Guys’ Night In – NZ Film Freak

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Director: Jake Kasdan
Writer: Chris McKenna
Released: December 2017
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Bobby Cannavale
—

I was on the back foot about this film because I loved the ‘first’ Jumanji film so much.

I say ‘first’ film, but these movies are totally unrelated. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is very loosely based on the board game featured in the 1995 film, but updated to a play station game to target the newer generation.

The main characters are high schoolers who find themselves in detention together – not unlike The Breakfast Club. They are cleaning out the basement of the school when they come across this Jumanji game.

Each student picks an avatar based on the names provided. But they soon find themselves being sucked into the game and becoming the characters they chose.

Ironically, the school bully finds himself as Franklin ‘Mouse’ Finbar (Kevin Hart) – the nerdy avatar with no strength and only a giant backpack as a ‘special ability’ – and the nerdy little kid finds himself as the hulking Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson).

The character-switch is brilliant, particularly in the case of the girly-girl who finds out that her avatar is not a cute professor – Professor Sheldon Oberon – but a character represented by Jack Black.

Jack Black plays a teenage girl so well! Very funny. Especially when he teaches a fellow teenage girl how to be attractive.

“That was so intense. I like can’t even with this place.” – Bethany/Professor Sheldon Oberon (Jack Black)

Within the game they overcome lots of obstacles and dangerous hurdles. All the while being guided by an NPC (non-player character) called Nigel Billingsley (Rhys Darby). He’s pretty glitchy and repetitive, which was funny.

I thought this was going to be a cheap and nasty knock-off of Robin Williams’ Jumanji. I was ready to be offended on his behalf.

But actually, I laughed a lot! I loved it. I watched it on the plane from the UK to New Zealand – which is a long flight – and I didn’t fall asleep or lose concentration at all!

Cool concept, funny characters and a definite re-watcher!

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Paul

Director: Greg Mottola
Writers: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost
Released: March 2011
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Blythe Danner, John Carroll, Lynch Sigourney, Weaver Seth Rogen
—

From the director of Superbad, and the creators of Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, comes Paul.

A story about a laid-back alien called Paul (Seth Rogan) who is on the run from the government across the States before getting picked up by a couple of geeky tourists, Graeme (Simon Pegg) and Clive (Nick Frost). Graeme and Clive attended Comic-Con before travelling to various locations where UFOs have been sighted in an RV, until they get a closer encounter than they expected!

A concept that was thought-up on the set of Shaun of the Dead, but was not to be a part of the ‘Cornetto Trilogy’ with Edgar Wright. Looking into it, Pegg and Frost decided on an American director instead of their usual collaborator to keep an American tone.

Paul is a fun film, but can become a bit of a drag to watch because it feels like a never-ending chase without enough funny moments along the way to sustain your attention.

It’s an epic road trip film, which is entertaining enough with it being neither hilarious or a total write-off. Because of the writers’ previous epics – Hot Fuzz in particular – I was expecting a faster-paced script with cooler moments. But I guess the humour was tailored for an American audience.

Nevertheless, Pegg and Frost are brilliant writers and the casting was great. Seth Rogan was a good choice to be the voice of the CGI alien, whose attitude is severely laid-back, even in the most stressful of situations.

The cast is quite large for a relatively simple storyline, and I wonder how many of the characters were necessary.

Paul is essentially a love letter to the science-fiction genre, and Steven Spielberg in particular whose voice makes a guest appearance over the phone in one scene. So if you’re a science-fiction fan, you’ll probably enjoy this more than the Cornetto Trilogy fans would.

Jodie’s rating: 5/10

Ocean’s Eleven

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer: Ted Griffin (screenplay), George C. Johnson and Jack Golden Russell (story)
Released: December 2001
Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy García, Julia Roberts
—

After hearing about Ocean’s Eight coming out, I decided it was time to watch the first instalment.

Actually, Ocean’s Eleven is a remake of a 1960s movie called Ocean’s 11 (number instead of word) featuring Frank Sinatra as the protagonist. I had no clue!

Ocean’s Eleven is a fun, shallow film about a star-studded cast who rob a casino. Why? Because Danny Ocean (George Clooney) has just got out of prison and doesn’t accept that his ex-wife (Julia Roberts) has moved on with a wealthy casino-owner.

oceaneleven2

Hence why him and his former colleagues rob the casino, in order to try and win Danny’s wife back. How romantic.

It’s harmless fun, really, which is what the director wanted; enjoyment without embarrassment or cheese. It looks like everyone on set had a good time – and apparently their chemistry is all completely genuine! They hung out together, played pranks on Julia Roberts and even gambled together outside of shooting.

This is a short review because although I enjoyed it, I was hoping for a bit more comradery, a bit more comedy and more deep-and-meaningful moments. To be honest, I was expecting The Parole Officer featuring cool Hollywood superstars.

Oh, and Don Cheadle as Basher was a terrible choice; his English accent was cringe-worthy. Otherwise, they should have just allowed him to be American! (Apparently Ewen McGregor was considered for his part initially.)

It’s a classic and I enjoyed it for what it was, but maybe it’s simply more of a man’s man film.

Jodie’s rating: 6/10

War of the Worlds

Director: Steven Spielberg
Writer: Josh Friedman, David Koepp (screenplay), H.G. Wells (story)
Released: June 2005
Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin, Miranda Otto, Tim Robbins
—

Firstly, ‘yes’ I am a massive fan of War of the Worlds. I studied film at high school and university, where H.G. Wells’s original story The War of the Worlds and the 1953 film of the same name were frequently picked apart.

Also, one of my favourite childhood memories is going to see Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds musical in Auckland during 2007.

I had always been obsessed with Jeff Wayne’s 1970s musical interpretation of the story. I listened to his soundtrack on repeat before I went to bed most nights as a teenager, as did my father before me. It’s a masterpiece and it can not be improved upon.

Therefore, for the first time ever, I was disappointed to hear Morgan Freeman’s narration on Spielberg’s film version. In my mind, it was an insult to change Richard Burton’s spoken word on Jeff Wayne’s soundtrack.

Nevertheless, I definitely love this film interpretation despite it not reflecting the musical masterpiece that came before it.

It is a sci-fi horror about Ray (Tom Cruise) and his two children Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin) trying to escape the alien invasion. The aliens are relentless and terrifying as they displace millions of people.

There’s no where to run, there’s no where to hide and there’s no way to kill the aliens and their machines.

Horrifying!

Ray soon finds a safe haven with a man named Harlan who takes them in. But Harlan begins to lose his cool and Ray realises that with the pressure on, it’s survival of the fittest – the aliens are no longer the only danger.

