The Hangover Part II: Blu Ray Review
The Hangover Part II
Rating:
R16
Released by Warner Home Video
The Wolf pack is back in the sequel to the comedy that really
redefined the R rated film genre.
This time, it's
Thailand-bound as the gang come together for the wedding of Stu (Ed Helms).
Despite Stu's initial fears about heading out for some
drinks with the boys on the eve of the wedding, he's persuaded to go for one
with them - and brings along his teen soon to be brother in law, the
over-achieving Teddy.
But when they wake up
confused and hungover in a sweaty room with Teddy missing, no idea how they got
there and with a severed finger in the room, it's a desperate race to find Teddy
and get some idea of what went down.
However, that
journey brings them into contact with gangsters, the seedier side of Bangkok, a
chain smoking drug dealing monkey and a whole heap of trouble....
Simply put, The Hangover Part II is the same film as the first - but
just relocated to Thailand.
While in principle
that's no bad thing, it's fair to say that director Todd Phillips holds back
from really upping the gross stakes for the sequel (though there are some
out-there odd moments.)
Sadly though, it's more of
a case of hearty chuckles throughout, rather than full-on belly laughs, as the
humour serves to be the punchlines for the set-ups rather than being dished up
every second.
The main trio are once again on form
- and essentially the same as the first one: Bradley Cooper has the right amount
of devilish glint to lead them; Ed Helms gives good repressed as he tries not to
give in to the fun demon in him and Zach Galifianakis throws on the right amount
of irritation and weirdness to steal scenes he's in with either a glance, some
background antics or a well-placed line
Yet for
all The Hangover Part II's beats and high moments (which are scattered
throughout), it doesn't recapture the glory of the first; that's not to say it's
not a fun time at the flicks, just a fair amount of deja vu.
Extras: DVD is a little light but the Blu ray has a whole stack of
extras and is worth a little extra investment
Rating: 6/10
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Jig: Movie Review
Jig: Movie Review
Jig
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Brogan McKay, Julia O'Rourke, John Whitehurst, Joe Bitter, Various competitive mums
Director: Sue Bourne
Irish Dancing sounds like an odd idea for a doco - but you'd be surprised to realise just how prevalent the sport is.
This doco from Sue Bourne takes to the highly competitive world of the jig, a multi generational sport which has everyone competing - both on and off the mat.
Choosing to follow rivalries, Bourne's piece takes a look at what motivates the young children to follow Michael Flatley's lead. There's little need really to explore what it is which gives them the push; most of the kids have the desire to win the world championships and their parents back them all the way.
By letting the kids narrate most of the doco and following them (as well as occasionally catching up with the parents), Bourne's doco has a disarming charm and is beautifully shot.
There are plenty of shots of practice dancing and a whole heap of shots of the young girls wearing the Irish dancing equivalent of Big Fat Gypsy Wedding outfits as they prance around in make up, wigs and expensive costumes.
You get the views of parents who give up all their wages to ensure the kids can take part, kids who're friends with their rivals first and teens who've resisted the call of their peers to take part in "normal" pursuits like going out partying and drinking. And yet, there's a feeling that this doco goes on a little bit longer than it should.
Sure, the dancing's incredible but there are few moments of real insight. When Bourne concentrates her camera on the parents watching and you see them moving while their kids dance for 2 minutes at most, that's when you really appreciate how much everyone's invested in this. Sadly though, there aren't enough moments like that throughout - and while there's a degree of contagion from the kids' enthusiasm, it's not unfortunately not enough to want to see this on the big screen.
Jig
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Brogan McKay, Julia O'Rourke, John Whitehurst, Joe Bitter, Various competitive mums
Director: Sue Bourne
Irish Dancing sounds like an odd idea for a doco - but you'd be surprised to realise just how prevalent the sport is.
This doco from Sue Bourne takes to the highly competitive world of the jig, a multi generational sport which has everyone competing - both on and off the mat.
Choosing to follow rivalries, Bourne's piece takes a look at what motivates the young children to follow Michael Flatley's lead. There's little need really to explore what it is which gives them the push; most of the kids have the desire to win the world championships and their parents back them all the way.
By letting the kids narrate most of the doco and following them (as well as occasionally catching up with the parents), Bourne's doco has a disarming charm and is beautifully shot.
There are plenty of shots of practice dancing and a whole heap of shots of the young girls wearing the Irish dancing equivalent of Big Fat Gypsy Wedding outfits as they prance around in make up, wigs and expensive costumes.
