FILMS on DVD Reviewed Part 2 (CLOSED)

[|MYT|Kuchar]

Torqy have you watched movie The Judge (2014) with Duvall and Downey Jr.?? Is it good?

[|MYT|Torq]

Torqy have you watched movie The Judge (2014) with Duvall and Downey Jr.?? Is it good?

Not yet...
I only review films released on DVD,,,

For the UK that is early March,,,

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However it does have good reviews

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED




Gone Girl
UK certificate 18
142 mins



Genre : Drama/Mystery/Thriller

Directed by : David Fincher

Starring : Ben Affleck/Rosamund Pike/Neil Patrick Harris

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On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne reports that his wife, Amy, has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick's portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?

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This is a movie you will either love or hate....
It is an intense drama well acted with a gripping storyline...
But the plot had holes in it....which were rite large.
A pity really...
So I can recommend if you like a well acted Drama with a touch of mystery to keep you interested.

7.5/10







Starship Rising
UK certificate 15
91 mins



Genre : Action/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Neil Johnson

Starring : Darren Jacobs/Emii/Brooke Lewis

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Starship One... the most powerful prototype warship in the Federation, capable of destroying entire worlds. Two empires at war: the corrupt Federation, and the oppressive Terra Nostra. Entire planets are being wiped out. When the order is given to destroy the Earth, Federation Flight Lieutenant John Worthy kills his superior officer and mutineers Starship One. Demanding that both sides make peace, he becomes the target of both sides of the war.

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Oh dear..where was the storyline, seemed to jump from one place to another without any real links.
The sound effects were unreal, the CGI average as was the acting.
Need I say more.

2.5/10






The Devil's Hands aka Where the Devil Hides
UK certificate 15
82 mins



Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Christian E. Christiansen

Starring : Rufus Sewell/Alycia Debnam Carey/Adelaide Kane

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When young girls start to go missing within a religious cult, older followers fear a long-told prophecy while the younger members suspect abusive elders are killing them off.

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An average horror which could have been much better if only it lifted it self from the bland script.
Good acting and special effects help to improve things.
Still one for late night viewing.

5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



The Maze Runner
UK certificate 12
108 mins



Genre : Action/Mystery/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Wes Ball

Starring : Dylan O'Brien/Kaya Scodelario/Thomas Brodie-Sangster

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Thomas wakes up in an elevator, remembering nothing but his own name. He emerges into a world of about 60 teen boys who have learned to survive in a completely enclosed environment, subsisting on their own agriculture and supplies. A new boy arrives every 30 days. The original group has been in "The Glade" for three years, trying to find a way to escape through the Maze that surrounds their living space. They have begun to give up hope. Then a comatose girl arrives with a strange note, and their world begins to change.

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I was somewhat disappointed having read a book years ago about a maze on an alien planet which was very nasty.
This is nothing like that as it set on a post apocalyptic world ..
It is entertaining enough though if you ignore the inconsistencies..
Well acted with some neat special effects...and I think there will be a sequel.

Recommended

7/10





Dracula Untold
UK certificate 15
88 mins



Genre : Action/Drama/Fantasy/Horror/War

Directed by : Gary Shore

Starring : Luke Evans/Dominic Cooper/Sarah Gadon

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As his kingdom is being threatened by the Turks, young prince Vlad Tepes must become a monster feared by his own people in order to obtain the power needed to protect his own family, and the families of his kingdom...

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Well what can I say....
The special effects and performances were very good but there lacked a sharpness in the horror sequences...
The war scenes are better.
An average storyline which dwelled little to much on relationships.

Worth a watch

6.5/10






Survival Code
UK certificate 15
85 mins



Genre : Action/Sci-Fi

Directed by : David Frazee

Starring : Ty Olsson/Patrick Gallagher/Michelle Harrison

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Set in 2045, Vic, an ex-ultimate fighter, is the owner of the only airstrip, hotel and bar in the high Arctic frontier town of Borealis. He does his best to keep the peace amongst a vast array of clashing characters in this lawless international free zone that sits on top of the world’s last remaining oil.

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First off the DVD cover graphics bares no relationship to the film.....whats new lol
Also this seemed to be a pilot for a series, but has failed as yet to materialize.

That said it is well acted with brutal action sequences and a decent enough storyline.
Fans of Ty Olsson will like this.

