Film Review: DREDD (2012)

Director: Pete Travis
Writers: John Wagner (characters), Carlos Ezquerra (characters), Alex Garland (screenplay)
Running time: 92 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 18

Genre: Action/Sci-Fi
UK Release date: 7^th September 2012

Watched on DVD Sunday 28^th July 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

As a bit of a sci-fi fan I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting films that don’t fall into predictable Hollywood cliché. I remember this one coming out to a somewhat luke-warm reception from the critics; even so, I added it to ‘The List’. Having tracked down the DVD at a very reasonable price, it sat on the shelf for a while before I got around to giving it a look. It was worth the wait; it doesn’t fall into the trap of the 1995 Stallone effort and become a pale impression of the original comic books. This is much edgier and I have to say I enjoyed it. Here’s a very brief summary before I tell you why.

In a future where much of the world has bee destroyed in a nuclear war the majority of the population live in Megacities. It is in Megacity One, the former eastern states of America, where the action takes place. With the breakdown of society it has become necessary to give the police powers to arrest, sentence and if necessary execute wrong-doers on the spot. To this end they are now called Judges. When Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) is given a rookie, Anderson (Olivia Thirlby), to evaluate, he allows her to choose their assignment. She opts for a triple murder at an apartment block called Peach Trees. The murders are drug-related; the drug in question being a mind-altering substance called SLO-MO. They find the nearest distribution point and shut it down. Anderson suspects one of the dealers, Kay (Wood Harris) of being involved in the murders and so they decide to take him in for questioning. It seems he works for a nasty piece of work known as Ma-Ma (Lena Headey). Afraid Kay might give over too much information under questioning, she orders the building shut-down and her men to find and kill the judges. It’s now a game of cat and mouse, but who will come out on top?

Very well made with some excellent cinematography; particularly the depiction of the effects of the SLO-MO drug; I found this very effective (even in 2D). I liked that this film was much edgier with a much tougher, uncompromising Dredd. Great performances all round with Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby and Lena Headey standing out. Dredd never takes his helmet off and this is much truer to the original comic books, another thing I liked about this one. The music was good without being outstanding; it complemented the picture pretty well with some nice themes here and there. On the down side, I guess the script could have done with a little more work and they never get the Judges bikes right. They still look like a standard bike with a big faring tacked on; I maybe expected better this time. Loved all the various weapons and tech though! Over all, I enjoyed this one; it didn’t fall into cliché too much and had a nice gritty edge to it. I doubt they’ll make a sequel, but if they do, I will be in line for a ticket.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.9/10.

IMDb Score: 7.0/10 (based on 110,028 votes when this review was written).
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1343727/

MetaScore: 59/100: (Based on 29 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 78/100 (based on 147 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 73/100 (based on 141,152 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dredd/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreddthemovie
Official Site: http://www.dreddthemovie.com/index.html
Trailer:

Film Review: STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (2013)

Director: J.J. Abrams
Writers: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof (written by), Gene Roddenberry (television series “Star Trek”)
Running time: 132 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12A

Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi
UK Release date: 9^th May 2013

Watched at the Cinema Saturday 11^th May 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I remember seeing the original Start Trek TV shows back in the 1970’s (we got them later here in the UK). I really loved them and have watched every spin-off TV show and film since. Now, I have to say here that I’m not a purist and I really enjoyed the first movie Star Trek (2009) which starts off this iteration of the franchise. But I digress; you’re wanting to hear about the all new shiny film. I have to say I went into this one without reading any reviews or reading too much of the press about it and so I’ll try to keep things as spoiler-free as possible. Here’s a very brief (spoiler-free) summary before I give you my thoughts.

When a Star Fleet archive is blown up in London, one John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) claims responsibility. The Star Fleet captains and their First Officers are assembled by Admiral Marcus (Peter Weller) but Harrison attacks this meeting, killing one of James T. Kirk’s (Chris Pine) mentors. He pleads with Marcus to be allowed to follow Harrison to Kronos, the Klingon home world, where he has been tracked. He is given his chance and the crew of the Enterprise set off in hot pursuit. They manage to capture Harrison, but he is so much more than he seems…

There is a welcome return for all of the favourites from the first film; Spok (Zachary Quinto), Bones (Karl Urban), who I think is brilliant in this part by the way, Nyota Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Chekov (Anton Yelchin) and Sulu (John Cho). Plus we have the addition of Admiral Marcus’s daughter, Dr. Carol Marcus (Alice Eve), who manages to bluff her way onto the ship. Everyone did a great job, although I wasn’t too sure about Scotty’s accent, with Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Peter Weller taking top honours (for me anyway).

