JRipp Reviews

Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

Storyline is just too unrealistic!

[6/10 · 23 May 2013]

With regards to the special effects, pyrotechnics and fight scenes, this film is quite good.

But, the the issue for me was the overwhelmingly unrealistic plot, and the amount of times i was sat thinking; "If I was that character in that exact situation, I would not do what he just did".

This happened throughout the film and I was constantly critiquing the actions of each character as their motives just didn't seem to be clear or believable! If you like action and are not too bothered about a realistic plot, then you will love this film. It has some great scenes and, to be honest, I enjoyed the majority of it. But, it was just somewhat let down by a series of gapingly unrealistic situational outcomes, and those "as if he would do that!" moments.

Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

If you're thinking it's a hoax while you're watching it... It probably is!

[6/10 · 7 November 2012]

I don't know if there is any definitive proof out there to suggest that this in fact a "mockumentary" or a "prankumentary", or whatever else it has been coined by critics for that matter - but - hoax or not, I thought it was well worth the watch! I personally believe it is fake. Straight from the off I began to to question aspects of the story; the validity of the storyline, the authenticity of the characters, and in particular, who was doing the filming when it was the film-maker in shot!? Anyway, that aside, Banksy does make a pretty convincing movie, and after surfing the web for just a few minutes, my findings have proved that many (dupes?) still firmly believe the material is 100% authentic.

For me, this takes little away from my enjoyment in watching the film. Towards the end, I did feel a little cheated, as documentaries have traditionally been based on reality, and therefore a non fiction documentary does seem a little pointless. But like I said before, it is still worth watching.

Admiring the many pieces of street art, alone, make the film worth a watch for me. Don't expect to be blown away, because this after all is just a documentary, (and lets face it, no documentaries are that exciting!) but it certainly does enough to maintain my interest throughout.

I doubt this is ever going to exist as somebody's 'favourite movie ever', I think I can say that with conviction, however, it is one of those films that I recommend you watch - If only once.

Attack the Block (2011)

Massively Overrated.

[2/10 · 13 September 2012]

I am really shocked that this movie has been rated so highly, I was extremely underwhelmed, unimpressed and quite frankly, bored for the duration.

Personally, I thought the storyline was weak and accompanied with a poorly scripted dialogue, which was both difficult to understand, and cringe-worthy in most parts. I get that they're in inner city London, but the actors just failed miserably at pulling off the accent, and to be honest I was less focused on the acting and more on the fact I felt embarrassed for the actors having to try and pull off the complicated script - which they didn't.

Don't get me wrong, the film had massive potential and could have been amazing, but the detail in the monsters (which are the main part of the movie) are just shiny eyes. It could have been fantastic, more realism, more gore, and thus more entertaining. Unfortunately however, this movie failed to deliver in all components of good film-making and my advice to those that haven't seen it?... don't!