Tucker and Dale vs Evil: Blu Ray Review
Tucker and Dale vs Evil
Rating: M
Released by Warner Home video
Tucker and Dale Vs Evil is likely to be the new cult hit.
A comedy horror with aspirations to do for hillbillies what Shaun of the Dead
did for zombies, it's got a neat premise.
Tyler Labine (of Reaper) and Alan Tudyk (of Firefly and anything cool) are
the Tucker and Dale of the title; a pair of hillbillies who're just heading into
the woods to do up their vacation home. But when they get nearly run off the
road by a group of college kids, enemies are made.
The hapless duo find things get worse when they save one of the girls from
drowning and take her back to their cabin - soon, her friends are, in their
words, "in a suicide pact" and "killing themselves on my property."
Simple misunderstandings lead to hilarity and horror in equal measures - and
you'll never look at a hillbilly again in an unsympathetic light.
Rating: 7/10
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Transformers 3: Blu Ray Review
Transformers 3: Blu Ray Review
Transformers Dark of the Moon
Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Ent
Back for a third time, the Autobots and the Decepticons continue their life long robotic battle.
Thrown into the middle of this eternal scrap between good and evil is Shia LaBeouf's Sam Witwicky who's struggling to get a job and is becoming resentful he saved the world (twice) for little lasting reward.
This time when it appears a deciding component in the struggle's been found in a spaceship which crashed into the moon around the time of Apollo 11's landing in the 60s, both sides scramble to try and seize it.
But it soon transpires the whole thing could signal the end for them - as well as us...
Transformers Dark of the Moon is a typical Michael Bay gig; there are explosions aplenty, set pieces and plenty of swooping shots of planes and choppers as they head into war.
Happily though Bay has dialled down the frenetic pace of the last film which saw scenes of utter mayhem and robots transforming at such a pace, you could barely keep up with it.
This time it's less of a blur and means the couple of major set pieces are absolutely stunning - including a chase scene on the freeway and an attack piece inside a building. It gives the effects a little more space to breathe and visually sends your eyes on one hell of a journey.
As for the humans, Shia makes good fist of whining Sam and shows he can carry an action film- however, that's not the case with the rest of the supporting cast - particularly Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Sadly with her, it's a case of bringing in some eye candy to titillate (as the camera lingers lovingly over her form at every chance) because the moment she starts speaking, it's starchly wooden and
robotic. She manages an improvement towards the end though which is a relief - even if it's a minor improvement.
Of the heavily crowded ensemble, John Malkovich and Ken Jeong have cameos which are blown away by Alan Tudyk's supporting turn.
In many ways on screen, this third film is way too bloated - with an overly long running time which starts to sag, the older end of the audience may feel their attention span drift - though the kids will love it.
Rating: 6/10
Transformers Dark of the Moon
Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Ent
Back for a third time, the Autobots and the Decepticons continue their life long robotic battle.
Thrown into the middle of this eternal scrap between good and evil is Shia LaBeouf's Sam Witwicky who's struggling to get a job and is becoming resentful he saved the world (twice) for little lasting reward.
This time when it appears a deciding component in the struggle's been found in a spaceship which crashed into the moon around the time of Apollo 11's landing in the 60s, both sides scramble to try and seize it.
But it soon transpires the whole thing could signal the end for them - as well as us...
Transformers Dark of the Moon is a typical Michael Bay gig; there are explosions aplenty, set pieces and plenty of swooping shots of planes and choppers as they head into war.
Happily though Bay has dialled down the frenetic pace of the last film which saw scenes of utter mayhem and robots transforming at such a pace, you could barely keep up with it.
This time it's less of a blur and means the couple of major set pieces are absolutely stunning - including a chase scene on the freeway and an attack piece inside a building. It gives the effects a little more space to breathe and visually sends your eyes on one hell of a journey.
As for the humans, Shia makes good fist of whining Sam and shows he can carry an action film- however, that's not the case with the rest of the supporting cast - particularly Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Sadly with her, it's a case of bringing in some eye candy to titillate (as the camera lingers lovingly over her form at every chance) because the moment she starts speaking, it's starchly wooden and
robotic. She manages an improvement towards the end though which is a relief - even if it's a minor improvement.
