FILMS on DVD Reviewed Part 2 (CLOSED)

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED




I, Frankenstein
UK certificate 12
88 mins



Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Stuart Beattie

Starring : Aaron Eckhart/Bill Nighy/Yvonne Strahovski

<><><>

200 years on from his formation, Dr. Frankenstein immortal creation Adam (Eckhart) still walks the earth. Caught in the middle of a war between the benevolent Gargoyles led by Leonore and malevolent demonic forces who are hunting him down, Adam is forced to confront those who seek to exploit his unnatural ability to live forever and put an end to their aim of destroying mankind...

<><><>

A rather average outing, maybe a poor attempt to revive the underworld franchise....
The special effects are ok, but the storyline was somewhat low key....
A pity....
Worth a watch if you like fantasy films.

6/10





Assault on Wall Street
UK certificate 15
95 mins



Genre : Action/Drama/Thriller

Directed by : Uwe Boll

Starring : Dominic Purcell/Erin Karpluk/Edward Furlong

<><><>

Jim is an average New Yorker living a peaceful life with a well paying job and a loving family. Suddenly, everything changes when the economy crashes causing Jim to lose everything. Filled with anger and rage, Jim snaps and goes to extreme lengths to seek revenge for the life taken from him..

<><><>

Well it had to happen....Payback on Wall Street....A reasonable storyline at some expense to action, but with some depth to the characters..
The ending you will love.
Worth a watch

6.5/10






Top Dog
UK certificate 18
92 mins



Genre : Crime/Drama

Directed by : Martin Kemp

Starring : Leo Gregory/Ricci Harnett/Vincent Regan

<><><>

Hooligan boss Billy Evans has it all - a successful business, a beautiful family and respect on the terraces. But when he clashes with gangster Mickey over a backstreet protection racket, Billy soon finds himself out of his depth as they look to finally settle the question - who is Top Dog?

<><><>

I expected better ...The Performances were OK , but without the usual depth of menace....
Brutal in places but in my view a tad lame.
Worth a watch.

6/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Jack Ryan : Shadow Recruit
UK certificate 12
101 mins



Genre : Action/Drama/Thriller

Directed by : Kenneth Branagh

Starring : Chris Pine/Kevin Costner/Keira Knightley/Kenneth Branagh

<><><>

Following on from his career in the military, Jack now works as an analyst for the CIA's Financial Intelligence Unit under the guidance of William Harper (Kevin Costner). Believing he has stumbled upon a plot by Russian billionaire Viktor Cherevin (Branagh) to crash the United States economy, it isn't long before Jack is forced to go undercover and infiltrate Viktor's network. But with his wife Cathy (Keira Knightley) curious about the true nature of his work, Jack is under pressure to protect not only his country but his personal relationship as well...

<><><>

I was looking forward to this but was somewhat disappointed in what turned out to be an average action thriller....
True Pine & Branagh were excellent in there roles and this did uplift the movie.
However I am not sure Clancy fans will like this....

Never the less worth a watch

6.5/10





In The Blood
UK certificate 18
102 mins



Genre : Action/Crime/Thriller

Directed by : John Stockwell

Starring : Gina Carano/Cam Gigandet/Luis Guzman

<><><>

When her husband goes missing during their Caribbean vacation, a woman sets off on her own to take down the men she thinks are responsible.

<><><>

oh oh....I must say I enjoyed this movie
Gina waxes them all...Bloody, brutal and in the face violence....
Good performances all round, even Danny Trejo makes an appearance...

Worth a watch particularly for action fans who like a very hard edge to violence.

6.5/10






House of Good and Evil
UK certificate 18
104 mins



Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : David Mun

Starring : Rachel Marie Lewis/Christian Oliver/Marietta Marich

<><><>

After a family tragedy, Chris and Maggie Conley, in a last-ditch effort to save their dying marriage, purchase an isolated home in a secluded forest. When Chris leaves for days at a time to continue his training as a firefighter Maggie is left alone in their new house. But her emotional state deteriorates rapidly after a series of disturbing events.
She becomes convinced that there is something unnatural sharing their house intent on her psychological destruction. But does some malicious presence really have the key to their front door or is there something even more alarming happening in the house of good and evil?

