THE INFORMER

THE INFORMER

Trailer         

 Synopsis

An ex-con and former special operations solider, Pete Koslow, is recruited by the FBI to use his covert skills to try and take down the General, who happens to be the most powerful crime boss in New York. When an undercover cop dies during a sting operation, Pete is suddenly caught in the crossfire between the mob and the FBI. Having being forced to return to prison, Koslow needs to come up with a plan to escape the clutches of the law and the General, to save himself and his family.

Cinema

Sky Cinema

Run Time

One hour, Fifty Three minutes (1h, 53m)

Movie Rating

62%

Age Rating

15 (Mystery / Thriller / Crime / Drama / Strong Violence / Pervasive Language)

Cast

Pete Koslow – Joel Kinnaman
Edward Grens - Common
Montgomery – Clive Owen
Erica Wilcox – Rosamund Pike
Sofia Hoffman – Ana de Armas
Ryszard Klimek – Eugene Lipinski
Beata Klimek – Joanna Kaczyńska
Smiley Phelps – Edwin de la Renta
Slewitt – Sam Spruell
Andrzej Dziedzic – Aylam Orian
Anna Koslow – Karma Meyer
Staszek Cusik – Mateusz Kościukiewicz
Officer Franklin – Peter Parker Mensah
Daniel Gomez – Arturo Castro
Vermin – Abdul-Ahad Patel

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, a trade deal has finally been reached between the UK and EU which now seeks approval from parliament (The SNP intends to vote against, whilst Labour is in support to avoid a No Deal situation), as the backlog of hauliers stranded on the M20 dubbed “Operation Stack” due to the French border closure due to the new COVID-19 variant surging in the UK starts to clear after drivers report negative test results and there may be a new “Tier 5” which is more akin to a national lockdown expected to be imposed to help curb the new COVID-19 variant, again with Labour backing the government quoting whether this is recommended by scientists. “Face-palm”

The current list of countries on and added to the travel corridor list for England includes:

 Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, The Azores, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bonaire/St Eustatius/Saba, Botswana, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands, Chile, Cuba, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, Gibraltar, Greek Islands: Corfu/Crete/Kos/Rhodes/Zakynthos, Greenland, Grenada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Israel/Jerusalem, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Macao (Macau), Madeira, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Pitcairn/Henderson/Ducie/Oeno Islands, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, South Georgia/South Sandwich Islands, Sri Lanka, St Barthélemy, St Helena/Ascension/Tristan da Cunha, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turks/Caicos Islands, UAE (United Arab Emirates), Vanuatu and Vietnam.

If you are travelling to a country not on the list, you must self isolate for 14 days.

Review:  The last time I saw Joel Kinnaman in a movie was four years ago in Suicide Squad alongside an all star cast in 2016. The Informer takes a similar approach setting-wise, but adds a twist I have not seen for a while. This turned out to be quite interesting amidst the violence. The movie certainly offers up gritty sequences whilst also trying to run another story within the current one. The end of the movie was left open, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a sequel or the like

BETTLEJUICE

BETTLEJUICE, 20/12/20

Trailer         

Synopsis

When Adam and Barbara Maitland die in a car accident, they find themselves unable to leave their house and are stuck haunting it. When the Deetz family moves in, the Maitland’s are unsuccessful in scaring them away. They then catch the attention of a rambunctious spirit called Bettlejuice, whose methods to “help” the Maitlands becomes dangerous.

Cinema

sky cinema

Run Time

One hour, Thirty Three minutes (1h, 33m)

Movie Rating

85%

Age Rating

12 (Comedy / Fantasy / Horror)

Cast

Bettlejuice / Betelgeuse – Michael Keaton
Barbara Maitland – Geena Davis
Adam Maitland – Alec Baldwin
Lydia Deetz – Winona Ryder
Charles Deetz – Jeffrey Jones
Delia Deetz – Catherine O’Hara
Juno – Sylvia Sidney
Maxie Dean – Robert Goulet
Otho – Glenn Shadix
Bernard – Dick Cavett
Annie McEnroe – Jane Butterfield
Preacher – Tony Cox
Voice of Preacher – Jack Angel

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, according to Boris Johnson (Prime Minister) 350,000 people have been vaccinated in the UK, a new “Tier 4” has been introduced which has sent people fleeing out of London and the south east has a new strain of Coronavirus that has been identified (forcing multiple countries to cancel flights via UK) and a deal with the EU now hangs on fisheries who want access to British waters attracting opposition from European Research Group (ERG), which is “evenly divided”? “Eye-roll”

The current list of countries on and added to the travel corridor list for England includes:

 Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, The Azores, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bonaire/St Eustatius/Saba, Botswana, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands, Chile, Cuba, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, Gibraltar, Greek Islands: Corfu/Crete/Kos/Rhodes/Zakynthos, Greenland, Grenada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Israel/Jerusalem, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Macao (Macau), Madeira, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Pitcairn/Henderson/Ducie/Oeno Islands, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, South Georgia/South Sandwich Islands, Sri Lanka, St Barthélemy, St Helena/Ascension/Tristan da Cunha, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turks/Caicos Islands, UAE (United Arab Emirates), Vanuatu and Vietnam.

If you are travelling to a country not on the list, you must self isolate for 14 days.

Review: I’d spoken to people about this movie when I heard the comical reference from Family Guy. Now, I’m a fan of the weirdness of Tim Burton movies (I very much enjoyed Batman and Batman Returns, with Michael Keaton leading in both) so wanted to see what the commotion was all about regarding a movie that was a critical success. Suffice to say, horror isn’t a genre now that would be associated with the movie.

The Day-o scene (And I’ve seen a few) was probably the funniest I have ever seen. Hints of the “Home Alone” movies also appear, depending which way you see them. Sadly, no Macaulay Culkin to set up traps around a house this time around. In all honestly, the movie ended up being more fun than expected, the special effects of the times really shows. A lot of movies arriving after seem to follow this movies method, albeit with more advanced special effects and at times, spawning multiple franchises.

MORTAL, 06/12/20

MORTAL

Trailer         

 Synopsis

A mysterious man, whose power makes people and objects burn by touching them, receives help from a psychologist as he seeks their origins

Cinema

Sky Cinema

Run Time

One hour, Forty Four minutes (1h, 44m)

Movie Rating

55%

Age Rating

15 (Action / Adventure / Fantasy / Mystery / Thriller)

Cast

Eric – Nat Wolff
Christine – Iben Arkelie
Henrik – Per Frisch
Bjørn – Per Egil Aske
Hathaway – Priyanka Bose
Ole – Arthur Hakalahti
Anna Sedunova – Ania Nova
Radiologist – Ravdeep Singh Bajwa

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, the UK has secured 357 million doses of vaccines from 7 different developers and the first of which will begin being administered on 08/12/20, Boris Johnson offers to drop controversial clauses in the UK Internal Market Bill (linked to Brexit) which would have broken international law and plug-in hybrid / PHEV manufacturers are being called out for higher than advertised emissions. “Face-palm again”

The current list of countries on and added to the travel corridor list for England includes Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, The Azores, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bonaire/St Eustatius/Saba, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, The Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands, Chile, Cuba, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, Gibraltar, Greek Islands: Corfu/Crete/Kos/Rhodes/Zakynthos, Greenland, Grenada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Israel/Jerusalem, Japan, Laos, Macao (Macau), Madeira, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Pacific Island(s): Kiribati/Samoa/Solomon, Pitcairn/Henderson/Ducie/Oeno Islands, Qatar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, South Georgia/South Sandwich Islands, Sri Lanka, St Barthélemy, St Helena/Ascension/Tristan da Cunha, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turks/Caicos Islands, UAE (United Arab Emirates), Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Vanuatu and Vietnam.
If you are travelling to a country not on the list, you must self isolate for 14 days.

Review: sky offers to search for similar movies to ones you have seen, or about to see, much like a recommendation of sorts that you can get on Netflix, although they are not stored to return to. One such recommendation was a Norwegian subtitled movie, Mortal. After watching this movie, I did find it rather interesting, much like in the mould of Brightburn, sort of. If you watch the movie with subtitles provided by Deluxe, there will be overlaps. The movie takes a while to get going and a few plot points / holes need addressing / exploring, given the movies ending (Not affiliated to DC or Marvel)

REIGN OF FIRE, 29/11/20

REIGN OF FIRE

Trailer         

 

Synopsis

Twenty years after a young Quinn witnesses the awakening of an enormous fire-breathing dragon from hibernation and leading its offspring into the world, which has been scarred as a result, he has become a fire chief and is responsible for warding the beasts off and keeping a community alive. A hotshot American, Van Zan, enters into his life and claims he has a way to kill the dragons.

Cinema

Sky 

Run Time

One hour, Forty Two minutes (1h, 42m)

Movie Rating

42%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Fantasy / Thriller)

Cast

Quinn Abercromby – Christian Bale
Young Quinn – Ben Thornton
Gerard Butler - Creedy
Denton Van Zan – Matthew McConaughey
Alex Jensen – Izabella Scorupco
Karen Abercromby – Alice Krige
Jared Wilke – Scott Moutter
Eddie Stax – David Kennedy
Ajay – Alexander Siddig
Barlow – Ned Dennehy
Devon – Rory Keenan
Gideon – Terence Maynard
Goosh – Doug Cockle
Burke – Randall Carlton
Mead – Chris Kelly
“Kid” – Jack Gleeson (Uncredited?)

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, the UK’s lockdown is expected to end on 02/12/20 after which it will then move into a “tiered” system, Moderna’s vaccine final results against COVID-19 currently stand at 94% after alleged to be 100% effective and Brexit “talks” are still ongoing, with the British Government or Boris Johnson still claiming they are “well placed” to walk away with a No Deal, which contradicts the media claiming that two percent will be wiped off the UK economy. “Face-palm”

The current list of countries on and added to the travel corridor list for England includes Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, The Azores, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bonaire/St Eustatius/Saba, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, The Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands, Chile, Cuba, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, Gibraltar, Greek Islands: Corfu/Crete/Kos/Rhodes/Zakynthos, Greenland, Grenada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Israel/Jerusalem, Japan, Laos, Macao (Macau), Madeira, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Pacific Islands: Federated States of Micronesia/Kiribati/Samoa/Solomon Islands/Tonga/Vanuatu, Pitcairn/Henderson/Ducie/Oeno Islands, Qatar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, South Georgia/South Sandwich Islands, St Barthélemy, St Helena/Ascension/Tristan da Cunha, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turks/Caicos Islands, UAE (United Arab Emirates), Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, and Vietnam. If you are travelling to a country not on the list, you must self isolate for 14 days.

Review: So this movie is one that slipped through the cracks, but remained on my mind every time I happened to see the title. On a chance encounter, I finally remembered that I needed to watch it, and lo and behold, I was at the right place and right time to finally watch it. And I was not disappointed. The cast look very different today (Who knew that Christian Bale would headline the greatest superhero trilogy in The Dark Knight just three years later? Or a certain extra in this movie would become the hated Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones?)

Now, I like dragons (Smaug, anyone?) and am usually tempted to watch them on television or in the cinema (I was lured to watch Merlin on BBC because of Kilgharrah). Reign of Fire adds its own spin to dragon lore, going back to the age of dinosaurs, with the dragons given a very realistic look. The setting of the movie, especially the year, may be nostalgic to some (Certainly took me by surprise). The story looks like it could be told from different angles, should a sequel be commissioned, much like the end-credits of Godzilla, King of the Monsters, although Christian Bale may or may not be cast, given the movie’s ending.

THE INVISIBLE MAN, 22/11/20

THE INVISIBLE MAN

Trailer         

Synopsis

A crazed scientist / businessman (who after staging his own suicide), uses his power and technology to become invisible and stalk his ex-girlfriend. When her story is refused by the police, she decides to take matters into her own hands

Cinema

Sky Cinema

Run Time

Two hours, Five minutes (2h, 05m)

Movie Rating

91%

Age Rating

15 (Strong Bloody Violence / Language / Horror / Mystery and Thriller)

Cast

Cecilia Kass – Elisabeth Moss
Emily Kass – Harriet Dyer
Adrian Griffin – Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Tom Griffin – Michael Dorman
James Lanier – Aldis Hodge
Sydney Lanier – Storm Reid
Marc – Benedict Hardie
Annie – Amali Golden
Detective Reckley – Sam Smith
Security Guard – Nash Edgerton
Accident Victim – Anthony Brandon Wong

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, the UK is back in lockdown, President “Donald” Trump is still refusing to concede victory to “President – Elect” Joe Biden, Moderna have developed a vaccine against COVID-19 which is alleged to be 94.5% effective compared to Pfizer and BioNTech’s revision to 95% alongside Oxford University / AstraZeneca's 90% and a bus driver of an express service suddenly pulled out of a bus lane to overtake the bus ahead, forcing several cars to slam on their brakes. Seems the bus driver was not paying attention? “Tut-tut”

The current list of countries on and added to the travel corridor list for England includes Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Azores, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire/St Eustatius/Saba, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands, Chile, Cuba, Dominica, Estonia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, Gibraltar, Greek Island of Corfu, Crete, Kos, Rhodes and Zakynthos, Greenland, Grenada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Israel and Jerusalem, Japan, Laos, Latvia, Macao (Macau), Madeira, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, Namibia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Pitcairn/Henderson/Ducie/Oeno Islands, Qatar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, South Georgia/South Sandwich Islands, St Barthélemy, St Helena / Ascension + Tristan da Cunha, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Thailand, Turks / Caicos Islands, UAE (United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and Vietnam. If you are travelling to a country not on the list, you must self isolate for 14 days.

Review: This movie was intended to be a part of a shared universe dubbed, “THE DARK UNIVERSE” by Universal, kick-started by the rebooted 2017’s The Mummy. Sadly, due to negative reviews, the shared universe never took off, and Johnny Depp seemingly disappeared from the cast after being attached to the movie. The Invisible Man is a standalone movie and heads in its own direction. The movie itself has a very modern feel to it.

It tackles issues of mental and physical abuse, which is also vital to the tone of the plot. The differences from the original movie (Hollow Man came after) and this one are the adaptations for audiences. As more issues arise in the 21^st century, movies seek to appeal and be more in tune with what audiences can in some way relate to (The character in League of Extraordinary Gentlemen was very differently portrayed). You’d get the impression that maybe the writers for this movie should have worked on The Mummy first, and maybe the shared universe may have kicked off with more positive reviews? 

SUPERMAN: RED SON, 09/11/20

SUPERMAN: RED SON

Trailer         

 Synopsis

A reimagining of the Superman mythology if he had not landed in Kansas, USA and instead his ship had landed in Ukraine during 1950s Cold War as a Soviet asset, which would cause panic in the United States.

Cinema

Online Stream

Run Time

One hour, Twenty Four minutes (1h, 24m)

Movie Rating

88%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Animation / Violence / Fantasy / Sci-Fi)

Cast

Superman / Clark Kent / Kal El – Jason Isaacs
Young Superman – Tara Strong
Lois Lane – Amy Acker
Lex Luthor – Diedrich Bader
Wonder Woman – Vanessa Marshall
Brainiac – Paul Williams
Batman – Roger Craig Smith
James Olson – Phil Morris
John Steward / Ron Troupe – Phil LaMarr
Dwight D. Eisenhower / John F. Kennedy – Jim Meskimen
Hal Jordan – Sasha Roiz
Joseph Stalin – William Salyers
Superior Man / Guy Gardner / Petrovich – Travis Willingham
Svetlana – Winter Ave Zoli
Dimitri – Jason Spisak
Ambassador Lee – Greg Chun
George Taylor – Jim Ward

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, the UK is back in lockdown, Joe Biden has “won” the presidential election in United States of America (although it may similarly become as messy as Brexit), Pfizer and BioNTech appear to have developed a vaccine against COVID-19 which is 90% effective and an entitled cyclist ran a red light at a four way junction and nearly got himself run over. Yikes.

The current list of countries on and added to the travel corridor for England includes Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Azores, Barbados, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, the Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Estonia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece (includes Crete, Lesvos, Mykonos, Santorini, Serifos, Tinos and Zakynthos), Greenland, Grenada, Hong Kong, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Japan, Latvia, Macao (Macau), Madeira, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Pitcairn/Henderson/Ducie/Oeno Islands, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, South Georgia/South Sandwich Islands, St Barthélemy, St Helena / Ascension + Tristan da Cunha, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. If you are travelling to a country not on the list, you must self isolate for 12 days.

Review: Adapted from the acclaimed DC graphic novel as a retelling of the Superman mythology if he had landed in (Soviet) Russia. An interesting premise, although it appears to appease a certain demographic in some scenes. But if you keep an open mind, the story is left open for potentially more to build on (Looks to have taken inspiration from Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths and Flashpoint as well).This movie is definitely not suitable for young children given the violence, but worth watching nonetheless.

BLOODSHOT, 25/10/20

BLOODSHOT

Trailer         

 

Synopsis

Based on the bestselling comic book, Ray Garrison is a soldier who was recently killed in action and brought back to life as the superhero Bloodshot, by the RST Corporation. With nanotechnology in his veins, he becomes an unstoppable force. Whilst the company has sway over his mind and memories, Ray doesn’t know what’s real or not, but he’s on a mission to find out.

Cinema

Sky Movies

Run Time

One hour, Forty Nine minutes (1h, 49m)

Movie Rating

30%

Age Rating

12A (Action / Adventure / Violence / Drama / Sci-Fi / Fantasy)

Cast

Bloodshot / Ray Garrison – Vin Diesel
KT – Eiza Gonzάlez
Emil Harting – Guy Pearce
Jimmy Dalton – Sam Heughan
Marcus Tibbs – Alex Hernandez
Wilfred Wigans – Lamorne Morris
Martin Axe – Toby Kebbell
Gina Garrison – Talulah Riley
Nick Baris – Jόhannes Haukur Jόhannesson
Eric – Siddharth Dhananjay
Mombasa Gunman – Tamer Burjaq
Mombasa Hostage – Clyde Berning

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, the current list of countries added to the quarantine list for England includes Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Azores, Barbados, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, the Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, Gibraltar, Germany, Greece (including Lesvos, Santorini, Serifos, Tinos and Zakynthos), Greenland, Grenada, Hong Kong, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macao (Macau), Madeira, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, St Barthélemy, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, a three tier system has been introduced in England to determine what type of lockdowns are needed (London is currently in Tier 2) and Post – Brexit trade talks have been extended, hopefully enabling a deal to avoid economic disaster. Yet another messy issue regarding Brexit... *Sighs*

Review: Well, Vin Diesel is playing the hero in Bloodshot, one whose vocabulary isn’t limited to “I am Groot”. Inspiration from Groundhog Day and Edge of Tomorrow come to mind when watching this different but interesting movie. Depending on which side of humour you’re on, not so child friendly action / language are dropped, which may explain the “12A” rating, although I’d probably have left it at “12”. Most of the comedy is courtesy of Wilfred Wigans, which may well be needed if Sony is to push for possible sequels.

ENOLA HOLMES, 03/10/20

 ENOLA HOLMES

Trailer         

 

Synopsis

A young and dynamic teen, Enola Holmes, goes searching for her missing mother. She uses her investigative skills to outwit her big brother, Sherlock Holmes, and help a young runaway viscount

Cinema

NETFLIX

Run Time

Two hours, Two minutes (2h, 02m)

Movie Rating

92%

Age Rating

12 (Adventure / Mystery / Violence / Thriller)

Cast

Enola Holmes – Millie Bobby Brown
Sherlock Holmes – Henry Cavill
Mycroft Holmes – Sam Claflin
Eudoria Holmes – Helena Bonham Carter
Tewkesbury – Louis Partridge
Miss Harrison – Fiona Shaw
Linthorn – Burn Gorman
Lestrade – Adeel Akhtar
Edith – Susie Wokoma
Lady Tewkesbury – Hattie Morahan
Sir Whimbrel Tewkesbury – David Bamber
The Dowager – Frances de la Tour
Mrs. Lane – Claire Rushbrook
Miss Gregory – Ellie Haddington

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news and impacting people’s lifestyles. The current list of countries added to the quarantine list for England includes Andorra, Aruba, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Curaçao, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, French Polynesia, Greek islands: Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos (Zante), Guadeloupe, Hungary, Iceland,  Jamaica, Luxembourg, Portugal, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Reunion, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turks and Caicos, people seem to be panic buying again, according to news media the United States President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump have tested positive for Coronavirus and the EU has launched legal action against the UK for breaching / attempting to amend the Withdrawal Agreement. Yet another messy issue regarding Brexit... *Sighs*

Review: Hmm, giving siblings to characters who originally did not have any can go progressively or force an audience to lose any interest going forward. Whilst the addition to the Holmes family is currently a welcome one, personally, with potential for further movies / stories to be told, there can be a lot of confusion for audiences, as there have been many adaptations of Sherlock Holmes, some with the very recent addition of a sister in the brilliant Benedict Cumberbatch series, Sherlock (Eurus Holmes?)

Providing people can compartmentalise the very different stories that have been gracing our screens (This includes the Robert Downey Jr adaptation), this movie offers a different take which can be akin to a very censored and heavily watered down Deadpool, included in that there is a lot of fourth walls being broken, a few being referenced to historic England and it’s norms of the day. Also, I have to admit that watching Henry Cavill putting in a solid performance as Sherlock Holmes, I’m also left wondering IF he’ll be returning as Superman? Having said that, it’s up, up and away for possible sequels

SUPERMAN: MAN OF TOMORROW, 13/09/20

SUPERMAN: MAN OF TOMORROW

Trailer         

 Synopsis

A young Clark Kent works as an intern at the Daily Planet, while learning how best to save the city of Metropolis from arising threats, through his superhero identity, Superman

Cinema

Online Stream

Run Time

One hour, Twenty Six minutes (1h, 26m)

Movie Rating

100%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Animation / Violence / Fantasy / Sci-Fi)

Cast

Superman / Clark Kent / Kal El – Darren Criss
Lois Lane – Alexandra Daddario
Lex Luthor – Zachary Quinto
J’onn J’onzz / Martian Manhunter – Ike Amadi
Lobo – Ryan Hurst
Parasite / Rudy Jones – Brett Dalton
Jonathan Kent – Neil Flynn
Martha Kent – Bellamy Young
Perry White – Piotr Michael
Maya / Petey / Kaylie – Cristina Milizia
Ron Troupe – Eugene Byrd
Mrs. Ross – April Steward

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, the current list of countries added to the quarantine list for England includes Portugal, Hungary, Reunion, French Polynesia, Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini, Zakynthos (Zante) and Gibraltar, the “rule of six” kicks in on Monday (14/09/20) due to cases rising and two cars (BMW and a Mercedes Benz) overtook a cyclist at 40mph in the early hours of morning into a dual carriageway, forcing an oncoming car to swerve out the way. Yikes...

Review: A somewhat retelling of the story of Superman, his origins is not retold for those thinking this is a complete reboot. It actually feels like a redirection that the production company would like to go in. Not that this is a bad thing, but reintroducing certain characters can feel like ideas have been exhausted. Lately, I have become a fan of Lobo. Whilst what I’ve seen of him in this movie and previously in the Krypton television series, which may be aimed at the more mature audience and not so much for children, your sense of humour will in a way need to be accommodating to his personality.

A few Easter eggs were dropped in the movie, in terms of characters and what to expect in future adaptations going forward, whilst there was heavy focus on Superman himself. Language and comedy is largely via Lobo himself, who is allowed room to come into his own, whilst he was heavily watered down in the earlier Superman animated cartoon series. His turn in the Krypton television series enabled me to see him differently and eagerly await his return within the DC animated movies (18 / Rated R anyone?), after seemingly becoming an anti-hero, including in the comics. Viewer discretion advised if watching with children.

TEEN TITANS: THE JUDAS CONTRACT, 30/08/20

TEEN TITANS: THE JUDAS CONTRACT

Trailer         

 

Synopsis

The Teen Titans welcome a new member who seems to have ulterior motives as they take on old foe, Deathstroke 

Cinema

Online Stream

Run Time

One hour, Twenty Four minutes (1h, 24m)

Movie Rating

83%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Animation / Violence / Fantasy / Family / Sci-Fi)

Cast

Robin / Damian Wayne – Stuart Allan
Nightwing / Dick Grayson – Sean Maher
Kori / Koriand’r / Starfire – Kari Wahlgren
Raven / Rachel Roth – Taissa Farmiga
Gar / Garfield Logan / Beast Boy – Brandon Soo Hoo
Blue Beetle / Jaime Reyes – Jake T. Austin
Terra / Tara Markov – Christina Ricci
Bumblebee / Karen Beecher / Traci – Masasa Moyo
Wally West / Kid Flash – Jason Spisak
Speedy / Roy Harper / Arsenal – Crispin Freeman
Deathstroke / Slade Wilson – Miguel Ferrer
Brother Blood / Sebastian Blood – Gregg Henry
Mother Mayhem – Meg Foster
Titans Tower Computer / Bianca Reyes – Maria Canais-Barrera
Kevin Smith – Himself
Alberto Reyes David Zayas

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: Yes (Sets up sequel)

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, it was recently announced that Switzerland, Jamaica and the Czech Republic are the latest countries to be added to the UK’s quarantine list, the UK has a “traffic light system” for holiday restrictions on Spain, Croatia, Belgium, France and the Netherlands recently and it’s recently been revealed that actual traffic lights run on a “mutant algorithm, which has also been blamed for the exams fiasco as well...

Review: Sadly, no Justice League this time around, which means that the spotlight is squarely on the Teen Titans and how they handle themselves against rising threats, or in the case of the movie, several threats. Quite a bit of character building for some, others were left with unanswered questions, which will hopefully be answered in potential further releases. In the previous movie, Damian Wayne was actively trying to take charge.

However, he seems more reserved and voices his opinions to the returning Nightwing (who is not the leader of the team). The dynamic between the two throughout the movie is really good to see, almost like Robin looks up to Dick Grayson, in a similar manner to Batman. There is blood, so parents are advised before letting children watch the movie for certain scenes. There is history between Damian Wayne and Deathstroke, which is touched upon, but not in great detail (Although a previous movie has already shown this).

PROJECT POWER, 23/08/20

 PROJECT POWER

Trailer         

 Synopsis

A cop and a former soldier team up to find the source behind a drug that dangerously provides temporary superpowers.

Cinema

Netflix

Run Time

One hour, Fifty Four minutes (1h, 54m)

Movie Rating

60%

Age Rating

15 (Action / Adventure / Drama / Mystery / Suspense / Violence / Fantasy / Science Fiction)

Cast

Art – Jamie Foxx
Frank – Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Robin – Dominique Fishback
Biggie – Rodrigo Santoro
Alex – Mohammad Tiregar
Newt – Colson Baker (“Machine Gun Kelly”)
Gardner – Amy Landecker
Landry – Allen Maldonado
Tracy – Kyanna Simone Simpson
Irene – Andrene Ward-Hammond
Captain Crane – Courtney B. Vance
 Wallace – Tait Fletcher
Knifebones – Yoshi Sudarso
Moto – Casey Neistat
Mr. Luker – Jim Klock
Deli Girl – Janet Nguyen
Bouncer – Luke Hawx
The Matriarch – Rose Bianco

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, bubonic plague keeps cropping up after its most deadly outbreak in the fourteenth century, the current quarantine list includes Spain, France, Malta and the Netherlands, whilst autumn seems to have come early due to global warming / climate change?

Review: It’s been a while since I’ve seen Joseph Gordon-Levitt on the big “small” screen. Actually having to share screen time with another character called “Robin” looks like it could have been very frustrating, given that the big reveal at the end of The Dark Knight Rises. There is also a cheeky "Batman and Robin" reference. And the closest I’ve seen Jamie Foxx in this capacity was in The Amazing Spiderman 2, with his turn as Electro. 

A shift in dynamic where previously you’d have mercenaries, contractors or even cartels vying for positions of authority within countries to rule but now there is state involvement in favour of the cause. How long it would last is unknown, much similar to The Akatsuki in Naruto (and Shippuden) who were used to further other villages/countries own ends.

Very familiar scene from The Guardians of the Galaxy plays out for the big reveal sequence that begins to be teased during the movie. Jamie Foxx comes across as a very seriously actor here, which makes his turn as a former soldier believable. Lots of language and violence use, and most of the comedy stems from Frank, although one interaction between Art and Robin was quite humorous.

Justice League vs Teen Titans, 16/08/20

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS TEEN TITANS

Trailer         

Synopsis

Robin (Damian Wayne) finds himself forced to join the young super team, Teen Titans, and soon has to help lead them in a fight against the Justice League after the rising of Trigon, whose minions end up possessing the premier superhero team

Cinema

Online Stream

Run Time

One hour, Nineteen minutes (1h, 19m)

Movie Rating

65%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Animation / Comedy / Violence / Fantasy / Family / Sci-Fi)

Cast

Superman / Kal-El / Clark Kent – Jerry O’Connell
Batman / Bruce Wayne – Jason O’Mara
Wonder Woman / Diana Prince / Princess Diana – Rosario Dawson
Lois Lane – Rebecca Romijn
Lex Luthor / Toyman – Steve Blum
Flash / Barry Allen – Christopher Gorham
Cyborg / Victor Stone – Shemar Moore
Robin / Damian Wayne – Stuart Allan
Kori / Koriand’r / Starfire – Kari Wahlgren
Raven / Rachel Roth – Taissa Farmiga
Gar / Garfield Logan / Beast Boy – Brandon Soo Hoo
Blue Beetle / Jaime Reyes – Jake T. Austin
Trigon – Jon Bernthal
Ra’s al Ghul – Terrence C. Carson
Weather Wizard / Solomon Grundy / Atomic Skull – Rick D.Wasserman

Movie details

Mid – Credits: Yes

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles and unfortunately, my local cinema remains closed until the release of TENET. Moving on, it was recently announced that France, Netherlands and Turkey are the latest countries to be added to the UK’s quarantine list, the UK has entered its largest recession with GDP shrinking 20.4% and which also saw the UK heat wave come to an end, not the humidity though, paving way for more thunder storms as a result of global warming / climate change?

Review: Since Damian Wayne has been introduced as the son of Batman and the current Robin, it has been interesting watching his development as the rebel who defies his father’s moral code(s) and seeks to carve out a path of his own into the character he is now. Although his type of brooding largely reminds me of the Saiyan Prince Vegeta (From Dragonball Z / Super), and the similarities in having wealthy enablers, in this case Vegeta’s wife Bulma and Damian Wayne’s father Bruce Wayne, it seems that this Robin’s pride is somewhat misplaced for arrogance.

As you can imagine, teamwork for Damian Wayne was always going to be a chore, but within the Teen Titans, depending on which way you take it, there is room for major character development. There are aspects within the movie where he showcases why he is his father’s son; even coming into conflict with leadership who he feels are not doing enough, just like Batman. Like father, like son.

The storytelling makes room for humour, action and character growth. There are elements of disturbing storytelling which some viewers may not find suitable for children, especially one involving the dimension conquering demon, Trigon and Raven’s mother. The actual battle between the “Justice League” and the Teen Titans was fun to watch, and had more of “out of the shadow” feel to it.

CONTAGION, 09/08/20

 CONTAGION

Trailer   

 Synopsis

Returning to Minnesota from a business trip in Hong Kong, Beth Emhoff attributes the malaise she feels to jet lag. Two days later, however, she is dead, which leaves doctors to tell her shocked husband that they have no idea what killed her. Many others soon start to exhibit the same symptoms leading to a pandemic explosion. Doctors try to contain the lethal microbe, but with a blogger fanning the flames of paranoia, society begins to collapse.

Cinema

Netflix

Run Time

One hour, Forty Six minutes (1h, 46m)

Movie Rating

85%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Drama / Mystery / Suspense / Thriller)

Cast

Dr. Ellis Cheever – Laurence Fishburne
Mitch Emhoff – Matt Damon
Dr. Leonora Orantes – Marion Cotillard
Alan Krumwiede – Jude Law
Dr. Erin Mears – Kate Winslet
Beth Emhoff – Gwyneth Paltrow
Rear Admiral Lyle Haggerty – Bryan Cranston
Dr. Ally Hextall – Jennifer Ehle
Dr. Ian Sussman – Elliott Gould
Sun Feng – Chin Han
Roger – John Hawkes
Jory Emhoff – Anna Jacoby-Heron
Li Fai – Tien You Chui
Li Fai’s Sister – Josie Ho
Aubrey Cheever – Sanaa Lathan
Dr. David Eisenberg – Demetri Martin
Damian Leopold – Armin Rohde
Dennis French – Enrico Colantoni
Dave – Larry Clarke
Lorraine Vasquez – Monique Gabriela Curnen
Clark Morrow – Griffin Kane
Irina – Daria Strokous
Aaron Barnes – Dan Aho
Andrew – Brian J. O’Donnell
Elizabeth Nygaard – Kara Zediker
Sanjay Gupta (M.D.) – As himself
Chef – Kam Tong Wong

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles and unfortunately, my local cinema still remains closed. Moving on again, due to people flouting guidelines like social distancing, there is a very real prospect of a second lock down as cases / deaths continue to rise, the UK’s quarantine list for arrivals from countries (including Belgium, Andorra and the Bahamas) have now added Spain and traffic lights really need a review during off-peak periods where, being on a timer, can actually lead to drivers becoming more frustrated at having to wait when no other vehicles are around...

Review: So here I am, trying to adapt to the “new” normal of a warmer climate change and the ever “mutating” COVID-19, that conspiracy theories are now becoming rampant. I already know how messed up our times are, but we just get on with it, albeit smartly. But then Contagion arrives in your library. I didn’t ask it to, it just appeared. Thanks Netflix. If you’ve been watching The Simpsons like I have, you would know by now that there have been predictions made within the series that were just too eerie, like the acquisition of 20^th Century Fox by Disney.

It does seem strange that predictions which turn out to be true or trying very hard to alter real life events are being made within TV shows or even movies (The Da Vinci Code?). But none more so real and really hitting home, as Contagion does, even with it's all star cast. After watching the movie, even though realised in 2011 (Captain America: The First Avenger anyone?), I’m getting a heavy dose of Déjà Vu here, along with a sense of realism. The movie is almost mirrored in the events that lead up to the outbreak of COVID-19 towards the end of 2019 (No theories, no assumptions, just almost identical with the current pandemic), obviously minus the bio weapon angle.

I mean, I’m a sensible germaphobe, but thinking that the world could have had almost 8 years to prepare for this, is staggering, given that it happened so quickly. I’m not going to make predictions or wild theories here, but everything I don’t want for what happens to humanity which is currently happening during this pandemic and can be summed up in the movie. I’d like to think we are a better, evolved people who put aside our differences and work together during this pandemic by being more considerate to one another and staying safe. Much more respect for scientists and those in the health industry for the work they do in these times. And Laurence Fishburne aka Morpheus, really sells the character in this clever movie, what more could you ask for?

REIGN OF THE SUPERMEN (2019), 02/08/20

REIGN OF THE SUPERMEN (2019)

Trailer         

Synopsis

Adapted from one of 1992’s The Death of Superman arcs, the world mourns the death of the Man of Steel, while seemingly new heroes emerge who lay claim to be the true Kryptonian himself. Their powers are then put to the test as a deadly threat emerges to target the Earth in Superman’s absence.

Cinema

Online Stream

Run Time

One hour, Twenty Seven minutes (1h, 27m)

Movie Rating

93%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Animation / Violence / Sci-Fi)

Cast

Superman / Kal-El / Clark Kent / Hank Henshaw (voice modulation?) – Jerry O’Connell
Batman / Bruce Wayne – Jason O’Mara
Wonder Woman / Diana Prince / Princess Diana – Rosario Dawson
Lois Lane – Rebecca Romijn
Lex Luthor – Rainn Wilson
Green Lantern / Hal Jordan – Nathan Fillon
Superboy / Conner Kent / Kon-El – Cameron Monaghan
Flash / Barry Allen – Christopher Gorham
Cyborg / Victor Stone – Shemar Moore
Martian Manhunter / J’onn J’onzz / John Jones / Ron Troupe? – Nyambi Nyambi
Darkseid / Uxas – Tony Todd
Jonathan “Pa” Kent / Cemetery Worker? – Paul Eiding
Martha “Ma” Kent / President Joan Dale / Watchtower Computer – Jennifer Hale
Mayor Booker – Jonathan Adams
Perry White – Rocky Carroll
John Henry Irons / Steel – Cress Williams
Dabney Donovan / G. Gordon Godfrey / Snakey Doyle – Trevor Devall
Hank Henshaw / Cyborg Superman – Patrick Fabian
Bibbo Bibbowski / Kryptonian A.I / Eradicator – Charles Halford
Mercy Graves / Becky? / Sullivan – Erica Luttrell
Jimmy Olsen / Steve Lombard? Eric? – Max Mittelman
Cat Grant – Toks Olagundoye

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: Yes (Sets up sequel)

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles and unfortunately, my local cinema remains closed. Moving on again, pharmaceutical company Moderna was subjected to a cyber attack during “promising” vaccine trials, the UK continues to amend it’s exemption list of countries to quarantine from upon return as Luxembourg was recently removed as Europe is beginning to spark fears of a second wave and a borough has introduced bus lanes for some buses running upwards of every hour, causing longer traffic queues and drivers driving in the bus lane anyway... *facepalm*

Review: Well, there may have been no “Save Martha” moments here, but segments where questioning the need for a Superman definitely felt like they were taken out of Dawn of Justice. Whilst some people cried out for a “black suit” Superman within that movie, they will not be disappointed here. Although, some plot elements for me felt wildly off the mark. Without giving too much away, the story line has been altered to give it a more updated feel. 

Again, as with the previous movie, I have changed the “Age Rating” from “12A” to 12, as there is violence and language for which some people, mainly parents may find unacceptable for their children. This is DC we are talking about, which more or less, aims towards a more mature audience. As many should take note, the movie obviously involves Superman in a big way, so many other characters end up with limited screen time. Is Steel supposed to portray Marvel's Ironman?

I thought it was a decent attempt at changing the story for a better creative standpoint, whilst keeping the source material intact. Some may find the movie deviates from this (I felt some parts were out of place, primarily because DC Comics storytelling has changed quite a lot since 1992). Likewise, a lot of creative talent behind these movies should be utilised on to the big screens, even in advisory capacities as I think they have a lot more to offer. I mean, recent Superman comics still have the Kryptonian wearing red “pants” on the outside?

The Death of Superman (2018), 26/07/20

THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN (2018), 26/07/20

Trailer         

Synopsis

Adapted from 1992’s The Death of Superman, a hulking monster called Doomsday battles Superman and the rest of the Justice League, but it falls to the Man of Steel himself to ultimately save the day as the two titans square off in Metropolis.

Cinema

Online Stream

Run Time

One hour, Twenty One minutes (1h, 21m)

Movie Rating

92%

Age Rating

12A (Action / Adventure / Animation / Sci-Fi / Violence)

Cast

Superman / Kal-El / Clark Kent – Jerry O’Connell
Batman / Bruce Wayne – Jason O’Mara
Wonder Woman / Diana Prince / Princess Diana – Rosario Dawson
Lois Lane – Rebecca Romijn
Lex Luthor – Rainn Wilson
Green Lantern / Hal Jordan – Nathan Fillon
Flash / Barry Allen – Christopher Gorham
Aquaman / Arthur Curry / Orin – Matt Lanter
Cyborg / Victor Stone – Shemar Moore
Martian Manhunter / J’onn J’onzz / John Jones – Nyambi Nyambi
Jonathan “Pa” Kent / Astronaut Jim? – Paul Eiding
Martha “Ma” Kent / Dr Klyburn? / Camper? – Jennifer Hale
Mayor Booker – Jonathan Adams
Silas Stone / Perry White? – Rocky Carroll
John Henry Irons / Officer? – Cress Williams
Bruno Mannheim / Dabney Donovan – Trevor Devall
Hank Henshaw / Cyborg Superman – Patrick Fabian
Bibbo Bibbowski / Kryptonian A.I / Eradicator? – Charles Halford
Mercy Graves – Erica Luttrell
Jimmy Olsen / Steve Lombard – Max Mittelman
Cat Grant – Toks Olagundoye
Dan Turpin – Rick Pasqualone
Maggie Sawyer – Amanda Troop

Movie details

Mid – Credits: Yes

End – Credits: Sort of

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles and unfortunately, my local cinema remains closed. Moving on again, experts are linking obesity with COVID 19 risks, literally as soon as pubs opened they are being urged to close as punters are being asked to isolate as many ignored social distancing measures according to news channels, news is also currently in circulation that has Synairgen recording successful drugs trials relating to COVID 19 and a BMW X5 sped past me through a red light before realising and slowed down but was already cutting off other vehicles, so carried on anyway...

Review: For those of us really put off by Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice’s “Save Martha” sequences, you’ll be pleased to know that there is none of that incorporated into this movie. It is slightly different from 2007’s Superman: Doomsday in that the Justice League is added into the adaptation. This would be to show the audience just how much of a threat Doomsday is that the entire Justice League is involved.

I have added “Violence” under “Age Rating” due to the nature of the movie’s villain. Lots of blood and destruction (definitely not a 12A), with added language which is a staple with DC Animated Movie Universe. Be aware that events vary in the clash with Doomsday. In 1992 and 2007, Superman ends Doomsday by flying him into space and then crashing back down to Earth, which seemingly kills the prehistoric Kryptonian. This movie adapts scenes from Man of Steel and Dawn of Justice in a more “modernised” version (excluding "Save Martha").

Personally, I would have liked to have seen more from my favourite Justice Leaguer, Batman. With his inclusion into the movie, I expected something more from someone who is dubbed The World’s Greatest Detective and always having a plan, like in JLA: Tower of Babel. His influence within DC Comics and Entertainment has somewhat weakened, leaving me to expect the worst for Bruce Wayne. Still, I’m hopeful that the follow up movie, Reign of the Supermen, can restore this status quo. Other than this, definitely a must watch.

THE OLD GUARD, 19/07/20

THE OLD GUARD

Trailer         

Synopsis

Based on an acclaimed graphic novel, a covert group of tight-knit mercenaries, led by a warrior named Andy, have a mysterious inability to die and have fought to protect the mortal world for centuries. But the team suddenly finds themselves exposed when taking on an emergency mission where it is up to Andy, along with Nile, the newest recruit, to help them eliminate the threat of those seeking to replicate and monetise their power, by any means necessary.

Cinema

Netflix

Run Time

One hour, Twenty Five minutes (1h, 25m)

Movie Rating

81%

Age Rating

15 (Action / Mystery / Adventure / Suspense / Science Fiction / Fantasy)

Cast

Andy / Andromache of Scythia – Charlize Theron
Nile Freeman – KiKi Layne
Booker / Sebastian Le Livre – Matthias Schoenaerts
Joe / Yusuf Al-Kaysani – Marwan Kenzari
Nicky / Niccolò di Genova – Luca Marinelli
James Copley – Chiwetel Ejiofor
Steven Merrick – Harry Melling
Quynh – Van Veronica Ngo
Dr, Meta Kozak – Anamaria Marinca
Keane – Joey Ansah

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No (But maybe should have been)

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles and unfortunately, my local cinema remains closed. Moving on again, a vaccine for COVID-19 which has become amongst the contenders could offer “double protection” is being developed at Oxford (along with reports of hacking attempts?), some cinemas have started reopening across the UK and reckless (and entitled) drivers still think it is acceptable to cut across three lanes from the wrong side of the road (No indicators) and then demand to be left alone when the incident develops into a road rage? *facepalm*

Review: Not going to lie, I thought this was Skydance / Neflix’s attempt at Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood adaptation into a movie. Well, it is probably the closest we’ll get and they’ll most likely be non-player characters (NPCs). But in this movie, the characters are not clad in white robes and wearing hoods with hidden wrist blades, they are more modernised to the current era of the 21^st century, with advanced technology (Sorry Apple of Eden) where identities are more prone to exposure. The movie has betrayal, humour and pretty decent fight scenes.

