Rest for the Wicked: Movie Review
Rest for the Wicked
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Tony Barry, John Bach, Ian Mune, Sara Wiseman
Director: Simon Pattison
It's off to the rest homes for this detective story.
Tony Barry stars as Murray Baxter, a cop going undercover to finally get his
oldest rival, Frank (This Is Not My Life's John Bach). Baxter's been pursuing
his prey for years but has never had enough goods to seal the case and send
Frank down.
But convinced heading into the rest home where Frank lives will help him
gather the evidence he needs, he's prepared to risk it all.
However, when Murray gets to Knightsbridge Gardens, another couple of deaths
occur and he's convinced Frank's behind them and that it's only a matter of time
before his nemesis slips up...
Rest For The Wicked is probably a film for a generation in its twilight
years. With a cast mainly recognizable from their long body of work in the Kiwi
industry and a current Go Girls star, there will be a lot of familiar faces in
this gently comic piece.
Tony Barry is venerable and dignified in his lead role and brings a
gentleness to the dogged Murray who just can't put his grudge against Frank
behind him; Bach is equally as impressive as the slightly sinister Frank who
oozes a menace and calm that makes it hard to see if he is actually the bad guy
or not.
As for the rest of the rest home cast, I'm not sure some won't be offended by
their portrayal as a slightly batty, over sexed and comical bunch; there's one
old gentleman who goes on about Australia and two elderly ladies who are out to
seduce Murray.
There's a twist in the tale, which to be honest, you can see a mile off - but
Simon Pattison does a reasonable job of guiding us through this tale. From its
wryly amusing opening sequence of Frank as a Dirty Harry type taking down the
inhabitants of a P Lab before making off on his mobility scooter to its ending,
there's a whimsical feel to the film, which while not fully captivating, does
allow its elderly cast to prove, once again, talent knows no boundaries.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
The Whistleblower: Movie Review
The Whistleblower: Movie Review
The Whistleblower
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave, Benedict Cumberbatch, Monica Bellucci
Director: Larysa Kondracki
Rachel Weisz stars in this drama which is inspired by true events.
Weisz plays Kathryn Bolkovac, a Nebraska policewoman who, desperate for cash, accepts a position as a peacekeeper in Bosnia. Well, for $100,000 for 6 months work, you would take it, wouldn't you?
But once she gets there she finds her task of rebuilding a country in ruins becomes even more difficult when she discovers a massive conspiracy involving the UN, sex trafficking and a major cover up.
The Whistleblower is not an easy film to watch. It's gritty, grimy and uncomfortably harrowing viewing in some places. A lot of what's done to these poor individuals is implied rather than explicit and it makes it hard to view.
That aside, Weisz is good as the morally straight Bolkovac in this solid film - she gives the struggle and turmoil a plausible face and something to latch onto during this occasionally rocky road. Granted, you could end up feeling Bolkovac is a little naïve going into this expecting miracles when it comes to saving everyone, but there's a real pluck about her fight as the mire of human corruption rises up and festers around everyone in the UN like a bubbling cesspit.
A mix of mistrust, solid thriller and dark film-making makes the Whistleblower an earnest and worthy - if undramatic - night out and one which will make you question what you really believe about the UN.
The Whistleblower
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave, Benedict Cumberbatch, Monica Bellucci
Director: Larysa Kondracki
Rachel Weisz stars in this drama which is inspired by true events.
Weisz plays Kathryn Bolkovac, a Nebraska policewoman who, desperate for cash, accepts a position as a peacekeeper in Bosnia. Well, for $100,000 for 6 months work, you would take it, wouldn't you?
But once she gets there she finds her task of rebuilding a country in ruins becomes even more difficult when she discovers a massive conspiracy involving the UN, sex trafficking and a major cover up.
The Whistleblower is not an easy film to watch. It's gritty, grimy and uncomfortably harrowing viewing in some places. A lot of what's done to these poor individuals is implied rather than explicit and it makes it hard to view.
That aside, Weisz is good as the morally straight Bolkovac in this solid film - she gives the struggle and turmoil a plausible face and something to latch onto during this occasionally rocky road. Granted, you could end up feeling Bolkovac is a little naïve going into this expecting miracles when it comes to saving everyone, but there's a real pluck about her fight as the mire of human corruption rises up and festers around everyone in the UN like a bubbling cesspit.
