Seen Hoyts Chadstone
Action/ Adventure.
Okay, so Roland Emerich loves to include some backstory about a Dad with a really bad relationship with his son/daughter/children, and have their problems solved by the end of the movie. Day after Tomorrow and 2012 had this, so really no surprise to me that this movie had this as well... One of the reviews I read complained about this, but I was like "Hey, its Roland Emerich, what do you expect???"
This is a fun movie. It is really just straight for entertainment. You don't have to think. Terrorists take out the White House with the President inside, and it is up to the guy that has messed up his life to save him.... purely by default. But who is behind it, and why???
Don't go expecting serious commentary on anything. This movie is purely fun, simple, and something to sit with a box of popcorn and sit back and enjoy.
Overall Rating: 7/10.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
RED 2
Seen 29 August, 2013 at Village Fountain Gate
Action
Overview:
Retired... extremely dangerous.
The gang is back. Victoria has her guns, Marvin is as crazy as ever, Frank and Sarah are trying to work out their relationship, and they are being chased by not only the CIA and MI:6. Of course, there are the requisite number of hitmen, and villains, and a weapon of mass destruction thrown in for good measure.
Thoughts:
Incredibly fun and entertaining. Anthony Hopkins was amazing, as always. The story is fast paced. Awesome escapism movie. Buy a bucket of popcorn, and sit back, enjoy the ride.
Overall rating: 8.5/10
Action
Overview:
Retired... extremely dangerous.
The gang is back. Victoria has her guns, Marvin is as crazy as ever, Frank and Sarah are trying to work out their relationship, and they are being chased by not only the CIA and MI:6. Of course, there are the requisite number of hitmen, and villains, and a weapon of mass destruction thrown in for good measure.
Thoughts:
Incredibly fun and entertaining. Anthony Hopkins was amazing, as always. The story is fast paced. Awesome escapism movie. Buy a bucket of popcorn, and sit back, enjoy the ride.
Overall rating: 8.5/10
The Great Gatsby
Seen at Village Cinemas Knox
1st June, 2013
Drama
Overview:
Based on the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald, it tells the story from the point of view of Nick Carraway, a young man trying to make his fortune in NYC. His next door neighbour is a man called Gatsby, a nouveau rich man, who throws elaborate parties. His life becomes embroilled in the dramas of Gatsby, his cousins, and their love affairs, with tragic results.
Thoughts:
Cinematically and visually amazing. Good adaptation of the story. Not exactly an enjoyable movie, but it the story isn't exactly enjoyable either. All the characters are flawed, some in ways that make them quite unlikeable.
Overall Rating: 6.5/10
1st June, 2013
Drama
Overview:
Based on the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald, it tells the story from the point of view of Nick Carraway, a young man trying to make his fortune in NYC. His next door neighbour is a man called Gatsby, a nouveau rich man, who throws elaborate parties. His life becomes embroilled in the dramas of Gatsby, his cousins, and their love affairs, with tragic results.
Thoughts:
Cinematically and visually amazing. Good adaptation of the story. Not exactly an enjoyable movie, but it the story isn't exactly enjoyable either. All the characters are flawed, some in ways that make them quite unlikeable.
Overall Rating: 6.5/10
Elysium
Seen Village Fountain Gate
25th August, 2013
Sci Fi
Overview:
Set in a future Earth where the rich live an exclusive, long and healthy life on Elysium, a space station and ignore the ruined Earth other than for the resources they need. The story follows a man, Max, who is on probation for car theft and is working in a factory, producing the androids that not only police the society, but also provide vital services to Elysium.
The world of Max is a cruel and brutal one, where police androids dish out corporal punishment on the spot, the rich are more concerned about getting richer, and the poor suffer mostly in silence. Max is a catalyst, an instigator of change, but depending on the point of view, will the change be for better or worse?
Again, I will say no more, otherwise this will be full of spoilers.