<><><>

A slow grinding bore, passable acting but that is it.
I have no idea why the nannies at the certification board gave it an 18..perhaps the sight of anger upset them !
Not scary just tiresome, still it did have a moment or two where interest peaked.

3.5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Robocop
UK certificate 12
113 mins



Genre : Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : José Padilha

Starring : Joel Kinnaman/Michael Keaton/Gary Oldman

<><><>

The year is 2028 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Overseas, their drones have been used by the military for years - and it's meant billions for OmniCorp's bottom line. Now OmniCorp wants to bring their controversial technology to the home front, and they see a golden opportunity to do it. When Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) - a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit - is critically injured in the line of duty, OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer. OmniCorp envisions a RoboCop in every city and even more billions for their shareholders, but they never counted on one thing: there is still a man inside the machine pursuing justice...

<><><>

Remake time....Well it is not a bad effort & the special effects are better this time around.
Performances are good as is the action.

Worth a watch

6.5/10





Lone Survivor
UK certificate 15
116 mins



Genre : Action/Biography/Drama/Thriller/War

Directed by : Peter Berg

Starring : Mark Wahlberg/Taylor Kitsch/Emile Hirsch

<><><>

Based on the failed June 28, 2005 mission "Operation Red Wing." Four members of SEAL Team 10, were tasked with the mission to capture or kill notorious Taliban leader, Ahmad Shahd. Marcus Luttrell was the only member of his team to survive.

<><><>

Realistic & Brutal....but one wonders why missions of this sort do not have cover...
Still the film is taken from the book written by Marcus Luttrell and of course there are some differences of opinion on operational matters.
The performances were good, but I must mention the stunning cinematography which was outstanding....

Recommended

7/10






The Monuments Men
UK certificate 12
113 mins



Genre : Biography/Drama/History/War

Directed by : George Clooney

Starring : George Clooney/Matt Damon/Cate Blanchett

<><><>

In a race against time, a crew of art historians and museum curators unite to recover renown works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys them.

<><><>

I enjoyed this film...But I have to say it is a bit mundane and could have been much better.
The story is good, but the script very average.
I just wondered whether it was dumb down for younger audiences..

6/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Out of the Furnace
UK certificate 15
112 mins



Genre : Crime/Drama/Thriller

Directed by : Scott Cooper

Starring : Christian Bale/Woody Harrelson/Casey Afflect

<><><>

Russell and his younger brother Rodney live in the economically-depressed Rust Belt, and have always dreamed of escaping and finding better lives. But when a cruel twist of fate lands Russell in prison, his brother becomes involved with one of the most violent and ruthless crime rings in the Northeast - a mistake that will cost him everything. Once released, Russell must choose between his own freedom, or risk it all to seek justice for his brother. .

<><><>

Top draw performances by the lead actors in this slice of America.....
In the vain of The Deer Hunter and The Place Beyond the Pines, the storyline is straight forward with little in the way of plot twists.
However it is engaging...which matters !

Recommended

7/10






Raze
UK certificate 18
88 mins



Genre : Action/Horror

Directed by : Josh C. Waller

Starring : Zoe Bell/Rachel Nichols

<><><>

After Sabrina (Bell) is abducted, she finds herself in an underground lair, forced to do battle with other innocent women for the amusement of unseen spectators. Each of these reluctant warriors has something to lose, but only one will remain when the game is done...

<><><>

Very intense, brutal and bloody....and a slice of martial arts.
The performances were good particularly from Bell...the storyline has been done before but should not distract.
Be warned it is in the face violence in more ways than one.