Beautifully shot with much of the trademark lens flaring that is becoming synonymous with the films of J.J. Abrams. It really doesn’t bother me as much as it seems to others. I’m really glad I saw it on the big screen (in 2D by the way) because it’s one of those that definitely benefits from it. I can’t imagine it having anything like the impact on a small screen. It’s an epic plot that draws on elements from earlier iterations of these characters but totally turned on its head. I enjoyed it a very much and I’m already looking forward to the next one!

SteelMonster’s verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.6/10.

IMDb Score: 8.4/10 (based on 8,766 votes when this review was written).
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1408101/

MetaScore: 74/100: (Based on 8 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 90/100 (based on 60 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 89/100 (based on 78,686 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/star_trek_into_darkness/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
John Harrison: You think you world is safe? It is an illusion. A comforting lie told to protect you. Enjoy these final moments of peace. For I have returned to have my vengeance. So, shall we begin?

[to Kirk]
Christopher Pike: Do you know what a pain you are? You think the rules don't apply to you. There's greatness in you, but there's not an ounce of humility. You think that you can't make mistakes, but there's going to come a moment when you realize you're wrong about that, and you're going to get yourself and everyone under your command killed.

John Harrison: Your commanders have committed a crime I cannot forgive. None of you are safe. Have I got your attention now?

[the Enterprise crew steer a ship towards a closing portal]
Spock: Captain, this ship will not fit.
James T. Kirk: IT WILL FIT, WILL FIT, WILL FIT!
[the ship scrapes through]
James T. Kirk: See, I told you it would fit!
Spock: I am not sure that qualifies.

Nyota Uhura: We're outnumbered, outgunned...
James T. Kirk: So we come out shooting!

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.startrekmovie.com/
Trailer:

Film Review: RED (2010)

Director: Robert Schwentke
Writers: Jon Hoeber & Erich Hoeber (screenplay), Warren Ellis & Cully Hamner (graphic novel)
Running time: 111 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12A

Genre: Action/Comedy/Crime
UK Release date: 22^nd October 2010

Watched on DVD Sunday 10^th March 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I waited for quite a long time for this one to turn up in the TV listings but alas it hasn’t yet. Being a resourceful sort I decided to check out the price of the DVD and, deeming it low enough, I duly bought said disc. Now, having gone to all that trouble, I’m glad to report it was worth the effort. It may never win any awards, but it’s very entertaining and everything ‘The Expendables’ isn’t. Here’s a brief summary before I give you my thoughts.

Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) is a retired CIA agent; he lives alone and one of his few pleasures is to chat to the girl at the pension’s office, Sarah Ross (Mary-Louise Parker). All is peaceful until one night a team goes into his house and tries to kill him. Of course Frank escapes and picks up Sarah en-route to New Orleans. With the attempt on Frank’s life a failure, back at the CIA, Cynthia Wilkes (Rebecca Pidgeon) puts agent William Cooper (Karl Urban) on the case. By the way, it’s “off the books”. Frank turns to his old contacts for help; first Joe Matheson (Morgan Freeman) who points him in the direction of a murdered reporter. Having discovered a list of names, he next contacts Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich). More information brings in the Russians in the guise of Ivan Simanov (Brian Cox); and finally there’s Victoria (Helen Mirren). Piecing the parts of the puzzle together there’s a connection to a massacre in Guatemala and the only one left who can identify the man responsible is Alexander Dunning (Richard Dreyfuss). But can they get him to talk? And if they do, who will be their next target? I guess that’s enough for now. Oh, before I close this section I’d like to give a mention for Ernest Borgnine who plays Henry, The Records Keeper at the CIA; it’s always a pleasure to see him on screen.

I must say this film does exactly what it says on the tin; it’s brash, explosive and it also has some humour splattered about in there. I did like Bruce Willis in this one; some of his wise cracks put me in mind of his character David Addison in “Moonlighting” (an old TV show for those too young to remember it). I loved John Malkovich as the, almost paranoid, member of the team; he added some great comic moments. Helen Mirren was great (as ever), as was Richard Dreyfuss as the bad guy and Brian Cox. Also a mention fro Karl Urban who played his role with great aplomb; he’ll go far I’m sure. As to the film; well I enjoyed many aspects of it although I did find the age difference between Willis and Parker a tad creepy. Other than that, bring on the sequel! I found it a lot of fun and everything ‘The Expendables’ isn’t; well worth the price of the disc.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 6.9/10.

IMDb Score: 7.0/10 (based on 128,034 votes when this review was written).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1245526/

MetaScore: 61: (Based on 37 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 72/100 (based on 193 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 72/100 (based on 113,777 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/red/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
[first lines]
Frank Moses: [on the phone] 943-66-2291. Pension Services, please.
Woman: Thank you, Mr. Moses, please hold for your representative.

Sarah Ross: Get back. Go away. Stay away from me! Is that my bag?
Frank Moses: Yeah.
Sarah Ross: You packed it?
Frank Moses: Yes.
Sarah Ross: D' D' Did you vacuum?
Frank Moses: A little yeah, it was messy.

Marvin Boggs: Do you know what's wrong with this country?
Sarah Ross: They all are trying to kill us?
Marvin Boggs: Exactly!

Henry, The Records Keeper: Frank Moses was one of the most effective black op agents we've ever had. He retired drug-lords, terrorists. Hell, he toppled governments. Yeah. He was truly gifted.
William Cooper: Why was he retired?
Henry, The Records Keeper: He got old. Then some thumb-sucker came along and tagged him "RED".
William Cooper: Red?
Henry, The Records Keeper: Yeah, RED. R-E-D, "Retired, Extremely Dangerous".

Victoria: [pleasantly] In all the years I've known Francis, I've never seen him like this. So if you break his heart, I will kill you. And bury you body in the woods.
Sarah Ross: Wow. Okay.

Ivan Simanov: [Riding in the car after everything is over. To Moses] You still owe me favor.
Victoria: [Getting pissed off at Ivan] Oh Ivan!
[turns to the others]
Victoria: His timing is terrible!
Ivan Simanov: Just a tiny little nuclear problem in Moldova.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.red-themovie.com/
(Currently publicising ‘RED 2’)
Trailer:

Film Review: PRIEST (2011)

Director: Scott Charles Stewart
Writers: Cory Goodman, Min-Woo Hyung (graphic novel series “Priest”)
Running time: 84 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12

Genre: Action/Horror/Sci-Fi
UK Release date: 6^th May 2011

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 5^th February 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

This is one of those films that got slammed by the critics and didn’t do all that well at the box office. I did still want to see it though. Having never read the graphic novels I was totally open to what the film had to offer; I knew there was a sci-fi element to it (very obvious from the trailer) and I guess it is that which attracted me. Anyhow, having watched, and enjoyed, it I’m very happy to add it to my growing list of ‘guilty pleasures’. I will tell you more after this brief summary.

Set in a future where the world had been overrun by vampires and the only weapon humanity had was ‘The Priests’, a group of people with super-human abilities that match and surpass those of the vampires. When the war was won and the vampires locked away the church disbanded the Priests and took away their status. After his niece, Lucy, is kidnapped by a renegade band of vampires one of these priests disobeys his superiors and goes out into the wastelands to find her. He meets a law man, Hicks, who knows his niece and wants to come along to find her. The priest agrees and they are soon on the trail. They discover the vampires have been busy in the wastelands and they are more of a threat than they ever were. They have a new leader, a former Priest, Black Hat, who is something very different and very special. A priestess is sent out to find our priest and bring him back, but she ends up joining their fight. Will they find Lucy before it’s too late? Well, you probably guessed I can’t answer that one here or the Spoiler Police (Priest Division) will be setting their sights on me (again).

A well made film with some very nice CGI and gadgetry, a lot of care obviously went into this aspect. Performance-wise, well everyone was pretty good actually; Paul Bettany was as good as ever as Priest, Karl Urban was mean, moody and menacing as Black Hat, Cam Gigandet did a decent job as Hicks and Maggie Q was also good as the Priestess. Honourable mentions go to; Lily Collins as Lucy Pace and Christopher Plummer as Monsignor Orelas.

There is a very good animated sequence at the beginning of the film that nicely sets up the history behind the storyline. I thought it was very well done and saved a lot of time in the narrative of the film itself. Talking of time, I thought the length of the film was just right; at just under 90 minutes there’s not enough time to get bored as the action does move along at a decent pace. One thing it did suffer from though was its 12 (or 12A in cinemas) certificate, I don’t see how you can make a half-decent action movie and keep the violence down to that level. For me it tamed it down a little too much and I would have liked to have seen at least a 15 certificate version. I watched it in 2D, 3D is lost on me… I don’t see the point of it I’m afraid. I have no religious affiliations and so was not offended by references made to the church. I know some might be, so please bear this in mind if you feel inclined to watch it. Over all, despite a few niggles; I quite enjoyed this film and would happily watch it again at some point. For me, it’s recommended, but I know there are many out there who may disagree.

My score: 6.8/10.

IMDb Score: 5.7/10 (based on 39,510 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0822847/

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 17/100 (based on 90 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 37/100 (based on 48,431 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10009274-priest/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Black Hat: [With an evil smirk] After all, if you're not committing sin... you're not having fun.

Priest: [Hicks has finally grown a pair and saves Priest's life] You would have made a good priest.
Hicks: Thanks!
Priest: [Small pause] Don't let it go to your head!

Hicks: [Priest is carving crosses into bullets] What's with all the bullets? I thought priests didn't use firearms.
Priest: We don't. They're for you.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/priest/
Official Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/PriestMovie
Official Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PriestMovie?sk=app_107916972622270
Trailer: