The one with Ondine

Embargo has been lifted, so check out my review of Ondine on the Movie bit Blog

2009 Year in Review - “The Music Video”

How many flicks can you “hear”?

The one with Paranormal Activity

Read my review of Paranormal Activity. Click here

The one with Law Abiding Citizen

The bad guy always gets killed or those he? Law Abiding Citizen stars Gerard Butler as Clyde Shelton who has to endure his wife and child being raped and killed in front of him by 2 burglars. Jamie Foxx plays Nick Rice who’s the legal department justice person.Click the poster for the rest of the review over on The Movie Bit blog.

Jennifer's Body

The horror genre continues its revival and its latest offering has the bride from Mama Mia and the mechanic from Transformers 2 getting gored up. Click the poster to continue reading the rest of the review :)

The one with the Zombieland review

Right, so yet another Zombie movie. Zombie movies are after experiencing a bit of a comeback over the last few years, but none of them are anything like this. Many zombie movies have gore, many have some humour, many have action but not many combine them all into one big pile of awesome!

Read the rest of the review here

The one with the Up Review

Pixar have raised the bar every time they release a movie, in story telling, in style, in visuals. You name it they’ve raised the bar for it. So how much higher can the bar be raised. Well Up, is raising the bar very, very high indeed….with no balloons attached either.

Read the rest of the review here

And dont forget my Up special this Sunday night with the director, Pete Docter.

The one with the Invention of lying Review

Click here

The Soloist Review

The Soloist review - http://tinyurl.com/mw9xta

The one with Surrogates review

Surrogates review, click here

The one with Adventureland

Click here for my Adventureland Review

The one with Funny People

Read my review here

The one with Public Enemies

Review now online over @ The Movie Bit Blog

The one with the mini movie review – Looking for Eric

"I am not a man.....I am Cantona!" Certainly one of the movie quotes of the year! This mini movie review is extra mini, because your better off going to see one of the real feel good films of the year! Forget Slumdog Millionaire!!!! Looking for Eric has

• An amazing performance by Steve Evets!
• a brilliant Eric Cantona
• A superb supporting cast
  
• a director, Ken Loach, who is onto a winner here!

Its a bit gritty and industrial looking, but the story of a postman who is really down on his luck and starts asking an envisioned Eric Cantona for advice, is brilliant!

If you need a little hope and inspiration and want to see a damn fine piece of film while your at it, Lookin for Eric is that movie!


9/10

Now hurry off and go see it!

The one with the mini movie review – Terminator Salvation

The Terminator series is one of my favourite franchises and has been for quite some time, so when the trailer first broke many moons ago I wet my pants. Bale looked great in the trailer and the action looked spectacular.

So, I arrived this morning to watch Terminator Salvation and it got off to a bad start immediately. No Terminator theme, instead, some by the numbers thing from Danny Elfman. Oh hang on, here’s the Dada….da..dada. Oh its gone. Right. Why change the theme????Time for the salvation to begin then I suppose.

The story this time round sees John Connor leading the resistance after Skynet became self aware and decided to nuke most of the planet. Connor spends his time between listening to old cassette tapes of his mother, running a little pirate style radio station and shooting endoskeletons at point blank range. Then, insert Marcus Wright into the mix ,who’s only memory is of being on death row in the early noughties. Eventually he meets Connor (who's not sure what he is, because there's no mention of him in the tapes) and the grand finale begins, which sees them go on a little rescue mission and an attempt to destroy Skynet. And that's basically Terminator Salvation.

There is plenty of action sequences here to keep you salivating. The Terminator bikes are great as are all the ships. The gigantic Terminator harvester is awesome, as it goes about picking up humans who will be turned into Terminators. All the set pieces are stunning, with some of the best action sequences of the summer so far. The T-600’s are a bit of a disappointment though. They just clamber around like overweight robotic donkeys with a gattling gun. If anything there’s not enough endoskeletons rampaging around the nuked up landscape. From past movies I was always led to believe that the endoskeletons roamed the landscapes in large packs, crushing skulls as they went. Not the case in Salvation.

