(film review) - Limitless

Bradley Cooper isn't doing too bad for himself lately. To me, he was just some guy with blue eyes and long hair who resembles Seth Green when his hair is short (Could pass as brothers), but as I don't watch Nip Tuck, Sex in the City, Law & Order or Alias, the only film I could say I've seen him in, after being reminded of course was, Wedding Crashers.
For me, Mr. Cooper popped "onto" the scene in the film, The Hangover. I couldn't even try to break down the brilliance of that film, but the brilliant acting from all actors, for me, got Mr. Cooper more recognised. Not only did he play Templeton Peck in The A-Team and is going to reprise his role as Phil Wenneck in The Hangover part 2, Limitless is a 'sure see' if you are a Bradley Cooper fan.

So, it's said that we only use 20% of our brain. In actual fact we use 100% of our brain at different times, apparently, but I know what they mean. Imagine using 100% of your brain at any one time! Now that's a thought! Anyway, I digress, so...we use only 20% of our brain, but imagine being able to unlock and access every part of your brain at one time. This would mean, your memory is fully in tact with clarity. You could store information easier and access quicker. With these alone, imagine remembering everything you've ever absorbed as easy as just clicking your fingers. This would mean that you'd be extra smart, right? Get it? Well yes, that is the premise of the film as writer Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is suffering from writers block and is down and out. Broke with nothing going for him but a potential book, but with writers block, on the brink of being kicked out of his apartment and just fresh out of a relationship as his partner Lindy (Abbie Cornish) cannot support him anymore, Eddie bumps into his first wife's brother.

Vernon Gant (Johnny Whitworth) used to be a drug dealer, but has now cleaned up his act, well...not really. He has changed the content of his dealing by dealing a different type of drug. A drug that gives you full access to dormant files in your brain and enable you to remember, store, access information at an alarming rate. The drug is called, NZT-48 and it increases your intelligence and focus. After a small conversation, Eddie takes the drug thinking, "it can't get any worse, can it?" when in a few moments he sees the world differently. Once suffering from writers block, Eddies finishes his book in a matter of hours. Now having a new focus and increased intelligence, Eddie starts to learn different languages and instruments, then takes his interest into stocks that make him rich, in a short period of time. However, this captures the attention of Carl Van Loon (Robert DeNiro), who is now interested in this young "genius" as well as a man (Tomas Arana) who seems to be everywhere Eddie is. Things start taking a turn when Eddie starts suffering from effects of the drug and finding out everyone who has taken the drug ends up dead or ill.

This film is intelligent and is a good watch. In real life, there might be flaws to the actual storyline, but the story is very far from far-fethced and is at a nice pace as to be placed into Eddie Morras shoes, it's likely you'd do the same things he did. The bottom line or subliminal message here is don't do drugs, period.

Watch it if your a fan of Cooper or DeNiro or ultimately if you like thrillers

(film review) - Unknown

Liam Neeson is the Action Man right about now! Not sure if he is up there in the heavy roster that are The Expendables but damn, Mr. Chop-A-Guy-In-His-Throat Neeson is back with another film in which I thought I'd see at least ONE chop in the throat.
Maybe I blinked and missed it but at the end of the film, I did actually feel like something was missing. That swift chop to the throat would have done nicely.

Have you seen the trailer to this film? I saw the trailer and I have got to say, if you have seen as much movies as me, that trailer would definitely tell you the whole story straight off or something very close to it. You wouldn't even need to watch the film. However, watching the film would only be for clarity and ease of mind. There is going to be a trailer after all of this so I will let you all decide what is going on.

In brief. Man has wife. Man goes on a trip with wife. Man gets into an accident. Man's memory is broken up. Man tries to find wife. Man finds wife. Wife doesn't know man. Wife has a different husband. Man gets upset. Man gets confused. Killers hunt for man. Killers try to kill man. Man makes his escape. Man needs to find out the truth. Who is this man.