Worth a watch

6.5/10






The Pit aka Jug Face
UK certificate 15



Genre : Drama/Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Chad Crawford Kinkle

Starring : Lauren Ashley Carter/Sean Bridges/Sean Young

<><><>

The pit has spoken. Dawai, the potter of a backwoods community, has crafted a face on a ceramic jug of the person that the pit wants sacrificed. Ada, pregnant with her brother’s child, has seen her face on the jug and hides it in the woods, determined to save the life of her unborn. If she does not sacrifice herself however, the creature from the pit will kill everyone in the village until she does.

<><><>

Sort of average horror but is lifted by good performances and storyline.
Some gruesome moments.


6/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Absolute Deception
UK certificate 15
88 mins



Genre : Action/Crime/Thriller

Directed by : Brian Trenchard-Smith

Starring : Cuba Gooding Jr./Emmanuelle Vaugier

<><><>

A widowed reporter recruits the help of a federal agent to investigate her late husband's secrets, but the two become the target of unknown attackers. When FBI Agent John Nelson’s (Gooding Jr.) key informant, Miles, is abducted and shot, all that’s left is a severed finger. In order to find a new lead, Nelson travels to New York City to inform widowed magazine reporter Rebecca Scott (Vaugier) that her long dead husband, Miles, had only recently been murdered to see if she had heard from him in recent years. Perplexed, Scott joins Agent Nelson in the wealthy enclave of Australia’s Gold Coast to find out what really happened. The two soon discover Miles may have been part of an elaborate “Ponzi scheme” to bilk investors, and a vengeful billionaire, out of millions of dollars. As more layers of Miles’ secret life are exposed, can the two stay ahead of the mysterious attackers who will stop at nothing to halt their investigation?

<><><>

Run of the mill thriller with some intriguing moments...
Vaugier puts in a star performance lifting a very average script.....Gooding is not bad either.

Sadly that is about it....

5.5/10






Gagarin : First in Space
UK certificate 12
108 mins



Genre : Biography/Drama/History

Directed by : Pavel Parkhomenko

Starring : Yaroslav Zhalnin/Mikhail Filippov/Olga Ivanova

Special note : This is a Russian Language film with English sub-titles...

<><><>

The film celebrates the bravery and achievements of Yuri Gagarin - the first man in space.
On April 12, 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Gagarin blasted off in a Vostok rocket and he orbited Earth for 108 minutes. He was the cosmonaut who was selected from over three thousand fighter pilots throughout the Soviet Union. Once chosen Gagarin is fast tracked to train for the unknown and the trip of a life time!

<><><>

An excellent portrayal of the first astronaut in space....
Well rounded performances and a good script compliment.
A special mention of the musical score which was outstanding...and the special effects where top draw.

Recommended

8.5/10

Please note the trailer is in Russian without sub-titles...






Reasonable Doubt
UK certificate 15
91 mins



Genre : Action/Crime/Thriller

Directed by : Peter Howitt ( as Peter P. Croudins)

Starring : Dominic Cooper/Samual L. Jackson/Gloria Reuben

<><><>

When up-and-coming District Attorney Mitch Brockden commits a fatal hit-and-run, he feels compelled to throw the case against the accused criminal who was found with the body and blamed for the crime. Following the trial, Mitch's worst fears come true when he realizes that he acquitted a guilty man, and he soon finds himself on the hunt for the killer before more victims pile up.

<><><>

Another average action thriller but with some good twists and turns....some of which defies belief.
Jackson puts in his usual good performance..

Worth a watch

6.5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Non Stop
UK certificate 15
95 mins



Genre : Action/Mystery/Thriller

Directed by : Jaume Collet-Serra

Starring : Liam Neeson/Julianne Moore/Scoot McNairy

<><><>

During a transatlantic flight from New York City to London, U.S. Air Marshal Bill Marks (Neeson) receives a series of cryptic text messages demanding that he instruct the airline to transfer $150 million into an off-shore account. Until he secures the money, a passenger on his flight will be killed every 20 minutes..

<><><>

A neat action thriller well acted.....
Yes the story is a tad silly, but that is not the point....Keeping you entertained is, and this movie did that for me.