Thoughts:
Neill Blomkamp - the writer and director of both District 9 and Elysium loves to use scifi to reflect on the world. Like District 9, Elysium comments on current event in a way that is easy for the audience understands. Not only does he look at the view of the many - the poor and downtrodden, but he looks at the wealthy who are trying to maintain their lifestyle and stay separate from the poor - a reflection of the broadening socioeconomic classes currently occurring.
The movie is very entertaining, and thought provoking, while still being fun. The reflection on society hopefully won't remain relevant but hopefully the overall story will stand the test of time.
Overall score: 8/10
25th August, 2013
Sci Fi
Overview:
Set in a future Earth where the rich live an exclusive, long and healthy life on Elysium, a space station and ignore the ruined Earth other than for the resources they need. The story follows a man, Max, who is on probation for car theft and is working in a factory, producing the androids that not only police the society, but also provide vital services to Elysium.
The world of Max is a cruel and brutal one, where police androids dish out corporal punishment on the spot, the rich are more concerned about getting richer, and the poor suffer mostly in silence. Max is a catalyst, an instigator of change, but depending on the point of view, will the change be for better or worse?
Again, I will say no more, otherwise this will be full of spoilers.
Thoughts:
Neill Blomkamp - the writer and director of both District 9 and Elysium loves to use scifi to reflect on the world. Like District 9, Elysium comments on current event in a way that is easy for the audience understands. Not only does he look at the view of the many - the poor and downtrodden, but he looks at the wealthy who are trying to maintain their lifestyle and stay separate from the poor - a reflection of the broadening socioeconomic classes currently occurring.
The movie is very entertaining, and thought provoking, while still being fun. The reflection on society hopefully won't remain relevant but hopefully the overall story will stand the test of time.
Overall score: 8/10
Despicable Me 2
Minions... more minions.... evil minions
Seen Melbourne Central Hoyts, July.
Animated/ Family
Overview:
Gru and the girls are back, and this time he is on the side of good. An old rival is back on the scene and Gru has to make sure he doesn't cause havoc, which would be fine, except no one believes him!!
Thoughts:
If you have seen the first one you know what to expect. It was fun, light hearted, and with a happy ever after... for now.
If nothing else it is worth seeing for the minions.
Overall rating: 7/10
Seen Melbourne Central Hoyts, July.
Animated/ Family
Overview:
Gru and the girls are back, and this time he is on the side of good. An old rival is back on the scene and Gru has to make sure he doesn't cause havoc, which would be fine, except no one believes him!!
Thoughts:
If you have seen the first one you know what to expect. It was fun, light hearted, and with a happy ever after... for now.
If nothing else it is worth seeing for the minions.
Overall rating: 7/10
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Star Trek: Into Darkness
Seen twice - Village Camberwell, 11th May, 2013
Village Fountain Gate 5th June, 2013
SciFi
Overview:
Kirk, Bones, Scottie, Spock.... The Enterprise..
And.... Spoiler alert for those that know the original!
Kaaaaahhhhhnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!
Okay, enough said?
Thoughts:
Another fun installment. If you liked the first of the alternate timeline, this one is just as fun. The story is face paced, the dialogue slightly corny, and Benedict Cumberbatch appropriately psychotic.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Village Fountain Gate 5th June, 2013
SciFi
Overview:
Kirk, Bones, Scottie, Spock.... The Enterprise..
And.... Spoiler alert for those that know the original!
Kaaaaahhhhhnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!
Okay, enough said?
Thoughts:
Another fun installment. If you liked the first of the alternate timeline, this one is just as fun. The story is face paced, the dialogue slightly corny, and Benedict Cumberbatch appropriately psychotic.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
The Call
Seen at Village Fountain Gate
16th May, 2013
Thriller
Overview:
911. What's your emergency?
For a movie that is about a 911 emergency responder it is much more interesting than it sounds. It starts with a girl calling 911, when she is home alone and the house is broken into. She is kidnapped, and murdered, and the 911 emergency responder blames herself.
Fast forward to six months later, and she has taken to teaching the new recruits as she is burnt out. While doing a tour, one of the responders panics and she ends up fielding the call. That is very similar to the call from six months before.
