The Raid 2: Berandal: Movie Review

The Raid 2: Berandal: Movie Review

Cast: Iko Uwais, Julie Estelle, Tio Pakusodewo, Alex Abbad
Director: Gareth Evans

"It's a question of ambition"

The first words spoken in The Raid 2: Berandal - and all throughout, Evans' ambition shines on like a beacon of directorial delight.

Not long after the first Raid movie finished, shortly after rookie cop Rama (Uwais) chop-sockied his way out of a building piled high with gangsters and bad guys, the sequel takes up. Suddenly, Rama finds himself asked to help weedle out the corruption within the system and enter the world of gangsters, gang warfare and an uneasy truce that's existed for more than a decade.

Despite his initial refusal to do so, the quest to do good is irresistible to Rama - and he finds himself in a world where he's not the biggest fish and there are some pretty dangerous predators around.

The Raid 2: Berandal is an exceptionally impressive sequel that ups the ante of the first and shows no sign of resting on its laurels.

Evans has settled for the epic, and has certainly achieved that goal more often than not throughout its slightly overlong 2 and a half hours run time. If The Raid proved one thing, it's that a single man, with his fists and a knack for taking on the system could prove to be an incredibly visceral thrill. Certainly, the second reaches the dizzying highs of the first - and then amply exceeds them.

A series of set pieces prove almost balletic in their execution - from a major fight in a prison that becomes a muddy swamp scrap for survival to a final showdown that's likely to have you punching the air, this is an adrenaline packed ride that brings much originality and freshness to the action movie. Evans has directorial flair as well - using his camera to showcase a toilet fight from above and in a bravura extended car chase sequence, a fight within the back seat of the car. He's got vision and scope for the sequel that's jawdropping and fulfilled in every frame.

It's these moments that help lift the film from the predictability that annoyingly lurks in the background. The gang warfare story feels a little cliched and has been done many times before; a slightly bloated saggy middle section creaks with pointless re-exposition and almost flatlines as it sidelines our hero for turf war and attempts to channel Shakespearean type levels of betrayal (that don't quite meet the highs). But it's to Uwais' credit that he makes every moment count, perfectly encapsulating the conflict of trying to do what he believes is right but fighting his inner demons that perhaps he's out of his depth. A nuanced and restrained turn from our hero gives the emotional edge to the terrifically engaging and adrenaline-pumped action moments.

And there are so many of those - along with Hammer Girl (a half-blind deaf mute whose MO involves, erm, hammers), this is a film whose sequel surpasses the original and delivers more than a kick to the head - it fires a shot in the arm of action movies and audience expectations for them. Beautifully choreographed frenetic fights flow like liquid, and leave the mind boggling over how many takes were needed; but serve to show how much of a talent Uwais is.

As the body count builds in the final act, you forgive the occasional creaks, the odd moment of weird characterisation (chiefly, a hobo looking aide to one family, who kicks serious ass but also has serious daddy issues); they all fade into the distance - because The Raid 2: Berandal packs a powerfully brutal punch, delivers a clear-cut KO to the genre and makes these kinds of movies all kinds of cool once again.

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Tomb Raider / Bioshock Infinite: PS Plus Subscription Reviews

Tomb Raider / Bioshock Infinite: PS Plus Subscription Reviews

Free through the PS Plus Subscription
Tomb Raider - just gone on in March
Bioshock Infinite - was added in Feb

It's very easy to overlook the benefits sometimes.

And nowhere are they more apparent than as part of a PlayStation Plus subscription. Every month, there's a wealth of new content and for those of us like me, who sometimes miss out on the games due to the fact there's so much on, there's a welcome relief to be had from getting the chance to catch up as and when.

So it is with Tomb Raider, which has just been added to the latest round of PS Plus Sub benefits. At 12.5GB, this is a download that will chew through any data cap you have, but my goodness, if this Lara Croft reboot isn't worth it, I will head over and kick your behind, because quite simply if you're a fan of gaming, then you really need to play this.