Of the heavily crowded ensemble, John Malkovich and Ken Jeong have cameos which are blown away by Alan Tudyk's supporting turn.
In many ways on screen, this third film is way too bloated - with an overly long running time which starts to sag, the older end of the audience may feel their attention span drift - though the kids will love it.
Rating: 6/10
Waiting for Superman: DVD Review
Waiting for Superman: DVD Review
Waiting for Superman
Rating: PG
Released by Universal Home entertainment
Waiting for Superman is a doco about the American education system and its failings.
From Davis Guggenheim (who brought us An Inconvenient Truth) its USP is that this doco blames weak teachers for the failing students rather than the system itself.
Choosing to follow a clutch of kids from all sides of America and their families who want the best for them educationally, it manages to humanize the issue. Throw into the mix some inspirational teachers who're trying to make the difference after realizing what's wrong and some damning evidence (and some anecdotal) about where it's going wrong and you've got a fairly potent mix.
Mix in animations and clips from the School of Rock and The Simpsons and Waiting for Superman aims to get its message out to all - many will appreciate what it's saying; some will feel, once again, that the doco maker is following his own agenda.
Rating: 6/10
Waiting for Superman
Rating: PG
Released by Universal Home entertainment
Waiting for Superman is a doco about the American education system and its failings.
From Davis Guggenheim (who brought us An Inconvenient Truth) its USP is that this doco blames weak teachers for the failing students rather than the system itself.
Choosing to follow a clutch of kids from all sides of America and their families who want the best for them educationally, it manages to humanize the issue. Throw into the mix some inspirational teachers who're trying to make the difference after realizing what's wrong and some damning evidence (and some anecdotal) about where it's going wrong and you've got a fairly potent mix.
Mix in animations and clips from the School of Rock and The Simpsons and Waiting for Superman aims to get its message out to all - many will appreciate what it's saying; some will feel, once again, that the doco maker is following his own agenda.
Rating: 6/10
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Game Review - Sonic Generations
Game Review - Sonic Generations
Sonic Generations
Released by Sega
Platform PS3
Has it really been 20 years since the little blue hedgehog first appeared on the scene?
I vividly remember the first time I played the original Sonic The Hedgehog and being blown away by the speed of the game and the fun of it all.
So, 20 years on, there's another game out and this one embraces the last two decades of Blue Hedgehoggy goodness.
In Sonic Generations, Sonic himself is celebrating his birthday when out of nowhere, a creature known as The Time Eater appears and sucks Sonic and his friends into a series of portals and scattering them across history. As Sonic begins hunting for his pals, he encounters the younger version of himself and the two of them have to team up to ensure their mates can be saved and the bad guys beaten.
Melding levels from all of the Sonic releases from the past 2 decades is quite a novel approach to this game; throw into that mix, the chance to play as Modern and Classic Sonic and all of the spin skills, bouncing, grinding and jumping they've had throughout their career and you're pretty much looking at the ultimate Sonic Game.
As well as various game levels to complete, there are side challenges as well and the whole gameplay experience for Sonic Generations really does feel like a compendium of gaming. There's the nostalgia factor at play here too - as you burn around different levels, you really do remember why it was that you fell in love with Sonic in the first place; even if occasionally, you remember the frustrations of the latter era of the games.
With tremendous graphics, bright colours, a somewhat irritating series of tunes, Sonic Generations is a timely reminder of why and how the Hedgehog changed the gaming landscape. It's a fun, frivolous and affectionate tribute to a legend and a timely reminder that sometimes the simplest of games are the most playable and enduring.
Rating: 8/10
Sonic Generations
Released by Sega
Platform PS3
Has it really been 20 years since the little blue hedgehog first appeared on the scene?
I vividly remember the first time I played the original Sonic The Hedgehog and being blown away by the speed of the game and the fun of it all.
So, 20 years on, there's another game out and this one embraces the last two decades of Blue Hedgehoggy goodness.
In Sonic Generations, Sonic himself is celebrating his birthday when out of nowhere, a creature known as The Time Eater appears and sucks Sonic and his friends into a series of portals and scattering them across history. As Sonic begins hunting for his pals, he encounters the younger version of himself and the two of them have to team up to ensure their mates can be saved and the bad guys beaten.
