Change Your Image
friendly_poison
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try againReviews
Flash Gordon (1980)
What is there to say?......
...except FLASH! AHAHHHHHH! With the recent news that there may well be a sequel to this slice from sci fi cult classic pie, its review time again.
Now many may be thinking why exactly I am giving this 10 stars, given its reputation as a cheesy reproduction of a serial series. However, I recently revisited this childhood favourite, this past morning after work and I have come up with reasons why.
The Plot is among the most classic of cults also; Professional footballer Flash Gordon (Sam J Jones), along with the cute as a button damsel in distress Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) and the insanely over the top astro scientist Hans Zarkov (Topol) head up to the worlds of Mongo in a rocket after the Earth comes under the attack of the ruthless, Ming The Merciless (The great Max Von Sydow at his best). As Flash goes on an adventure to liberate the kingdoms under Mings rule he is joined by Prince's Barin (A very 'Errol Flynn' Timothy Dalton) and Vultan (Brian Blessed steals the entire movie) to unite the peoples of Mongo and bring Ming and his cronies down.
The things that make Flash Gordon the iconic, colorfest it is, is that is wastes nothing. At 107 minutes long (on my DVD at least) it wastes none of its running time with plot floundering and dead end narrative. The action gets going almost immediately and keeps jumping forward like a horse galloping across the desert of pace.
Flash Gordon also possess some extremely over the top acting but it keeps its head above water at all times with the lines being delivered in a pantomime style that perfectly befits the atmosphere we're in. For example, Sam Jones's dubbed dialogue, while clear is out of place among the more natural vocals of the rest of the cast (of course totally drowned out by Brian Blessed's booming voice), actually perfectly befits Flash as the purely Heroic, cut and dry hero. The supporting cast carries themselves along with the movies pace with gusto. Dalton's Prince Barin carries all the charm and action of an old school swashbuckler, worthy of the romanticism of the films action scenes during the climax. Mings daughter, Princess Aura (the gorgeous Ornella Muti gave all adolescent lads a reason to keep pausing) is a woman divided as she takes lovers by the minute in an effort to oppose her father but maintains her affection for Barin throughout as the two are joined by the scene stealing Prince Vultan, leader of the Hawkmen and poster boy for the entire adventure. Brian Blessed keeps the entertainment factor on top level at all times with the charisma of a King of Shakespearian era gone by.
The music....what more can be said of Gordon's iconic accompaniment than, adrenaline personified. I only have to mention the battle scene with Flash and Prince Vultan leading the Hawkmen into battle against War Rocket Ajax with Brian May's screaming guitar providing the charge. My only worry that if a sequel is green lit one day then what band, if any, could possibly recreate this pulse pounding set list. Queen were as responsible as Mike Hodges himself for making this movie as iconic as Flash Gordon playing football against Klytus's (a deliciously sinister Peter Wyngarde in gold faced glory) henchmen.
In conclusion, Flash Gordon is as iconic as its ever been and nothing can remove that tag line. Doer of the impossible indeed!
FP
Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Rearing Starship Troopers with Groundhog Day and introduce Aliens to the playpen. It blasts the doors off. WITH GUSTO!
From the offset of hearing about this film in trailers, posters and here in fact, in IMDb. It did look like something I thought would be seen, forgotten and in a bargain bin in HMV within the first year of its DVD release. Boy was I wrong.
The story is, Tom Cruise plays Major William Cage, As high ranking official in an army who are faced off with a seemingly unbeatable Alien race, intent on conquering Earth. Cage, who has never seen a single day of active combat is stripped of his rank for insubordination by his commanding officer and thrown into a barracks where he, and a ragtag platoon of soldiers (including an ever charismatic Bill Paxton) are thrust into what appears to be a suicide mission. Meeting the Alien army head on in combat. After being killed, Cage inexplicably awakens the morning of the battle with his memories and combat experience intact. Enlisting the aid of Emily Blunt, hardened Special Forces Soldier, Rita Vrataski. Cage begins a race against time quest to win this battle and bring victory for the Human Race.
The thing with Edge of Tomorrow, going in for me, was that it took me by surprise in a completely unexpected fashion. On the surface, Edge has the face of a Sci Fi action thriller that, I later found out was an Americanizd version of a manga entitled 'All You Need Is Kill'. The image of a sword wielding Emily Blunt on the poster is a reminder of the comic bookish stylisation that runs throughout. The mech style armour suits worn by the characters and the high tech weapondry holds a certain sense of Iron Mongers vs Plantlife in the organic looking Alien creatures.
In short, Edge of Tomorrow is a new cult favourite of mine and I'm sure is up there in may other lists too. Around half way though, the film introduces an almost supernatural feel with the biological implications of the Aliens DNA on Cruise's character, causing the day restarts. The ways that the script handles the template of the 'Groundhoggish' support is innovative and continues on throughout by upping the stakes. Just when you think the films plot strands have run their course, a new route to the end goal is discovered and is implemented and evolved. Much the same as Cage, who begins the film as a cowardly deserter and is forged by Rita with a hammer into a Warrior who carries the weight of humanity on his ever growing shoulders.
