 140 minutes

Year: 2007

Directed By: Andrew Dominik

Written By: Andrew Dominik

                                       The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford trailer

In 1881 Jesse James (Pitt) was an outlaw. He was known to steal and murder. In 1881 he took part in his final train robbery, with his brother Frank (Shepard) and a new crew of his, after the death or arrest of his previous crew members. One of these new members is Charlie Ford (Sam Rockwell). Charlie's brother is Robert Ford (Affleck), a twenty year old in complete awe of Jesse James, being able to cite his stories and his trivia off the top of his head. He asks Jesse to join his gang and when Jesse accepts he does all he can to prove his worth, so much so that after the robbery Jesse asks Robert to stick around with him whilst the other members scatter across the country. Jesse seems to like the attention Robert puts on him. It makes him feel celebrity like. However after a while Robert's infatuation becomes too much and Jesse begins to wander about his new friend. He sends him off to join his brothers as the star struck Ford becomes too much.

Over the next few months the Ford brothers live at home with two other gang members who are constantly at each other's throats. So much so that one day it ends in one of their deaths. Meanwhile Jesse scales the country, killing those who are likely to betray him. He finally catches back up with the Ford brothers and asks them to accompany him on a bank heist. They set off to Jesse James house, for refuge until the robbery will take place, where Jesse's brutality, unpredictability and intimidation shine through, turning Ford from one time stalker to a potential killer. Ford's new emotions toward Jesse and a huge reward prize over his head, leave Robert Ford only one option. An option he must take before it is too late.

You may think I have given away too much there, but if you read the title you will realise I have not. We all know that the story is about Jesse James murder, and how he was betrayed by one of his most faithful partners, Robert Ford. This just shows you how and why it happened. You may already know if you have researched into this outlaw but if you don't this film is the exact story of his death, including the aftermath where Ford is labelled the coward.

The film is really brought to life by the performances. There are other good things about it, but the best aspect is the acting talent. For starters Brad Pitt is fantastic. He plays James with a sense of mystery and fear. The look in his eyes allows you to register what he is thinking without giving too much away. He also starts off as charming and ends up as a man you hate. The performance alone does all of this, even the dignity shown in his death when he either realises that his time is up, or he is testing Robert Ford's bravery. The entire performance is one that shows us so much. One of Pitt's best to date. Sam Rockwell is also very good as the slightly brain-less Charlie Ford. His reactions when lying are realistic, and they make us feel as if he really is hiding something. Jeremy Renner also pops up in a small role and is also very good, except from when he is obviously wearing a fake beard. The surprise breakthrough however comes from Casey Affleck who seems every bit Robert Ford. He begins timid, stuttering through his lines, in awe of Jesse, and as the film continues you can physically see him hide deeper inside himself before plucking up the courage to commit his deed. The events shown after the death are some of Affleck's best work, where he expects applause for shooting his gang leader but is surprised to see himself branded a coward. His slide back into his cave is brilliantly shown by Affleck. He is a great acting talent and here he really shows it. The cinematography is also beautiful showing us some lovely shots in wide open lands to show how isolated these characters really are.

The problem with the film then lies in the running time and the dire middle sector. The opening thirty minutes and the final forty five are great but the middle seventy minutes become dull. Too much time is spent away from the two leads, following characters that are not as integral to the plot. Sure they all have reasons for being there but we spend too much time concentrating on them when we really want to see the two leads. During the entire middle sector Pitt and Affleck hardly share a scene and they are the two you are really there to see.

The acting of this film pulls it through the middle slump, and I only think that if the film was cut slightly it could have been better. The bookends of the film are riveting but the middle becomes boring and the film becomes a drag, which is a shame considering the positives within this film. People seem to slate Pitt's acting talents and I advise them to all watch this to see how good he actually is. They will also be pleasantly surprised to see a man with the surname Affleck actually can act.

3 / 5

Next film to review: THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE

THE ILLUSIONIST movie review

The Illusionist

Starring: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell

Running time: 110 minutes

Year: 2006

Directed By: Neil Burger

Written By: Neil Burger

The Illusionist trailer

The Illusionist fights a losing battle from the minute you press play. The automatic problem it has is that it is so similar to The Prestige that you instantly compare them. Unfortunately for The Illusionist, The Prestige is such a fantastic film; meaning from the start The Illusionist doesn't live up to expectations. I know you shouldn't really compare films but these two came out within six months of each other, both are period setting, and both about the art of illusion and magic. The Illusionist was released first, so maybe if you saw it first you will like it, however for those who saw it second will only be disappointed.