Melding levels from all of the Sonic releases from the past 2 decades is quite a novel approach to this game; throw into that mix, the chance to play as Modern and Classic Sonic and all of the spin skills, bouncing, grinding and jumping they've had throughout their career and you're pretty much looking at the ultimate Sonic Game.
As well as various game levels to complete, there are side challenges as well and the whole gameplay experience for Sonic Generations really does feel like a compendium of gaming. There's the nostalgia factor at play here too - as you burn around different levels, you really do remember why it was that you fell in love with Sonic in the first place; even if occasionally, you remember the frustrations of the latter era of the games.
With tremendous graphics, bright colours, a somewhat irritating series of tunes, Sonic Generations is a timely reminder of why and how the Hedgehog changed the gaming landscape. It's a fun, frivolous and affectionate tribute to a legend and a timely reminder that sometimes the simplest of games are the most playable and enduring.
Rating: 8/10
Game Review - Disney Universe
Game Review - Disney Universe
Disney Universe
Released by THQ/ Disney
Platform: PS3
As the Christmas rush continues, there's ever more pressure on the dollar and from the kids to keep their gaming needs satiated.
Enter then, Disney Universe, the latest contender for your cash and their time.
As a visitor to Disney Universe, it all looks like a sweet place to visit - Disney characters all around and general peace and love as good ole Uncle Walt would have wanted. But the Disney universe has been invaded by bad guys and it's now upto you to save the day. You get to dress up in a costume from Disney movies and take on each challenge. Each level is divided into three sub levels and you have to go into each one, perform a few tasks, save a trapped visitor and generally collect as many gold stars as you can.
And that's pretty much it to be honest.
But it's enduringly cute and relatively playable (if you can put up with the repetitive nature of some of the levels). The puzzles are simple and with arrows telling you where to go and what to do, even the most novice of gamer can achieve something in this. There are also power ups available and plenty of costumes to utilise (from the likes of Monsters Inc, Wall-E, Mickey Mouse et al) so there's always something to keep you amused. And with the chance to build up each costume via every level, there's certainly enough challenges ahead.
The only real problem of this rather cute little platformer is that it does feel a little samey level after level; thankfully the option of multi player competitions and some online content give it a bit of a longer shelf life but all in all, Disney Universe is a relatively sweet and simplistic game which may well keep the kids (and the big kids) amused over the upcoming Christmas break for a short while.
Rating: 7/10
Disney Universe
Released by THQ/ Disney
Platform: PS3
As the Christmas rush continues, there's ever more pressure on the dollar and from the kids to keep their gaming needs satiated.
Enter then, Disney Universe, the latest contender for your cash and their time.
As a visitor to Disney Universe, it all looks like a sweet place to visit - Disney characters all around and general peace and love as good ole Uncle Walt would have wanted. But the Disney universe has been invaded by bad guys and it's now upto you to save the day. You get to dress up in a costume from Disney movies and take on each challenge. Each level is divided into three sub levels and you have to go into each one, perform a few tasks, save a trapped visitor and generally collect as many gold stars as you can.
And that's pretty much it to be honest.
But it's enduringly cute and relatively playable (if you can put up with the repetitive nature of some of the levels). The puzzles are simple and with arrows telling you where to go and what to do, even the most novice of gamer can achieve something in this. There are also power ups available and plenty of costumes to utilise (from the likes of Monsters Inc, Wall-E, Mickey Mouse et al) so there's always something to keep you amused. And with the chance to build up each costume via every level, there's certainly enough challenges ahead.
The only real problem of this rather cute little platformer is that it does feel a little samey level after level; thankfully the option of multi player competitions and some online content give it a bit of a longer shelf life but all in all, Disney Universe is a relatively sweet and simplistic game which may well keep the kids (and the big kids) amused over the upcoming Christmas break for a short while.
Rating: 7/10
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Dr Who S6 Part 2: Blu Ray Review
Dr Who S6 Part 2: Blu Ray Review
Dr Who S6 Part 2 Blu Ray
Rating: PG
Released by BBC and Roadshow
So the second half of this truncated season of Matt Smith's latest outing as Doctor Who comes out - and with it the creaking heavy weight of expectation from fans that writer Steven Moffat actually has an idea of what he's doing.