Recommended

7.5/10






13 Sins
UK certificate 15
88 mins



Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Daniel Stamm

Starring : Mark Webber/Rutina Wesley/Ron Perlman

<><><>

Elliot Brindle is a bright, meek salesman, drowning in debt - and desperate as he's about to marry the love of his life. Upon receiving a phone call informing him that he's on a hidden camera game show where he must execute 13 tasks to receive a sum total cash prize of $6.2M, Elliot dismissively follows through with his first two instructions: swat the fly that is currently bothering him, then eat the fly. With thousands of dollars suddenly appearing in his bank account, Elliot remains skeptical, though comforted by the knowledge that he can stop playing at anytime if only to lose every penny that he's won. Trapped into the horrors manipulated by unseen spectators, Elliot's need to complete the game escalates as the tasks grow more extreme, to a devastating point of no return.

<><><>

The tasks do indeed become extreme...many of which have been seen before in other movies.
That said the performances were good particularly from Webber & Perlman...The special effects complimented.

Worth a watch

6.5/10






The Cloth
UK certificate 15
85 mins



Genre : Adventure/Fantasy/Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Justin Price

Starring : Danny Trejo/Eric Roberts/Rachele Brooke Smith

<><><>

Centered on a secret organization formed by the Catholic Church to counteract the rising number of cases of demonic possessions across the country. The story follows a young godless man who is being recruited into the cloth in order to prepare a new generation with the tools needed to stop the rise of the ultimate evil; Beelzebub.

<><><>

Oh dear...gore there is but this is a poor film....
If you are addicted to horror you might like this...but personally I would give it a miss.

2.5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



The Book Thief
UK certificate 12
125 mins



Genre : Drama/War

Directed by : Brian Percival

Starring : Geoffrey Rush/Emily Watson/Sophie Nelisse

<><><>

The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel, an extraordinary and courageous young girl sent to live with a foster family in World War II Germany. She learns to read with encouragement from her new family and Max, a Jewish refugee who they are hiding under the stairs. For Liesel and Max, the power of words and imagination become the only escape from the tumultuous events happening around them.

<><><>

Superb drama...a powerful & emotional story of the times....based on the award winning novel by Markus Zusak.
Top draw acting, directing & cinematography puts you right there....

Highly Recommended particularly to those that like solid drama.

10/10







Drive Hard
UK certificate 15
91 mins



Genre : Action/Comedy/Crime

Directed by : Brian Trenchard-Smith

Starring : John Cusack/Thomas Jane

<><><>

A former race car driver turned driver's training instructor (Jane) is abducted by a mysterious thief (Cusack) and forced to be the wheel-man for a crime that puts both in the sights of the cops and the mob and leads them all on a chase across Australia's Gold Coast

<><><>

A very average movie lifted by the lead Actors...
The action is somewhat understated, and the comedy a tad mild.

5.5/10







The Factory aka Death Factory
UK certificate 18
84 mins



Genre : Horror

Directed by : Steven Judd

Starring : Semi Anthony/Damien Puckler/Mara Hall

<><><>

Stranded in the middle of nowhere during a storm, a busload of strangers has no choice but to take shelter in a museum dedicated to serial killers. But hell literally breaks loose when supernatural forces resurrect a horror hall-of-fame including John Wayne Gacy, Ed Gein, Jeffrey Dahmer, the Zodiac Killer and Jack the Ripper...

<><><>

Summer "B" movies....and this is one of them...
Dire gore ridden nonsense...but the special effects are not bad.

Only for those who cannot sleep

4/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Under The Skin
UK certificate 15
104 mins



Genre : Drama/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Jonathan Glazer

Starring : Scarlett Johansson

<><><>

A female alien comes to Scotland to replace a deceased alien. She drives a van through the roads and streets seducing lonely men to process their bodies. Soon the emotionless alien sees her human form in a mirror and she experiences the human emotions and feelings coming to a tragic discovery.