And no matter what you think of the Terminator franchise, you can never talk about it with out mentioning Arnold Schwarzenegger who has a cameo in this. Well, a digital cameo. A computer generated Arnie, appears in the latter half of the movie and it is certainly worth the wait as he looks amazing. As for the non digital members of the cast, Christian Bale still talks like Batman and has an average performance. I don't feel he is entirely convincing as the leader of the resistance, as he comes across a little disjointed at times and really plays second fiddle. Sam Worthington is far more convincing in the role of Marcus Wright. And the performance of the movie comes from Anton Yelchin as Kyle Reese.

I really wanted to enjoy this movie, I really did. But for me, this doesn't feel like a Terminator movie. I appreciate that its a different story, in a different time but regardless it doesn't feel like it belongs in the franchise at all. For example – Star Wars still felt like Star Wars when it was Revenge of the Sith. All 103 Police Academy’s still felt like Police Academy’s. Maybe its McG’s vision for it, and to be fair he keeps the movie rolling at a solid pace, but it still doesn't feel right. Even the inclusion of the superb digital Arnie doesn't help! The dialogue with rehashing of some old famous lines and the inclusion of “You Could be mine” from Guns n’ Roses just come across as pure and utter cheesy muck.My other major gripe is the movie is a 12A. Maybe if the violence was toned up and it ended up as a 15A or 16 then it might have been some compensation.

As for McG calling Michael bay out to a penis measuring contest, If I were him, I wouldn't be pulling my pants off just yet.

On a final note, try as hard as I could, I couldn't love this movie. As a stand alone picture, its not so bad, in fact it would be enjoyable enough. But as part of a well loved franchise it just doesn't cut the mustard. Is it worth a watch? It is, but make sure to forget that your watching a Terminator movie and you’ll be fine!

6/10

The one with the mini movie review – Star Trek

After much waiting and anticipation from the world, the next movie to get the reboot treatment has arrived. Star Trek opens in Cork cinemas today. And yes, this is the same Star Trek that made William Shatner a household name and probably got him the TJ Hooker gig at the same time!

Star Trek as many of you know dates back to the 1800’s or something and has some of the most hardcore fans the world has ever seen. So, I would speculate that the director, J.J. Abram's (Yes he of Lost and Cloverfield fame) grew some very large testicles before he took on. the monumental task of bringing Star Trek, once again, back to the big screen.

The story starts before Jimmy Kirk was born and immediately you know this is a very, very different Star Trek universe from what you may have been used to. James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine) is born and the story progresses from there, with his induction into Star Fleet and his eventual clamber onto the captains chair. The story is basic enough and I don't want to go into much detail as not to give anything away, but the world needs saving!

There are some fantastic moments in this movie including an uncanny Mr.Spock and a fantastic performance from Simon Pegg as Scotty . But Chris Pine is the show stealer. While some of the Shatner mannerisms are still intact, he brings a whole new lease of life to the character who I never liked in the first place. The new Captain Kirk is one cool dude and a tough son of a bitch to boot. Nero, the bad guy doesn't have a whole lot of screen time and Eric Bana doesn't do much to melt your mind, he’s adequate at best.

The special effects are stunning (excluding the teleporting scenes which just look weird) and the first glimpse you get of the USS Enterprise is a very special moment. It has never looked better and the battles and scale of the movie are absolutely huge. There is great pace here and the picture thunders along at a frantic pace or warp speed if you like. You are never left hanging around wondering what will happen next.

As a devout Star Wars fan I am very surprised I enjoyed this so much. That said, I wonder how the hard core trekkers or trekkies (or whatever your called this month) will feel about it. Abrams version has far more grit, action and intensity than any of the other movies combined and this may lead to some of the hardcore fans hating it! That said, it still is great to see the evolution of Kirk and Scott and the second most famous ship in the galaxy, the USS Enterprise.

So the reboot is complete and like most reboots, the following movie should be better again. Finally, Star Trek is a hugely enjoyable movie for all, no doubt some of the real fans may be disappointed, but J.J. Abrams really has brought the Star Trek franchise into the true, next generation!

