Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Probably the most anticipated film of 2015, 10 years after the final film in Lucas's reviled prequel trilogy was released, Star Wars is back once more, this time helmed by J.J Abrams and Disney. The first film in a new planned trilogy Star Wars: The Force Awakens rises well above the poor prequels and delivers a film that sits right at home with the original trilogy, at the very least in terms of feeling like a true Star War film and love letter to the originals. 

I went into the film with mild expectations and what I got completely exceeded them, I didn't just get a good film, I got a great one. It may not break new ground and covers all too familiar territory but it still manages to keep a great level of interest and intrigue. Full of references, homages, beloved old characters and very interesting new characters. It's beautifully shot (perhaps the most beautiful Star Wars film) with great production design, great effects and great action. It also does a good job of leaving me wanting more and I can't wait for the sequel.
Star Wars: Force Awakens is an incredibly fun film made with love and is exactly the kind of thing fans have been wanting.
****

The Ridiculous 6 (2015)

I kinda knew I was not gonna like this, as Sandler's humour doesn't really work for me anymore, but man there is nothing really redeemable about this film, full of lazy, flat jokes, annoying characters and a Projectile shitting Donkey(ugh). There nothing more to say, if you still enjoy Sandler's humour then I'm sure you'll enjoy it, everyone else, just stay away.
*

Pecker (1998)

Here's a John Waters film from the late 90's. I'm not that familiar with his other work (only other film I've watched his Cry Baby) but I'm fully aware of their reputation. This is one of his lesser known films, which I admittedly only watched because Christina Ricci is in it. But the film itself is not bad and has some interesting moments and characters, though I felt a sense of dissatisfaction overall as I feel it had the potential to be more enjoyable than it did.
I think one of the problems is Edward Furlong in the main role, he certainly fits the character description but some of his line delivery is just cringeworthy, and his performance is just a little awkward overall. Alot of the time though it has intriguing ideas that don't quite live up to their comic potential.
A strange and somewhat enjoyable comedy that just misses the mark on being truly good.
**1/2

James Bond in review part 1 (1962 - 1971)

This was meant to be done before the release of Spectre, but it wasn't cause reasons, anyway I've decided to post my thoughts on all the James Bond Movies, this first part deals with all of  Sean Connery's films (and the one George Lazenby).

Dr. No (1962)

The film that started it all, creating some of the well known tropes that can be seen throughout the rest of the James Bond series and  popularising the spy thriller genre in general. The film itself is pretty decent but nothing standout, these days, it just feels like a standard spy thriller despite being the one to first to utilize a lot of the genre conventions. Dr No. himself is quite interesting and has some nice dialogue exchanges with Bond, he has a nice slow reveal too and there's a particularly good earlier scene where we can only hear is voice that is certainly effective. All in all, it's a well made solid start for the franchise. ***

From Russia With Love (1963)

 From Russia with Love marks the first appearance of Blofeld (kind of), Q, a credits sequence at the start and a few other tropes in the James Bond series. It also already breaks from the standard formula set by the first film and is one of the few films where the climax isn't set in the villain's lair/base. It has a great opening sequence that introduces the henchman  Donald 'Red' Grant who has a great presence and ends up having a good face off with bond. Although, we mustn't forget Rosa Klebb who is a rather fun villain herself. Overall, the film is really good and much better than Dr No, with an interesting narrative and decent action. Oh and don't forget the gypsy girl fight. ***1/2

Inferno (1980)

The second film in Argento's Three Mothers trilogy which are all linked thematically, Inferno is a great example of a film where its style is what helps elevate the enjoyment of the film. Great cinematography and production design make for some very compelling visuals and good atmosphere. The narrative on the other hand isn't so great. We get a small, if muddled, mystery that is sure to leave people underwhelmed and had it not been for its strong visual flair the film probably would have been quite dull.
Peformances aren't too great either but that's usually the case with Argento's films, the musical score however, is pretty good with Goblin being swapped for Keith Emerson, with the song at the end being the highlight and standout track. All in all, Inferno is still a solid movie even if it's mainly for its visuals and atmosphere.
***1/2

Crimson Peak (2015)

Crimson Peak marks Guillermo Del Toro's directorial return to the horror genre, presenting a film that is elegant, beautiful and somewhat of throwback to more classic gothic horror. The film, as expected, has fantastic set design, stunning cinematography and great looking ghosts.
The film's story is nothing particularly outstanding or new, but has enough intrigue to keep us invested and has a good amount of tension.
Performances are also fine and there seems to be a deliberate use of melodrama that may put a few people off.
Overall though, this is a beautiful and solid horror film that is certainly worth seeing for the visuals.
***1/2

Attack On Titan (2015)

Part one of the live action adaptation of the highly popular manga/anime of which I myself am a fan of, but while this film may not reach the greatness of it's source material, what we have here is still a really fun movie. For better or worse the film takes a few creative liberties and takes away alot of the character depth and story  focuses more on delivering a straight up action film. (something that has understandably annoyed alot of fan), I for one don't mind this so much as it is still a very engaging movie from start to finish, the visual effects themselves certainly aren't hollywood high standard (as expected) but they are still quite fun to look at and have some genuine good bits at times and the film still manages to feel a little different to your usual action blockbuster.
Overall the film is a bit of a disappointment but if you are willing accept the film for what it is, then there's still quite a bit of fun to be had here in this entertaining (if a little shallow) thrill ride
***1/2