Steven Spielberg aced the art of suspense, but so has Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning – they are both incredibly talented no matter what you think about them on a personal level. They’ve done well to capture the essence of our most primal fears and created a blockbuster film out of it.

Although, Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg do turn this global disaster into a very American hero, nuclear family sort of story. I think it would have been a little more raw and real if it was English-made. Or maybe I’m just being too patriotic.

To me, this film is a classic in many ways. I can see the essence of Signs in this retelling of War of the Worlds, and I have seen War of the Worlds echoing in many sci-fi invasion films since.

Jodie’s rating: 7/10

Good Morning, Vietnam

Director: Barry Levinson
Writer: Mitch Markowitz
Released: January 1988
Starring: Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker
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A unique tale about the Vietnam war, seen through the eyes of an extraverted radio presenter, Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams), who has been hired as a DJ on the Armed Forces radio station in Vietnam.

Adrian: Goooooooood morning Vietnam! It’s 0600 hours. What does the “O” stand for? O my God, it’s early!

Cronauer is an outlandishly hilarious DJ who keeps the troops’ spirits up while serving in Vietnam. While most love him, Lt. Steven Hauk (Bruno Kirby) certainly doesn’t. Hauk’s dry, wooden ‘humour’ (or lack thereof) is hysterical, and he believes he can do a far better job on air. So the rivalry begins.

Lt Steven Hauk: I understand you’re pretty funny as a dee-jay and, well, comedy is kind of a hobby of mine. Well, actually, it’s a little more than just a hobby, Reader’s Digest is considering publishing two of my jokes.
Adrian: Really.
Lt Steven: Yeah. And perhaps some night we could maybe get together and swap humorous stories, for fun.
Adrian: Oh, why not? Maybe play a couple of Tennessee Ernie Ford records, that’d be a hoot.
Lt Steven: That’s a joke, right?
Adrian: Maybe.
Lt Steven: I get it.

It’s based on a real life DJ of the same name, but he explains in an interview (on the DVD extras) that the film is only loosely based on his experiences in Vietnam.

Lt. Steven Hauk: Sir, in my heart, I know I’m funny.

Robin Williams was the only possible choice to play Cronauer. His improv is unlike any other. Apparently there was too much footage to know what to do with once Williams let loose on the microphone! Imagine being the editor of Good Morning, Vietnam, I bet it was all comedy gold! His impersonations are absolutely hilarious!

Adrian as Camp Fashion Consultant: I want to tell you something. You know, this whole camouflage thing, for me, doesn’t work very well.
Adrian: Why is that?
Adrian as Camp Fashion Consultant: Because you go in the jungle, I can’t see you. You know, it’s like wearing stripes and plaid. For me, I want to do something different. You know, you go in the jungle, make a statement. If you’re going to fight, clash. You know what I mean?

Cronauer soon ventures outside of the station and into Vietnam, and that’s when we see the destruction of war. The contrast is shocking and it takes a toll on Cronauer as he can’t believe the amount of things the station isn’t reporting. The news is filtered and censored.

Adrian: RIGHT! In… in Saigon today, according to official sources, nothing actually happened. One thing that didn’t officially happen was a bomb didn’t officially explode at 1430 hours, unofficially destroying Jimmy Wah’s cafe.

The film is a constant blend of comedy and melancholy. About making the best of a bad situation, and keeping perspective. The sadness of the Vietnam war is tangible in this film, but so is the light at the end of the tunnel, which is Cronauer.

Despite a few parts that lag, Good Morning, Vietnam is a brilliant film. I’d say it has a great script but it’s actually Williams’ improv that takes the cake. It wouldn’t be a memorable film if it wasn’t for his talent as a performer. It’s so impressive.

Jodie’s rating: 6.5/10

Edge of Tomorrow

Director: Doug Liman
Writer: Christopher McQuarrie, Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth (Based on All You Need is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka)
Released: June 2014
Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton and Brendan Gleeson
—

Having recently reviewed Source Code – a sci-fi film starring Jake Gyllenhaal – I realised how similar that film’s concept is to Edge of Tomorrow. It was then that I realised that I have never reviewed Edge of Tomorrow! So here it is.

Disclaimer: The following plot you’re about to read may well put some people off of the movie because of the mention of ‘alien invasions’, ‘time travel’ and ‘war’. But the storyline is so gripping, that even the sci-fi and action film haters will enjoy watching the movie. (I promise!)

Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) is sent to the front lines of war despite his lack of training. As soon as the troop land on the beach* (resembling Normandy), Cage is attacked by the opposition – the aliens. The alien’s blood causes Cage to have the ability to restart the day again and again.

He tries to tell authorities that landing on the beach is a suicide mission, but no one believes him until he meets Sergeant Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt). She had the exact same thing happen to her, and they work together in a long Groundhog Day-like sequence to figure out how to win the war.

Rita: You don’t talk to anyone about this but me. The best-case scenario is you’re gonna end up in a psych ward. Worst case, you’ll get dissected for study. Are we clear?

I love Emily Blunt. Did you know she was pregnant during some of this film? Gosh. She’s so perfect, and great in this film. Have I mentioned that on at least two occasions people have said I look similar to Emily Blunt?

I was told that if I didn’t have crooked teeth or many of my current facial features, that I would look JUST like EMILY BLUNT! 🤪 *so proud* pic.twitter.com/VVF3u5Vy0T

— Jodie (@NZFilmFreak) 28 July 2017

One of very few drawbacks to this film is how Emily Blunt’s character has permanently perfect make-up and hair. A pet peeve of mine that I explain in this post here.

With a little sprinkling of comedy throughout the script, this action/sci-fi film is a fantastically entertaining watch. You’re on the ‘edge’ of your seat the entire time. Every time Cage dies – and he dies a lot and in all sorts of ways – you relive the day over with him, trying to figure out how to save the day.

While it does sound repetitive, the film develops quickly keeping you on board.

The problem with futuristic stories is of course the confusion and the problem of the audience’s suspense of disbelief, but information is drip-fed constantly to explain everything in a natural way.

Edge of Tomorrow has a somewhat complex concept, which makes a change to the boring combat-heavy action films where everyone’s shooting but no one gets killed. (In this film, everyone gets killed. A lot.) But it is a great watch for family movie nights for sure.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

*Um, I’d just like to say as a side note that I have visited the beach that they filmed some scenes for this movie. It’s Saunton Sands in Devon. I’m basically Emily Blunt, I know.