<><><>

Well you will either love or hate this film...In my opinion there is no middle ground.
Often bleak cinematography, an in the face study of the human condition in which Johansson emotionless performance to cull for her race is outstanding.
Some horror, some erotic scenes compliment...

Not for all then, but for Sci-Fi addicts, who like a change, this may well be for you.

7/10






Behind Enemy Lines: Seal Team 8
UK certificate 15
93 mins



Genre : Action/Drama/War

Directed by : Roel Reine

Starring : Tom Sizemore/Lex Shrapnel/Anthony Oseyemi

<><><>

Seal Team Eight must fight their way deep into Africa's Congo, decommission a secret uranium mine, and stop our most dangerous enemy from smuggling weapon's grade yellow-cake out of the country.

<><><>

All action movie but not as good as "Strike Back series".....
An average outing then but with good action sequences & special effects.

I must admit I enjoyed this film, but others have been critical about the body count compared to the Seals.
It entertained and for me that's what counts.

6/10






Camp Dread aka Dead TV
UK certificate 18
90 mins



Genre : Horror/Mystery/Thriller

Directed by : Harrison Smith

Starring : Eric Roberts/Danielle Harris

<><><>

The "Summer Camp" horror trilogy was one of the most popular franchises of the 1980s. However, the decade ended and so did director/writer Julian Barrett's career. Now Barrett has a plan to resurrect "Summer Camp" in a modern reboot that entails using a reality show as its template and source of fundraising. Should it succeed Barrett would once again be at the helm. Bringing together a group of young "contestants" as well as his former stars Rachel Steele and John Hill, Barrett seems to have put together a sure fire recipe for success. Then people start dying. For real. And "elimination" takes on a whole new meaning as "Dead.tv" clearly shows the slasher film has grown up.

<><><>

No No No....Gore and more gore and one way of death new to cinema......possibly.
This has little to commend it other than some good special effects...
Just seems sad that they keep pumping out films like this...

3.5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Need for Speed
UK certificate 12
125 mins



Genre : Action/Crime/Drama/Thriller

Directed by : Scott Waugh

Starring : Aaron Paul/Dominic Cooper/Imogen Poots

<><><>

Framed by an ex-partner for a murder he did not commit, Tobey Marshall, a financially struggling custom-car builder and street-racer, spends two years in jail thinking about one moment. Fresh out of prison he reacquires the fastest car his workshop ever built and sold, and seeks to enter a secretive and extremely high-stakes race known as The DeLeon. His purpose; redemption, recognition from the world of racing and to solve his problems. Yet all this fades in comparison to his driving reason. Revenge. Above all, revenge. This is a story about love, redemption, revenge and motor oil all swirled together, but above all; It's a story about fast, fast cars.

<><><>

If you like fast cars, awesome stunts and bucket loads of action then this is for you....
Based on EAs game, it lives up to its name and some.....

You guessed it ...I enjoyed this film.

Recommended

7.5/10






Bad Ass 2 : Bad Asses
UK certificate 15
86 mins



Genre : Action/Drama

Directed by : Craig Moss

Starring : Danny Trejo/Danny Glover

<><><>

Vietnam vet Frank Vega now runs an East L.A. community center where he trains young boxers to survive in and out of the ring. But when his prize student falls in with the wrong crowd and turns up dead, Frank teams up with his pal Bernie to take matters into their own fists and prove that justice never gets old.

<><><>

I enjoyed this film, but maybe because of my sense of humour..
Kick ass pensioners lol....Trejo does it well.
Sadly an average storyline, but who cares.

6/10






Enemies Closer
UK certificate 15
82 mins



Genre : Action/Thriller

Directed by : Peter Hyams

Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme/Orlando Jones/Tom Everett Scott

<><><>

After a major shipment of drugs goes missing on the US-Canadian border, forest ranger and former Navy SEAL Henry is plunged into survival mode when the drug cartel forces him to help retrieve the downed package. Trapped in the wilderness with no communication to the outside world, Henry finds himself face to face with Clay, a man with a personal vendetta against Henry who has returned for retribution. Now, the two mortal enemies must make a choice: put aside their past and work together, or die alone at the hands of the drug runners, a ruthless gang who will stop at nothing to retrieve their lost cargo.

