FILMS on DVD Reviewed Part 1 (Closed)

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED


Clash of the Titans UK Certificate 12


Genre : Action/Adventure/Fantasy

Directed by : Louis Leterrier

Starring : Sam Worthington/Gemma Arterton/Mads Mikkelsen/Ralph Fiennes

The ultimate struggle for power pits men against kings and kings against gods. But the war between the gods themselves could destroy the world. Born of a god but raised as a man, Perseus (Sam Worthington) is helpless to save his family from Hades (Ralph Fiennes), vengeful god of the underworld. With nothing to lose, Perseus volunteers to lead a dangerous mission to defeat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus (Liam Neeson) and unleash hell on earth. Battling unholy demons and fearsome beasts, Perseus and his warriors will only survive if Perseus accepts his power as a god, defies fate and creates his own destiny......

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A so so remake of the 1981 version, I must admit I was detached from the characters most of the time, little to commend here. The Action sequences were..... well OK, but for me at least the Storyline lack coherence....rather hollow.
That said, those that like Fantasy adventure may find this to there tastes.

6/10





Frontiers UK Certificate 18

Genre: Horror

Directed by : Xavier Gens

Starring : Karina Testa/Aurelien Wiik/Samuel Le Bihan

Special Note : French Language Film with English Sub-Titles


Alone in a Paris plagued by deadly race riots the young and beautiful Yasmine is looking for a way out. In her desperation she turns to her shady ex-boyfriend. Together with his two thug friends they pull off a bold heist and head for the border. With the police close behind they hide out in a seemingly peaceful inn. But the mysterious innkeeper is hiding a secret more terrifying than anything they could ever imagine. Trapped in an endless maze of tunnels crawling with hungry subhuman cannibals they must fight to survive their bloody initiation into the innkeeper's evil family cult.

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In keeping with the current trend in French Horror, is this uncompromising, at times gut wrenching and extremely gory tale of deranged Inn Keeper. Yes a Gripping storyline which grabs you at the most unexpected moments.

Recommended to Horror Fans

8/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo UK Certificate 18


Genre : Crime/Mystery/Thriller

Directed By : Niels Arden Oplev

Starring : Michael Nyqvist/Noomi Rapace/Lena Endre

Special Note : Swedish Language Film with English Sub-Titles

Forty years ago, Harriet Vanger disappeared from a family gathering on the island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger clan. Her body was never found, yet her uncle is convinced it was murder and that the killer is a member of his own tightly knit but dysfunctional family. He employs disgraced financial journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the tattooed, ruthless computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to investigate.....

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This is a superb Mystery/Thriller based on a Best Seller by Steig Larsson. The Performances, particularly those by Michael Nyqvist & Noomi Rapace, are top draw.....The Storyline compliments...By any standards this is a must see Film...Highly recommended.
I hear that Casting has begun on a Hollywood version...Don't wait, I always think the original is better.

10/10






From Paris with Love UK Certificate 15

Genre : Action/Crime/Thriller

Directed by : Pierra Morel

Starring : John Trivolta/Jonanthan Rhys-Meyers/Kasia Smutniak


James Reece is an ambitious aide to the U.S. Ambassador in Paris, doing little jobs for the CIA and hoping to get into black ops. On the night he and his girlfriend, Caroline, become engaged, he's told to pick up Charlie Wax at Orly. Charlie is an unorthodox government employee - large, bald and bearded, foul-mouthed and eccentric. Charlie immediately takes James on a wild ride of murder and mayhem, through ethnic enclaves. As bodies pile up, the purpose remains opaque to James. Caroline, unhappy that James has been out of touch for a day, tells him to bring Charlie for dinner. Charlie can be charming - where will it lead? Does the chess-playing James have what it takes?

<><><>

This film dose not bear any relationship to Morel's last effort "Taken" which was superb. This is sheer hokum, over the top action, barely a Storyline and hardly anything else. That said it is enjoyable and the action scenes, mainly portaying Travolta on a killing spree are good.
So just take it as that, and if you are an action addict then I think you will like it.

