MAD MAX: FURY ROAD
My Rating: 8/10
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD is just... well mad... It's a feature length action packed car chase weaved through a relatively basic, but powerful plot. Right from the start I was at the edge of my seat, straight away invested in where Max's journey would take him.
Before I begin bringing up any negative points, I must make it clear that these issues are relatively small among the grand scale of cinematic art that this feature is. The driving action, cinematography, stunts and interesting characters will make this an instant DVD purchase for me.
Some people online are both negatively and positively saying that Charlize Theron's 'Furiosa' character is more of a main character than Tom Hardy's 'Max' (Unlike previous films).
I would argue that both of these were equal main characters in both heroics and screen time. It's just that it was Furiosa's story that was being told. In fact, I would have preferred more of Furiosa's backstory revealed as it seemed to only scratch the surface. But for what it was, great performance from Charlize Theron. One of my favourite scenes is when Furiosa attempts to kill Max.
I absolutely love the way Max was written into this film. Beginning with him as an incidental part of a much bigger event. Working his way in, to be an integral part of the plot a little further into the script. It kept me anxious, watching how he was to become involved and how he would escape. Tom Hardy's physical performance is excellent. His subtle hand gestures and facial expressions speak perfectly for Max's character. Unfortunately, there were quite a few moments that Tom Hardy began talking a bit like BANE. Clearer speaking please Tom, I have no idea what you're saying.
Nicholas Hoult's character 'Nux' was another brilliant highlight. The performance is both insane and thoughtful. His character ends up being the most human and relatable one on screen. It's the quality in writing of characters like Nux and Furiosa that I feel, separate the original trilogy from FURY ROAD.
Before I conclude I wanted to throw in some nitpicks. For one, the leads come across a tribe in the desert. They have obviously been there a while and had to leave a previously destroyed home. This tribe appear to be surviving in the desert, with their own security setup as well. But when they are asked where home is, they say there is none.
Then how can they be surviving in the desert? Where do they find water and shelter? Where do they keep their bikes? Do they just sit in the sand all day?
Also the film does not give too much time to really flesh out these tribe characters either but they're still involved in some awesome action scenes.
Oh yeah, action scenes... you may need to press pause and go for a milkshake and a sleep (Or whatever you do to relax) before continuing when you get this on DVD.
There was a flame thrower guitar player dude that seemed to me a bit Brutal Legend and it was awesome.
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD. You won't have seen a film quite like this one, and you probably won't for a while. The action is 10/10 and there is enough great plot in there for the viewer to be fully invested.
If you're looking for some more space to breath among the carnage... maybe just sit down and watch the previous films. But if you're looking for mega action packed screaming drums madness, see FURY ROAD. Also great soundtrack...
Rotten Tomatoes Rating:98%
IMDB Rating:8.8/10
Spongebob Squarepants: Sponge Out Of Water
My Rating: 4/10
Watching something like Spongebob Squarepants, it is not out of place to expect some funny moments. I loved the original series as a kid and also enjoyed the first film adaptation (That a lot of people did not.) Personally, I thought the first film was both smart and funny. This one is neither.
Sponge Out of Water is, for the most part, kind of boring. There are definitely some good ideas thrown in there, like having Plankton and Spongebob team up! This is such a great idea and I could see something interesting TRYING to break free. But nothing.
If one were to ask me if I found the film funny, I'd say.... "Well... there was this ONE scene." That's right! One scene made me laugh out loud. It involved a dolphin played by Brit actor, Matt Berry. It is such an absurd idea with brilliant visuals and a great voice performance from Berry. I give that scene a 10/10.
The scenes with Zorro himself, Antonio Banderas and a bunch of annoying CGI seagulls were boring and hardly helped push the plot at all.
The lovable character of the past, Patrick, is now really selfish and deliberately mean to Spongebob. (Although I have since discovered this was actually a development made in the modern TV series between films.)
Sandy the Squirrel is interesting for a few minutes as she becomes somewhat of a conspiracy nut (lol) I would have loved to have seen more of this.
Squidward is practically not in this film, and when he does appear at the end as a magical super hero he seems to be out of character.
