tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39249095467320854892024-03-19T04:37:38.112+00:00Thoughts of a SteelMonsterI'm known on Twitter as Andys_Reviews and on Rotten Tomatoes as AndysFilms, which I guess means it's all about films (movies if you like). There will be a lot of film reviews, but there's a lot of other things I'm interested in, sport, music, TV, ...etc. You never know what's gonna fall out of my head onto the page...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.comBlogger850125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-28005333578511929282015-01-05T21:00:00.001+00:002015-01-05T21:00:50.060+00:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">The Battle of the Bulge: Or How I Lost 5
Stone in 9 Months.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">Several people have expressed an interest
in how I managed to lose such a large amount of
weight without doing too much excercise. For those that don't know, I have a
bad back and so find that excercise, even gentle excercise, will more often
than not end up with me lying on the floor in agony. Consequently it's something
I used to try to avoid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">Beginnings:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">I guess I should explain how I
got to the stage where I needed to lose a few (dozen) pounds in the first
place. Well, a long time ago, 11 years to be precise, I quit smoking, for
reasons I won't go into here (that's another story), and as a result, without
excercise, I piled on the pounds over the subsequent years. Eventually I found
there were a lot of things I couldn't do as well as I used to. I put it down to
old age, but there were people around me of a similar age who didn't seem to
have the same trouble. Eventually it dawned on me that my weight may be a
factor, being blind to the obvious is quite common I hear. That and the fact
that I was out of breath just walking up to the local, which it not very far at
all, prompted this change of lifestyle! And so a plan was hatched...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">Hints and Tips:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">Having made the decision, I
decided to start by making a food diary for a week before commencement. This
was most revealing; it showed that not only was my diet pretty boring, but
there were certain (unhealthy) things I ate an awful lot of! This gave me a
starting point. To further increase my chances, I had some advice from a very
good friend of mine who was already on a plan with Slimming World, and doing
well. I had already decided I was going to 'go it alone', but the advice was
sound and I still use it. So what was this advice I hear you ask... I'll tell
you:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">1. Avoid anything deep-fried:
Oil and fat contain huge amounts of calories. The bloke that runs my local
chippy thought I had disowned him for nine months - I'm back on a monthly basis
now though.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">2. Fruit and veg, assuming
it's not been fried, you can have as much as you like. These are good because
the fill you up and they generally contain stuff that's good for you too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">3. Smoothies - Avoid. Yes,
they can be made from fruit, but in smoothie form you're just getting all the
natural sugars but no fibre. In digesting fibre, you use energy - using energy
burns fat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">4. Try to avoid having too
many carbohydrates. Things like bread and pasta are pretty high in carbs, so
try to cut down on these. I discovered tortilla wraps are a good substitute,
particularly for lunches, but I always make my own; that way I know exactly
what is in them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">5. Try to use the 'low fat'
versions of things like butter and mayonaise. I know they don't taste quite as
good, but, believe me, you'll get used to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">The Hairy Bikers have written
three of books that I found really useful for ideas of what to eat. They are
under the guise of 'The Hairy Dieters' and were still all available from Amazon
(UK) at the time of going to press.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">Calorie Counting:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">I always vowed I would never
become a calorie counter but it soon transpired that you can't really lose
weight without knowing the value of what you're using to fuel your body. I
discovered, after a while, that you will know instinctively what is good and
what is not so good for your diet. For instance, I will no longer buy a
ready-meal, even the ones that claim to be the 'healthier' versions; they often
have hidden calories that you won't know about without reading the small print.
I tried to keep the calorie count down to around 300 to 350 for any meal. I
know that sounds low, but believe me, you can soon become quite inventive in
the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">Since government legislation
has made food manufacturers put nutritional information on food packaging it
makes it a lot easier to pick and choose what you buy. On the down side, it
means you have to sometimes stand in the isle of a supermarket reading the
small print to find the relavent bit of info. I guess it's not something I
consciously do, but as a matter of course I like to be aware of the calories
I'm consuming. It soon become apparant if you've got it wrong! The 'traffic
light' style indicators are usually pretty good for deciding whether something
is worth considering; try to avoid too many reds (the occasional one is ok),
stick with the ambers & greens. Note: you also have to read the labels as
well, they can be slippery and deceptive at times, so be careful!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">Alcohol:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">I would be a liar if I didn't
admit that, yes, I did cut down on my alcohol intake. I know this may be a
deal-breaker for some, but it is a fact that alcoholic drinks, by their nature,
have quite a high calorie count. Exactly how much you cut down is entirely up
to you, but I've hit a balance now where I can go out for several beers about 6
or 7 times a month without it adversely hitting the waist-line too much. I
can't really quantify it because everyone has a different metabolism and as this
makes it impossible to put a figure on it, so I won't. At the end of the day,
if you're dieting but not losing the weight, you may have to address how much,
and how often, you drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">10 Golden Rules:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">And so we come to the crux of
the matter; here are my ten golden rules for losing weight:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">1. Eat little and often - It's
a good way to speed up your metabolism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">2. Eat the right things -
Plenty of fruit and veg I'm afraid; and cut down on the carbs!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">3. Drink plenty of water -
Keeping yourself hydrated helps to ease the hunger pangs a little. Try to avoid
carbonated (fizzy) drinks (if possible).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">4. Weigh yourself every day
and don't be disappointed if you see your weight rise occasionally. Your weight
will nautrally fluctuate, but if you plot it out, you'll (hopefully) see the
overall trend is downwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">5. Treat yourself - I allowed
myself one small piece of cake or a biscuit every day whilst on the diet, it
doesn't have to be all doom & gloom as someone once said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">6. Try to put together a menu
for the week and stick to it - It's easier I find if I know what I'm going to
eat each day, although the occasinal 'experiment' has worked out pretty well!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">7. Cut down on the alcohol - I
know this could be hard for some, but it will make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">8. Set yourself a target
weight - This is pretty important. You need something to aim for. Just try not
to be too ambitious at first; once you've hit your target you will know just
what to do if you subsequently want to lose a little more. Just remember, time
is not a factor!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">9. You have the internet...
use it - There are plenty of low calorie recipes out there and they're all
free! Also, I've found that using herbs and spices (particularly chilli) can
make your food much more interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">10. Enjoy yourself! - You will
probably find you will have more energy once the weight starts to come off so
try to use it! I'm a bit limited due to my back problem, but I do enjoy a nice
walk in the countryside about once a week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">So there you have it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">If you would like any more
advice or you'd like me to expand any of the above, don't hesitate to get in
touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; font-size: 11pt;">Your next mission is to make a
diet that will maintain your new-found figure... I'm now doing that, but that's
another story... :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-12260516439763848982013-10-19T16:24:00.001+01:002013-10-19T16:25:32.373+01:00Film Review: MACHETE (2010)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/10/film-review-machete-2010.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sRPeIx2CUak/UmKkNfg2jHI/AAAAAAAAPX8/gAYbmWmzwiA/s1600-h/Machete%252520-%252520poster%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Machete - poster" border="0" alt="Machete - poster" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7dMxYG7_ynM/UmKkN9CdkCI/AAAAAAAAPYA/sOmYF2awAW0/Machete%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="103" height="149" /></a> Directors: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542450/?ref_=ttfc_fc_dr1">Ethan Maniquis</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001675/?ref_=ttfc_fc_dr2">Robert Rodriguez</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001675/?ref_=ttfc_fc_dr2">Robert Rodriguez</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0736155/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr2">Álvaro Rodríguez</a> <br />Running time: 105 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 18</p> <p>Genre: Action/Crime/Thriller <br />UK Release date: 26<sup>th</sup> November 2010 </p> <p>Watched on Freeview PVR Saturday 19<sup>th</sup> October 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>This one has been on my list for some time and I’ve had it on my PVR disc for a while now. Finally an opportune time-slot came up and I got the chance to give it a viewing. I have to say it was everything I had expected and more. A lot more humour in it than anticipated which was very welcome, with one particular set of scenes featuring our hero and the bodyguards of one of the bad guys that I found very amusing. I find that sometimes these films take themselves far too seriously and that is usually to their detriment; not the case here. Although not as polished as I would have expected, I still liked it despite the rough hewn edges to the production. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NwpPoFhGSfs/UmKkOrmVxTI/AAAAAAAAPYM/5bXPRlBsdsc/s1600-h/Machete%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Machete - 1" border="0" alt="Machete - 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t-tv0wjGYxU/UmKkPHLml9I/AAAAAAAAPYQ/Iz1_-G6XpOM/Machete%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> Decent performances all round with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001803/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1">Danny Trejo</a> doing a very decent job as the lead, Machete Cortez. Also on the good-guys side we had <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004695/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t3">Jessica Alba</a> as Satrana and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0735442/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t5">Michelle Rodriguez</a> as Luz, nice eye candy but without too much substance. Chief among the bad guys were; <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000134/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2">Robert De Niro</a> as Senator John McLaughlin, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000219/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t4">Steven Seagal</a> as Rogelio Torrez and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001194/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t6">Jeff Fahey</a> as Michael Booth; the pick of these being Fahey, mainly because he had a lot more screen time. Over all I found it a very entertaining film that didn’t tax the little grey cells too much. It’s pretty gory so definitely not one for the squeamish; just remember to check your brain in at the door and I’m certain you’ll enjoy Machete.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 6.6/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 6.7/10</b> (at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0985694/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0985694/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 60/100:</b> (at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-maO4AHt7OxU/UmKkP3OAMLI/AAAAAAAAPYY/S1aCovmJw9k/s1600-h/Machete%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Machete - 4" border="0" alt="Machete - 4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lMiD2z-XVIo/UmKkQe4PPfI/AAAAAAAAPYg/jqTfbdEHqS8/Machete%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="224" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 73/100:</b> (at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 63/100: </b>(at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/machete/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/machete/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SARBP2b5RQI/UmKkQzwIGLI/AAAAAAAAPYs/dh5Hd_K2h8g/s1600-h/Machete%252520-%2525203.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Machete - 3" border="0" alt="Machete - 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i2gKTd_LOsE/UmKkRllvstI/AAAAAAAAPYw/LiCIMRE1krI/Machete%252520-%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="242" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:527b2417-aa67-4e3e-81ab-60de83ea4219" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="aa491c07-d6fc-4d93-8d84-3b78a7f454cd" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXiuT5Zd8Do" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S5KcnwafeAQ/UmKkSMfxMQI/AAAAAAAAPZE/44ggqqUyOMk/video21dd67e7dc86%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('aa491c07-d6fc-4d93-8d84-3b78a7f454cd'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/XXiuT5Zd8Do&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/XXiuT5Zd8Do&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-9214558674188639232013-10-06T13:49:00.001+01:002013-10-06T13:50:39.692+01:00Film Review: PREMIUM RUSH (2012)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/10/film-review-premium-rush-2012.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tSqZwvFJyLs/UlFcWcUMczI/AAAAAAAAPWQ/9jppL-aKBTY/s1600-h/Premium%252520Rush%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Premium Rush - poster" border="0" alt="Premium Rush - poster" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i_ZgB4PrCvM/UlFcW7yP2uI/AAAAAAAAPWY/APnU8PEIWIs/Premium%252520Rush%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="107" height="155" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0462895/?ref_=ttfc_fc_dr1">David Koepp</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0462895/?ref_=ttfc_fc_dr1">David Koepp</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0436960/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr2">John Kamps</a> <br />Running time: 90 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 12</p> <p>Genre: Action/Crime/Thriller <br />UK Release date: 14<sup>th</sup> September 2012 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Sunday 6<sup>th</sup> October 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I have to admit I knew very little about this one going in; it’s one of those I liked the look of from a brief clip and the two paragraph write-up on the TV guide. It wasn’t perfect, but it did enough to entertain me, even with one or two laughs along the way. I will tell you more after this very brief summary.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rKFEZ8pAoWw/UlFcXVjwNoI/AAAAAAAAPWg/5W9efWEKj_g/s1600-h/Premium%252520Rush%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Premium Rush - 1" border="0" alt="Premium Rush - 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XnqYERara1I/UlFcYBskP4I/AAAAAAAAPWo/6rmexqGjDh0/Premium%252520Rush%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="264" /></a> The story centres on a group of bicycle couriers in New York City. Principle among them is Wilee (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0330687/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1">Joseph Gordon-Levitt</a>) who has a rivalry with Manny (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1210494/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t7">Wolé Parks</a>), who is chasing Wilee’s girlfriend, Vanessa (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1268158/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2">Dania Ramirez</a>). Now, Wilee picks up a package from Vanessa’s room mate, Nima (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1512166/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t14">Jamie Chung</a>) which he has to deliver by 7PM. He sets off but soon finds he is being pursued by a cop, Bobby Monday (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0788335/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t12">Michael Shannon</a>), who has his own reasons for wanting to get his hands on that package. We are told, in flashback, what the significance of the package is and just why Monday is so desperate to get his hands on it. There are many twists and turns before the end and more than one of them could get hurt, after all, it’s dangerous out there!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dEJRDa4m7Yc/UlFcYwbCO_I/AAAAAAAAPWw/gGsHNsjIRt4/s1600-h/Premium%252520Rush%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="928290 - Premium Rush" border="0" alt="928290 - Premium Rush" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5cRA1LIigSI/UlFcZiyZojI/AAAAAAAAPW4/roZWAgru0U4/Premium%252520Rush%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="276" /></a> Very well made with a nice pacey start that really grabs your attention. Sadly, it cannot maintain that rate, but it soon settles down as we get to know the various characters. I did find all the to-and-fro with flashbacks a little confusing at times, but it soon sorted itself out. On the performance front, everyone did an excellent job but the stand-out by some margin (for me) was Michael Shannon. He really does play the slightly psychotic cop so very well. I felt the final pay-off didn’t quite live up to its initial promise, but I found it entertaining enough. Well worth a look; but don’t put a stopwatch on it.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 7.2/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 6.5/10</b> (based on 62,604 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1547234/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1547234/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 66/100:</b> (Based on 36 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GdU8g0hw-N4/UlFcaM_y-vI/AAAAAAAAPXA/_ArzdZgd2m0/s1600-h/Premium%252520Rush%252520-%2525206%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Premium Rush - 6" border="0" alt="Premium Rush - 6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WvGiR9WdFec/UlFcag8dtZI/AAAAAAAAPXI/Gu88l9UIucQ/Premium%252520Rush%252520-%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="276" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 76/100:</b> (based on 154 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 61/100: </b>(based on 128,395 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/premium_rush/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/premium_rush/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:</p> <p><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7a3-oLW21do/UlFcbfkT9uI/AAAAAAAAPXQ/J4j3lwAqR0g/s1600-h/Premium%252520Rush%252520-%2525207%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Premium Rush - 7" border="0" alt="Premium Rush - 7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WEL_ZWjzED4/UlFccMRszXI/AAAAAAAAPXY/eNTC4_rRLvU/Premium%252520Rush%252520-%2525207_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="246" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Site: <a href="http://www.premiumrush.com/">http://www.premiumrush.com/</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e84ce0e8-1315-4743-85b6-a07eeb937d0c" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="e711bc16-586e-4a40-b16f-c2724b01a8e1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0td3QjPPYf8" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RNm9gXgk-7g/UlFcc4btOWI/AAAAAAAAPXo/qiigpkQoLxY/video6220ff6cd126%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('e711bc16-586e-4a40-b16f-c2724b01a8e1'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/0td3QjPPYf8&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/0td3QjPPYf8&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-84294030714376690852013-10-05T18:18:00.001+01:002013-10-05T18:18:46.896+01:00Film Review: FLIGHT (2012)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/10/film-review-flight-2012.