//G) Action - 4/5 stars

In my usual style with such big scale blockbusters, I waited until all the hype calmed down before viewing this film.



I am so pleased to say that Heath Ledger truly did give a great performance in this and the film and character weren?t just hyed because of the tragic circumstances. A fantastic opening scene, this film is packed with content from the storyline, the huge all star cast, to the impressive effects and it was no doubt a huge job of a film to bring together and one that was worthy of all it?s praise. Along with Batman Begins, both films have taken the Batman series to a much more realistic level (if that is at all possible?).



A personal high moment for me was the changing of (the ever so annoying) Katie Homes with the much more talented Maggie Gyllenhaal, with likeness noted.



Jack Nicholson put his mark on the original Batman movie some 20+ years ago and made a great Joker, Heath Ledger stepped up the role to recent times with a different but fantastic portrayal of the character.



Brilliant make up and the best Batman film to date.

An impressive film in terms of graphics, machinery and of course the actual plot and how our Superhero actually emerges.

A great performance by Downey Jr, who is at times very comical. A nice comeback role for Gwyneth and an almost unrecognisable look for Bridges.

Overall a well put together film, which was extremely entertaining.

Much more than just a Bollywood version of ?Memento?, it offers a much more in depth background story which builds nicely to a revenge plot. The occasionally songs throughout the film were entertaining and fit well as do the soundtrack songs.

The flashing back and forth in time provided a good order in which to tell the story and is much different to ?Memento? in that respect also.

Aamir Khan played a an impressive lead role here, with a quite a transformation in character, who with a very athletic physique, provides some enjoyable fight scenes and moves.

Lengthly, but a very enjoyable watch and has instantly become part of my favourite films list.

As predicted Guy Ritchie?s ?RocknRolla? is even better second time around, it?s funnier more calculated and it really give you change to unclutter the complicated characters, who?s with who etc. The three of course who really stand out, even in this great cast of Actors is Tom Wilkinson, Toby Kebbell and Gerard Butler.

Again, second time around, you really get to measure the amount of content squeezed into this film.

Even better the second time around! This film is a very slick, high Action, Assassin story, adapted from a graphic novel.

A huge opportunity for McAvoy here, going from British tv to a yet another Hollywood film in just the last few years. Impressive graphics throughout, high speed car chases and stunts, all of which offered something completely new, with an enjoyable storyline too, it makes this film ideal for a wide range audience.

For me, it was one of my personal favourites of 2008.

For those of you, who like to take a look at behind the scenes, the Special Features (although quite short) are worth peeking at.

Surprisingly a very good film. If you're expecting a Hollywood Action film as I was (yes I didn't read up on it before I watched it) you'll be pleasantly surprised by this story. based on true events, told in a true London gangster tradition kind of way, with high ranking envolvement.

A very enjoyable Brit film, with a great cast. Statham is back playing the roles he is good at.

A great gritty British vengeance film, where vigilantes take a stand against the bullies in society.

Just when I thought Sean Bean was past his prime, he pulls off a part that suits him really well.

This non stop Action film is exciting from start to finish. This last installment of the trilogy is by far the best. A very minor disappointment for me, was not having Paddy Considine take a bigger role (but that's just pure bias on my part).

From the fight scenes to the car chases, different Countries to speaking different languages - this has become my favourite Action film ever.

Those of you who are interested in how the film was put together, ie Direction, stunts, fight choreography etc, the special features is definitely worth a look, showing Matt Damon as easy going, eager to learn, gutsy Actor, who will try his hand at absolutely anything (yes that's me eating my words of slating Matt Damon in the past!)

This film is worth seeing, if only for the amazing computer images. This very life-like tale is a phonomenally creative piece. You'll recognise stars even if you didn't know they appeared in the film.

The storyline at times was hard to concentrate on, but that only goes to show the detail that went into the film.

Quite surprising the certificate for this film is just a 12 and there are some pretty violent scenes, certainly not one for the young children to watch.

Much more impressive than Ocean?s 12 and much more on par with the first of the trilogy. More trickery, gadgets, team working and planning, an entertaining watch, however I did get quite excited when I saw Vincent Cassell, only to be disappointed when I realized it was just a cameo role for him.

Pleasantly surprising with a good storyline. ?Transformers? is certainly effective with it?s impressive ?Robots in disguise? transformation. What made this film for me was the performance by Shia LaBeouf who is truly a natural comic.

As a kid, I never watched the original series and so I had nothing to compare this with, I therefore had no preconceived expectations.

A very enjoyable watch with impressive effects.