You get the views of parents who give up all their wages to ensure the kids can take part, kids who're friends with their rivals first and teens who've resisted the call of their peers to take part in "normal" pursuits like going out partying and drinking. And yet, there's a feeling that this doco goes on a little bit longer than it should.
Sure, the dancing's incredible but there are few moments of real insight. When Bourne concentrates her camera on the parents watching and you see them moving while their kids dance for 2 minutes at most, that's when you really appreciate how much everyone's invested in this. Sadly though, there aren't enough moments like that throughout - and while there's a degree of contagion from the kids' enthusiasm, it's not unfortunately not enough to want to see this on the big screen.
Red Dog: Movie Review
Red Dog: Movie Review
Red Dog
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Koko the dog, Josh Lucas, Rachael Taylor, Keisha Castle Hughes
Director: Kriv Stenders
Based on an Aussie true story of legend, Red Dog is a family treat as we head towards the Christmas hols.
But it's not your average "melt your heart, we've got a dog onscreen" kind of film.
Set in Dampier, in Western Aussie, it's the story of Red Dog, a Kelpie Cattle dog cross, who at the start of the film is about to be put down in a bar. In walks truck driver John (Luke Ford) who intervenes just before the pooch is laid to rest.
As the residents of Dampier retreat to the bar, John begins to hear from the publican Jack (Noah Taylor) how the dog's impacted on all of their lives - from miners to the publican himself; and he recounts how when Red Dog, as he affectionately became known after being covered in desert dust, came into their lives, they were all touched in different ways.
There's a warmth to Red Dog which may melt even the most cynical of hearts. If you just can get past the copious shots of a dog walking on the road, looking with its head on its side and running in slow mo in something akin to deleted scenes from TV series The Littlest Hobo.
There's also a fair amount of heart and gentle humour tucked away in this dog's tale too - Red Dog was a dog for everyone whether it's hitch-hiking on the local bus or listening to various miners unloading their hearts to him, it's clear there's affection for this canine wanderer.
But more than that, there's a very Australasian feel to this flick; one miner, Jocko (a big guy with a handlebar moustache and who'd rather have a stoush to sort something out than a chat) is a source of amusement and some of the best lines. Plus if you factor in Red Dog's nemesis, Red Cat, there's something for all animal lovers here.
There's also the inevitable heartbreak - both human and animal - and it's at this point, that I defy anyone who's shared a connection or devotion to a dog to not have a tear in their eye.
Ultimately, Red Dog has a low key charm which swerves it firmly into the sentimental territory rather than the mawkish mire which usually cloys these kinds of outings. Simply told and produced with a heartfelt earnestness, it may have you heading to the SPCA to see if you can adopt a pooch as soon as it's over.
Red Dog
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Koko the dog, Josh Lucas, Rachael Taylor, Keisha Castle Hughes
Director: Kriv Stenders
Based on an Aussie true story of legend, Red Dog is a family treat as we head towards the Christmas hols.
But it's not your average "melt your heart, we've got a dog onscreen" kind of film.
Set in Dampier, in Western Aussie, it's the story of Red Dog, a Kelpie Cattle dog cross, who at the start of the film is about to be put down in a bar. In walks truck driver John (Luke Ford) who intervenes just before the pooch is laid to rest.
As the residents of Dampier retreat to the bar, John begins to hear from the publican Jack (Noah Taylor) how the dog's impacted on all of their lives - from miners to the publican himself; and he recounts how when Red Dog, as he affectionately became known after being covered in desert dust, came into their lives, they were all touched in different ways.
There's a warmth to Red Dog which may melt even the most cynical of hearts. If you just can get past the copious shots of a dog walking on the road, looking with its head on its side and running in slow mo in something akin to deleted scenes from TV series The Littlest Hobo.
There's also a fair amount of heart and gentle humour tucked away in this dog's tale too - Red Dog was a dog for everyone whether it's hitch-hiking on the local bus or listening to various miners unloading their hearts to him, it's clear there's affection for this canine wanderer.
But more than that, there's a very Australasian feel to this flick; one miner, Jocko (a big guy with a handlebar moustache and who'd rather have a stoush to sort something out than a chat) is a source of amusement and some of the best lines. Plus if you factor in Red Dog's nemesis, Red Cat, there's something for all animal lovers here.
