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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Chronicle UK Certificate 15


Genre : Drama/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Josh Trank

Starring : Dane DeHaan/Alex Russell/Michael Jordon


Andrew is a troubled but creative teen with a keen visual eye and a high-quality HD camera. He is introverted and socially awkward. Along with his friends, Matt and Steve, they make a discovery that leads them all to acquire powerful telekinetic abilities. They're now capable of, well, almost anything. But things take a dark turn.

<><><>


A neat Sci_Fi movie depicting what happens with superpowers used without responsibilty.....
Good acting & Special Effects....however I am not a fan of camera work made to look like a camcorder produced shot.
The film I felt was a liitle short at 80 mins..
The telekinetics reminded me of "Carrie"


7/10






Hard Boiled Sweets UK Certificate 15


Genre : Crime/Thriller

Directed by : Peter Hughes

Starring : Philip Barantini/Elizabeth Berrington/Adrian Bower



Ex-con Johnny (Scot Williams, The Crew) is forced into pulling a heist he wants nothing to do with. Mob Boss ‘Shrewd’ Eddie (Paul Freeman, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Hot Fuzz) has one million in dirty cash stashed at his home, just waiting to be stolen. But what Johnny doesn’t know is that seven other dangerous criminals also have plans to steal the money…


<><><>


Not great ..not even good....A rather less than average trip into the crime underworld.
Poor Storyline.....except for the twist at the end.

One for crime addicts only.

3.5/10







The Shrine UK Certificate 18



Genre : Horror

Directed by : Jon Knautz

Starring : Cindy Sampson/Aaron Ashmore/Meghan Heffern


After a young American backpacker goes missing in Europe, a group of journalists link his disappearance to a remote village in Poland. They travel there hoping to get the story, but as they unravel the secrets behind this mysterious village, they are suddenly pursued by hostile locals. Unable to escape, they soon become the next victims of ritualistic human sacrifice. Forced into the gruesome reality of true survival horror, the journalists soon discover that this village hides a much darker secret than they could ever imagine.

<><><>


A gritty Horror movie with convincing Storyline & nice performances...Scary as well.........
Was let down a little by some of the Direction..

Recommnded to Horror fans.

6.5/10

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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



The Darkest Hour UK Certificate 12


Genre : Action/Horror/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Chris Gorak

Starring : Emile Hirsch/Olivia Thirlby/Max Minghella


The American software designers Sean and Ben travel to Moscow to sell their software to investors. However, their Swedish partner Skyler pulls a fast one on Sean and Ben, and they are out of the business. They go to a nightclub, where they meet the Americans Natalie and Anne and they flirt with the girls and see Skyler in the club. Out of the blue, the population is surprised by lights, which they mistake for natural phenomena. But soon, they learn that the lights are aliens invading Earth and using power supply to annihilate mankind. Sean, Ben, Natalie, Anne and Skyler hide in the kitchen and when they leave the place, they seek out survivors on the street. Are they the last people on Earth?

<><><>


A so-so Sci-Fi romp...lacking in a solid storyline & fewer than expected special effects.
That said it was enjoyable ..perhaps one for Sci-Fi fans.


5.5/10







Haywire UK Certificate 15


Genre : Action/Thriller

Directed by : Steven Soderbergh

Starring : Gina Carano/Michael Fassbender/Ewan McGregor


Beautiful freelance covert operative Mallory Kane is hired out by her handler to various global entities to perform jobs which governments can't authorize and heads of state would rather not know about. After a mission to rescue a hostage in Barcelona, Mallory is quickly dispatched on another mission to Dublin. When the operation goes awry and Mallory finds she has been double crossed, she needs to use all of her skills, tricks and abilities to escape an international manhunt, make it back to the United States, protect her family, and exact revenge on those that have betrayed her....

<><><>

Great Fight scenes & a good storyline make for an entertaining action movie. Gina Carano as Mallory Kane was awsome & she looks good too.

Recommended

7/10





Psychic Experiment UK Certificate 18



Genre : Horror/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Mel House

Starring : Katie Featherston/Glenn Morshower/Kathy Lamkin


An idyllic, small, self-sufficient community. On the surface, it seems like the perfect neighborhood. Everything you could possibly need is within walking distance. But the pastoral exterior conceals a dark past and an even darker secret. As a group of individuals (each with their own ties and agendas with the town and each other) converge on the enclave, strange things begin to happen. Very strange things. Strange enough to test (and then break) the very fabric of reality itself.