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZmEAw_-mfbY/UlBJwDTvZqI/AAAAAAAAPUo/d23NixZDnoQ/s1600-h/Flight%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Flight - poster" border="0" alt="Flight - poster" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nzdLDHOvgm4/UlBJwqfq_SI/AAAAAAAAPUw/gI8IotrKzW4/Flight%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="102" height="149" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000709/?ref_=ttfc_fc_dr1">Robert Zemeckis</a> <br />Writer: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0309691/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr1">John Gatins</a> <br />Running time: 138 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 15</p> <p>Genre: Drama/Thriller <br />UK Release date: 1<sup>st</sup> February 2013 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Saturday 5<sup>th</sup> October 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I heard quite a lot about this one on release; it made quite a splash, even gaining two Oscar nominations. Of course it never played at my local and so I’ve had to wait until now when it aired on TV. Was it worth the wait? Yes, although it’s not one I would have paid full price for on DVD. It does have one or two issues, which I’ll discuss later, but over all, it’s a pretty good watch. Here’s a very brief summary before I give you my thoughts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-osCb1PacpMU/UlBJxVVyT3I/AAAAAAAAPU4/wTTYY46jLko/s1600-h/Flight%252520-%2525208%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Flight - 8" border="0" alt="Flight - 8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GDhjQ_YMKUA/UlBJxwIF2DI/AAAAAAAAPVA/wmUjxuEI35U/Flight%252520-%2525208_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="255" /></a> When pilot Whip Whitaker (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000243/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2">Denzel Washington</a>) saves a commercial aircraft from certain disaster he becomes a hero. But it is not as straightforward as it seems. He has a drink problem and this is going to make life very difficult for quite a few people before the crash investigation is over. His union rep, Charlie Anderson (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0339304/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t15">Bruce Greenwood</a>) and the lawyer for the airline, High Lang (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000332/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t22">Don Cheadle</a>) do their best to suppress certain condemning evidence against him but at the end of the day it’s Whip who’ll have to testify. The film takes us through his personal journey from the day of the crash onwards. In the hospital he meets a recovering addict, Nicole (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0717709/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t7">Kelly Reilly</a>), who he helps out and the pair of them live together for a while. Eventually though she cannot be around him because of his drinking and she leaves. He is taken to an AA meeting but nothing seems to work. His testimony is coming up and extreme measures are needed to keep him sober, but will it work?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tt4XE-0z38M/UlBJyQQ2AQI/AAAAAAAAPVI/tVAQlsEE3SM/s1600-h/Flight%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Flight - 4" border="0" alt="Flight - 4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W9i94QIdaEs/UlBJyzhOcdI/AAAAAAAAPVQ/YszxRm_54PM/Flight%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="282" /></a> Although I liked this film I did find it a little too long; in fact I have to admit that I watched it in two halves. From a totally stunning sequence at the start I felt it lost momentum for a while, that was until I became embroiled in the drama of Whip Whitaker’s story. It’s quite a tale and an excellent performance from Denzel Washington holds it all together quite brilliantly. I also thought Kelly Reilly did a pretty good job as well. But back to the opening sequence for a moment, for me it ranks as one of the best special effects driven sequences I’ve seen in a very long time and hats off to all involved. Taken as a whole, the film does take the audience on quite a journey and I know for some it couldn’t quite live up to that crash sequence. For me I thought it held together pretty well, mainly thanks to the acting skills of Mr Washington. Over all, definitely worth a watch but don’t get blown away by the crash sequence, there’s a lot more depth to it than that.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 7.8/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 7.3/10</b> (based on 150,410 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1907668/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1907668/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 76/100:</b> (Based on 40 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M2fdUVV-4tA/UlBJzqNe5kI/AAAAAAAAPVY/8zWLjbreQso/s1600-h/Flight%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Flight - 5" border="0" alt="Flight - 5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nqw-RLi_atM/UlBJ0H-RTPI/AAAAAAAAPVg/-6gpvef4rjo/Flight%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="278" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 78/100:</b> (based on 217 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 75/100: </b>(based on 140,800 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/flight_2012/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/flight_2012/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZxWuotiLahs/UlBJ0rWvQXI/AAAAAAAAPVo/jhRmF2jshGg/s1600-h/Flight%252520-%25252010%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Flight - 10" border="0" alt="Flight - 10" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J0lf_PQE-ko/UlBJ1m7bk4I/AAAAAAAAPVw/t4ELyCHqSLc/Flight%252520-%25252010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="278" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Site: <a href="http://www.paramount.com/flight/">http://www.paramount.com/flight/</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:606af847-c570-4583-a641-1478df23c88d" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="eb0a7c34-eec1-48de-9c2b-f59d3c5024d6" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnVNNR6CEOE" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ybq3sxAsZ1Q/UlBJ2J4yJXI/AAAAAAAAPWA/Y_DgbDuPGTE/video1f811376dd93%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('eb0a7c34-eec1-48de-9c2b-f59d3c5024d6'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/xnVNNR6CEOE&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/xnVNNR6CEOE&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-69886661227020556152013-10-05T12:15:00.001+01:002013-10-05T12:16:20.911+01:00Film Review: ABOUT TIME (2013)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/10/film-review-about-time-2013.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aBsqsvylCYQ/Uk_0x5LTuqI/AAAAAAAAPTA/vLe04ASXIjU/s1600-h/About%252520Time%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="About Time - poster" border="0" alt="About Time - poster" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bp8TfxLwm1o/Uk_0yV7SBtI/AAAAAAAAPTI/9vjhmsLBjBY/About%252520Time%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="89" height="137" /></a> Writer/Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0193485/?ref_=ttfc_fc_dr1">Richard Curtis</a> <br />Running time: 123 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 12A</p> <p>Genre: Comedy/Drama/Romance/Sci-Fi <br />USA Release date: 4<sup>th</sup> September 2013 </p> <p>Watched at the cinema Friday 4<sup>th</sup> October 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>Well this one came up because it just happened to be on when it was a very good friend of mine’s birthday. We had arranged that we were going to the cinema and I gave her a free choice (to be fair there were only two to choose from at the time we wanted to go, but I’m glad she opted for this). I like Richard Curtis, his work has varied over the years but it never fails to hit a note with me; so I have to say to Rosie, “Good Choice!”. There were plenty of laughs but this was balanced with some quite heart rending stuff towards the end. Here’s a very brief summary before I give you my thoughts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2TdIKfXBlsI/Uk_0zJ75qpI/AAAAAAAAPTQ/EJUv9vBt3ZA/s1600-h/About%252520Time%252520-%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="About Time - 2" border="0" alt="About Time - 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-prmQgxO_C-s/Uk_0z0ngOMI/AAAAAAAAPTY/LmzH44Ml0pY/About%252520Time%252520-%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="282" /></a> When Tim (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1727304/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1">Domhnall Gleeson</a>) reaches the age of 21, his father (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0631490/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t3">Bill Nighy</a>) tells him that all the men in their family can travel backwards in time. Of course Tim doesn’t believe him until he tries it for himself. But now the question is; what to do with this ability. There are rules, but it soon become apparent that these are a tad flexible (I’ll explain what I mean by that later). So Tim decides he’s going to use it to get himself a girlfriend and who should be right around the corner but Mary (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1046097/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2">Rachel McAdams</a>). He falls for her big time and contrives various ways to make sure she will be his; sometimes with hilarious consequences. But there is more than one cloud on the horizon and there are events to come that even Tim’s ability cannot solve. I think that’s enough of a teaser for now.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z71wapCd5jM/Uk_00fYOMxI/AAAAAAAAPTg/IjKyHMrFo7s/s1600-h/About%252520Time%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="About Time - 1" border="0" alt="About Time - 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yHFdTfMDqmU/Uk_01JebJ5I/AAAAAAAAPTo/84JqIeA0Y-Y/About%252520Time%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> I have to admit I enjoyed this one; yes, they do make certain rules about time travel and then immediately break them, but that’s not what the story is about. And yes, it is about well off white people, but again, if I wanted a film that was politically correct and socially aware I don’t think I’d have Richard Curtis write it. No, this was pure escapism for me and I happily went along for the ride. Great performances all round, but the stand-out for me was Bill Nighy; he really nailed the part of the dad for me. I have to say I liked the soundtrack as well with many contemporary tunes littered along the way. So it made me laugh and I even shed a tear towards the end and there’s not many films can do that. I admit I’m a bit of a sucker for the occasional Rom-Com and this one had just the right ingredients for me.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 8.2/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 7.6/10</b> (based on 4,081 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2194499/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2194499/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 54/100:</b> (Based on 7 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gtE2gQsn284/Uk_01lsv71I/AAAAAAAAPTw/sY8WrtEb-mU/s1600-h/About%252520Time%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="About Time - 5" border="0" alt="About Time - 5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A73vks_ElZ0/Uk_02DWb4nI/AAAAAAAAPT4/P36Fa8yx3I4/About%252520Time%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 62/100:</b> (based on 37 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 82/100: </b>(based on 12,528 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/about_time/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/about_time/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BXcAozQf8zE/Uk_02w7oYJI/AAAAAAAAPUA/CsFZjkxCH8s/s1600-h/About%252520Time%252520-%2525204%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="About Time - 4" border="0" alt="About Time - 4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CkdtupW0GeQ/Uk_03Vj2EuI/AAAAAAAAPUI/9wcFr4pVz7M/About%252520Time%252520-%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="235" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/abouttimethemovie">https://www.facebook.com/abouttimethemovie</a> <br />Official Site: <a href="http://www.abouttimeintl.com/uk/">http://www.abouttimeintl.com/uk/</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:5fc47c47-8f45-4a5a-a333-029d350a9d08" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="28bf924b-d4d3-4f6f-9dbc-5370f35f1404" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7A810duHvw" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yO3Hu2K9_p8/Uk_04LH9FnI/AAAAAAAAPUY/nu2iQjub-TE/video463cca3e6850%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('28bf924b-d4d3-4f6f-9dbc-5370f35f1404'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/T7A810duHvw&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/T7A810duHvw&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-70852354750902866522013-09-29T17:09:00.001+01:002013-09-29T17:10:46.272+01:00Film Review: RE-ANIMATOR (1985)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-re-animator-1985.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4FT6a4vJ6GA/UkhQsLdWvYI/AAAAAAAAPRo/PUbdDhS-Eh8/s1600-h/Re-Animator%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Re-Animator - poster" border="0" alt="Re-Animator - poster" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3WAqcNlIWAA/UkhQskE6l9I/AAAAAAAAPRw/nFCSEOgC7xs/Re-Animator%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="130" height="193" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002340/">Stuart Gordon</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0522454/">H.P. Lovecraft</a> (story “Herbert West, Re-Animator”), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0660016/">Dennis Paoli</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0635920/">William Norris</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002340/">Stuart Gordon</a> (screenplay) <br />Running time: 95 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 18</p> <p>Genre: Horror/Sci-Fi <br />USA Release date: 18<sup>th</sup> October 1985 </p> <p>Watched on Terrestrial PVR Sunday 29<sup>th</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>This is one of those films that, on release was talked about a lot in schoolyards up and down the country. One that gained more than its fair share of notoriety, mainly due to the exaggeration of the youth. Of course it couldn’t possibly be that gory; could it? Well I finally found out today, and yes, it is all that gory folks! Very much a B-Movie, but one with a certain something that I’m struggling to define right now. The acting is not bad, but equally not that good; the effects are a tad dated, but still do the job surprisingly well; I can only conclude that it must be the script. It’s one of those that creeps up on you and before you know it, you’re enjoying this crazy tale! But to re-cap for a moment; the story surrounds a new student at a medical school; Herbert West (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001062/">Jeffrey Combs</a>). He has some theories about death that are contrary to the head of research, Dr. Carl Hill (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0301834/">David Gale</a>). Add to the mix a young personable student, Dan Cain (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0007940/">Bruce Abbott</a>), his girlfriend, the beautiful Megan Halsey (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0186225/">Barbara Crampton</a>) and her father, Dean Halsey (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0760203/">Robert Sampson</a>); and you’ve got all the ingredients for an 80’s horror. When West begins to experiment and drags Dan into it, you know it’s going to end up messy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z5gLeqiegps/UkhQtd99GHI/AAAAAAAAPR4/SK5zIOZToj0/s1600-h/Re-Animator%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Re-Animator - 3" border="0" alt="Re-Animator - 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zCsRdRPBbig/UkhQuNW5kiI/AAAAAAAAPSA/yc16m4dIDqA/Re-Animator%252520-%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="219" /></a> A film very much in the style of the 1930’s classic horrors, it never pauses for a laugh and never misses a beat. I admire that it’s all taken so seriously and that the actors play it so straight. This gives it a bit of an edge over more modern takes on the genre (for me). Although none of the performances could be called great, I thought both Jeffrey Combs and David Gale come out on top. I really liked the musical score by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0051659/">Richard Band</a>, almost a homage to the great horrors of the past. Over all, an intriguing film that I ended up enjoying despite a totally ludicrous story line; definitely worth a look for any horror fan. Be warned though, it’s definitely NOT for the squeamish.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 7.2/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 7.2/10</b> (based on 26,184 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089885/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089885/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: No Data:</b> (Based on 0 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MiEKR87GnGY/UkhQutobjzI/AAAAAAAAPSI/Ym5NGIL_UNk/s1600-h/Re-Animator%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Re-Animator - 5" border="0" alt="Re-Animator - 5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rnsiwTb87jo/UkhQvTBF_2I/AAAAAAAAPSQ/O3BiYEzE7yg/Re-Animator%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 95/100:</b> (based on 42 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 61/100 “Want to See”: </b>(based on 35,051 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/reanimator/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/reanimator/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4WYvpBNOnpM/UkhQwPIwPbI/AAAAAAAAPSY/KrfiL55VBA0/s1600-h/Re-Animator%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Re-Animator - 1" border="0" alt="Re-Animator - 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3uoAccEjq5o/UkhQwwRxKOI/AAAAAAAAPSg/KRtcpW0vTmE/Re-Animator%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="276" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Site: <a href="http://www.re-animatorfilms.com/Re-Animator.cast.html">http://www.re-animatorfilms.com/Re-Animator.cast.html</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:2fcbe167-3baa-4052-ac42-09933ae6c693" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="c1ea64c6-a2c1-480c-8f7b-9335b70e8c0c" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLTerEBE6h0" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4fjub1dBPyc/UkhQxTo2g5I/AAAAAAAAPSw/8mbGz4abCqE/video08138a2e69de%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('c1ea64c6-a2c1-480c-8f7b-9335b70e8c0c'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/sLTerEBE6h0&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/sLTerEBE6h0&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-27107449301288198872013-09-29T16:29:00.001+01:002013-09-29T16:29:42.656+01:00Film Review: THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS (2012)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-man-with-iron-fists-2012.