Having not seen the previous two for a number of years, I wasn't entirely sure whether I would enjoy it. How wrong could I be, there were some really funny scenes and some great fighting choreography.

VERDICT: Definitely worth watching even if you haven't seen the others

A very enjoyable action movie, a kind of Bourne Identity meets the Fugitive. I've finally forgiven Mark Wahlberg for his days as 'Marky Mark' and have at last accepted him as an actor. Consipiricy and Action, if you like that combination this film is for you.

Magnificant graphics and stunning, spectacular scenes in this Frank Miller graphic novel turned movie. Some great characters, some impressive fighting scenes and all of this is worthy of a good rating.

Personally I felt that the actual storyline was slightly one dimensional, I guess there that can't be helped though being based on a historical event, but this only drops the rating slightly for me as I still think it?s a great film visually.

Wow, what a film! The content is so busy, that it really is hard to keep up with the plot and I?m sure will need a few more viewings before I fully understand it all. The Director has managed to capture a Tarantino style film with the well developed characters and the build up, whilst maintaining a realistic approach within the films boundaries.



This film was an instant hit with me and I?m sure it will be for many others too.

Visually stunning, mystically enlightening. Apocalytpo is a huge accomplishment for Mel Gibson and everyone involved in the making of this film, giving us the viewers, a chance to divulge into the history of the Mayan culture.

Some truly breathtaking shots and a real effort was made to keep this as authentic and realistic as possible.

This film will satisfy anyone?s curiosity into the way of life and survival of these people. Unspoilt and simple, yet action packed and real.

Now this is what I call an action film, despite not being a huge Tom Cruise fan, I feel this part suits him really well. The gadgets, clever plot and the little twists make this trilogy my favourite action films.

Most definitely want to see this film and heard good reviews

In a not too far away look into the future, somewhere in Paris we have a gang run ghetto where nobody enters and nobody leaves.

The film oozes non-stop Action, which welcomes a new generation of Martial Arts stars, if you haven?t seen it, at least take a peek at the chase/stunt scene, it?s stylish, fast and thoroughly entertaining.

The music throughout the film, sets a fast pace to the Action and storyline. The opening sequence shows some creative camerawork and I feel perhaps that the trailer for this film may haver undersold the film ever so slightly in that it makes it look like a very average action film, when in fact it was of pretty high quality and filled with mesmerising content.

I know I will be watching this one again very soon!

Just one thing, I have noticed people have commented on the American dubbed voices - there is only one way to watch this and that is in French with the sub-titles.

A much better film than it first appears, clever plot, with some humourous sarcastic wit, love the 'Kansas City Shuffle'

It took me a few watches to totally appreciate the humour in this film, but once I did I thought it was totally unique. I really love the dancing gangster during the first scene.

Very creative characters especially the landlady. Just a very entertaining and comical film.

An amazing film with regards to the graphics, this really was like a comic strip coming to life. A huge star cast, the most impressive character for me being Marv.

Probably the best Martial Arts film ever made. With huge fight scenes, stunning choreography and comical chase scenes.

Tony Jaa has been described as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li all rolled into one. His speed, agility are a true force to be reckoned with, I hope he goes on to make many more films.

For any fan of Martial Arts, this is an absolute must see, don't be put off by the sub-titles - you'll be pleasently amazed.

A little less authentic and a little more Hollywood than Ong-Bak. Some amazing fight scenes throughout and many impressive stunts. The storyline, I felt was a little weak, however, it's definitely worth watching if you are a fan of Martial Arts.

Some great scenic shots too and comical moments too.

An impressive futuristic story, which is beyond comprehension as an outlook on our future.

A much enjoyed story (perhaps slightly longer than was necessary) with some enjoyable performances and characters. Sean Bean definitely plays a bad guy best, just unfortunate that the role for Djimon Housou wasn?t bigger, but likable performances from Ewan and Scarlett

4 STARS

Although this is a little corny in parts, it's definitely my type of movie. Criminal profilers in a situation of survival.

I'm not quite sure if Johnny Lee Miller's accent was entirely convincing to anyone else, it seemed really over the top to me, but maybe that's because I know what his speaking voice is like usually.

Maybe people who enjoyed 'Saw' would like this film, although there is slightly less gore

Elijah Wood seems quite an unlikely candidate for this role, however the way the storyline was plotted it worked very well.



It?s a very realistic violent film, which is sadly all too true a side of the sport.

A very realistic feel of a story of a kidnapping. Impressive actiing all round, in particular Mia Maestro. The kidnapping gang are played by members of one of South America's most popular rap groups 'Vagos Y Maleantes' Gritty and action packed, this film will hold you from start to finish.