<><><>

Oh yes.. old fashion horror with updated special effects...which in places are very good.
All i can say is that it is gory..The storyline is average but lifted somewhat by lead performances.
One for Horror/Sci-Fi fans I think.


4.5/10

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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED

and one Film from the past.



Coriolanus UK Certificate 15


Genre : Drama/Thriller/War

Directed by : Ralph Fiennes

Starring : Ralph Fiennes/Gerard Butler/Vanessa Redgrave



The citizens of Rome are hungry. Coriolanus, the hero of Rome, a great soldier and a man of inflexible self-belief despises the people. His extreme views ignite a mass riot. Rome is bloody. Manipulated and out-maneuvered by politicians and even his own mother Volumnia, Coriolanus is banished from Rome. He offers his life or his services to his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius.

<><><>


Shakespeare's Coriolanus set in modern times....and yes Shakesperean English.
Brutal, Gritty wartime political story with strong performances..particularly Fiennes as Coriolanus.
Dont be put off with the use of Shakesperean English...It works well.

Highly Recommended

8/10





J. Edgar UK Certificate 15



Genre : Biography/Crime/Drama/History

Directed by : Clint Eastwood

Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio/Naomi Watts/Armie Hammer


J. Edgar Hoover was the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years. Hoover was feared, admired, reviled and revered, a man who could distort the truth as easily as he upheld it. His methods were at once ruthless and heroic, with the admiration of the world his most coveted prize. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life.

<><><>

Another superb performance by DiCaprio as Hoover...Eastwood puts in his usual top draw Direction...and composes the music as well.
The only disappointment was an uneven Storyline...Still I think that is a nit pick.

Highly Recommended

8/10





Another Selection from the past.
Is still available on DVD.


From Beyond
UK Certificate 18


Genre : Horror/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Stuart Gordon

Starring : Jeffery Combs/Barbara Crampton/Ted Sorel


Dr. Pretorius and his colleagues are working on a sensational experiment: by means of stimulation of the pineal gland, they want to open the human mind to higher dimensions. When the experiment succeeds, however, they are immediately attacked by terrible life forms, which apparently are floating around us all the time. When Dr. Pretorius is killed by one of them, Dr. Tillinghast is under suspect and thrown into the psycho ward due to his stories. Only the ambitious psychologist Dr. McMichaels believes him and wants to continue the experiment...

<><><>

I just love this Film...the 1980's Horror with full in the face Special Effects...
Yep Cheesy...Sexy...Horrifying...

Recommended

7/10

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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Man on a Ledge UK Certificate 12


Genre : Crime/Thriller

Directed by : Asger Leth

Starring : Sam Worthington/Elizabeth Banks/Jamie Bell


A man checks into a hotel and then goes out onto the ledge. People then start gathering below to see what he will do. The police are called in. The man says he will only talk to Detective Lydia Mercer, a police negotiator. Mercer's last negotiation didn't end well. When she arrives the man refuses to come in. They eventually learn he's a cop who was convicted who stealing a valuable diamond, which he denied. It seems he just escaped from prison and he says he's trying to prove his innocence..

<><><>


An Entertaining Crime thriller well acted with neat special effects....I even felt some vertigo !!....
However the storyline was a tad average with the usual plot holes...
But that was not enough to spoil my enjoyment.


7/10






The Collapsed UK Certificate 15


Genre : Drama/Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Justin McConnell

Starring : John Fantasia/Steve Vieira/Lise Moule


In the wake of the end of the world, a family of four desperately tries to survive against insurmountable odds. Their goal: escaping the city and traveling to the rural community they once called home, Dover's Bend. The constant threat of a violent death forcing them to stay as far away from civilization as possible, they take to the forest, soon to discover the danger posed by other survivors may be the least of their worries.

<><><>

Rather a slow tense thriller .... Acting was a tad average & did not realy make up for the low budget, however camera work & musical score were good.
Only for addicts of Sci-Fi Horror then...and to be honest there was not much of either.


3.5/10







The Courier UK Certificate 18


Genre: Action/Crime/Thriller

Directed by : Hany Abu-Assad

Starring : Jefferey Dean Morgan/Josie Ho/Mickey Rourke


A specialist carrier is hired to deliver a mysterious case to the underworld's most dangerous hitman.