Now I have to talk about the whole CGI aspect of the picture, as it seems to be the most advertised feature. Well, it's fun at first. The characters all get their crazy powers and start blowing stuff up. Once the jokes are done we are just watching the most boring fight scene with Antonio Banderas that just goes on way too long. Boring direction, boring boring boring.
The look of the CGI is fine, but does not really make sense when the characters have been able to travel to the real world without needing to change dimensions in past films/episodes. I admit that's a silly nitpick but it just bugged me.
All that negativity aside, as a 2d film most of it looks pretty and is refreshing to see on a big screen in these desperate times. The travelling montages are very fun, experimental and have a great tune by Pharrell Williams that kind of speaks for the whole films style.
But ultimately the film has bad pacing, it's not funny and the plot is only half interesting. But there is a hilarious scene involving a dolphin.
Go watch the first film if you want to watch something with actual personality.
"I'm ready, depression. I'm ready, depression."
Rotten Tomatoes Rating:78%
IMDB Rating:6.4/10
Shaun the Sheep Movie
My Rating: 9/10
I think this might be the best feature length film Aardman have done and it is without any dialogue! Don't get me wrong, I have a soft spot for most of their feature length films. Chicken Run was until this day my favourite with it's great pacing and ideas. Not to mention it looked fantastic. But it was missing some beat humour previously seen in Aardman shorts. Also the ending was a bit too bugs life for me.
Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit was enjoyable mainly because it was Wallace and Gromit but it's predictability was just urgh. Flushed Away had a great structure, a better story than previous and some great jokes. But visually, it's not going to beat that stop-motion charm Aardman are known for. Pirates in an Adventure with Scientists was sure enjoyable but did fall on a kind of weak story and not enough quick fire gags.
The latest installment Shaun the Sheep Movie delivers on pretty much all you may have been hoping for.
Best of all, it's pretty much a silent movie. None of the lead animal characters talk and the humans only speak in dramatic mumbles. This gives opportunity for the stop-motion animators to really concentrate on the subtle facial expressions of the models. I was watching a moment Shaun came to a realisation and noticed as his eye lids reacted in such a small but perfect way I knew exactly how he felt.
The story is entertaining and there is literally a visual gag around every corner. It never feels like it's dragging on and the characters are as lovable as ever.
You don't need to see the series to enjoy this film, although it may help to get to know some of the sheep in the flock better. Unfortunately, the story does not really offer much space for the side characters to shine like they may have done on TV. But it's not that important as they are represented as side characters, and not underdeveloped main characters. (Like in Big Hero 6). The main plot here revolves around a simple idea involving Shaun the Sheep and the Farmer.
The only complaint I would give this film is I'd like to have seen more of the developing friendship between Shaun and Bitzer (Thank goodness they went back to the original design) as it is sometimes implyed while they still seem quite distant. Again, this is something that is shown more in the series. But as I assume Shaun and Bitzer both feel the same way about the Farmer I'd expect they'd connect more during the adventure to find him.
Shaun the Sheep Movie reminded me of the original three Wallace and Gromit episodes as well as classic British humour of the past, like Mr. Bean! (Another mostly silent piece)
This is kind of the Mr. Bean movie we never got.
Plus the soundtrack was great accompanying the animation, including the two pop star guests, Eliza Doolittle and RizzleKicks. Both of which I am a fan of."
Wooo! Go see it and check out the detail in that Charity Shop.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating:100%
IMDB Rating:7.6/10
Home
My Rating: 7/10
"I was not sure what to expect going in. From the trailers I was not a fan of the alien designs. Plus I have a personal grudge against CGI 3D sometimes that I won't let distract this review. Also, it's Dreamworks (Hit and miss).
Thankfully 'Home' is a Hit. The story is charming, the friendship is wonderful between the two leads. Even the side characters are quite funny. The main human lead, Tip, is such an amazingly constructed 3D model. Definately one of the best designed female characters in CGI film so far. Plus, I was shocked to discover Rihanna did the voice! And she is excellent!