A mix of mistrust, solid thriller and dark film-making makes the Whistleblower an earnest and worthy - if undramatic - night out and one which will make you question what you really believe about the UN.
Submarine: Movie Review
Submarine: Movie Review
Submarine
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Craig Roberts, Paddy Considine, Noah Taylor, Gemma Chan, Yasmin Paige
Director: Richard Ayoade
Richard Ayoade aka Moss from The IT Crowd has a stunning directorial debut in this coming of age tale set in Wales.
Craig Roberts is duffel-coated 15 year old Oliver Tate, a teen who's in love with a schoolmate and whose obsession with the state of his parents' marriage may end up sending him to an early grave.
Tate is an awkward kid -he reckons he's the bees' knees and is in denial with the reality that he's uncool and socially backward. However, that doesn't stop him from beginning a relationship with Yasmin Paige's Jordana.
Sally Hawkins is the mum, Noah Taylor the depressed dad and Paddy Considine, a mulleted mystic and ex-flame who could cause the rift between Tate's parents to grow.
Tate decides to try and get the family to rekindle their relationship and love - with sometimes depressingly humorous consequences.
Moments of laugh out loud dry humour are interlaced with stylish and stylistic film making, freeze frames and jump cuts as Ayoade shows he's a serious talent to be reckoned with.
Deft,delightful and deliciously dark at times, this is a sensational debut and one which showcases the very best of the international talent.
Submarine is a joy and a delight which cries for you to love it - perhaps a little too hard at times, but it's difficult to resist its many charms.
Submarine
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Craig Roberts, Paddy Considine, Noah Taylor, Gemma Chan, Yasmin Paige
Director: Richard Ayoade
Richard Ayoade aka Moss from The IT Crowd has a stunning directorial debut in this coming of age tale set in Wales.
Craig Roberts is duffel-coated 15 year old Oliver Tate, a teen who's in love with a schoolmate and whose obsession with the state of his parents' marriage may end up sending him to an early grave.
Tate is an awkward kid -he reckons he's the bees' knees and is in denial with the reality that he's uncool and socially backward. However, that doesn't stop him from beginning a relationship with Yasmin Paige's Jordana.
Sally Hawkins is the mum, Noah Taylor the depressed dad and Paddy Considine, a mulleted mystic and ex-flame who could cause the rift between Tate's parents to grow.
Tate decides to try and get the family to rekindle their relationship and love - with sometimes depressingly humorous consequences.
Moments of laugh out loud dry humour are interlaced with stylish and stylistic film making, freeze frames and jump cuts as Ayoade shows he's a serious talent to be reckoned with.
Deft,delightful and deliciously dark at times, this is a sensational debut and one which showcases the very best of the international talent.
Submarine is a joy and a delight which cries for you to love it - perhaps a little too hard at times, but it's difficult to resist its many charms.
When A City Falls: Movie Review
When A City Falls: Movie Review
When A City Falls
Rating: 8/10
Cast: The people of Canterbury
Director: Gerard Smyth
Sometimes, a film makes itself.
So it is with When A City Falls, the documentary film about the series of earthquakes which rocked Canterbury this year and last, and changed our worlds as New Zealanders forever.
Christchurch resident Gerard Smyth really didn't have to do much when they hit - he simply picked up his camera and let the documentary make itself.
Basically made over an 12 month period and beginning with blue skies and daffodils on the Canterbury plains, Smyth follows the events which unfold in the Garden city and nearby. As Smyth's own voiceover at the start of the film intones: "This is a film I could never have planned to make".
But what emerges is a grippingly, emotional piece on the human condition and how we as human beings respond in times of tragedy and personal loss.
Also, what comes out is a deeply humbling study of what makes us Kiwis and showcases the very best of human nature.
Smyth's strength in this film is the people around him. He's smart enough to realise that this story is powerful enough to not need voiceover and limits it to simply asking questions.
These are images from the quake which have haunted (and continue to do so) many; but When A City Falls also benefits greatly from this approach by letting the people involved tell the story rather than a pompous voiceover. That works wonders by giving it a more original feel and an immediately identifiable stranglehold on your emotions
Plus when the footage of that fateful day on 22nd February is shown, the powerful ferocity of what unfolds is even more affecting because the screen simply shows what happened.