The Illusionist follows an illusionist called Eisenheim (Norton). As a child he fell in love with a young girl named Sophie. Their friendship was frowned upon due to their substantial class differences, so he found himself running from town to perfect a new found talent; magic. Fifteen years later he returns to Vienna to perform a new magic show. When he asks for a member of the audience as a volunteer, the new fiancée to the Crown Prince (Sewell) steps forward, she turns out to be none other than Sophie (Biel). Instantly their love for each other comes flooding back, and Eisenheim begins to mock her fiancée using his tricks. Knowing that Eisenheim is attempting to win his girls affections, the Crown Prince attempts to find out his secrets and shut him down using Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti). As Sophie begins to choose Eisenheim over the Crown Prince, Eisenheim must devise a plan to leave with his girl, especially since the Crown Prince is known for indulging in murder when he doesn't get what he wants.

I don't want to delve into too much detail of the plot as I don't want to give away whether or not Eisenheim is a master trickster or a man with supernatural power. The whole second half of the film Eisenheim raises spirits, and changes into a man of few words. Is it actually an illusion? This second half is where the film seems to run out of steam though. The film is based on a short story and it is very noticeable that it is as the film does begin to wear thin. The characters aren't very well developed and the plot seems very flat. Also the final twist to the film was very predictable, and came around all too easily. The characters spent the whole film unaware of what was going on and then all of a sudden someone understands it.

The acting was very average. Norton was not his usual self. His delivery of lines seemed to lack tension, but that could have been due to his accent he was putting on. In the second half however, where he mutters minimal words, he is much better as his eyes and facial expressions do the talking. Biel was average and shows that she can do period films as opposed to just teen romantic comedies. Giamatti is in first gear as was Rufus Sewell. I think overall the entire film was a disappointment really, but I think my problem is me comparing it to The Prestige, because I have to say this is nowhere near as good.

Some of the illusions are impressive, especially when Eisenheim removes his gloves, throws them in the air and they turn into crows. These tricks are all impressive but others, where he manipulates reflections in a mirror, have no explanation and it seems a little too unrealistic. This is where I much preferred The Prestige as at least they explained how the tricks worked, here he just raised spirits, and we never know how or why. I suppose maybe a magician never tells his secret.

I was expecting much more than what I ultimately got. I believe that I may have been harsh on this due to my love for Christopher Nolan's period magician piece; however this film could still have been as good if it had managed to make me believe in it. Unfortunately it did not. With a film exploring a plot like this I at least expect a fantastic pull-the-rug-from-underneath-me twist, but I'm afraid the ending seemed an easy way out and was guessed at the half way point. Regrettably The Illusionist failed to wow me.

2.5 / 5

Next film to review: THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD

NEWS - The Dark Knight Rises to show over an hour of IMAX footage

The main news of the week evolves around the most anticipated film of the year, The Dark Knight Rises. Christopher Nolan returns to the bat cave for his final installment which stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Tom Hardy as Bane and Anne Hathaway as Catwoman. Marketing material has been slow at the moment but it is rumoured that the new trailer will be attached to Avenger's Assemble which is released today, so maybe the marketing campaign is about to hit top notch again. We have also heard that the film will run at over 2 hours 30 minutes long, which is longer than The Dark Knight. It will be a bum numbing ride but if it's as good as The Dark Knight then I'm sure the screen time will flyby.