If you really think about it, you can actually guess what has happened which doesn't really deter you from watching the film. I think, since watching Taken, every member of the audience is looking for that swift blow to the throat. *sigh*

Anyway, decent watch. I did feel that some parts were unnecessary and some bits were predictable, but nonetheless, it weren't all bad at all. I've seen shoddier films. This weren't one of them. Plus, with Liam 'Chop-A-Man-In-His-Throat' Neeson on board, you can't really complain much. His acting isn't bad!

(film review) - The Next Three Days

Russell Crowe is moody. I've only seen him in moody films. His characters just seem to be moody. He is an very good actor, but just moody. I guess, I have to see him in more iconic films that stand out more other than Robin Hood and Gladiator. Not that Robin hood even stands out, but his characters are easily forgettable. 'American Gangster' was a great film, but you only really remember Denzel in it. Even 'Body of Lies', but then, DiCaprio's in that. I haven't seen much Crowe films to be perfectly honest and I know your thinking, what about 'A Beautiful Mind?'. I don't know. Unless it's just solely him, a little bit like this film, his characters aren't that rememberable.

Anyway, this film and pardon me for saying this but I just need to, reminded me of that Gerard Butler film. You know which one. The one where he goes to prison and people seem to drop dead around him who were involved in the injustice of the case to do with his murdered wife. Law Abiding Citizen. Completely different film altogether, but there was something about it. Even down to the haircut, something reminded me of Gerard and that film, I digress.

Loving family man is at dinner and a argument ensues where the night is discussed in the morning but no one is really cut up about it. Sitting in the kitchen with his wife, Lara Brennan preparing things, John Brennan, a teacher, is content, making playful jokes to his son Luke and discussing the night before and the relationship with his father. This part of Crowe was strange to me...so unmoody.
The door bell rings out and as John open's the door, without using the peep-hole, the police come charging in, holding him back from trying to stop everything from happening and the police arrest and take away his wife for the murder of her boss.

This was within the first 10mins or so, so you know the film already has you gripped, right? Just like Law Abiding Citizen. Anyway, a few years go by and John visits his wife in prison with a slighty older Luke in which he doesn't acknowledge his mother at all. This, as well as the love for her is the factor that drives John to obsession and thoughts of breaking her out of jail. John talks with an 7 times prison escapee, Damon Pennington (Liam Neeson) after reading his book, who advises him on what to do, how to do it and what to look out for. After Damon takes all the cash in John wallet, John devises a grand plan to break his wife out of prison which involves set back after set back after set back and "youtube" clips. There are times in the film where you think, "damn, this guy just can't seem to catch a break". But he doesn't give up.
I've got to say that I was completely unsure about how it was going to end. Yes he breaks her out but does he get away with it? Do they both get shot down and leave the child without parents? Does the wife get away with the child and does he get shot in the process? The film could have gone in two ways. There is a part in the film where Lara, is wife says something and all I could think of was..."I can't be f**kin asked any more". The film would have ended there and then and that would have been hilarious.

The film strives through and although some things were unexplained or detailed, you couldn't help but think, "so, did she kill her boss or what?" and "Ohhh, that's why it's called 'The Next Three Days'" but at the same time, those "Three Days" for me merged into whatever it was that didn't really represent three days. Maybe a week or so, I don't know, maybe I missed something.

Enjoyable watch though. I can't see people being disappointed with this film much at all. The storyline could have been a bit better as the acting out-classed the stroyline somewhat. It was also great to see Lennie James, an english actor, up there. I didn't even realise it was him. Great acting indeed, just a bit of a semi-weak storyline where with a little bit more 'umff', would have been a great film.

(film review) - The Tourist

Angelina Jolie isn't a bad actress and Johnny Depp is pretty decent as well, if not better, but having both of them in a film, TOGETHER? ergh! Not saying that they don't go together in a film, but...well, they don't go together well in a film. Well this one anyway. I didn't like his hair and fuzzy mostache. As for Angelina, well she needs to eat something and put on a touch of weight. She is too thin nowadays.