<><><>


I quite liked this Crime actioner, but it did have an average storyline & therefore could have been alot better.
Reminds me in some ways of "The Transporter" but not as good.

5/10


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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



The Woman in Black UK certificate 12



Genre : Drama/Horror/Thriller

Directed by : James Watkins

Starring : Daniel Radcliffe/Janet McTeer/Ciaran Hinds


A young lawyer, struggling with work after the death of his wife, is sent to a remote village to settle the estate of a deceased eccentric woman who owns an English manor. The village residents want him to leave as they are trying to conceal a deadly secret. But he refuses, and soon discovers that the house of his client is haunted by the vengeful ghost of a woman dressed in black.

<><><>

A nice neat creepy horror, well acted with a good Storyline.
Reminds of how Horror films used to be made ...to shock (without gore), scarry, pyschological & moody all rolled into one.

Recommended

7.5/10





Battle of the Pacific aka Taiheiyou no kiseki: Fokkusu to yobareta otoko
UK Certificate 15


Genre : Drame/History/War

Directed by : Hideyuki Hirayama

Starring : Yutaka Takenouchi/Sean McGowan/Mao Inoue

Special Note : English & Japanese language Film (English subtitles for spoken Japanese)


Four months after the hostilities of WWII officially ceased, Capt. Sakae Oba (AKA The Fox) and a loyalist band of Japanese soldiers entrenched themselves on Mt. Tapochau and continued fighting a guerrilla campaign. Meanwhile, a U.S. officer, determined to flush out him out of his mountain hideaway, sets about his seemingly simple objective. Strengthened by several hundred civilians who refuse to enter camps or follow suicide directives, Oba and his people fight on, unable to come to terms with an unthinkable defeat.

<><><>


An interest Drama depicting one of the Stories of the war in the Pacific...Well acted with a good Storyline compliments a beautifully shot movie.
If you are looking for action..this may not be for you...There is some & does convey the brutality of war, but this story is about Capt. Oba & his struggle with his conscience & the mood of his men.

If there is any criticism then it is the somewhat average special effects in the action sequences.

Recommended

7/10






Soldier of Vengeance aka True Justice : Vengeance is Mine Uk Certificate 15


Genre : Action/Crime/Thriller

Directed by : Keoni Waxman

Starring : Steven Seagal/Sarah Lind/Lochlyn Munro


After leaving his special undercover police force Elijah Kane returns to his shadowy past as a Special Forces operative. Kane is recruited by the government to once again work for them as a long range sniper specialist.


<><><>

A competant actioner by Seagal...Good action & fight scenes lift a somewhat average storyline.
One of his better films taken from the True Justice series.
I enjoyed this one.

5/10


The Trailer is of the True Justice series in general & gives a flavor of the reviewed Film.

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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter


Genre: Action / Fantasy / Horror

Director: Timur Bekmambetov


At the age of 9, Abraham Lincoln witnesses his mother being killed by a vampire, Jack Barts. Some 10 years later, he unsuccessfully tries to eliminate Barts but in the process makes the acquaintance of Henry Sturgess who teaches him how to fight and what is required to kill a vampire. The quid pro quo is that Abe will kill only those vampires that Henry directs him to. Abe relocates to Springfield where he gets a job as a store clerk while he studies the law and kills vampires by night. He also meets and eventually marries the pretty Mary Todd. Many years later as President of the United States, he comes to realize that vampires are fighting with the Confederate forces. As a result he mounts his own campaign to defeat them.......









Snow White and the Huntsman


Genre: Action / Adventure / Drama

Director: Rupert Sanders


Snow White, imprisoned daughter of the late king, escapes just as the Magic Mirror declares her the source of the Evil Queen's immortality. The Queen sends her men, led by a local huntsman to bring her back. But upon her capture, the huntsman finds he's being played and turns against the Queens men, saving Snow White in the process. Meanwhile, Snow's childhood friend, William, learns that she is alive and sets off to save her.........


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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



John Carter UK Certificate 12


Genre : Action/Adventure/Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Directed by : Andrew Stanton

Starring : Taylor Kitsch/Lynn Collins/Samantha Norton


John Carter, a Civil War veteran who in 1868 was trying to live a normal life, is "asked" by the Army to join. But he refuses so he is locked up. He escapes and is pursued. Eventually they run into some Indians and there's a gunfight. Carter seeks refuge in a cave. While there he encounters someone who is holding some kind of medallion. When Carter touches it, he finds himself in a place where he can leap incredible heights, among other things. He later encounters beings he has never seen before. Later he meets a woman who helps him to discover that he is on Mars. And he learns there's some kind of unrest going on.