The main news about the film thought is that over an hour of the 2 hour 30 minute film will be entirely IMAX footage. Other films of the year including The Amazing Spiderman, Prometheus, Men In Black III and Dark Shadows will also be screened in IMAX but The Dark Knight Rises is the only one to have been filmed using the giant IMAX cameras. Christopher Nolan has begun to use IMAX cameras as if it his new directorial trait. He was the first director to use these cameras, whilst filming The Dark Knight, in which a handful of scenes were shot using it. He then upped the ante filming Inception where he filmed even more in IMAX, including that fantastic spinning hallway scene. Now he has raised the bar yet again and has over an hour of footage to show us. The film is gaining much pant wetting anticipation and excitement, and these new little bits of information have made those undergarments even wetter. Still there is a few months to wait for the biggest film of the year. It is released on 20th July. I suggest you all go out and grab tickets to see this in an IMAX cinema. Watch it how Christopher Nolan intended it. Just make sure you leave me a ticket.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET movie review

A Nightmare On Elm Street

Starring: Heather Langenkamp, Johnny Depp, Robert Englund, John Saxon

Running time: 91 minutes

Year: 1984

Directed By: Wes Craven

Written By: Wes Craven

A Nightmare On Elm Street trailer

Towards the end of the seventies and beginning of the eighties, we were blessed with some great horror films that have become cult classics today. First off there was Halloween, that introduced us to Michael Myers. Secondly was Friday the 13th which gave birth to Jason Voorhees. Next came A Nightmare On Elm Street which unleashed a demon into our dreams in Freddy Kruger. Looking back on this film now, after having Freddy Kruger being a huge horror villain as I grew up, I see that in the very first film he is nothing like he is interpreted today. The sequels seem to have ruined the character slightly as in the first film he is frightening, unpredictable and kept in the dark for most of the film, leaving you anticipating his next move. There are none of the wise cracks that he is resembled with today, and he is nothing like the version we saw in the 2010 remake. This is Freddy Kruger at his best.

For those who don't know, the film follows a girl called Nancy (Langenkamp) and her group of friends. One by one they begin to have nightmares, each involving the same man, Fred Kruger. This man is heavily scared, wears a hooped red and green jumper, a tatty hat, and has knives for fingers. As the group begin to realise they are dreaming of the same guy one of the girls is killed in her dream by Fred Kruger, which kills her in real life. This is shown in a fantastic scene where this poor girl is dragged across the ceiling, blood spilling from her but no other person in sight. Once this girl is killed her boyfriend becomes the main suspect and he has no way to prove his innocence. The only one that believes him is Nancy, who has now started to have these nightmares more frequently, and finds herself attempting to stay awake for days on end in order to avoid her nightmare. Once the truth about Freddy is revealed she devises a way to finally bring a stop to her nightmare and sets up a trap involving her boyfriend (Depp) to finish Kruger once and for all.

What makes this stand out from other horror films of its time is that it explores the notion of dream against reality. At times during the film you are unaware of which reality we are in and this really adds to the visuals of the film, especially when we see Freddy's destruction in reality and he isn't even there. We are also introduced to another horror icon who doesn't remain silent throughout, and walk like a machine hell bent on death. We have a killer insistent on laughing at the poor children he is tormenting, and one that also looks feeble in comparison to other icons. He may not be as scary as Michael Myers but something about Freddy Kruger really sends a shiver down your spine.

Considering the film was made nearly thirty years ago, it is still pretty scary. Scenes that show a blood soaked girl calling out from inside a body bag is chilling, and the scene when she is dragged around the room by nobody is incredibly disturbing and one you won't be able to shift from you minds. The opening scene played with the opening credits prepares you for what you are about to see as Freddy makes the knives which become his fingers, a great way to set this character up. Other scenes however aren't as scary and can look a little comedic, but I think that is due to the low budget and standard of film making back then.

Robert Englund, who plays Freddy, is brilliant in this film. He brings the character to life and I'm sure would scare children if they watch this film. The make up for him is brilliant and his costume is now very iconic. Langenkamp unfortunately is not great in her role as Nancy, and it is her kind of performance that stereotypes today's horror female leads as poor actors. Her delivery of lines at times is amateurish which makes you struggle to route for her. Really all you want to see when you get into the film is Kruger. Depp is average in his performance, and it is hard to see the Depp of today in his performance here.

The film is full of clichés but you can over look these as horror in the eighties was designed like this. To watch it now you would cringe or roll your eyes at the character decisions to venture into the dark due to a noise, but when this was made that was brand new and wasn't as frowned upon. There are some scenes which are bad though and can't use the excuse of when it was made. One scene Nancy manages to set up a house full of booby traps in ten minutes, which includes setting a sledge hammer up above a door. There would not be enough time to set this up and certainly not if she had to find the items to use as well. Also she lives alone with her mother, what use would they have for a sledge hammer. It is parts like that in movies which is really frustrating. Also the ending disappointed me. I know it was supposed to be a twist but it didn't really make sense with the rest of the film. This ending also shows the worst piece of special effects on show.

