Here comes the Boom
Dir: Frank Coraci
2012
**
Here comes the Boom is fairly harmless unless you take it too seriously but I'm not sure why you would. It's perhaps a little unfair to teachers but the three leads are played by extremely likable actors and the film does have its moments, I chuckled a couple of times in fact. It's a silly idea and I don't like the way everything seems to be solved by fighting or winning for that matter but like I said, best not to take it too seriously. It's got Henry Winkler in it and that will do nicely.

The Sweeney
Dir: Nick Love
2012
*
I was never a fan of the original Sweeney so I'm not upset at them for remaking and ruining the characters, I'm just upset that I've wasted time and money on watching it. The story is crap and the acting is worse. Plan B is an idiot, I hate him and anyone that likes him. I saw one of his early gigs around 2006 and I think many of his later fans would be shocked at his old material. He's a nasty little idiot. I saw him in an interview claiming it was, and I paraphrase "Hard to act as a copper, seeing as I've never really seen eye to eye with them in the past". What a tool. He can't act either. Ray Winstone I'm afraid is now in 'overrated' territory with more misses under his belt than there are hits. Nick Love is the chav godfather, he's gone downhill as well. If you're happy to believe a 12 year old drug dealer could be chief of the Flying Squad then you might be stupid enough to enjoy it, otherwise jog on you slag.

The Turin Horse
Dir: Béla Tarr
2011
*****
Take that Nietzsche! Every coin has two sides, here that idea is beautifully explored. As much as I like Nietzsche, I do hate those that are happy to spout out quotes without actually understanding them, analysing them or ultimately thinking for themselves. The Turin horse is bleak, depressing, slow......hypnotic, haunting and beautiful. Artsy is a lazy word that doesn't mean anything, if it doesn't stir up thoughts and/or feelings then it says more about you than it does about the film. Also, look up the word pretentious before you use it, it's only 'demanding' if you're impatient. This is a film worth watching and dedicating a short amount of time for. I loved it. Immerse yourself.

Bellflower
Dir: Evan Glodell
2011
****
I'm really not sure how I feel about Bellflower. I'm not sure the final result is as good as the initial idea but it is original and strangely captivating. It's kitchen-sink melodrama for testosterone fueled men with immature tendencies. It's a strange fish, you either like it or you don't. I cursed it a few times while watching but it engaged me enough for me to say I enjoyed it and appreciated its originality. When I wasn't shouting "Get a job" that is. Destined for cult status for sure, and I love that Car!

Dredd
Dir: Pete Travis
2012
***
The slow motion photography was absolutely stunning but I'm not sure it really worked within the story or style of Dredd. Dredd was my first love when it came to comics. The early 90's was all about 2000AD for me and I became obsessed with Dredd and to be honest, I had low expectations for the film. So many great stories to choose from and they went with this? It's not terrible but it's not great, I really hope that this is just an introductory thing and that they will make a few more based on classic story-lines. I would never expect Hollywood to understand what Dredd was really about, it's satire, dark humor, social comment etc but I also didn't expect the level of violence and gore. I thought Karl Urban was great though and I'm glad he kept the helmet on throughout. I thought Olivia Thirlby made a good Anderson and Lena Headey was great as Ma-Ma. Personally I want to see the likes of Judge Death and Judge Fish, Otto Sump, Father Earth, Don Uggie Apelino.... the list goes on. I just don't know if they could ever appear in this relatively grown-up version in the future. Although, I can't tell you how trilled I was when I saw the Chopper graffiti, he was one of my favourite characters and I'd love to see him in the next film. I want another film, I just want to see more of the comic Dredd. Also, the bikes looked rubbish and Mega City One didn't look futuristic enough but this can (and should) be fixed. Where was the giant Judge statue? Where were the White Cliffs of Dover? We hard-core fans need a little more please!

Taken 2
Dir: Olivier Megaton
2012
*
Taken 2 is so formulaic, so predictable and for an action film, a little bit slow. It is the most 'Seen it all before' film I've ever seen and yet, is so forgettable that I'm struggling to remember what film it is I'm reviewing. Tired and old and disappointing, just like D.B. Sweeney it seems. Okay, that was a bit harsh, I am a fan but seriously, what happened dude? It is also my firm belief that Luc Besson needs Olivier Megaton more than Olivier Megaton needs Luc Besson, again though, what happened dude? This should be stopped at once.

Taken
Dir: Pierre Morel
2008
***
Taken is a slightly above average action thriller. It's not particularly original but if you're a fan of typical Luc Besson productions than you should like it. Liam Neeson is good in the lead role but the supporting cast let him down. Maggie Grace who plays his daughter is particularly annoying. I've never seen anyone run as annoyingly as her. Could have done without Holly Valance as well but don't let it put you off, it's a decent film and a nice change to see Neeson in this type of role - one that he's clearly quite good at.