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Reviews
Star Trek: Horizon (2016)
Not at all bad for a fan flick
The idiots who are revewing this as if it were a genuine franchise Trek movie and awarding it low stars - grow up. This is a laudable fan flick with decent special effects all the more impressive given the MINISCULE budget. The story is an interesting tie in to the Enterprise series but the acting is not up to professional standards & the script is also not as polished as the series, once again, all perfectly ok given the nature of it. It's a fun, watchable romp set in the Enterprise (Captain Archer) time & the actors really give it their all. If you're a fan, this is a very watchable movie, if not, perhaps not for you.
Upgrade (2018)
An excellent Sci-Fi original - Watch This
I rarely take the time to comment on movies but this was so good I had to write a review. I remember seeing James Camerons 'Terminator' for the first time back when it was released in the 80's and it was clear he'd be going places. I believe the same is true here.
There's some inventive, comical, horrific Sci-Fi with an originality rarely seen today. Every penny of the budget is on the screen & I'm amazed at what they've managed on what would be the catering budget of a hollywood blockbuster. The special effects, whilst low key, are excellent. Action, car chases, fight scenes, gruesome moments, comic relief all included but with the flair of a first class filmmaker very much in charge of their craft. The acting is first rate particularly Logan Marshall-Green as the main character & the story is interesting with a great vision of the very near future.
I won't spoil it by revealing more of the plot than you can already read here but, if you're a fan of independent science fiction, you need to see this. You won't regret it.
RED (2010)
There's no pro like an old pro!
After seeing the cast list for this action comedy, I was so intrigued I had to watch it. Brucie, we all understand. His last couple of action comedies have been disappointing though so a real return to form is most welcome, Hail to the King, Baby! Morgan, perfect in support both for action & comedy. I enjoy everything he turns his hand to and he's having a blast all the way. John Malcovich, consummate actor playing for laughs and having a ball. Surprising, Inspiring, Brilliant. GREAT casting choice. Brian Cox, another favourite who's support adds weight to the whole shebang (I'm somewhat biased hailing from the same toon!) The always impeccable Ernest Borgnine has still got it! Dame Helen wielding heavy weapons?!!! The scriptwriters hit me for 6 with that premise. The last time I laughed out loud at the mere description of a film was Arnie & and Danny DeVito in 'Twins'! None of the above cast list is a new face. We've all got a view on what we have & haven't enjoyed seeing them do on the big screen so you kind of expect them to play to their strengths...& there's no disappointment, everybody does. However, something magical happens when actors at the top of their game just decide to have fun with what could have just been a reasonably funny script. There's a genuine chemistry, warmth and comedic performance above and beyond the ordinary with this gang. Nobody has to try too hard, it just comes naturally. Just to add to that joy, they're ably supported by the younger team of players. The interplay, hooks and playoffs move the story along with aplomb. What makes it stand out is almost every scene you can see they're having fun. There's some unexpected twists, Morgan's part throws up some surprises but let's face it the BIG surprise is the world's sexiest sixty year old Helen Mirren wielding the cake tray then the heavy weaponry?!! Did I mention she's sexy?
I adored Mary-Louise Parker who was Brucie's love interest but Dame Helen, it's not just the acting chops.
There's an old story in Hollywood that actors can still get the roles until they're well past their prime but actresses are all washed up once they're 40. Can someone PLEASE sit EVERY casting director in the world in front of this film then because I would like to speak on behalf of the entire male population of the world (& probably most women) i.e. that audience you're trying to attract. There's not a living, breathing male on the planet doesn't recognise beauty and talent...today it goes by the name of DAME HELEN MIRREN. Any chance we can see more of our favourite actresses given fun roles once they reach their prime? I'm not going to go into the details of the plot as I don't want to spoil it for you so here's my advice
SEE THIS NOW!
You won't regret it. A hoot from start to finish!
Adventures of Power (2008)
Contains more laughs than 99% of mainstream Hollywood comedies
I was lucky enough to catch this movie and thought I'd throw in my tupenceworth. I've sat through many a so called comedy and not been moved to write about them but this film is dramatically different. Ari Golds debut feature has laughs aplenty. The characters are both funny and engaging. I won't spoil the plot other than to say it involves the unusual subject of 'Air Drumming' but I cannot recommend it highly enough. Ari is a riot throughout but is well rewarded by the brilliant casting as each of the characters brings something to the movie. I would particularly praise the casting of gorgeous Shoshannah Stern as Powers (Ari Golds) love interest. Despite being completely deaf she is able to inspire Power to new heights of air drumming greatness. Quirky & fantastic by the same measure I recommend you see it now!