All in all I can see why this is a classic. We are introduced to a new villain, and asked to believe in the notion of dreams being real. To look at it now it isn't as good as it would have been thirty years ago, but it is still better than the poor remake. The poor effects of this film really do add to the suspense of it all. Halloween this is not, but an influential horror film it certainly is.  

3 / 5

Next film to review: THE ILLUSIONIST

QUESTION: What is the best science-fiction film?

The new film Lockout was a science fiction action film, and when I came to think about it sci-fi is probably the most subjective film genre. People either seem to love it or hate it. If you are willing to suspend your belief and enter the world of space and futuristic components, than it can really be a fantastic experience. Also some of the best films made are science fiction, so what I want to know is what do you think is the best science fiction movie? Pick from the five below or add your own nomination in the comments.







1. ALIEN - In space no one can hear you scream. A space shuttle lands on an empty planet only to pick up an uninvited guest. A guest that likes to hug your face and bust open your chest.











2. BLADE RUNNER - A deep thinking philosophical science fiction film starring Harrison Ford. Ford plays a blade runner who must track down and kill awol artificial humans known as replicants.








3. STAR WARS - Following Luke Skywalker and Hans Solo in their quest to rescue Princess Leia from Darth Vader, who is also determined to destroy the galaxy.











4. THE MATRIX -Keanu Reeves is 'the one' called Neo, who is awoken to what the real world is actually like; a post apocalyptic world run by machines. The matrix is simply the illusion that the world is how we see it now.








5. THE TERMINATOR - Arnold Schwarzenegger plays the terminator. A cyborg sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor; the woman whose son will eventually destroy the cyborgs in the future.









All of these films have their loyal fans, and each one is pretty good. All have influenced lots of films around today, and I'm sure will for years to come. Tell us which one is your favourite in the comments below.

New on DVD this week: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Again only 1 main DVD release this week, again starring Daniel Craig only this time a much better film. I can understand why this film is the only release of the week. Taking a hit at the box office the marketers will be doing all they can to gain DVD sales in order to get a sequel going. I suppose they hope that with it being the only release people will choose to buy it. In some respects I do think you need to get out and watch this film, it is pretty good.


Highly Recommended
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO - Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara star in the remake of the Swedish thriller. Craig plays a journalist who is given the task of investigating into the disappearance of a wealthy man's niece. Craig needs all the help he can get, especially as he delves deeper into the mystery, and hires a socially inept, punk girl called Lisbeth Salander, played by Rooney Mara, possibly one of the greatest characters invented.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo trailer

LOCKOUT - Fun, but obvious and at times cringe worthy.

The choice of films to watch this weekend had caught up on themselves, and there were a possible 3 films we were interested in seeing. I say interested, I think they were 3 films that we would see but not really fussed about any of them, especially since they had all gained rather average reviews. The other 2 we thought about were Battleship and Gone. Both in hindsight had received worse reviews than the film we decided to see, but we probably wished we had seen ahead of what we did see; Lockout.


The main reason that we were slightly disappointed with our choice this week was because this film does not deserve a theatrical release, and the only reason it probably did is because Guy Pearce stars in it. This is the sort of film that you would not be surprised to see when flicking onto Channel 5 at 11 at night. It is typical 80's action flick, and tries to be a Die Hard in space, and I have to say it doesn't really work. The action is set up to be there, but despite being fun it never really engages you. You could watch action scene after action scene, and switch off inbetween and still understand the film. There is very little else to it.

The action is fun but also ridiculous. Our hero is knocked down once, despite being battered, but our scary villain is floored in one punch. The CGI effects for the opening action sequence, of Guy Pearce racing through a futuristic city are so hyped up it's like you're watching a computer game, which becomes really distracting and the scene becomes a CGI mess. Also the less said about the climatic jump scene the better, it is utterly ridiculous and the directors seem to sap any bit of tension out of it. If you see it you will know what I mean.

Guy Pearce is the only thing possibly decent with this film. His character does become slightly annoying, but he is pretty good at it. He plays Snow, who is the man sent alone onto a maximum security prison in space gone awry to rescue the President's daughter. He is a character that despite having pain handed to him can still crack a joke about someone's mother. At times this point about his character is funny, and there is a great funny scene between him and Maggie Grace (President's daughter) where he tells her to keep her mouth shut. Their banter is alright, but at one point in the film she seems to have a considerable change of heart in about 5 seconds, and it is unbelievable.

The film is very retro. It is an 80's action flick in space, and all the queasy remarks and action scenes have all been said and done before. It is a fun film, but the writing is as if they have watched a lot of action films and stolen a scene or quote from each, which they didn't have to do because the premise is pretty original in itself. Guy Pearce is good, and surprisingly so is Joseph Gilgun, from Emmerdale, who plays one of the inmates, but other than that it does all seem to fall very flat and we left the cinema not really caring much for it, and unaware that we had even been to the cinema. It did not deserve a theatrical release and we kind of wish, that despite horrid reviews, we stumped for Battleship. At least then we could have seen 2 hours of CGI mess on the big screen.

Pros: Guy Pearce and some of his cheese ball lines.

Cons: Some of it is cringe worthy, and the CGI action scenes are difficult to watch.

4 / 10


Top 10 films of 2012 so far:


1. The Hunger Games     8 / 10
2. 21 Jump Street     7.5 / 10
3. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol     7 / 10
4. The Grey     7 / 10
5. Safe House     6 / 10
6. The Raven     6 / 10
7. Contraband     6 / 10
8. The Cabin In The Woods     5.5 / 10
9. This Means War     5 / 10
10. Man On A Ledge     5 / 10

In Cinemas This Weekend: One man sent to save the President's daughter from a prison in space.

There are 4 mainstream films released this weekend. Slowly more films are being released after the last month has seen a small number hit our screens. Seems like we may be building up to the turn of the summer releases which will all kick off next week, but for those of you who don't know what it is will have to wait till next week. For this week we see Guy Pearce before he shows us Prometheus and Amanda Seyfried running through town. Have a look below and see what suits your fancy.



1. First up is the new Guy Pearce film called LOCKOUT. He plays a rogue former CIA Agent called Snow, who is sent onto an advanced security prison which is in orbit around the Earth, in order to save the President's daughter, played by Maggie Grace. This B-movie looking sci-fi flick looks a lot of fun but expect the typical cheesy punchlines and surreal one man vs many scenario. Regardless of that Guy Pearce is a King and i'm sure he makes this film rock. Also starring: Peter Stormare & Vincent Regan. A battle in space?




2.The writer of Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours has written a new film. It stars Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt and is called SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN. I'm sure the title may put people off but if the writer's credits have anything to go by I'm sure things will work out well. The film is about a fisheries expert being approached to bring a Sheik's vision to reality; bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the dry desert. It already sounds comedic. Also starring: Amr Waked & Kristin Scott Thomas. A spot of fishing?


3. Amanda Seyfried's new film is next up, and like I said she runs around her home town a lot in GONE. The reason she is running a lot is due to her sister being kidnapped by the same man that kidnapped her and left her for dead years before. Unfortunately the police refuse to believe any of this and she sets out alone to solve the mystery. Also starring: Jennifer Carpenter, Wes Bentley & Daniel Sunjata. Who has her sister?


4. Finally we have feature length documentary MARLEY. No it doesn't document the dog from Marley And Me but the reggae master himself, Bob Marley. Take a look at how it all started, the impact of his music, and the legacy he has left behind. Also starring: Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff & Lee Perry. Want to see what he was smoking?






They are your 4 for the week then. I'm not sure if Marley will be playing in all cinemas but felt it needed a mention as the man is a hero. Go out and see one of these films and prepare yourself for next week's huge release of........ Ahhh I'm not telling you yet.

ZOMBIELAND movie review

Zombieland

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin

Running time: 88 minutes

Year: 2009

Directed By: Ruben Fleischer

Written By: Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick

Zombieland trailer

I have just finished watching Zombieland and I have to say it is so much fun. I was laughing throughout and I'm pretty sure that I was watching it the whole way through with a silly smile on my face. That is how this film will make you feel because it is so silly, but so good at the same time.

