Sherlock Holmes 2
Full title: Sherlock Holmes: The Game Of Shadows
What’s it about?
Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces once more in an attempt to bring down their fiercest adversary, the genius Professor Moriarty.
What did we think?
Anthony says: This largely irreverent film pays little respect to the original literary piece. Instead of a deep, complex psychological web, we get served up stunts and fight scenes aimed to appeal to the masses with little respect to the original character. In other words, it’s quite similar to the first one of this modern movie franchise. Not bad but it’s unlikely you’ll want to watch it a second time. For me? Meh.
Moneyball
What’s it about?
A baseball general manager who, faced with budgetary constraints, turns to a new statistical model of recruiting rather than the traditional scouting methods. Can he compete with the super-rich clubs on a shoe-string budget?
What did we think?
Moneyball is a enthralling baseball movie that’s barely about baseball. It’s an incredible true story of challenging the establishment and tradition and Brad Pitt (who bears an eery resemblance to Robert Redford here) is amazing. Wonderfully scripted (Aaron Sorkin) and acted, this is one of the movies of the year!
Immortals
What’s it about?
A ruthless King leads a giant army across the lands to release the mythical Titans from their bonds so they can destroy the gods. A mortal mentored by Zeus himself is the god’s and mankind’s last hope.
What did we think?
Not even nice special effects can save this bastardisation of greek mythology. The poor quality storyline fails to engage and it’s hard to care too much about most of the characters. If you just want a series of fight scenes interspersed with some cliched writing then this is fine. If you prefer quality storytelling with your mythology then look elsewhere.
In Time
What’s it about?
Imagine a society where no one ages beyond 25, except for those rich enough to buy time. Add a rebel from the ghetto who is falsely accused of murdering a wealthy man for his time, and goes on the run with a beautiful hostage.
What did we think?
Anthony says: Fascinating premise that starts well but trails off until an ending that defies logic and economic reality. Lots of eye candy and, depending on your friends, it may invoke some interesting discussions on financial and social disparity but it somehow disappoints.
RIP Bob Anderson
You may not know the name but you know his work. My favourite sword fight scene of all time is Inigio Montoyez and the Dread Pirate Roberts. Anderson choreographed it.
Darth Vader fighting? Actually Bob Anderson in the suit.
James Bond, Zorro, Pirates of the Caribbean and even the cast of the Lord Of The Rings… Bob Anderson. He even coached and choreographed Errol Flynn.
Still not enough? He was the swordmaster on the Highlander TV show and even worked on some of the Superman movies as well as the Guns Of Navarone.
Thank you so much for some of my favourite scenes and moments Bob.
The Town
What’s it about?
As he plans his next job, a longtime thief tries to balance his feelings for a bank manager connected to one of his earlier heists, as well as the FBI agent looking to bring him and his crew down.
What do we think?
Anthony says: Wow. An engaging movie with strong characters and deep insight into a world where crime is a way of life. Wonderfully realistic, this film demonstrates that life is shades of grey rather than black and white.
What’s Popular
Step Up: All In
What’s it about?
Boy breaks up with dance crew. Needs new crew and money to survive. Dance. Boys finds new crew. Dance. Boy meets girl. Conflict ensues with a dance battle, priorities (dance) and his life. Dance dance dance.
What did we think?
Elodie says: Dancing gives you endorphins. Endorphins should make you happy… but no amount of dancing can make this film any better. Do yourself a favour and cha cha cha in the opposite direction .
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
What’s it about?
New York is under the thumb of a heavily armed gang (clan) called the Foot. Four mutated teenagers (spoiler – they’re evolved from turtles) fight back and get caught up in a series of implausible events. It’s worse than it sounds.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The new TMNT movie is a cynical attempt to position a franchise for a new younger audience. Sadly it does so at the expense of the existing fanbase by serving up a flimsy, overly childish plot that is too simple for adults and laden with positively cringe-worthy dialogue.
It also pays scant regard to scientific reality and apparently, Splinter is Japanese for “exposition rat”. The retconning of their origin simply beggars belief (and this from a TMNT fan more than happy to accept the basic premise of 6-foot-tall ninja turtles existing).
Without the entertaining one-liners from Michelango this entire movie would be abysmal. Even so, the humour only elevates it to terrible. I only liked three things in this movie: Michelangelo, the fact Shredder is actually badass and the very last shot of the entire debacle referencing the song ‘So Happy Together’ which is, of course, a 60s song released by a band called The Turtles. Sadly this unexpected subtlety is the cleverest part of the entire movie.
There’s an impressive fight scene (singular) but overall this is mindless and occasionally painful. Cowabungle.
