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

Terminator Genisys (2015)

Another needless Terminator movie that has, understandably, been ripped apart by critics.
I on the other hand rather liked this film and thought it was rather decent.
Sure, it's nowhere near the levels of greatness as the first two (something I highly doubt any new Terminator can), but I did enjoy it more than 3 and salvation and liked some of the ideas it presented. I also really liked the references and the remaking of certain sequences and felt it was a interesting way of transitioning us into this new terminator world that they are creating for the current generation. I thought Emilia Clarke was a good replacement for Linda Hamilton and I always love a bit of Arnie. The rest of the cast I could take or leave apart from Matt Smith who I thought had great presence in the few scenes he was in, and I also really liked the addition of JK Simmons in is small role.

As I said, the movie isn't necessarily great and is a bit of a mess but I still think it's passable entertainment and does enough to stay enjoyable. It's just missing the wow factor, which of course, is hard to have when you have the shadow of T2 lurking over you.
A lot of hardcore terminator fans are probably gonna loathe this film but hopefully a few will see some of its more positive and promising aspects and I myself am still intrigued to see where they go with it next, though, how many  people actually still care about the franchise is sure to be revealed over the weekend.
Overall people may say I'm being too soft for accepting a Terminator movie that is merely decent but I like to stay on the more optimistic side of things. It may be another needless Terminator movie, but for something unnecessary it's still quite enjoyable.
***

The Rapeman (1993)

"Righting wrongs through penetration."

The above quote is the actual motto of Rapeman, a man who is paid to rape people who have done wrong. Based on the manga series (of course), The Rapeman is a film that sounds rather fun on the surface (well to some people like me) but turns out to be a great disappointment. The film is totally inconsistent with its tone and atmosphere (but not in a good way) and misses the chance to go all out wacky with its silly idea, instead delivering something rather tepid and only slightly odd, with the attempt to recreate the manga's black comedy failing completely. 

Still, I give the film kudos for trying and the film still managed to spawn six sequels and two spin offs, so it certainly has an audience somewhere, but for me, it just didn't work.

**

Redline (2009)

A hugely entertaining sci-fi racing anime that is a bombastic visual thrill ride. The plot may be simple but it makes up for it with piles of creativity and great pacing. I love the style and design of the universe and characters and it's so full of energy that there's never a dull moment. Those who prefer a bit of complexity and depth to their Anime, look elsewhere,
those who love pure enjoyable spectacles full of great animation, then I highly recommend this film. Cool, slick and full of awesome.
****