While the story is charming it does rely a lot on emotionally drawn out musical moments. Personally I believe there are way too many of these. On the other hand, it does give the animators a brilliant chance to flesh out that character animation, it looks so good.
I really liked the scenes where the two characters were wondering around the city. The idea of one human in this taken over world is very enjoyably apocalyptic.
My biggest complaint about this otherwise wonderful film is it does the stupid Disney 'you think they're dead' ending. Blimey, have we not seen that enough? Alan Partridge and Spongebob have already made the best jokes with it. NO MORE. It's predictable, yes, even to the kids. It took me completely out of the moment. I'm sorry if you think this is a spoiler. I don't see it as one as it did not push the plot or character development in any way.
Soundtrack is not too bad either with Red Balloon by Charlie XCX as well as a really good track by Rihanna, Towards the Sun. If you're going to the cinema and you can't find anything to watch, go see this great flick. If not, just wait for the DVD. You're not missing out on a masterpiece."
Rotten Tomatoes Rating:46%
IMDB Rating:6.8/10
Big Hero 6
My Rating: 5.5/10
"This movie did not need to try and be The Incredibles. It's at it's best when it is diving into the relationship between it's lead character Hiro, his brother Tadashi and Baymax, the robot friend.
The other characters thrown into the story to try and make this action hero team of 6 is pointless. They are well designed characters with funny traits but their limited personalities are only enough to be side characters. But as the film goes on they appear to become present more often. Any kind of realistic personality they gather is only seen as a collection of them all. With none having their own individual opinions apart from quicky things.
Plus they continuously fail and slow down the plot and are hardly funny. It's a shame though because I quite enjoyed them for the first half.
The story was quite predictable, the bad guy was obvious very very early. Even more predictable than Frozen.
All these negative comments aside, the film looks beautiful and Hiro, Tadashi and Baymax are a treat to watch on screen. Baymax especially, some laugh out loud animation going on there.
Also the music is not too bad as well."
Rotten Tomatoes Rating:89%
IMDB Rating:8/10
Kingsman: The Secret Service
My Rating: 8/10
"An overall cool movie.
Full of likable written characters and amazing performances. All of the main cast, especially the lead; Taron Egerton did a wonderful job.
The villain was memorable, the action scenes were fantastic and a bit of heart brought it home.
This is Stormbreaker but 100 times better and for adults. It's kind of a shame the film is not suitable for a young audience. The only reason I say that is because the Colin Firth Character was so cool with his gadgets and gentlemanly manner he'd have been quite a cool role model. Same for some of the other leads.
It was so REFRESHING to FINALLY see Mark Strong as a GOOD GUY role! OH MY GOSH. That guy has done his duty for the dark side and it was wearing a bit thin. Mark Strong is a wonderful good guy and it makes me so happy. Oh yeah and Luke Skywalker was in it and that was awesome. (Oddly enough in the comic book the film was loosely based on the same character he played was actually 'called', Mark Hamill.')
So my issues with the movie were these,
Something happens with Michael Caine's character towards the end and it kind of felt tacked on, a bit unconvincing. And afterwards the team felt a bit broken to me.
I loved seeing Eggsy's mum and sister and every moment with them felt so real. But there was not enough of it, and not enough of time with Eggsy and his mum. What was there was good but it could have dived even further into their relationship.
My last issue with the film is a lot of transitions bothered me, some were just really ugly and took me out of the moment.
An action film with charm and heart. I highly recommend. OH, and way better than Stormbreaker."
Rotten Tomatoes Rating:72%
IMDB Rating:8.3/10
Like Crazy
My Rating: 8.5/10
"This story was very close to home for me. So my experience will most likely differ from others.
So this is a love story revolving around two people separated by the sea. One lives in the US and one in the UK.
I think the girl, Anna is a well rounded character with personality both in the relationship and out. Plus she has some fun loving parent characters.
Where as although Jacob's character has ambition and interest, there is a lack of dialogue in his relationship. I'm assuming his character is meant to be a shy one, but even while the relationship is blossoming he seems to just kind of smile and mumble. Luckily though, his emotional performance pulls it through without lines.
Other than that, the themes portrayed and the pacing are all pretty perfect. Most of the conversation between the characters seemed natural and overall it was just an emotional experience.