The plot is a little threadbare but I'll let you know what the plot is meant to be. Jesse Eisenberg plays Colombus, a student who is one of the few survivors of the epidemic which has turned everyone else into zombies, hence calling the USA; Zombieland. Due to him being a bit of a loner, he decides to head across the country on route to his parents in Ohio. As the film begins we see him begin his journey and via narration he tells us his situation, and also explains the rules he has to endure to survive. These rules are put forward with funky graphics on screen and with a short hilarious clip of the problems if you break them. This shows you how quirky this is going to be from the start.

Whilst on route he meets a bad-ass zombie killer called Tallahassee, played brilliantly by Woody Harrelson. They become a duo and both head across America, Colombus en-route to Ohio and Tallahassee to find the last box of Twinkies in America. As they travel they encounter zombies and Tallahassee shows us why he is such a bad-ass when it comes to killing them.

As they continue they meet two sisters, Wichita (Stone) and Little Rock (Breslin), in a supermarket, who end up coning them and leaving them car less and weapon less. They set back off on foot and find themselves a hummer, complete with machine guns galore in the back, their lucky day. In their new car they eventually come back across the sisters and this time they join forces. The sisters are en route to a theme park, in order for the youngest sister to enjoy a bit of her childhood instead of living in a post apocalyptic world; also they believe it is zombie free. On their way they take refuge in a Hollywood stars house, resulting in a hilarious cameo, and then once again they hit the road, attempting to avoid zombies and get to know each other a little better.

The film doesn't have a lot going for it in terms of story, but what it lacks in it makes up for in laughs, acting, and chemistry. So much about it is fun that you forget the films negatives. The cameo scene steals the show, and one of the lines, their final lines in fact, is absolutely brilliant. The final scene at the theme park is also great and the zombies themselves look hilarious as well as slightly scary.

The four leads are brilliant together, especially Eisenberg and Harrelson. Harrelson has some great scenes when he takes out zombies, with the graphics flashing up 'killing of the week' when he makes a good take down.

I can't praise this movie enough. Don't get me wrong it isn't the best film out there, and isn't the funniest comedy but it is a hell of a lot of fun. People will state that it is an American rip off of Shaun Of The Dead which I agree it probably is. The director even admits that he wanted to make this because of Simon Pegg's zombie comedy. The point is it knows it is a slight rip off but doesn't take itself seriously enough too care. Shaun Of The Dead has a better story than Zombieland, but Zombieland is just as much fun. Watch this film and I'm sure you will laugh out loud a lot more than once.

3.5 / 5

Next film to review: A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET

CHILDREN OF MEN movie review

Children Of Men

Starring: Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Caine

Running time: 109 minutes

Year: 2006

Directed By: Alfonso Cuaron

Written By: Alfonso Cuaron, Timothy J. Sexton, David Arata, Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby

Children Of Men trailer

This is a film I have always liked the look of but had never actually got round to watching. I had heard lots about it, people raving about it, and others uninterested by it, so unfortunately for me it meant I had kind of heard what the story was about before it even began. I'll tell you briefly what it is about but I won't give too much away.

Clive Owen is our lead here playing Theo, a man who lives in London in 2027. The world as we know it is slowly disintegrating, and radicals and governments fight over power. With other countries falling to financial decline, England has become the place all nationalities try to live in. For the government however this is not allowed and all foreigners are labelled as illegal immigrants, and locked away in a separate location. Another reason for the decline of society is due to the fact that all women have strangely become infertile, and no child has been born in eighteen years. No one knows why women have become infertile but many seem to believe it is due to pollution and scientific experiment.

When the youngest person on Earth, aged eighteen, is killed the rebels take action and decide to transport the person they believe will change the world out of the country. Whilst walking through the city, Theo is abducted and taken to see the leader of the radicals, his ex-wife Julia (Moore). She explains that they have an immigrant that needs to be transported and that they need him to forge the papers. After offering him money he accepts, but later finds he can only find a dual transit visa and will need to escort this woman himself. For the extra money he is happy to do it.

As they begin to transport this woman they are ambushed and an important member of the radicals is killed. The rest luckily escape and make it to a safe house, only for Theo to overhear that the whole thing is a set up, and that they don't tend to save this woman at all, and eventually kill Theo. At that Theo takes this woman and heads off in order to deliver her across the border, as he now believes she is the only hope to save the world. I won't tell you why but I'm pretty sure you can guess why she is so important.