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kSxkSey32QE/UkhHKYbs3yI/AAAAAAAAPQQ/-JtRsZr_JRk/s1600-h/The%252520Man%252520with%252520the%252520Iron%252520Fists%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="The Man with the Iron Fists" border="0" alt="The Man with the Iron Fists" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qp9C7RYA8jw/UkhHLNyrYMI/AAAAAAAAPQY/PexmpWyDGp0/The%252520Man%252520with%252520the%252520Iron%252520Fists_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="111" height="172" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0753526/">RZA</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0744834/">Eli Roth</a> (screenplay), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0753526/">RZA</a> (screenplay/story) <br />Running time: 95 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 18</p> <p>Genre: Action/Martial Arts <br />UK Release date: 7<sup>th</sup> December 2012 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Sunday 29<sup>th</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I remember when this one came out there appeared to be a certain amount of anticipation; probably due to the (tenuous) involvement of one <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000233/">Quentin Tarantino</a>; he ‘Presented’ this one (whatever that means). Looking on how well it’s done since, it appears all that anticipation was misplaced. But I digress; the film is set in feudal China where a Blacksmith (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0753526/">RZA</a>) is forced to make weapons in order to protect his village from feuding gangs and government forces looking for a lost shipment of gold. To add spice to this there’s also an English Officer in the village, Jack Knife (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000128/">Russell Crowe</a>), a son looking for revenge on his murdered father, Zen Yi, The X-Blade (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0950935/">Rick Yune</a>) and a brothel madam who knows more than she lets on, Madam Blossom (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005154/">Lucy Liu</a>). On the bad guys side we have; Silver Lion (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0542677/">Byron Mann</a>), Poison Dagger (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0943079/">Daniel Wu</a>), Bronze Lion (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1087183/">Cung Le</a>) and Brass Body (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1176985/">Dave Bautista</a>). Finally there’s the Blacksmith’s sweetheart, Lady Silk (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1512166/">Jamie Chung</a>).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6fK3wr85D3k/UkhHLrxt8EI/AAAAAAAAPQg/k3eqr-zVxpQ/s1600-h/The%252520Man%252520with%252520the%252520Iron%252520Fists%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Man with the Iron Fists - 4" border="0" alt="The Man with the Iron Fists - 4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J5snfXi4xu8/UkhHMQ0fshI/AAAAAAAAPQo/9jNQkmNhQKk/The%252520Man%252520with%252520the%252520Iron%252520Fists%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> There is plenty of action with a fight scene every five minutes (or so it seems); the pacing is kept pretty high throughout also. There are many impressive set-pieces with many tricks we’ve seen before being re-used. For me, this wasn’t a problem; I wanted to be entertained and that’s just what I got. There is quite a high gore-factor though, so it’s definitely not one for the squeamish. All the performances were very good with Russell Crowe, despite a very Aussie sounding English accent, standing out for me. I was impressed with RZA; I thought he did a very decent job taking on the dual role of actor and director. Lucy Liu was as reliable as ever and I also liked the performances of Rick Yune and Byron Mann. It’s quite a simple tale told with a very highly paced action orientated script. It’s well made and did just what it said on the tin. This is one of those where I’m going to disagree with popular opinion and give it more credit than most because I didn’t think it was that bad.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 6.6/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 5.4/10</b> (based on 37,468 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1258972/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1258972/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 51/100:</b> (Based on 18 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BPGkk_KOFRc/UkhHMxZ7VmI/AAAAAAAAPQw/_qJSJ29-Xkw/s1600-h/The%252520Man%252520with%252520the%252520Iron%252520Fists%252520-%2525206%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Man with the Iron Fists - 6" border="0" alt="The Man with the Iron Fists - 6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c_YslP9viK4/UkhHNnDQwpI/AAAAAAAAPQ4/TJeFGf7T0GA/The%252520Man%252520with%252520the%252520Iron%252520Fists%252520-%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="212" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 49/100:</b> (based on 83 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 41/100: </b>(based on 44,945 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_man_with_the_iron_fists/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_man_with_the_iron_fists/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c1tKnTWpqgc/UkhHOO7QBGI/AAAAAAAAPRA/3OCIjQafFpM/s1600-h/The%252520Man%252520with%252520the%252520Iron%252520Fists%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Man With The Iron Fist" border="0" alt="Man With The Iron Fist" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dweViL59NSo/UkhHOwnxcCI/AAAAAAAAPRI/7XB23QjUAgs/The%252520Man%252520with%252520the%252520Iron%252520Fists%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ironfistsmovie">https://www.facebook.com/ironfistsmovie</a> <br />Official Site: <a href="http://www.universalstudiosentertainment.com/man-with-the-iron-fists-the/">http://www.universalstudiosentertainment.com/man-with-the-iron-fists-the/</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:245833ae-1e78-471f-aac2-d0fecd940135" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="60662151-c2cd-49db-ae51-d3fe5dc2b0ad" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOXnTZsaMq0" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aAcyyTw42W4/UkhHPQJ0ZfI/AAAAAAAAPRY/epWPHkYjD4A/videof4edc62d106a%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('60662151-c2cd-49db-ae51-d3fe5dc2b0ad'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/BOXnTZsaMq0&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/BOXnTZsaMq0&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-14137034908539415272013-09-28T15:52:00.001+01:002013-09-28T15:53:03.432+01:00Film Review: LONE STAR (1996)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-lone-star-1996.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YwV3wrDJitI/UkbtDJ0qcHI/AAAAAAAAPOo/ATny7AYWUfU/s1600-h/Lone%252520Star%252520-%252520poster%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Lone Star - poster" border="0" alt="Lone Star - poster" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FIcCwmKmkCY/UkbtD7WhllI/AAAAAAAAPOw/gCHdBFugdUw/Lone%252520Star%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="106" height="153" /></a> Writer/Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000626/">John Sayles</a> <br />Running time: 135 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 15</p> <p>Genre: Drama/Mystery/Romance <br />UK Release date: 11<sup>th</sup> October 1996 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Saturday 28<sup>th</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I knew very little about this one on the way in and so it was a bit of a revelation to me. I’m not awfully big on Westerns but this modern take on the genre with a huge dose of noir was a nice surprise. Some great performances with the likes of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177933/">Chris Cooper</a> as Sam, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001615/">Elizabeth Peña</a> as Pilar and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001434/">Kris Kristofferson</a> as Charlie Wade all putting in some great work. The story revolves around the recently returned Sherriff, Sam who becomes embroiled in investigating the conduct of his father (the previous Sherriff) when a body is found in the desert outside the town. Set in southern Texas, there are many threads that are woven in this complex tale of corruption and intrigue. There are many flashbacks that help the audience to understand the characters and the various motivations of those being investigated.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pDFw5kIvCxg/UkbtEYCTRzI/AAAAAAAAPO4/PbBJ-OC_EIc/s1600-h/Lone%252520Star%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Lone Star - 5" border="0" alt="Lone Star - 5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cmG7ex7Umjk/UkbtFKhSU6I/AAAAAAAAPPA/l5pNXA_iZN8/Lone%252520Star%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="176" /></a> If anything I found this one a little too complex; there were several threads that seemed totally unrelated to the main thrust of the story. It’s also, I felt, a little too long; the filmmakers are asking quite a lot for an audience to concentrate for two hours and fifteen minutes. It is slow paced, but I didn’t particularly mind that; I’m used to the noir style and it is usually quite a slow burner. Some great performances with Chris Cooper coping well with the leading role and Kris Kristofferson playing the villain of the peace with gusto. Also we have Elizabeth Peña, who did an excellent job as the female lead and a small part for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000190/">Matthew McConaughey</a> as Buddy Deeds. Although it does have its problems I still found it an excellent watch; definitely one to look out for for all you noir fans out there.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 7.5/10.</b></p> <p><b><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ef4hyZ2aM5w/UkbtFhbKhBI/AAAAAAAAPPI/LYtCby6tXck/s1600-h/Lone%252520Star%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Lone Star - 1" border="0" alt="Lone Star - 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AZdtv8A2cjE/UkbtGXXYIlI/AAAAAAAAPPQ/6cM3sHv5kJI/Lone%252520Star%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="166" /></a> IMDb Score: 7.5/10</b> (based on 18,083 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116905/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116905/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 78/100:</b> (Based on 22 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g6AkpCLOXwE/UkbtGw2vKbI/AAAAAAAAPPY/aDgCqNYY5rY/s1600-h/Lone%252520Star%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Lone Star - 3" border="0" alt="Lone Star - 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mDIw5ZVn7ls/UkbtH2thB4I/AAAAAAAAPPg/gXuK7aAVdsc/Lone%252520Star%252520-%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="282" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 93/100:</b> (based on 41 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 44/100 “Want to see”: </b>(based on 8,927 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1074022-lone_star/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1074022-lone_star/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iHM5gT9aeag/UkbtIj29bPI/AAAAAAAAPPo/rYNhRrZg1vA/s1600-h/Lone%252520Star%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Lone Star - 4" border="0" alt="Lone Star - 4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OnSNqTx3nkk/UkbtJZ9bYYI/AAAAAAAAPPw/tFtJ620Z3Mo/Lone%252520Star%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="279" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:c0a71e1b-4b43-45ce-9ed4-b16175de80e9" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="9c4f8a31-4c8f-4920-9a99-53d874eed280" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhd8AHbp2c4" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SO0mfwXitBs/UkbtKCvX0UI/AAAAAAAAPQA/-bhdKAKgvmQ/videoaccfd24ca5ca%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('9c4f8a31-4c8f-4920-9a99-53d874eed280'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fhd8AHbp2c4&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fhd8AHbp2c4&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-11727857753473456332013-09-27T13:55:00.001+01:002013-09-27T13:55:34.075+01:00Film Review: PONYO (2008)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-ponyo-2008.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T7z1e0Jc0aI/UkWAED3D_aI/AAAAAAAAPNQ/A4TfaX1cZo0/s1600-h/Ponyo%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Ponyo - poster" border="0" alt="Ponyo - poster" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6VBlJG4F0BQ/UkWAEz5xJmI/AAAAAAAAPNY/YOXyCCOzpqk/Ponyo%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="104" height="151" /></a> Writer/Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0594503/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Hayao Miyazaki</a> <br />Running time: 101 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): U</p> <p>Genre: Animation/Adventure/Family <br />UK Release date: 12<sup>th</sup> February 2010 </p> <p>Watched on Terrestrial PVR Friday 27<sup>th</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>Time being of the essence, I’m going to keep this short today. I heard many good things about Ponyo when it came out and have tried to see it a couple of times before, but always seemed to miss the boat (pardon the pun). Finally managed to pin it down about a month ago though and have been waiting for it to bubble to the top of the pile on my Freeview PVR ever since. Well the day finally arrived and it was definitely worth the wait. I’m a fan of the work of Studio Ghibli and of Miyazaki in particular and so that’s no huge surprise. No summary this time, I’m going straight into my thoughts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aOiAfpFAhAU/UkWAFbsSvxI/AAAAAAAAPNg/ycnioAHcLYg/s1600-h/Ponyo%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Ponyo - 3" border="0" alt="Ponyo - 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RJ6FlMm6gAM/UkWAF3clv3I/AAAAAAAAPNo/JektVF8oAv8/Ponyo%252520-%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="225" /></a> Beautifully animated with all the style and grace of Miyazaki’s work. It is distinctively his own and I hope nobody ever tries to copy it. I saw it in the ‘Americanised’ Disney version with some well known names in the cast. For me though, I feel it always loses something; I would have rather seen it with its original Japanese soundtrack. For some reason, that gives it a little more authenticity and also makes it a little more mystical. But the English language version was ok too with the likes of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000949/">Cate Blanchett</a> as Granmamere, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000553/">Liam Neeson</a> as Fujimoto, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0275486/">Tina Fey</a> as Lisa, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000354/">Matt Damon</a> as Kôichi, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2732114/">Frankie Jonas</a> as Sôsuke and (of course) <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1682324/">Noah Lindsey Cyrus</a> as Ponyo. They all did a pretty good job. I very much liked to music by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0386749/">Joe Hisaishi</a> as well, it has a great feel to it and fits the visuals really well. Over all, although I’m far from the target audience, I have to say I really enjoyed this engaging mystical tale. Maybe one for a very young audience, which proves I must be young at heart, but certainly a worthy watch.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 8.2/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 7.7/10</b> (based on 50,831 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0876563/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0876563/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 86/100:</b> (Based on 29 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wK5bcHbigJ8/UkWAGtaimRI/AAAAAAAAPNw/I7rcYoUYukY/s1600-h/Ponyo%252520-%2525206%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Ponyo - 6" border="0" alt="Ponyo - 6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4oXlYqsa1o0/UkWAHHCxV2I/AAAAAAAAPN4/COjsL5_yMLw/Ponyo%252520-%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="225" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 92/100:</b> (based on 158 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 80/100: </b>(based on 93,134 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ponyo/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ponyo/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rhjR-hwzuUU/UkWAI_EmYrI/AAAAAAAAPOA/c4Ng7Cva1_s/s1600-h/Ponyo%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Ponyo - 1" border="0" alt="Ponyo - 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KnOwMXAmsT8/UkWAKV_o8RI/AAAAAAAAPOI/ZAVyq9ORWRM/Ponyo%252520-%2525201_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="415" height="240" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Site (Disney): <a href="http://movies.disney.com/ponyo">http://movies.disney.com/ponyo</a> <br />Official Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PONYO">https://www.facebook.com/PONYO</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:0f87b690-08f0-43ca-aa04-1292d303c181" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="60159d2c-8079-45b9-b0fe-fee48f2afca7" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bskgNOXbdiE" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-scnxP8FLaE8/UkWALLLk7fI/AAAAAAAAPOY/PzR5cW2U0V8/videob7e24625d0a4%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('60159d2c-8079-45b9-b0fe-fee48f2afca7'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/bskgNOXbdiE&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/bskgNOXbdiE&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-46334410084189684012013-09-23T10:57:00.001+01:002013-09-23T10:57:37.009+01:00Film Review: WILD AT HEART (1990)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-wild-at-heart-1990.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GNQY-4HYyMY/UkAQYMyJ3MI/AAAAAAAAPLo/JLwFIC2QGuI/s1600-h/Wild%252520at%252520Heart%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Wild at Heart - poster" border="0" alt="Wild at Heart - poster" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7Z-mUCVf3rc/UkAQYrP27cI/AAAAAAAAPLw/zcIojgj19W4/Wild%252520at%252520Heart%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="131" height="195" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000186/">David Lynch</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0317510/">Barry Gifford</a> (novel “Wild at Heart: The Story of Sailor and Lula”), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000186/">David Lynch</a> (screenplay) <br />Running time: 125 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 18</p> <p>Genre: Crime/Romance <br />UK Release date: 24<sup>th</sup> August 1990 </p> <p>Watched on Terrestrial PVR Monday 23<sup>rd</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I have to admit I knew very little about this one before viewing. I have seen copies of the DVD in many a bargain bin but never paid it much heed. On discovering it was directed by David Lynch I decided to give it a go when it appeared in the TV listings recently. So what did I think; well, it’s got Lynch all over it with many of his tropes well to the fore and I did like it, although it did have its problems. I’ll tell you more after this very brief summary.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4YKXbySlcJ4/UkAQZKmpvVI/AAAAAAAAPL4/KBPsprXWnyk/s1600-h/Wild%252520at%252520Heart%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Wild at Heart - 1" border="0" alt="Wild at Heart - 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ez7Hm69L1TI/UkAQZm4ydeI/AAAAAAAAPMA/xHuCZYp6jZk/Wild%252520at%252520Heart%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="177" /></a> After a spell in prison for manslaughter, Sailor Ripley (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000115/">Nicolas Cage</a>) gets out and is met by his girl, Lula Fortune (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000368/">Laura Dern</a>). The pair decides to drive across country from Cape Fear to California but Lula’s domineering mother, Marietta (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002663/">Diane Ladd</a>) has other ideas. She sends a series of hit men after the couple as they travel to New Orleans and then on to a small town in Texas. This is where they run into Bobby Peru (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000353/">Willem Dafoe</a>), could he be the one to cash in?