We Are Still Here (2015)

When 'We Are Still Here' starts it looks as though it'll be your run-of-the-mill tormented spirits haunting a house supernatural horror, but it isn't. The film gradually becomes a lot more interesting than that, leading to a thoroughly enjoyable bloody climax.
Well acted, with a good a mount of tension and well done visual and gore effects, 'We Are Still Here' is definitely one of the better supernatural horror films in recent years It doesn't necessarily bring anything new to the table but it's a nice change of pace from the usual stuff we get and is overall a very solid indie horror.
***1/2

Top 10 Albums of 2015

I did my top 10 albums last year so thought, I'd post my favourite ones from this year too, as usual alot of metal here. Also the actual order of the top ten isn't definitive except for the top 2 and I'll include links to a song from each album.

Honourable Mentions
Finsterforst - Mach Dich Frei
Ensiferum - One Man Army
Enforcer - From Beyond
Symphony X - Underworld

10. Blind Guardian - Beyond The Red Mirror

 Blind Guardian release their first album in 5 years, delivering a great dose of their bombastic symphonic power metal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdxRHtNw940

9. Iron Maiden - Book Of Souls

 Maiden's best album in years, 2 CD's of really solid songs (aside the bland speed of light) and ending with fantastic 18 minute epic 'Empire of the Clouds'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbAhn7iKLPc

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