The film sees lots of guns, death, sadness, hope, and love. It is a film that has absolutely everything and that is an absolute homage to Cuaron for choosing the camera technique and the cinematographer for produce some beautiful scenery, which adds to all the themes it explores. Also big applause must go to Clive Owen. Not all the acting in this film is great but Owen manages to draw you in from the start and is utterly believable in his role. He is the hero but is so afraid of the way life has become. This is his best performance I have seen.

Like I said before, the cinematography is brilliant. It really captures an image that works in this scenario. You could really believe that this was a decrepit London. Even the scenes in the forest looked just as gloomy, and the final battle feels like it is in a concentration camp. This scene has some beautiful shots and a fantastic long action sequence where the camera doesn't change angle. You really believe you are there and amongst it.

It is a little slow to start and at times, especially in the opening half hour, I was losing concentration with it. Some of the acting at the beginning really didn't convince me either, especially Clare-Hope Ashitey who plays the woman needing to be saved, Kee. I did finally get used to her but at first I wasn't buying it. Also later in the film there is a dreadful character called Sid that refers to himself in the third person which is utterly annoying. I was so glad when he got a battery to the face.

The action scenes and Owen's performance really drive this film. Caine is also good in his small role although he did keep asking someone to pull his finger. The cinematography of this film is worth a watch for all aspiring film makers out there. The vision is so believable, and paints the future much more realistic than sci-fi movies do. It is a film filled with hope yet it is also one that convinces as to what could happen in the future. Other than the infertility thing of course but personally I think the film is about more than just that.

3.5 / 5

Next film to review: ZOMBIELAND

NEWS - New Trailer and Posters for The Amazing Spiderman

There has been so much movie news this week, but nothing that seems to continue to crop up other than marketing material for The Amazing Spiderman starring Andrew Garfield and directed by Marc Webb, due to be released on the 4th July this year.






We'll start with the posters. One shows Spiderman scaling a skyscraper in New York, don't look down mate. This one practically shows us what we already know about Spiderman in that he climbs skyscrapers with his spider like hands keeping him glued to the surface. Nothing really new as of yet then.

The second shows Spiderman caught in his own web with claw marks slashed across his chest. This can show him struggling to control his powers and perhaps dealing with an enemy who my just be his match (aren't they all). We all know the Lizard/Dr Curt Connors is his nemesis, and it looks like he may get the better of Spidey as those marks could be Lizard like.










The trailer is the new international trailer, so I'm afraid there are subtitles but in Chinese or Japanese I'm not too sure. Either way we still get another insight into Spidey's new world, and I have to say it looks a lot darker compared to the previous Spiderman's that were released not long ago. Also Andrew Garfield seems the perfect replacement for Tobey Maguire, and Rhys Ifans as the Lizard could be genius. That Lizard thing, wouldn't want to cross that in the middle of the night. Since this trailer I am much more excited for this film. Click on the link below and have a look for yourself.


New The Amazing Spiderman international trailer

QUESTION: Who is the scariest movie serial killer?

In light of Joss Whedon's blatant attack on the horror genre in The Cabin In The Woods, I want to know who you think is the scariest movie serial killer? There have been iconic horror baddies that are still seen as scary today but who still puts the frighteners in you when you see them? Ignore the remake versions as they only seem to take away that extra chill from the killer in the original. So who do you think still cuts it as the scariest movie serial killer?








1. FREDDY KRUGER - Killer from The Nightmare On Elm Street franchise in which he stalks children in their sleep. You can't hide from this guy.











2. GHOSTFACE - Although more than one person, the mask is still highly iconic for horror serial killers. The scary mask is worn by killers in Scream who want to kill Sydney Prescott played by Neve Campbell.








3. JASON VOORHEES - Murderer from the Friday the 13th franchise, although he isn't the bad guy in the original but is known as the killer for fans out there. In the films he stalks teenagers who are spending the weekend at the lake house he was murdered at.










4. LEATHERFACE - The Texas chainsaw wielding maniac from, you guessed it The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. His abnormal family kidnap teenagers who are lost in their part of town and Leatherface chops them up with his chainsaw in order to bring their dead grandfather back to life.





 5. MICHAEL MYERS - Stalker from Halloween who kills babysitter's whilst he searches for his sister in order to kill her also. His white mask is a huge iconic horror item.