<><><>

Well Van Damme shines in this movie as a deranged drug lord...Jones & Scott compliment.
Some good action sequences and storyline keeps you entertained.

6.5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Noah
UK certificate 12
132 mins



Genre : Action/Adventure/Drama

Directed by : Darren Aronofsky

Starring : Russell Crow/Jennifer Connelly/Ray Winstone

<><><>

A man is chosen by his world's creator to undertake a momentous mission before an apocalyptic flood cleanses the world...

<><><>

I was looking forward to viewing this film, but was somewhat disappointed in both the Directors execution & Storyline adaption from the biblical Story.
Crowe's performance was at best average .... Aronofsky's direction was not up to the standards of "Black Swan", "The Fountain" & "Pi".
That said the special effects were good and I guess I was entertained.
So worth a watch.

6.5/10






After The Dark aka The Philosophers
UK certificate 15
102 mins



Genre : Drama/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : John Huddles

Starring : James D'Arcy/Sophie Lowe/Daryl Sabara

<><><>

At an international school in Jakarta, a philosophy teacher challenges his class of twenty graduating seniors to choose which ten of them would take shelter underground and reboot the human race in the event of a nuclear apocalypse.

<><><>

An interesting concept which sadly descends into nonsense....
However the performances were good & in parts the storyline were thought provoking..
I guess one for addicts of the genre.

6/10






The Zero Theorem
UK certificate 15
102 mins



Genre : Drama/Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Terry Gilliam

Starring : Christoph Waltz/Melanie Thierry/David Thewlis

<><><>

A computer hacker's goal to discover the reason for human existence continually finds his work interrupted thanks to the Management; this time, they send a teenager and lusty love interest to distract him.

<><><>

A true Gilliam film, not unlike "Brazil"....
Colourful, manic & somewhat obtuse....a satire of today's world.
Performances were excellent as was the storyline (if you can understand it ).
Worth a watch, and Gilliam fans wont be disappointed.

6.5/10

[|MYT|Trollzilla]

I watched Lone Survivor after reading Torq's thoughts, about a month ago. Might as well express my opinion.

Lone Survivor (2013)
Action | Biography | Drama
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lone_Survivor_%28film%29


Dissapointed with Act of Valor watched some time ago, I decided to see this title. Lone Survivor promises to feature history based on facts (or more precisely, Operation Red Wings conducted by the US in Afghanistan).

At the beginning it appeared to me as some kind of documentary. After a few scenes that vibe waned however the cinematography was still unusual, it differed (I think in a good way) from popular action films. I exceptionally liked the sound design. Although the gunshots weren't always beliveable, I still find it being on a high level. Main characters' performances were as beliveable as the screenplay allowed them to be, I think. The sceneries were so fabulous that, at times, it was difficult not to consider them unreal.

How about realism? I've been reading Wiki and came to the conclusion that the film is only partially based on facts. The biggest deviation from them was the ending. And by ending I mean (roughly) last half an hour of the film, when you could find true motifs but not happenings.

Apart from that, there's inhuman toughness (this connects with the quality of performances I mentioned). I didn't count closely but the US soldiers were repeatedly hit with 7.62 rounds. Despite that, they proudly kept on moving, reacting with short screams or limping. I understand that being hit by an intermediate cartrige doesn't mean an immediate death, even if it's not once, but looking at their quantity and long-term lack of proper medical treatment, it is just over the top. According to the reports summarised on Wikipedia, the protagonists were mainly hit by shrapnels whilst direct gunshot wounds usually resulted in incapacitation and death.

Regardless of those deviations, the film lets you know what the soldiers felt like. It neatly pictures moral choices which compensates for most of the changes in storyline. I still find those (non-)lethal gunshots as a missed opportunity that ruined my immersion. And it's a pity, cause for the most part the film did a very good job showing soldiers' life in combat.