For me it portrays real love and real sadness. I recommend it for anyone not currently living a similar situation. "
Rotten Tomatoes Rating:72%
IMDB Rating:6.7/10
The Book Thief
My Rating: 6.5/10
"Heartwarming and unique look at lives in Nazi Germany. Character development is key and is written and performed well (Geoffrey Rush being the stand out). The originality of the narrator really makes this story into something different. My only issue is, I didn't care as much as I should have. I have no idea why, maybe I am just having a heartless day. The film is undeniably a journey for the viewer, but maybe some of the emotional notes were presented off-beat or narrative oddly structured. You may feel the same."
Rotten Tomatoes Rating:46%
IMDB Rating:7.6/10
Begin Again
My Rating: 6/10
"Begin Again has a basic plot and a lot of music. It revolves around two characters, both with difficult personal lives but one thing in common, a love of music.
Unfortunately there is little time given really to put some real emotion into their separate personal lives and so the ending is less impacting. The other thing is although I enjoyed the lead characters and their chemistry I had trouble relating to them at points. I also never learnt their character names and so in my head just called them, 'Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley, James Corden, Cee Lo Green and Mos Def'.
That aside the soundtrack is fantastic and they are constantly throwing new written material out for us. Both Keira and Ruffalo really show their passion for music and there are plenty of wonderful scenes to accompany that. For example the joint ear phones in New York scenes and how Mark first hears Keira's performance while drunk.
I kind of felt like the film was grasping for the musical fulfillment that maybe 'School of Rock' or 'Frank' gave but not quite getting there.
What brings Begin Again up from a 5.5 to a 6 is the ending. It's not quite what you'd expect, and as mentioned in my 'Paper Planes' review we all like a bit of the unexpected. Especially with this familiar formula.
It's not bad. It's not going to blow your mind but I like it!"
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%
IMDB Rating:7.5/10
Paper Planes
My Rating: 7/10
"This film has a lot of issues. Little nit picks here and there. Like shoddy, unrealistic dialogue, iffy side characters and a scene they pretty much stole from the Disney Short, Paperman. But... this film has enough heart to help me forget almost all of the problems.
Firstly, it was a basic kids/family film in that we all 'hope' it's a happy ending and it usually is. Occasionally, as film goers we like to see everyone randomly die or be depressed at the end because it is out of the norm. But we must all admit that we still like a good happy ending.
Paper Planes, at it's core is a story about a father and son and where it shines is the build up of that relationship. Surrounding this heartfelt center is a bunch of fun, likable characters to join the ride. Something else I loved about the film is the wonder of travel in the eyes of the lead character. Coming from a junk yard of a home to Sydney and Tokyo!
The nit picks are obvious when you watch it, there are plenty. But I say go and enjoy it anyway because the ending is lovely. Look out for the heartfelt scene where the lead talks to his competitors father while playing golf.
PS: It's kinda karate kid but with a paper championship"
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: none
IMDB Rating:7.4/10
Lucy
My Rating: 3.5/10
"So I recently reviewed 'Under the Skin' starring Scarlett Johansson. I gave it a 9/10. The only reason I mention that is for one; the two films were released close to each other but also similar posters were designed. Both portraying the actress (Scarlett Johansson)'s face staring outwards. So in a subconscious way, I think i expected similar from both. These films could not be further apart.
I originally wanted to see Lucy because it had a cool trailer. I still stand by that, the trailer is cool. Plus it's not too often you see a female lead in an action movie. (Go watch Hanna)
The beginning of the film is alright while the lead character (Johansson) has a personality. As soon as she gets the super brain power she loses all of that relatability. Throwing away both her emotion and sympathy. The very smart lady wants to shoot everyone. I'm not entirely sure how gaining more knowledge turns you into a nut case.
At this point the audience has completely no way of relating to her as she is basically a dead eyed killer. We needed more signs of humanity than we were given.
Lucy gains a sidekick who is this french detective with no reason to be there at all and again, no personality. He's just there to get a kiss at the end. Gosh, I found his presence so annoying.
The bad guys have no personalities, popping up in the stupidest ways and they all talk nonsense. They were played out in such a way I was not sure whether I should laugh or not.
Morgan Freeman stands around and says stuff the whole movie. I did like his character, but probably just because it was Morgan Freeman. He had a believable passion for the studies and if the rest of the movie was not so moronic his research might have sounded a lot more impressive over the visuals.
There is only one bit of the film I liked. To read spoiler drag over the invisible text. The time travel scene and the moment when Lucy disappears completely in the chair. I'm not sure why, but I quite liked that bit
End of invisible text
Weird cuts of animal footage and a relatively cool soundtrack make it seem like they were going for something more interesting but falling short.
The problem is, if you're looking for an easy bit of entertainment it does not even reach that.
Here is a quote from a friend. "For a film about how smart we could be it was dumb as shit."
Sequel!"
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 66%
IMDB Rating:6.4/10
Two Night Stand
My Rating: 6.5/10
"What I like about this film is it is presented a bit like a bottle episode. The whole plot is based around two characters having to get to know each other because they're stuck inside an apartment.
The performances are good and mostly it's fun to watch the chemistry.
The issues I have with it are the characters are not entirely likable (for me anyway) and perhaps the relationship development takes a few little leaps from hate to... really like each other..
Also it sticks to a very familiar structure which is a shame as those emotional moments we're just waiting for and then disappointed by.
Those things aside it has a feel good ending like a basic romance should and the two leads do have chemistry so it's worth a look. Not to get personal but I thought the main guy had a creepy face."
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 32%
IMDB Rating:6.5/10
These Final Hours
My Rating: 4.5/10
Some spoilerings in this one
"Shot in the place I grew up I was curious as to how good this biggish blockbuster film would be. Some interesting films have come out of Australia in the past and I was hoping this would be the next one.
Unfortunately, it's not the best film ever. No, it's not even the best end of the world film ever. But it's not bad. My problem is the acting of the two leads kind of carry it. The main dude, Actor Nathan Phillips portrays every emotion he can brilliantly. You can clearly see the hurt and thought processes going on in his mind. His chemistry with the little girl is good, but could have been fleshed out a bit more in the script.
The party they go to in the film is a good touch for atmosphere but any story progression there just seems weak. Shouting at a girl and her brother we don't care about that they're underground bunker is not deep enough. For me, that scene did nothing.
Some generally emotional scenes include the family in the library and the lead character discovering the death of a relative.
The ending felt off to me. We needed more involvement with the lead and this love of his before he decided to return to her. It was a nice feeling but not impacting for the viewer. He should have stayed with the little girl, whose relationship with him had been built up on screen.
My only other issue is, with all of the violence and destruction... why is every house you see in this film a massive, clean, beautiful, italian house with an orange tint effect. Where is all the rioting? It seems to be happening elsewhere in the film, but not by these homes.
I know there are grubby looking houses in Perth so I find that to be a weird creative decision.
But anyway, the story makes sense at least, even if it's a little bit stupid. If you're an end of the world movie watcher I'd suggest it. But for some more impacting emotion I'd suggest 'Seeking a Friend for the End of the World' which has a better version of the ending."
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%
IMDB Rating:6.6/10
Let's Be Cops
My Rating: 5/10
"I really like Jake Johnson as an actor, he seems to choose great roles and performs well. But Let's Be Cops probably won't stand up as memorable in his IMDB.
The problem is, the idea is unique and fun but can only be taken so far. The characters insanity is very funny, how far they will take pretending to be police. But so much of it has been done before and eventually, once they are pretending enough it just becomes another police spoof.
As we all know there are plenty of them around. So I end up finding myself comparing this film once again to Hot Fuzz, The Heat, Naked Gun and 22 Jump Street.
It's fun as you'd expect but has no real emotional grip and not too much to really laugh or even smile about. Once they are police, the police jokes don't compare to those of other films.
Let's Be Cops is not as funny as The Heat but it's unique idea holds it up.