Source Code

Director: Duncan Jones
Writer: Ben Ripley
Released: April 2011
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright
—

I love time travel films! This is a brilliantly simple story combined with the mind-bending possibilities of time travel.

‘Source Code’ is a top-secret military experimental operation where injured pilot Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) is given the ability to repeatedly relive the final eight minutes of a man’s life. The man is Sean Fentress who dies in an explosion on a train.

Each time Stevens relives the final eight minutes of this man’s life, he is given the opportunity to seek out the person responsible for planting the bomb on the train in an attempt to stop it from ever happening.

But, time travel being the way it is, can he really stop it happening? Or will he only stop it happening in that alternate version of life.

(Watch Back to the Future if you need an explanation on this theory.)

The story line reminds me of the Tom Cruise film Edge of Tomorrow, where he is able to relive the same day over and over until he figures out the solution. Except, Source Code is a intelligently simple film (in other words, clearly had a far tighter budget). At it’s core, it’s basically three location and four characters. So smart! Maybe it could be developed into a stage play.

It’s intense and brilliantly written. I looked it up, apparently the guy who wrote it really struggled to get his script to see the light of day. The director hadn’t had much experience either, while the cast is star-studded.

Source Code is an easy-watch, and despite its action/sci-fi themes, is actually quite an emotional film where the main character contemplates death and family a lot.

Jodie’s rating: 7/10

Hot Fuzz

Director: Edgar Wright
Writer: Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg
Released: July 2007
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent
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A brilliant action-comedy from writers Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg. It’s one of my favourite films, and I can’t believe I’d never gotten around to review it.

Hot Fuzz is the second instalment of what is referred to as the ‘Cornetto trilogy’ by Edgar Wright fans (due to the ice cream’s frequent appearances). Shaun of the Dead being the first, The World’s End being the third.

This is my favourite film of the three because it is so cleverly written and very funny. It follows the story of goody-two-shoes London policeman (rather “police officer. Being a man has nothing to do with it.”) named Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) who gets transferred to a small, rural village against his wishes.

Sergeant: …we’re making you sergeant.
Nicholas: I see.
Sergeant: [mumbles]
Nicholas: In where, sorry?
Sergeant: In Sandford, Gloucestershire.
Nicholas: But that’s in the country…
Sergeant: Yes! Lovely!

The straight-laced Sergeant Angel is frustrated by the Sandford police who prefer to turn the other cheek rather than causing a fuss when someone breaks the law. He soon discovers there is a reason for this.

So, with amateur officer Danny Butterman (Nick Frost) as his sidekick, Angel’s love for the law is put into full swing as they begin a full-on investigation into what is going on in the village.

Inspired by stereotypical action films, the writers have made fun of the genre by including all the sorts of characters you’d usually see in an action film. They even go as far as re-enacting popular action movie scenes, or quoting them. They’ve studied the genre very well!

Danny: Where’s the trolley boy?
Nicholas: In the freezer.
Danny: Did you say “cool off?”
Nicholas: No I didn’t say anything…
Danny: Shame.
Nicholas: Well, there was the bit that you missed where I distracted him with the cuddly monkey then I said “play time’s over” and I hit him in the head with the peace lily.
Danny: You’re off the fuckin’ chain!

This entertaining and fast-paced film is littered with hilarious one-liners and nods to action film tropes and quotes. The script for this movie is so clever – it must have taken ages to work out how it was all going to piece together.

The script has a lot of fore-shadowing all through it, weaved through an intriguing mystery of murders and outrageous characters. My favourite being two officers, both named Andrew – AKA ‘The Andes’ played by Paddy Considine and Rafe Spall.

The editing is incredible, which is classic Edgar Wright. We studied his work for an entire year at high school; I can see his influence a mile off now, even in his most recent film, Baby Driver.

If you love gun fights, car chases and a good belly laugh, then this is the perfect film! A classic date night movie too, I think. Just like Shaun of the Dead and The World’s End, it’s a great blend of genres to keep everyone happy.

For me, some of the action scenes were a bit long-winded, and just when you think the film is finished, it doesn’t. But maybe that’s because I don’t actually like action films all that much.

Danny: Have you ever fired two guns whilst jumping through the air?
Nicholas: No.
Danny: Have you ever fired one gun whilst jumping through the air?
Nicholas: No.
Danny: Ever been in a high-speed pursuit?
Nicholas: Yes, I have.
Danny: Have you ever fired a gun whilst in a high speed pursuit?
Nicholas: No!

I love films that make fun of themselves, and this is the king of them all. I can recite the whole film, I think – I’ve watched it so many times!

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Unbreakable

Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Writer: M. Night Shyamalan
Released: November 2000
Starring: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and Robin Wright Penn
—

Did anyone else not realise that Unbreakable is a prequel to Split?

As soon as we found out, we got our hands on the DVD since we loved Split so much.

You can tell it is an M. Night Shyamalan film immediately. The looooooong shots, the reflections in televisions and glass… The list goes on – it’s very Shyamalan-y.

Unbreakable is about David (Bruce Willis) who discovers he’s invincible. He’s essentially a superhero. So this is the story about him coming to terms with this, and discovering his arch enemy – something ever superhero must have.

Doctor: To answer your question, there are two reasons why I’m looking at you like this. One, because it seems in a few minutes you will officially be the only survivor of this train wreck, and two, because you didn’t break one bone. You don’t have a scratch on you.

The film is an arduous journey. It’s a long, slow arch that takes you on an epic journey, very… very… very… slowly…

I thought, because of this, Unbreakable must have have been made well before The Sixth Sense, as Unbreakable felt a little less complex, and it looked a bit ‘basic’.

Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson): Do you know what the scariest thing is? To not know your place in this world, to not know why you’re here. That’s – that’s just an awful feeling.

The casting for The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable are very similar – I can only assume Hayley Joel Osment was not available, because Shyamalan found his doppelgänger, Spencer Treat Clark.

Just like every other Shyamalan film, he makes an appearance – keep an eye out for him!

If you’re a comic book fan, you’ll probably enjoy the nuances of the comic-inspired characters, and will be happy to endure the long pauses and dialogue-heavy scenes.

Elijah Price: It’s alright to be afraid, David, because this part won’t be like a comic book. Real life doesn’t fit into little boxes that were drawn for it.

It was good, but not great. I like Bruce Willis, and I like Shyamalan films, but this wasn’t their best work. (The Village is still my favourite film by this director.)

Nevertheless, it’s an interesting backstory to Split. It fills the holes in a bit.

Keep an eye out for the third instalment: Glass.

Jodie’s rating: 5/10

Baby Driver

Baby Driver Movie poster

Director: Edgar Wright
Writer: Edgar Wright
Released: June 2017
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey, Ansel Elgort, Lily James and Jon Hamm
—

From the genius that is Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End and Scott Pilgrim vs the World), comes Baby Driver. A music-infused movie about a getaway driver named Baby, played by baby-faced actor Ansel Elgort (The Fault in our Stars).

Deborah (Lily James): “You’re name’s Baby? B-A-B-Y, Baby?”

Baby scores his own life by picking the appropriate music on his iPod for everything he does. He doesn’t do anything without music playing in his ears, stemming from a traumatic car crash as a child that left him with tinnitus.

Doc (Kevin Spacey): “Still got a hum in the drum, he plays his iPod to drown it out”

I’m thinking this might be converted into an all-singing, all-dancing musical or stage play one day.

In some ways, it’s a ‘runaway film‘. But this theme in the movie is soon hijacked by reality, how you can’t run forever and how you must face the music at some point. This realism is something I like about the film.

Baby Driver movie

Whereas I usually fall asleep during action films, such as in various James Bond scenes, I didn’t in Baby Driver. I think because it was mixed with comedy a lot of the time, and it appears to be a tad more realistic, because the protagonists actually get hit in gun fights.

Bats (Jamie Foxx): “The moment you catch feelings is the moment you catch a bullet.”

I have studied Wright’s films ever since I started studying media at high school. Baby Driver exhibits classic Wright hallmarks, including extremely layered shots where you’ll pick something new up on every watch. There is nothing in this movie that is there by accident. Their costume, the music; everything is there for a reason.

Baby Driver movie - Kevin Spacey and Ansel Elgort

My favourite Wright hallmark is the very long scene without a single edit, all perfectly choreographed, just like in Shaun of the Dead when Simon Pegg’s character walks to the corner shop and back.

Another one, is the compilation of short, sharp edits. Finally, Wright’s English humour running through the dialogue, making Baby Driver stand out from the more glossy Hollywood action films.

Baby (Ansel Elgort): Your tattoo says ‘hat’?
JD: Yeah, it used to say ‘hate’. But to increase my chances of employment I had the E removed.
Baby: How’s that working out for you?
JD: Who doesn’t like hats?

While I thoroughly enjoyed the first third of the film, it went a bit long and flabby in the middle. Toward the end it picks up again, until the very end, which seems rushed, causing my suspension of disbelief to be stretched.

JD: I left my shotgun behind.
Bats: Not groovy JD. Not groovy at all.

While this isn’t a favourite film of mine, it is certainly a one-in-a-million film, and a good date night movie. The characters are cool and are played by talented actors, with a love story and a ton of wicked car chases and gun fights.

Griff: Is [Baby] retarded?
Doc: Retarded means slow. Was he slow?
Griff: No.

Jodie’s rating: 6.5/10

Blade Runner 2049

Blade runner 2049 review Directed: Denis Villeneuve
Writer: Hampton Fancher
Released: October 2017
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Carla Juri, Lennie James, Dave Bautista and Jared Leto
—

The story: Based in the year 2049, replicants (bioengineered humans) are servants and slaves in society. K (Ryan Gosling) is a replicant who works as a “Blade Runner”—an officer who hunts down and “retires” (kills) rogue replicants. However, he discovers the corpse of a female replicant who died during an emergency caesarean section.

This scares the authorities because reproduction of replicant was previously thought impossible. Fearful that this new discovery could result in a war between humans and replicants, K is ordered to find and kill the child.

Well, thank Christ we went to see this movie in the ‘Gold Class’ luxury cinema, because the recliner seats made for a comfortable place to sleep.

This snail-paced sequel highlights the reason why sequels to blockbuster originals should not be done.

Admittedly, I haven’t seen the first Blade Runner film from start to finish in one sitting, but I’ve seen basically all of it if you puzzle together all of my attempts. It is a good film – a fantastic film in fact – according to many. And I am happy to agree with this opinion. It certainly was a film before its time in many ways.

Blade Runner 2049 2

Nevertheless, Blade Runner 2049 was slow both in terms of the film’s pacing (made worse by its almost 3-hour duration), and the characters’ slow movements (a bit of a let-down for an action film). It was also a bit weird. Nevertheless, the casting saved it, particularly with Harrison Ford’s great return.

Rick Deckard (Ford): I had your job once. I was good at it.

‘K’ (Gosling): Things were simpler then.

Ryan Gosling and his chiseled jawline. Harrison Ford and his smokey voice. Robin Wright and her ‘don’t care ’bout nothin’, Son’ attitude. Carla Juri and her remarkable expressions (who features in my favourite Sharon Van Etten music video). The talent here saved the film, for sure.

Blade Runner 2049 3

For those of you who haven’t seen the first Blade Runner, I think you’d be more inclined to enjoy it. So long as you enjoy the sci-fi action genre. However, because I knew the tone of the first film, I was expecting it to be vastly similar but updated for the modern audience. Which, I think they certainly tried to do.

Alas, it wasn’t terrible. But certainly hasn’t cast a shadow on the original.

Jodie’s rating: 5/10

Dunkirk

dunkirk_1

Directed: Christopher Nolan
Written: Christopher Nolan
Released: July 2017
Starring: Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard, James D’Arcy, Barry Keoghan, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance and Tom Hardy
—

I don’t know where to start – I’m about to word-vomit on the page! There’s so much to say, so I’ve broken it up with little titles so that you don’t get too overwhelmed…

Well firstly, I’ll set the scene: I went to see this film with my significant-other in the town of Wareham, Dorset. We went to the REX Cinema, which is an independent cinema that was built in 1889. The small hall was packed when we went – I even had to book tickets two weeks in advance! The showing attracted many locals, likely due to the local film locations such as Swanage railway station and Weymouth.

Dunkirk is definitely the best war-based film I have seen since Saving Private Ryan.

Before I continue, I must mention that ‘yes’, this film is based during the war – as are plenty of films. But this one is different. It’s not full of blood and gore – it feels more like an emotional documentation of a snapshot in time. A remarkable story indeed.

This is an incredibly moving and haunting survival film about British soldiers desperately trying to escape the ever-approaching Nazi German forces. They’re attacking by air and land. The British soldiers attempt to evacuate France at Dunkirk to England via ship, despite all odds.

