Andy's Talk

Max Payne

Not a bad video game adaptation, but lets face it, it had one helluva game to do justice to. It tries hard to capture the dark noir feel of an astounding game, but doesn't quite accomplish it. Some great visual touches are a nice homage to the source material, but when compared to the rest of the film they tend to come off as cheesy. Wahlberg does fine, but really wouldn't have been my pick for Max. Convoluted plot which can become slow, but action scenes are great! Nice attemp, but could have been more.

In Bruges

Outstanding black comedy with so much going for it, you can't help but love it! Brilliant casting, a thoughtful plot and some truly hilarious moments make this one not to miss. Very reminiscent of Guy Richies best work. Snappy dialogue, brutal violence, loads of F bombs and also surprisingly touching. Can't believe it didn't get a wider release. Still kinda makes me wanna visit Belgium though. This black comedy gem is pure entertainment. In fact, I watched it twice in one week. Check it out!!!

RocknRolla

Guy Richie returns to his British crime caper roots in fine form with a highly enjoyable romp, reminiscent of his earlier classics. Quirky chararaters, brutal violence, witty banter and convoluted plot twists. All the trademarks are there and the cast are brilliant. Unfortunately it just doesn't quite catch the magic of 'Lock Stock..' or 'Snatch'. Still, it's very funny, action packed and has many memorable moments. All that, and the pre credits title screams 'sequel'. Can't wait.

Watchmen

Outstanding adaptation of the legendary graphic novel with great work from all involved. Once thought impossible to film, Alan Moores epic is beautifully realised by director Snyder and the depth of story and intricacies of character shine through amazingly well. A relatively unknown cast are perfectly selected and unique to the genre in that their imperfections are fleshed out. Visually, it's every bit as impressive as any major comic book movie and demands multiple viewings.

The Strangers

Supposedly based on true events (or at least the assumed events), this chilling suspense thriller explores the terror of home invasion, but never really succeeds in terrifying. Some genuinely creepy moments come out of this 'by the numbers' affair, but as a horror it kinda bores. Liv Tyler proves to be a very versatile lead, and as suspense thriller it's just okay. Could have been so much more. 'Funny Games' is far superior.

Veronica Guerin

Shocking Irish drama with the expected stellar performance from the talented Cate Blanchett. We've seen the 'troubled reported butting heads with corrupt organisations' story before, and this is no more interesting or even innovative, but the shocking final scene gives it some testicles and Blanchett's performance is pretty outstanding. One of those films that leave you thinking for a few days afterwards. Worth a rental.

Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden?

Morgan Spurlock (the 'Super Size Me' guy) is back in an amusing documentary looking at the relations between the US and Middle East. Fun and interesting animation sequences, some nice moments of comedy and an glance into foreign politics are good fun, but ultimately Spurlock dissappoints. We don't learn anything new, the endless interviews become tiresome and repetative and Spurlocks own irresponsibilty of filming while his wife is pregnant, personally grates. Interesting, but not too new.

Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs

Gotta say, I am loooving these direct to DVD Futurama movies! This follow up to 'Benders Big Score' is equally funny escapism with our familiar cast of space misfits. An interesting commentary on modern group mentality and thankfully doesn't require a whole lot of deep and meaningful thought. Fans of the series will delight in the callbacks and references, but newcomers will still get plenty of laughs. Long live the tentacle!..... and hypnotoad!

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Highly entertaining comedy that I would best describe as a romantic comedy for blokes! Scatological humour, pretty girls and genuine laughs make this one a winner in my book. The performances are great, especially from Jason Segel, and the despicable Russell Brand was a great choice as his counterpart. The Apatow stable is filling with winners. Not exactly deep, but if you want a genuinely funny (and a bit rude) movie, then this is a must see!!

24: Redemption

Jacks back! I've been eagerly awaiting the 7th season of my favorite show, and this was a great way to kick it off. Kinda lacked the intensity and urgency of the innovative series, but all the Jack Bauer charisma is there along with the shouting, gun pointing and machismo that us fans love. Perhaps I had high hopes, but the script was undoubtably lacking and dare I say, it managed to get boring. Still a great start to a much anticipated 7th season.

Funny Games

Holy Shit! This is one of the most uncomfortable, confronting, brutal and disturbing films I have seen in a long while. Great performances throughout, incredibly tense and atmospheric with some truly genius use of lingering camera angles. A haunting film, made even more powerful by a twist ending that totally pulls the rug out from under all Hollywood convention. Not for all tastes, but golfers will smile more than once.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Hellboy 2)

Thank God for Guillermo del Toro! The genius and creativity of 'Pans Labyrinth' gets the comic book treatment with astounding results! Visually impressive, a loveable cast, a solid story and spectacular action scenes. Highly entertaining. Guillermo del Toro even manages to find a nice mix of action, comedy, suspense and even romance. Works so well on all levels. Absolutely loved it!!!

Zombie Strippers

With a title like 'Zombie Strippers', you pretty much know what to expect, and you get buckets of it! From the grindhouse feel of the cover, to the bad dialogue and over the top gore, it's a glorious B grade horror romp throughout. Tremendous fun for less discerning viewers, but those with an ounce of film snobbery will tear it to shreds. Just take it as the big, dumb fun it is and enjoy all the boobies.

Street Kings

Remarkably good crime thriller with some really well done action scenes and a clever, well paced plot. Written by the legendary James Ellroy, it's not exactly groundbreaking work, but deliberately paced thrillers of this quality are kinda hard to come by these days. Even Keanu manages to shake his 'surfer dude' drawl and come across as a badass detective. Great cast, well written and well worth a watch. A pleasant surprise!