Mehdi72 Reviews

The Sweeney (2012)

A poor interpretation of a British TV Classic.

[4/10 · 9 January 2013]

A poor interpretation of a British TV Classic. The Regan and Carter dynamic was central to the success of the original in this it takes a backseat to the tedious affair between Regan and policewoman Nancy who of course did not appear in the original series. Baby faced Ben Drew looks like the singer of an Indie Pop Band and the waddling Ray Winstone is far too fat to take seriously as a maverick cop and the love interest of a woman 25 years his junior. The brilliant Damian Lewis was woefully underutilised as chief inspector Frank Haskins and would have made a far better Regan. John Hodge, co-writer, and Nick Love, who wrote the screenplay, were children when the original series aired so it's no surprise they managed to screw up the remake so spectacularly.

Spartacus (2010–2013)

Spartacus meets Twilight

[5/10 · 25 July 2012]

The shocking and dramatic television that was a staple diet of Blood & Sand and the excellent Gods of the Arena made way for politically correct, formulaic nonsense. They well and truly jumped the shark with Spartacus Vengeance. Women fighting alongside men in combat? Crixus, the Champion of Capua, reduced to a blubbering wreck by a slave girl? Spartacus continually saved by archer extraordinaire Mira? Every major male character was emasculated. Ashur getting his comeuppance by Naevia was the last straw. The acting has never been this shows strongpoint but when former Neighbours actors Brett Tucker and Luke Pegler act most of the cast under the table you know you've got problems. Cynthia Addai-Robinson, who replaced the lovely Lesley-Ann Brandt as Naevia, set new standards, making Manu Bennett look like De Niro in comparison.

Superman vs. The Elite (2012 Video)

Sanctimonious Nonsense

[5/10 · 4 July 2012]

The basic premise is Superman meets, allies and later battles against a new group of superheroes lead by Manchester Black who, as the name suggests, hails from Manchester - despite his confusing accent. A civil war between neighbouring countries Pokolistan and Bialyia serves as the backdrop. As Superman is saving lives of Bialyia forces under attack from the Pokolistani bio weapons, the Elite arrive to steal his thunder. Superman returns the favour and helps the Elite save civilian trains following a terrorist attack in England. Black interrogates the terrorists and is about to kill them when Superman intervenes and lectures Black on not operating above the law, passing judgement or whatever sanctimonious nonsense he said. The film falls down quickly at this point with Superman battling The Elite over their ideological differences. YAWN. The last 40 minutes or so really dragged.

The issues highlighted in the film only serve to illustrate, pardon the pun, the sheer stupidity of comic book writing and the shaky moral stance of so called heroes such as Superman, Batman, the Avengers, that pansy Spiderman etc, etc - Superheroes who capture villains and then hand them over to the authorities only they invariably escape and KILL again. As The Punisher once said "Mercy is for the weak". Give me mass murdering lunatics like The Hulk any day. There's a real Superhero.

The voice acting is good but the dialogue awful. The characterisation of Lois Lane is completely wrong, she could not be more unlikeable. The animation is also poor unless you're a fan of the tedious, angular Japanese style. The films only saving grace is the fight scenes, they're excellent especially those featuring the Atomic Skull.