There's also the inevitable heartbreak - both human and animal - and it's at this point, that I defy anyone who's shared a connection or devotion to a dog to not have a tear in their eye.
Ultimately, Red Dog has a low key charm which swerves it firmly into the sentimental territory rather than the mawkish mire which usually cloys these kinds of outings. Simply told and produced with a heartfelt earnestness, it may have you heading to the SPCA to see if you can adopt a pooch as soon as it's over.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Arthur Christmas 3D: Movie Review
Arthur Christmas 3D: Movie Review
Arthur Christmas
Rating: 8/10
Vocal cast: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Ashley Jensen
Director: Sarah Smith
Ah, Christmas.
A time of strained tensions, screaming kids and festive goodwill to all.
That and Christmas-themed movies.
Add to that list, the latest from Aardman Animations, a computer generated tale about James McAvoy's Arthur Christmas, the second son of Father Christmas (Jim Broadbent). Arthur's job at the North Pole is to reply to the letters sent by the kids asking Santa for presents - whereas his older brother Steve (House's Hugh Laurie) is there to co-ordinate the elves as they deliver billions of presents in one night.
But this Christmas, something goes a little awry and one present's left undelivered. As far as Steve and Santa are concerned, it's no major but Arthur's unhappy that one kid, in Cornwall in the UK, will miss out on the magic of Christmas if they don't get their new bike.
So, along with the retired GrandSanta (Nighy), Arthur sets out to ensure this Christmas won't be ruined. But the adventure of a lifetime is a little more than the worrywart Arthur expected.
Arthur Christmas is a bright, joyous, festive treat which will keep the kids happy during the up-coming break. But there's also just enough to keep the adults amused too with a script that's smart in scattered places (one kid writes to Santa: "If you live in the North Pole, how come I can't see your house on Google maps?").
McAvoy brings a weediness to his Arthur which contrasts nicely with Laurie's efficient Steve and Broadbent's been in the job too long Santa. Nighy is amusing as GrandSanta and there's a nice running theme about different generations and expectations as well as a sarcastic vein pumping through.
But for every sentimental moment within Arthur Christmas, there's an equal moment of sheer lunacy which gives the film a slightly unpredictable feel which is very welcome amid the usual festive schmaltz. There's also a sign Aardman's taking on Pixar with a nod to one of its other characters contained subtly within as well - fans of animation will be delighted by that.
Arthur Christmas is to be enjoyed; with the magic of Christmas in its heart and a fair few ho ho hos, it's certainly something that will remind you of the joys of the holiday.
Arthur Christmas
Rating: 8/10
Vocal cast: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Ashley Jensen
Director: Sarah Smith
Ah, Christmas.
A time of strained tensions, screaming kids and festive goodwill to all.
That and Christmas-themed movies.
Add to that list, the latest from Aardman Animations, a computer generated tale about James McAvoy's Arthur Christmas, the second son of Father Christmas (Jim Broadbent). Arthur's job at the North Pole is to reply to the letters sent by the kids asking Santa for presents - whereas his older brother Steve (House's Hugh Laurie) is there to co-ordinate the elves as they deliver billions of presents in one night.
But this Christmas, something goes a little awry and one present's left undelivered. As far as Steve and Santa are concerned, it's no major but Arthur's unhappy that one kid, in Cornwall in the UK, will miss out on the magic of Christmas if they don't get their new bike.
So, along with the retired GrandSanta (Nighy), Arthur sets out to ensure this Christmas won't be ruined. But the adventure of a lifetime is a little more than the worrywart Arthur expected.
Arthur Christmas is a bright, joyous, festive treat which will keep the kids happy during the up-coming break. But there's also just enough to keep the adults amused too with a script that's smart in scattered places (one kid writes to Santa: "If you live in the North Pole, how come I can't see your house on Google maps?").
McAvoy brings a weediness to his Arthur which contrasts nicely with Laurie's efficient Steve and Broadbent's been in the job too long Santa. Nighy is amusing as GrandSanta and there's a nice running theme about different generations and expectations as well as a sarcastic vein pumping through.
But for every sentimental moment within Arthur Christmas, there's an equal moment of sheer lunacy which gives the film a slightly unpredictable feel which is very welcome amid the usual festive schmaltz. There's also a sign Aardman's taking on Pixar with a nod to one of its other characters contained subtly within as well - fans of animation will be delighted by that.
Arthur Christmas is to be enjoyed; with the magic of Christmas in its heart and a fair few ho ho hos, it's certainly something that will remind you of the joys of the holiday.