6.5/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEKS FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED


Shutter Island UK Certificate 15


Genre : Drama/Mystery/Thriller

Directed By : Martin Scorsese

Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio/Mark Ruffalo/Ben Kingsley

In 1954, Federal Marshal Teddy Daniels and his new partner, Chuck Aule, from Seattle travel to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a patient there, Rachel Solando. She had been sectioned at the institution for dangerous criminals at Ashcliffe Hospital, because she drowned her three kids. Teddy is a veteran WWII soldier, traumatized by the war experience in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp and the loss of his beloved wife in a criminal fire. Teddy is unable to access the records of employees and patients and feels that his investigation is obstructed by the management by the Federal facility. Teddy has severe migraines and when there is a storm, Teddy and Chuck find that they are stranded in the island. Teddy interviews the internees and follows a lead to the lighthouse, where he discloses the mystery about the Shutter Island....

<><><>

Superb Drama of Top quality....Engrosing storyline with many twists & turns..A trually thought provoking experience. DiCaprio's performance in particular is brilliant....as is the Direction, Scorsese at his best.
A must see Film...you wont be disappointed.

10/10





2:13 UK Certificate 18


Genre : Crime/Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Charles Adelman

Starring : Mark Thompson/Teri Polo/Kevin Pollack

A police profiler has just returned from psychiatric leave only to find that he is caught up in a serial killer's rampage. Fighting to keep buried the trauma of his childhood, he must confront the all too-familiar flesh masks that the killer leaves on the faces of his victims. He must face his own demons along with the killer to save his small eroding existence......

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A so so Film of this genre, "seven" did it better. The Storyline is not bad as is the performances..but I have to say i have been here before & unless there is a great Storyline, which this is not, then I get bored which i was.

6/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED



Centurion UK Certificate 15

Genre : Action/Adventure/Thriller

Directed By : Neil Marshall

Starring : Michael Fassbender/Olga Kurylenko/Dominic West

Britain, A.D. 117. Quintus Dias, the sole survivor of a Pictish raid on a Roman frontier fort, marches north with General Virilus' legendary Ninth Legion, under orders to wipe the Picts from the face of the Earth and destroy their leader, Gorlacon...However...

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This is very much a Film depicting the Brutal events of the time, well acted with a good storyline...Excellent cinematography...and Direction.
Landscapes often brooding & barren...adds to the atmosphere..

Recommended

8/10





Resurrection County UK Certificate 18

Genre : Horror/Drama

Directed by : Matt Zettell

Starring : Dayton Knoll/Adam Huss/Kathryn Michelle

A group of vacationing suburbanites discover just how deadly it can be to ignore the warning signs while camping in the country.

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Oh dear...Although this Film is allegely based on actual events, we have been here before..many times.Yes there are slight differences, but as is usual there is much gore & brutallity.
If you like this kind of thing then check it out...
The one good thing is the perseverance of the actors to an otherwise so-so storyline.

5/10

[MANIAC]

THIS WEEKS FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED


Shutter Island UK Certificate 15


Genre : Drama/Mystery/Thriller

Directed By : Martin Scorsese

Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio/Mark Ruffalo/Ben Kingsley

In 1954, Federal Marshal Teddy Daniels and his new partner, Chuck Aule, from Seattle travel to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a patient there, Rachel Solando. She had been sectioned at the institution for dangerous criminals at Ashcliffe Hospital, because she drowned her three kids. Teddy is a veteran WWII soldier, traumatized by the war experience in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp and the loss of his beloved wife in a criminal fire. Teddy is unable to access the records of employees and patients and feels that his investigation is obstructed by the management by the Federal facility. Teddy has severe migraines and when there is a storm, Teddy and Chuck find that they are stranded in the island. Teddy interviews the internees and follows a lead to the lighthouse, where he discloses the mystery about the Shutter Island....

<><><>

Superb Drama of Top quality....Engrosing storyline with many twists & turns..A trually thought provoking experience. DiCaprio's performance in particular is brilliant....as is the Direction, Scorsese at his best.
A must see Film...you wont be disappointed.

10/10





2:13 UK Certificate 18



as the review says, you wont be dissapointed.
a gripping film.

