marcusdestorm Reviews

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Fantastical Journey

[9/10 · 3 September 2022]

Made after three previous great film contributions from internationally acclaimed Director Peter Jackson, I found no reason to doubt that The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey would change my mind on it being any different - and it didn't.

Here you have an all-star cast, each actor having a placement in both television and cinema the world over. With Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, better known from his duo role as Dr. John Watson in Sherlock. Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf, better known for his work in National Theater, as well as the 3 sequels that brought The Hobbit to the screen. Ken Stott as Balin, who is better known from many great films and TV series that include Plunket & McClean. And other great names include James Nesbit, Stephen Hunter, Dean O'Gorman (from The Almighty Johnsons) and Ian Holm, better known as the humanoid onboard the space doomed Mining Ship Nostromo in Alien.

Putting all of these actors together in one epic film such as The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first installment of 3, brought the story to life in more ways than one. As I am sure it would have made J R R Tolkien proud, it sure as hell made me glad that it was Peter Jackson who got behind the camera to direct.

At the last count I have watched An Unexpected Journey 23 times... and this number will grow much higher over time. A classic in the making will reach heights that only the Film Greats make.

Nope (2022)

On A Road To Nowhere...Going Nowhere

[5/10 · 3 September 2022]

It's a shame that I can't give this film anything more than a 5* Rating, because Daniel Kaluuya, who I respected as an actor, had really grabbed my attention in Get Out. His performance in that movie was flawless and applaudable, but here, I can't see any way of making the same appraisal.

Unfortunately, in this film, the range in which the Director takes is too far from gripping. The plot line is weak - to say that there is nothing for the viewer to get their teeth into - as much as to educate us on who the two black horse riders were to start animation in films.

If, for the benefit of the Director, Jordan Peele, he is in the game for making his very own films, then he should at least put substance and direction into the product.

To be honest, I believe I have just wasted 2 hours 15 minutes of my life that I could have well spent on watching Top Gun: Maverick for the fifth time. Or, to run along the same lines and value of "Nope" then maybe "Woman In The Trunk" (Please note: DO NOT watch "Woman In A Trunk".

The Royals (2015–2018)

A Very British Royal Affair

[9/10 · 3 February 2017]

From the outset, the whole encompass of The Royals, is that the real Royals of Great Britain are nothing like The Hensdridge Family, who are more dysfunctional in their reign than the Windsors. However, putting a breath of fresh air into the scripted series, it isn't long before the choosing of a favorite character begins to take.

With several to choose from, including Prince Liam, Princess Eleanor, Queen Helena, King Simon (in series one), Prince Cyrus and of course, Lucius and Ted who are the Royals confidant's, many would argue that Liam and Eleanor are the top runners - until Season 2.

Finding this series very easy to get into (maybe because I am a Brit), and follow as willingly as a Elizabeth Hurley Fan (which I'm not), my one and only fear was that it would be cancelled. But, I believe that what makes it successful, is simply the United Cast (including Jasper Frost), who bring to the forefront some amazing acting.

Now onto the 3rd season, it is hoped that The Royals will continue, as is, with occasional, and not flooded adding of new characters who will spoil the whole development. Certainly rating this show with a High 9, I certainly do agree that this series may not be for everyone - as previous Reviews have shown - but, this aside, not all Brits watch with anticipation those Political Programs that are about Presidents and Senators we don't view on a day-to-day basis (Arnold Schwarzenegger and Clint Eastwood aside, of course).

The Way (I) (2010)

Ground-breaking And Refreshing

[9/10 · 9 September 2012]

In all honesty, when we received "The Way" from 'Gambit', the mere suggestion that it was going to be a drawn out spiritual film that would attempt the viewer to convert their religion came to the surface like a scuba diver without an oxygen tank. This of course changed as soon as we sat down to watch it, and it was what we saw on the screen which had us glued all the way to the end.

We remember Emilio Estevez from "Young Guns" and "The Breakfast Club", so the whole surprise in this change of angle in a first time Directorial Film brought the thoughts of afore mentioned beliefs to being discarded. The more that we watched of this film, the more we were wondering where Emilio could have acquired this ground breaking idea of putting into pictures the feelings, emotions, laughter and tears of such a simplistic storyline.

The Way is most certainly a very powerful story that tells the story of Family importance, the way in which we sometimes take our relationships with family members for granted and that we allow ourselves to believe that the way in which they live their lives is a far distant pass from our own. The whole plot setting of this film takes on a whole new level of mellow drama pit-falls, twists, turns and even conclusions within the storyline itself. The casting is as solid and as perfect as you could ever expect a film of this kind to be, including the inclusion of (Tchéky Karyo) Captain Henri, the Police Officer who is not only sympathetic to Tom's huge family loss, but is a perfect pace setter to the start of this epic journey which Tom now embarks on – The El Camino de Santiago walk.

We see Tom (Martin Sheen) change from this private person who has a professional job back home in the States, to this secluded, inspired and persistent Father whose relationship with his illusive son breaks down the real emotional charge which drive's his determination into a whole new realm of openness. Sharing his feelings, his past, his present and in some respects his future with the outcome of the walk with fellow walkers. With integrated scenes of seeing his son, it is not with an ounce of over exaggeration, nor is it over the top SFX saturated to the point where the viewer gets tired, or believes the story is spoilt. The introductions of the other lead cast, Joost (Yorick van Wageningen) who is the man from Amsterdam, Sarah (Deborah Kara Unger), the woman with a very deepened scar of emotion, and, of course, Jack (James Nesbit) the Writer with Writer's Block. All of these people who have been thrown together, almost as if by some majestic fate had been involved has this film set to become a classic in its own right. Throughout the two hour film we are sure that the viewer will be mesmerised by the breath-taking backdrop landscapes, the situations and positions that these Trekkers are confronted with, and relieved by the relaxed, sustainable and invigorating flow of the storyline right up to the very end. With this said, it would be interesting to know exactly how many viewers – like us – actually hit the search engines to look up "The El Camino de Santiago walk".