<><><>

Awsome Special effects, great performances & over the top action...If you liked Star Wars & Avatar you will like this.
An enjoyable Fantasy/Sci-Fi romp.

Highly Recommended


8/10






Knights Templar aka Night of the Templar UK Certificate 18


Genre : Action/Drama/Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Paul Sampson

Starring : Paul Sampson/David Carradine/Udo Kier


A Medieval Knight resurrects to fulfill his vow and bestow a blood-thirst vengeance upon the kindred spirits of those who betrayed him long ago. In the course of one night, identities will be revealed, destinies met, and a poetic justice of the macabre maniacally served.

<><><>


A passible Horror with few shocks & very average special effects...
I cannot help feeling that better casting for the lead & a stronger storyline would have lifted this movie.
As it is one for a rainy day ...

4/10







The Squad aka El páramo UK Certificate 15


Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Jaime Osorio Marquez

Starring : Juan David Restrepo/Mateo Stevel/Juan Pablo Barragan

Special Note : Spanish language Film with English Subtitles


When contact is lost with a military base set deep in the desolate plains of Colombia, a special high mountain command unit is sent to check things out.
On arrival they find only one person alive and gradually the isolation and inability to communicate with the outside world takes its toll on their sanity. Prisoners of fear, paranoia and a dark secret; they must challenge each other and be prepared to kill one another in order to survive, unless they can work out the true nature of their enemy and unite to defeat it.

<><><>


This is a dark psychological thriller, well acted..but an average storyline lets it down somwhat.
On a personal note, I think some of the character relationships were lost in watching the sub-titles..
Still a good Colombian Movie worth a watch.


5/10


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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEKS FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED




Cleanskin UK Certificate 15


Genre : Crime/Drama/Thriller

Directed by : Hadi Hajaig

Starring : Sean Bean/Charlotte Rampling/Abhin Galeya/Tuppence Middleton


Ewan (Sean Bean) is a Secret Service Agent faced with the task of pursuing and eliminating a suicide bomber Ash (Abhin Galeya) and his terrorist cell, whilst Ash wrestles with his conscience and reflects on his journey to terrorism.

<><><>


This was a well acted Drama/Thriller, with thoughtful & gripping storyline compliment by good action sequences.
Sean Bean on top form.
Recommended


7/10






Stormhouse UK Certificate 15



Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Dan Turner

Starring : Katie Flynn/Patrick Flynn/Munir Khairdin


In 2002, 11 months before the invasion of Iraq, the military captured and imprisoned a supernatural entity at Stormhouse, a secret underground base. This film documents the final four days of that experiment. 'Ghost whisperer' Hayley Sands is brought to Stormhouse by the government to make contact with the captured entity. Her arrival triggers a series of events which lead to the entity's escape, plunging the base into a horrific nightmare.

<><><>


An average Horror which could have been much better....Even the good performances by the cast did not lift a lame script, and to add to it all poor special effects.
One of the tag lines described it at as a Supernatural version of "The Thing".....It was not !


4/10





ANOTHER FILM FROM THE PAST ...
Still available on DVD
Year : 2003

Ice Planet UK Certificate PG


Genre : Sci-Fi

Directed by : Winrich Kolbe

Starring : Wes Studi


In the brief period of peace after a terrible war in a far future Earth, an outer-space military academy is attacked by an unknown and unstoppable alien force. The commander of the academy, along with a group of newly graduated cadets, escapes to a large research station. Pursued by the aliens, the station jumps through a mysterious hyperspace gateway that sends them to a planet in an unknown part of the universe. Where are they, and will they ever be able to return to Earth?

<><><>


One best forgotten...Average special effects simply don't make up for poor storyline & a nonsensical ending.
Even the cast seemed bored.

3.5/10


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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Rampart UK Certificate 15



Genre : Crime/Drama

Directed by : Oren Moverman

Starring : Woody Harrelson/Ned Beatty/Ben Foster/Anne Heche



Dave Brown is a Los Angeles police officer who works out of the Rampart Division. Dave is misogynistic, racist, brutally violent, egotistical and a womanizer, although he defends himself against many of these accusations as he says that his hate is equal opportunity. However unlawful, he uses intimidation and brutal force to defend his ideals. The most notorious of his actions is purportedly murdering a suspected serial date rapist, which is why he has been given the nickname "Date Rape Dave".