[Taran]

THIS WEEKS FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED


Shutter Island UK Certificate 15


Genre : Drama/Mystery/Thriller

Directed By : Martin Scorsese

Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio/Mark Ruffalo/Ben Kingsley

In 1954, Federal Marshal Teddy Daniels and his new partner, Chuck Aule, from Seattle travel to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a patient there, Rachel Solando. She had been sectioned at the institution for dangerous criminals at Ashcliffe Hospital, because she drowned her three kids. Teddy is a veteran WWII soldier, traumatized by the war experience in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp and the loss of his beloved wife in a criminal fire. Teddy is unable to access the records of employees and patients and feels that his investigation is obstructed by the management by the Federal facility. Teddy has severe migraines and when there is a storm, Teddy and Chuck find that they are stranded in the island. Teddy interviews the internees and follows a lead to the lighthouse, where he discloses the mystery about the Shutter Island....

<><><>

Superb Drama of Top quality....Engrosing storyline with many twists & turns..A trually thought provoking experience. DiCaprio's performance in particular is brilliant....as is the Direction, Scorsese at his best.
A must see Film...you wont be disappointed.

10/10





2:13 UK Certificate 18



as the review says, you wont be dissapointed.
a gripping film.

Yeah really awesome movie, its one of 4 movies you must watch of Leonardo, THE DEPARTED, BLOOD DIAMOND, SHUTTER ISLAND, INCEPTION.....

[Ruckzuck]

in germany uk 16

[|MYT|Alexis]

Shutter Island.... yes really superb movie I saw

[|MYT|Alexis]

The Expendables


Director: Sylvester Stallone

Genre: Action / Adventure / Thriller

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Mickey Rourke, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Steve Austin, Dolph Lundgren, Eric Roberts


THE EXPENDABLES is a hard-hitting action / thriller about a group of mercenaries hired to infiltrate a South American country and overthrow its ruthless dictator. Once the mission begins, the men realize things aren't quite as they appear, finding themselves caught in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal. With their mission thwarted and an innocent life in danger the men struggle with an even tougher challenge, one that threatens to destroy this band of brothers.





The Expendables Soundtrack... Diamond Eyes

[|MYT|Torq]

Thx Everyone for your Posts

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED

Repo Men UK Certificate 15

Genre : Sci-Fi/Crime/Thriller

Directed by : Miguel Sapochnik

Starring : Jude Law/Forest Whitaker/Alice Braga

In the future humans have extended and improved our lives through highly sophisticated and expensive mechanical organs created by a company called "The Union". The dark side of these medical breakthroughs is that if you don't pay your bill, "The Union" sends its highly skilled repo men to take back its property... with no concern for your comfort or survival. Former soldier Remy is one of the best organ repo men in the business. But when he suffers a cardiac failure on the job, he awakens to find himself fitted with the company's top-of-the-line heart-replacement... as well as a hefty debt. But a side effect of the procedure is that his heart's no longer in the job. When he can't make the payments, The Union sends its toughest enforcer, Remy's former partner Jake, to track him down....

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Well I guess I expected more from this, but is for me at least a so-so Sci-Fi film. The performances were good but the storyline line was average as was the Direction.

That said it is worth a look especially those that like Sci-Fi.

7/10




A Day of Violence UK Certificate 18


Genre : Crime/Thriller

Directed by : Darren Ward

Starring : Nick Rendell/Christopher Fosh/Victor Thorn/Tina Barnes

Mitchell Parker lies dead on a morgue slab. In life, 'Mitchell' served the low ranks of Debt Collectors, surrounded by all the filth and scum that the world had to offer. He thought his luck was in, when on a routine collection he stumbles across 100,000 in cash, hidden in the sofa of one of his clients. A dark and haunting past hangs over the head of 'Mitchell Parker', one that will lead him on a journey of redemption and ultimately sacrifice. Hunted by the gang whose Money he has stolen. He must evade capture and use the money to rid himself of his demons once and for all...

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This is one of the most violent movies I have seen to date...Make no mistake scenes in this Film will make u wince. The Performances are excellent portraying as they do the callous indifference to maiming & killing.

I can only recommend this to those that like very strong Crime films :

WARNING :

The Trailer depicts some scenes of extreme violence & explicit language.

8/10

[TTF]

Hey guys!
One movie coming soon, i laughed from the beginning to the end .