A true, new age sci fi epic. Not to be missed! -FP
Kill the Messenger (2014)
Renner breaks the 'Hawkeye' stalemate
Like I said in the description, for some time now I have been looking forward to see what Renner is capable of, outside of the usual action tropes we've come to see him in. The result is well earned and well acted as Renner takes on the role of real life journalist, Gary Webb, and takes the character on a broken hearted, broken down and ultimately, breaking of the surface ride.
From the moment I first saw the trailer I was intrigued, I know very little about the scandals that have rocked the American headlines, media, government and people but this was a story that I felt the impact of, and received it with open arms as this adaptation from Webbs own book, Dark Messenger.
The film itself has a very, 'indie' approach with its camera shaking around, Paul Greengrass style. I know the style isn't for everyone but here it really takes as it gives a very documentary like feel to the journey of Webb as he travels into Nicaragua to uncover evidence of the CIA involving drug smuggling, all the way through to the vicious smear campaign, that drives Webb out of his home and to the very edge of his sanity.
The cast is solid, with Renner being joined by the likes of Oliver Platt as his sceptical boss. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is at the side as Webbs editor and voice of reason that goes mostly unheeded. Also, Webbs wife, played by Rosemarie DeWitt plays a very believable woman who was followed her husband into the would be Dragon's nest and not for the first time. Small appearances from Robert Patrick, Ray Liotta and Barry Pepper are also on the bill but I do feel that they were underused in a con to the pros, but then this is based on a true story so these walk ons are unavoidable.
If you're familiar with this historical event, during the mid nineties or even if you're not then it is definitely worth your time. The film is good enough to show off that Jeremy Renner has got the chops to face all the odds coming his way.
Interstellar (2014)
Nolan is back....and he's brought Sci-Fi with him...
For the longest time I have found myself debating the state of 'Dark Knight Rises'. I went from my first moment in my local cinema and having my socks blown into orbit by the spectacle and impact it made that, for the longest amount of time I forwent the flaws it contained.
Now I may draw criticism for this but none the less, 'Rises' was not Nolan's finest hour and was the result, I feel, of Nolan's uncertainty to return to the franchise and as the embers, trailing the colossal, Dragoneque flames of 'Inception'. Flitting between loving, hating, loving and disliking 'Rises', I was awaiting 'Interstellar' with baited breath.
The result has answered the question as to weather or not Nolan is back? The answer is an unmistakable yes, many times over.
From the get go the movie gets off to a flying start and the narrative is both fast paced but loses no exposition and momentum. Matthew McConaughey leads up a cast who spend the entire run time of the movie exploring. Be it time, space, knowledge, relationship, loss, family, the unknown or the future, Interstellar has brought an age of science fiction back from the days of old with its thematic style and presentation. Snatches of Kubrick's '2001', Roddenberry's 'Star Trek' and Scott's 'Alien' can be felt like a fresh, clean breeze that Nolan has welcomed on screen. For now, these words review and affirm a true Science Fiction classic in the making and proof that Christopher and Jonathan Nolan are back and have given us, the audience a piece of cinematic wonder for our minds and imaginations to engorge to their hearts content.
FP
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Absolutely beautiful
After many years I've never experienced any film from the catalogue of Jim Jarmusch, where before I just considered this to be a consequence of a non path cross, I now see it as a crime on my part.
For my first movie (ironically his latest output) to see of his, Only Lovers Left Alive paints a beautiful cinematic work on a canvas of a Detroit setting that feels like its most at home in a 1990's environment. This backdrop is but one picture piece included in a puzzle of film beauty, a romantic story of darkness, light humour, death, history, relationships and a helluva musical decadence.
Brief, but words I feel totally appropriate in describing OLLA.
If you love Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, John Hurt and some neat bow tie performances from Mia Wasikowska and Anton Yelchin, oh and of course Vampires of old. Then Lovers will not disappoint.
Star Trek (1966)
Many happy childhood memories returned
I have, as of the previous night, been revisiting the depth, scale, love, wonder and atmosphere of this iconic sci fi TV series. My father, in my youth would painstakingly record the episodes, one at a time on VHS. A format, like a lot of the technology of this series, could now be considered archaic in relativity. But none the less, it has stood the test of time like no other.
The adventures of the Federation Starship, the USS Enterprise, and its crew, led by Captain Kirk, kept me totally enthralled with affection of the unknown all throughout my childhood and beyond. I've been drawn to laugh at the comedic moments, appreciate the ballsy fight sequences against alien assailants, have my blood race in the face of space battles between ships and machines and more than anything else. Feel like I belong.