On second thoughts, the film serves as a memorial for those men and a point of it is to encourage people to learn about the presented events. And that's exactly what happened to me as I was reading though wiki like there was no tomorrow. I wouldn't be keen on doing that without the exaggeration in the film. Anyway, all in all, watching it was a worthwhile experience.

TL;DR
Based of a true story, but not completely. Dodgy realism, the characters absorb way to many bullets. Remarkable and unusual (for an action film) cinematography, fantastic sound design, main characters beliveable, sceneries so beautiful that they seemed unreal.

[|MYT|Torq]

Thanks for your review Troll m8y...

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



The Legend of Hercules
UK certificate 12
95 mins



Genre : Action/Adventure/Fantasy

Directed by : Renny Harlin

Starring : Kellan Lutz/Gaia Weiss/Scott Adkins

<><><>

In Ancient Greece 1200 B.C., a queen succumbs to the lust of Zeus to bear a son promised to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the king and restore peace to a land in hardship. But this prince, Hercules, knows nothing of his real identity or his destiny. He desires only one thing: the love of Hebe, Princess of Crete, who has been promised to his own brother. When Hercules learns of his greater purpose, he must choose: to flee with his true love or to fulfill his destiny and become the true hero of his time. The story behind one of the greatest myths is revealed in this action-packed epic - a tale of love, sacrifice and the strength of the human spirit.

<><><>

What a disappointment...Poor all round accept the CGI.
Maybe it was dumbed down for younger audiences...sandals & swords, slow motion fight scenes without the blood.
Sad really...

5.5/10






Almost Human
UK certificate 18
76 mins



Genre : Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Joe Begos

Starring : Graham Skipper/Josh Eithier/Vanessa Leigh

<><><>

Mark Fisher disappeared from his home in a brilliant flash of blue light almost two years ago. His friend Seth Hampton was the last to see him alive. Now a string of grisly, violent murders leads Seth to believe that Mark is back, and something evil is living inside of him.

<><><>

Low Budget shocker...Could have been better, reminded me of older movies for there out of date special effects.
Passable acting however, and some gory moments.
Sci-Fi horror nuts may well like this.

5.5/10







A Certain Justice
UK certificate 15
96 mins



Genre : Action/Drama

Directed by : Giorgio Serafini/James Coyne

Starring : Cung Le/Dolph Lundgren/Briana Evigan/Vinnie Jones

<><><>

After returning home from a traumatic tour of duty in Iraq, John (Cung Le) finds himself struggling with PTSD. What little peace he had managed to build around him is shattered one fateful day when he rescues a local call girl from a group of violent Aryan Brotherhood pimps. Having killed several of the high-ranking brotherhood during the rescue, John and his family are now the prime targets of Hollis, the ruthless criminal leader of the group.

<><><>

Violent disappointment....The fight scenes were good, and Lundgren played a nasty gang boss..
But somehow I was not engaged..
Lundgren fans may well like this film, but for me he has to do better.

5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Divergent
UK certificate 12
134 mins



Genre : Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Neil Burger

Starring : Shailene Woodley/Theo James/Kate Winslet

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In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in.
When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late.

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Adapted from a book by Veronica Roth.....
I liked this film, well Performed and scripted, and above all entertaining. I could engage with the characters which is always a plus.
Excellent special effects, cinematography & musical score compliments.

Highly Recommended

8.5/10




M83 play a song from the film... "I Need You"






The Raid 2
UK certificate 18
143 mins



Genre : Action/Crime/Thriller

Directed by : Gareth Evans

Starring : Iko Uwais/Arifin Putra/Oka Antara

Special Note : This is an Indonesian language film with English sub-titles.

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After fighting his way through an apartment building populated by an army of dangerous criminals and escaping with his life,
SWAT team member Rama goes undercover, joining a powerful Indonesian crime syndicate to protect his family and uncover corrupt members of his own force.