How the story is told:
The film is told by intertwining three stories, which transports you back in time by putting you in the shoes of various characters:

Land
“You can practically see it from here… Home.”
Soldiers evacuating the beach. This story is told within a time frame of one week through the eyes of Tommy* (Fionn Whitehead). The sky is dark and the sea is just as unwelcoming as the freezing cold beach they’re stranded on. With enemy planes flying over-head, the foot-soldiers must have felt insignificant and vulnerable as the British await for an overcrowded ship to take them home.
* Named after the slang term for a common British Army Solider.

Sea
“Men my age dictate this war. Why should we be allowed to send our children to fight it?”

Brave, unarmed civilians journeying from Dorset into the rough channel on their wooden boats. They try to save as many men as they can from overturned Navy ships that are bleeding oil into already blackened seas, with men fighting to escape the ruins in a blind panic. This story is told within the time frame of 24 hours from the point of view of Mr. Dawson (Sir Mark Rylance) and his son Peter (Tom Glynn-Carney).

Air
“Why [would the Germans] waste precious tanks when they can pick us off from the air like a fish in a barrel?”

Dunkirk film review

Royal Air Force pilots flying planes over the English channel, protecting the ships and boats carrying soldiers from Dunkirk as they aim for England’s shore. The Spitfires scream overhead, not immediately knowing if they’re British or German… The feeling of claustrophobia from being strapped inside a plane without fuel, or being stuck in the cockpit of a sinking plane… It creates an atmosphere thick with anxiety that can be felt all the way to the cinema chair. This section of the film is told in a time frame of one hour from the point-of-view of RAF pilot, Farrier (Tom Hardy).

These intertwining stories of various time windows was genius. Just enough time to understand each character and what they were risking, but not so dragged-out that it becomes a Peter Jackson marathon movie.

I really felt like I got a glimpse into how the soldiers, pilots and civilians felt in that moment in time.

Audio:
The first thing that struck me was the audio (this movie is a cinematic essential – don’t wait for the DVD! Buy a ticket! You need the surround-sound). The sound of ships creaking, the sound of the Spitfires over-head, the sound of distant gunfire. All of which clearly inspired the Hans Zimmer soundtrack. The audio of this film is an art within itself. Incredible.

Commander Bolton: “The tide’s turning now.”

Captain Winnant: “How can you tell?”

Commander Bolton: “The bodies are coming back.”

Casting:
I didn’t recognise many of the actors apart from half of the Inception and Batman cast, of course (Michael Cain’s voiceover, Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy).

Dunkirk film review - Harry Styles

But the actors were all fascinating to look at – they have interesting faces (particularly Barry Keoghan’s character, George) that makes you want to study and stare at them.

Of course, there is Harry Styles – Nolan reckons he didn’t have the faintest Scooby-Doo about the level of Styles’ fame before casting him. Poppycock if you ask me. Nevertheless, he doesn’t exactly steal the show, and he doesn’t look too out of place either.

Conclusion:
This is a once in a lifetime film. It’ll make you jump, it’ll make you cry, it’ll send chills down your spine, but most importantly it makes you think about what could have been.

Blind Man: “Well done lads. Well done.”

Alex: “All we did is survive.”

Blind Man: “That’s enough.”

I got so choked up at that line. “That’s enough.” I was gone, and so was my mascara.

After the Dunkirk screening at REX cinema, the audience (predominately Baby Boomers) were vocal post-showing as they discussed their stories amongst themselves. One gentleman even slapped my fiancé on the back and said: “it would have been you should the war have happened today!” Chilling. Particularly because we walked out on to the old, narrow streets of Wareham, which made me feel like I was still being transported back to war-time Dorset.

The next day I took out a book called ‘World War II for beginners’ and a book called ‘Frontline Dorset’ to educate myself more on this unfathomable time.

Jodie’s rating: 9/10

David Brent: Life of the Road

David Brent in the office life on the road poster

Director: Ricky Gervais
Writer: Ricky Gervais
Released: August 2016
Starring: Ricky Gervais
(Unfortunately no guest appearances in this one. Not even Karl Pilkington!)
—

Looking forward to having a big belly laugh, my boyfriend was quick to remind me about his older films. Of which only one – Cemetery Junction – I enjoyed.

He was right, and my initial excitement for David Brent: Life on the Road suddenly took a dive.

Thinking about it, Ricky Gervais has a knack for TV series, but in his film career – in my opinion – he has always been a one-trick-pony.

David Brent is now working in a different office, but takes unpaid holiday to do a local ‘tour’ with his band.

David Brent in the office of life on the road movie review After the first five-minutes of becoming reacquainted with the cocky and cringe-worthy character of David Brent, the repetitive jokes were drilled in over and over. This comedy became boring quite rapidly.

With the amount of static tripod shots used, even the documentary-style quickly slipped away. The interviews with the characters basically told the audience what we already knew about David Brent. We know he’s hopeless and harmless, funny, and ignorant rather than arrogant.

We know how to feel about the character – stop telling us.

The cringe-worthiness became tiring over the one and a half hours. In fact, I ended up giving up on the protagonist rather than being behind him.

David Brent and rapper in Life of the Road I did enjoy some of the lyrics in his songs. A previously unexploited skill of Ricky Gervais’, with a taster of his lyrics shown in the David Bowie episode of Extras.

I missed the banter from the characters in The Office. Instead, the office David Brent works in now were simply split into bullies and heroes, which wasn’t as relatable as in the TV series.

The ‘c-word’ was thrown in for good measure – typical of Gervais films.

If it wasn’t for my boyfriend’s reminder before entering the cinema, I would have been far more disappointed than I was. Instead, this movie has simply reinforced Ricky Gervais’ strengths and weaknesses.

I hope he can team up with Stephen Merchant again to make another super successful TV show. (Like Extras, which I have always found gut-wrenchingly funny.)

David Brent: life on the Road is another typical Gervais film. Not so much aimed toward The Office fans, but more toward Gervais film fans in general. If you love Ghost Town and The Invention of Lying, then you’ll love David Brent: Life on the Road.

Jodie’s Rating: 4/10

Deadpool

Deadpool movie review

Director: Tim Miller
Writer: Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick
Released: February 2016
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T. J. Miller, Gina Carano, Brianna Hildebrand and Stefan Kapičić
—

I only had a vague idea of what Deadpool was. I hadn’t seen the trailer, but countless people had recommended the superhero film, saying it was hilarious.

Frankly, you’d have to have a bit of a dark side to you, tough skinned, if you will. A bit of black humour, to have a full-on belly laugh at this film.

The blood, gore and violence reminded me of Watchmen – no one warned me of this… So, consider this a warning to all the girlfriends who have been convinced by their boyfriends that this is a funny film.

It is…

But.