</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wTO2Qo_KdPg/UkAQabYvPeI/AAAAAAAAPMI/n6PyYDlGEkk/s1600-h/Wild%252520at%252520Heart%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Wild at Heart - 4" border="0" alt="Wild at Heart - 4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BIOJDlV54uQ/UkAQbFOKa-I/AAAAAAAAPMQ/CEv7KjulTkI/Wild%252520at%252520Heart%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="270" /></a> Filled with some crazy characters, this one certainly catches your attention and refuses to let go. Nicolas Cage is at his best playing the larger than life Sailor Ripley and Laura Dern does a great job as Lula. I thought Diane Ladd as Marietta was truly excellent and Willem Defoe was also great as the sleazy Bobby Peru. You cannot fail to notice the many references to ‘The Wizard of Oz’; a theme that runs throughout. Unfortunately I found the film ran too long, there’s only so long you can put up with all the craziness. It reaches a point where we lose one of the main threads that have been running through the first two thirds of the film and I found that quite distracting. Still, it’s worth a look for a decent Cage performance and the, almost comic-book, like characterisations from Lynch (well at least for the first two thirds).</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 6.9/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 7.2/10</b> (based on 44,027 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100935/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100935/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 52/100:</b> (Based on 18 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9LhY1ggwUYg/UkAQbSMTqsI/AAAAAAAAPMY/l3EY95GZAys/s1600-h/Wild%252520at%252520Heart%252520-%2525206%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Wild at Heart - 6" border="0" alt="Wild at Heart - 6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5vqd3aZ7wzc/UkAQcOhz3-I/AAAAAAAAPMg/SFUzZmYlgNY/Wild%252520at%252520Heart%252520-%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="266" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 65/100:</b> (based on 43 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 80/100: </b>(based on 42,112 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wild_at_heart/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wild_at_heart/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vhgGehPz7yU/UkAQcr-CPwI/AAAAAAAAPMo/-wZWCt6QmFs/s1600-h/Wild%252520at%252520Heart%252520-%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Wild at Heart - 2" border="0" alt="Wild at Heart - 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LWOu-d1mpuw/UkAQdJshBdI/AAAAAAAAPMw/Lp7emSGCYdk/Wild%252520at%252520Heart%252520-%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="177" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:a3b71dc4-f20d-49a9-b7ce-3de7740f884d" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="783b4397-fff0-4630-a292-7a09e6835489" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uRJartX79Q" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yD3s_lp_-4E/UkAQdlMxudI/AAAAAAAAPNA/omluEEVI9xg/video5ded902678ce%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('783b4397-fff0-4630-a292-7a09e6835489'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7uRJartX79Q&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/7uRJartX79Q&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-32699914362957811272013-09-22T19:50:00.001+01:002013-09-22T19:51:05.522+01:00Film Review: SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (2012)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-silver-linings-playbook-2012.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jIN3kET9-BY/Uj876nw9wXI/AAAAAAAAPJ8/4qBmUBv6De4/s1600-h/Silver%252520Linings%252520Playbook%252520-%252520poster%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Silver Linings Playbook - poster" border="0" alt="Silver Linings Playbook - poster" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ziTkT7-EiaA/Uj877Irk6qI/AAAAAAAAPKE/0VHkrlpL7Xg/Silver%252520Linings%252520Playbook%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="145" height="207" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0751102/">David O. Russell</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0751102/">David O. Russell</a> (screenplay), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2683048/">Matthew Quick</a> (novel “The Silver Linings Playbook”) <br />Running time: 118 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 15</p> <p>Genre: Comedy/Drama/Romance <br />UK Release date: 21<sup>st</sup> November 2012 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Sunday 22<sup>nd</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I wasn’t sure about this one before watching it. I’m quite wary of popular American comedies; I have fallen foul of their evil (and terribly unfunny) ways before. Even as I began to watch I was afraid it was going to be a big mistake, but as it transpired, there was little to worry about. The film actually does have a heart and I found I finally could connect with the characters by the end. I will tell you more after this very brief summary.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JyLhqPwccuk/Uj877gxaKTI/AAAAAAAAPKM/DMqcpTsFc5U/s1600-h/Silver%252520Linings%252520Playbook%252520-%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Silver Linings Playbook - 2" border="0" alt="Silver Linings Playbook - 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gDRrQulVo_Q/Uj878SqH03I/AAAAAAAAPKU/NKhKqnWcjqY/Silver%252520Linings%252520Playbook%252520-%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="282" /></a> When Pat (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177896/">Bradley Cooper</a>) is released from a mental institution he has made several decisions about his life. Not least of which was to do everything he could to patch things up with his wife, Nikki (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1538239/">Brea Bee</a>). But she’s not all that an important character right now, as will be revealed. His parents, Pat Sr. (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000134/">Robert De Niro</a>) and Dolores (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0915865/">Jacki Weaver</a>) are supportive but have their own troubles. Pat Sr. has lost his pension and has begun taking bets in order to make ends meet. He’s obsessed with the Philadelphia Eagles and sees Pat as some kind of lucky omen. But while out for a meal with friends Pat meets Tiffany (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2225369/">Jennifer Lawrence</a>) who is widowed and also has emotional problems. She can get a message to Nikki, who has a restraining order out on Pat, but she wants something in return. And I think I’ll leave it there; that should be enough to give you a flavour.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-arKfbqUPt7M/Uj879DsbsYI/AAAAAAAAPKc/Byw-aJKq7mw/s1600-h/Silver%252520Linings%252520Playbook%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Silver Linings Playbook - 4" border="0" alt="Silver Linings Playbook - 4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_I647g6_C2k/Uj879tJZTaI/AAAAAAAAPKg/SWobg3hkVpY/Silver%252520Linings%252520Playbook%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="282" /></a> I found it a little hard to get into at first with Bradley Cooper over-acting in places, which was beginning to put me off. The introduction of Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) though changed all that and the narrative began to make more sense. All the performances were excellent with (for me) Jennifer Lawrence standing out. Yes, I know De Niro is there but he’s really not a major character although he does play his part very well. Bradley Cooper was good, but no better really than I have seen him before. The action is littered with an awful lot of music, some I was familiar with and some not so much; all of it fitted the visuals well though and it made for a welcome enhancement to the entertainment. Over all I found it a well rounded romantic comedy (with some drama thrown in for good measure) and just a twist of quirkiness. It even touched me on an emotional level (a rare thing these days) so it gets a pretty high recommendation from me.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 8.3/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 7.9/10</b> (based on 266,428 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1045658/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1045658/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 81/100:</b> (Based on 45 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uOU01GP77HI/Uj87-giA1uI/AAAAAAAAPKs/iTCEAz2WFok/s1600-h/Silver%252520Linings%252520Playbook%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK" border="0" alt="THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RWGjctZQNVA/Uj87_KjC3GI/AAAAAAAAPK0/VZMXlfh7Tcc/Silver%252520Linings%252520Playbook%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="282" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 92/100:</b> (based on 299 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 87/100: </b>(based on 233,762 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/silver_linings_playbook/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/silver_linings_playbook/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S-8F-m3MY4w/Uj88AO_FBwI/AAAAAAAAPK8/2LTwUKKeVkM/s1600-h/Silver%252520Linings%252520Playbook%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Silver Linings Playbook - 3" border="0" alt="Silver Linings Playbook - 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u9HLnSrsJmk/Uj88AiV25NI/AAAAAAAAPLE/xQpePoCqCDs/Silver%252520Linings%252520Playbook%252520-%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="282" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Site: <a href="http://silverliningsplaybookmovie.com/">http://silverliningsplaybookmovie.com/</a> <br />Official Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Silver-Linings-Playbook/453807761317648">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Silver-Linings-Playbook/453807761317648</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:99ef2d40-e4da-4bcb-9b9c-ff54b4c917b4" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="6b77b37b-247a-4fc3-b8c9-ce4127d9924a" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj5_FhLaaQQ" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rMivYjY-zyo/Uj88BZxCBqI/AAAAAAAAPLU/jxhS9kakmks/video9129ada964ab%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('6b77b37b-247a-4fc3-b8c9-ce4127d9924a'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Lj5_FhLaaQQ&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Lj5_FhLaaQQ&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-81568536501220141752013-09-21T17:40:00.001+01:002013-09-21T17:41:28.823+01:00Film Review: DOWN TERRACE (2009)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-down-terrace-2009.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gt4L8NXOvto/Uj3L2izAaoI/AAAAAAAAPIU/JhF1E_UCA54/s1600-h/Down%252520Terrace%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Down Terrace - poster" border="0" alt="Down Terrace - poster" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UGYaQ9n1vtI/Uj3L3bk_JKI/AAAAAAAAPIc/7vkVium-lsI/Down%252520Terrace%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="121" height="169" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1296554/">Ben Wheatley</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0384628/">Robin Hill</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1296554/">Ben Wheatley</a> <br />Running time: 89 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 15</p> <p>Genre: Crime/Drama/Comedy <br />UK Release date: 30<sup>th</sup> July 2010 </p> <p>Watched on Terrestrial PVR Saturday 20<sup>th</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I can’t say I’m particularly a fan of Ben Wheatley’s work, but to be fair, I haven’t seen an awful lot of it. I put this partly to rights when one of the film channels here in the UK decided to show a short season of his films to coincide with the release of ‘A Field in England’, (review <a href="http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/film-review-field-in-england-2013.html">here</a>). I certainly found this an interesting film with a very interesting style. I will tell you more after this very brief summary.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f4OMWDgxyy8/Uj3L4G1sZ6I/AAAAAAAAPIk/wbSobiJMlag/s1600-h/Down%252520Terrace%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Down Terrace - 4" border="0" alt="Down Terrace - 4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z6xhjgvXNIQ/Uj3L4suvr4I/AAAAAAAAPIs/RYt5GjeB2NA/Down%252520Terrace%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> When father and son Bill (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2703386/">Robert Hill</a>) and Karl (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0384628/">Robin Hill</a>) get let off drug trafficking charges in court they return home to their terraced house. There waiting for them is Maggie (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0212626/">Julia Deakin</a>), Bill’s wife, and a lad who works for them, Garvy (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0915453/">Tony Way</a>). They want to get to the bottom of who had set them up and their suspicions initially fall on Garvy. Other characters begin to turn up; Eric (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0769442/">David Schaal</a>) and Pringle (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0806968/">Michael Smiley</a>), both of the criminal fraternity and then there’s Valda (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3566886/">Kerry Peacock</a>), an ex-girlfriend of Karl’s who happens to be pregnant with his kid. As I said, there were suspicious of Garvy, but how far will it go before the week is out?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nmff6GbC8E8/Uj3L5dacyJI/AAAAAAAAPI0/R9F1_tGCaCQ/s1600-h/Down%252520Terrace%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Down Terrace - 1" border="0" alt="Down Terrace - 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6AVXNC02P-U/Uj3L56oOltI/AAAAAAAAPI8/LFMIDY_51u4/Down%252520Terrace%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> This film was billed as a comedy but I found it so darkly comic that I could almost take it as a straight-up drama. All the performances were excellent with both Robert and Robin Hill putting in stellar turns. A cross between a kitchen sink drama and a fly-on-the-wall documentary, I found the filming style made for a compelling watch. Unfortunately there were a couple of niggles. They are supposed to be drug dealers but we see no drug dealing going on. Also, the police were very conspicuous by their absence; not one policeman seen al the way through. You’d have thought the police would definitely be watching someone with their track record. Other than that I found it an interesting and compelling watch. Just a word for the squeamish though, Ben Wheatley does not hold back on the violence. There are a couple of quite graphic scenes in there that might have you wincing.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 7.1/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 6.1/10</b> (based on 1,424 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1489167/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1489167/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 68/100:</b> (Based on 14 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GMaTt2TSjOU/Uj3L6oDkBvI/AAAAAAAAPJE/7r6hr1BKeBI/s1600-h/Down%252520Terrace%252520-%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Down Terrace - 2" border="0" alt="Down Terrace - 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wRcx71xtezA/Uj3L7co5ZqI/AAAAAAAAPJM/P71jxkErZKg/Down%252520Terrace%252520-%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 85/100:</b> (based on 34 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 60/100: </b>(based on 1,371 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/down-terrace/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/down-terrace/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7ZCcszNx6Lk/Uj3L70GGt8I/AAAAAAAAPJU/c-BnHNSJ4Zc/s1600-h/Down%252520Terrace%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Down Terrace - 3" border="0" alt="Down Terrace - 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6B6qOAqBx_E/Uj3L8Y24_KI/AAAAAAAAPJc/WjMWAoQtCPk/Down%252520Terrace%252520-%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Site: <a href="http://www.downterrace.com/">http://www.downterrace.com/</a> <br />Official Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/downterrace">https://www.facebook.com/downterrace</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:500a0e9a-7bfa-41d8-93eb-45abc2fe371d" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="8eab6fba-d876-4d72-9741-8c4101325795" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6gaBc-O_4A" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IIIPELld-_Q/Uj3L88uoc3I/AAAAAAAAPJs/rzNOgs2X4so/video600d8c92ea7c%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('8eab6fba-d876-4d72-9741-8c4101325795'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/x6gaBc-O_4A&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/x6gaBc-O_4A&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-86366548651938874472013-09-15T18:04:00.001+01:002013-09-15T18:04:17.480+01:00Film Review: TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (2012)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-trouble-with-curve-2012.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0KkhP2SIQ28/UjXoYujz2oI/AAAAAAAAPGs/m8BM-ISCmI4/s1600-h/Trouble%252520With%252520The%252520Curve%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Trouble With The Curve - poster" border="0" alt="Trouble With The Curve - poster" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W3Udihk_kL4/UjXoZZjJdJI/AAAAAAAAPG0/MLiRaWhBUyw/Trouble%252520With%252520The%252520Curve%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="175" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0520749/">Robert Lorenz</a> <br />Writer: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4720384/">Randy Brown</a> <br />Running time: 111 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 12</p> <p>Genre: Drama/Sport <br />UK Release date: 30<sup>th</sup> November 2012 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>Now baseball is not big here in the UK, in fact, other than it’s a bit like rounders and it’s really big in North America and the Far East, I know little about it. So why watch a film about it; well, I have seen a few films centred around the sport before and I’ve always found them quite interesting, so I thought I’d give this one a go. The fact it’s also got Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams in it, two of my favourite actors, is just incidental (honestly). I will give you my thoughts after this very brief summary.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TpNRmFfyYew/UjXoZ9he_0I/AAAAAAAAPG8/m-9vJDHO504/s1600-h/Trouble%252520With%252520The%252520Curve%252520-%2525207%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Trouble With The Curve - 7" border="0" alt="Trouble With The Curve - 7" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7G0cd7rhU_c/UjXoagk9L_I/AAAAAAAAPHE/LTq3_UWzfaI/Trouble%252520With%252520The%252520Curve%252520-%2525207_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="140" /></a> When ageing scout Gus (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000142/">Clint Eastwood</a>) discovers his sight is failing him his estranged daughter, Mickey (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0010736/">Amy Adams</a>) decides to go with him on a scouting trip to help him out. Mickey has a high powered job and is up for a promotion and so this trip could not have came at a worst time for her. Gus has issues with her coming along, apart from him being fiercely independent, he still sees her as a little girl sometimes. Whilst on the trip they meet Johnny (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005493/">Justin Timberlake</a>) who is a washed-up player who it trying out as a scout for another team. Johnny and Mickey eventually hit it off but it’s her relationship with her father that is important. Will it survive this trip or have those bridges already been burned?