Setting out on her first expedition, Lara is bound for Japan, but nature intervenes and soon, she and a few other survivors find their way to a deserted island. As Lara investigates further, she finds herself drawn into an ancient civilisation and a prophecy. Cinematic and epic where it needs to be, this overlooked reboot is simply great gaming. It's got a depth of storytelling that works as well and successfully relaunches the Lara Croft franchise. Giving her a bow to use is a master-stroke and in just seconds, Square Enix has made her iconic again.

The game's been re-released and re-mastered for the PS4 too, with a definitive edition adding a pristine sheen to the overall feel of the product. On either format, it's worth seeking out - and if you're a PS Plus member, I'd recommend you download it right now and get into it. You won't regret it.

Elsewhere, I'd heard great things about Bioshock Infinite and it had always been on my list to pick up. So, I was glad to see that part of the PS Plus Sub too.

The first person shooter is one of the strangest, most oddly compelling mixes of a game that I've ever played, but it's wonderful in its own (at times non-linear)way.

Set in 1912, a world where cities are floating, you play Booker De Witt, a man tasked with finding a girl called Elizabeth. After rescuing her, you're involved in an ongoing war between two factions, a bit of dimension hopping and a lot of Civil America Union issues as well. Mixing in roleplay as well as FPS, it's a clever, canny, smart and sinister game that appeals on many levels. The intrigue from the get-go is gripping and playing on to see how it pans out makes for a rewarding journey after a 6GB download.

But again, it's the characterisation that stands out here, with Elizabeth so beautifully drawn that when the end comes, you're left emotionally bereft. There's only a few more weeks left to catch Bioshock Infinite so I suggest you hurry.

With the free games getting bigger on the PS Plus Sub, it's worth considering investing. In some ways, the sub saves you money on gaming if you're patient and with even more on the way (PS4 games and VITA titles are thrown in monthly) it really does pay off.

You can find all the details for subscribing to PlayStation Plus here.

Fable Anniversary: XBox 360 Review

Fable Anniversary: XBox 360 Review

Released by Microsoft Studios
Platform: XBox 360

I'm not aware of the original Fable which was one of the biggest RPGs on the Xbox, so a reissue came as something of news to me.

The original was back in 2004, so a decade on, you could be forgiven for thinking this was due an HD remaster - and here it is, revamped for the 360's HD ways. In Fable, you star as a young boy, who's lost his family after an attack and who has to make his way through the Heroes Guild, with vengeance on his mind.

With attributes for magic and dexterity, as well as strength, there's time to build up your skills as the game progresses - combat gives you XP which must be collected and it's fairly self explanatory on that front. Moral choices are also in play here, and it's clear to see that back in 2004 this game would have been at the forefront of the wave of RPGs, given that it's all about choices as well (which inform so many of today's games of a similar ilk).

Nostalgia will play a large part in this game for those who loved it the first time around - with missions, wagers and the ability to boast proving to be a big part of the game, there's certainly enough to keep gamers interested. Though it has to be said, given what we get nowadays, the quality of Fable Anniversary may come up a little wanting.

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Noah: The Ark featurette

Noah: The Ark featurette

NOAH's Russell Crowe, Emma Watson and Director Darren Aronofsky talk about the process of creating the Ark in this incredible new featurette.

NOAH - in cinemas March 27th. 

Beyond The Edge: Blu Ray Review

Beyond The Edge: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by Vendetta Films

Docu-drama is quite de rigeur at the moment for New Zealand. Following the International Emmy nomination for The Golden Hour, it's fast garnering attention as the way to illustrate a window into our past that's more accessible to all.

This latest, from Topp Twins Untouchable Girls director Leanne Pooley, sets out to document the epic true journey of the heroic ascent to the top of Mt Everest by national treasureEdmund Hillary, along with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.