There are five of the most known killers but I'm sure there are more out there. Let us know who you think is the scariest, or add others in the comments. Who is the scariest movie serial killer?

THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES movie review

The Motorcycle Diaries

Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Rodrigo De la Serna, Mercedes Moran, Jean Pierre Noher

Running time: 126 minutes

Year: 2004

Directed By: Walter Salles

Written By: Jose Rivera

The Motorcycle Diaries trailer

The Motorcycle Diaries is a road movie, a road movie based on the life of a man who managed to change a large proportion of political discrepancies in South America. This man was Che Guevara, the leader of a revolution in Cuba in order to make all people equal. This decision of his came after this road trip which is the story of The Motorcycle Diaries.

The film starts with Ernesto (later Che) and Alberto heading on a road trip across South America to explore countries they have only read about. The plan is to travel 8,000 miles in a record 5 months, and arrive at their final destination on Alberto's thirtieth birthday. This doesn't happen however due to their unreliable motorcycle and their abundance of money. At first we see the pair as child like, attempting to see out the remainder of their youth. They bicker, they laugh, and they act on impulse in order to get by. At first we witness Ernesto as an upper class boy in his final semester at college in order to become a doctor. He has the world at his feet and this trip is his last chance to enjoy his surroundings. Alberto is a biochemist and wants to witness South America before he finds a girl and settles down. The trip begins with them enjoying themselves by flirting with women, conning the locals into giving them money and fighting with entire villages. That is until their motorcycle finally breaks completely and they find themselves trekking their way to Peru.

Now having to hitchhike they begin to meet all the people that society hasn't been good too. Communists who must hide from the government, farmers forced off fields by capitalists, and builders moved from their homes in order to build capitol cities. Once they reach Peru the duo are beginning to hate the society they are witnessing and begin to talk about forming a way to create a revolution and help all those in need. A doctor friend of Alberto understands how they feel and sends them to an island where they cater for patients with leprosy. The two men spend three weeks there and are appalled to see that the sick are treated like animals. They are made to live on the island whilst the doctors live on land, they have to use a smaller more cramped boat to travel back and forth compared to the doctors having a much spacious boat, and the doctors insist that they must when gloves when treating these patients. The duo are angered at this do all they can to help the patients feel like people. On Ernesto's birthday he chooses to swim to the island to spend it with the patients, despite being thrown a party by the doctors. He is slowly beginning to realise that everyone should be treated equally. At the end of the film the road trip ends and each go their separate ways, but we all know that Ernesto is heading home in preparation to become a leader of a revolution and transform into Che, a man that changed the world.

I will begin with the positives with the film. The acting is top notch. Bernal and De la Serna are on good form and are utterly believable as the people they are portraying. The rest of the actors could be mistaken for real life residents, but as far as I am aware they could have been. The story comes with a little humour which is always a bonus, and it is intriguing to see the beginnings of a man who is plastered all over t-shirts in South America.

My problem with the movie is that I don't really know much about Che. I am aware another movie has been made on him starring Benicio Del Torro, but that is all I know. I looked him up when the film was finished and I have to say all I really found was that he was a murderer and a terrorist. He helped people gain the freedom of speech but then persecuted them if they didn't follow his beliefs. He was a full blown communist by the sounds of it, and a man who ended up doing more harm than good. He was eventually tracked down by the CIA and killed; so I wander why there is a film documenting his rise, especially since the film paints him as good.  In the film he is a gentle, kind man but in reality it seems that he wasn't. The film doesn't really hint at a man who turned to killing in order to stamp his beliefs. If the film showed him as a man with a tendency to become evil it may have worked better. Maybe others will see him as good, but from what I have read it seems to be the opposite.

Also the film at times becomes a little boring. Nothing really happens throughout other than them travelling, meeting people, motorcycle breaking, and then leaving town. It does repeat, especially for the first half. In the second half the tone seems to change, which takes away some of the fun with the first half. Could this highlight a change in him?

All in all it was an average film. After reading up a bit about it I am shocked to see such a bad man shone in a good light. For those who are aware of Che's life, may be disappointed to see how his image is shown. For those of you, like me, who know nothing, may enjoy it more.

3 / 5

Next film to review: CHILDREN OF MEN