9/10

The one with the mini movie review – X-Men Origins: Wolverine - REDUX

I guess X-Men Origins: Wolverine kicks off the Summer blockbuster season, but does it kick it off with a bang or just a damp fart?   The title of the movie give’s it all away. We get to see where Logan / Wolverine and his brother (Victor) comes from. We witness they’re childhood, the various war’s they’ve fought in throughout time and their subsequent “death” by firing squad. From there, enter William Stryker who signs the brother’s up for his little band of mercenaries, which are a bizarre bunch of mutants, complete with varying powers and skills. Mix in a little disagreement and Logan leaves the gang and goes to live in the mountains. From there the movie concentrates on the evolvement of Wolverine as a mutant.

He gets a little upset over a “death” and goes thundering off wowing revenge. On this journey we’re introduced to Gambit, how Wolverine got his metal claws and plenty of action set pieces which include jumping from a bike to a chopper and plenty of claw on nail battles. And of course a big finale with plenty of kicks, punches and claws going through flesh!

The cast are quite good as comic book movie’s go, with Liev Schrieber’s character, Victor, getting plenty of good one liners.He’s not only blessed with these, he looks superb as well, from his nails to his creepy black coat, and the overall look of who will later become Sabertooth is superb.

Jackman IS Wolverine. Tried as hard as I could, I couldn't imagine anyone else bringing the Marvel hero to life the way Hugh Jackman does. He brings a good intensity to a character who has plenty of deep things going through his mind and generally looks like he love’s playing the part of Wolverine. That said, the character of Wolverine has plenty of dimensions from hating his powers and so on and that is really not portrayed in the movie very well.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a very promising start to a new line of movies from the Marvel universe, where I believe Gambit is next up for the big screen treatment. While it would have been great to see a little bit more of the back-story, in particular the war’s the brothers fought in back to back, Wolverine thunders along quite nicely. I guess the fear is always there that there could be too much back story ala Superman Returns and not enough full on Wolverine action!

The grand finale is left down by a few dodgy special effect sequences and comes across a little rushed. There’s a few post credits parts, but to be honest there not worth hanging around for. Its hard not to feel charged up after watching this and want your own set of claws. I wonder how much the operation would be for a set of real Wolverine claws. I enjoyed X-Men Origins: Wolverine. I think it could have been the biggest movie of the blockbuster season if it notched up the violence and intensity to the true level of Wolverine the character. The videogame adaptation got it right, the movie not so much. It does kick off the summer blockbuster season with a bang. Not a bang that will blow out windows or anything, but it will give them a little rattle !

6.5/10

Thanks to the Gate Cinemas

The one with the mini movie review – State of Play

Based on the BBC series, which I’ve never seen, State of Play stars Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck, coupled with Helen Mirren, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels, Rachel McAdams and Robin Wright Penn coming up the rear for support.

Cal McCaffrey (Crowe) is a journalist for the Washington Globe and his old room-mate is now Congressman Stephen Collins (Affleck). The story revolves around 3 deaths which are seemingly unrelated. Throw in an affair with one of the dead, on the Congressman’s part and plenty of conspiracy and cover-ups and that pretty much sums up the story for State of Play. As the movie plays out its 127 mins running time there are a few little twists and tense moments along the way. The twists are certainly a little predictable at times, but it doesn't detract from the overall movie. Nor does the running time, as it chugs along at a constant old pace.

The cast are very good with Crowe and Helen Mirren providing quality performances. Affleck, on the other hand, just doesn't look entirely comfortable with his role. He pulls it off, but just doesn't convince. The movie is set in Washington and the capital of the USA is painted as a very dark and evil place, with plenty of night time and dimly lit scenes all screaming conspiracy.

Plenty of people were asking one another questions after the movie ended and the plot isn't overly complicated but you’re going to have to keep your brain intact to follow what's happening. So, either go before you go or just hope your bladder holds out. As political thrillers go its good and something a little different in the current crop of releases. Bare in mind, that this is not really a date movie and if your idea of an outstanding flick is Hannah Montana, then its probably not for you. I enjoyed it (and its not really my type of movie) and it might even get better with a second viewing! Either way, State of play is a solid piece of film!   

7.5/10

The one with the mini movie review – Observe and Report

For me, Kevin James and Mall Cop have ruined anything to do with Malls and shopping centres. I may not even look at the amazing Blue Brothers chase sequence again, I'm that scarred! I'm a huge Seth Rogen fan, but I was still very dubious about Observe and Report.