It begins with the ominous sound of the wind whistling around shots of the peaks of the mountain, along with voice over telling us how difficult it is to conquer such a thing. From Hillary's bee-keeping roots to his quest to be part of the team to be given the chance to ascend Everest, it's clear that the drive was there in 1953.

Director Leanne Pooley has pulled together a film which makes good use of the archive footage to hand and expertly captures the period detail; weaving in that footage with silent recreations of Hillary and the gang on the expedition, either negotiating crevasses and the white peaks or silently discussing the outcome of the vote to send them up the peak.

With beautifully inspiring cinematography focussing on shots of the mountain, it breathes life into the ice and gives each part of it a new terrifying depth. Pooley's also used the 3D for some of the archive footage as well, giving that tired footage we've all seen before a new lease of life. Seamlessly blending in the recreations, the narrative certainly showcases the drive and determination of all involved - a more restrained kind of a clash between Brits vs the New Zealanders.

But here's the rub with Beyond The Edge - it's terribly, terribly dry. It ends up depriving what should be an inspirational story of one of our finest moments of much needed oxygen and the piece feels stuffy and dare I say it, slightly dull. Adding in actors, who look uncannily like their historical counterparts, is a nice touch; but the recreations are silent and that lack of sound stops you fully investing in the story. Pooley also uses so many voice-overs that in places you're lost as to who's talking and trying to give you insight into the psyche and mental stamina needed to take on the elements. I dare say that Pooley was a little constrained by the source material - you can't invent drama where there was none (though, a scene where Hillary was nearly lost in a crevasse through carelessness is thrown in for relative dramatic effect as he dangles precariously on a ledge) giving her little wriggle room to work. The one creative touch where the film comes to life sees Pooley animating the lunatic ideas which were proffered up to help conquer the mountain - a helium filled balloon, a heating system within a coat. It's a touch with some flair which strays from the conventional plodding narrative.

More TV doco  Beyond The Edge 3D proffers up no new insights and even though it comes months after the 60th anniversary of the ascent, there seems to be little reason for it to exist. It climaxes with overblown chest-swelling music as text details Hillary's success but the whole thing feels like a curious creative misfire and a relatively dramatically bland insight into one of the greatest adventures and achievements we've ever seen.

Extras: Trailers, images, b roll footage

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Prisoners: Blu Ray Review

Prisoners: Blu Ray Review

Rating: R16
Released by Warner Home Video

From the "What would you do?" file, comes this brand new bleak thriller which is edge of your seat stuff from the moment it begins. Hugh Jackman stars as blue collar worker Keller Dover whose motto is "Be ready"; his basement is prepped for the worst - be it hurricane or nuclear incident. But Keller and his wife (Maria Bello) are not prepared for what happens when they go to their neighbours Nancy and Franklin (Davis and Howard) on Thanksgiving.

When Keller's daughter Anna and their friends' daughter Joy go missing, their worlds are thrown into utter disarray. The only lead is a ramshackle RV seen lurking around the neighbourhood prior to their disappearance. But when the police, lead by detective Loki (Gyllenhaal in commanding form) have to let go their only suspect, the mentally retarded Alex (a creepy Paul Dano), Keller goes into overdrive, vowing to do whatever it takes to rescue his daughter.

But Keller discovers desperation has a price - is he willing to pay it?

Prisoners is without a doubt, a film of dread and utter creepiness. Proffering up suspense, masterful acting and unbelievably mysterious twists as the tale is told, it's gripping in a sickening way as it unfurls. Mainly it's due toHugh Jackman's Keller Dover; his character is pushed to the very edge and the film begins with him reciting the Lord's Prayer, seeking guidance for the day. When it's repeated again later in the film, it's to bear witness to a man on the edge, about to make a monumental defining move, but one which feels completely understandable and horrifically relatable. Jackman brings to the screen a soaring rage-filled performance which has set the standard for the wronged man and the man seeking vengeance. But it's never a showy turn merely one that shines due to its intensity and one which fills the screen with realism.

