Kill The Irishman (2011)

6.5/10

Gripping story and exciting story

Kill The Irish Man is about the true story of Danny Greene, a tough Irish thug working for mobsters in Cleveland during the 1970's. (imdb)

When I started this film I was gripped instantly with the third person prespective of story tell of Danny Greene's life. The story takes us through Greene's childhood all the way to through his adult life. We follow his highs and lows, being both involved in his life and seeing it from afar.

Greene, being a thug with fraud and murder in his resume, somehow is a likable character. Well read, humorous and has heart, it's hard not to like Greene.

This film has a low budget, but this did not stop them from delivering a close knit and well performed movie.

Ray Stevenson brought Danny Greene to life. Val Kilmer's character Joe Manditski towards the end of the film disappeared and became non-exisitant dispite his narratoring role throughout. Although this detail doesn't affect the overall storyline of the film, it does stand out a bit.

If you like Godfather or Spranos...this may be your movie. Entertaining and gripping. Watch it and decide for yourself.

Ella Enchanted (2004)

6/10

Very cute, funny, clever play on different themes, good storyline BUT poor special effects

Ella Enchanted is about a girl who is under a spell to be constantly obedient, a fact she must hide from her new step-family in order to protect the prince of the land, her friend for whom she's falling. (imdb)

Here's what I love about Ella Enchanted

I love Anne Hathaway and I am surprised I haven't seen Ella Enchanted sooner. Hathaway is brilliant in this movie acting, singing, dancing and even fighting. Hathaway portrays a very funny Ella who has been "blessed" with the gift of obedience, having to do everything she's told. Ok, this gift sounds like the type of gift most parents would want their child to have, but this movie will show that even the "best"-and I say this with as much sarcasm as I can through writing- can have negative results.

The fairy tale story is very well written to involve elves, ogres, princes, evil figures, step mothers/sisters, talking books (of course some sort animate object that can talk), fairies and best of all a hero that will become queen. However, if you pay attention, you will notice that this movie cleverly adds many parodies and pokes fun at many of modern day themes and occurrence. Example, the play on 'botox' and the 'fan-club-craze' that seems very common nowadays. Grimm brothers were even referenced a couple times.

There are many hilarious moments that I couldn't stifle uncontrollable giggling. The brilliant performance from Anne Hathaway being one of the main cause of the humor, which the dialogue and script helps to emphasize. The obedient element was the best part of this film, causing much laughter and odd situations.

The ending song was very suitable..and the dance routine just cracked me up.

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This movie was close to a perfect fairytale flick but sadly there are parts that frustrates me.

The CGI and special effects was very mediocre and I always felt the presence of the green screen-which took away from the action on screen. It felt very stiff and the images didn't merge well.

The ending climax could have been treated differently-without giving too much away- I felt Ella's secret could have been revealed in a much more exciting/funnier way instead of the very rushed fight/explanation/scrimmage that was shown.

Another was how no one figured out to tell Ella to NOT listen to what people tell her to do unless she wants to/ think is right...I think that would have vetoed her from doing some of the deeds, BUT then again what fun would that have been?

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In conclusion, this is a fairytale comedy romance, so all the kinks in the movie kind of flowed well with the silliness of the content.

I RECOMMAND this to those who loved Princess Diaries, Enchanted, Devil Wears Prada, Nanny McPhee, She's the Man, Princess Bride (main male cast Cary Elwes actually played the king in Elle Enchanted) and What a Girl Wants.

It's silly but clever enough for a good time :)

Resurrecting The Champ (2007)

6.5/10

Don't let the 'sports film' description of this film fool you, this movie is much more than just another ugly duckling make it.

Resurrecting The Champ is about an Up-and-coming sports reporter rescues a homeless man ("Champ") only to discover that he is, in fact, a boxing legend believed to have passed away. What begins as an opportunity to resurrect Champ's story and escape the shadow of his father's success becomes a personal journey as the ambitious reporter reexamines his own life and his relationship with his family. (imdb)

This movie is inspired by the article "Resurrecting the Champ" by J.R. Moehringer which appeared in the Los Angeles Times Magazine in 1997. The movie did not follow the events of the article and journalist entirely as it exaggerated certain elements, but most of the story's main facts are true.

Starring Samuel L Jackson and Josh Hartnett, this movie goes to the heart of how much we try to make a name for ourselves only to realize that it may not turn out the way we want it to. Jackson is amazing in his role as a homeless man who's not always feeling 100%. When you are watching Samuel L Jackson as The Champ, you forget that he is Nick Fury (Iron Man/ Captain America), Mace Windu (star wars) or Jules Winnfield (Pulp Fiction. He embodies his role as the Champ so well that I am surprised he never won an Oscar.

Ressurecting The Champ is very a inspirational piece of filmmaking. It asks you to think about yourself and the way you preceive yourself and how you want others to preceive you. integrity, truth, preception, fame and responsibilities are some key themes that this film touches upon.

I would say this is a real gem of a movie. It isn't entirely epic, but you can walk away with so much from this movie.

If you don't end up watching this movie, at least remember this you are who you want to be, not what others say you are.

From Prada to Nada (2011)

5.5/10

sweet chick flick. Feel good film for when you want to kick back and not be overwhelmed with an intense film

A Latina spin on Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility," where two sisters who have been left penniless after their father's sudden death are forced to move in with their estranged aunt in East Los Angeles. (imdb)

Starring Camilla Belle and Alexa Vega, we see their characters development in this cute and funny comedy. Thie movie has a simple storyline of two girls having to reajust to a different lifestyle but with quite a bit of humorous moments throughout.

It is what it is. It's not meant to be epic or a flashy movie but a simple story about people having to adjust as life throws them a curve ball. There are many difficulties but it takes a lot to over come them.

I really enjoyed this movie....made me smile :)

Duma

5.5/10

Great sceneries, beautiful animal but with a very thin storyline that just doesn't feel all there.

Beneath Hill 60 (2010)

 7/10

Intense, insightful but a tad slow

Beneath Hill 60 is about the extraordinary true story of Oliver Woodward. It's 1916 and Woodward must tear himself from his new young love to go to the mud and carnage of the Western Front. Deep beneath the German lines. Woodward and his secret platoon of Australian tunnelers fight to defend a leaking, labyrinthine tunnel system packed with enough high explosives to change the course of the War. (imdb)

Caked with mud and clay in the trenchs of war world I, we follow Oliver Woodward as he takes his troops deep below German front lines.

The actors are fairly unknown to me, but they did not disappoint. The performance was emotional, real and very raw.

This movie uses a very simple storyline but with an interesting editing technique with flashbacks intersected with war time scenes to show us how Woodward changes as the war progresses. This jumbling style of going back to pre-war occurance to war time to post-war events gives an indication that the movie may have just been part of Woodward's memories.

What I love most about this movie is that it did not label sides as 'good/bad'...Beneath Hill 60 only told story of men who did their best with what they knew so they can return home.

Beneath Hill 60 isn't just about hand-on battles but a blind strategic one where calculation determines life and death. Great Australian movie!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

9.5/10 [HIGHLY RECOMMENDED]
An exhilarating finish to a magnificent series. Nostalgia

Harry Potter has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It is the book that has allowed me to see the joy in reading, so I feel very personal appreciation for the series.

The action is non-stop in this movie while staying true to the book. Never did I once feel like the movie was rushing or dragging out the story.

The acting is prefect, refined and to the point. Every character is portrayed beautifully with a respectable send off to the series. The trio Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint has carried this franchise so brilliantly and finished with an emotional compelling performance. Alan Rickmangave one of the most powerful and stunning performance of a character so tortured by his beliefs and love.

There are many sequences where I would be baffled if people didn't stifle a tear or choke a little. The flash back scene withSnapeHarry's realization of the truth scene, Neville's opposing stance scene, Lupin and Tonks lying next to each other scene...

There are so many prevailing themes in the book and equally in the movie. Belief, trust, redemption, love, determination, life and death.

Cinematography was done perfectly to show us . The special effects was done exquisitely, , bringing us right into the middle of each battle scene and each scenery.

I have been excited about this movie ever since the book came out in 2007, the year I graduated from high school. The final installment of the 7th movie finally arrived this year, which is also the year I graduated from University. It feels like the end of an era.

The end of the movie brought a smile and a tear. Bitter sweet as I came to realize that Harry Potter franchise has carried me from childhood, into high school years and past my Bachelors degree. Harry Potter not only initiated my love for reading but the series will always be my key down nostalgia lane.

I am definitely going to miss seeing this amazing cast together...

The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler (2009)

9/10 [Highly Recommended]

Heartfelt story of a true hero with great acting.

The story of Irena Sendler, a social worker who was part of the Polish underground during World War II and was arrested by the Nazi's for saving the lives of nearly 2,500 Jewish children by smuggling them out of the Warsaw ghetto.(imdb)

The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler would fall on my list of being one of my favourite films about a hero trying to make a difference during the holocaust. Schindler's List and Uprising being my other favourites.Irena Sendler, risking her lifesaved 2,500 Jewish children. This film does a fantastic job of capturing her efforts and the emotional road her action takes.

The story is well knit supported by a fine cast. Anna Paquin's performance, especially, as Irena Sendler is absolutely amazing. All the actors/actresses does a very realistic performance without being over dramatic, capturing the pain and desire for hope of the situation.

Highly recommend this movie! True story of a true hero!

Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

8/10

Magical creatures and some fortunate (or unfortunate) chance of finding them.

Spiderwick Chronicles is a story about how upon moving into the run-down Spiderwick Estate with their mother, twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace, along with their sister Mallory, find themselves pulled into an alternate world full of faeries and other creatures. Based on the book with same name by Tony DeTerlizzi and Holly Black. (imdb)

I have never read the book, so I am unsure how true the movie is to the story. Despite my unfamiliar knowledge of the story did not, in any way, effect my enjoyment of The Spiderwick Chronicles.

The movie gripped my interest from moment one and never let it go till the credits rolled.

The special effects are quite fantastic bringing everything to life. It felt like that the creatures, fairies and goblins are real enough to touch.

The acting are all believable and to the point.

There is much development in the characters and their relationship with each other. As the movie goes on, we see how the house and book brings each character together and allows them to see through the other's eyes. I really like the fact that the movie did not rush through the story but put focus on creating connections.

Cinematography and editing style also are worth noting. Notice how inanimate object are given close up shots before shifting to a creature/person. Also the very saturated colours of the film really emphasizes the fairytale aspect of this movie.

My favourite bit might be how the female character has fencing skills.

Overall I loved it. It is a great movie that seems to have everything from action, spells, mysterious creatures, humor to drama.

Hanna (2011)

5/10

Action packed but thin storyline.

Hanna is about A 16-year-old who was raised by her father to be the perfect assassin is dispatched on a mission across Europe, tracked by a ruthless intelligence agent and her operatives (imdb).

The acting is not bad, film is action filled, with a simple storyline, rough characters but not too much meat.

There is a ton of action and killing, however, I felt there's little character development. The characters, though they experience some emotional changes, remain very flat. The acting by no means is lessened by the flat characters, as the cast gives a very powerful performance.

The music tends to take a back seat amongst the chase scenes and fights. But if you pay close attention, the music is quite nice to listen to.

The entire film felt like it was leading up to a big finish, only it never comes. Hanna seems to revolve around an old grudge that is passed down. The necessity of having to take revenge the grudge wasn't clearly establish that I felt the entire hunt was overrated. All the actions in this film will definitely satisfy an action lover but the story lacks in material.

The cinematography, editing and directing doesn't jump out at me. Overall, an entertaining movie but wasn't memorable and not very captivating.

Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman (2005)

7/10

Mesmerising and dark film that looks closer at capital punishment. Not for everyone

Pierrepoint is a film about the life and times of Albert Pierrepoint - Britain's most prolific hangman.


Capital punished was abolished in UK in 1964 before this date one of the prolific hangman was Pierrepoint. This film takes us through different points in his life focusing on his profession.

The cinematography in this film is done to not shy away from very realistic portrayal of executions based on true events and for this I don't recommend this film for the weak hearted. Scenes in this film can be explicit and can make you cringe. Even though there's not guts or gore, this movie can still make you feel uncomfortable but not revolted.

The colour does give this film an interesting appeal that supports the theme of the movie, which is very cleverly editted. The colour treatment given to this film is very dull and desaturdated emphasizing the theme of death and punishment.
Timothy Spall gives such an incredibly bold performance as Pierrepoint, carrying the film and the emotions so powerfully.

This film really revolves around on how Pierrepoint can be seen as both a hero and a villain in his possession. Bringing up many themes and ideologies that should be thought about.

I really recommend people to take a look at this film, but I do warn people about the explicit scenes of the film. I also suggest people to read up a bit on Albert Pierrepoint before proceeding to watch the film for a better understanding of the film.

That's What I am (2011)

6.5/10

Bold , brilliant creating frustrating moments

That's What I Am is about A coming-of-age story that follows 12-year-old Andy Nichol (Chase Ellison), a bright student who, like most kids his age, will do anything to avoid conflict for fear of suffering overwhelming ridicule and punishment from his junior high school peers. (imdb)

This film captures realistic life of school, students, bullying, rumors and growing up. This film, yet set in the 1960's era, captures much of our current reality. Revolving around humanity, diginity, peace and compassion.

The cast does a great job capturing the atmosphere of school life.

That's What I am is very character driven, creating a powerful film filled with happiness, frustration, anger and confusion . The movie creates many frustrating moments that really makes you wonder why no one will stand up for others. How rumors and accusations float around without any solid proof. Not the easiest film to watch. At times all I wanted to do was step in and make things right.

Bitter sweet.

Worth viewing, but be warned, this isn't your typical feel good movie. This film has many underlining morals and themes

Final Destination series

I have seen the FD series individually and in an odd span of time and felt I should watch them in order. Not recommended for everyone.

Final Destination I

7/10

Being the first in the series, FD1 is very thrilling and captivating. My second favourite in the series.

The acting is good and fairly realistic. I felt attached to the characters and enjoyed the subtle humor that comes.

The use of gore will make you cringe and veer away from the screen for a moment. Audience sees the universe moving on its own then skips right into a pool of blood leaving viewers feeling discomfort.

Final Destination II

3.5/10

This is by far the worst of the series, the acting is mediocre and the storyline is weak. The gore is there, but was not able to save this film.

FD2 is trying hard to connect to the first FD, whilst bringing in bits of new pieces into the storyline, but fails to delivery. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters and am not impressed with the plot line.

The only positive part of this film is the action sequence of the car pile up at the beginning of the film. This scene is action pack despite the fake and overly exaggerated the explosions and fire balls.

Final Destination III

8/10

The best of the series!

Solid storyline, great casting and the prefect use of gore.

Great acting from an amazing cast! Love Mary Elizabeth Winstead in the lead role. She is never shy with her facial expressions, making it easy to connect with her character. Out of the entire series, Winstead has the best performance.

The storyline (thankfully) veered away from the first FD and went it's own course.

The gore is prefect---disgusting and believable. It will leave you feeling both intrigued and gagging.

The ending wraps up the idea of "final destination" idea nicely, not cheesy or over done.

The Final Destination (IV) 
 

5/10

The Final Destination could have been done much better.

The acting is very flat, no emotions shown. I didn't feel any connection to the characters.

The gore is not very good in FD4, especially the escalator scene. I understand the want to use lots of blood for the gore, but it is so far-fetched how she started excreting blood...

The ending is mediocre, and not memorable at all.

The Eagle (2011)

6./10

Entertaining but not epic

The Eagle is about Roman-ruled Britain, where a young Roman soldier endeavors to honor his father's memory by finding his lost legion's golden emblem. (imdb)

The action and fight sequences are shot well with some nice touches of cinematography throughout. I'm glad this film didn't let CGI take away the art of filmmaking.

The storyline start off nicely but towards the middle of the film it became flat. The ending was predictable fell short of being an epic. The end scene was very cliche resembling a "walking into the sunset" type of ending from old westerns.

Channing Tatum, has always been to me the perfect lead in rom coms (romantic comedy) so I was a tad skeptical going into The Eagle. HOWEVER, Channing did not disappoint and gave a good performance as Marcus Aquila, a young soldier looking to honor his father's memory. Jaime Bell as well did a fabulous job as the support role. The duo delivered a great performance, and I wouldn't hesitate to see them in a future project.

The part that stuck out was the very distinctive American accent in the film that doesn't quit suit the Roman aspect of the storyline. I guess it's not a big deal as this film appealed to be more of a entertaining blockbuster movie than it was historical.

The Eagle has lots of action/fight scenes, great costumes and Channing & Jaime are quite eye catching (ok this last bit is a ftw for the girls ;) )

Dylan Dog (2010)

6.5/10

Funny, scary and better than IMDB's rating.

I loved most of the movie as it was very entertaining with scary and funny moments.

Brandon Routh isn't superman but nevertheless is still very eye catching as Dylan Dog, the centre man between the monsters and the 'breathers' aka humans.

The make up resembles that of Buffy the Vampire Killer, which I felt worked perfectly to create a world with hidden monsters and undead.

My only complaint is that the storyline is a bit flawed and the ending climax wasn't at all satisfying. I imagined the ending to be a bit different and that it would be able emphasize the relationship between the female lead and Dylan Dog. Nevertheless, the comedic appeal to Dylan Dog makes this film very enjoyable and corky.

This movie, based on the comic book, has a different approach to presenting a monster/gore/vampire/werewolf/zombie story delivering an entertaining hour and a half.I recommend this to those who would like to kick back and enjoy an action packed horror/thriller that can also create humor without being vulgar.

Alive (1993)

8/10 [Highly Recommended]

A movie about the will to survive and the cost that comes with it
Alive is a powerful film based on the true story based "upon Piers Paul Read's 1974 book Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors, which itself was based upon interviews with survivors of the crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 on October 13, 1972." (wiki)

Alive captures the tension, determination and hope people have in tough situations. Each character express a strong and weak side in the situation. Each having to deal with loss and fear.


The fact this movie is based on reality makes this film all the more intense.