Thoughs:
This is a well paced thriller, with an interesting twist. Like Phone Booth and Cellular, it has its moments.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Overall rating: 8/10
16th May, 2013
Thriller
Overview:
911. What's your emergency?
For a movie that is about a 911 emergency responder it is much more interesting than it sounds. It starts with a girl calling 911, when she is home alone and the house is broken into. She is kidnapped, and murdered, and the 911 emergency responder blames herself.
Fast forward to six months later, and she has taken to teaching the new recruits as she is burnt out. While doing a tour, one of the responders panics and she ends up fielding the call. That is very similar to the call from six months before.
Thoughs:
This is a well paced thriller, with an interesting twist. Like Phone Booth and Cellular, it has its moments.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Overall rating: 8/10
Monday, April 15, 2013
Oblivion
Seen 13th April, Knox Village
Sci Fi, Action
Overview:
60 Years after an alien attacked, the earth is mostly destroyed and humanity has apparently left earth. A few people have stayed back to maintain the fusion reactors that are supposed to supply power for the new colony. Stray aliens attack and destroy the equipment and drones are programmed to destroy the aliens.
But is this really what is going on? The main character, John Harper has no memory beyond the previous 5 years as his mind was "wiped" although he dreams of a woman and a past he can't possibly remember. When a spaceship containing humans crashes and John witnesses the drones destroying the humans he realises that something is not quite right. Especially when one of the humans is the woman he couldn't possibly remember.
Thoughts:
This was a really enjoyable movie. It was clever, and even if we could poke holes in the science somewhat, the main characters did not have enough knowledge to be able to ask the right questions to know what they have been told is incorrect, so this was actually an acceptable flaw.
Very well written and well paced, it told the story from the main characters viewpoint. Any information that was missing was because he didn't know it.
The cast (other than the extras) was small - there were really only 4 characters in most of the movie, and only about another 3 or 4 with any significant role in the rest of the movie. The dialogue and action was enough that you didn't need any more people.
I would say this has been a really enjoyable movie and worth seeing on the big screen. They could have turned it into a 3D movie, but it didn't need to be and I was glad to see they didn't.
Overall Rating
8.5/10
Sci Fi, Action
Overview:
60 Years after an alien attacked, the earth is mostly destroyed and humanity has apparently left earth. A few people have stayed back to maintain the fusion reactors that are supposed to supply power for the new colony. Stray aliens attack and destroy the equipment and drones are programmed to destroy the aliens.
But is this really what is going on? The main character, John Harper has no memory beyond the previous 5 years as his mind was "wiped" although he dreams of a woman and a past he can't possibly remember. When a spaceship containing humans crashes and John witnesses the drones destroying the humans he realises that something is not quite right. Especially when one of the humans is the woman he couldn't possibly remember.
Thoughts:
This was a really enjoyable movie. It was clever, and even if we could poke holes in the science somewhat, the main characters did not have enough knowledge to be able to ask the right questions to know what they have been told is incorrect, so this was actually an acceptable flaw.
Very well written and well paced, it told the story from the main characters viewpoint. Any information that was missing was because he didn't know it.
The cast (other than the extras) was small - there were really only 4 characters in most of the movie, and only about another 3 or 4 with any significant role in the rest of the movie. The dialogue and action was enough that you didn't need any more people.
I would say this has been a really enjoyable movie and worth seeing on the big screen. They could have turned it into a 3D movie, but it didn't need to be and I was glad to see they didn't.
Overall Rating
8.5/10
A Good Day to Die Hard
Seen 25th March, Knox Village.
John McLean. Bad Guys. Reconciliation with his son this time... what more could you ask???
Maybe that they destroy a chunk of Russia in the process???
Overview:
Okay, if you like the Die Hard movies you will be familiar with the characters and the general plotline. Somehow, John McLean, New York cop extraordinaire gets pulled into the middle of a disaster... This time it is in Russia, when he finds out his son has been arrested and he tries to help him. Instead, he finds out his son is CIA, and working a job.
Chaos ensues, in the form of a major car chase, several explosions, and finally a big reveal about what it is truly all about.
Thoughts:
Fun, especially if you feel like watching something with a reasonable (not great) plot and lots of explosions, car chases and guns.
