Archive for the ‘Action’ Category
Avatar
Sunday, December 20th, 2009Aliens in the Attic
Thursday, September 3rd, 2009Review
With all the amazing big films coming out all the time we often forget that kids need some unadulterated fun too. That’s exactly what Aliens in the Attic is, but is it up to scratch?
The Pearson family is having the usual family troubles and it’s conveniently time for vacation. Shortly after arriving, knee high aliens arrive on their vacation home’s roof, ready to take over the world. Now the kids of the family must save the world from an invasion without the adult’s knowledge.
The movie has some decent actors in it, which had given me some hope that the movie could hold its own. Unfortunately the cliché script is what let’s the entire 86 minute around the house adventure down. Something which is rather surprising with it having being co-scripted by one of the writers of Madagascar and the Academy Award-winning Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were Rabbits.
Unfortunately the Aliens of the movie are covered in cliché vomit that eclipses any reason for them to be in the movie other than to give the kids something to do.
Just because the story isn’t anything ground breaking doesn’t mean there weren’t some brilliant moments and great laughs. Robert Hoffman, as the idiotic boyfriend, is a riot to watch. Austin Butler should also be noted for his total command of every scene he was in.
There were some great laugh out loud sequences too. Look out for some amazing Granny martial arts that will have you laughing hysterically, along with almost every moment Hoffman is on camera.
This movie will be quickly forgotten but if you have to keep any kids under 12 busy for an hour and a half, this is a worth a shot.
5/10
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Friday, August 28th, 2009Review
It’s becoming more and more difficult to review action movies with all the amazing effects thrown into the mix. At surface value G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is movie magic. You will be dumbstruck by some beautiful explosions and amazing machines, as we’re coming to expect from our action movies. But, unfortunately, the movie doesn’t get any deeper than that.
The premise is taken from the very popular action figure of the American Hero, G.I. Joe. An idea which is noticeably popular in Hollywood thanks to the success of movies like Transformers. The storyline revolves around some high tech weapons which were created by people who had every intention of stealing them to cause mayhem.
Sound familiar? That’s probably because we’ve seen it before. Most of the plots twists and turns are tried and tested. In fact, you may be forgiven for thinking you’re watching a rerun. The guy looses the girl, she fights against him on the bad side, and it’s all about who has the biggest guns and who can be more deceptive. I found myself predicting the next move of each character and like a prophet of God; I was spot on every time.
It’s not that the movie’s bad. No, in fact the effects and non stop action keep you watching. You’ll find yourself saying, “man, that’s cool,” countless times but that’s as far as it goes. If you want to watch a dizzying 2 hour effects spectacle, than this movie is for you. Everybody else, stay clear.
4/10
Quantum of Solace
Monday, November 17th, 2008The blonde Bond is back and he is not in a good mood. Quantum of Solace is an action packed, no bars held killing spree from start to finish which will have many die hard 007 fans rather upset. It brings a fresh new Bourne Ultimatum feel to the series, re-inventing the usual Bond we know and love and turning him into a killing machine.
There is no time for snappy jokes and sweet talking woman this time around as Quantum kicks off just a few hours after Royale. Bond is entrenched in rage, can’t sleep and everyone is still seemingly clueless about the organisation which took Bond’s love. Bond isn’t helping much either, managing to kill off every possible lead they have.
The environmental message sneakily carried in the background is becoming so common place today that it’s beginning to become boring. The conspiracy is that a supposed charity is a cover for an organisation which is controlling the world’s leaders by exploiting their greed. Everybody has a hidden agenda and the one’s Bond thinks he can trust end up getting killed.
Bond manages to travel to some fantastic places which gives the movie a much wider scope and enhances the super spy ideal of the Bond franchise. Although the movie has less time for character development you still get the feeling Bond grows in this movie and admirably so. Some of that can be attributed to the fact that he doesn’t sleep with his more attractive double, although he did try.
What is really great to see is that the Blonde girl is more than just a sideline is this film. She has her own problems, story and strength, something which will have feminists slightly happier when it comes to the overly confident Bond films.
Overall it’s an entertaining watch but it’s definitely not the action movie of the year. It will be a while before anything can beat the Dark Knight.