6/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED




Kraftidioten : In Order of Disappearance
UK certificate 15
112 mins



Genre : Action/Comedy/Crime/Thriller

Directed by : Hans Petter Moland

Starring : Stellan Skarsgård/Bruno Gunz/Birgitte Hjort Sørensen

Special Note : This is a Norwegian language film with English subtitles

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Nils drives a snow blower and has a carefree life in snow covered Norway, until his son's death suddenly puts him in the middle of a drug war between the Norwegian mafia and Serbian criminals. In this world he is a beginner - armed with heavy machinery and beginners luck.

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Excellent black comedy, brutal & bloody..snow bound atmospheric cinematography & top draw performances compliment...
Great entertainment.
Don't let sub-titles deter you.

Recommended

8/10






Coherence
UK certificate 15
89 mins



Genre : Drama/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : James Ward Byrkit

Starring : Hugo Armstrong/Emily Baldoni/Nicholas Brendon

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On the night a comet is passing near Earth, a dinner party takes an odd turn. When the power goes out, eight friends discover that the only house on the street left with power also holds many secrets.

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A good premise, alternate realities.....Not badly acted but I found this kind of Sci-Fi heavy going...much talk with some intriguing interludes.
Still some may like it.

6/10







Wrath of the Crows aka Curse of the Crows
UK certificate 18
90 mins



Genre : Horror/Mystery/Thriller

Directed by : Ivan Zuccon

Starring : Tiffany Shepis/Debbie Rochon/Tara Cardinal

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In hells prison, inmates are forced to suffer injustices both from their guards and the ruling officer. Feared by all, however, is a man nobody there has ever seen: the Judge. When new prisoner Princess arrives seemingly out of nowhere, and dressed only in a crow's feathers coat, she reveals her dark and supernatural nature, moving objects through the power of her mind and displaying feats of otherworldly strength.
The prisoner's dream of escape but in the end, they realise that the entire prison, inside and out, is a terrifying mirror game, where reality and illusion collide, and nightmares become real, throwing them into an endless vortex of terror and madness.

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If you like blood, gore and violence in your films then this is for you..
A decent enough storyline with some good special effects....
One for horror fans

6/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED




Fury
UK certificate 15
129 mins



Genre : Action/Drama/War

Directed by : David Ayer

Starring : Brad Pitt/Shia LaBeouf/Logan Lerman

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The last months of World War II ias the Allies make their final push in the European Theater, a battle-hardened U.S. Army sergeant in the 2nd Armored Division named Wardaddy commands a Sherman tank called "Fury" and its five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered and outgunned, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany.

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This movie had it's critics but for me it was entertaining if somewhat unrealistic in some of the action sequences.
Nevertheless performances were good with excellent cinematography and special effects.
The down side was a cliched filled plot...but so what.

Recommended

8/10







Obitaemyy ostrov : The Inhabited Island aka Dark Planet

UK certificate 15
115 mins



Genre : Action/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed By : Fyodor Bondarchuk

Starring : Vasily Stepanov/Pyotr Fyodorov/Yuliya Snigir

Special Note : Russian Language film with English sub-titles

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On the threshold of 22nd century, furrowing the space, protagonist from the Free Search Group makes emergency landing on an unknown planet where he must stay. People who are living on this planet have remained at the stone level of the 20th century, with its social problems, miserable ecology and shaky world...

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A neat Sci-fi movie with good performances let down somewhat by the screenplay.
I did not feel that there was enough suspense considering the original story which is far more complex.
However the special effects were good and as is usual for Russian films, a good musical score.

Worth a watch

6.5/10






Scar Tissue
UK certificate 18
99 mins



Genre : Thriller

Directed by : Scott Michell

Starring : Charity Wakefield/Danny Horn/Daniel Fraser

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When Luke wakes up and finds a mutilated corpse in his bathroom, his life changes for ever. Stalked by a terrifying psychopathic serial killer, he has to place his trust in the hands of a smart but volatile female cop, Sam Cross. The secret they uncover shatters Luke s life and brings Sam face to face with demons from her tragic childhood..

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A nice suspenseful thriller with a twist at the end.
Powerful performances with a good storyline entertains.

Recommended

7/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Annabelle
UK certificate 15
95 mins



Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : John R. Leonetti

Starring : Annabelle Wallis/Ward Horton/Alfre Woodard

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John Form has found the perfect gift for his expectant wife, Mia - a beautiful, rare vintage doll in a pure white wedding dress. But Mia's delight with Annabelle doesn't last long. On one horrific night, their home is invaded by members of a satanic cult, who violently attack the couple. Spilled blood and terror are not all they leave behind. The cultists have conjured an entity so malevolent that nothing they did will compare to the sinister conduit to the damned that is now... Annabelle..

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A horror film with some genuine scares done the old fashioned way.
Good performances particularly from Annabelle Wallis as Mia complement fine direction.
I enjoyed this movie and for once was feeling the hairs on me back rise.

Worth a watch

6.5/10







Dying of the Light
UK certificate 18
90 mins



Genre : Action/Drama/Thriller

Directed by : Paul Schrader

Starring : Nicolas Cage/Anton Yelchin/Irene Jacob

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Evan Lake, a veteran CIA agent, has been ordered to retire. But when his protégé uncovers evidence that Lake's nemesis, the terrorist Banir, has resurfaced, Lake goes rogue, embarking on a perilous, intercontinental mission to eliminate his sworn enemy.

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Oh dear...Nicolas Cage wants to be a "B" movie star by the looks of it.
A tad better than "Left Behind" reviewed earlier, but only just.
He puts in a good performance, but the scenario is poor as is the action.
I really don't think Cage fans will like this much.

5/10







Off World
UK certificate 15
87 mins



Genre : Action/Sci-Fi/Thriller

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Six friends get more than they bargained for when their shuttle craft crashes on an uncharted planet. Now, the only thing worse than not knowing where you are is if you’ll survive.

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Another "B" movie on a budget.
Decent enough acting but the production values were low and that wont do for Sci-Fi.
The director also needs lessons.
That said Sci-Fi nuts might like this.

4.5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED




The Imitation Game
UK certificate 12
110 mins



Genre : Biography/Drama/History/Thriller/War

Directed by : Morten Tyldum

Starring : Benedict Cumberbatch/Keira Knightley/Charles Dance

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Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, the film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II.

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Brilliant portrayal by Cumberbatch...this actor just gets better and better.
As one might expect a solid storyline woven expertly by the Director with superb performances all round.

Highly recommended

9/10







Ouija
UK certificate 15
86 mins



Genre : Horror/Mystery/Thriller

Directed by : Stiles White

Starring : Olivia Cooke/Bianca A. Santos/Daren Kagasoff

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A girl is mysteriously killed after recording herself playing with an ancient Ouija Board, which leads to a close group of friends to investigate this board. They later find out that some things aren't meant to be played with, especially the 'other side'

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This kind of horror has been over done in recent years...competent enough but average.
One for die hard horror fans, but don't expect any scares.

5/10







Hanger 10 aka The Rendlesham UFO Incident
UK certificate 15
83 mins



Genre : Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Daniel Simpson

Starring : Danny Shayler/Abbie Salt/Robert Curtis

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33 years after the infamous Rendlesham Forest UFO incident, three metal detector enthusiasts hunting for Saxon gold in the same region, capture incredible footage of UFO's whilst filming their expedition. As night falls and with their navigation equipment failing, they find themselves facing a terrifying encounter with an unforgiving alien presence.

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Found footage rubbish...I wish hollywood could get over this style of movie making.
This was indeed a poor movie badly directed with a hopeless storyline.
It just could have been much better as it is ...avoid.

2.5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED




The Hunger Games : Mockingjay Part 1
UK certificate 12
118 mins



Genre : Action/Adventure/Drama/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Francis Lawrence

Starring : Jennifer Lawrence/Josh Hutcherson/Liam Hemsworth

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Katniss Everdeen is in District 13 after she shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin and the advice of her trusted friends,
Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta and a nation moved by her courage.

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Another in the series, and not the last.
This had mixed reviews from critics, some thought it slow paced and boring...Well I did not.
True it is a drama and therefore slower paced but the storyline was good as were the performances.
All in all entertaining, but don't expect the amount of action seen earlier in the series.

I hope the final installment is better balanced between action and drama.

Worth a watch

7/10







Extraterrestrial
UK certificate 15
96 mins



Genre : Horror/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Colin Minihan

Starring : Brittany Allen/Freddie Stroma/Melanie Papalia

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Five friends set out to a cabin in the woods for a fun weekend getaway—that is, until extraterrestrial visitors turn it into a fight for their lives.
The group is pulled from their reverie when a flickering object crashes deep in the woods. As they investigate, the friends stumble across an alien spacecraft,
and its inhabitants have not arrived in peace.

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Typical of the genre and formulaic .... That said it does have its moments and the ending for once is surprising.
Reasonable storyline with good special effects.

One for Sci-Fi nuts.

6.5/10







Halo : Nightfall
UK certificate 12
94 mins



Genre : Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Sergio Mimica-Gezzan

Starring : Mike Colter/Steve Waddington/Christina Chong

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Well some more in this franchise...sadly not going very far, surprisingly this is suppose to be a pilot for a new mini-series.
Competent enough acting, but the storyline needs some lift as does the production values.
Yet another for Sc-Fi nuts

6/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FOLMS ON DVD REVIEWED




I Follow You Down aka Continuum
UK certificate 15
89 mins



Genre : Drama/Mystery/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Richie Mehta

Starring : Haley Joel Osment/Gillian Anderson/Rufus Sewell

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After the disappearance of a young scientist on a business trip, his son and wife struggle to cope, only to make a bizarre discovery years later - one that may bring him home.

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An interesting Sci-Fi drama a tad slow to start with, but enjoyable nontheless....and a surprising ending.
Worth a watch

6.5/10






The Device
UK certificate 15
87 mins



Genre : Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Jeremy Burg

Starring : Angela DiMarco/David S. Hogan/Kate Alden

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Abby and Rebecca Powell haven't seen each other since a traumatic event in their youth ripped them apart. Reunited for the first time in over a decade, the sisters take a trip to spread their mother's ashes at a secluded lake. As the sisters reconnect and try to heal old wounds, something waits in the nearby woods. A strange object, made not by the hands of man, beckons them to it. As they begin to try and unlock its secrets, Abby is plagued by nightmares of an alien presence that seem all too real.

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An interesting concept poorly delivered.
In fact a boring film with little in the way of scares and even less in special effects.
I only wish film makers put more effort into this kind of story.

3/10







Mr. Turner
UK certificate 12
144 mins



Genre : Biography/Drama/History

Directed by : Mike Leigh

Starring : Timothy Spall/Dorothy Atkinson/Marion Bailey

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Mr. Turner explores the last quarter century of the great if eccentric British painter J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851). Profoundly affected by the death of his father, loved by a housekeeper he takes for granted and occasionally exploits sexually, he forms a close relationship with a seaside landlady with whom he eventually lives incognito in Chelsea, where he dies. Throughout this, he travels, paints, stays with the country aristocracy, visits brothels, is a popular if anarchic member of the Royal Academy of Arts, has himself strapped to the mast of a ship so that he can paint a snowstorm, and is both celebrated and reviled by the public and by royalty.

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Saved the best till last.
This is an outstanding drama of the painter, performed by Timothy Spall at the top of his game.
A magical storyline, well scripted, stunning cinematography with a good musical score compliments.

Recommended

8/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED




Interstellar
UK certificate 12
162 mins



Genre : Adventure/Drama/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Christopher Nolan

Starring : Matthew McConaughey/Anne Hathaway/Jessica Chastain

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In the near future, Earth has been devastated by drought and famine, causing a scarcity in food and extreme changes in climate. When humanity is facing extinction, a mysterious rip in the space-time continuum is discovered, giving mankind the opportunity to widen its lifespan. A group of explorers must travel beyond our solar system in search of a planet that can sustain life. The crew of the Endurance are required to think bigger and go further than any human in history as they embark on an interstellar voyage into the unknown. Coop, the pilot of the Endurance, must decide between seeing his children again and the future of the human race.

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Well what can one say.....Visually stunning, captivating and at moments poignant...
The visual effects were as one might expect top dollar....
I was less convinced about the performances, somehow I did not quite gel with the lead characters, but I think that was nit pic.
However the musical score by Hans Zimmer captured the drama & mood of the story perfectly.

Highly Recommended

9.5/10







Nightcrawler
UK certificate 15
113 mins



Genre : Crime/Drama/THriller

Directed : Dan Gilroy

Starring : Jake Gyllenhaal/Rene Russo/Riz Ahmed

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A driven young man (Gyllenhaal) stumbles upon the underground world of L.A. freelance crime journalism. When Lou Bloom, desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story. Aiding him in his effort is Nina, a TV-news veteran.

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Gyllenhaal at his razor sharp best...relentless in his ambition.
A good storyline with some fine satirical moments.

Recommended

7.5/10







The Remaining
UK certificate 15
84 mins



Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Casey La Scala

Starring : Alexa PenaVega/Jonny Pacar/Bryan Dechart

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A group of close friends gather for a wedding, but the celebration is shattered by a series of cataclysmic events and enemies foretold by biblical end-times prophecies. The survivors face a horrifying, uncertain future as they scramble for safety, but as their world collapses around them in chaos and terror will they choose real life through faith, or just try to survive?

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A pity about the actors....rather mundane performances unlike the special effects which were good.
So an average horror...

5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Predestination
UK certificate 15
93 mins



Genre : Action/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Michael Spierig

Starring : Ethan Hawke/Sarah Snook/Noah Taylor

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The life of a time-traveling Temporal Agent.
On his final assignment, he must pursue the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time.

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An interesting movie with lots of twists and turns.
Good performances and an original storyline compliment.

Recommended

7.5/10






An Enemy To Die For
UK certificate 15
103 mins



Genre : Thriller

Directed by : Peter Dalle

Starring : Tom Burke/Allan Corduner/Jeanette Hain

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Despite the threat of war in the fall of 1939, the Germans decide to launch a sea expedition in search of evidence for Pangaea. Although the multi national geologists embark enthusiastically on their research mission, the growing political tension between their countries soon affects their work. With Britain and France declaring war on Germany, the civilian scientists now find themselves mere pawns in a global power struggle.

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A neat thriller, let down by some performances...
The film has characters speaking 5 languages, so there are sub-titles where need.
I quite liked this film, although I admit some may find it less so.

6/10






By The Gun
UK certificate 18
105 mins



Genre : Crime/Drama/Thriller

Directed by : James Mottern

Starring : Ben Barnes/Leighton Meester/Slaine

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Nick Tortano is a smooth-talking, ambitious criminal from the streets of Boston. After years spent working for and idolizing the Italian gangsters he finally proves himself to the boss and becomes a made man. However, once inside, Nick conflicts with a moneymaker for the Mafia and begins to drive a wedge between him and Boss.

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A gritty mafia movie with some good performances....But do we need another ?
Average storyline....what can I say....Oh yes watch the "Sopranos" instead

5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Black Sea
UK certificate 15
111 mins



Genre : Adventure/Thriller

Directed by : Kevin MacDonald

Starring : Jude Law/Scoot McNairy/Ben Mendleson

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In order to make good with his former employers, a submarine captain takes a job with a shadowy backer to search the depths of the Black Sea for a submarine rumored to be loaded with gold.

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An entertaining movie with good performances and an adequate storyline.
Not a classic by any means but worth a watch...
The underwater cinematography was excellent as were the special effects.

7/10







The Atticus Institute
UK certificate 15
83 mins



Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Chris Sparling

Starring : Rya Kihlstedt/William Mapother/Sharon Maughan

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In the fall of 1976, a small psychology lab in Pennsylvania became home to the only government-confirmed case of possession. The U.S. military took control of the lab and, soon after, implemented measures aimed at weaponizing the entity.

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An interesting story hampered by average execution...
As with most low budget efforts the performances were on a par.

I guess horror fans may find it entertaining....

6/10






The Signal
UK certificate 15
93 mins



Genre : Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : William Eubank

Starring : Brenton Thwaites/Olivia Cooke/Laurence Fishburne

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On a road trip, Nic and two friends are drawn to an isolated area by a computer genius. When everything suddenly goes dark, Nic regains consciousness - only to find himself in a waking nightmare.

<><><>

An entertaining and interesting Sci-Fi movie with a decent storyline and an ending you wont expect.
Slow in places though which for me was the downside.
However worth a watch.

