Its incredible how a season can contain both the worst episode and the best episode so far. This whole season falls into some of the worst X-Files traps and mistakes but when it gets something right, shows how fantastic X-Files can actually … Continue reading The X-Files (Season 4) TV Review
This film would be a lot better if it was just called Cowboys. Before the aliens show up to cause all matter of destruction and chaos, the film follows Daniel Craig’s cowboy into a small, typical western town where he confronts a sheriff, tavern owners and most notably of all, Harrison Ford’s cowboy rancher. Daniel Craig plays the “man with no name” style cowboy really well. He has the mood, the hundred yard stare and the swagger required to walk into bars and taverns and exude a confidence and arrogance that makes people think twice about messing with him. The opening act, … Continue reading Cowboys and Aliens (2011) Review
I don’t think we get “true” family films anymore. The kind of film that tries to appeal to everyone in the family. A film that is like an event, all encompassing, exciting and completely devoid of any real target audience, other than as many people as possible. Pixar are the only people trying but even that doesn’t really qualify. There is a difference, as subtle as it may be, between making a film for children that adults can enjoy and actually making a film that the whole family can find enjoyable. A couple of jokes aimed at the adults isn’t enough. … Continue reading Super 8 (2011) Review
Because I review a whole tv series rather than individual episodes, there is a chance of spoilers, so if you haven’t watched the whole series yet, stop reading now! A second season defines a tv show. If a show has got a second season, it usually means it was successful enough to warrant being given at least another six episodes. It then has added pressure. It has to deliver the same quality as the first season, while still moving the characters and show forward so that you aren’t watching the same show again, for another 20 or so episodes. This … Continue reading The X-Files (Season 2) TV Review
Before I saw Looper, I drove past a billboard poster which had a very bold but excitement-inducing statement across the top – “This decade’s The Matrix.” Now I love The Matrix. Its one of my favourite films (I even like the second one but I won’t get into that argument here.) So when I see a statement like that, I’m expecting benchmark-setting special effects, mind-blowing action, a very cool story and a concept that keeps you thinking way after you have left the cinema. I can see why that comparison was made. There are some aspects to Looper that are very Matrix. Its … Continue reading Looper (2012) Review
I have one main issue with Arnold Schwarzenegger; I will never look like him! I don’t mean “win the lottery, get plastic surgery and change my face” look like him but I’ll never be the size of Arnie. I’m sure I could manage it eventually if I put the work in, trained for a ridiculous amount of hours everyday, eat the right foods and took the right vitamins/steroids but I’m lazy. I’m a guy who loves to spend hours on end watching films of all different types so the thought of me dedicating my life to becoming the size of Arnie … Continue reading Total Recall (1990) Review
Prometheus should never have been the prequel to Alien. In fact, Alien didn’t actually need a prequel. Ridley Scott has said in numerous interviews in preparation for this film that he always thought there was a story to tell behind the original spaceship where the crew in the original Alien found the eggs and what has now been called the “Space Jockey.” He was probably the only one… I never really remember watching the original and ever really caring what the story behind the “Space Jockey” was and why the spaceship had crashed. I was more intrigued by the eggs and what … Continue reading Prometheus (2012) Review
Where do you start reviewing a film as iconic and perfect as Ridley Scott’s Alien? The film is a lesson in how to do both Science-Fiction and Horror. Scott doesn’t rely on gore, screams, multiple shocks and surprises or any throw-away easy killed characters. What he does instead is build a suspenseful, clever, tense and thrilling film which is engrossing from the very beginning and left the film with some of the most memorable moments ever, if not one of the best science-fiction creatures too. It’s a testament to how Scott directs the film that it still (and in my opinion always … Continue reading Alien (1979) Re-View
For me to enjoy a film, something has to happen! For me to really enjoy it, that something has to be amazing or interesting, keeping me intrigued enough throughout. I’ve seen a couple of films recently that have managed this, Avengers Assemble, Source Code, Street Kings – just click on the “Ratings List” tab to see which films have kept me entertained. Dark Star won’t even touch the top 20. I know that the idea of nothing happening is sort of the point but the idea of isolation and being alone has been done brilliantly before. Castaway is a perfect example … Continue reading Dark Star (1974) Review
If you look at any top [insert number here] Sci-Fi films list, you’ll find The Day the Earth Stood Still. With that in mind I decided I should probably see it. Now I’m always really wary of older films. The last couple of times I saw a film of any age resembling The Day the Earth Stood Still they were On the Waterfront and The Hustler. I didn’t really enjoy either of them. It seems that films of the past have a slower pacing than films today. I’m all for slow building tension but back then tension seemed to drag. Whole … Continue reading The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) Review
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