If it is a change from the normal evening of battle worn destruction, alien infested colonial worlds and slash, gore, horror intervals of blood and guts flying here, there and everywhere, then "The Way" is definitely that refreshing change.

The Corridor (I) (2010)

Thought provokingly mind blowing...

[8/10 · 28 August 2012]

Tyler Crawley (Stephen Chambers) is committed to a psychiatric hospital for the murder of his mother, for which the whole town is in awe of the actions committed by such a placid young man. Several years later he is released and reunited with his friends who decide to travel out into the snow covered wilds to party and relax for the weekend, but Tyler has other reasons – to scatter the ashes of his beloved mother and finally find his peace with her.

While out in the wilds Tyler discovers something that at first is passed off as a hallucination caused through the use of his medication, but when his friends are also witness to the strange corridor of light, everything that they had in their friendship quickly becomes competitive for the power in which the light gives them. The longer the exposure to the light, the more each man wants more – and the less they want to share the secret they have stumbled across. Very soon that of the corruption brings them to acts of murder, vicious and violent confrontations with one another and finally that of the truth behind Tyler killing his mother comes out into the open. In a fast paced deadly competition of cat and mouse, the friends must struggle forward and eventually discover what it is that is influencing them…What is the tunnel of light?

At first glance, we believed "The Corridor" to be that of a low budget film in the "B-Movie" range, until we passed the fifteen minute zone and discovered that the film before us was to be taken quite seriously. The opening scenes of Tyler Crawley (Stephen Chambers) and his mother wrestling on the ground was pretty much a red herring, as he is then taken away to the Mental Hospital. Then we are shown his return to the town in which he shocked through his actions, but there are no questions about his absence raised.

The discovery of "The Corridor" is kind of cool in the way that it could have well been passed off as an hallucination with the way in which it just appears, then appears to the rest of the group as they enter the ground that it resides where the sight is majestic at the very least. Though this is a great introduction to the unearthly vision which the entire group are being drawn to through some form of mind manipulation, one cannot help but associate the instances with that of "Chronicle", as some of us believed the film "The Corridor!" was in fact attempting to equal in some way, shape or form – fortunately, this was not and is not the case.

The Corridor does not have a huge budget, nor does it have "Blockbuster" written all over it, but what it does have is the hallmarks of being a worthwhile film that you will enjoy sitting down to watch. The action sequences are very well held together, as too is the storyline once the vision of The Corridor is discovered. In whole the 1 hour and 38 minute film is a nomination, either through the solid direction of the actors, or as a new Direction Movie with a new comer to the seat of Director's making their name in the film business. As we found Evan Kelly to be the hands behind such other films as "My Little Eye - 2002", "Quality Viewing – 2002" and "Conscript – 2009". It is with such credentials like these, that what you get with "The Corridor" is sure to give you a shiver down the spine at the least or nightmares at the most. Review by The DVD Archive.

A Few Best Men (2011)

A Laugh Out Loud Brit Ausie Hit...

[9/10 · 28 August 2012]

David and Mia meet whilst on a summer holiday in Cancun, fall in love and suddenly decide to get married. On his return from the holiday, David tells his long-time best friends Tom, Graham and Luke, who are all up for a good wedding and party with free booze, until David reveals that the wedding will be held at Mia's' parents' house – in Australia. The friends are livid and try and talk their best friend out of making the worst mistake of his life, until David informs them all that they can go to the wedding. Now only one thing needs to be decided, who is going to be the Best Man? Taking off for Australia to meet up with his Bride-to-be, David is told to travel with Mia, while his friends take a detour to see a pre-planned contact who lives out in the middle of nowhere for some marijuana.

Now Tom has a problem (a series of problems actually) of getting into trouble back in the UK, and Australia is no different than back home… except Australia is a much bigger place. An attractive Bride's mother in the house makes Tom's blood burn with desire, while his attempts at purchasing narcotics brings the wedding celebrations well into question… Will David marry Mia? Will Mia marry David? And, more to the point, where did Mia's Father's prize Sheep Ramsey disappear to?

A Few Best Men is a very funny and vibrant film. At the same time it is a comedy with a difference that could be placed as a "Breath of Fresh Air" by anyone and everyone watching it. The whole cast is a misfit group that would never be seen anywhere in the world, not even Manchester, who all keep things together in a tight ship operation. David Xavier Samuel who plays the responsible guy has the power to keep everyone on the straight and narrow, to pull in the sails once in a while so that the other three best friends have a guideline of sorts. But what happens when David is without a guideline? His friends become separated in Mind, Body and Soul – therefore the actions, the results and repercussions of these misfits surfaces like a fart in the depths of the ocean wanting to find freedom of the open air.

Tom (Kris Marshall) becomes the "Stiffler and Finch" of the English kind, drug fuelled, drunken monkey boy, wacked out necessity to any mishap, misshaped, misinterpreted and misguided movie the world over – and then some. His ability to mess things up in the UK are duly noted, but to mess them up in Australia, and especially on David's best day of his life, he knows only too well that there would be no such forgiveness given.

Our decision to give "A Few Best Men" an 8.9 tells the viewer one thing, and that is we were very surprised (But not really) with Kris' part in this film, especially as the developed soul he acquired for acting while in "My Family" seemed to boost him quite a lot. And for him to be acting alongside one of Australia's hottest actresses in history of musicals – Sultry Olivia Newton John – I bet even Finch would be writhing with jealousy.

If you are out at the cinema and you're looking for a good, solid and funny movie, then this is the one for you. It is a truly crafted piece of work, with plenty of the various helpings for everyone, which will make you're night, and why not? The film is from Director of "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" and the Writer and Producers of "Death At A Funeral" (UK Version), so you can be rest assured that there will be laughs, there will be tears and there will be a little tongue-in-cheek controversy – after all, it does have a Sheep in it that has its name on the end credits. Enjoy. Review by The DVD Archive.

