Category: Review

Review1 Comment

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

Review5 Comments

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

Review14 Comments

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)

Review5 Comments

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

Music, Review, Sounds from the SofaLeave a comment

Gig review: Morrissey

manchestercaroline

Morrissey: The Legend. On Saturday 28th July 2010. At Manchester Arena. Seated: Block 215 How I long to have been a teenager in the 1980’s. Glancing at my record collection, the familiar pinnacle British bands of a generation jump out at me: Joy Division, New Order, The Cure, The Stone Roses, Inspiral Carpets and The Smiths. The Smiths are one of my all time favourite bands. Not only are their songs lyrically and musically beautiful, but the political passion conveyed, both subliminally and outright obvious, makes them an important part of musical and cultural history. Album covers used artwork, images and titles to help represent the political stance and … Continue reading Gig review: Morrissey

Review5 Comments

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

Review2 Comments

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

Review3 Comments

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

Review1 Comment

Thinner (1996) Review

Ben

Thinner caught my eye from the synopsis in the tv magazine. This isn’t usually the way a film draws my attention. Usually I watch a movie because of the trailer or because an actor I really like is in the film. Very rarely will the film persuade me to hit record on my DVR because of the synopsis alone but this film managed that. The synopsis was; A lawyer finds he is losing weight everyday and must try to find a way to stop it before it’s too late. It doesn’t seem like the most engrossing of synopsis but I … Continue reading Thinner (1996) Review

Review1 Comment

Dan in Real Life (2007) Review

Ben

Steve Carell is a deceptively good actor. He has much more of a range than most people realise. He’s probably most famous for his more “wacky” or crazy roles, where he gets to be outrageous or obnoxious, like The Office, Anchorman or Date Night. Recently though, I’ve watched a couple of films where he has played much more understated, quieter and, even as lame as this sounds, complex characters. He’s great as part of the ensemble cast in Little Miss Sunshine, plays a fantastic part in the surprisingly enjoyable Stupid Crazy Love (review coming soon) and he’s brilliant in Dan in Real … Continue reading Dan in Real Life (2007) Review