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Awsome action, ultra violent...stunning fight choreography..
Bloody & in the face.... Brutal & uncompromising..
A Sequel, which in my view is one step up from the first outing.

Make no mistake there are some gut wrenching scenes which will stay with you long after the end.

Highly Recommended

9/10






In The Spiders Web
UK certificate 15
85 mins



Genre : Horror/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Terry Winsor

Starring : Lance Henriksen/Emma Catherwood/Lisa Livingstone

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When a team of backpackers sets out to explore the Indian jungles, one of them is bitten by a poisonous spider and killed.

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Arrgh....If you don't like spiders then don't watch this movie.
As to the film, well very average all round..A late night treat.....hairy crawling eight legged horrors.


4.5/10

[|MYT|Trollzilla]

A couple of titles that were recommended to my by a couple of my buddies.

Into the Wild
Adventure | Biography | Drama
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Into_the_Wild_%28film%29


It directly brings up the philosophy behind living as a hermit, close to nature. Despite the direct way of doing things, the dialogues weren't unnatural at all. The actors were convincing. The story was presented with a hint of mystery which I enjoyed. There's a lot of music going on, practically every VO monologue and shot showing surroundings is complemented by music. And it's perfectly fine because the soundtrack is wonderful. Sceneries aren't bad either. It's a remarkable one.


The Lovely Bones
Drama | Fantasy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lovely ... %28film%29


Something you'll notice straight away - outstanding performances including those of child characters which is not a common sight. I liked transitions between fiction (or memories) and reality. Excellent job by the director and editors. It goes without saying that the film covers dark motifs but, at the same time, it's not shown in a blatantly graphic way, meaning it's something you would probably like to show your child. To that end, the fantasy aspect was tremendously exploited (in a good sense). Despite the overall dark vibe, they managed to put a few comical moments in place. Storyline is obviously great. Special effects - not too bad. Worth watching.

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED




Captain America : The Winter Soldier
UK certificate 12
131 mins



Genre : Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Russo Brothers

Starring : Chris Evans/Scarlett Johansson/Sebastian Stan

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After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America is living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Joining forces with the Black Widow, Captain America struggles to expose the ever-widening conspiracy while fighting off professional assassins sent to silence him at every turn. When the full scope of the villainous plot is revealed, Captain America and the Black Widow enlist the help of a new ally, the Falcon. However, they soon find themselves up against an unexpected and formidable enemy—the Winter Soldier.

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Awsome....Much better than the first outing in every way..
Stunning special effects, superb action & top draw performances makes for a very entertaining movie.
High recommended

9.5/10






The Last Days on Mars
UK certificate 15
94 mins



Genre : Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Ruairi Robinson

Starring : Liev Schreiber/Elias Koteas/Romola Garai

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On the last day of the first manned mission to Mars, a crew member of Tantalus Base believes he has made an astounding discovery – fossilized evidence of bacterial life. Unwilling to let the relief crew claims all the glory, he disobeys orders to pack up and goes out on an unauthorized expedition to collect further samples. But a routine excavation turns to disaster when the porous ground collapses and he falls into a deep crevice and near certain death. His devastated colleagues attempt to recover his body. However, when another vanishes, they start to suspect that the life-form they have discovered is not without danger.

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A so so Sci-Fi horror, with good special effects and production design...
Could have been better but was still entertaining....

One for Sci-Fi addicts

6/10






Scintilla aka The Hybrid
UK certificate 18
90 mins



Genre : Sci-Fi

Directed by : Billy O'Brien

Starring : John Lynch/Alaoui, Morjana/Craig Conway

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From a torturous cell in Africa, Abel Powell is released and given the chance to regroup his team of skilled mercenaries for one last job. A top scientist will guide them half a mile underground through an ex-Soviet bunker to extract the vital specimens and information being paid for by a mysterious backer, but what they seek should never have been found!

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An intriguing storyline which keeps your attention.
Decent special effects compliments the performances....

Worth a watch..

6.5/10