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dxA0fQbzzVU/UjXobT3nBTI/AAAAAAAAPHM/61bpjZAbnv0/s1600-h/Trouble%252520With%252520The%252520Curve%252520-%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE" border="0" alt="TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QI1BZ2MO3l0/UjXocNFZFLI/AAAAAAAAPHU/9I_6b4c6oQA/Trouble%252520With%252520The%252520Curve%252520-%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="282" /></a> Well made with many baseball references that went well over my head but that didn’t matter. The film isn’t about that, it’s about relationships and as such I found it an engaging watch. Both Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams were excellent in this; I admire them both as actors and they didn’t disappoint. Justin Timberlake gets better each time I see him, I just wish he’d stop making those awful records! (It’s a joke folks). Also worthy of note were <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000498/">Matthew Lillard</a> as Phillip Sanderson, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001598/">Robert Patrick</a> as Vince and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000422/">John Goodman</a> as Pete Klein. It’s not a tear-jerker or a heart rending tale but I found it did strike an emotional chord with me. If, like me, you admire Eastwood and Adams then it’s well worth a look.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 8.1/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 6.7/10</b> (based on 28,479 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087075/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087075/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 58/100:</b> (Based on 40 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xQQjG-tr3_0/UjXoc8KZ2gI/AAAAAAAAPHc/ySlNPZUFDOM/s1600-h/Trouble%252520With%252520The%252520Curve%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Trouble With The Curve - 5" border="0" alt="Trouble With The Curve - 5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h_pAeD9xkUQ/UjXodUWEPII/AAAAAAAAPHk/I6QhUTMrEqI/Trouble%252520With%252520The%252520Curve%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 52/100:</b> (based on 182 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 66/100: </b>(based on 41,982 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/trouble_with_the_curve/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/trouble_with_the_curve/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1fZVcoPqzak/UjXoeIh6wpI/AAAAAAAAPHs/NM0T4H7SE6s/s1600-h/Trouble%252520With%252520The%252520Curve%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Trouble With The Curve - 4" border="0" alt="Trouble With The Curve - 4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lZaMpRrwMio/UjXofMUYmlI/AAAAAAAAPH0/KAyGbWv5QTs/Trouble%252520With%252520The%252520Curve%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="250" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Site (US): <a href="http://troublewiththecurve.warnerbros.com/dvd/">http://troublewiththecurve.warnerbros.com/dvd/</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e8a41998-ca71-4888-970c-3b85d38aef19" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="22ece098-2ee7-402f-b852-6953b936b876" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxdZx4bd16s" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-daUwdaVlNsk/UjXofi_gSQI/AAAAAAAAPIE/4rTi2lX69m4/videobd5b5b4974db%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('22ece098-2ee7-402f-b852-6953b936b876'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/HxdZx4bd16s&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/HxdZx4bd16s&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-69717713675300683162013-09-15T14:50:00.001+01:002013-09-15T14:50:42.136+01:00Film Review: THE WORLD’S END (2013)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-worlds-end-2013.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1W9OIVBcaIY/UjW6-Wo4p6I/AAAAAAAAPFE/8PUR3XNu-Jw/s1600-h/The%252520World%252527s%252520End%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="The World's End - poster" border="0" alt="The World's End - poster" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HHnv-NDPW8g/UjW6--OFBSI/AAAAAAAAPFM/xNCgXnYnv2c/The%252520World%252527s%252520End%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="116" height="168" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0942367/">Edgar Wright</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0942367/">Edgar Wright</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0670408/">Simon Pegg</a> <br />Running time: 109 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 15</p> <p>Genre: Action/Comedy/Sci-Fi <br />UK Release date: 19<sup>th</sup> July 2013 </p> <p>Watched at the cinema Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>Finally managed to catch up with ‘The World’s End’. I had wanted to see it since it was announced although the more I found out about it the more I feared a clone of ‘Shaun of the Dead’. I will tell you whether I thought it was or not at the end. It certainly hits all the right comic notes with Pegg and Frost to the fore (as expected). Here’s a very brief (& spoiler-free) summary before I give you my thoughts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jwq7IGtcW88/UjW6_zPQ1eI/AAAAAAAAPFU/TIdN_GV8BsY/s1600-h/The%252520World%252527s%252520End%252520-%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The World's End" border="0" alt="The World's End" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yg5LyBAlCcs/UjW7AtBU3FI/AAAAAAAAPFc/qgkqeKlTnZM/The%252520World%252527s%252520End%252520-%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> Gary King (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0670408/">Simon Pegg</a>), a 40 year old man desperately trying to cling to his youth, is trying to put the old gang back together. His quest, to complete a legendary pub crawl they had failed to complete twenty years ago. The other members of the group are Andy Knightley (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0296545/">Nick Frost</a>), Oliver Chamberlain (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0293509/">Martin Freeman</a>), Steven Prince (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0175916/">Paddy Considine</a>) and Peter Page (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0550371/">Eddie Marsan</a>). They are returning to the town they all grew up in, Newton Haven, for the legendary ‘Golden Mile’ pub crawl; twelve pubs, twelve pints in one night. But when they get there all it not what it seems. There, said it would be brief and I’ve probably told you a lot less than you could get from the trailer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kXdbz5iKzB4/UjW7BDzfL8I/AAAAAAAAPFk/XiGhM0Tgx9w/s1600-h/The%252520World%252527s%252520End%252520-%2525206%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The World's End - 6" border="0" alt="The World's End - 6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2f4fS4pbIC4/UjW7B4MiqzI/AAAAAAAAPFs/fodyz80EvEU/The%252520World%252527s%252520End%252520-%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> Very well made with all the usual tropes you expect from and Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg script. There are an awful lot of references to their past work and very subtle nods to other films along the way. I guess you’d have to watch it many times to get them all. All the performances were excellent with Frost and Pegg taking centre stage (of course) but with the talent on show, nobody could really put a foot wrong. Oh, and I have to mention <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0683253/">Rosamund Pike</a> who plays the female lead, Sam Chamberlain, I thought she was excellent as well. So was it just a clone of ‘Shaun of the Dead’? Well, it has many similarities but the characters are all different and the antagonist is also different. So not a direct clone but you can see where it came from. Over all, I liked it, an entertaining romp well worth a look.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 7.7/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 7.6/10</b> (based on 26,613 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1213663/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1213663/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 81/100:</b> (Based on 45 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bGYiNLuTjgk/UjW7Cr1BmQI/AAAAAAAAPF0/kd0AyX9CM0w/s1600-h/The%252520World%252527s%252520End%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The World's End - 1" border="0" alt="The World's End - 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vUnVjuayz_A/UjW7DWd9awI/AAAAAAAAPF8/mfO8l2QX1Sw/The%252520World%252527s%252520End%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 89/100:</b> (based on 184 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 80/100: </b>(based on 56,125 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_worlds_end/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_worlds_end/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NEQ7iryxtv0/UjW7EFW5b7I/AAAAAAAAPGE/fDvgtbLQi0Y/s1600-h/The%252520World%252527s%252520End%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The World's End - 4" border="0" alt="The World's End - 4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XBGUgUbtOJA/UjW7EjCHmCI/AAAAAAAAPGM/pzsH_GPe09g/The%252520World%252527s%252520End%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Site (UK): <a href="http://www.theworldsend-movie.com/uk/">http://www.theworldsend-movie.com/uk/</a> <br />Official Site (Focus Features): <a href="http://www.focusfeatures.com/the_worlds_end">http://www.focusfeatures.com/the_worlds_end</a> <br />Official Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWorldsEndMovieUK?brand_redir=1">https://www.facebook.com/TheWorldsEndMovieUK?brand_redir=1</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e64622ff-653c-4ae9-850a-3c1b8a962d6a" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="fa00adfb-f902-4e43-a5d3-e6df6969da7e" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n__1Y-N5tQk" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TZxa1pebMtY/UjW7Fdeb4MI/AAAAAAAAPGc/NYw_hJJIp6o/video43a7258723f1%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('fa00adfb-f902-4e43-a5d3-e6df6969da7e'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/n__1Y-N5tQk&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/n__1Y-N5tQk&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-91255076611282181842013-09-14T16:37:00.001+01:002013-09-14T16:38:28.433+01:00Film Review: THE COMPANY OF WOLVES (1984)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-company-of-wolves-1984.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5C7YdiqVYys/UjSCod_Ph3I/AAAAAAAAPDc/jLI_zAfuPo0/s1600-h/The%252520Company%252520of%252520Wolves%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="The Company of Wolves - poster" border="0" alt="The Company of Wolves - poster" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2vasf5Z_z44/UjSCqJzNPOI/AAAAAAAAPDk/tamcwruB6wQ/The%252520Company%252520of%252520Wolves%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="222" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001403/">Neil Jordan</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0141462/">Angela Carter</a> (story “The Company of Wolves”/screenplay), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001403/">Neil Jordan</a> (screenplay) <br />Running time: 95 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 18</p> <p>Genre: Horror/Fantasy <br />UK Release date: 21<sup>st</sup> September 1984 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Saturday 14<sup>th</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I first saw this film many years ago and when I noticed it in the listings recently I decided to give it another look. I have to admit I was quite impressed; for its day it stands up pretty well even by today’s standards. Now I’m not particularly big on horror movies; I find the majority of them far too predictable and made for a much younger audience; but I did enjoy this one. I’ll tell you why after this very brief summary.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WxXcMibONQc/UjSCq5w6C2I/AAAAAAAAPDs/kW4u9449Q0E/s1600-h/The%252520Company%252520of%252520Wolves%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Company of Wolves - 1" border="0" alt="The Company of Wolves - 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CKKEhcQn3cI/UjSCrotaYwI/AAAAAAAAPD0/VL6OswOl1E4/The%252520Company%252520of%252520Wolves%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="238" /></a> The story is told through the eyes of the young Rosaleen (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0666395/">Sarah Patterson</a>) who lives in a small village in a forest with her mother (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0797860/">Tusse Silberg</a>) and father (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001831/">David Warner</a>). Rosaleen is told stories about wolves and men by her granny (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001450/">Angela Lansbury</a>) but little does she know just how near the truth they might be. There, I said it would be short.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jUnInPAxw5A/UjSCtgAy6JI/AAAAAAAAPD8/Hq-rWIF13l4/s1600-h/The%252520Company%252520of%252520Wolves%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Company of Wolves - 3" border="0" alt="The Company of Wolves - 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bQxojQgYPrk/UjSCvVrScyI/AAAAAAAAPEE/5WB9ZiKlWyQ/The%252520Company%252520of%252520Wolves%252520-%2525203_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="415" height="241" /></a> I remember when I first saw this film (many years ago); I found it quite slow and plodding. This time I appreciated much more the measured approach taken by the director. It gives the audience time to take in the story and become familiar with the strange world he has created. Yes, there are a few clichés in there, the medieval village with a 17<sup>th</sup> century manor house and the fact the snakes (big ones) live in an English forest did seem kind of wrong to me. Also in the ‘dislike’ column came the musical score; sorry but synth's just don’t cut it any more. May have sounded cool at the time but now it’s just too damn cheesy. Okay, so what’s to like; well, first there’s the performance of Sarah Patterson, who I though did a truly excellent job given the talent she was working with. I also liked the special effects; all mechanical with not a hint of CGI (after all, it didn’t really exist back then). I really liked the way the story was structured but it could have done without the ‘modern day’ bits tagged on to either end. Over all I found it an entertaining watch and something every horror fan should have seen at least once.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 7.3/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 6.6/10</b> (based on 8,905 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087075/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087075/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: No data:</b> (Based on 0 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-odXS0AcExhQ/UjSCwHl_hSI/AAAAAAAAPEM/gsL7KBmpUD4/s1600-h/The%252520Company%252520of%252520Wolves%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Company of Wolves - 5" border="0" alt="The Company of Wolves - 5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kBW6IY9F5sA/UjSCwiQigZI/AAAAAAAAPEU/vqLJOcSL8Xc/The%252520Company%252520of%252520Wolves%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="188" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 7.7/100:</b> (based on 13 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 54/100: </b>(based on 8,147 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/company_of_wolves/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/company_of_wolves/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O_jpDNbKLYY/UjSCxF6S22I/AAAAAAAAPEc/6t96rSS-gtg/s1600-h/The%252520Company%252520of%252520Wolves%252520-%2525206%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Company of Wolves - 6" border="0" alt="The Company of Wolves - 6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xDwnGOlXFRs/UjSCx7VZT-I/AAAAAAAAPEk/iDiZsDDMYmk/The%252520Company%252520of%252520Wolves%252520-%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="227" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Trailer: (Sorry about the quality)</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:21062514-14fe-4c8b-b962-f6085234d987" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="f5ed7866-05a7-47bf-adc6-3dca30c46371" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc9m36FW8bI" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X-dBEdm7pc4/UjSCysNiTuI/AAAAAAAAPE0/h0KuNjG9PIQ/video62cc7b7d6299%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('f5ed7866-05a7-47bf-adc6-3dca30c46371'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Tc9m36FW8bI&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Tc9m36FW8bI&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-19277007605777069892013-09-08T16:04:00.001+01:002013-09-08T16:05:21.324+01:00Film Review: TAKEN 2 (2012)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-taken-2-2012.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tZ4jV9JpODs/UiySAMw2-eI/AAAAAAAAPCE/ewXQygd9PVw/s1600-h/Taken%2525202%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Taken 2 - poster" border="0" alt="Taken 2 - poster" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f_apwFqb3-c/UiySAtrw_NI/AAAAAAAAPCM/0eIzGx-L0Cc/Taken%2525202%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="108" height="157" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0576298/">Olivier Megaton</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000108/">Luc Besson</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0436543/">Robert Mark Kamen</a> <br />Running time: 88 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 15</p> <p>Genre: Action/Crime/Thriller <br />UK Release date: 4<sup>th </sup>October 2012 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Sunday 8<sup>th</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>Having seen and enjoyed the first film in this series I was quite looking forward to a second instalment. Sadly it fell flat due to the studio’s insistence on “maximizing the audience” by toning it down to get a lower age certificate. So I was surprised to find the version showing on TV with a 15 Cert. as opposed to the 12 Cert. it was given on release. Now I know certification for TV works differently to that for a cinema release but even so I was actually looking forward to this one. I won’t do a summary this time because it’s basically the same story as the first film but with an element of revenge.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6cLcAFP4RSY/UiySBXPldsI/AAAAAAAAPCU/c_qs96otrWI/s1600-h/Taken%2525202%252520-%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Taken 2 - 2" border="0" alt="Taken 2 - 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N3es-cb44cA/UiySCCyWjPI/AAAAAAAAPCc/Uzq7aHp8dVU/Taken%2525202%252520-%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> A well shot film making full use of its surroundings, Istanbul in this case. Well paced with the level action keeping the adrenalin pumping almost from the start. The performances were all very good although I felt nobody was particularly stretched. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000553/">Liam Neeson</a> was his usual self as Bryan Mills, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1192254/">Maggie Grace</a> was good as daughter Kim, as was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000463/">Famke Janssen</a> as wife Lenore. Also worthy of note was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0784884/">Rade Serbedzija</a> as major bad guy, Murad Krasniqi. It was ok as a piece of entertainment but I felt it didn’t do anything the first film didn’t. You usually expect a sequel to expand on the story of the first but this one virtually told the same story but with a couple of alterations. It seemed like the studio (Fox) were just out to cash in on the success of the first one. I’m just glad I didn’t go and watch it in a cinema but still, if you want entertainment that won’t stretch the little grey cells to much, then this is the one for you.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED (Just)</b></p> <p><b>My score: 6.3/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 6.2/10</b> (based on 124,940 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1397280/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1397280/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 45/100:</b> (Based on 35 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rxdtzOTxC1M/UiySCsCShZI/AAAAAAAAPCk/9Ir6XEQrUwI/s1600-h/Taken%2525202%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Taken 2 - 1" border="0" alt="Taken 2 - 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MzCfmCeqVoI/UiySDIakwiI/AAAAAAAAPCs/PWJoHUrjSWk/Taken%2525202%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="276" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 21/100:</b> (based on 162 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 54/100: </b>(based on 197,482 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/taken_2_2012/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/taken_2_2012/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D4VMpXPlJbc/UiySDjgIwhI/AAAAAAAAPC0/5DxTm1iSrcg/s1600-h/Taken%2525202%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Taken 2 - 3" border="0" alt="Taken 2 - 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qcg-RtrVlPU/UiySEOKIvcI/AAAAAAAAPC8/edm96kTVC_0/Taken%2525202%252520-%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:f9de5cde-e3a1-434a-b402-95e9eaf1b952" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="1c2b8b0d-8ecd-49f2-b3db-d689e6c6fbd5" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBZ5sl2-bgU" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nldjGoMm4co/UiySEpV4eEI/AAAAAAAAPDM/yajKkvlzH1c/videoc66f0d9b5f38%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('1c2b8b0d-8ecd-49f2-b3db-d689e6c6fbd5'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/SBZ5sl2-bgU&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/SBZ5sl2-bgU&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-77057177281637588972013-09-07T16:19:00.001+01:002013-09-07T16:19:20.363+01:00Film Review: THE MASTER (2012)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-master-2012.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EJTyqsX-tto/UitDrPLtHpI/AAAAAAAAPAM/34id18uqBPM/s1600-h/The%252520Master%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="The Master - poster" border="0" alt="The Master - poster" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RHwo0kj48n8/UitDrwNQflI/AAAAAAAAPAU/-m0zd1DiAXc/The%252520Master%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="96" height="140" /></a> Writer/Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000759/">Paul Thomas Anderson</a> <br />Running time: 131 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 15</p> <p>Genre: Drama <br />UK Release date: 16<sup>th </sup>November 2012 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Saturday 7<sup>th</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>This is a film that the critics really liked; however, it’s one that failed to impress the public to a large extent. Of course critics, being the kind of animals they are, can sometimes be a little off the mark when it comes to what will work in theatres. This is precisely why this one ended up on my list; well, to be fair, I loved Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘Magnolia’ and many of his works prior to this as well. So, to ‘The Master’, well, without wishing to be unkind (I’ll save that for later), it didn’t quite hit the mark for me either. I will tell you why right after this very brief summary.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4OQtvoUAruw/UitDsuiZ2RI/AAAAAAAAPAc/JuCtm__5N58/s1600-h/The%252520Master%252520-%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Master - 2" border="0" alt="The Master - 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hL2zU2BFvag/UitDtLQppgI/AAAAAAAAPAk/7EokX1LZ4Uc/The%252520Master%252520-%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> At the end of World War II a troubled seaman, Freddie Quell (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001618/">Joaquin Phoenix</a>) is released into society. He seems to have little purpose and stumbles around from job to job but his drinking always brings him trouble. One night in 1950 he stumbles aboard a yacht and stows away. The man hosting a party on the yacht is the charismatic Lancaster Dodd (The Master) (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000450/">Philip Seymour Hoffman</a>), who has some pretty strange ideas, and he takes Freddie under his wing. The Master’s wife, Peggy (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0010736/">Amy Adams</a>), accepts him at first but this will change over time. We follow The Master and his group around various parts of the USA and witness as some of his theories are put into practice. We also see how he tries to rehabilitate Freddie, not always with great success. I guess that’s about all I can say without giving too much away.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j-9BEroKGOY/UitDvtHwNHI/AAAAAAAAPAs/fU8PvOJVCm0/s1600-h/The%252520Master%252520-%2525207%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Master - 7" border="0" alt="The Master - 7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zF4xUy6knMQ/UitDxA7G0pI/AAAAAAAAPA0/K3ycVHOCZ8o/The%252520Master%252520-%2525207_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="415" height="210" /></a> The film is beautifully shot, making full use of the various surroundings they find themselves in. The use of music from the period was quite effective also, not always to my taste, but it seemed to fit pretty well. As to performances, well, all the major parts were excellently portrayed with Philip Seymour Hoffman standing out. I found I really paid attention to every scene he was in; without him, meaning no disrespect to the other actors involved, it kind of fell flat. I though Amy Adams was excellent too, although I felt she was underused. There appeared to be an awful lot of improvisation, particularly from Joaquin Phoenix and I found these scenes very hit and miss. I sometimes felt like I was watching an acting class. As far as the narrative goes, well I found it meandering; it was very slow (not that this is always a bad thing) and when we did get to a point it would then go off in a totally different direction. Over all, it didn’t stand out as the particularly outstanding work the critics seem to think it is; but then again, I don’t have to watch all the dross they have to on a day to day basis. Maybe I have to watch a lot of really bad films and then watch this one again, but for now it’s ‘Recommended’, but only just.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 6.1/10.</b></p> <p><b><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kWamQOmFEEE/UitDxwo14QI/AAAAAAAAPA8/w_L1NwOOAYk/s1600-h/The%252520Master%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Master - 1" border="0" alt="The Master - 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J9ZqMiylcbA/UitDygaqg_I/AAAAAAAAPBE/trlGkAN-0xA/The%252520Master%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="249" /></a> IMDb Score: 7.1/10</b> (based on 55,365 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1560747/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1560747/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 86/100:</b> (Based on 43 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-udztnuYjiyY/UitD09RbOdI/AAAAAAAAPBM/B1ERRHPIN8Q/s1600-h/The%252520Master%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Master - 5" border="0" alt="The Master - 5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EZqRT_vBzNk/UitD16DwCwI/AAAAAAAAPBU/Bcq3JegWSg8/The%252520Master%252520-%2525205_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="415" height="210" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 85/100:</b> (based on 233 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 60/100: </b>(based on 43,007 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_master_2011/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_master_2011/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MLMjL03mSt0/UitD3vn1MHI/AAAAAAAAPBc/xZU2E1CXFPM/s1600-h/The%252520Master%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Master - 3" border="0" alt="The Master - 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gWVwTQbZMFA/UitD4lN3cEI/AAAAAAAAPBk/LOc6z2YEw8Q/The%252520Master%252520-%2525203_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="415" height="225" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Site: <a href="http://www.themasterfilm.com/">http://www.themasterfilm.com/</a> <br />Official Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMasterMovie">https://www.facebook.com/TheMasterMovie</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:6102f9d5-ba9a-4479-ac51-b46df810cdc8" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="c60f9b8c-ce09-42e1-8987-1e489b241d8b" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ1O1vb9AUU" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jf8uNv_b_hM/UitD5BAnVgI/AAAAAAAAPB0/Lmx2CiS9gOk/videob30ee51f481b%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('c60f9b8c-ce09-42e1-8987-1e489b241d8b'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fJ1O1vb9AUU&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fJ1O1vb9AUU&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-10190494654559172742013-09-01T13:34:00.001+01:002013-09-01T13:35:20.138+01:00Film Review: THE KID WITH A BIKE (2011)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-review-kid-with-bike-2011.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WosE26ZuL2Q/UiM0T2Mhr3I/AAAAAAAAO-k/Kyg5jBsnYLo/s1600-h/The%252520Kid%252520with%252520a%252520Bike%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="The Kid with a Bike - poster" border="0" alt="The Kid with a Bike - poster" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1de23BU4Ls8/UiM0UYL5TDI/AAAAAAAAO-s/9kCtu7Bzplc/The%252520Kid%252520with%252520a%252520Bike%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="113" height="157" /></a> Writer/Directors: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0201094/">Jean-Pierre Dardenne</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0201095/">Luc Dardenne</a> <br />Running time: 87 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 12A</p> <p>Genre: Drama <br />UK Release date: 23<sup>rd</sup> March 2012 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Sunday 1<sup>st</sup> September 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I remember this one was very highly acclaimed by the critics on release and so it was duly placed on ‘The List’. So I was surprised to see it appear in the TV listings (on the BBC) just over a year after its UK release. Needless to say it was added to my planner and duly recorded. And so having watched this Belgian film, yes, it’s Belgian, I can honestly say I felt a little let down by the critics. Not that it was bad you understand, more because expectations were a little higher than normal and the film didn’t quite live up to them. I’ll tell you more after this very brief summary.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mqNBxzaryOQ/UiM0WJPD5II/AAAAAAAAO-0/WkkeAwQFuJw/s1600-h/The%252520Kid%252520with%252520a%252520Bike%252520-%2525207%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Kid with a Bike - 7" border="0" alt="The Kid with a Bike - 7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3-z81cK4G18/UiM0XVY9SBI/AAAAAAAAO-8/8G6JgR3S3zM/The%252520Kid%252520with%252520a%252520Bike%252520-%2525207_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="415" height="225" /></a> A young boy, Cyril Catoul (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4461361/">Thomas Doret</a>), finds himself in a care home after his grandmother dies and his father disappears. All he wants is to find his dad, Guy (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0753737/">Jérémie Renier</a>), and go back living with him. To this end he is constantly going back to the estate where he thinks his father lives. A woman who runs a local hairdresser’s, Samantha (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0208426/">Cécile De France</a>), takes pity on him and agrees to foster him at weekends. Of course Cyril uses this time to search for his father; but having found him, he is not exactly thrilled with the outcome (I won’t tell you what happens – spoilers). This sends him off the rails a bit and one of the local criminal fraternity, Wes (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4461409/">Egon Di Mateo</a>), decides to take advantage. And I will leave it there.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xxpMQYs2CoU/UiM0X2QHNjI/AAAAAAAAO_E/oGJQeHLiGfI/s1600-h/The%252520Kid%252520with%252520a%252520Bike%252520-%2525206%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Kid with a Bike - 6" border="0" alt="The Kid with a Bike - 6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BBwhGITNU1g/UiM0Yqu0skI/AAAAAAAAO_M/MXfciOG-PzQ/The%252520Kid%252520with%252520a%252520Bike%252520-%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> I found this a bit of a contradictory film; on one had there are some really great performances, on the other; I found it hard to see the motivation behind some of the actions taking place on the screen. Maybe I’m not as good at reading characters as I thought; but then again, it’s a very long time since I was a twelve(ish) year old boy. As to the performances, well, I thought both Thomas Doret and Cécile De France were truly excellent. I can’t say we really got to see the gritty realism of the streets of Belgium because it wasn’t all that gritty, or maybe that’s as gritty as Belgium gets. It was, however, well made but didn’t do anything particularly extraordinary. Worth a look? Definitely, but I don’t think I’ll be giving it a repeat viewing anytime soon.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 7.1/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 7.3/10</b> (based on 13,150 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1827512/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1827512/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 87/100:</b> (Based on 33 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D8AgXf4w7uI/UiM0ZDOkELI/AAAAAAAAO_U/nnl54iLUHdM/s1600-h/The%252520Kid%252520with%252520a%252520Bike%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Kid with a Bike - 3" border="0" alt="The Kid with a Bike - 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GCTD2DosJKM/UiM0ZqWmZ2I/AAAAAAAAO_c/ofJMeBLBoKg/The%252520Kid%252520with%252520a%252520Bike%252520-%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 97/100:</b> (based on 116 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 76/100: </b>(based on 23,356 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_kid_with_a_bike/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_kid_with_a_bike/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G-EgaOsNxyY/UiM0aXfTZkI/AAAAAAAAO_k/0Y-JhL1uz80/s1600-h/The%252520Kid%252520with%252520a%252520Bike%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Kid with a Bike - 5" border="0" alt="The Kid with a Bike - 5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Eoauz5t5Xs8/UiM0bA-CLcI/AAAAAAAAO_s/kqPrgeI0LnQ/The%252520Kid%252520with%252520a%252520Bike%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="276" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:62c4d6df-e7b1-4adb-bb69-68cf3609a977" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="eb6d4356-1aa8-41a7-983a-19593f21e8ff" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voO8M6TuX58" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OsmBglXjA4o/UiM0brcyOfI/AAAAAAAAO_8/EuaUTUBYEh4/video62a0984a8777%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('eb6d4356-1aa8-41a7-983a-19593f21e8ff'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/voO8M6TuX58&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/voO8M6TuX58&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-70140906717367389892013-08-31T18:04:00.001+01:002013-08-31T18:20:31.162+01:00Film Review: NURSE BETTY (2000)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/08/film-review-nurse-betty-2000.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XczoF3is23Q/UiIiDhVXVzI/AAAAAAAAO8o/VBkM3bfkcrQ/s1600-h/Nurse%252520Betty%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="Nurse Betty - poster" border="0" alt="Nurse Betty - poster" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4HS6zGH-C8s/UiIiEiGKXJI/AAAAAAAAO8w/BxR7fnUzDhQ/Nurse%252520Betty%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="128" height="173" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001438/">Neil LaBute</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0724167/">John C. Richards</a> (story/screenplay), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0280963/">James Flamberg</a> (screenplay) <br />Running time: 110 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 18</p> <p>Genre: Comedy/Crime/Drama/Romance <br />UK Release date: 1<sup>st</sup> September 2000 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Saturday 31<sup>st</sup> August 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I can’t say I knew an awful lot about this movie before viewing. I had seen the title pop up quite a lot since it’s’ release but had never had the chance to see it until now. I found it interesting but not all that engaging; some good performances but it didn’t quite hit the mark. Here’s a very brief summary before I expand on that.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wPEfS3jbvcU/UiIiFU9cGrI/AAAAAAAAO84/pgsJoNzWG5o/s1600-h/Nurse%252520Betty%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Nurse Betty - 5" border="0" alt="Nurse Betty - 5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-otJSaQ3PFnc/UiIiF61__JI/AAAAAAAAO9A/DtYMYgAGpv8/Nurse%252520Betty%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> When waitress and soap opera fan, Betty Sizemore (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000250/">Renée Zellweger</a>) witnesses her husband, Del (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001173/">Aaron Eckhart</a>) being murdered, she goes into shock. This has the effect of making her believe she has left Del and is headed to LA to meet up with her ex-fiancé, Dr. David Ravell (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001427/">Greg Kinnear</a>) from the hospital-based soap ‘A Reason to Love’. Of course the men who murdered Del, Charlie (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000151/">Morgan Freeman</a>) and Wesley (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001674/">Chris Rock</a>), are on her trail as soon as they know she had witnessed the crime. On arrival in LA she is befriended and taken in by Rosa Hernandez (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004137/">Tia Texada</a>), after she saves Rosa’s brother. They set off to find Dr. David Ravell, but how will Rosa react when she realises he’s totally fictitious.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bco6UBoIlmM/UiIiGemf9eI/AAAAAAAAO9I/6-TUXERRKBU/s1600-h/Nurse%252520Betty%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Nurse Betty - 4" border="0" alt="Nurse Betty - 4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v88yLS91FC4/UiIiHPp2RwI/AAAAAAAAO9Q/Nnj5nHCFTRE/Nurse%252520Betty%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="272" /></a> Although I found it an interesting concept, I found it quite hard to engage with any of the characters. Having said that, I did find I had a bit of a soft spot for Betty. It’s pretty well made, although I did feel I was watching a soap half the time. There were far too many coincidental events going on that allowed the plot to progress. The performances were all pretty good with Renée Zellweger easily standing out. Morgan Freeman was, well, Morgan Freeman; he just seems to play every part the same these days. Chris Rock was a bit of a surprise for me, playing the hot headed Wesley with great aplomb and a great degree of swearing. Over all though, I found it a little disappointing despite the decent performances, it never really got going.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED (Just)</b></p> <p><b>My score: 5.9/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 6.2/10</b> (based on 25,424 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0171580/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0171580/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 69/100:</b> (Based on 34 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6q5qWGcE2QI/UiIiHlo-HNI/AAAAAAAAO9Y/aMeZIWSPPDc/s1600-h/Nurse%252520Betty%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><strong><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Nurse Betty - 3" border="0" alt="Nurse Betty - 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2CZhv1e0tHQ/UiIiIAyTF0I/AAAAAAAAO9g/7NUruU-xMYc/Nurse%252520Betty%252520-%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></strong></a><strong>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 84/100:</strong> (based on 130 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 38/100: </b>(based on 34,847 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/nurse_betty/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/nurse_betty/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WKIVHVBMbok/UiIiI6m8nNI/AAAAAAAAO9o/g3QvNkgnk-w/s1600-h/Nurse%252520Betty%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Nurse Betty - 1" border="0" alt="Nurse Betty - 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-obOU4ShexAg/UiIiJtVeBKI/AAAAAAAAO9w/cs70nUQ4xXA/Nurse%252520Betty%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="270" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:f8c68f94-3883-44ae-bc94-4f809ec8d26b" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="70b78306-16e2-44b0-b893-2e303f7f67a3" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6CkdsKu2dI" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mruJsEvLrhY/UiIlpmTO0oI/AAAAAAAAO-U/mKnBbKPGSu0/videod4ce543a698f%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('70b78306-16e2-44b0-b893-2e303f7f67a3'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/T6CkdsKu2dI&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/T6CkdsKu2dI&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-44322515024005445512013-08-31T14:47:00.001+01:002013-08-31T14:48:15.726+01:00Film Review: ANNA KARENINA (2012)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/08/film-review-anna-karenina-2012.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vvDBiUXq9O8/UiHz3QV2DAI/AAAAAAAAO7A/N0f_-f7yug0/s1600-h/Anna%252520Karenina%252520%2525282012%252529%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Anna Karenina (2012) - poster" border="0" alt="Anna Karenina (2012) - poster" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bGLheDZLRCI/UiHz39xtQMI/AAAAAAAAO7E/Tj8wtL13PCc/Anna%252520Karenina%252520%2525282012%252529%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="168" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0942504/">Joe Wright</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001779/">Tom Stoppard</a> (screenplay), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0866243/">Leo Tolstoy</a> (novel) <br />Running time: 125 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 12</p> <p>Genre: Drama <br />UK Release date: 7<sup>th</sup> September 2012 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Saturday 31<sup>st</sup> August 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>This is probably not the kind of film you would normally associate with my good self. Well, I like a challenge and it’s good, every now and then, to step outside of your comfort zone and try something a little different. Now, I must confess to having seen the (I think) 1948 version of this story back when I was very young on a wet Sunday afternoon when we only had three TV channels to choose from. I remember being very bored and swore never to watch this kind of twaddle again; my sister seemed to enjoy it though. And so, well outside of my comfort zone, I sat down to watch a more modern take on the story. Here’s a very brief summary before I give you my thoughts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f7fSLd1xRMI/UiHz4mgM14I/AAAAAAAAO7Q/j4o7URTBvqg/s1600-h/Anna%252520Karenina%252520%2525282012%252529%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Anna Karenina (2012) - 5" border="0" alt="Anna Karenina (2012) - 5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n7KyP1GWuOI/UiHz5FcZB1I/AAAAAAAAO7Y/tCkQlOjm6vs/Anna%252520Karenina%252520%2525282012%252529%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="258" /></a> A married woman, Anna Karenina (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0461136/">Keira Knightley</a>) leaves her home in St Petersburg to visit her brother Oblonsky (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0532193/">Matthew Macfadyen</a>) in Moscow. He is having trouble with his marriage and has asked her to smooth things over with his wife. Whilst there she meets Vronsky (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1093951/">Aaron Taylor-Johnson</a>) and immediately falls for him. A tempestuous affair ensues and it soon comes to the notice of Anna’s husband, Karenin (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000179/">Jude Law</a>). Despite his many warnings, she continues the affair and soon finds herself ostracised from society. What is she to do? We also have a sub-plot about a young man, Levin (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1727304/">Domhnall Gleeson</a>) and the young woman he has fallen for, Kitty (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2539953/">Alicia Vikander</a>), who happens to also be smitten by Vronsky. Complicated stuff, but you know it will all work out in the end; or will it?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X98QzyHWC8w/UiHz50UvAoI/AAAAAAAAO7g/1Y9AkWJqUK0/s1600-h/Anna%252520Karenina%252520%2525282012%252529%252520-%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Anna Karenina (2012) - 2" border="0" alt="Anna Karenina (2012) - 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-COVDcUPozH0/UiHz6Q0wRGI/AAAAAAAAO7o/LHElMjXuPaE/Anna%252520Karenina%252520%2525282012%252529%252520-%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> Beautifully shot using a very theatrical style. In fact the majority of the action uses a theatre as its backdrop and I even spotted a section of stop-motion animation at one point. Sumptuous costumes, for which it won an Oscar, and some brilliantly choreographed set pieces are the backbone of this production. Of course we must not forget it is a drama and there’s plenty of that with some really excellent performances to back it up. Keira Knightly went up in my estimation with this one; as did Jude Law; they both put in great performances. Also worthy of note was Aaron Taylor-Johnson; who I have watched with interest over the past few years and is rapidly growing into a very fine actor (& yes, he is that guy from ‘Kick-Ass’). I was a little concerned that it may be a case of ‘style over substance’, but as it wore on I became more and more engrossed in the characters and the storyline. I guess this shows that the drama did manage to shine through (at least for me). The only thing that let it down was the fact the sub-plot involving Levin and Kitty didn’t really have a lot to do with Anna and Vronsky by the time we saw the last of them; it seemed a little disjointed. Over all though, a very worthy watch and one, I’m sure my sister would definitely enjoy!</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 7.7/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 6.6/10</b> (based on 39,114 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1781769/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1781769/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 63/100:</b> (Based on 41 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7eBJu0xS8hg/UiHz7MltJeI/AAAAAAAAO7w/pT1IJiAjwlg/s1600-h/Anna%252520Karenina%252520%2525282012%252529%252520-%2525206%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Anna Karenina (2012) - 6" border="0" alt="Anna Karenina (2012) - 6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TbmJ70xcZp4/UiHz75J5DGI/AAAAAAAAO74/Voqr-n1r4HI/Anna%252520Karenina%252520%2525282012%252529%252520-%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="267" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 64/100</b> (based on 176 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 52/100 </b>(based on 48,652 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/anna_karenina_2012/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/anna_karenina_2012/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fDkNr8dSOps/UiHz8cIbJ4I/AAAAAAAAO8A/bTITqzbbOIk/s1600-h/Anna%252520Karenina%252520%2525282012%252529%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Anna Karenina (2012) - 3" border="0" alt="Anna Karenina (2012) - 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mr81F7Cb-d8/UiHz8030HFI/AAAAAAAAO8I/-x75ufwBPQE/Anna%252520Karenina%252520%2525282012%252529%252520-%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="199" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AnnaKareninaTheMovie">https://www.facebook.com/AnnaKareninaTheMovie</a> <br />Official Site (UK): <a href="http://www.annakareninamovie.co.uk/">http://www.annakareninamovie.co.uk/</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:3c23e9b0-af96-4f6e-9315-89457b0a2a45" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="ebd4e2b7-9892-4ba4-9c23-ac15ebcd767c" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPGLRO3fZnQ" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JtKiQm364RA/UiHz9bswQGI/AAAAAAAAO8Y/YD96BqsqBVw/video81c67e207861%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('ebd4e2b7-9892-4ba4-9c23-ac15ebcd767c'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/rPGLRO3fZnQ&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/rPGLRO3fZnQ&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-39494901777339240592013-08-26T14:44:00.001+01:002013-08-26T14:45:03.650+01:00Film Review: EL TOPO (1970)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/08/film-review-el-topo-1970.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sFLQV36fOb4/UhtbhC8Kc-I/AAAAAAAAO40/qPYOqzaFeg8/s1600-h/El%252520Topo%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="El Topo - poster" border="0" alt="El Topo - poster" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fhBuyrJdvG4/Uhtbh3VEi1I/AAAAAAAAO48/Zh8o7xDaTzw/El%252520Topo%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="85" height="141" /></a> Writer/Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0423524/">Alejandro Jodorowsky</a> <br />Running time: 125 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 18</p> <p>Genre: Western <br />Mexico Release date: 15<sup>th</sup> April 1971 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Monday 26<sup>th</sup> August 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I have to admit I knew very little about this film before viewing other than the couple of lines you get on the TV guide. So, I knew it was a western (in Spanish, with subtitles) that was a religious allegory. I guess it was intriguing enough for me to put it in the planner and so I dutifully watched it. A very interesting film with some nice touches but one I found both confusing and intriguing at the same time. Here’s a very brief summary before I try to explain why.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-74uOJekv2oY/UhtbioaWWMI/AAAAAAAAO5E/ZnkmEJi4WTY/s1600-h/El%252520Topo%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="El Topo - 1" border="0" alt="El Topo - 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wU0pdj6RdF4/UhtbjPz0pHI/AAAAAAAAO5M/JnxafbdE9CU/El%252520Topo%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="282" /></a> We begin with El Topo (The Mole) (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0423524/">Alejandro Jodorowsky</a>) and his young son (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0423526/">Brontis Jodorowsky</a>) in the desert. They come across a massacre and are soon on the trail of those responsible. Having dispatched them and taken the leader’s woman, Mara (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0520811/">Mara Lorenzio</a>) for his own, El Topo abandons his son at a monastery. They set off across the desert where she persuades him he must take on and beat the four ‘Masters’ who live in the desert. What follows is surreal, bloody and even quite sexual in places. Afterwards he finds himself transformed and with a mission to free the people who helped him. I’ll leave it there, I know it’s kind of sketchy but that’s because it’s a tad hard to describe without giving too much away.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jcEo6rEpNq8/Uhtbl_wLsvI/AAAAAAAAO5U/nfP0ahFtlsc/s1600-h/El%252520Topo%252520-%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="El Topo - 2" border="0" alt="El Topo - 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6hiRT3ang2Q/Uhtbmpvz5RI/AAAAAAAAO5c/mPf84fVyk1o/El%252520Topo%252520-%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="282" /></a> I found this one a little difficult to follow, but at the same time it was quite a compelling watch. The connections between the three acts of the plot are, at times, quite hard to knit together, but it does all tie up in the end. Very bloody and quite daring (for its time) with quite a bit of nudity; I can imagine it was a little controversial, to say the least, on release. I won’t say too much about the performances, but needless to say I couldn’t find too much to complain about. I can’t say I understood much of the religious allegory that was mentioned in the blurb, but it was entertaining enough.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 6.3/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 7.3/10</b> (based on 11,450 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067866/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067866/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: No Data:</b> (Based on 0 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5TkMGcwQVkk/UhtbnAlyfqI/AAAAAAAAO5k/jwgUz1kHIaY/s1600-h/El%252520Topo%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="El Topo - 5" border="0" alt="El Topo - 5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L5eGgtWd0yw/Uhtbn0n8vpI/AAAAAAAAO5s/a79zZREEmw8/El%252520Topo%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="215" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 75/100</b> (based on 36 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 85/100 </b>(based on 13,722 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/el_topo/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/el_topo/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ozGYgciEAQ8/UhtbovwrbNI/AAAAAAAAO50/Jr0HDxdjn9A/s1600-h/El%252520Topo%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="El Topo - 4" border="0" alt="El Topo - 4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0353LT9iCy4/UhtbpdO1WfI/AAAAAAAAO54/cwJ8sQLIjU8/El%252520Topo%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="282" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:5dee2a71-f41b-4e30-9339-b2a7ca99901b" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="6c00d9fd-0be3-41b5-90c1-92b97e301dda" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uqb4Jy0GTg" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tPcpfc5-2TI/Uhtbp6RzJlI/AAAAAAAAO6M/HtiBkJsL-7I/video416253190e1c%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('6c00d9fd-0be3-41b5-90c1-92b97e301dda'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/6Uqb4Jy0GTg&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/6Uqb4Jy0GTg&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-56371773277454636402013-08-26T13:46:00.001+01:002013-08-26T13:47:01.744+01:00Film Review: JACK REACHER (2012)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/08/film-review-jack-reacher-2012.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V0XrQ8yKxcE/UhtOEtK4JhI/AAAAAAAAO3M/4o3q8x3gMxM/s1600-h/Jack%252520Reacher%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jack Reacher - poster" border="0" alt="Jack Reacher - poster" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M8n2T1u7tog/UhtOFFQ2k_I/AAAAAAAAO3U/MKzGQZ_x2E4/Jack%252520Reacher%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="139" height="194" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003160/">Christopher McQuarrie</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003160/">Christopher McQuarrie</a> (screenplay), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1676193/">Lee Child</a> (based on the book “One Shot” by) <br />Running time: 125 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 15</p> <p>Genre: Action/Crime/Thriller <br />UK Release date: 26<sup>th</sup> December 2012 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Sunday 25<sup>th</sup> August 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I was aware that this one got a bit of a rough time from the critics on release but I decided I would give it a look anyway. It’s not that I’m a fan of the ‘Jack Reacher’ novels, I’ve never read one and anyhow, as I recall, that was a major problem for some of the critics; they were fans of the novels. As it turned out, it was neither as good nor as bad as I was expecting. Here’s a very brief summary before I give you my thoughts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aoRWUesTUUs/UhtOFtLwQYI/AAAAAAAAO3c/hTGOb21Ux9I/s1600-h/Jack%252520Reacher%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Jack Reacher - 3" border="0" alt="Jack Reacher - 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZXb0cKKHHLw/UhtOGTKyiZI/AAAAAAAAO3g/qGk4Ak7P5kw/Jack%252520Reacher%252520-%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> When a random shooting takes place in a public area and five people are killed, the district attorney, Rodin (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0420955/">Richard Jenkins</a>) and the chief investigator, Emerson (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0654648/">David Oyelowo</a>), want quick justice. A man is arrested, Barr (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0797746/">Joseph Sikora</a>), and there is seemingly overwhelming evidence against him. When asked to write out a confession, he writes just three words; “Get Jack Reacher”. The police try to track him down but he seemingly doesn’t exist. So imagine there surprise when Reacher (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000129/">Tom Cruise</a>) walks in and announces himself. It turns out he knows Barr from his days working for the Military Police but makes it clear he is not there to save him. Nonetheless, he ends up investigating the incident alongside Barr’s lawyer, Helen Rodin (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0683253/">Rosamund Pike</a>). It soon transpires that Barr had been set up; but by whom and to what end?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Uihivt8bouc/UhtOHCiL8TI/AAAAAAAAO3o/euYZeNcNlnM/s1600-h/Jack%252520Reacher%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Jack Reacher - 5" border="0" alt="Jack Reacher - 5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GoAJEQ8r3FU/UhtOHiQmJ0I/AAAAAAAAO3w/0XHn6opTcnc/Jack%252520Reacher%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> The film starts off very stylish, looking every bit the classic cop movies of the 70’s and 80’s. Sadly it does not keep this early promise and soon slips into the usual cliché‘s that have haunted many more recent cop films. I found it very hard to connect with any of the characters, although all the performances were very good. I did particularly like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001348/">Werner Herzog</a> as The Zec, a particularly shady character; other than that it was pretty mundane. I found it a bit bloated and over-long although it did pick up towards the end.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED (Just)</b></p> <p><b>My score: 5.8/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 7.0/10</b> (based on 115,573 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790724/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790724/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 50/100:</b> (Based on 35 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mF6MZ_DVrEc/UhtOIaXzNhI/AAAAAAAAO34/iGc2X5Ws51c/s1600-h/Jack%252520Reacher%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="JACK REACHER" border="0" alt="JACK REACHER" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DElCjurjfcs/UhtOI70u8HI/AAAAAAAAO4E/O64sNMky8zs/Jack%252520Reacher%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 61/100</b> (based on 168 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 68/100 </b>(based on 99,058 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jack_reacher/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jack_reacher/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7DasDvqXzss/UhtOJROcRLI/AAAAAAAAO4M/x9nerhek_jw/s1600-h/Jack%252520Reacher%252520-%2525206%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Jack Reacher - 6" border="0" alt="Jack Reacher - 6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pqJfBUk_9SE/UhtOJ-e6ViI/AAAAAAAAO4U/p12KCyggXns/Jack%252520Reacher%252520-%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="277" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Site: <a href="http://www.jackreachermovie.com/">http://www.jackreachermovie.com/</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:cdc706db-f377-4368-a9ad-855ae605efb5" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="a2d0c7db-e166-4155-b417-5f45f53b5fc2" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK7y8Ou0VvM" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gxFlUK3_4Xw/UhtOKqFeP2I/AAAAAAAAO4k/cUpcUYm0o9Q/video54d74692b2cf%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('a2d0c7db-e166-4155-b417-5f45f53b5fc2'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/kK7y8Ou0VvM&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/kK7y8Ou0VvM&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-56291804924586884762013-08-24T17:27:00.001+01:002013-08-24T17:28:18.387+01:00Film Review: GOZU (2003)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/08/film-review-gozu-2003.