Author: Ben

A film fan who likes to write reviews about every film they have seen. Been writing reviews on every film I've seen since 2008!
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The Bourne Supremacy (2004) Review

Ben

I hate unnecessary sequels. I hate the idea that for nothing more than money, a film has been forced out of a story that had essentially finished. I have ranted about this before but I never would have included The Bourne Supremacy in that list. My initial impression of the Bourne series, before seeing it, was that it followed the character of Jason Bourne as he struggled to find out who he was and bring down the people who had brainwashed and betrayed him. That isn’t true! It wants you to think that is what it is about but on closer … Continue reading The Bourne Supremacy (2004) Review

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The Bourne Identity (2002) Review

Ben

I used to resent the Bourne series. As a huge James Bond fan, when the series I loved was beginning to become a silly parody of itself, the Bourne films were showing it up and doing a spy film properly. There are no gadgets, silly quips, ridiculous action set-pieces and best of all, the series had freedom that Bond didn’t have. There were no “catchphrases” or scenes that had to be played out, like the gadget scene with Q. There were no “Bourne girls” and best of all, the story was simple and not drawn out. Nobody is trying to take over the world in … Continue reading The Bourne Identity (2002) Review

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Batman stories that should be remade into animated films.

Ben

I loved Batman: Year One and a big part of that was because I knew the comic so well and they had done such a good job of transferring the story to the animated film. It did leave me wanting more though and I led in bed last night wondering what other Batman comics would work as animated films… and here we are. The Long Halloween/Dark Victory Like I mentioned in my Year One review, in a perfect world, they would continue the Batman comic book adaptations as a fully fledged, animated series and Jeph Loeb’s stories would be the … Continue reading Batman stories that should be remade into animated films.

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Review 100! – Batman: Year One (2011)

Ben

I specifically made Batman Year One my 100th Review. It would have been very easy, and obvious, to make The Dark Knight my 100th because it is my favourite film of all time but ever since I heard they were making a cartoon version of Frank Miller’s amazing origin story, I have been desperate to see it. Luckily, in Tesco of all places, there was a five animated Batman film boxset, Batman: Year One being one of those movies. This also shows how far behind I am with my reviews because I’m cheating by reviewing this before the others. I have watched … Continue reading Review 100! – Batman: Year One (2011)

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Conan the Barbarian (2011) Review

Ben

This is going to sound ridiculous considering the film I’m reviewing, but I actually wanted Conan to have slightly more depth and a better story. The reason is, the film actually starts really well. It’s not an incredible, Saving Private Ryan opening, but it sets the tone of the film and introduces Conan as you’d expect, a child born in battle. It also helps that Conan’s Dad is played by Ron Perlman. I’ve spoken before about how cool Ron Perlman is and he doesn’t disappoint in Conan either. If he’s not killing other tribes, he’s teaching Conan how to fight on ice or crafting … Continue reading Conan the Barbarian (2011) Review

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Juno (2007) Re-View

Ben

The charm of Juno lies less in the story but in the performances themselves. The story isn’t that unusual or dramatic. The film itself, even though it was one of the “blueprints” for the indie genre, with its hand-drawn titles and unique soundtrack, isn’t even that “quirky.” The key to the success and the likability of the film is purely in the fantastic choice of each actor for their roles. The key to this argument isn’t actually Ellen Page. Page does a brilliant job and holds the film really well as bolshy, strong-willed but loving Juno, but there are much better performances found … Continue reading Juno (2007) Re-View

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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009) Review

Ben

This film would be just as effective with some of the darker, more edgy and mature elements removed. I have never read the books that the trilogy is based on and I’m all for the films being as accurate to the books as possible but during the rape scenes and some of the other, darker elements, I was left thinking that they were put in for shock factor alone. An edge to place this film above others in the mystery genre that this film essentially falls into. I’m sure the argument would be that they are key to fleshing out … Continue reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009) Review

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Views from the Sofa is Changing and Expanding!

Ben

It was the Fifth of January when I first started Views from the Sofa. It was on recommendation from a friend who said that I should start reviewing the ridiculous amounts of films I watch rather than bother people with one sentence summaries on Facebook and Twitter. Since then I have been steadily reviewing every single film I’ve watched, as well as dipping a toe in the waters of opinions and lists that are quite common for movie blogs too. I’m addicted now though! I have began viewing other people’s blogs, mostly movies but a few others too and they are much … Continue reading Views from the Sofa is Changing and Expanding!

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Red Riding Hood (2011) Review

Ben

I really like the idea of updating or remaking classic fairytales for a modern, movie audience. Not necessarily making them darker but there is definitely a draw towards telling these stories in their full, dark, original versions. A lot of these fairytales were not intended to be told as bedtime stories and if you go back to the source material, they are full of a lot of much more mature material and do not always end with a “happily ever after.” Even though I haven’t seen either of the new Snow White movies, I do like the look of the “and … Continue reading Red Riding Hood (2011) Review

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The Grey (2012) Review

Ben

The Grey is another example of why Liam Neeson is a brilliant “action hero.” I put action hero in inverted commas because The Grey isn’t the same type of film that we’ve already seen him in with Unknown, Taken and The A-Team. I said in my review for Unknown the reasons why Liam Neeson is a brilliant action hero and he has to tap into those qualities here. I like my action heroes to be relatable and what I call an “everyman.” Liam Neeson doesn’t have huge muscles or karate skills and with the right knowledge or experience, anyone could do … Continue reading The Grey (2012) Review