The only thing that could have amped up the movie is the introduction of Keanu Reeves character, John Wick. The main draw of the movie for me came in the trailer when Andy (Charlize Theron) offers to take a picture of a group, and deletes one where she is accidentally snapped. The secrecy of the mercenaries becomes tantamount to their missions. The tone is more or less set from there onward. There is a disturbing scene regarding a character within the movie, which I am sure will be explored in a sequel, should there be one.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BLOOD PRISON, 11/07/20

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BLOOD PRISON

Trailer         

Synopsis

Being convicted of a crime he did not commit, Naruto is sent to an inescapable prison. Whilst planning his escape Naruto has to contend with his chakra being locked away by the prison warden.

Cinema

Streaming (Japanese with English Subtitles) / Netflix

Run Time

One hour, Forty Eight minutes (1h, 48m)

Movie Rating

59%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Animation / Adventure / Comedy)

Cast

Naruto Uzumaki – Junko Takeuchi
Sakura Haruno – Chie Nakamura
Yamato – Rikiya Koyama
Kakashi Hatake  – Kazuhiko Inoue
Tsunade – Masako Katsuki
Shikamaru Nara – Showtaro Morikubo
Choji Akimichi – Kentarō Itō
Kiba Inuzuka – Kōsuke Toriumi
Neji Hyūga – Kōichi Tōchika
Tenten – Yukari Tamura
Might Guy – Masashi Ebara
Sai – Satoshi Hino
Rock Lee – Yoichi Masukawa
Gamabunta – Hiroshi Naka
A / Fourth Raikage – Hideaki Tezuka
Killer Bee – Hisao Egawa
Samui – Hikari Yono
Omoi – Kunihiro Kawamoto
Karui – Yuka Komatsu
Mui – Masaki Terasoma
Ryuūuzetsu – Mie Sonozaki
Muku/Satori – Yūichi Nakamura
Muku/Satori (Child) – Kengo Kawanishi
Kazan – Kōsei Hirota
Maori – Takaya Kamikawa

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: Yes (Flashback to an earlier event in the movie)

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news and impacting people’s lifestyles, people are still panic buying and unfortunately, the cinema remains closed. Moving on again, Gilead Sciences (A pharmaceutical company) will charge the United States 25% more than the rest of the world for its Coronavirus drug, Remdesivir, Oxford University has moved ahead to lead the vaccine race for COVID-19 and as lock-down easing measures continues, a large truck with a very restless driver decided to overtake at least four vehicles waiting for a van to reverse into a junction with a mini roundabout a few yards away and almost collided with an oncoming... van. Some really bad road transformations makes some drivers really anxious and frustrated?

Review:  A full cast is back, but playing a more limited role than they did in an earlier movie (Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Inheritors of the Will of Fire). The movie is a bit out there with the supernatural element, much like Naruto Shippuden The Movie: the Lost Tower. It felt very much like an Indiana Jones movie, except there is a prison break involved. A few elements at play but the most shocking of all, was Naruto actually thinking outside the box. The trailer above from 1:21 did not occur in the movie.

I really believe that Naruto actually grew in this movie. Although he is “alone” within the confines of the prison, it was somewhat controversial to see him, a 16 year old, thrown in there with grown-ups who are murderers and thieves. But he is a Jinchuriki for the Nine – Tails within him so it is expected of us, the audience, to believe that he can hold his own. A fight scene actually contained some humour, which is quite rare in Naruto Shippuden, unless he is training. Some climatic scenes made for good viewing.

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT, 28/06/20

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT

Trailer         

Synopsis

Scouring the dark streets of Gotham City to find the elusive and infamous serial killer, Jack the Ripper, this is a Victorian era re-imagining of Batman using his brute strength, wits and steampunk-style gadgets.

Cinema

Streaming

Run Time

One hour, Eighteen minutes (1h, 18m)

Movie Rating

73%

Age Rating

15 (Action / Animation / Adventure / Fantasy /Crime / Horror / Mystery / Thriller)

Cast

Batman / Bruce Wayne – Bruce Greenwood
Selina Kyle – Jennifer Carpenter
Alfred Pennyworth – Anthony Head
Father Callahan – Chris Cox
Police Chief Bullock – John DiMaggio
Cyrus Gold – David Forseth
Sister Leslie Thompkins, Jason Todd and Selina Kyle (Singing Voice) – Grey Griffin
Mayor Tolliver – Bob Joles
Harvey Dent – Yuri Lowenthal
Dickie Grayson – Lincoln Melcher
James Gordon – Scott Patterson
Hugo Strange – William Salyers
Timmy Drake / Marlene Mahoney – Tara Strong
Arkham Radio Man – Bruce Timm
Barbara Eileen Gordon and Pamela “Ivy” Isley – Kari Wuhrer

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news and impacting people’s lifestyles, people are still panic buying and unfortunately, the cinema remains closed. Moving on again, the beaches were packed out on 24/06/20 – 25/06/20, sparking fears of a second Coronavirus wave, apparently the UK's “game changing” antibody tests are under scrutiny as they only test if you have had the virus but not if you’ve built up an immunity to it and a pickup truck ran a red light on a motorway exit slip roundabout and was followed by a van who joined at the next entrance without stopping whilst another, older people carrier forced its way onto and exited at its first junction. Crazy drivers...

Review: Well, there is definitely a twist on Jack the Ripper’s big identity reveal here. When you feel like you have figured it out, you are thrown a pretty big curve ball, which I feel was very well handled. The lead up to the big reveal seems a bit sinister, but given the aura of reputation surrounding Jack the Ripper, you probably wouldn’t expect anything less.

The movie does well to capture the setting of the Victorian era, where many may feel, by today's standards anyway, that this was a whole different time and in some aspects, still playing catch up. This is reflected in the movie quite well, the twists and turns making for unpredictable sequences throughout the movie. It feels like London, before you realise it is Gotham City.

Although “the Batman” is already established, the movie simply gets going when Batman is introduced to ensure that audiences know what to expect. As a Batman movie, no supporting cast of other heroes are needed, but with Alfred Pennyworth involved, sometimes you feel that he is balancing Bruce Wayne and Batman, which makes you appreciate the character a little bit more. A sequel is possibly teased as well.