Put simply, Star Trek is not only the original and best series set in other worlds, it also teaches many lessons about seeking out new friends, exploration, everyone co existing together and it welcomes you with open arms.
Top marks all round, fascinating, give her all she's got :-)
Vantage Point (2008)
Underrated for sure
I saw this when it first came out here in the UK back in 2008 and it was a near empty theater, in hindsight this was a good thing as there was no distraction from what I believe is a highly underrated political thriller.
From the get go we are drawn into the action from afar, so to speak when we witness the assassination of the US President and a bombing of a peace conference in Spain from the safety of a newscaster truck. But the perspective quickly changes after that when the clock goes back and we get to the middle of the action from the POV of two secret service agents.
OK, that's just skimming the surface here but to be honest that's all you need for a blurb dude. This film's selling point is not only its great cast (Dennis Quaid, William Hurt, Matthew Fox and Forest Whitaker are the American sellers here but the whole cast in this. Also Sigourney Weaver makes a special appearance as a Newscaster boss.) but its unique narrative whereby the films plot is gradually told in separate parts, or 'episodes' if you will, from the perspective of the different characters one at a time. Each time the story of one reaches a head, the clock goes back to the start for the next one, revealing new plot points and twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat till the end.
Watch this, you gotta give it a chance.
FP
Chronicle (2012)
A Found Footage Masterpiece
Just finished watching this, after the encouragement of of my girlfriend and I was extremely impressed, needless to say this is a landmark in the the genre of 'found footage'.
I recently saw 'The Blair Witch Project' and I was introduced into a world of apparent, 'realism' in film. A medium so simple of taking a camcorder and simply recording your normal life or say heading into a forest to document a ghost chase, becomes all the more personal and vivid when played out in a film-within a film environment.
Chronicle continues this effective display of realism with perfection in this supernatural drama, directed brilliantly by Josh Trank. The film follows 3 high school students, Andrew (Dane DeHaan), Matt (Alex Russell) and Steve (Michael B. Jordan) as they stray away from a late night party into a strange pit, where, after a little exploring they discover a large, strange and glowing crystal that apparently bestows telekinetic powers upon the trio. At first the three friends playfully experiment and get to grips with their new found powers, such as messing with patrons in supermarkets and even moving parked cars to test themselves but also eventually expand outwards into even more impressive feats. Flying.
Out of the three, the stand out performance is from DeHaan's, Andrew. He lives a shy, reclusive life as he is frequently bullied at school and is abused mentally and physically by his alcoholic father, Michael (Richard Detmer). From the get go, Andrew purchases a camera to document his life, forming the base angle from which the movie is viewed. As the film goes on, Andrew, having grown more powerful, begins to telekinetic move the camera around, giving the audience an excellent view into not only the story as it unfolds but the evolution of Andrew and the rest of the cast.
The character development is deep and relationships between the three protagonists is well written and translates well to the screen. The films message also speaks out on the topics of loneliness, social awkwardness, acceptance and the true depth of power.
If you're a fan of the 'found footage' or, hell, even if you aren't. I highly recommend this awesome movie, especially if you've had problems in high/senior school in your youth (who hasn't right?). You may learn a lot about yourself, others and what it means to be human after all.
I'll catch you guys another way, another time.
FP
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
The greatest comic book film so far
On a personal note, after Batman Begins, after The Avengers and after the evolution of the comic book movie from a cult audience pleaser to an award winning blockbuster, I thought to myself. Well where could it go from here.
The answer is, here.
From the first moment to the last breath, this film totally blew me away on a level I couldn't predict. With Iron Man and The Avengers itself getting most of the critical praise and fan support it was clear to me that Chris Evan's, Steve Rogers was in need of a boost, many fans also argued that ol' Cap got the least amount of treatment out of the Avengers. If this is so then I chock it up to him being the proverbial 'fish out of water' for that film.
From that last statement I can go on to say that the 'fish out of water' thing is a central thing to this film as Steve Rogers fights to face his new place in the world, having been thrust from WWII into present day in the span of a heartbeat. And Chris Evans handles this pressure with excellence, Evans is loaded with a powerhouse performance throughout and aided by a stellar supporting cast including Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson, Samuel L Jackson's Nick Fury, Cobie Smulder's Maria Hill, Robert Redford's Alexander Pierce, Frank Grillo's Brock Rumlow and Sebastian Stan's Winter Soldier.
In stark contrast to the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) films we have seen so far, this film can be truly accessible for 'semi' intense comic fans as well as the die hard as the films genre feels more along the lines of an epic action/political thriller than the spandex laden days of old.
Trust me, you need to see this film man. The Russo Brothers have created the MCU equivalent of 'The Empire Strikes Back' here and it does not disappoint.
If The Avengers left you on the edge of your seat, then The Winter Soldier will leave you hovering in the aisle!
FP