I recently re-watched this and it was even funnier this time around. These two are a great combination and if you don't laugh at the dance scene then you're far too serious a person

Impressive effects and a good futuristic story. In the earlier part of the film there were slight resemblances to Demolition Man I felt, but the story soon took on a different pace.

I enjoyed the emphasis on paranoia, prejudice and the point of flaws of a perfect system.

There is an interesting ?making of? section on the special features.

Obviously you can't watch Vol 1 without watching Vol 2, quite a good marketing idea of Tarantino's. It's a bit slower moving than Vol 1 and a lot less action, but of course it does give you explanations of the whys and whats of the story.

One thing I did enjoy was the training, this certainly captured something about the 80's/90's martial arts films.

More over enphasised speech and more flashback detail.

Not as good as the first in terms of content, but entertaining and vital viewing to reach the end of this tale.

Even better than the first, with clever fight scene choreography and some very funny moments, Chan manages to make another great comedy pairing with Wilson.

A big production with some amazing views, a great quality film with a western view on the Samurai style films. It also captures the spiritual sense.

It is perhaps a little disappointing that people will watch, and have watched this film purely because of Tom Cruise being the lead, when although this is one of Cruise's better roles it certainly isn't the Cruise element that makes the film, but I'm sure he would have raised the box office ratings.

My favourite of Colin Farrell's films, this is a great storyline, I really enjoyed it.

This film gets better for me with every watch.

The first part of a revenge story where East meets West in the trademark flashback storytelling way of Quentin Tarantino.

The best thing about this film, is that depending on who's watching it, they will get very different experiences from it. Personally I grew up watching Martial Arts films and so picked up on how this film compliments early style Martial Arts movies, similarly it covers many other areas, such as Swordsmanship, Anime, Wirework, sub-titles, platform choreography and even a Western theme, which appeals to QT's interest for Grindhouse theatre.

The whole film is like animation brought to life, with an over-emphasis on colour and costumes, over-emphasised quotable dialogue and a well thought out soundtrack. We also see something new here, by bringing a several females in as deadly assassins (who incidently are not just looking good kick ass chicks, they have earned their place here).

All together Kill Bill Vol 1 is a well thought out, creatively stunning film.

A film I've been meaning to see for so long and at last I have. It has to be the first film I've watched where I like both the original and the remake (The Departed) equally.

The storyline here is a truly original and clever idea, increasing in tempo as the polt unfolds.

The best revenge story ever. A great adaption of the book. Performances were great all around, but the performance has to be Guy Pearce for being believably arrogant and a character that compells you to hate with a vengence

A hugely impressive film from Martin Scorsese, everything in the movie is on such a grand level, acting, scenery, it?s epic length.

A great cast from both sides of the pond, where there were Irish with an American accent and Americans with an Irish accent.

Personally, I?m not too much of a fan of Award ceremonies, as I don?t like them to influence my film choices, but it?s easy to see where all the awards came from in the making of this film, Daniel Day-Lewis was outstanding and there's no doubt of him earning his award for this role.

The storyline of this film is very good.

Took a little time to warm up, but once it did this was a good film, I hate to say it being such a De Niro fan, but Edward Norton may have just played the better role in this.

One of my favourite performances from Denzel Washington and a great corrupt undercover police story.

What a first Day!!! I really like the fact this all happened during one day, it added a realistc feel to it and a view to the escalating circumstances, whilst the characters grow throughout.

Violent, graphic, sadisdic and masochistic. This was one of my first sub-titled films and I did the one thing you're not supposed to, I put English dubbing on because I was having a lazy day, learnt my lesson!

VERDICT: Great film, not for people who have weak stomaches!

A funny, well choreographed, police investigation, Martial Arts sequel.

A great comedy pairing between Tucker and Chan. A very entertaining watch.

An interesting documentary, very much aimed at the technicalities of The Martial Arts Bruce Lee used and those who keep his legacy alive.

This fictional story based on the sequence of a true event, shows a glimpse in the British criminal underworld.

With a psychotic performance from Sean Bean and a sinester role for Tom Wilkinson, Essex Boys is a great film of it's genre with a nice twist.

I have a strange routine with big films such as this one where I tend to wait until all the hype has died down and I can watch it without jumping on the band wagon, hence, quite unbelievable I know! This is my first viewing of this film.

Not having heard a bad word said about this film and being a fan of Russell Crowe, I knew this had to be a great film.

Crowe's performance is without a doubt a powerful one and really brings the character to life, masculine, intelligent, athletic and a look that just suits the era and the costumes so well. I also enjoyed the performances by Joaquin Phoenix, Djimon Hounsou and Richard Harris too.

Everything seems to come together well in this movie and it's understandable why it is such a big film.

I was really expecting some kind of over the top, Hollywood action film and was pretty impressed to see a more serious, quite realistic type of film, with great acting. Don Cheadle is fast becoming one of my favourite actors.

Admittedly this film has it's boring parts, but made quite an impact in other parts.

The duo are back from the sequel and I enjoyed this as much as the first. Very funny and some great entertaining moves from Jackie.

This French speaking, English sub-titled film, was a refreshing enjoyable watch with superb performances by Jean Reno and Vincent Cassel.

The only bad for me is that I don't think it will reach the desired audience purely because of the sub-titles which is a shame.

Slightly corny, low budget English film and one I have watched so many times, a comedy slant on London Gangster's brought to you by an all star British cast. With music by Oasis and various comical kareoke songs, this film will have you laughing and wincing at the same time, my favourite watch over and over type of film.

I really like this film, I don't think it's a typical Mel Gibson picture. One of my favourite revenge type films

An original and amazing idea for a film, just the notion can leave you pondering all kinds of thoughts. I enjoyed this just as much as the first time I watched it.

The fight scene between Morpheus and Neo was really well thought out and Keanu Reeves looking very slender and fit for the part, as did Carrie Anne Moss, who I've enjoyed in most films I've seen of her.

I hadn't remembered Joe Pantiliano being in it, which was a pleasent surprise.

VERDIC T: If there is anyone left out there who hasnb't seen this yet then it's a must see, forget that this might not be your genre, it wasn't mine either.

This amazing epic length tale of Joan of Arc requires patience and concentration. For those of you who like battle sense there are a fair few to enjoy. Historians, I?m sure you?ll find this film facsincating and to top it off an incredible performance from Milla Jovovich.

Great film! I enjoyed this from the very first time I watched it. With scenes of a slightly pornographic nature, thi smay not be everyone's type of film, however that side of things is very much part of the plot rather than the focus of the story. There is certainly the best Private Detective story I've ever seen and although there is plenty of action in the film, Nick Cage doesn't look out of place as a more serious actor.

My absolute favourite role of Joaquin Phoenix', this is the first film I'd ever seen him in. Even James Gandolfini takes a reletively small role in this.

A cleverly put together story.

VERDICT: Unless the nature of the plot really puts you off, I'd say this is a 'must see' film

Fincher's 'Fight Club' rightly takes it's place in popular film history as a classic must see. It had many levels and layers to it and some impressive graphic and camerwork.



The twisted plot gives first time viewers unpredictability and multiple viewers a sense of familiarity even though I can still pick up on something different each time.



There is a certain sense beneath the chaso in this film and a sense of irony in trying to be an individual.



My favourite quote of the film: "It's only when we've lost everything, we are free to do anything'.

A much better film than I remember this being, with a plot that's fast and sometimes hard to keep up with comes great acting by an all star cast, some of the best high speed chase scenes ever to appear in films, terrorism, betrayal, great twists and turns and action packed.

VERDICT: An action thriller that will keep your mind alert and addrenalin pumping

As far as Action films go this is my favourite. A great cast of characters.

For an action film, this is one of my favourites

A monster of a movie which sees America's finest two Actors; De Niro and Pacino play a game of cat and mouse in this high paced action thriller.

Such a large cast of stars and so much going on, it certainly benefits from several viewings, despite being a lengthly film.

Quite a film and I'm ashamed to say, a story I knew very little about. A great historical tribute to Scotland's hero.

Therer wer some scenes where I lost concentration, but all in all a well made film.

Another great from Tarantino. Who hasn't seen this film?

I've watched this film countless times and I could never get bored of it. As a fan of Woody Harrelson, even I didn't expect him to pull off the character of Mickey Knox as well as he did and Juliette Lewis being cast for the part of Mallory was perfection.

This film has two parts to it, a 'before' they got caught for their killing spree and an 'after' they got caught. It portrayed a very deep connection between the two main characters, that could not be broken, whether together, seperated or facing death.

I love the story that the Shaman tells about the snake.

The Style of the filming is probably something taken for granted now in these style films, but it's still impressive.

I'd actually forgotten I used to be a fan of Christian Slater, of course we don't seem to hear much of him now, but he and Patricia Arquette pull of this film as the main characters, accompanied of course by a strong cast of great actors. It's the ultimate story of love at first sight and of course romance. It has to be one of the funniest parts Brad Pitt has ever played.

A great sequel with some hilarious scenes. An absolutely crazy film that everyone must watch.