I'd say this is a 'If it's on TV give it a try, but don't bother with purchase"
Here is my The Heat Review "
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 18%
IMDB Rating:6.6/10
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
My Rating: 8/10
"It's a feel good family film with a brilliant cast. It has some laughs in there, it all makes sense. It's not going to pull at your heart strings until you bleed out of your eyes but it will draw you a nice picture and give you a chocolate milk.
That is my review of this movie. I liked it.
Also: It had Dick Van Dyke and Disney Peter Pan songs in it so win win."
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 63%
IMDB Rating:6.5/10
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
My Rating: 8.5/10
"This movie splits me right down the middle. Here is the problem, the animated monkeys were better written and better acted than the humans.
The humans were a bore. The lead human had no real reason to do the things he did, no driving force to be that friend or hero for the monkeys and no reason to be liked by the audience.
The other humans were more plot devises to help us see the moral dilemmas of the monkeys.
The other half of the film is the Apes, their survival, family, friendship and betrayal. I can't even explain how good this stuff is. Caesar, the big Ape on Campus and how the others see him is beautiful. I have to say that seeing the previous film may have assisted in my emotional enjoyment... perhaps. He is extremely likable.
I'm not sure if it was deliberate but the Apes are a LOT more human than the humans. That comment SOUNDS like it might be impressive if it were deliberate. But I'm not so sure. I really wanted to like them and I think the film wanted me to as well. Sigh.
Humans aside this film could still make you tear. I almost did. In the end; the drama of the animated characters is so good, really so so good that I'm pushing the rating up."
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%
IMDB Rating:7.8/10
22 Jump Street
My Rating: 10/10
"I've not reviewed the first one but I'd say I'd give it a .. hmm.. 6/10. Enjoyed but mind was not blown, at all. It had some unique qualities (The partnership was excellent) but ultimately it was just another cop spoof.
Then I saw 22 Jump Street. Everything was perfect. I was laughing a lot, at almost every joke, every edit and cut. It worked in similar vain to Edgar Wright's comedy film making.
Which brings us onto.. Hot Fuzz. Hot Fuzz is one of my favourite films and an excellent police spoof so I am constantly comparing similar recent releases with it (The Heat, Let's be Cops).
(I'm not including Leslie Nielsen films because he is God)
I think 22 Jump Street gets as close as an american (team) police spoof will ever get to as good as Hot Fuzz.
Why? No, it's not just because it has the laffs. The drama between the characters is a lot better than the previous one or any other spoof cop film of late. It does not feel predictable or unrealistic.
Oh yeah and I really don't like many of these 'college spoofs' either, luckily that matters not in this case.
Go see it folks! "
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 84%
IMDB Rating:7.2/10
Tracks
My Rating: 7.5/10
"This film shows off the journey of a woman walking across the desert of Australia. Her reason for doing so? Just wanted to do something for herself.
Through brilliant direction and acting from lead, Mia Wasikowska, we are thrown into a long and blindingly hot survival story.
I enjoyed this film a lot. I loved the survival aspect, the making friends and enemies along the way and the lead character's development throughout. She wants to be independent and go ahead with fantastical ideas because they are there and she knows they will give her the feeling of accomplishment. But while doing so she is realizing maybe she does need at least some people to support her. Both for emotional support and for knowledge of the lands. Take from this film what you will, but that is what I took.
My only two issues with this picture is that maybe it does go on a tad bit too long. Only a little bit, because the longer the wait, the more impacting the ending is. But there are few long shots of desert I just think were unnecessary.
My other issue is she keeps having flashbacks of her past. They never really felt very important. So 7.5/10 from me. Recommended.
Oh yeah and that American actor from the new STAR WARS popping up was a shock, but he's brilliant."
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 81%
IMDB Rating:7.2/10
I absolutely love the way Max was written into this film. Beginning with him as an incidental part of a much bigger event. Working his way in, to be an integral part of the plot a little further into the script. It kept me anxious, watching how he was to become involved and how he would escape. Tom Hardy's physical performance is excellent. His subtle hand gestures and facial expressions speak perfectly for Max's character. Unfortunately, there were quite a few moments that Tom Hardy began talking a bit like BANE. Clearer speaking please Tom, I have no idea what you're saying. 