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lnQ8YDpT6r8/Uhje1JpzMYI/AAAAAAAAO1k/bIykyov2SyI/s1600-h/Gozu%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Gozu - poster" border="0" alt="Gozu - poster" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gRnc0AXn8o0/Uhje10LPN9I/AAAAAAAAO1s/Of6u-Yp8gfI/Gozu%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="170" height="234" /></a> [Original Title: Gokudô kyôfu dai-gekijô: Gozu]</p> <p>Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0586281/">Takashi Miike</a> <br />Writer: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0766499/">Sakichi Satô</a> <br />Running time: 129 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 18</p> <p>Genre: Crime/Drama/Horror <br />UK Release date: 30<sup>th</sup> July 2004 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Saturday 24<sup>th</sup> August 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>Films that are reported as being ‘innovative’ or ‘cutting-edge’ are always of interest to me. I find they quite often make a nice change from Hollywood films and it probably explains why I watch quite a few foreign films. I have to admit that they don’t always quite hit the mark and this, I’m afraid, is a case in point. I will tell you why after this very brief summary.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d-MMm8GhK9Q/Uhje2Yb5t-I/AAAAAAAAO10/pwaoxPFNwaU/s1600-h/Gozu%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Gozu - 1" border="0" alt="Gozu - 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fox_G7GizvE/Uhje22yZ8TI/AAAAAAAAO18/jKQtf_95h1M/Gozu%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> When Minami (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1091312/">Yûta Sone</a>) is ordered to kill Ozaki (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0014558/">Shô Aikawa</a>) by the boss of their criminal gang (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0410902/">Renji Ishibashi</a>). He is ordered to take him to the ‘disposal site’, many miles from their base in the city. After a road accident that leaves Ozaki unconscious, Minami finds himself in a very strange village. He goes into a café to contact the boss and when he comes out there is no sign of Ozaki. Desperate, he looks everywhere and nobody he meets is interested in helping him. He eventually finds the member of another gang who agree to help him and Nose (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0385846/">Shôhei Hino</a>) is assigned the task. Minami is taken to a very strange inn where the innkeeper (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1357734/">Keiko Tomita</a>) and her brother (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0814234/">Harumi Sone</a>) are very odd indeed. In fact everything about the place is extremely odd! Now, what happens here and what happens when Minami returns to his gang are what this film is concerned with. It is all extremely bizarre and I’m not sure I understand it even having watched it. There is another character I should mention and that is ‘Female Ozaki’ (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0949052/">Kimika Yoshino</a>) who has a major part to play towards the end, but how she fits into the story I’ll leave you to wonder. So I’ll leave my short summary here with but a few titbits to tantalize you.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0rlFcNcwPOY/Uhje3BGY4TI/AAAAAAAAO2E/E_rqFKBhd6E/s1600-h/Gozu%252520-%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Gozu - 3" border="0" alt="Gozu - 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P5gVM_Cy_Dg/Uhje3qHFFuI/AAAAAAAAO2M/NIW32uMP23c/Gozu%252520-%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="212" /></a> To say this film is bizarre is to put it extremely mildly; in places, it’s down-right bonkers! However, I did find it strangely compelling, if a little difficult to follow here and there. I’m usually pretty good at following foreign language films; even those with subtitles, but this one just lost me a couple of times. At times it was very violent and it could be also very comic; touching drama and even horrific; it seems to touch many genres. There were some excellent special effects; all practical effects as far as I could see; and some of these were truly stunning (particularly one near the end). Over all though, I did find it a tad over long and a little frustrating to follow (too many metaphors, maybe?). Even so, I will deem it ‘recommended’ for its’ innovative effects and some compelling (if confusing) story telling.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 5.8/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 7.0/10</b> (based on 6,455 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361668/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361668/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 58/100:</b> (Based on 19 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PzYf2lCOvKY/Uhje4dVVtiI/AAAAAAAAO2U/ErP6_FHNSH4/s1600-h/Gozu%252520-%2525207%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Gozu - 7" border="0" alt="Gozu - 7" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aCsKJl3mfow/Uhje4_3tMQI/AAAAAAAAO2c/HEJ5S07y-gg/Gozu%252520-%2525207_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 71/100</b> (based on 56 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 60/100 </b>(based on 8,323 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gozu/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gozu/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7ZIqEWgx6rM/Uhje5tb47SI/AAAAAAAAO2k/ahqVFnHQg4g/s1600-h/Gozu%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Gozu - 4" border="0" alt="Gozu - 4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Re6JCoOvPoE/Uhje6PR3uhI/AAAAAAAAO2s/QnH1Uel6Odk/Gozu%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="279" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:dddfedd0-258d-457e-abbc-602054ad43c6" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="611a4408-fb02-4648-9b39-c2c4ce720d92" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=penZT2N2xDw" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Dhhsx3AhWnY/Uhje6_Kb6-I/AAAAAAAAO28/IXqKZ1rZtYM/video01418ccbec37%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('611a4408-fb02-4648-9b39-c2c4ce720d92'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/penZT2N2xDw&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/penZT2N2xDw&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-23637996909984289482013-08-18T17:26:00.001+01:002013-08-18T17:26:24.490+01:00Film Review: A FIELD IN ENGLAND (2013)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/08/film-review-field-in-england-2013.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cJSEEsN0VPo/UhD1gaSWLQI/AAAAAAAAOz8/enGgP6VQrEo/s1600-h/A%252520Field%252520in%252520England%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="A Field in England - poster" border="0" alt="A Field in England - poster" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j3Ha_1Bg3_U/UhD1hHdYkpI/AAAAAAAAO0E/TCZ45IJJqAs/A%252520Field%252520in%252520England%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="117" height="163" /></a> Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1296554/">Ben Wheatley</a> <br />Writers: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1296554/">Ben Wheatley</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4207229/">Amy Jump</a> <br />Running time: 90 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 15</p> <p>Genre: Drama/History/Thriller <br />UK Release date: 5<sup>th</sup> July 2013 </p> <p>Watched on Terrestrial PVR Sunday 18<sup>th</sup> August 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>This film has the rare distinction of being released in cinemas, on DVD and also on TV all on the same day. I’m not sure, but it may have also been released for download on the same day as well. I recorded it from the TV but it has been a while before I’ve had the chance to watch it. Quite an odd film, most of which I liked, but there were some parts that were too far out there for even me! Here’s a very brief summary before I give you my thoughts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uE-JqRQvt1k/UhD1htzGR_I/AAAAAAAAO0M/4IJV4uuKtYs/s1600-h/A%252520Field%252520in%252520England%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="A Field in England - 4" border="0" alt="A Field in England - 4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oCoYmS-OCb8/UhD1iCxX5rI/AAAAAAAAO0U/mBk3iQx3pks/A%252520Field%252520in%252520England%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="243" /></a> Set during the English Civil War, the story concerns a group of men who find themselves in a large field, separated from the main battle. One of them, Whitehead (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0790501/">Reece Shearsmith</a>), has bee tasked with finding and bringing to justice a thief known as O’Neil (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0806968/">Michael Smiley</a>). The others, Trower (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1027986/">Julian Barratt</a>), Jacob (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0272252/">Peter Ferdinando</a>) and Cutler (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0691186/">Ryan Pope</a>) are all soldiers with varying degrees of experience. Whitehead freely admits he’s a coward; he’s a bookish man who does not enjoy the cut and thrust of battle. They stop for a meal and have some mushrooms they find in the field. After this things start to go a bit freaky. They discover a rope and at the end of the rope they find O’Neil. Whitehead tries to arrest him but he turns the tables on him and takes Whitehead prisoner instead. Claiming there is a treasure in the field; O’Neil forces Whitehead to tell him where to dig. I will leave it there because from here on it get’s pretty weird.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iFHRYKT9J9k/UhD1ihuAi-I/AAAAAAAAO0c/my8Zxoz3WmM/s1600-h/A%252520Field%252520in%252520England%252520-%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="A Field in England - 1" border="0" alt="A Field in England - 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gND5ejIwqBk/UhD1jVJI7DI/AAAAAAAAO0k/Ap4p94XkYs0/A%252520Field%252520in%252520England%252520-%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="282" /></a> Filmed entirely in black and white and on a budget, I thought the filmmakers did a pretty good job. All the performances were excellent with Reece Shearsmith and Michael Smiley standing out. There are many unexpected plot twists in this one; it certainly keeps the audience on their toes. Quite a few bizarre effects used to show the effects of the mushrooms but I did like the use of close-ups. It is pretty gory despite being made in black and white; some of the effects are pretty gruesome. Over all, I pretty much enjoyed this one despite it’s strangeness in places. I would like to see it again sometime as I’m sure there’s much I missed.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 7.2/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 6.0/10</b> (based on 1,510 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2375574/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2375574/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: No data:</b> (Based on 0 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ambbo0_2X3Q/UhD1jxbe8uI/AAAAAAAAO0s/oI1O-N6z6Z8/s1600-h/A%252520Field%252520in%252520England%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="A Field in England - 5" border="0" alt="A Field in England - 5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LGhlqA7ujd4/UhD1kbJFnTI/AAAAAAAAO00/uXVBqCiI1n0/A%252520Field%252520in%252520England%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="220" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 88/100</b> (based on 25 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 64/100 </b>(based on 547 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_field_in_england/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_field_in_england/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NovPeo64Wgs/UhD1kxN6CNI/AAAAAAAAO08/vkTcrYqaViE/s1600-h/A%252520Field%252520in%252520England%252520-%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="A072_C001_1001IE" border="0" alt="A072_C001_1001IE" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S9QzDYzt75E/UhD1lcS8lxI/AAAAAAAAO1E/L-FwVn2BMF8/A%252520Field%252520in%252520England%252520-%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="173" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:9bec312b-1238-4dd9-b6ba-a1c17d491121" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="232a4cd8-2086-4978-b869-7a14bc60079a" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRRvzjkzu2U" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vz5yJTRR62k/UhD1l35cc4I/AAAAAAAAO1U/zvoVGG1SLwc/video392aad781609%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('232a4cd8-2086-4978-b869-7a14bc60079a'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/cRRvzjkzu2U&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/cRRvzjkzu2U&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924909546732085489.post-66878479098366895652013-08-18T14:22:00.001+01:002013-08-18T14:22:57.635+01:00Film Review: SIDE BY SIDE (2012)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:none; margin:0px; padding:4px 0px 4px 0px;"><iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=http://thoughtsofasteelmonster.blogspot.com/2013/08/film-review-side-by-side-2012.html" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; width:450px; height:80px"></iframe></div><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QKSk44tdFuo/UhDKhZOpbqI/AAAAAAAAOyU/uoVCTW2papg/s1600-h/Side%252520by%252520Side%252520-%252520poster%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Side by Side - poster" border="0" alt="Side by Side - poster" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wSZLMuWC_yg/UhDKh5gEVHI/AAAAAAAAOyc/PIvf6zxE4CE/Side%252520by%252520Side%252520-%252520poster_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="99" height="141" /></a> Writer/Director: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0447863/">Christopher Kenneally</a> <br />Running time: 99 mins (approx) <br />Certification (UK): 15</p> <p>Genre: Documentary <br />UK Release date: 15<sup>th</sup> February 2013 </p> <p>Watched on Sky+ Sunday 18<sup>th</sup> August 2013.</p> <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.</b></p> <p>I have wanted to see this one since a certain Mark Kermode waxed lyrical about it on his radio show several months ago. I knew it would never show at my local cinema and so I was resigned to seeing it on TV. Fortunately those enlightened people at Film4 decided to put it on their channel this week and so I happily watched it this morning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7dduP6eL3ps/UhDKimMHr5I/AAAAAAAAOyk/BAlCimc5fio/s1600-h/Side%252520by%252520Side%252520-%2525205%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Side by Side - 5" border="0" alt="Side by Side - 5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UdDtFmQMqAA/UhDKjIdBvmI/AAAAAAAAOys/zktpS-5ot2E/Side%252520by%252520Side%252520-%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> The film is hosted by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000206/">Keanu Reeves</a> who is seen conducting all of the interviews and looks genuinely interested in the subject. We are taken through the history of filmmaking, from its early beginnings and right up to the digital technology of today. A lot is made of the effects the leaps in technology have had and the repercussions for the future of the industry are discussed. Along with many directors like; <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000965/">Danny Boyle</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000116/">James Cameron</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2501633/">Lena Dunham</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000399/">David Fincher</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000184/">George Lucas</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000186/">David Lynch</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0634240/">Christopher Nolan</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001675/">Robert Rodriguez</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001708/">Joel Schumacher</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000217/">Martin Scorsese</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001752/">Steven Soderbergh</a>, amongst others; he also talks to many of the other people involved in the process; cinematographers, directors of photography, editors and the like. Although no real conclusions are drawn I found it well balanced with both sides of the argument being well covered. The argument? I hear you ask. Well at the beginning the question is posed as to whether the digital technology of today has brought about an end to movies being shot on 35mm film.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7kpod2D8lvE/UhDKj7pLN4I/AAAAAAAAOyw/JbUkdo1ak1o/s1600-h/Side%252520by%252520Side%252520-%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Side by Side - 4" border="0" alt="Side by Side - 4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PGqQ-p0ru_A/UhDKkekD-bI/AAAAAAAAOy8/4vkZa4kZHlU/Side%252520by%252520Side%252520-%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> The film goes in to quite a lot of technical detail about the technology of filmmaking; most was easy to follow, but I can see how it might put a few off. Some very interesting questions are posed; particularly revealing are the comments on the fad for 3D; something the studios seem to love at the moment. The music wasn’t all it might have been as well; it sounded a little like I was watching an 80’s infomercial about a film camera company at times. A well balanced piece although I did find it was beginning to drag a little towards the end. Still, well worth a look for any fan of the movies, I can’t see it having a much broader appeal though. On a personal note; I don’t really care what technology is used to make a film; to me the important thing is the story. Without a well scripted story, to my mind at least, there’s no point in even starting.</p> <p><b>SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED</b></p> <p><b>My score: 8.2/10.</b></p> <p><b>IMDb Score: 7.6/10</b> (based on 5,574 votes when this review was written). <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2014338/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2014338/</a></p> <p><b>MetaScore: 82/100:</b> (Based on 20 critic reviews provided by <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/">Metacritic.com</a> at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ba0svnmfnNE/UhDKk21eZoI/AAAAAAAAOzE/svhnAUEVbsk/s1600-h/Side%252520by%252520Side%252520-%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Side by Side - 2" border="0" alt="Side by Side - 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5qCTurQcZOM/UhDKlVm88pI/AAAAAAAAOzM/IRxN9Bydm-s/Side%252520by%252520Side%252520-%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="227" /></a> Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 95/100</b> (based on 64 reviews counted at the time of going to press).</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 86/100 </b>(based on 7,024 user ratings counted at the time of going to press). <br /><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/side_by_side_2012/">http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/side_by_side_2012/</a></p> <p>If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at: <br /><a href="http://facebook.com/andy.steel3">http://facebook.com/andy.steel3</a></p> <p><b><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XGs-ogqiLdc/UhDKmNqIAJI/AAAAAAAAOzU/KEnDirh8rro/s1600-h/Side%252520by%252520Side%252520-%2525206%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Side by Side - 6" border="0" alt="Side by Side - 6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C2CgO9Tswio/UhDKmnYu16I/AAAAAAAAOzc/U8heU3lXor0/Side%252520by%252520Side%252520-%2525206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="234" /></a> LINKS: <br /></i></b>(Note: All were working at the time of going to press) <br />Official Site: <a href="http://sidebysidethemovie.com/">http://sidebysidethemovie.com/</a> <br />Trailer:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:6a3908a8-4831-4ec0-94c9-3486434835d7" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="dbc9f7c7-342b-4794-8917-d1b254309817" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFGJY_NJwwg" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4mE9RPI9fIM/UhDKnD734hI/AAAAAAAAOzs/aBcn9yrXpkc/videodc98e0ecd7dc%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('dbc9f7c7-342b-4794-8917-d1b254309817'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/aFGJY_NJwwg&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/aFGJY_NJwwg&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421082530776501691noreply@blogger.com0