The story revolves around Rogen’s, character Ronnie, who is the head of Mall security. Things are going well for Ronnie until one day a “pervert” show’s up and starts flashing any female with his little captain winkle! And of course the make up counter girl that Ronnie is obsessed with, gets flashed. Detective Harris (Ray Liotta) starts investigating the case, but he isn't up to scratch in the eyes of Ronnie, who really deep down thinks he’s the cop. So in between trying to join up for the Police Academy and getting wasted the story still revolves around trying to apprehend the flasher, all the time while trying to outdo Det. Harris. And of course there’s the blatantly obvious love interest!

Observe and Report is just under 90 minutes long, but the first half of the movie feels twice as long as that and does it ever drag. Thankfully, things pickup in the second half with a selection of great lines and the the final few minutes are actually highly entertaining with more than enough to keep you choking on your popcorn!

Seth Rogen is just convincing enough as the head of mall security, but to me, he looks out of place in a movie like this! The supporting cast, in particular Ray Liotta are quite entertaining and his battle’s with Ronnie are very good, and at times Observe and Report is very dark when it comes to the head of mall security and how demented he actually is. But there’s not enough here to make this movie downright hilarious. That said; special mention goes to the kid getting the skateboard cracked off his head, that made me laugh so hard!. It is very funny in parts, and as mentioned the last part is nuts (literally).

Maybe I'm just not feeling the love because of Mall Cop and I really wanted to love this movie, but two mall movies released so close together is a bad move. This might have been better off released after the Summer blockbuster season or at the very least Kevin James and his Mall cop shite should have been canned! Maybe the DVD and Blu-ray will have a directors cut, or at least by the time its released Mall Cop will have eroded from my mind. Dont get me wrong, this is a very different beast to Paul Blart: Mall Cop, but the whole thing being set in a mall was too much for me.

If the first half had the pace and humour of the second half, then we would be onto a major winner. Either way, Observe and Report is not a bad movie, it is very funny in parts but is lacking a little something to make it a movie that is truly great!  

7/10

Trailer NSFW

Special thanks to the Gate cinemas!

The one with the mini movie review – I Love you, Man

I Love You, Man is promising from the trailers. Looks funny and of course Paul Rudd is a huge talent! So is the full thing any good???well……the idea behind it, is good. Sort of. Think of I Love you, man with a story line that one might suspect would work better as a chick flick. Either way, Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) is getting married and has “plenty” of friends, but no real close ones. So he goes on a serious of man dates to try and find his best man.

The man dates don't last very long and he finds Sidney (Jason Segel) at an open house that he’s selling for Lou “you wouldn't like me when I'm pissed off” Ferrigno. They go off and do some dude things and then there’s a little bit of confusion because the wife to be eventually feels hard done by. So Sidney gets dumped, after getting 8 grand from Peter, which he puts to great use that benefits his now, ex best friend. And that's more or less it, well bar the fact that the obvious happens.

Watching the trailer, I was led to believe that this movie was going to be funny. The 2 minute promo is very tightly edited and when scenes are shuffled around compared to the movie, that's  always a worrying thing. Case and point is the scene at the table in the trailer. This is actually funnier in the trailer sequence as opposed to the cut in the movie.

Don't get me wrong, it is funny in parts and the director of Iron Man 1&2, Jon Favreau plays a great part as a pissed off husband. When it comes to the main cast, Jason Segel steals the show, from Paul Rudd who I think is immensely talented, but doesn't shine as bright as he can in this. That said, Rudd’s character is convincing enough as a guy who is trying so very hard to be the cool, hip guy.

Overall, just like one of the director’s previous movies, Along came Polly, I love you, man chugs along. With one or 2 small exceptions there isn’t too many laugh out loud moments, more like a selection of slightly muffled choking sounds that sound like laughing. The F word sounds out of place in this movie, and it sounds that it was part of a rewrite to try and man up the picture a little.

I Love you, man is a disappointing movie, that could have been so much more. An original enough idea that seems to be stuck in the space between a straight forward comedy suitable for all and a comedy that you wouldn't tell your parents you went to see. More of a “I kinda like you, man” than anything else!

6/10