Immortals: Movie Review
Immortals: Movie Review
Immortals
Rating: 5/10
Cast: Henry Cavill, Freida Pinto, Mickey Rourke, Luke Evans, John Hurt
Director: Tarsem Singh
Swords, sandals, slow mo fight scenes and a lot of blood.
Nope, it's not 300 - it's from the producers of 300 that we get Immortals, the tale set in Ancient Greece.
Henry Cavill (the future Superman) plays Theseus, a peasant living in a small village and suddenly facing the marauding hordes of King Hyperion. Hyperion, played by a scene chewing Mickey Rourke, is trying to find a mystical bow to free the evil Titans from Mount Tartarus.
The Titans were imprisoned by the gods of Greece and believed by Hyperion to be the deciding factor in a war against the Olympian gods (headed up by Luke Evans' Zeus).
Teaming up with an oracle (Slumdog's Pinto) and a thief (Stephen Dorff), Theseus leads the charge to try and save the world both above and below from the disastrous consequences of an onslaught by Hyperion's hordes...
Immortals is a flat, emotionless piece, blessed with some truly outstanding visuals.
It treats the mythology of Greece extremely lightly but Singh does actually give a nice twist to some of the tales of Theseus - including the clash with the Minotaur.
Dialogue itself is largely uninspired and most of the film is painfully slow and lacking in any initially gripping moments.
But throughout the film, Singh uses visuals to jawdropping effect - he swoops in and out of CGI rendered scenes, gives us more slow mo then speeded up fight scenes and shows heads being smashed and turned into bloody explosions.
And it's this which really brings the film to life - a final fight sequence between the gods and the Titans is absolutely stunning and is one of the finest recreations seen this year as the attack happens. With sped up shots, slow moments and impressive FX, this is the film's major saving grace in a relatively spectacle free affair.
Of the leads, Cavill's good, Rourke's just a mumbling despot on a killing spree and Pinto's largely wasted - but quite frankly in these kinds of films, you're here to see buffed up bodies, impressive FX and scintillating fight scenes.
Immortals offers up an uneasy mix - moments of manic energy coupled with stilted and slow storytelling make it an unfortunately unsatisfying night at the cinema.
Immortals
Rating: 5/10
Cast: Henry Cavill, Freida Pinto, Mickey Rourke, Luke Evans, John Hurt
Director: Tarsem Singh
Swords, sandals, slow mo fight scenes and a lot of blood.
Nope, it's not 300 - it's from the producers of 300 that we get Immortals, the tale set in Ancient Greece.
Henry Cavill (the future Superman) plays Theseus, a peasant living in a small village and suddenly facing the marauding hordes of King Hyperion. Hyperion, played by a scene chewing Mickey Rourke, is trying to find a mystical bow to free the evil Titans from Mount Tartarus.
The Titans were imprisoned by the gods of Greece and believed by Hyperion to be the deciding factor in a war against the Olympian gods (headed up by Luke Evans' Zeus).
Teaming up with an oracle (Slumdog's Pinto) and a thief (Stephen Dorff), Theseus leads the charge to try and save the world both above and below from the disastrous consequences of an onslaught by Hyperion's hordes...
Immortals is a flat, emotionless piece, blessed with some truly outstanding visuals.
It treats the mythology of Greece extremely lightly but Singh does actually give a nice twist to some of the tales of Theseus - including the clash with the Minotaur.
Dialogue itself is largely uninspired and most of the film is painfully slow and lacking in any initially gripping moments.
But throughout the film, Singh uses visuals to jawdropping effect - he swoops in and out of CGI rendered scenes, gives us more slow mo then speeded up fight scenes and shows heads being smashed and turned into bloody explosions.
And it's this which really brings the film to life - a final fight sequence between the gods and the Titans is absolutely stunning and is one of the finest recreations seen this year as the attack happens. With sped up shots, slow moments and impressive FX, this is the film's major saving grace in a relatively spectacle free affair.
Of the leads, Cavill's good, Rourke's just a mumbling despot on a killing spree and Pinto's largely wasted - but quite frankly in these kinds of films, you're here to see buffed up bodies, impressive FX and scintillating fight scenes.
Immortals offers up an uneasy mix - moments of manic energy coupled with stilted and slow storytelling make it an unfortunately unsatisfying night at the cinema.
Rest for the Wicked: Movie Review
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.
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.
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.
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