Come on, anyone with an interest in Bruce Lee has to have watched this film, if they haven't they should!

The story revolves around a robbery that you never see happen. Reservoir Dogs, a timeless piece, everytime I watch it I notice something different about it. A great cast of actors in Tarantino's debut film. I like the way Tarantino appears in his films, but only takes a small part.

Reservoir Dogs has one of the best movie soundtracks in my opinion, let's face it, who doesn't think of the 'ear' scene when they hear 'Stuck in the middle'?

Do have 2 questions though, which I probably missed: In the scene where Mr Orange shoots Mr Blonde, who turns the radio off?

At the end of the film, Mr Black aims a gun at Joe, Joe aims one back at Mr Black, Chris Penn's characterpoints his gun at Mr Black, they all shoot at the same time and all three men fall down. Who shot Chris Penn's character? You do see Mr Pink come out after holding his gun, but he was hidden under the ramp, you never actually see anyone shooting Chirs Penn's character.

VERDICT: An absolute must see for any film fanatic, everyone should have this one in their collection

TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY

When this film came out, I remember how everyone talked about the effects and the big budget spent on making the film, the effects are still pretty impressive and this sequel proved to be as popular, if not more popular than the first.

The change of Linda Hamilton?s appearance was great for this film, she became almost masculine looking from the training she?d undergone, but suited her new involved part well.

A very quotable film too and certainly Arnie?s best set of films.

Where is Edward Furlong at the moment, he was doing well for a while, but seems to have disappeared again.

this film still manages to raise lots of smiles with me, even though I almost know it off by heart, it certainly appeals to my sense of humour

A chick flick with a difference! The unfortunate escalation of events turns into an unlikely adventure of a lifetime when an innocent road trip turns into a unexpected rebelious crime spree.

Ok, so Jean Claude Van Damme, wants to get revenge on behalf of someone close to him, he manages to find a martial arts guru for adequate and authentic training, he finds some spectactular way to show himself doing the splits, whilst having cheesy 80?s love songs in the background. When he eventually takes on the fighter (who is evil and much stronger), Jean-Claude finds he is no match, until right at the last moment when (through flashbacks) he remembers everything he was trained to do and let?s not forget he does a few slow motion growls?

Yes this is the plot to most JCVD films and yet they are still my guilty pleasures, for it was these films that encouraged me to watch Martial Arts movies in the first place, which led to my attraction for the East.

JCVD was in no doubt terrific shape during these films in the 80?s and although cheesy, I always enjoyed the training part of the films the best. This film was my second favourite (next to Blood Sport).

My rating is based on the impact the film had on me during it?s time of release.

Probably one of my most watched flms as a kid. It all looks pretty corny now, but like this film for sentimental value

Equally as great action as the first with an enjoyable new storyline, with a little more added comedy thrown in.

A very worthy sequel.

An absolute classic that?s still a great watch to this day. A love story with a difference when opposites attract in a culture clash as an adventure takes place. Paul Hogan will be remembered for a long time to come for this role.

One of those watch over and over type of films.

Loved this as a kid and still love it now, a film I can watch over and over

One of the most frustrating films I've ever watched. It just keeps coming back, good though

A hillarious classic

After a slow start ?Deerhunter? evolves into an impressive piece of cinema history, with the ability to have as strong an impact today as it did at the time of it?s release.

With an impressive cast and strong performances by De Niro and Walken, this film totally pulls you in and really gets to your emotions.

In the era of the dubbed Martial Arts films comes the last film completed by Bruce Lee (Ch?) before his untimely death.

Certainly entertaining, lacks a little storyline, but it?s fight scenes galore throughout.

The muscular, wiry and agile hereo is a joy to watch and this film is a great watch if you want to look at the history of Martial Arts.

I really want to give this film a higher rating, but if you take Bruce Lee out of the equation, you?re not left with much of a film.

3 STARS

SPECIAL FEATURES
DOCUMENTARY: CURSE OF THE DRAGON

A phenominal revealing documentary of Bruce Lee in life and death and those who surrounded him. This documentary takes you on a journey of a man who's known in every walk of life, a legend 'who will never grow old'.

This will interest any fan out there and possibly those who are not too. A slight man with a huge physical power and a sharp philosophical mind, a man ahead of his years who taught equality to those he knew.

A must see for any Bruce Lee/Martial Arts fan.

5 STARS

(Final rating averaged)

One of the great classics and yet, this is the first time I have watched it. I certainly wasn't disappointed, in fact I was very impressed by the clever way in which the escape was plotted and I had been totally unaware that this film was based on a true story.