<><><>

First let me say Harrelson is riverting as Dave..awsome performance...Support was good to.
The thing that lets the movie down overall is that it is nothing new in the storyline...and the ending, well, could have been done much better.

Nevertheless Recommended

7/10





Act of Valour UK Certificate 15



Genre : Action/Thriller/War

Directed by : Mike McCoy

Starring : Jason Cottle/Roselyn Sanchez/Alex Veadov


When the rescue of a kidnapped CIA operative leads to the discovery of a deadly terrorist plot against the U.S., a team of SEALs is dispatched on a worldwide manhunt. As the valiant men of Bandito Platoon race to stop a coordinated attack that could kill and wound thousands of American civilians, they must balance their commitment to country, team and their families back home. Each time they accomplish their mission..

<><><>

Great action thriller featuring real Navy Seals...This film got critised for being a promotion for the USN..well so what.
I enjoyed it for what it was...sure the storyline has been done many times before, but to see real Seals in action with live ammo is outstanding.

Recommended

7/10





The Innkeepers UK Certificate 15



Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Ti West

Starring : Sara Paxton/Pat Healy/Kelly McGillis


During the final days at the Yankee Pedlar Inn, two employees determined to reveal the hotel's haunted past begin to experience disturbing events as old guests check in for a stay.


<><><>

A neat ghost type movie where tension increases slowly....I guess it could have been better, but on the budget not bad.
One for Horror fans & those that liked to be spooked.


6/10


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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance UK Certificate 12


Genre : Action/Fantasy/Thriller

Directed by : Mark Neveldine/Brian Taylor

Starring : Nicolas Cage/Violante Placido/Ciaran Hinds



In Eastern Europe, a commando led by Ray Carrigan attacks a fortress protected by monks to abduct the boy Danny. However his mother Nadya rescues him while the priest Moreau protects them riding his motorcycle and they escape. Moreau seeks out Johnny Blaze and offers to set him free of his Ghost Rider curse provided he protects Danny from Roarke, with whom Johnny made a deal years ago to save his father. Meanwhile Ray subdues Nadya, but the Ghost Rider finds them and fights against Ray's gang. However, Ray uses a powerful weapon against the Ghost Rider and succeeds in abducting Danny. When Johnny Blaze awakes in the hospital, he joins to Nadya and Moreau to save Danny from Roarke and Ray..

<><><>


Another outing in this series ....an OK , but not great. The special effects were awsome, but the storyline was way below average & it showed in the performances..
A disappointment then & I am not sure it will even appeal to Ghost Rider fans.
I would recommend Directors Neveldine/Taylor to stick to there usual OTT movies...


4.5/10







USS Seaviper UK Certificate 15


Genre : Action/Drama/War

Directed by : Ralph Villani

Starring : Tim Large/Jeremy King/Robb Maus


The German U-Boat, U-235, from the Port of Kiel is trading cargo with the Japanese. USS Seaviper must locate and stop this dangerous exchange. The Captain of USS Seaviper must go ashore to conduct reconnaissance on an island near Sumatra, but the ship is left in the hands of Mister Cutter, after the Executive Officer is injured in battle. A conflict between Cutter and the Chief of the Boat puts the submarine in jeopardy. Seaviper is trapped below the surface, with decreasing oxygen, and a Japanese destroyer hunting them from above. Damage to the boat also leave her survival in question. They must fight the Japanese destroyer and get the information about U-235 back to Pearl Harbor.

<><><>


A very poor movie in almost every department...What I would call a late night filler on cable TV.
I did not have any empathy with the characters nor the storyline...
Avoid.

2/10







Vengeance Day aka Footsteps UK Certificate 18


Genre : Drama

Directed by : Gareth Evans

Starring : Nicholas Bool/Mads Koudal/Jared Morgan


When a young man encounters a dark and dangerous stranger who enjoys videoing beatings and murders in a dingy underpass his life is thrown on to a trajectory of violence and retribution.

<><><>


Deput movie for Gareth Evans.....
A brutal slice of the Crime World, so be warned....A tad arty for me in Direction & Camera work, although the Storyline was good.
A short film at 77 mins but I guess it said what the Director wanted.