With the first episode of the 1st half of the season indicating that the Dr would die, there was a sense of foreboding in this set. Throw into that, the truth behind Alex Kingston's River Song being revealed at the end of the last run and there's certainly a lot for them to live upto.
Thankfully, it does - with the opening episode Let's Kill Hitler showing how they've got a lot creatively to give, there's certainly plenty of life left in the time lord yet. This shorter run of 6 eps does suffer a little in terms of story telling with some of them not being as strong as they could be. But with a final ep that proves the wait was worth it in terms of story and emotional core, the pacy run feels satisfying in many ways.
However, it does feel at times that a lot of the story telling and arcs from the past 3 years have run their course and it's really time to change tack for the future. Once again though, Matt Smith knocks it out of the park as Doc 11 and Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill certainly get stronger material to work with.
Extras: Disappointingly very few - may be worth holding off for the entire season set due before Christmas
Rating: 7/10
Dr Who S6 Part 2 Blu Ray
Rating: PG
Released by BBC and Roadshow
So the second half of this truncated season of Matt Smith's latest outing as Doctor Who comes out - and with it the creaking heavy weight of expectation from fans that writer Steven Moffat actually has an idea of what he's doing.
With the first episode of the 1st half of the season indicating that the Dr would die, there was a sense of foreboding in this set. Throw into that, the truth behind Alex Kingston's River Song being revealed at the end of the last run and there's certainly a lot for them to live upto.
Thankfully, it does - with the opening episode Let's Kill Hitler showing how they've got a lot creatively to give, there's certainly plenty of life left in the time lord yet. This shorter run of 6 eps does suffer a little in terms of story telling with some of them not being as strong as they could be. But with a final ep that proves the wait was worth it in terms of story and emotional core, the pacy run feels satisfying in many ways.
However, it does feel at times that a lot of the story telling and arcs from the past 3 years have run their course and it's really time to change tack for the future. Once again though, Matt Smith knocks it out of the park as Doc 11 and Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill certainly get stronger material to work with.
Extras: Disappointingly very few - may be worth holding off for the entire season set due before Christmas
Rating: 7/10
Friday, 11 November 2011
Beginners: Movie Review
Beginners: Movie Review
Beginners
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Melanie Laurent, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Goran Visnjic
Director: Mike Mills
Sad, sweet, melancholy and extremely moving, Beginners sees Ewan McGregor as Oliver,dealing with his father's death (played brilliantly by Christopher Plummer)from cancer.
Just 5 years before his death, his dad came out and began a new lease of life at 75 with a younger man (ER's Visnjic) ;and it's this which inspires Oliver to do the same as he starts a cautious courtship with Anna (Melanie Laurent).
With flashbacks interspersed with some wry narrative tricks and snapshots of life then and now, Mike Mills has made a truly warm and affectionate picture which is subtle and astoundingly good. McGregor's barely been better and Laurent is the perfect romantic foil for him. This is a romatic pair who work really well together and the warmth of the narrative hits you in the heart when you least expect it.
Swinging back and forth helps it all come together and the end could see you in tears.
Plus throw in a cute dog as well who says it all in subtitles, and it's easy to see why this is recommended. Quirky, heartfelt, endearing and human, it's a rare treat late in the year and one which should be relished and cherished.
Beginners
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Melanie Laurent, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Goran Visnjic
Director: Mike Mills
Sad, sweet, melancholy and extremely moving, Beginners sees Ewan McGregor as Oliver,dealing with his father's death (played brilliantly by Christopher Plummer)from cancer.
Just 5 years before his death, his dad came out and began a new lease of life at 75 with a younger man (ER's Visnjic) ;and it's this which inspires Oliver to do the same as he starts a cautious courtship with Anna (Melanie Laurent).
With flashbacks interspersed with some wry narrative tricks and snapshots of life then and now, Mike Mills has made a truly warm and affectionate picture which is subtle and astoundingly good. McGregor's barely been better and Laurent is the perfect romantic foil for him. This is a romatic pair who work really well together and the warmth of the narrative hits you in the heart when you least expect it.
Swinging back and forth helps it all come together and the end could see you in tears.
Plus throw in a cute dog as well who says it all in subtitles, and it's easy to see why this is recommended. Quirky, heartfelt, endearing and human, it's a rare treat late in the year and one which should be relished and cherished.
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