It’s also incredibly gory.
Deadpool film review For those of you non-comic-book people out there, basically Wade Wilson aka Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) is a sarcastic, normal dude who has got mutated in some creepy underground experimentation lab.

It turns him into a super-human being, but with an incorrigible urge for revenge on those who made him the way he is; scarred and invincible. As well as an insatiable urge to win back his girlfriend, who currently thinks he’s dead.

The main character, Deadpool, is most certainly sarcastic, light-hearted, with a few funny come-backs. I can see why the protagonist’s cockiness can get on some people’s nerves though.

Deadpool film review This is mostly due to the film blatantly making fun of itself, breaking fourth walls frequently, and generally not taking itself seriously at all. It is essentially a mock-hero film. Like the film Vampires Suck – a spoof of Twilight. Or, The Starving Games – spoof of the Hunger Games.

Deadpool has been made with a far larger budget, of course. Taking the sarcasm and irony from Iron Man and the violence from Watchmen.

Fun fact: Ryan Reynolds was engaged to singer Alanis Morrisette, then he was married to Scarlett Johansson!

*No one cares*

I would say it’s pretty average over all. But this is a superhero film – which is basically a chick flick for men. As in, if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.

You can’t take it too seriously. It’s funny enough, and for men in their mid-twenties, early-thirties who are comic book, video games know-it-alls, it will be the peanut butter and jam sandwich with chocolate sprinkles of superhero films – you’ll love it.

For the rest of us, however, it was sufficient. Although, potentially irritating and gross.

Jodie’s rating: 5/10

The Town

The Town film poster Director: Ben Affleck
Writers: Based on the novel Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan. Screenplay: Ben Affleck, Peter Craig and Aaron Stockard
Released: 2010
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively, Titus Welliver, Pete Postlethwaite and Chris Cooper
—

Not to be confused with The Village…

I think this movie has everything in it – a compelling love story, fantastic action scenes and Ben Affleck *swoon*. You also can’t go wrong with a rough Boston accent either!

A story about a town in Boston named Charlestown. Where, for some, bank robbery is a way of life and treated as an art handed down through the generations.

The Town film - robbery scene In the first robbery of the film, a masked Doug (Ben Affleck) is calming Claire (Rebecca Hall) who is franticly opening the safe, while the rest of the robbers intimidate the hostages.

A few days after the robbery, Doug ‘bumps into’ the woman to see how much she knows about the robbers and what she’s told the police. Which, I thought was a super cool part of the film. By getting close with one of the few witnesses Doug had the inside scoop of how far off the police were.

Anyway, she basically falls in love with Doug – who, little does she know, was responsible for one of the most traumatic experiences of her life.

The Town movie - nun costume scene I like movies where you’re on the side of the ‘badies’. Kind of like in Gone Girl where I found myself rooting for the mad killer. It was the same as in this film – I was backing the robbers the whole time. but what The Town did differently was that they went a step further and villainised the ‘goodies’ – the police.

It’s a thorough insight into a vastly different culture. The robbers are brutal, tough, but incredibly loyal toward each other.

Doug: I need you to do something with me. I can’t tell you why, you can’t ask me about it after and we’re gonna hurt people.”
Jem: Whose car we gonna take?

God, but bloody Affleck. Being the main character, director and one of the writers, OF COURSE he had to write himself a saucy love scene. Boys, eh!

Lovable, exciting – yet violent – characters, a believable love story with fantastic action sequences between uplifting scenes. A cool twist to the average cold, stale bank robbing film. I like how, although it is scary and violent and intense, it’s still personable and emotional.

Jodie’s rating: 8.5/10

Whiplash

Whiplash film poster Director: Damien Chazelle
Writer: Damien Chazelle
Released: October 2014
Featuring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons and Paul Reiser—

JK Simmons in Whiplash film review I’m sure you’ve heard of Whiplash, and referred to it as ‘that drumming film with Juno‘s dad in it.’

Or, perhaps you first heard of it when J.K. Simmons won best supporting actor at the Oscars for his role in Whiplash. (Which, OH MY GOD did he deserve. He was… Every teacher I’ve ever feared.)

Although, I reckon everyone should have known Whiplash as ‘that amazing film I went to see yesterday for the second time’. Yet, at least in Auckland’s case, it was barely shown – if at all – in the major cinemas.

“Not my tempo.” – Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons)

This film has the darkness of Black Swan, the mind-twisted characters of Nightcrawler, and the photography of… What’s a fantastically-lit and composed movie… The King’s Speech? Anyway. Very well shot indeed.

Miles Teller in Whiplash movie It was like a way more intense and less-uplifting version of Peaceful Warrior. (A movie about a gymnast mentally and physically pushed to the limit.)

The basic plot is about Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), a first-year college/university jazz drummer at America’s best music school. J.K. Simmons is his teacher who has a few screws loose. Whiplash is the internal battle of a boy’s appetite for fame and success, while being drained by his teacher who plays mind games and throws chairs at him and what not.

You don’t have to be a drummer, a musician, or even like music to thoroughly enjoy this movie. However, I have heard from some of my drummer friends that if you do play drums, you will notice some inaccuracies. (Probably like how horseriders feel when watching horse movies.)

Miles Teller and JK Simmons in Whiplash film I think the only thing holding this move back was its simplicity… Or maybe that aided it… I’m not too sure, but I wonder if Whiplash could have become as disturbing as Black Swan with some more scenes expressing Neiman’s inner emotions..?

“WERE YOU RUSHING, OR WERE YOU DRAGGING!?” – Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons)

You must watch this scene!:

Despite that, I loved it… Loved it, loved it, loved it. I got so stuck into the story, completely immersed in Andrew Neiman’s struggle, obsession and frustration.

I’d be so happy to see more of this sort of film in the cinema. If you’ve got an appetite for dark and emotionally exhausting films, this is for you.

Jodie’s rating: 9/10

Godzilla (2014)

Godzilla 2014 film poster Director: Gareth Edwards
Writers: Story: David Callaham Screenplay: Max Borenstein
Released: May 2014
Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, Sally Hawkins, David Strathairn, Bryan Cranston
—

I thoroughly enjoyed Godzilla. I thought it would be just another King Kong movie: looooooong, with a damsel in distress and a brutal ending highlighting the selfishness of mankind.

Godzilla 2014 film - Breaking Bad actor However, this was more like a monster sci-fi movie. Giving a nod to Jurassic Park, Space Odyssey (music), War of the Worlds, Captain America… You name it.

