The Danish Girl (2015)

The Danish Girl is the latest offering from Tom Hooper which is based of the Novel that is loosely inspired by the lives of Lili Erbe and Gerda Wegener. Now my thoughts on this film are the exact same ones I had about King's Speech, it's beautifully shot (although much more beautiful then King's speech), it's incredibly well acted and there are some great scenes, however most of it is only kind of interesting so the movie never feels as good as it could have been. It's a case of the themes and overall effect being what's interesting, rather than the actual story which has been padded with very paint my numbers drama. So the content ends up not being strong enough to match it's themes.
Overall this is still a well made and decent movie with beautiful cinematography and great acting, it's other areas just should have been stronger.

Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (2014)

There's certainly been an oversaturation of zombies in films and TV in recent years, but this little Australian Indie action horror is definitely one the funnest zombie films I've seen in a while. Full of good action,a good amount of gore and decent special effects, and a fair amount of creativity to help it stand out (using zombies to fuel cars etc). Though the film has that usual indie colour grade that never seems to look nice, there's still some interesting camerawork used throughout it and overall, this was just a really fun time, that I recommend checking out. ***1/2

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (2014)

Describing itself as the 'The First Iranian vampire western' A Girl Walk Home Alone At Night is a beautiful film that is steadily paced, with a great haunting atmosphere and stunning black and white cinematography. The central performances are also strong and very engaging and overall, this was just a really great film. I have nothing more to say.
****

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.
*