Now they just need one more movie, so he can reconcile with his ex-wife. He has sorted out his relationships with his children....
Overall Rating:
6.5-7/10
John McLean. Bad Guys. Reconciliation with his son this time... what more could you ask???
Maybe that they destroy a chunk of Russia in the process???
Overview:
Okay, if you like the Die Hard movies you will be familiar with the characters and the general plotline. Somehow, John McLean, New York cop extraordinaire gets pulled into the middle of a disaster... This time it is in Russia, when he finds out his son has been arrested and he tries to help him. Instead, he finds out his son is CIA, and working a job.
Chaos ensues, in the form of a major car chase, several explosions, and finally a big reveal about what it is truly all about.
Thoughts:
Fun, especially if you feel like watching something with a reasonable (not great) plot and lots of explosions, car chases and guns.
Now they just need one more movie, so he can reconcile with his ex-wife. He has sorted out his relationships with his children....
Overall Rating:
6.5-7/10
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Beautiful Creatures
Seen sometime mid-February. Hoyts Victoria Gardens
Supernatural drama
Overview:
A new girl arrives in town. Some strange things happen. A local boy tries to make friends with her and finds out she is a caster (like a witch). They fall in love. Turns out they are cursed and that she will turn bad on her 16th birthday.
Can't reveal any more without revealing the ending.
Thoughts:
I have read the book so can't comment on how closely it follows the book, however the movie was entertaining, and the story was easy to follow.
Good special effects.
Left me wanting more and hopefully the next movie will be out next year hopefully.
Overall Rating:
7/10
Supernatural drama
Overview:
A new girl arrives in town. Some strange things happen. A local boy tries to make friends with her and finds out she is a caster (like a witch). They fall in love. Turns out they are cursed and that she will turn bad on her 16th birthday.
Can't reveal any more without revealing the ending.
Thoughts:
I have read the book so can't comment on how closely it follows the book, however the movie was entertaining, and the story was easy to follow.
Good special effects.
Left me wanting more and hopefully the next movie will be out next year hopefully.
Overall Rating:
7/10
Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters (2D)
Seen at Village Fountain Gate, 7th March.
Overview:
Follows the story of Hansel and Gretel after they beat the first witch as children. Why are they immune to the witches magic? Why were they left in the forest in the first place?
20 something years later, they have no answers, but are still roaming the countryside as witch bounty hunters. They end up in a town where a lot of children have been taken, and find out more about their past and the witches' plans than they had ever before.
Thoughts:
This is a fun film. It isn't a great film. The storyline is straightforward and predictable.
There is nothing deep and meaningful about this movie.
If you go see it, don't expect much. Suspend reality. Enjoy with a large serving of popcorn.
Overall Rating:
6/10
Overview:
Follows the story of Hansel and Gretel after they beat the first witch as children. Why are they immune to the witches magic? Why were they left in the forest in the first place?
20 something years later, they have no answers, but are still roaming the countryside as witch bounty hunters. They end up in a town where a lot of children have been taken, and find out more about their past and the witches' plans than they had ever before.
Thoughts:
This is a fun film. It isn't a great film. The storyline is straightforward and predictable.
There is nothing deep and meaningful about this movie.
If you go see it, don't expect much. Suspend reality. Enjoy with a large serving of popcorn.
Overall Rating:
6/10
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Book: Poison Princess by Kresley Cole
Book 1 of the Arcana Chronicles
Teenage Book
Supernatural Themes
Apocalyptic/ Disaster Setting
Overview:
Imagine you had a perfect life, except your mother thought you were going insane and sent you to be treated over your summer holidays. And when you come back to normal high school life, the nightmares that were haunting you return? This is the start of Poison Princess, the story of Evie.
Other than her supposed mental illness, her main concerns are fashion, her boyfriend and cars. But that all changes when her nightmares become real, and the earth is hit by the "Flash" - a bright light that vaporises the landscape.
Evie, her mother and several others, including school bad boy Jack, survive by taking refuge underground, however this is just the beginning.
The story explores what Evie is to become and why she had the nightmares she had. Over the book it is revealed that the Tarot Arcana are real, and take human form, and the final battle will be between Evie and the other Arcana. Not all of the Arcana are her enemy, not all are her allies. And the only way to gain power is to kill other Arcana.
The only person who may have some answers is her Grandmother, who is in a home several hundred miles away. With allies and enemies they try to cross the country while avoiding post- Flash militia that have formed, and the potential danger of creatures called "Bag-men"- zombie like humans that are chronically thirsty, and human blood will do in a pinch.
Thoughts:
It is a different take on the supernatural by far. The Arcana are fascinating, and the characters are likeable. Evie, for all she seemed to be trying to maintain a superficial persona, could not keep it up, and does love her friends and family dearly.
This book shows how people may not be what they seem, and that they can change and evolve.
I read this book in about 3 days once I started. It is an easy read and an interesting story. I am keen to read the next installment just to see where it will take me.
Rating:
B+ - easy read, nice characters, interesting world.
Teenage Book
Supernatural Themes
Apocalyptic/ Disaster Setting
Overview:
Imagine you had a perfect life, except your mother thought you were going insane and sent you to be treated over your summer holidays. And when you come back to normal high school life, the nightmares that were haunting you return? This is the start of Poison Princess, the story of Evie.
Other than her supposed mental illness, her main concerns are fashion, her boyfriend and cars. But that all changes when her nightmares become real, and the earth is hit by the "Flash" - a bright light that vaporises the landscape.
Evie, her mother and several others, including school bad boy Jack, survive by taking refuge underground, however this is just the beginning.
The story explores what Evie is to become and why she had the nightmares she had. Over the book it is revealed that the Tarot Arcana are real, and take human form, and the final battle will be between Evie and the other Arcana. Not all of the Arcana are her enemy, not all are her allies. And the only way to gain power is to kill other Arcana.
The only person who may have some answers is her Grandmother, who is in a home several hundred miles away. With allies and enemies they try to cross the country while avoiding post- Flash militia that have formed, and the potential danger of creatures called "Bag-men"- zombie like humans that are chronically thirsty, and human blood will do in a pinch.
Thoughts:
It is a different take on the supernatural by far. The Arcana are fascinating, and the characters are likeable. Evie, for all she seemed to be trying to maintain a superficial persona, could not keep it up, and does love her friends and family dearly.
This book shows how people may not be what they seem, and that they can change and evolve.
I read this book in about 3 days once I started. It is an easy read and an interesting story. I am keen to read the next installment just to see where it will take me.
Rating:
B+ - easy read, nice characters, interesting world.
Side Effects
Seen at Knox Village Cinemas, 2 March 2013
Psychological Thriller
Overview:
Much more straight forward than Cloud Atlas, but don't hold your breath for a good synopsis!!!
A woman, Emily, appears to be suicidal and ends up under the care of a psychiatrist, Dr Jonathon Banks. He prescribes medication that leads to her sleepwalking and killing her husband in her sleep.
Because of his apparent negligence, he loses his practice, his family, and everything. He becomes obsessed with how it could have happened.
And starts to question whether everything is really as it seems.
Thoughts:
Really, really good psychological thriller. If you like shows like Leverage, where nothing is quite what it seems until the end then this is a great movie for you.
It builds the tension slowly and brilliantly. It is twisted and mysterious.
The main characters are likeable, which is important to me.
They have managed to take what could have been a made for TV storyline and turned it into something really intense and interesting.
Overall Rating:
7/10
Psychological Thriller
Overview:
Much more straight forward than Cloud Atlas, but don't hold your breath for a good synopsis!!!
A woman, Emily, appears to be suicidal and ends up under the care of a psychiatrist, Dr Jonathon Banks. He prescribes medication that leads to her sleepwalking and killing her husband in her sleep.
Because of his apparent negligence, he loses his practice, his family, and everything. He becomes obsessed with how it could have happened.
And starts to question whether everything is really as it seems.
Thoughts:
Really, really good psychological thriller. If you like shows like Leverage, where nothing is quite what it seems until the end then this is a great movie for you.