5/10

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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED




The Raven UK Certificate 15



Genre : Mystery/Thriller

Directed by : James McTeigue

Starring : John Cusack/Luke Evans/Alice Eve


When a mother and daughter are found brutally murdered in 19th century Baltimore, Detective Emmett Fields (Luke Evans) makes a startling discovery: the crime resembles a fictional murder described in gory detail in the local newspaper--part of a collection of stories penned by struggling writer and social pariah Edgar Allan Poe (John Cusack). But even as Poe is questioned by police, another grisly murder occurs, also inspired by a popular Poe story.
Realising a serial killer is on the loose using Poe's writings as the backdrop for his bloody rampage, Fields enlists the author's help in stopping the attacks. But when it appears someone close to Poe may become the murderer's next victim, the stakes become even higher and the inventor of the detective story calls on his own powers of deduction to try to solve the case before it's too late.

<><><>


A decent enough mystery but the storyline fails to impress & the atmosphere could have been grittier....
Enjoyable enough though.

6.5/10






Safe House UK Certificate 15



Genre :Action/Crime/Mystery/Thriller

Directed by : David Espinosa

Starring : Denzel Washington/Ryan Reynolds/Vera Farmiga


In Cape Town, South Aftica, rookie CIA agent Matt Weston is a safe house keeper and is in love with his French girlfriend Ana Moreau who does not know about his double life. When the most wanted rogue and former CIA agent Tobin Frost surrenders to the American Consulate to escape from an attack of dangerous soldiers of fortune, he is brought to the safe house to be interrogated by specialist Daniel Kiefer and his team. However there is a breach in the safe house and mercenaries break in the place expecting to capture Tobin Frost. Matt escapes with Tobin and he contacts the CIA senior management Harlan Whitford, David Barlow and Catherine Linklater that give instruction to Matt to reach another safe house. But Tobin warns Matt that there is an informer in the CIA and he shall not trust in anyone.

<><><>

Great action move, good car chase sequences and special effects compliment excellent performances...
If I was to critise this movie it would be that there is to much going on...Still a great one for action fans...
ohhh and the music is good to.

Recommended


7/10






Gag UK Certificate 18



Genre : Horror

Directed by : Scott W. McKinlay

Starring : Brian Kolodziej/Gerald Emerick


The burglars Tony and Detroit break in a house to heist the content of a safe. They find a man, Brian, tied to a mattress with a gag near the safe and they believe he is participating of a kinky sexual game. When they are attacked by a stranger, Wade, Detroit is tied to a chair and Tony is cuffed. However, Tony escapes and releases Detroit and Brian, who claims that Wade has captured his sister Stacy. Tony dominates Wade and when he finds Stacy, he discovers the truth about her brother and the sadistic torturer.

<><><>

Oh dear another torture film which just leaves you cold..Below average storyline (was there one), poor Special Effects...and the performances were just as bad.

The hype lures you into believing it is a SAW type slasher...forget it...It is not.

Avoid unless you are a masochist.


2.5/10


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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



The Rise & Fall of a White Collar Hooligan UK Certificate 18



Genre : Crime

Directed by : Paul Tanter

Starring : Nick Nevern/Simon Phillips/Peter Barrett

Football hooligan Mike Jacobs is going nowhere in life when he meets old friend Eddie Hill at a riot. Under Eddie's tutelage he soon finds himself inducted into the world of credit card fraud, where organised gangs withdraw hundreds of thousands of pounds from cash machines every night. As Mike becomes seduced by the money and women that come with his new lifestyle, the dangers increase and he soon finds events spiralling beyond his control.

<><><>

Well enough acted with a reasonable storyline in this gritty crime thriller.
Thats about it...to my mind it is too short at 77 mins..hardly enough time to develop the characters..a pity.
As crime movies go is not top draw.
So one for crime addicts only i think.

4.5/10





Airborne UK Certificate 18


Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Dominic Burns

Starring : Craig Conway/Simon Phillips/Gemma Atkinson


As a snow storm closes in, one final plane takes off. The plane reports to the ground that both pilots are dead, while the slowly dwindling number of passengers on the plane wish that they'd never left the ground.

<><><>


A poor effort alround...below average storyline, no scary moments & less than confincing performances.
One for those that cannot get any sleep.