Likewise Gyllenhaal and Dano; their performances are more dialled down than Jackman but they don't lack any less of the intensity. Certainly Dano's quiet performance as the man child accused of the abduction is totally memorable and disturbing; Gyllenhaal brings a steely yet subtle determination to the rural cop uncovering a world of horror as he tackles every parents' worst nightmare. It's also an exploration of evil begetting evil as all involved spiral deeper down into the abyss.

Overall, Prisoners represents a crime thriller film which owes a debt to the darkness of the likes ofThe Killing and The Vanishing and its ilk - it sickens as it tightens its grip on you as the emotional complexity builds to fever pitch, leaving you clenched to the edge of your seat as its powerful yet realistic story reveals its twists and turns with unnerving yet breath-taking intensity.

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Need for Speed: Movie Review

Need for Speed: Movie Review

Cast: Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots, Michael Keaton
Director: Scott Waugh

Based on a long running computer game series, Need For Speed races upto the box office, hoping to claim pole position.

Starring Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul as Tobey Marshall, a grease monkey whose aptitude is modifying cars, getting them back on the road and a bit of street racing too. But things aren't looking good for Marshall, with his father's death precipitating the potential financial end of his garage. So when Dino Brewster (a permanently sulking and scowling Dominic Cooper) comes to him to offer him the chance to make some cash to modify a car, he takes it.

But the rivalry off the track comes to a head on the roads as Dino challenges Toby to a race, along with Toby's pal Pete. And when Pete's killed, Toby's framed for the murder and thrown in the slammer, only to emerge 2 years later with revenge on his mind.

That opportunity comes to him courtesy of a chance to race in the De Leon, an event thrown together secretly by Michael Keaton's Monarch. So, with just 48 hours to get to the race, Marshall, along with Imogen Poots' bankrolling Julia has to head across country, avoiding bounty hunters set on him by Brewster and win the race....

Need For Speed will appeal to the adrenalin junkie, but hardly anyone else.

Thanks to a premise stretched as tautly thin as it can be over 2 hours - it's essentially a revenge piece, with hardly anywhere to go. Fans of the game will appreciate some of the nods to the game-play (spike strips, roadblocks) but others will scratch their heads in dim amusement at how little actually happens during it.

Every cliche is thrown into the mix - from Paul's growling, increasingly wide-eyed reactions to everything that transpires to Cooper's one dimensional pouty dead-eyed baddie, this is not a film that fires on any kind of cylinders. The problem is one of tone - there are moments where Need For Speed appears to be self-aware, and then moments, in among the slow-mo, where it's all played for high tragedy. And it just doesn't work.

The racing sequences, such as they are, are fine - pared back action, shot either from the tyre line or with a close up of Aaron Paul's narrowing eyes, but they offer little new in terms of adrenaline-fuelled moments or hairs-stand-up-on-the-back-of-your-neck excitement. And there's too few of them, littered as they are throughout the 2 hour running time.

Plot-wise, the film opts for nothing more than ludicrous which is perhaps unsurprising, but other car racing films of a similar ilk have at least had a thread of something running through them (Fast and Furious anyone?) which has given the casual movie-goer something to cotton on to. But here, there is no plot money shot, no one moment that has you rooting for the in peril couple or the leads, simply a crushing inevitability over how it will all play out.

Ultimately a lack of last race is crippled by a lack of tension, as characters hitherto unseen vie for first place (with the names of English Paul and Texas Mike believe it or not) that no one cares about - all we're supposed to be invested in is the fight between Dino and Toby. Add in Michael Keaton's bizarrely OTT Monarch, who chews as much scenery as he can during the sequences he's on screen and you've got a rather odd experience.

While the stunt work is quite impressive, there's little else in Need For Speed which will really rev anyone up outside of petrol heads.

Sadly, Need for Speed is stalled from the very start.

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