It builds the tension slowly and brilliantly. It is twisted and mysterious.
The main characters are likeable, which is important to me.
They have managed to take what could have been a made for TV storyline and turned it into something really intense and interesting.
Overall Rating:
7/10
Cloud Atlas
Seen 6 March, 2013 at Chadstone Hoyts
Our lives are not our own. From womb to tomb, we are bound to others. Past and present. And by each crime and every kindness, we birth our future.
Overview:
The movie tells the interwoven stories of six timelines - from the 1800s into the future after some apocalyptic event.
In each time there are the oppressed and the oppressors - from the slave trade in the 1800s, to the oppression of the oil companies in the 1970s, to the oppression of the elderly in 2012.
This theme continues into the future, where humanity has divided into the purebloods - people that are born, and people that are created - the fabricants. Those that are created rule over those that are fabricated.
Finally, in the distant future, after some apocalyptic event brought about the fall of that civilisation there are two tribes living on an island, one tribe is peaceful, the other is violent. There is also another group of technically advanced people that live elsewhere. The violent oppress the peaceful and the technologically advanced do not interfere.
Some of the characters change each incarnation - they may be greedy and horrible in one, and nice in another, and other characters remain the same - either good or bad.
It becomes apparent that everyone in each story and each timeline is interconnected, and what has happened in the past impacts on the distant future. Each timeline has hope even amongst tragedy.
Thoughts:
Cloud Atlas should be nominated for best costume design next year at a minimum. It is a beautiful film, but the storyline leaves you going "What was that actually about?". IS it about reincarnation? The apparently futile hope that humanity might actually change for the better one day?
I think it wil be one of those films that everyone interprets differently and that you take something different out of it each time you watch it.
There are many recurring themes and much symbolism throughout.
It is neither a positive or negative film, but one that leaves you questioning where humanity as a whole is heading.
Without revealing more of the storyline, or what happens in the movie, I will say this, it is a movie I would recommend seeing.
It is beautiful, the visual effects and costuming is brilliant. The acting is good.
There is humour, love and laughter, amongst sorrow, violence and death.
Cloud Atlas is a long movie, so be warned.
Overall Rating:
7.5/10
Our lives are not our own. From womb to tomb, we are bound to others. Past and present. And by each crime and every kindness, we birth our future.
Overview:
The movie tells the interwoven stories of six timelines - from the 1800s into the future after some apocalyptic event.
In each time there are the oppressed and the oppressors - from the slave trade in the 1800s, to the oppression of the oil companies in the 1970s, to the oppression of the elderly in 2012.
This theme continues into the future, where humanity has divided into the purebloods - people that are born, and people that are created - the fabricants. Those that are created rule over those that are fabricated.
Finally, in the distant future, after some apocalyptic event brought about the fall of that civilisation there are two tribes living on an island, one tribe is peaceful, the other is violent. There is also another group of technically advanced people that live elsewhere. The violent oppress the peaceful and the technologically advanced do not interfere.
Some of the characters change each incarnation - they may be greedy and horrible in one, and nice in another, and other characters remain the same - either good or bad.
It becomes apparent that everyone in each story and each timeline is interconnected, and what has happened in the past impacts on the distant future. Each timeline has hope even amongst tragedy.
Thoughts:
Cloud Atlas should be nominated for best costume design next year at a minimum. It is a beautiful film, but the storyline leaves you going "What was that actually about?". IS it about reincarnation? The apparently futile hope that humanity might actually change for the better one day?
I think it wil be one of those films that everyone interprets differently and that you take something different out of it each time you watch it.
There are many recurring themes and much symbolism throughout.
It is neither a positive or negative film, but one that leaves you questioning where humanity as a whole is heading.
Without revealing more of the storyline, or what happens in the movie, I will say this, it is a movie I would recommend seeing.
It is beautiful, the visual effects and costuming is brilliant. The acting is good.
There is humour, love and laughter, amongst sorrow, violence and death.
Cloud Atlas is a long movie, so be warned.
Overall Rating:
7.5/10
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