3/10





Bloodstorm
aka Nazis at the Center of the Earth UK Certificate 18


Genre : Action/Adventure/Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Joseph J. Lawson

Starring : Dominique Swain/Josh Allen/Chris K. Johnson


Deep in Antarctica, a group of scientific researchers are abducted by a platoon of stormtroopers who, since the fall of Nazi Germany, have lain in wait in a secret base underneath the icy wastes. Led by Adrian Reistad (Jake Busey, Starship Troopers), the survivors have to find any means of escape from the hell that faces them as they are surrounded by a colony of Nazi survivors, their bodies a horrifying patchwork of decaying andregenerated flesh. Meanwhile Dr Josef Mengele, who has continued his horrific human experimentation, is masterminding an invasion of Earth from the frozen depths. Can the scientists make in to the surface in time and stop his evil plans of creating an all-powerful Fourth Reich.

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Dear me ..what purile nonsense.
I admit that this movie has had mixed reviews, but for me it was just plain silly.
Sure there are some gory moments but that was about it.
Poor CGI, Poor latex face masks...Just plain Poor.
Watch "Outpost" instead.

2/10


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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED


Headhunters UK Certificate 15


Genre : Crime/Thriller

Directed by : Morten Tyldum

Starring : Askel Hennie/Nikolaj Coster-Waldau/Synnøve Macody Lund

Special Note : Norwegian language Film with English Sub-Titles, Alternatively English-Dubbed


Roger Brown is successful, charismatic and always gets what he wants. By day he is an unrivalled corporate headhunter and husband to his beautiful wife Diana, but by night is a prolific art thief with a keen eye for great antiquities.
However, Roger’s ambition soon gets the better of him as he is lured into a dangerous game of cat and mouse when he goes after the biggest heist of his life, only to discover his victim is also a skilled headhunter in the most literal sense.

<><><>


A neat well acted thriller, which is well scripted & atmospheric....The special effects are good too...

Recommended.

Please note that the Film is best watched using the original Norwegian language sound tract..the Dubbed English alternative, which also comes with the DVD, reduces to some extent the acting performances.

8/10






The Flowers of War aka Jin líng shí san chai UK Certificate 15


Genre : Drama/History/War

Directed by : Yimou Zhang

Starring : Christian Bale/Ni Ni/Xinyi Zhang

Special Note : Languages - Mandarin/English/Japanese/Shanghainese....English Sub-Titles where non-english spoken


It s 1937 and China is on the brink of collapse. Nanking is under siege from the Japanese Imperial Army, the streets awash with violence, the civilians desperate. The protective walls of a western church provide the only haven from the vicious battles outside. Here, an American John Miller (Christian Bale) caught in the midst of the chaos, joins a small group trying escape the violence wrought by the Japanese army. Through one act of heroism, this group of disparate refugees fight back, risking their lives for the sake of others and the nation.

<><><>

Superb...Outstanding performances, very gritty/emotional storyline gives something of the brutality of the time. Be aware that Nanking brings in to focus the stark reality of war and how some acted.
Very atmospheric, well Directed movie compliments stunning photography.

To my mind a better movie than "City of War : The Story of John Rabe", if for nothing else the well crafted direction by Yimou Zhang.

Highly Recommended

10/10







The Devil in Me
UK Certificate 18



Genre : Horror

Directed by : Greg A. Sager

Starring : Michelle Argyris/Shantelle Canzanese/Vanessa Broze


After a night of drinking, Alex agrees to a psychic reading to learn about her future with her boyfriend, but during this a dramatic turn of events causes something to go drastically wrong. She begins to hear creepy noises, hallucinate, black out and receive unidentifiable scratch marks all over her body. Afraid she’s going crazy, she seeks help from her friends who are incapable of comprehending the scope of the darkness descending upon her. Instead, Alex receives help from a school professor and his father who have dealt with the supernatural before. But as Alex’s condition worsens, it becomes apparent that it may already be too late to stop the entity from using Alex’s body as a gateway into our world.

<><><>


Oh dear another exocist genre film, & not particularly good. Oh I surpose there were some good moments & the special effects were not bad considering the budget. But the storyline was stretched to 94 minutes, where 60 mins would have done.

4.5/10

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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Battleship UK Certificate 12


Genre : Action/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Peter Berg

Starring : Taylor Kitsch/Alexander Skarsgard/Rihanna/Liam Neeson


Aliens splash down outside Hawaii, surrounding the islands with an impenetrable force field and wreaking havoc on the captive population. While the world outside watches helplessly, a skeleton crew of naval officers and civilians must figure out a way to save the planet while being seriously outgunned.

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An ok enjoyable Sci-Fi actioner....but let down somewhat by rather silly Aliens, a pity really, the CGI was awsome..

6/10





Lockout UK Certificate 15


Genre : Action/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Directed by : Saint & Mather

Starring : Guy Pearce/Maggie Grace/Vincent Regan


Set in the near future, a falsely convicted ex-government agent has one chance at obtaining freedom. He must undertake a dangerous mission to rescue the President's daughter from rioting convicts at an outer space maximum-security prison.

<><><>

A sort of "Die Hard" in space...Good gritty actioner with Pearce's character roling out the one liners as he fires his way thru.
The Special effects are good, but are let down by some poor CGI in places.
Nevertheless good fun.

6.5/10





Creature UK Certificate 18


Genre : Horror

Directed by : Fred M. Andrews

Starring : Mehcad Brooks/Serinda Swan/Dillon Casey


Lost and alone in the murky backwoods of Louisiana, a small group of friends find themselves being hunted by a monster of unspeakable horror and malevolence. Lurking beneath the depths of the swamp in which they have become ensnared, lies the Creature. Hiding beneath the shallows, it waits. Legend tells of an abomination, a creature that is half man, half alligator. A creature that feeds off human flesh, butchering its victims whilst they still breathe. As they venture further into its fetid lair, they must pray that the legend isn t true.

<><><>

The characterisation was under developed, the sense of Horror virtually non existent..
The Creature was not a CGI, but the old fashion costume warn by an actor...Nothing wrong in that if it emulated the good old days of horror...Sadly it did not.

So one for late night horror addicts wanting some sleep.

3/10

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Re: FILMS on DVD Reviewed

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Bad Ass UK Certificate 18


Genre : Action/Drama

Directed by : Craig Moss

Starring : Danny Trejo/Charles S. Dutton/Joyful Drake

Decorated Vietnam hero Frank Vega returns home only to get shunned by society leaving him without a job or his high school sweetheart. It's not until forty years later when an incident on a commuter bus (where he protects an elderly black man from a pair of skin heads) makes him a local hero where he's suddenly celebrated once again. But his good fortune suddenly turns for the worse when his best friend Klondike is murdered and the police aren't doing anything about it.

<><><>


I just love Tejo films..you know what you are getting...
Gritty, no nonsense action..with some larconic humour.
Trejo's "Gran Torino" if you will.
Worth a look.


6/10






Interview with a Hitman UK Certificate 15


Genre : Action/Thriller

Directed by : Perry Bhandal

Starring : Luke Goss/Caroline Tillett/Stephen Marcus


Trust No one. Feel nothing. Never lose: this is the mantra that has helped a ruthless Eastern European assassin rise to the pinnacle of his profession. Raised in the harsh slums of Romania, Victor knows the value of life more than most, which makes him the perfect killer. But after being betrayed by the very men who made him, he must fake his own death and escape to London. Here he joins a new gangster family and finds his rules are again put to the test in the midst of a vicious underworld power struggle. Viktor is now better, faster and more ruthless than ever before. With the secrets of his past refusing to fade away, an encounter with a dark beauty turns his world on its head and offers him the chance for a new life. But can he ever escape the existence he was born into? It is not long before a deadly threat from a past he thought long buried surfaces and he is forced to change his path. It is time to face that which cannot be forgotten.

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A film on a budget, so could have been better particularly the action scenes.
It was also let down by average direction & storyline..
However Goss plays well the ice cool hitman which compensates...and a musical score often haunting which compliments.


5.5/10






7 Below
UK Certificate 15


Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Kevin Carraway

Starring : Luke Goss/Val Kilmer/Ving Rhames


After a tour bus accident leaves a group of strangers stranded, they accept shelter from a mysterious loner named Jack (Ving Rhames), who has his own reasons for wanting the group to stay in his home. Trapped by a raging storm outside they encounter an evil presence in the foreboding house linked to a series of brutal murders that occurred more than 100 years ago.

<><><>


Poor, just plain poor.

Dreadful storyline going nowhere...Special effects on a budget & how...
Scary scenes were telgraphed in advance.
Why actors of this calibre bother I don't know...perhaps money.

Avoid

3/10

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