6.5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED




The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies
UK certificate 12
139 mins



Genre : Action/Adventure/Fantasy

Directed : Peter Jackson

Starring : Ian McKellen/Richard Armitage/Evangeline Lilly

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Mere seconds after the events of "Desolation", Bilbo and Company continue to claim a mountain of treasure that was guarded long ago: But with Gandalf the Grey also facing some formidable foes of his own, the Hobbit is outmatched when the brutal army of orcs led by Azog the Defiler returns. But with other armies such as the elves and the men of Lake-Town, which are unsure to be trusted, are put to the ultimate test when Smaug's wrath, Azog's sheer strength, and Sauron's force of complete ends attack. All in all, the trusted armies have two choices: unite or die. But even worse, Bilbo gets put on a knife edge and finds himself fighting with Hobbit warfare with all of his might for his dwarf-friends, as the hope for Middle-Earth is all put in Bilbo's hands. The one "precious" thing to end it all.

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This outing attracted much criticism partly because of the excessive use of CGI some of which was poorly implemented, and the Director's seeming lack of
control.
Personally if a film entertains and keeps you interested then it has done its job.
This did......but only if you like action.

Sadly character development was an after thought, and the storyline lacked coherence in places...
A pity.....
Nonetheless spectacular.

7.5/10







Beneath
UK certificate 15
85 mins



Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Ben Ketai & David Hollands

Starring : Jeff Fahey/Kelly Noonan/Joey Kern

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A crew of coal miners becomes trapped 600 feet below ground after a disastrous collapse. As the air grows more toxic and time runs out, they slowly descend into madness and begin to turn on one another. Inspired by true events.

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Claustrophobic, dark with good performances to add to the atmosphere....
Yes it had its faults, but a descent enough movie which I think will keep you interested.

6.5/10







Alien Outpost aka Mankind's Last Stand
UK certificate 15
88 mins



Genre : Action/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Jabbar Raisani

Starring : Joe Reegan/Reilly McClendon/Scott Miller

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A documentary crew follows an elite unit of soldiers in the wake of an alien invasion.

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An ok outing, but we have been here before.
The Film lacked punch, the alien creations were well under whelming...
Low budget with productions values to match.

4.5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED




Exodus : Gods And Kings
UK certificate 12
144 mins



Genre : Adventure/Drama

Directed by : Ridley Scott

Starring : Christian Bale/Joel Edgerton/John Turturro

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The story of the defiant leader Moses as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

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Another Hollywood epic which had very mixed reviews....
I personally like Ridley Scott's direction and his ability to bring the best out of actors.
The cinematography was superb and complimented excellent CGI effects.
However I thought that the storyline was average and that some of the casting choices were very odd indeed considering the location.
Perhaps better depth in characterization would have helped.....

Worth a watch

7/10







Kon-Tiki
UK certificate 15
109 mins



Genre : Adventure/History

Directed by : Espen Sandberg/Joachim Rønning

Starring : Pål Sverre Valheim Hagen/Anders Baasmo Christiansen/Agnes Kittelsen

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The Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl crossed the Pacific Ocean in a balsa-wood raft in 1947, together with five men, to prove that South Americans back in pre-Columbian times could have crossed the ocean and settled on Polynesian islands. After financing the trips with loans and donations, they set off on an epic 101-day-long trip across 8000 kilometers of Ocean.

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A real treat...Superb performances and cinematography brings to life the epic journey of Kon-Tiki.
The storyline was just right anf all in all kept me engrossed.

Recommended

8/10







Zulu
Uk certificate 18
102 mins



Genre : Crime/Drama/Thriller

Directed by : Jérôme Salle

Starring : Orlando Bloom/Forest Whitaker/Conrad Kemp

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As a child, Ali Neuman narrowly escaped being murdered by Inkhata, a militant political party at war with Nelson Mandela's African National Congress. Only he and his mother survived the carnage of those years. But as with many survivors, the psychological scars remain. Today, Ali is chief of the homicide branch of the South African police in Cape Town. One of his staff is Brian Epkeen, a free-wheeling white officer whose family was originally involved in the establishment of apartheid but who works well with Neuman. Together they have to deal with crime that inevitably exists in sprawling areas of un- and under- employed people, crime exacerbated by gangs, both local and from other parts of Africa. Their job gets even more difficult when the corpses of two young women are found.

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A very brutal journey into the drug fueled crime world of South Africa and it's consequences....
Top draw performances compliment a strong believable storyline..
Be aware of the gritty bloody nature of this movie.

Recommended

8/10