A movie that plays on our fears of nuclear and natural disasters… And, giant lizards. It’s fantastic. My favourite part is when they talk about why the nuclear testing occurred in the 1950s. Very. Scandalous.

The director definitely teases us. Every time we think we’re about to see Godzilla, he cuts away. Just as a massive fight is about to happen, he cuts away. Right until the bitter end! Certainly keeps you interested though.

The sound design is flawless. Absolutely incredible. Don’t waste it by watching it on a laptop or something. Invest in some decent speakers or headphones, because you don’t want to miss the sound effects of some of these monsters!

Godzilla film 2014 - Olsen sister Yes, you may have noticed I’m using a plural: monsters. IT’S SO AWESOME!

I think the makers may have spent all their money on making the monsters look realistic, and on the spine chilling sound, because the smoke and landscapes in some scenes look quite unrealistic. But I’m not complaining! Something had to give.

Better than Kong (2005). This is scary, exciting, and untypical of the genre! Must see!

Godzilla 2 is, of course, on its way.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Nightcrawler

Director: Dan Gilroy
Writer: Dan Gilroy
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Riz Ahmed and Bill Paxton (the dude from Titanic)
Released: November 2014

This film is by far one of the creepiest films I’ve seen. It’s not so much scary, but it does put you on edge and makes your skin crawl. I guess, hence the film title.

Jake Gyllenhaal with his goggly, baby-bird eyes and sharp cheek bones, is enough to make you squirm. Let alone the control he has over everyone. It is so captivating.

He lost more than 13kg (30 pounds) to play the ‘literally and figuratively hungry’ character, Lou Bloom. Gyllenhaal did so by running a lot and eating only kale and chewing gum. He said the diet was completely safe and healthy.

Lou Bloom, is searching for a job he’s really good at. He soon discovers the media industry where freelance camera operators use police scanners to find car crashes, shootings and what-not, to film and sell to local news outlets.

Bloom dives into this career and quickly makes a sweet sum.

He basically represents the media industry and the control they have over broadcasts and the law. He steps on and manipulates every relationship, smudging the lines of ethical coverage along the way.

Having recently gained a degree in journalism, I found the subject relatable. I don’t think I’ve seen a movie like Nightcrawler before where the story is from the media industry’s point of view.

It’s a fascinating film that is quite difficult to explain. But it certainly gets you thinking. But if you just want to be entertained, you’ll certainly find yourself laughing at Bloom quite often! His intense delivery of lines is sure to give you fits of nervous giggles.

Actually, come to think of it, his character sometimes reminds me of Jim Carrey’s Andy Kaufman character in Man on the Moon.

The only thing I was disappointed about was how there were no consequences for Bloom – which I know is the point because he represents the gigantic conglomerate of the untouchable media. But just when there was a major conflict, the movie ended.

Despite that, I loved it, and I am definitely going to watch it again.

Jodie’s rating: 8/10

Interstellar

Interstellar film poster

Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan
Released: November 2014
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain and Matt Damon
—

If you loved Gravity and Inception, you’ll love Interstellar.

Interstellar movie - watching Earth The time travelling concepts in this movie are easy to grasp if you’re familiar with the sci-fi genre. If you can keep up with Doctor Who, you’ll keep up with this.

It’s set in the future where scientists are aware that crops are failing and the end of the world could be near. NASA is attempting to find another planet so that the human race can continue.

I would love to tell you more, but I’m worried I’ll ruin something! (For the record, the trailer makes it out to be an average film… It’s not.)

Anne Hathaway in Interstellar movie — Anne Hathaway in Interstellar

Gravity movie is similar to Interstellar film — Sandra Bullock in Gravity

I love this movie. I think Matthew McConaughey did a fantastic job, and I have a new found respect for Anne Hathaway.

It did make me wonder if Anne Hathaway was considered for Sandra Bullock’s role in Gravity though. Because the characters are very similar, physically and characteristically.

There are some gorgeous scenes in this movie. Which isn’t surprising, because Interstellar is a Nolan film.

Insterstellar film review My favourite scene is when they are on another planet, a water planet. Rather than regular waves, there are tsunamis that arrive every so often. And every one hour spent on this planet, is seven years on Earth.

There was just one thing I was disappointed about: the ending. It was a little too perfect. I think if it ended with a similar feel to Gravity‘s final scene, which was open-ended but with a feeling of hope.

Whereas, Interstellar ended like a Hollywood drama, the i’s were dotted and the t’s were crossed, wrapped in glossy paper with a bow.

Despite that, it is worth a watch if you’re fascinated with worm holes, time manipulation, outer space and strong characters.

Loved it.

Jodie’s rating: 9/10

Lucy

It was a great concept, but it was just so weird! It was simply bizarre.

Scarlet Johansson plays the protagonist, Lucy, who is kidnapped and used as a drug mule. The new drug seeps into her system, which enables her to use more and more and more of her brain.

She is able to manipulate everything from pain tolerence to technology. She even pulls some solid Matrix moves.

It would have been a great as a short film… It’s almost as though it should have been an arty film festival film. The mere fact it ha Johansson and Freeman in it threw it into the Hollywood sphere. I don’t think it belongs there though. It attracts the kind of audience who want an awesome sci-fi film, when it should attract the deep-and-meaningful film analysts.

Some parts of the script were super cool, particularly in regards to how people have evolved, how we think and behave.

Other parts were plain odd.

Basically, this movie isn’t what you think it will be like. The trailer advertises a Hollywood action sci-fi, when in fact it’s mind-bender with a screwed up ending.

Jodie’s rating: 4/10

Hercules

Director: Brett Ratner
Writer: Based on Hercules: The Thracian Wars by Steve Moore. Admira Wijaya.
Released: July 2014
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Mullan
and John Hurt
—

Hercules was a blood bath with a sense of humour.

Based on Hercules: The Thracian Wars by Steve Moore, the story weaves in the legends of the Demi-God, Hercules (played by wrestler, Dwayne Johnson), but centered it on the more human aspects of him. The movie follows Hercules and his right-hand men (and woman) into multiple battles, but Hercules soon questions who he is really fighting for.

A violent and relatively shallow film, but the characters make fun of themselves and their circumstances, which saves the movie from the bargain bin.

I did enjoy how the legends of Hercules are being spread purposefully to glorify a mere mortal. With Iolaus (Reece Ritchie) being the storyteller, he exaggerates Hercules’ adventures to encourage followership and unity of the people.

Thought you saw Jude Law? Turns out the character (Autolycus) I thought to be played by Law with olive-tinted skin, darkened hair and green contacts, was in fact Rufus Sewell… Just in case you were as equally mistaken by the little round head and English accent.