The Skeleton Twins
What’s it about?
Twins – estranged for a decade – are brought together through dramatic circumstances and the reunion forces them to examine their lives
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: If there can be such a thing as a beautiful film about depression then this is that movie. Thoughtful, touching and heartbreaking. And wonderful.
Casting talented comedians Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig might seem an odd choice – and any of their fans expecting a comedy may exit traumatised – but they add a gravitas and contrast that only emphasises the gritty, realistic nature of something that touches so many people. Director Craig Johnson manages to avoid preaching or delivering an obvious lesson, instead offering up a sensitive glimpse into everyday dreams and the downs that often accompany them. Closer to real life than some might feel comfortable with but stronger for it.
The Maze Runner
What’s it about?
One by one, month after month, teenage boys arrive in a glade, surrounded by a maze. Memories wiped, they only know their names. The lost boys form a society which is rocked by the arrival of Thomas, whose curiosity and natural ability as a ‘runner’ in the maze brings fresh danger, but also the chance of escape.
What did we think?
Francesca says: Based on the YA book by James Dashner, this is director Wes Ball’s first feature length film, and it shows in the sometimes clunky storytelling. However, with fantastic production design, a solid young cast and suspenseful action scenes complete with proper scary monsters, this is a perfectly entertaining film, as long as you don’t think about it too hard (after so many months in the glade, why do all these boys still have such great hair?).
This is based on book one of a trilogy (of course), and is certain to please the Hunger Games crowd, so enjoy and stay tuned for the sequel.
Editor's Choice
Step Up: All In
What’s it about?
Boy breaks up with dance crew. Needs new crew and money to survive. Dance. Boys finds new crew. Dance. Boy meets girl. Conflict ensues with a dance battle, priorities (dance) and his life. Dance dance dance.
What did we think?
Elodie says: Dancing gives you endorphins. Endorphins should make you happy… but no amount of dancing can make this film any better. Do yourself a favour and cha cha cha in the opposite direction .
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
What’s it about?
New York is under the thumb of a heavily armed gang (clan) called the Foot. Four mutated teenagers (spoiler – they’re evolved from turtles) fight back and get caught up in a series of implausible events. It’s worse than it sounds.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The new TMNT movie is a cynical attempt to position a franchise for a new younger audience. Sadly it does so at the expense of the existing fanbase by serving up a flimsy, overly childish plot that is too simple for adults and laden with positively cringe-worthy dialogue.
It also pays scant regard to scientific reality and apparently, Splinter is Japanese for “exposition rat”. The retconning of their origin simply beggars belief (and this from a TMNT fan more than happy to accept the basic premise of 6-foot-tall ninja turtles existing).
Without the entertaining one-liners from Michelango this entire movie would be abysmal. Even so, the humour only elevates it to terrible. I only liked three things in this movie: Michelangelo, the fact Shredder is actually badass and the very last shot of the entire debacle referencing the song ‘So Happy Together’ which is, of course, a 60s song released by a band called The Turtles. Sadly this unexpected subtlety is the cleverest part of the entire movie.
There’s an impressive fight scene (singular) but overall this is mindless and occasionally painful. Cowabungle.
The Skeleton Twins
What’s it about?
Twins – estranged for a decade – are brought together through dramatic circumstances and the reunion forces them to examine their lives
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: If there can be such a thing as a beautiful film about depression then this is that movie. Thoughtful, touching and heartbreaking. And wonderful.
Casting talented comedians Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig might seem an odd choice – and any of their fans expecting a comedy may exit traumatised – but they add a gravitas and contrast that only emphasises the gritty, realistic nature of something that touches so many people. Director Craig Johnson manages to avoid preaching or delivering an obvious lesson, instead offering up a sensitive glimpse into everyday dreams and the downs that often accompany them. Closer to real life than some might feel comfortable with but stronger for it.
The Maze Runner
What’s it about?
One by one, month after month, teenage boys arrive in a glade, surrounded by a maze. Memories wiped, they only know their names. The lost boys form a society which is rocked by the arrival of Thomas, whose curiosity and natural ability as a ‘runner’ in the maze brings fresh danger, but also the chance of escape.
What did we think?
Francesca says: Based on the YA book by James Dashner, this is director Wes Ball’s first feature length film, and it shows in the sometimes clunky storytelling. However, with fantastic production design, a solid young cast and suspenseful action scenes complete with proper scary monsters, this is a perfectly entertaining film, as long as you don’t think about it too hard (after so many months in the glade, why do all these boys still have such great hair?).
This is based on book one of a trilogy (of course), and is certain to please the Hunger Games crowd, so enjoy and stay tuned for the sequel.