So The Tourist is about a Tourist, Frank, Johnny Depp who is happily going about his marry way to wherever he is going and an very attractive lady walks through a few carriages until she see's him and sits down and makes conversation. Before this, she is at a Cafe and several undercover police/agents are watching her closely and is following her every move. As she cops onto her followers, she loses them at the train station in which she boards a train and meet's Frank. After small talk and being told that his name is terrible, Frank is asked to ask her out to dinner by her in which he eventually does and they travel together to Venice, Italy and go out.
Later that evening, They go to a hotel and spend the night together in the same suite but with her in the bedroom and Frank on the sofa. Frank wakes up the following morning to breakfast and shortly afterwards, gunfire after realising the mysterious woman is no longer there. He makes a quick get away that end up with an "assulted" police officer.
Trying to plead his case, the detective pays him no mind until he does his own research only to realise Frank was right. Frank then gets moved from the prison, eventually bumps into ? and they are on a run from not only the Undercover officers who were chasing her, but the Mob as well who are after Frank due to her stitching him up as the guy everyone is looking for.

I won't say any more as it will only spoil the storyline which is predictable anyway, but this film was rather boring. The story didn't offer much and although the acting was fine from both Depp and Jolie, the film didn't have much to offer but a few giggles here and there and that was it. It is bad enough when you go to a cinema to watch a boring film, but even worse when its a boring film and a few other movie goers get excited at everything that Johnny Depp says or does as they are adoring fans. It makes you appreciate DVD/BluRay and watching a movie within your own environment.

Watch if you are a Jolie or Depp fan, but don't rush to see it. Not enough action, romance or jokes really and it's labelled a Thriller? Weren't anything THRILLING about it, really. Quite boring.

(Vintage FIlm Reviews) - Battle Royal

First and foremost, this IS a Japanese film, so when watching it, you will not be surprised at what is going on at all.

The film is about a japanese school being so over-run over the years by bad students and not being able to achieve results. Students are either, not going to school by boycotting school or classes or when they do actually go in, they miss behave and get up to no good. Stealing, stabbing, mocking adults, you name it, these students are doing it.

To stop this and make improvements within the schools, the government launch a project called "Battle Royale".

Battle Royale is where teachers will take the bad students on a "School Trip", kidnap them to bring them onto a remote island for a game. When the game is complete after 3 days, is when you can go home. There's only one minor, minor, minor, minor, thing. Only ONE person can win the game. Sounds easy don't it? Well, it's not a game of Ludo or Connect 4 that's for sure. The winner must be the sole survivor of the game. So, if that means stabbing your best-friend, hubby or wifey in the neck with a pencil, then so be it.Indifferent



Each student is wearing an explosive necklace upon waking up and is given a bag of "goodies". In this bag contains your must-have survival tools. Bread, water, map, compass, torch and a weapon. However, for each student, their weapon's will vary. It could be a knife, gun, stick or pot lid. i know...kinda fuming if u got a wooden spoon and your confronted by someone with a cutlass.LMAO

When I first watched this, before anything properly got going, a girl was talking whilst the video was on in which she was meant to be paying attention to. She wasn't meant to be talking, but she was heard and instead of getting a warning, the teacher drew for something and she got a knife in her forehead from across the room, by the teacher. Her body jolted back a little, her body went stiff and she then dropped to the floor. The teacher basically wlaked up to her, stood on her and took out the knife and said, "back to the video".

At that moment in time, my mouth dropped and I was in such amazement, the only thing that came out my mouth was Musiccooold blooodedMusic.

The film is different to say the least. But you couldn't expect anything less from a Japanese film.

It is fresh, stylish, funny, bloody and slightly disturbing, when you think about it. The music plays a big part I feel in the film and also give the film a more comic edge to it, since what is going on is very much ridiculous and outlandish.

It also shows you if your best friend will have your back and protect you, or have your back bored with a knife and cut you. It's survival out there...sink or swim.

29th November 2006

(Vintage Film Reviews) - The Departed

This film stars 6 big actors from past to present. We have (1)Leonardo DiCaprio as Billy Costigan, who has most definitely left his whipped attitude from Titanic to the exact opposite.