The Other Guys

Genre: Action/Comedy

Plot: New York City Police Detectives Christopher Danson (Dwayne Johnson) and P. K. Highsmith (Samuel L. Jackson) are the toughest and most famous cops in the city with the best capture rate no matter what it takes to get their man, even if the city must pay $12 million in property damages to capture a small crook. However, in their ranks, there are two other detectives that are want-to-be heroes sitting in the wings. Detective Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) just want their chance in the sun to make a big collar and get a medal too. They get their chance when a small case falls into their lap which ends up being a very big high-profile case instead. It's the opportunity they have been waiting for, but do they have what it takes to be the next police heroes?

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED


Edge of Darkness UK Certificate 15

Genre : Crime/Drama/Thriller

Directed by : Martin Campbell

Starring : Mel Gibson/Ray Winstone

Thomas Craven, is a detective who has spent years working the streets of Boston. When his own daughter is killed near the door of his home, Craven realizes that her death is only one piece of an intriguing puzzle filled with corruption and conspiracy, and it falls to him to discover who is behind the crime......

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Another run of the mill crime drama..lifted by the performances of the lead actors.
Some neat action also helped.

Worth a look

7/10





Penance UK Certificate 18

Genre : Horror/Thriller

Directed by : Jake Kennedy

Starring : Marieh Delfino/Graham McTavish

Single mother Amelia, who turns to stripping as a means of making ends meet and winds up the unwilling subject of a grim purification ritual. When sexy dancer Suzy takes a beating that leaves her unable to perform, she asks Amelia to cover her latest gig. Reluctantly accepting so her friend can convalesce, Amelia begins to grow uneasy when her driver taxis her to a dark and remote location. Once inside, Amelia finds herself imprisoned with a number of other unchaste women by a sadistic captor who uses various torture methods to rid them of their impurities.....

<><><>

Oh dear another film depicting Genital mutilation & removal. I am beginning to wonder where we are going with this kind of Horror sub-genre.
The performances were good considering a rather poor Storyline...The Gore is plentifull...
So not for the quemish.

If you like extremes in Horror take a look, otherwise don't waste your time or money.

4/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED


Baseline UK Certificate 18

Genre: Crime/Action/Drama

Directed by : Brendon O'Loughlin

Starring : Jamie Foreman/Dexter Fletcher/Zoe Tapper

The Baseline is the centre of the East London grime club scene and the queue regularly stretches around the block. Danny works on the door - breaking up fights and managing drunk kids. However, when he rescues Terry, the club owner and local gang leader, from a hitman, Danny is suddenly plunged deep into an underworld he had tried so hard to avoid.....

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A gritty Crime Drama well acted with a strong storyline....
Recommended

7/10





Case 39 UK Certificate 15

Genre : Horror/Mystery

Directed by : Christian Alvart

Starring : Renee Zellweger/Jodelle Ferland/Ian McShane/Bradley Cooper

"Case 39" centers on an idealistic social worker who saves an abused 10-year-old girl from her parents only to discover that the girl is not as innocent as she thinks...

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Well this film surprised me...Is a neat well acted Horror/Mystery with a Storyline to compliment..
I thought it would be run of the mill fare, But no ...Is Well written & Directed.

Recommended

7/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILMS ON DVD REVIEWED


Prince of Persia : The Sands of Time UK Certificate 12

Genre : Action/Adventure/Fantasy/Romance

Directed by : Mike Newell

Starring : Jake Gyllenhaal/Ben Kingsley/Gemma Arterton

Set in the mystical lands of Persia, a rogue prince and a mysterious princess race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time -- a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world...

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Well an old fashion adventure...at last.
A typical Disney film...Good performances, well rounded storyline and some awsome special effects.

Recommended....

8/10





Invitation only UK Certificate 18

Genre : Horror

Directed by : Kevin Ko

Starring : Bryant Chang/Jerry Huang/Maria Ozawa

Special Note : Mandarin Language Film with English Sub-Titles

Ordinary young men and women often dream of the unreachable life of the worlds idle rich. Wade, Richard, Hitomi, Holly and Lin certainly do. They have all received an invitation to an exclusive party held by a group of rich & famous people,obviously addressed to them by mistake.But all the same, they attend. It is the best party ever, a wishing game takes place where their deepest desires materialize. But when they find Richards body brutally killed, the wishing game turns into a killing game in which they are the tortured victims and a rich audience the sadistic spectators. To escape from the party and survive is now their only dream....

<><><>

Another Horror Film of familiar pattern...Very gory & gut wrenching special effects...
The Performances are reasonable considering an average Storyline. That said this will appeal to horror fans I am sure...

6/10

[|MYT|Torq]

THIS WEEK'S FILM ON DVD REVIEWED & IT'S DIRECTOR


RIDLEY SCOTT

Born in 1937, in Northumberland, England, Scott was educated at the West Hartlepool College of Art and London's Royal College of Art. After completing his education, he became a set designer for the British Broadcasting Company in the early '60s, eventually getting promoted to director of such popular BBC series as the long-running police adventure Z Cars. With the establishment of his own firm, Ridley Scott Associates, Scott was in on the ground floor of some of the most inventive European TV commercials of the 1970s.
The director's transition to the big screen came with his direction of 1977's The Duellists, a visually striking Napoleonic war film that won the Jury Prize for Best First Feature at the Cannes Film Festival. Further success followed with 1979's Alien, which established Scott as both an important director and a shining knight for horror and sci-fi devotees.
He has had a number of missteps one of which later became a classic, Blade Runner.
Scott bounced back with the 1991 "feminist buddy movie" Thelma and Louise (starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis), for which he earned his first Oscar nomination. Since then he has received two more Oscar nominations, for Gladiator (2000, starring Russell Crowe) and Black Hawk Down (2001, with Josh Hartnett and Ewan McGregor).
Towards the end of 2001, Ridley and brother Tony Scott's production company, Scott Free Prods., signed a three year production deal with Fox.
He was awarded Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the 2003 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to the Film Industry.
In 2010 Sir Ridley's movie 'Robin Hood', starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, was chosen to open the annual Cannes Film Festival.
Scott divides his time among his homes in Hampstead (UK), France and Los Angeles.

Personal Quotes :

Audiences are less intrigued, honestly, by battle. They're more intrigued by human relations. If you're making a film about the trappings of the period, and you're forgetting that human relationships are the most engaging part of the storytelling process, then you're in trouble.

I'm not criticizing Hollywood because I work there, I partly live there. But I'm saying this is the way it is, commerce is taking over art. Commerce has become the most important thing in the film industry. Hollywood is an industry, it's not an art form, therefore they have to address the bottom line. But in a way it's sad when you get a remake, isn't it?


My Personal Note :

Scott is known for his attention to detail, as can be seen in Alien, and sweeping landscapes & backdrops much in evidence in Gladiator & Robin Hood.
I believe he set the standard and thinking in Sci-Fi Film making, which is still in evidence today. Alien & Blade Runner are classics and deservedly so.
His special kind of Direction has enhanced Film making & provided us with top draw Entetainment.


Film List in Date Order:

1977 The Dualists
1979 Alien
1982 Blade Runner
1985 Legend
1987 Someone to Watch Over Me
1989 Black Rain
1991 Thelma & Louise
1992 1492: Conquest of Paradise
1996 White Squall
1997 GI Jane
2000 Gladiator
2001 Hannibal
2001 Black Hawk Down
2005 Kingdom of Heaven
2006 A Good Year
2007 American Gangster
2008 Body of Lies
2010 Robin Hood

ALIEN :



GLADIATOR :



AMERICAN GANGSTER :




THIS WEEK'S FILM ON DVD REVIEWED


Robin Hood UK Certificate 12

Genre : Action/Adventure/Drama/Romance

Directed by : Ridley Scott

Starring : Russell Crowe/Kate Blanchett

Birth of a legend. Following King Richard's death in France, archer Robin Longstride, along with Will Scarlett, Alan-a-Dale and Little John, returns to England. They encounter the dying Robert of Locksley, whose party was ambushed by treacherous Godfrey, who hopes to facilitate a French invasion of England. Robin promises the dying knight he will return his sword to his father Walter in Nottingham. Here Walter encourages him to impersonate the dead man to prevent his land being confiscated by the crown, and he finds himself with Marian, a ready-made wife. Hoping to stir baronial opposition to weak King John and allow an easy French take-over, Godfrey worms his way into the king's service as Earl Marshal of England and brutally invades towns under the pretext of collecting Royal taxes. Can Robin navigate the politics of barons, royals, traitors, and the French?

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Stunning adaption of the Legend, masterful performances by Crowe & Blanchett. The Storyline is powerfull and with Scott's usual Direction style & flair brings to life the life & times of Robin of the Hood.

I recommend this Film to all

10/10