Speaking of which, Dwayne Johnson’s accent switches a few times throughout the movie, but does remain the only American accent in the entire film.

As a side note, Johnson’s veins are too visible and makes me squeamish.

Overall, a perfectly adequate film for the lovers of Greek mythology and ancient battles. A chick flick for the men… A man movie, a boy story… If you will.

Jodie’s rating: 6/10

22 Jump Street

Directors: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
Writers: Story: Jonah Hill and Michael Bacall Screenplay: Michael Bacall, Oren Uziel and Rodney Rothman
Released: June 2014
Featuring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Peter Stormare and Ice Cube
—

22 Jump Street certainly didn’t match up to its prequel, 21 Jump Street.

This one was long and had as many topless scenes of Channing Tatum as possible… I’m assuming this was written into his contract..?

I didn’t find it as funny as the first one because it was so ridiculous. It was similar to the first but more outrageous. Although, I’m sure the Jump Street fans won’t be disappointed.

The amount of references to the first film kept the cookie-cutter-comedy fresh. The movie made fun of itself, hinting at the repetitive storyline and stereotypical characters they play. This decision saved the film from being put on the scrap heap.

It looks like the cast had a lot of fun on this film. As though it was for themselves rather than the audience. Which was actually okay!

I don’t have a lot to say about this film to be honest. It was a bit weird, quite typical, but not as funny as the first. It’s for the younger Hangover fans and the Channing Tatum lovers.

It is what it is!

Jodie’s rating: 5/10

(Trailer contains bad language. Tut tut.)

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Director: Michael Bay
Writers: Ehren Kruger
Released: June 2014
Featuring: Mark Wahlberg and Stanley Tucci
—

One was enough!

This is the fourth Transformers movie. This has gone on for too long.

It’s about government agencies coming after people who have found a Transformer. Transformers are no longer welcome as they are deemed ‘alien’.

I’m not a Transformers fan, but I can appreciate that cars becoming giant robots are cool.

However, the fighting was endless and exhausting, and acting was hopeless. It was a pointless and boring two hours and 45 minutes.

Assuming that Transformer fans enjoy these movies because of the graphics when the machines physically transform will be sorely disappointed. The entire premise of this fourth film is based around how the man-made Transformers don’t “transform” at all, and when the original machines are about to transform, the camera pans away!

The product placement was blatant and outright ridiculous. Stanley Tucci is amazing, but conveniently drank a Chinese soy-based beverage toward the camera, with the branding beautifully framed and presented. It was pathetic.

If you’re okay with being belittled and being nothing more than a captive audience to sell Victoria’s Secret, Bud Light and energy drinks to, be my guest. But it is certainly an exhaustingly long film with a stupid storyline. Although, to be fair, I zoned out by the time the characters made it to China…

Transformers: Age of Extinction is a three hour ad break.

Oh so boring. Please, no more.

Jodie’s rating: 2/10

Two points were given because:
1. The dinosaur transformer things were pretty cool
2. Stanley Tucci

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Director: Matt Reeves
Writers: Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver
Released: July 2014
Featuring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell and Kodi Smit-McPhee
—

koba_an-ape-never-forgets I wasn’t expecting much from this sequel, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!

A desolate planet with a small population living within the remains of an apocalypse. The humans are in search of a water supply to ensure electricity to their commune. However, the apes that were used in trials in the prequel have populated the forests where the water supply is.

I found the body language of the apes and the reactions of the humans fascinating.

The apes didn’t use English too much of the time so subtitles were uses, but even without them it was remarkably easy to understand them.It’s clear the makers did their homework regarding the body language of the apes!

la_ca_0403_dawn_of_planet_apes_028 Although, I did find the human storyline almost irrelevant. I was so captured by the story of the apes that the humans became uninteresting. Apes riding horses holding spears? Come on. Who needs people?

It was a great balance between emotion and action. The fight scenes showed off the motion capture incredibly! Particularly with apes riding the horses… I can’t get over how realistic it all was.

An exciting and captivating film about the clash of cultures and revenge. The storyline is more-or-less typical of the genre, but it is one of the best examples of modern film making; taking advantage of today’s technology… The motion capture will make you drool.

Jodie’s rating: 7.5/10

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Directors: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo
Writers: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely
Released: April 2014
Featuring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp, Hayley Atwell, Robert Redford and Samuel L. Jackson
—

Wow! Okay, I haven’t seen the first of the Captain America films (Captain America: The First Avenger) but I feel I still got the impact of the movie without much of the back story.

I haven’t seen the Avenger movies either (don’t kill me!).

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is about Captain America’s (AKA Steve Rogers) past haunting him. He was once in the army where he lost a dear friend, Bucky. The flash backs are gorgeous; back to the 1940s. Steve Rogers is trying to fit into the modern day but the values of the people in charge don’t sit well with him.

Basically there is a lot of action, awesome characters who are well developed, and the plot is so relatable with our current battle against Nanny States and over-surveillance.

I thought Captain America was going to be a patriotic conservative goody-two-shoes… A wannabe Superman if I may say so…

How wrong could I be.

Captain America is a bad ass super soldier with a ridiculously calm attitude. What a dude. With awesome morals, too.

My favourite quote of his comes about when Nick Fury (director of the super-spy agency, SHIELD, that Captain America is a part of) says that the world needs more surveillance to eradicate potential threats to humankind. Captain America/Steve Rogers, finds it difficult to justify this lack of privacy:

“…holding a gun to everyone on Earth and calling it protection… That’s not free, that’s fear!”

But the most impressive character was Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff. She is equal to male superheroes intelligence-wise and combat-wise. She is also witty… I don’t know if I’m going too far saying this, but she is CLOSE to being a female version of Batman… I’m not taking it back! It’s out there.

It happened.

Natasha is just the coolest. She doesn’t have a fat cry when things get difficult, she is sneaky and knows how to work the system. She is still so feminine without wearing next to nothing too.

I said Black Widow should have shorter hair, but then I realised that would be inconvenient for Johansson’s stunt double whose face is obscured in all the long-shot fight scenes.

captain-america-winter-soldier-sebastian-stan-set-photo_jpg_crop_display A super exciting film that doesn’t let your mind wander during the fight scenes. Relatable characters and plot with awesome enemies. The Winter Soldier is a good-looking son of a gun, yet ridiculously ruthless with an upsetting back story.

Fantastic. Such a fun film. Even for somebody who hasn’t seen the previous film, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Scary, funny, exciting, thrilling and dark.

Go see it.

Jodie’s rating: 7/10