Horrible Bosses (2011)

If I had a boss like that...

[8/10 · 25 February 2012]

The first is the office worker who has been teased into thinking that he has a chance at the company Vice President position while sucking up to his grumpy boss (Kevin Spacey). Then we have the jumpy Dental Assistant, who's boss (Jennifer Aniston) is after more than just good hard work from her employee. The third man is one who loves his work, loves his boss and absolutely hates his boss's son who wastes life getting stoned and snorting cocaine. It is with an unforeseen and unfortunate accident, that the boss has a heart attack and dies. Now, with no interest in the company – just its profit for more drugs – our third man has the task of escaping the everyday woes of the dead boss's son (Colin Farrell). Armed with the intentions of hiring a hit man from one of the Personal Adds, things don't exactly work out the way they were intended. With added appearances by Jamie Fox and, it is the combined strength and character of this cast that makes the film what it is – very funny.

Conclusion: Horrible Bosses is by no means a classic in the making like "Hall Pass" or "The Hangover", but it is one of the funniest films in a long time and will definitely get a good vote in the comedy section. If you are Renting this movie out or Buying it on disc, then it has to be on BluRay for the Extended bits, as well as the added Features which will also have you rolling around.

A must have for the "Aniston" fan, as there are some pretty raunchy scenes in the movie where the average "Friends" fan would be wondering why there was never any such scenes like these in the series, but remember, it is a serious and down to Earth comedy that has been rated for 15 years and over. It is both very entertaining and enjoyable to watch with any friends, family or even your Dentist who will no doubt see the funny side of the Dentist Jokes.

Grave Encounters (2011)

A refreshing change to the Paranormal Reality show phenomenon

[7/10 · 25 February 2012]

There is plenty of exaggeration about this movie on the internetwork at the moment, some claiming that the film makers have taken a hold of the "Blair Witch Project" and "Paranormal Activity" bandwagon steering wheel and driven its popularity from the afore mentioned films. There are also those who are suggesting that "Grave Encounters" is the result of the low viewer counts from TV Shows such as "Most Haunted" and "T.A.P.S" in a desperate bid to bring more viewers to the TV Series offerings. Therefore we dispel these rumours as "Totally Untrue".

During the Private Screening of this film we were more than astonished at the 'Realism' in which the film showed, as well as the SFX that flowed throughout every scene. The setting of the DocuMovie in the old mental hospital at Collingwood Psychiatric Hospital, Ryerson Valley, MA, does not throw any new punches to the viewer – if you are familiar with the "Ghost Hunting" television series' that are found on many of the TV networks across the globe, that is – where bumps in the night and strange vapours that appear before your eyes out of nowhere are the least of supernatural occurrences.

Grave Encounters, certified fifteen (15) and for good reasons, too, takes the viewer into a world that would otherwise be left well alone. But this is no ordinary film concept like that of 'The Blair Witch Project' or 'Paranormal Activity' that offer nothing more than cheap punches of low quality horror – if that is what you would call it – which starves the viewer of an otherwise entertaining feature.

Admittedly, from the start of 'Grave Encounters', the thought occurred that this was a TV to DVD film Pilot that must have been franchised by 'Most Haunted' or 'T.A.P.S', but then, after ten minutes all of that which was first thought was suddenly dragged away when the film crew of 'Ghost Hunters' were locked inside the closed Psychiatric Hospital. Now it was well and truly starting to become perturbing and worrying; the strange noises, character reactions to moving objects, strange feelings and sudden vanishing members from their designated areas, as well as remote camera feeds showing signs and warnings.

All in all, this film is well worth renting out, buying on DVD or, better still, by getting a hold of its Blu-Ray "Director's Cut" version that has several more minutes of horror, intense or otherwise having the viewer glued to their chairs – or reaching for the back of the sofa for safety – and be treated to one hell of a scary night in. The one true good result of this film, is that there is no sequel, unlike others that tend to milk the float by trying to convince us all that there will be a return of the dead or that there was a scene which couldn't be explained enough in the first feature and so they have to torture us all by explaining it in a one and a half hour sequel "Why the curtains twitched when the doomed character ran through the corridor to escape imminent death." Rating: 7/10 (8/10 if there would have been better atmospheric music between the dull silence)

Freight (2010)

The waste of great acting in colour

[6/10 · 25 February 2012]

Well, surely the casting was for Bill Mummy from Lost In Space, and not Billy Murray, the Brit-Grit Copper that caught more blaggers than D.I. Burnside on The Bill. From the off-set of this film you are pulled into the plot, shaking, not stirred, before realising that both Billy Murray and Craig Fairbrass have suddenly lost the plot.

Though we haven't seen any of Stuart St. Paul's movies, it would maybe be a hazardous guess that he has not been Directing films for long! Because on the other side of the lense, what we see is the very amateurish acting, very bad continuity and a basically fantastic Brit-Grit movie that has just died on its a… After watching "The Last Seven", we believed that Craig Fairbrass had really got it going. Unfortunately, both Fairbrass and Murray appear to act with bad direction.

The violent scenes of battles with the Russians and the Brits is pretty in tune to satisfy the Gore-Hunters, while the rest is too fast-paced and misdirecting from a storyline point of view. Ambient music going on in the background would have been welcomed during any part of this 1 hour 30+ minute movie, though the intro and rolling credits music is great.

DVD Archive Rating: 6/10 [7/10 if Billy Murray became a real Ex-Military Soldier]

Faces in the Crowd (2011)

Blindness can be a gift as well as a curse

[8/10 · 25 February 2012]

It is of no surprise that Milla is on top form with her acting in this movie, as she was with "The Fourth Kind", no additional martial arts or butt kicking's in this feature. The film opens with Anna (Jovovich) leaving a cocktail bar after having a drink with friends, only to witness a horrific murder to which she is chased and cornered by the killer upon a bridge. Accidentally falling into the freezing cold river water below, Anna awakens in the hospital with no memory of the incident leading up to her plunge. This is not the worst of it, however, as she is diagnosed with "Face-Blindness"; a condition which is rarely (If not impossible) to cure, and which distorts the facial features of everyone that the patient sees day after day. One day it could be a vague face for a man and woman, the next day a completely different face altogether. This does not help when somewhere out there is a serial killer taking advantage of your "Face Blindness" condition.

For Anna, her condition is being dealt with daily, while for her, she knows who the serial killer is, but with the "Face Blindness" she wouldn't know if that killer was stood next to her at any given moment. Not long after being released from the hospital Anna becomes distressed in the fact that she is waking up every morning to a different man – but the same Husband.

Self-assigned Detective Kerrest (Julian McMahon of Charmed television series) brings in the strange and weirdness of crossover channels as he takes Anna to the safe haven island of…yeah, Cole Island (Charmed fans will know that Julian played the character known as Cole in the hit TV series). Here Anna and Kerrest spend a lot of time together and become very close, too, which may or may not help with the case or the finding of the killer.

We found "Faces In The Crowd" very well written, thrilling enough to keep us all guessing on who the real serial killer was, and most of all, we found the acting more tolerable than first thought – as there are two actors here, Shanks and McMahon, from television successes – acting alongside such a strong cinema actresses as Milla Jovovich and Marianne Faithful.

The condition which Anna has after her accident is emotionally charged and at the same time sympathised by the viewer (we believe) as she struggles with the changing faces and the frustration in which she feels when the voices of friends are there, just not the friendly warm faces that she has lived to respect and love…not even that of her own Father.

DVD Archive Rating: 8/10

Final Destination 5 (2011)

Is this the Final Destination?

[9/10 · 25 February 2012]

First of all, we can reveal that Final Destination 5 IS the Final Destination instalment in the series which has brought "Death Experiences" to the forefront of many people's lives, especially where the sunbeds, plane journeys and motorway examples are concerned.

Leaving the very best until last, the instalment brings you face-to-face with the horrific tragedies that result in cheating death – and as William Bludworth points out "Nobody escapes death – because Death has a design which is not only flawless, but is imprinted on a greater design.

Starting the last instalment off with the introduction of the character's, Sam, Molly, Peter, Candice, Olivia, Isaac, Nathan, Dennis, Roy, Jon and Cho, it is worth knowing that only eight out of the total number of passengers on the bus survive the awesome and yet terrifying consequences of Chaos and Fate; the coined phrase 'Being in the wrong place at the wrong time' comes to mind. All the same, the lead character – as in all the past films – has a vision before the calamity and in their wisdom pre-warns everyone on the bus. And, like previous instalments there are those that listen, while there are also those (probably amateur actor's looking for a big break) who don't want to listen to the crazy ranting's of those who didn't want to go on the "Retreat Trip" in the first place.

As soon as the bus pulls up onto the suspension bridge, it is at this point the film really starts to tickle those senses which bring us fear, terror and a sudden ability for our bladders to work by themselves. The special effects alone bring us up close and personal to the real gore horror of some ways in which we could die during such a disaster; impalement's, scolding's, crushing's, slices and dicing's, it is Final Destination that seems to have the angle on the varied differences. As well as the great onslaught of horrifying carnage of the suspension bridge, there is, of course, the matter of the eight survivors who must now dodge the lurking pit-falls of death and somehow escape their demise completely.

Personally speaking, the weak and similar attributes brought to us in Final Destination 3, has certainly been tweaked and better tweaked in the final episode. The characters are strong in their acting, the plot is smooth as well as well balanced and the 'Love to Hate' combo's in some of the characters who are arrogant to the fact that death is following them is eventually paid in full by the great death scenes that they endure – Dennis and Isaac in particular.

For those who have been following the franchise, which has had one hell of a great run, Final Destination 5 will certainly not disappoint in the areas that truly matter. As for anyone who has never seen an episode (Yes, any more than two movies constitutes an episode run of films), then this finale will definitely have them reaching for the others, too. Laden with awesome visual effects that will perturb, scare and terrify even the hardest amongst us, the final twist will have everyone gasping in awe and raising the roof with sighs of respectable applause that now the story lines and hard work have come to an end.

DVD Archive Rating: 9/10

Immortals (2011)

Thank the Gods

[8/10 · 25 February 2012]

Immortals tells the story of Theseus, a peasant that has unusual combat training in self-defence and battle. When war is declared by King Hyperion upon the human race, it is discovered that the Bow of Epirus is the one and only weapon that stands between complete victory and the annihilation of man by the power that the Bow possesses to free the Titans – An inhuman race that were beaten and imprisoned by the Gods eons ago. The fate of the whole world is put into Theseus's hands, as no God can intervene in any of man's conflicts, for if they do the punishment is death.

Immortals is so enjoyable to watch that the whole feel of the era, backgrounds and backdrops bring the viewer into the sense of knowing that the era was of the landscapes, the dress sense and the impoverished cultures that were given that category of privilege and priority. Where in Theseus's case as a peasant who looks after his mother, the last thing in the world he wishes is something bad to happen to her.

The storyline is rock solid with no blips or stumbles, while the characters stay within synchronisation of their parts. Theseus (Henry Cavill) it would seem was born to play the part of "The Chosen One", as with King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke), who in his character's nastiness pulls it off flawlessly as the ruthless power hungry mad man looking for revenge. Stavros (Stephen Dorf), even as someone as unmannered as a thief shows a strong build in the storyline as a sure follower of Theseus.

Additionally, the narration by John Hurt (As if anyone else could have been worthy enough to do the voice over storyteller) sits well in the beginnings of Theseus's introduction to the story. Combined, the cast pull this film off with the easiest of ease in the ultimate showdown of brawn and intelligence when the balance of all three avenues of the storyline converges with bitterness and a crescendo of an utterly awesome visual climax to the story.

Directed by Tarsem Singh who has brought to the big screen such films as "The Cell", "The Fall" and now "Immortals", it would be a common mistake to believe that "300" could have been created by the same person. And, with "Mirror Mirror: The Untold Adventures of Snow White" already in Post-Production, it is worth considering placing this Director on an A-List of any future film wish list.

If you, like us, prefer your films mapping out the story in a synchronous paced way, then this is a must rent, buy or see film. And, as mentioned, if "300", "Ben Hur", "Conan the Barbarian" and the likes were on your wish list this year, then you must most definitely get yourself a copy of "Immortals".

DVD Archive Rating: 8/10

The Hangover Part II (2011)

Falling for this twice...hilarious

[9/10 · 25 February 2012]

The problem with sequels – even if they are dressed up to be referred as Part I and Part II – is that sometimes you have to watch the first part to remind yourself just how hilarious the first instalment was. When finally you sit down to the second film, one thing that needs to be made absolutely clear is this, you will laugh…a lot. In fact you will more than likely laugh so much through the funny parts that you'll need to rewind a little to catch up with the funny bits you missed.

The Hangover Part II is a very cleverly made comedy sequel that takes the four friends: Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug, to Thailand for what is to be a straight forward wedding that will see Stu being married – again. Having invited Alan through a sympathy vote on account that his experience in Las Vegas had left the others in a non-talking mood when returning home, they all finally agree that everyone who went to Vegas could go to the wedding.

With the trip to Thailand going well, the get together ceremony of the Bride and Groom with friends and relatives does not go as well with Alan announcing a speech which hints at Las Vegas. It is now that Phil organises a little drink for the guys to have a big boy's moment down by the beach… Filled with hilarity, zany and sometimes 'tongue in cheek' humour, The Hangover Part 2 is a definite Rent or Buy film, whether on DVD or Blu-Ray, the action, comedy and drama is by far one of the best American comedies so far this year. In a "No Holds Barred" style National Lampoon's extravaganza, everyone getting their hands on this will not be disappointed. By giving any more details of the film would truly spoil the rest for those that haven't had the luck to see the film yet.

For those who thought Mike Tyson's cameo in the first part was pretty funny, it is with a promise that we say "You definitely haven't seen everything yet!" The Hangover Part Two is available to Rent or Buy now.

DVD Archive Rating: 9/10 (10/10 if the soundtrack would have been better)

Splice (2009)

Come to Earth and they will autopsycate you

[8/10 · 25 February 2012]

First of all, Splice, is not a comedy thriller! Secondly, Splice, is not a comedy science fiction thriller, either! Splice, we feel has been wrongly labelled, as someone usually does when it covers the topic of Gentics and Cloning. So it is no wonder that for such a great movie (wait for it) to emerge from the Gaumont & Copper Heart Studio's ran the risk of being sidelined, even struck down by cinema goers all over the world.

At first, we racked our brains and tried to recall any other film being of the like, and slowly and as sure as eggs are eggs, we remembered one or two films along the same premise. Nevertheless, Splice had something more to offer than just a similar plot like the others! In fact, by watching the trailer first before the film (which is something we seldom do in case it spoils the film) we found the opening titles perturbing, to say the least.

Dr. Clive Nicholi (Adrian Brody) and Dr. Elsa Kast (Sarah Polley) are two of the best Genetic Scientists in the world. With the ban on experimentation in Stem Cells, it is both Nicoli and Kast, who create the first living ascension being since Dolly the Sheep, and through differentiating other DNA within the project they come up with what appears to be some kind of worm-like being. As with all projects, however, the program is designated to be closed down by the Administrator, Joan Chorst (Simona Maicanescu), who through her deputy, William Barlow (David Hewlett – Stargate Atlantis), demands that they have something to present at the upcoming pre-press release for the stock holders in the company.

Before the presentation, however, the two decide to go out of their way and create something that they believe to be everything! And everything it is, too, with a piece of DNA from almost every living species on the planet within its body. It is this that had us watching even more, especially when after only a few hours, the new (secret) project that the they have indulged in begins to grow…evolve and cause problems from the very first moment it is let loose from the artificial womb. Enter Abigail Chu (Child Dren), who comes across like some "Thingy-Me-Bob", or, as we liked to refer to it a "T-Rex Miniature".

For a short time the film revolves around the two scientists checking on their official project, while tending to Dren when they get the free time to educate and teach her to be that little bit more human. With education, of course, comes the concept of intelligence, no matter how you look at it.

As Dren grows older she is given more freedom…maybe too much! As the days and nights pass quickly, it is now up to the two scientists to decide whether Dren remain a scientific secret, or she become exposed to the world as the experiment that she is! Splice was a great movie to watch. The laboratory style "Frankenstien" recreation was thrilling enough compared to other films of the same genre, and we believe that it for this reason alone, if you liked "Species", then you'll like this serving of futuristic human recreation.

DVD Archive Rating: 8/10

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

Time is good enough to change

[7/10 · 25 February 2012]

The Prince Of Persia The Sands Of Time, is, in our opinion, one of the best 'Game to Film' projects we've seen in a long time. The storyline is in time with the plot, sub-plots and twists, while the acting is of quality and execution of lines. A great adventure film for the family, especially those who have played the game as well as wanting to see the movie, too.

From the off-set, the growing up of Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal), the movie opens up straight away with action and the introductory of the cast players. It is when Dastan grows up into a man, that the story really begins to unfold and unleash the scenes that people and fans have been waiting for. There is a touch of everything in The Prince Of Persia The Sands Of Time, with swashbuckling fights, acrobatics, humour and good versus evil.

As a critic, I for one liked this film, but there were places and times in which I believed that the film may have been done by Gerry Anderson, rather than a serious Director. Jake Gyllenhaal, who plays Daston, in certain scenes became a little dull, detached from the part he was playing and somehow over shadowed by the rest of the A-List actors that carried his acting on one or two occasions. Altogether, the film made the ratings and has come off unscathed by the many 'Game to Film' projects in the past. DVD Archive Rating: 7/10

Melancholia (2011)

When SFX makes a movie fail

[25 February 2012]

So many people have turned around and sworn on their very careers that "Melancholia" is one of the best films since sliced bread, even the invention of the wheel. However, to the few that have the luck in seeing this film, like us at The DVD Archive here in the UK, we will say that there is no rush to go out and see this movie on the big screen – or to waste money on the eventual (if this happens to be released on) BluRay distribution.

With more than half a dozen well known stars from both the UK and the US; John Hurt, Kirsten Dunst, Kiefer Sutherland, the film itself has sparked a little controversy regarding the storyline that tells of the planet which is to pass the Earth. Admittedly, the start of the film is something new and spectacular even with the special effects, but it is worth knowing that the soundtrack is very, very annoying as well as far too long. If you can get past this first bit of under dramatic ear bashing then the following hour will have you wanting to reach for the remote control, or at the very least you will be asking yourself one seriously important question: What in the hell was the director thinking when he started filming this picture? And more to the point did the entourage of A-list actors actually believe this film would accredit them for future projects, or did they foresee Melancholia as a fast ride to a better deal in the great Hollywood Hills? Shot on location in Vastra Gotaland, the storyline begins with Justine and Michael as they return from the Wedding ceremony to John's huge stately home – with a full sized 18 hole golf course included – for the Reception. Being two hours late and having all the guests waiting seems to be a standing joke for Justine (Kirsten Dunst) who then proceeds to go see the horses in the stables before going to greet family and guests inside the house.

The dull and boring build up to the point where all the guests leave the celebration puts some in mind of watching a rich friend or bureaucrat's Wedding Video, which we believe Lars was trying to tell us by filming this movie around the locations he did.

Drained by a strange condition that Justine has, Michael makes the self-discovery – with help from Justine's embittered Mother – that marriage can be a very short journey. Cue Michael's exit and the storyline becoming even more drawn out and boring to a single point in the movie when finally Melancholia is mentioned in a barrage of scientific talk, jargon and theoretical spoil.

Adding the titillation factor of showing Kirsten Dunst naked in the woods under the increasingly large approaching planet, the storyline suddenly wakes up when John (Kiefer Sutherland) takes an easy way out by saving the Global Killer Planet the trouble in killing him. After this happens with John, it's not long before we see the huge blue planet staring down our character's throats.

"Melancholia" is a film that would be best remade by Spielberg on a day like that of when he created "War of the Worlds", because for us, if it wasn't for the fact of reviewing the film, then it would have certainly ended up in the bottom drawer to gather dust and be forgotten.

Incidental music by Richard Wagner from his opera Tristan und Isolde The DVD Archive Rating: 5/10 (6 if Spielberg had directed)

Dylan Dog: Dead of Night (2010)

Monster's are not the only things to fear in the night

[8/10 · 25 February 2012]

There are few films these days that surprise the viewer, and Dylan Dog Dead of Night pulls no separate punches that would elude you into thinking any the less. With a mixed bag of various 'Similarities' to Buffy, Angel, Blade, Moonlight, Fright Night, Lost Boys and Underworld, Dylan Dog packs them all – and more besides – as from simple Go Between of the Pure Bloods and The Werewolves, his journey unfolds into an array of great entertainment.

Dylan Dog (Brandon Routh of Superman Returns) and his trusted side kick Marcus (Sam Huntingon) take on a case that leads to a fatality – or two fatalities including that of the original victim – which also sets off a sequence of events set around the young and beautiful client Elizabeth (Anita Briem) who Dylan tries to protect from what he believes to be some Blood Feud war between old Monster rivals The Pure Bloods (Vampires) and The Lycans (The Werewolves), while right in the middle are the Zombies and Dylan Dog. The build up to the story is fast paced, it is also truly informative of the story lines, the characters basis, the not so linear flashbacks show previous history with the main set characters and last but not least, the killings and blood spattering's are not over the top gore-horror-violence scenes.

The parts played by Vargas (Taye Diggs of House on Haunted Hill) and Gabriel (Peter Stormare of Constantine) made worthy adversary choices by the casting director, while Wolfgang (Kurt Angle) slots in nicely to appraise the finishing touches that really get the film lifted off the ground for a Non-Stop ride of the Highs and the Lows from which the whole cast play their parts perfectly.

The deception between the characters throw red herrings out on occasion, but not enough to stop you watching as Dylan gets to grips and unravels the mysteries surrounding a particularly strange artifact of extremely unnatural power. With the assistance of little needed special effects than in most other films, the last forty minutes of Dead of Night gives a display of absolute mayhem which has any Horror fan updating their Twitter status to share the awesome battle scene ending.

Giving this film a 7* Rating seems a little unfair, to say the least, as it really has shown more promise than some other viewers have let on over the past couple of weeks. The whole picture was not as low budget as we were led to believe, or the acting that of an amateur gathering of semi-skilled players looking for stardom. In our belief, Dylan Dog Dead of Night was very much as enjoyable to watch as Lost Boys and Blade combined.

DVD Archive Rating: 8.3/10 (9/10 if Sean William-Scott was starring alongside Sam Huntington)

Desert Flower (2009)

Thought provokingly splendid

[10/10 · 25 February 2012]

When a friend of mine suggested watching "Desert Flower", immediately my thought was of a Romantic Comedy of sorts. It was not thought of as a Drama or a Comedy, nor was it ever thought of as anything like the film that we sat down to view.

The story revolves around that of Warris (Liya Kebede) who, from the sandy deserts of Somalia, arrives in England. Mixed with the short mini flashbacks of Warris's life before coming to the UK, they show the eventual story and reasons surrounding her presence. With little left to the imagination for the viewer, Desert Flower leaves nothing short of a very educational story of a Somali woman coping with the taboo subject of female circumcising.

As this truly is an autobiographical journey of Warris Dirie, many people will find that much of the film is filled with emphasis on abuse – and that is the term that I would use in all manner of the word and expression – as the depiction of the young woman's life is put through sheer hell. With the help of her friends, however, Marylin and Terry, the journey becomes possibly less raw and more tolerable for living as normal as anyone who has witnessed all that Warris has.

Desert Rose is absolutely riveting viewing for those who find their True Stories more appealing than Fiction and Fantasy, of which there is none of that within the scenes of this movie. We believe that maybe "Desert Flower" has broken ground in every possible place concerning the subject matter that it exposes the viewer to, not to mention award winning for the strength, fight and progress in the approach to the United Nations concerning the inhuman suffering that other country women like Warris have and are still going through.

Timothy Spall playing his top modelling photography character acts out his parts with excellence, as does the sometimes hard faced Lucinda who is played by Juliet Stevenson. Combining the world of fashion and real life together, the overall and sometimes harrowing parts of a tortured life brings the viewer ever closer to the point where they will shout, cringe or even remark loudly on such treatment that Warris goes through from a young age. If the viewer can get past the point of her Somalia Culture Tradition of young girls, then what they will find is a welcome sigh of relief as to the outcome.

DVD Archive Rating: 10/10 (Top marks for a truly great directed factual based film)

Bunraku (2010)

Moore is different...for a change

[8/10 · 25 February 2012]

It has to be said that "Bunraku" is pretty impressive when it comes to the Martial Arts sequences, especially as someone such as Kevin McKidd (Trainspotting(Tommy), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (Soap MacTavish), who is introduced as a super ass-kicking villain character known only as Killer No.2 during the opening ten minutes. On the way-side there is The Drifter (Josh Hartnett), who is introduced to the viewer slowly, but with good reason, too, as his conversations with The Bartender (Woody Harrelson) gradually fill in the storyline behind his character's presence.

With a star studied cast that range from Ron Perlman, Demi Moore, Jordi Molla, to that of Gacht Camui, who is (without spoiling the film for the hundreds who are going to rush out and get it) the reason so many other characters travel to the city.

With an almost designated "Sin City" feel to it, accompanied with the infamous "Kill Bill" storyline, Bunraku is most probably one of the latest films that will appeal to any Die Hard fan, as well as those who utterly enjoyed the surreal fantasy film of late "Sucker Punch" and "Kick Ass". Though this film may remain in a category of its own, for the reasons of an almost 'stage-like' theme, our own findings and the final rating for Bunraku will without a doubt be found justified and fair.

With plenty of action, Martial Arts, blood-splattering's and mind violence to keep the avid viewer entertained for two whole hours, the storyline and end game plots will no doubt appeal to those that have found very few films without any of the above for a long time.

In addition to the films entertainment streak, it goes without saying that the best way to view this film is on Blu-Ray, too, with the "Unrated or Director's Cut" addition to the full length feature. Exactly how the DVD and Blu-Ray formats differ, it is unknown, but judging by those previous releases that have ten minutes to a full half an hour of extended bits, it is believed that there may be an "Edited" version on the normal DVD.

DVD Archive Rating: 8/10

A Bit of Tom Jones? (2009)

If Tom only knew

[6/10 · 25 February 2012]

There isn't much really we can say about this film…except that it is (in many parts) pretty funny.

The way we saw this film, was that Henry (Johnny Owen) is approached in his local pub by a Prostitute (Denise Welch), who claims that she has the severed penis remains of a Welsh Pop Idol – Supposedly Tom Jones – who tells Henry that on the right market he could make thousands of pounds. Now, Henry, is in dire straights, as he needs money to survive the wrath of his Girlfriend (Eve Myles), who believes that Henry is a Dreamer and unable to get a proper job to support himself. Believing that the penis can bring a fruitful bounty he buys it.

Going through many sequences of events, from being beaten up, ripped off, chased, thrown out by his girlfriend and finally saddened by a tragic accident by the piece of meat, Henry returns to where he started. Needless to say that Henry's Girlfriend (Eve Myles) adds a much-needed portion of the humour, as does the Kinky Granny (Margaret John), who asks in an ordinary tone: "Do you have the two veg with you?" Filmed entirely in Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, Wales, UK it is no wonder that the slapstick humour is sometimes unreachable by outside cultures, although, the only one question which arises throughout the film is "Where the hell is Tom Jones?".

With a 15 certificate on this production, we felt that it should have been a lot more raunchy, adult orientated as a comedy and even more clearly emphasised on the problems that Henry and his Girlfriend were going through. Instead, what you get is a slow-moving movie that shows that the script has been walked slowly over as to avoid censorship. Maybe we're wrong, but the plot is good and would be best produced or directed by Roman Polanski or even Guy Richie.

A Bit Of Tom Jones is available to rent or buy on DVD now.

DVD Archive Rating: 6/10 (7/10 if Eve Myles had a bigger part)

Bad Teacher (2011)

Diaz still has that effect

[10/10 · 25 February 2012]

Admittedly, when we heard that Cameron Diaz was to do a comedy film about an American school teacher, especially a film called "Bad Teacher", the thought was shadowed with Billy Bob Thornton's "Bad Santa". So where would Cameron Diaz pick up where Billy Bob left off? Having been a teacher for only a year at a local middle school, Elizabeth Halsey has plans of marrying Mark a wealthy businessman who suddenly gets information that his wife to be Elizabeth has been spending money like it's going out of fashion. For this he calls both their wedding and relationship off, but that is the least of Miss Halsey's problems – she is now homeless.

Returning back to the school as a teacher Miss Halsey decides she needs time to evaluate her position and make every effort to make enough money for a boob job, so that she can attract the perfect wealthy man who will support her for the rest of her life. It is the in-between capers that this teacher gets up to which makes this movie work, as did "Bad Santa" with Billy Bob.

Filled with a lot of off the wall jokes, hilarious undertones and side splitting tongue in cheek, up front and in your face humour; it will be "Bad Teacher" that puts "Bad Santa" into the minor category of a PG-13 Rating – and this is regardless of Billy Bob's colourful language.

A warning may be needed for some viewers regarding this film as some scenes may cause spontaneous laughter and that of the occasional falling tear due to excessive comedic mastery put into the script. All in all, we loved this film and we loved how Diaz has changed her acting direction to concentrate on Comedy.

DVD Archive Rating: 10/10 (+1 if Catherine Tate would have been introduced as Miss Squirrel's younger sister)

One Day (2011)

Best Romantic Drama of 2011

[10/10 · 28 November 2011]

When two University Graduates finally recognise one another there are little questions and answers given and taken, before they are frolicking around inside the girl's room. It is when Emma (Anne Hathaway) reveals her inexperience of relationships that the rich, playboy student starts to subdue himself in his eagerness of the girls company. For Dexter (Jim Sturgess), who has been so used to women in their volley's falling at his feet, Emma is altogether different and in many ways aware of his sexual magnetism towards the female community.

Starting out like a Mills & Boon Romance novel - but without the raw sex lustre – "One Day" Anker's itself on one date "15th July" which, to those that are unfamiliar with British Holidays, it is St. Swithins Day. And this is the day that Emma and Dexter bond together as the very best of friends. Chronicling more than ten years of the two friends bond, the film shows in-depth insights and tribulations that true friends go through in their lives. The one and only twist in this feature being that Emma Morley (a once famous writer) and Dexter are madly in love and besotted with one another.

With Ken Stott (Steven –Dexter's Father) giving a very strong casting, too, it is the inter-mingling of Mother and Father which adds to the powerful storyline which many viewers may find disturbing. The relationship between all three characters for Dexter comes across very well, as does the "feel sorry" factor that will leave people speechless, to say the least.

For the fact that this film concentrates very well on the characters as well as the retro travel through music and the drastic changes in society stabilities, while throwing in tragedy and "Real Life" situations, it is without a doubt one of this years most noted Romantic Dramas.

That of "Bridget Jones" it is not, nor is it anyway similar, or equal to "Room in Rome", it is unique. One Day is very pleasurable to watch, the interweaving music, decadence and personal issues work together, while the final scene of the movie may well have many women (possibly men, too) reaching for their tissues. With a very powerful storyline, strengthened by the selection of cast, it is "One Day" that not only deserves a 'High 5' for its entire film crew, but the highest rating possible for its concept and contribution to the British Film Scene.

Puss in Boots (2011)

Like Shrek, But Without Shrek In It

[12 October 2011]

Puss In Boots – without the extra cast of Shrek – is very hard to relate to for half the movie. True, the kids loved it so much that they wanted to add the film to their wish list for a birthday or Christmas, but as to Family support and the average "Let's get together as a Family and watch a Family Film", there is more on offer to this genre than "Puss In Boots".

It may be a sad fact to many that the film is a singular, rather than a joint addition to the Shrek Series, but in all fairness, people will have the twitching feeling to expect Shrek or Donkey to appear anytime soon throughout the whole feature.

It is – kind of – fresh in the way that it concludes a single adventure of the much loved-to-be-hated would-be assassin of Shrek, Puss In Boots, who will without a doubt enchant and entertain even the youngest of kin. More to the point is that if there are any children out there who have not seen any of the "Shrek's" then this is the film for them.

Review By Marcus De Storm 2011

Not Another Not Another Movie (2011)

"Pulp Comedy" Is The Term I Would Use

[7/10 · 12 October 2011]

When you switch on "Not Another, Not Another Movie", you will mistake it as being one of those films that has been made on a Low Budget - Don't. Because "Not Another, Not Another Movie" is one of the "Pulp Comedy Parody's" that has surpassed the normal and somewhat climactic forms of Funny used in other such films as "Scary Movie" and "Going Postal" in reference to the present.

It has its dull moments, obviously- as in many movies today - while in a heartbeat it brings in the clowns...cue Michael Madsen, Chevy Chase and Vinnie Jones.

Filled with numerous twists and turns that keep hold of the ball there are some points of the movie where the Americanized humour cuts through the dialogue like sandpaper through jelly, while the almost Pulp Comedy improvisation that makes the creation of this "Spoof Parody" hits the high notes in some of those most unlikeliest of places.

While the person stood next to you in the queue at the local Supermarket stares down at the BluRay or DVD box cover wondering whether to ask you if the movie you are holding is any good, you can certainly tell them from those who have seen it that the answer to these three most important questions are:

Is this film funny? This film is very funny.

Has this film got what it takes? Most definitely.

Should this film be rented out? Absolutely.

Frozen (I) (2010)

Frozen To The Bone

[7/10 · 12 September 2010]

Undoubtedly, Frozen, the 2009 film by Writer/Director Adam Green, is one of the first to feature stranded skiers on a ski lift. With varied angles taken of the character's from all sides, it isn't hard to imagine sitting there with them while the night time freeze over sneaks in and the call of uncertainty howling in the wind. Each of the three character's showed almost an A-List acting ability, especially the most familiar of them all, Shawn Ashmore, who plays Joe Lynch, the Childhood best friend to Kevin Zegers playing the part of Dan Walker. Pretty hard to watch Ashmore playing a part where he is in danger without thinking Clark Kent will come and save him. But, all that aside, his character played a strong and powerful part in this psychological thriller that will no doubt do very well on Rental. As for new comer Emma Bell, playing Parker O'Neil, it would be worth noting that the first time role in a movie, especially one such as Frozen, will either make good for your career, or it will kills it. With Emma's performance in this movie, I believe her career is off to a flying start. My overall review of this film is simple. A breath of fresh air in the movie industry, where Cliffhanger meets a mindless twist in A Company of Wolves. Enjoyable to watch even without special effects or CGI.