Countless faces are caught in crowds, moments framed by time and the film-makers; and the people Smyth uses are nameless but their stories are universal and instantly recognisable as well as heartbreaking, humbling and inspiring.
That's the thing with When A City Falls - there are a million stories to tell and a million voices to be heard with an event such as this. And it would've been easy to let it descend into doom and gloom.
But what's been done here ends up being uplifting in spirit and unique as we follow everyday people trying to live their lives and cope with what nature dealt to them thanks to help from strangers, their communities and from further afield. The fact Smyth's had unfettered access to what was going on means a lot of the footage is new to many of us but horribly recognisable in many ways.
Also, Smyth and his team choose to tackle some of the problems from the quake; be it the arguments over heritage buildings' destruction, people's shops torn down by accident and even heads to New Orleans and San Francisco to proffer up some help for the region.
When A City Falls won't be an easy watch for those involved in this - but I'd suggest it offers a little piece of healing up as it demonstrates quiet dignity and moments of resilience and pure humanity that will shine through.
Truly inspirational and utterly important, this doco demands to be seen and will ultimately stand as a testament to Cantabrians and this nation as a whole.
When A City Falls
Rating: 8/10
Cast: The people of Canterbury
Director: Gerard Smyth
Sometimes, a film makes itself.
So it is with When A City Falls, the documentary film about the series of earthquakes which rocked Canterbury this year and last, and changed our worlds as New Zealanders forever.
Christchurch resident Gerard Smyth really didn't have to do much when they hit - he simply picked up his camera and let the documentary make itself.
Basically made over an 12 month period and beginning with blue skies and daffodils on the Canterbury plains, Smyth follows the events which unfold in the Garden city and nearby. As Smyth's own voiceover at the start of the film intones: "This is a film I could never have planned to make".
But what emerges is a grippingly, emotional piece on the human condition and how we as human beings respond in times of tragedy and personal loss.
Also, what comes out is a deeply humbling study of what makes us Kiwis and showcases the very best of human nature.
Smyth's strength in this film is the people around him. He's smart enough to realise that this story is powerful enough to not need voiceover and limits it to simply asking questions.
These are images from the quake which have haunted (and continue to do so) many; but When A City Falls also benefits greatly from this approach by letting the people involved tell the story rather than a pompous voiceover. That works wonders by giving it a more original feel and an immediately identifiable stranglehold on your emotions
Plus when the footage of that fateful day on 22nd February is shown, the powerful ferocity of what unfolds is even more affecting because the screen simply shows what happened.
Countless faces are caught in crowds, moments framed by time and the film-makers; and the people Smyth uses are nameless but their stories are universal and instantly recognisable as well as heartbreaking, humbling and inspiring.
That's the thing with When A City Falls - there are a million stories to tell and a million voices to be heard with an event such as this. And it would've been easy to let it descend into doom and gloom.
But what's been done here ends up being uplifting in spirit and unique as we follow everyday people trying to live their lives and cope with what nature dealt to them thanks to help from strangers, their communities and from further afield. The fact Smyth's had unfettered access to what was going on means a lot of the footage is new to many of us but horribly recognisable in many ways.
Also, Smyth and his team choose to tackle some of the problems from the quake; be it the arguments over heritage buildings' destruction, people's shops torn down by accident and even heads to New Orleans and San Francisco to proffer up some help for the region.
When A City Falls won't be an easy watch for those involved in this - but I'd suggest it offers a little piece of healing up as it demonstrates quiet dignity and moments of resilience and pure humanity that will shine through.
Truly inspirational and utterly important, this doco demands to be seen and will ultimately stand as a testament to Cantabrians and this nation as a whole.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Game Review: Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Game Review: Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Released by THQ
Platform: PS3
Fighting games are pretty common these days with the likes of Street Fighter pretty much KOing the competition.
So the latest contender, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 emerges onto the scene and you'd think there was very little else to add to the genre. And to be fair, you'd have a point.
But this smack 'em up is a good solid entertaining fare with players being given the chance to play as the likes of She Hulk, Captain America et al from the Marvel universe as they take on each other in a fight to the death.
However, this time rather than being just one player against a horde of many, there's a chance to pick three fighters to form part of a tag team against three opponents. Sure the usual fights are there and the chance to punch all kinds of buttons to achieve all kinds of combos, but being part of the tag team means you're usually given a better chance to defeat the opposition. Add into that mix, aerial combos, moves you can bust out under an X factor move (a more powerful and longer burst of fighting goodness) and there's enough to keep you, your friends and the online community amused.
While graphically, the game is as good as ever, it's nice to see the comics of Marvel embraced in a very cool way into the gameplay. Characters come to life, cartoon style words are employed on screen and the whole thing starts with a comic flick book - it's a nice nod to the genre it's taking from and gives the game a feel of authenticity rather than a super quick cheap cash in.
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 won't redefine the wheel in many ways; however, what it will do is entertain you and keep you amused in equal measure - and wanting to kick your friends' asses in new and exciting ways.
Rating: 7/10
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Released by THQ
Platform: PS3
Fighting games are pretty common these days with the likes of Street Fighter pretty much KOing the competition.
So the latest contender, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 emerges onto the scene and you'd think there was very little else to add to the genre. And to be fair, you'd have a point.
But this smack 'em up is a good solid entertaining fare with players being given the chance to play as the likes of She Hulk, Captain America et al from the Marvel universe as they take on each other in a fight to the death.
However, this time rather than being just one player against a horde of many, there's a chance to pick three fighters to form part of a tag team against three opponents. Sure the usual fights are there and the chance to punch all kinds of buttons to achieve all kinds of combos, but being part of the tag team means you're usually given a better chance to defeat the opposition. Add into that mix, aerial combos, moves you can bust out under an X factor move (a more powerful and longer burst of fighting goodness) and there's enough to keep you, your friends and the online community amused.
While graphically, the game is as good as ever, it's nice to see the comics of Marvel embraced in a very cool way into the gameplay. Characters come to life, cartoon style words are employed on screen and the whole thing starts with a comic flick book - it's a nice nod to the genre it's taking from and gives the game a feel of authenticity rather than a super quick cheap cash in.
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 won't redefine the wheel in many ways; however, what it will do is entertain you and keep you amused in equal measure - and wanting to kick your friends' asses in new and exciting ways.
Rating: 7/10
Monday, 21 November 2011
Game Review - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Game Review - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Released by Sony Entertainment
Platform: PS3
It's been a strong end to the year on the gaming front, with the likes of Batman Arkham City redefining the third person adventure genre.
And now, into the fray comes Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception.
The latest from Naughty Dog is simply a cinematic wonder and a game to engross yourself in.
There's plenty of storyline here and to be honest, to reveal too much of it would really take some of the surprises away from you. It begins with Nathan Drake being caught in a bar brawl in England and it doesn't let up from there, taking in planes, deserts, and many more worldwide locations.
Throw in flashbacks and other bits and bobs, and there's plenty to absorb yourself in here.
But the thing is with Uncharted 3 is just how good it looks; every cut scene's been lovingly put together, with plenty of detail and plot worthy of a good cinema script. Add in some amazingly good graphic work and you can begin to see why this is such a visually impressive experience.
Gameplay wise, it's just as good - granted, there are a few frustrations as some missions give way to trying to work out exactly what you're doing, making it just that bit trickier to ascertain what's expected of you. But the challenge is certainly an enduring one and one which raises the bar for the Uncharted franchise. Regardless of whether you play a one person game or take the multiplayer option, there's certainly a lot to keep you entertained and challenged for hours.
I can't wait to see what they do next with this blend of Indiana Jones and console gaming - it's one hell of an experience, one hell of a game and one hell of a contender for game of the year.
Rating: 9/10
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Released by Sony Entertainment
Platform: PS3
It's been a strong end to the year on the gaming front, with the likes of Batman Arkham City redefining the third person adventure genre.
And now, into the fray comes Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception.
The latest from Naughty Dog is simply a cinematic wonder and a game to engross yourself in.
There's plenty of storyline here and to be honest, to reveal too much of it would really take some of the surprises away from you. It begins with Nathan Drake being caught in a bar brawl in England and it doesn't let up from there, taking in planes, deserts, and many more worldwide locations.
Throw in flashbacks and other bits and bobs, and there's plenty to absorb yourself in here.
But the thing is with Uncharted 3 is just how good it looks; every cut scene's been lovingly put together, with plenty of detail and plot worthy of a good cinema script. Add in some amazingly good graphic work and you can begin to see why this is such a visually impressive experience.
Gameplay wise, it's just as good - granted, there are a few frustrations as some missions give way to trying to work out exactly what you're doing, making it just that bit trickier to ascertain what's expected of you. But the challenge is certainly an enduring one and one which raises the bar for the Uncharted franchise. Regardless of whether you play a one person game or take the multiplayer option, there's certainly a lot to keep you entertained and challenged for hours.
I can't wait to see what they do next with this blend of Indiana Jones and console gaming - it's one hell of an experience, one hell of a game and one hell of a contender for game of the year.
Rating: 9/10
Game Review: Rayman Origins
Game Review: Rayman Origins
Rayman Origins
Released by Ubisoft
Platform: PS3
I've never encountered Rayman before - even though he appeared on the scene back in 1995.
However, if this latest platformer is anything to go by, I'll certainly be seeking out some of his former outings.
The side scrolling game, which can accommodate four players in total, sees Rayman having to fight off enemies in levels, gather up "Electoons" (a kind of emoticon but I'm guessing they couldn't use that exact name), Lums (a kind of firefly creature with a sunshiney glow) and free the Nymphs of the world after an Underworld granny is disturbed and unleashes her minions upon them.
And that description will tell you everything you need to know about Rayman - if you'd not met him before.
The cartoonish graphics are perhaps best described as demented and reminiscent in some ways of Ren and Stimpy; however, Rayman Origins is very, very playable and ever so slightly addictive in its madness. Whether it's bounding around collecting lums, blasting grannies or climbing on mosquitos and shooting through the skies, there's a collective lunacy to this French based game which is highly endearing and utterly addictive.
Each level has several aims within - you have to either collect a certain number of Lums, achieve a time goal or get through unscathed. It means each level rewards multi plays and if you're just short of a target number, you'll bound right back into it straight away.
Rayman Origins is at heart, a really good fun platformer - with the multi player options, different animation and ease of play, it's great fun right from the get go for gamers of any age - and for those who've never been part of the franchise, it's a great leaping in point.
Rating: 8/10
Rayman Origins
Released by Ubisoft
Platform: PS3
I've never encountered Rayman before - even though he appeared on the scene back in 1995.
However, if this latest platformer is anything to go by, I'll certainly be seeking out some of his former outings.
The side scrolling game, which can accommodate four players in total, sees Rayman having to fight off enemies in levels, gather up "Electoons" (a kind of emoticon but I'm guessing they couldn't use that exact name), Lums (a kind of firefly creature with a sunshiney glow) and free the Nymphs of the world after an Underworld granny is disturbed and unleashes her minions upon them.
And that description will tell you everything you need to know about Rayman - if you'd not met him before.
The cartoonish graphics are perhaps best described as demented and reminiscent in some ways of Ren and Stimpy; however, Rayman Origins is very, very playable and ever so slightly addictive in its madness. Whether it's bounding around collecting lums, blasting grannies or climbing on mosquitos and shooting through the skies, there's a collective lunacy to this French based game which is highly endearing and utterly addictive.
Each level has several aims within - you have to either collect a certain number of Lums, achieve a time goal or get through unscathed. It means each level rewards multi plays and if you're just short of a target number, you'll bound right back into it straight away.
Rayman Origins is at heart, a really good fun platformer - with the multi player options, different animation and ease of play, it's great fun right from the get go for gamers of any age - and for those who've never been part of the franchise, it's a great leaping in point.
Rating: 8/10
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Very latest post
Honest Thief: DVD Review
Honest Thief: DVD Review In Honest Thief, a fairly competent story is given plenty of heart and soul before falling into old action genre tr...
-
The Last Of Us Part II: PS4 Review Developed by Naughty Dog Platform: PS4 Wracked with but not wrecked by spoilers dropping before rele... -
Sex Tape: Movie Review Cast: Cameron Diaz, Jason Segal, Ellie Kemper, Rob Corddry, Rob Lowe Director: Jake Kasdan Predicated around the ... -
Brand new Oblivion posters unveiled Entertainment Weekly' s got the first look at some new Oblivion posters. The Oblivion posters s...