We also have a (2) Matt Damon as Colin Sullivan who plays a streets smart, straight 'A' student who has graduated from the Cadet Police Academy.
Once graduated from the Cadets, Colin went to join the police force among many other Cadets, however, things aren't what they seem to be. Billy also goes to join the police force, but for what reason, as he was kicked out of the Cadets?

With such a clean history Colin, the straight 'A' student, joins the force as well as Billy. However, Billy has a turbulent and troublesome history so to think he wants to serve and protect is somewhat a joke! Nevertheless he is hired and then "fired" from the police force to then serve time in prison.

The villain is (3) Jack Nicholson as Frank Costello, who is the Irish Mafia Mob head honcho.



Can you imagine a ruthless Irish Mafia Mob boss who runs the city with an iron grip?
Can you imagine this happening over a long period of time and the police trying to bringing the mob down but no avail?
Can you imagine moles working in both units till things start to become apparent, that each unit has an enemy in it?
Which mole will discover the other mole first?
Which mole will have to Depart?



This is where everything gets tricky.

A mole is working for the police, but the police also have a mole in their Special Investigations Unit led by (4) Alec Baldwin as Ellerby, who is watching Costello's every move. This means, Costello is watching those who are watching him. Ellerby's boss is (5)Martin Sheen as Captain Queenan, who has contact with Costello's henchmen.

With both moles working deep undercover, both moles start to feel the pressure of living a double identity. As one climbs up the ladder in the Police force, the other starts to struggle with his job and how he hasn't had much help, so both moles jobs and lives are at risk.

Things get slightly more interesting and intriguing when Colin starts to date this psychiatrist then she moves in with him, but then when Colin is torn between work, loyalty and his girlfriend, Billy then comes into the picture and starts to see said psychiatrist for counselling.



It is a film of cat and mouse, Loyalty, Power, Decisions & Deception. The film has more twists than a telephone cord and some elements to the film make you think, "so, hold on a Minute!?!". I felt the story did drag a little in the middle to justify the longevity of the "Get Costello" project, but it is well written, smart and edgy and will definitely keep you entertained throughout, especially, the final scenes.

All starring actors which also includes a very very very aggy (6)Mark Walburg as Dignam, Queenan right hand man with a permanent chip on his shoulder, play their parts very well.

29th November 2006 12:14am

(film review) - Harry Brown

First and foremost, I understand that people do perceive this film as an old mercenary taking out guys/youths on his council estate as the police are too what-less to do anything. I am under this impression because I have heard some views of what "they" have said about the film and to what they have shown on the TV. Well, I will clear this up for you.

Harry Brown is a good film. In fact, very good. It stars Michael Caine as Harry Brown an old pensioner who looses his wife and then looses a dear friend to the streets of a Council Estate in South London where the youths are unruly and dangerous. I like to call them ASBOs. After the Police were confronted on numerous occasions about the ASBO youths but with no avail, Harry goes on a rampage by taking the law into his own hands and declares himself as the Council Estate Street Sweeper.

There are some disturbing parts in this film that attack your mind in two different ways. The first way is, this is a thriller, expect some disturbing scenes. Second, not only is this a thriller, the events in this film are actually that believable that it is actually disturbing to think that your next door neighbour is a crack/cocaine fiend and is shooting up or people are being killed on your council estate. And in fact, this is very much true to life. Some truths can be unbearable, so walking out might be an option. However, if you stay, you will see some of the best acting I've seen from a young guy portraying a young guy.

Ben Drew aka Plan B (Rapper) who plays Noel, a street smart youth, heavily into the running of crime on the estate and also known by the coppers is the star of the show. For me, his acting was flawless and real. When you watch British films these days such as Lock Stock and Snatch, you don't get the same kind of realistic acting in these films compared to Harry Brown and Kidult/Adulthood.

To wrap this up, if you have not seen this film, I think you ought to get down to the Cinema ASAP and watch it. I don't see why you would say it is not a good film at all. The acting from both Michael Caine, Ben Drew & Emily Mortimer are good and the storyline and pacing is good as well. If anything, this film is a good I opener and a good representation of what a Council Estate in London is really like.

Go watch the film. I recommend. out in the Cinema NOW!!!
Trailer: