seany_c Reviews

Offender (2012)

Big Film

[8/10 · 18 January 2013]

Watched this at the Cinema months back and hadn't seen it since, so I decided to buy it the other day on DVD. A brilliant film, not entirely original but a fresh take on a done subject. 'Offender' stands comparison against the great British films of today, such as 'Kidulthood', 'Adulthood', 'Harry Brown', 'Ill Manors' and so on. After a blistering opening sequence, the film continues to impress with its bleak vision of prison life. Joe Cole stars as Tommy, the good young lad who thrown into hell when his girlfriend is assaulted. He's out for revenge. Need I say more. With his moody baby face and mental transformation, Joe Cole is sensational as Tommy. You can feel his pain and anguish and you want nothing more than for him to get his revenge. The other performances are good too. English Frank is both laughable and menacing. The soundtrack is superb at times, the settings feel genuine and the violence is swift. While this isn't cheery stuff, it's sure to impress and entertain certain viewers. Cole really delivers and I hope he goes far after this. ****/*****

Ill Manors (2012)

Deep

[8/10 · 24 June 2012]

Saw this the other week at the cinema. Watch a film. Although this type of film has been done before with the likes of 'Kidulthood' and so on, but the material has never been fresher. I'm not Plan B's biggest fan music wise. I think he's very talented and my girl loves him, but I'm more into my underground grime rather than commercial. I did, however, think he did a good job in 'Adulthood' and 'Harry Brown' so I'm guessing I'm more into his acting than his music. And I'm hoping to see a lot more after this. It's the story of different characters who connect in some way or another. Each story filled with tragedy and each character dealing with issues. Plan's B's singing narration before each story is brilliant. This won't be for everyone. There's crackheads, prostitution, pedophiles, drugs and violence but there's also an incredible empathy for even the most horrible characters. There's also some good humour too. The acting's fantastic. With some faces you know and some you don't, each performance is bang on. Overall a deep, very well made film with terrific performances and a truly original style. ****/*****

The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Must see for fans of full on action

[8/10 · 23 May 2012]

Caught this late last night with the missus and it blew my mind. There were only a few people in the cinema, but they were loving it. I knew as soon as I saw the trailer I'd love this and I wasn't wrong. It's the basic story of a group of Elite cops on a mission to nail a brutal crimelord. They are sent in to his high rise building to catch him. But first they must get through the increasing number of vicious bodyguards. Simple, but more than effective. It's best described, as one critic put it, as a cross between 'District 13' & 'Ong-Bak', but just as good as both. For its budget it looks incredibly good. The score works perfectly, all actors perform well (especially the lead and the 'Mad Dog' character) and it's definitely one for the lads. But when it boils down to it most people are going to go to this for the action. And f*ck me does it deliver. Bodies explode, limbs fly, throats get cut, guns blasted, heads pummelled, all done in an intricate, breakneck (get it) pace. Amongst some of the best fight scenes I've ever seen. All so unbelievable it almost seems unreal. Pure murkage. Any action film this year is going to have to work really hard to beat this film. My girl loves chick flicks etc.. but she's always game for these films and she loved it. She even said it made her want to dropkick someone on the way home. Yeah, it's that good. ****/*****

Lockout (2012)

Good Fun

[7/10 · 22 April 2012]

Caught this late Friday night with my girl after the Drake gig and had a good night overall. After being on my feet for hours it was good to sit on my arse at twelve on the night and just switch off and enjoy a mindless bit of action. And that's exactly what 'Lockout' offers. If you've seen Luc Besson's Europacorp action flicks you know what to expect. I love all of them and this was no exception. Guy Pearce is the show stealer as Agent Snow, the John McClane of the space age. His wisecracks and mindless violence keep your attention. Maggie Grace is as good as ever as the damsel in distress and the supporting actors do a bang up job as well. Almost stealing the show from Pearce, but not quite, is Joseph Gilgun as the nutty Scot, sure to make you laugh once or twice, even if you're hating the film. The effects are well done, the action over-the-top and exciting and it's overall good late night entertainment. As with all these sorts of films, I'm sure critics and serious Sci-fi nuts are going to hate. But as I always say, for people who can switch off and enjoy a bit of brainless fun, this is a must. Let the haters hate and the watchers watch.

***/*****.

Haywire (2011)

Sexy Ass Kicking

[7/10 · 21 January 2012]

Saw this the other day at the cinema and enjoyed it. As far a action heroine's go, Gina Carano will come far I'm sure. The plot's your usual story of betrayal and revenge but done stylishly courtesy of Steven Soderbergh. It was good to see some old school actors in it as well from the likes of Michael Douglas, Ewan McGregor and Michael Fassbender. Good support from Channing Tatum and Antonio Banderas as well. The action, when it comes, is thick and fast. Some of the best fights I've seen on film. Violent, intricate and detailed. And the fact it's a tick girl who's ironing everyone out is a bonus. It's a bit short and takes a bit to get going but overall a good job from all and something completely different from what Soderbergh's done before. And I liked it.

***/*****

Goon (2011)

Enjoyable Trash

[7/10 · 7 January 2012]

Saw this yesterday at the cinema and while it was only me and my girl and a few other people, we all laughed at some point or other. It's hardly going to win any awards but it entertains and that's what you pay for at the end of the day. Seann William Scott does well as the dim psycho. I reckon this year will be something of a comeback for him, with this and 'American Reunion' on its way. The film is something we've seen done before with the like of 'The Waterboy' and so on, but this is much more violent. And the punch-ups are really what people are going to see this for. The violence is often hilarious but is still likely to offend certain people. Most of the fights had me popping off anyway. I thought the actors did a good job overall. The girl who played Eva was half hot, Liev Schreiber nearly stole the show, the French player did well and even the annoying friend made me laugh a few times. 'Goon' isn't going to win points for originality but for laughs and entertainment it just about succeeds. Well you already know what your going see. ***/*****

The Inbetweeners (2011)

Incredibly entertaining, Incredibly Funny

[8/10 · 28 December 2011]

As fans of 'The Inbetweeners' me and my girl watched this when it first came out. It didn't disappoint. If your a fan of p*ss, puke, small c*cks and of course 'The Inbetweeners', you're going to love this. Most of us have been on mad teen holidays, this is that with added embarrassment. The four lads have never been better and I'm sure after this they'll go far. We all knew the film was going to do well but not as well as it has. It smashed it at the cinema and even now on DVD. While I think it would be a fitting end to a great series and a great film, I'd love to see more from the boys. I was sure they'd run out of ideas and jokes but they haven't so hopefully we'll have more to come. The scene where they all skank in front of the girls has to be the films highlight. To add to the funniness of it all there was a bloke in the cinema with one of them over the top, contagious laughs that was making all us laugh. Even if you've never seen the series give this a watch. You'll laugh at least twice throughout this film I'm sure. ***/*****.

Kill List (2011)

Mad Film

[7/10 · 28 December 2011]

Caught this at the cinema about two or three months back after reading great reviews. I watched it again last night in order to try and work out what I couldn't first time round. This is a very original and dark film. There's some violence in it but it's not half as bad as people go on. We watch films like 'Saw' for joke. It's more disturbing, I suppose, for the fact that you can't make head or tail of it the first time round. Neil Maskell is brilliant in the lead role. I couldn't believe how much weight he's lost and I couldn't believe how good he was in it. It' a long way from his 'Football Factory' days. There's good performances all round. The film starts of as a sort of domestic drama, and then turns into a hit-man thriller and finally an occult horror. I liked the fact that it was basically three films in one. My girl hated it but she's never been one for art-house films really. The ending completely mashes your mind. Everyone in the cinema turned to each other at the end as if to say, what was that? I was the same; it's only on the second viewing that you begin to see things differently. Overall, a powerful little film with good performances, the odd dash of OTT violence and some illuminati business that's sure to baffle the mind. ***/*****.

Colombiana (2011)

Thumping Action

[24 September 2011]

The latest work from Europacorp didn't disappoint me. I love Luc Besson's mad action flicks and this was no different. Zoe Saldana is class as the sexy killer ready to do anything to get revenge on the criminals who murdered her family. It's territory we've seen over and over but I enjoyed it. The films action, when it comes, is thrilling. There are some inventive kills and a good little straightner at the end involving toothbrushes (believe it or not). Saldana will probably come a long way after this in terms of action roles and it's nice to see an actress who can act as well as kick ass. Lennie James is a bit on the didgy side with an accent that sometimes sounds like a drunken person at an Indian restaurant doing a bad impression of the waiter. He's a still a good actor all the same. I hope they continue to make these sorts of action films where I can just switch of and enjoy them because as long as they make them, I'll watch them. ***/*****.

Drive (I) (2011)

Make of it what you will

[24 September 2011]

I watched this at the cinema earlier with my girlfriend and a good crowd. Thought it was a well done piece of work. Ryan Gosling is terrific, even if he does do a lot of staring. He plays the role well, cool and calm, but deadly at the same time. It's basically the story of a man who's a stunt driver by day and getaway driver on the night. Think of his other job a bit like what 'The Transporter' does, but you're only allowed five minutes of his time. He soon starts to fancy his neighbour, a young mother played well by Carey Mulligan. As the story goes on things get tricky and violent, and you many find this won't be for you. That said I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found the supporting actors did a fine job too and the violent outbursts are over-the-top but inventive. My girl didn't like it but I didn't like 'Friends With Benefits' last time round so it swings both ways. A well made film overall that will not be to everyone's taste but if you've watched the director's other films, you'll know what to expect. Funky soundtrack too. ***/*****.

Blitz (2011)

Passes The Time

[7/10 · 26 May 2011]

As fans of Jason Statham me and my girl saw this yesterday. I'm usually a fan of his over-the-top action films like 'The Transporter's', 'Crank 1 & 2' and 'The Mechanic'. I was surprised to see that this was something a little different from him. Well, a little different. Jason Statham is basically playing Jason Statham which is always good to watch in my opinion but here the film is played as a more grittier, realistic affair with lashings of violence and the occasional funny moment. Paddy Considine does well as the gay copper who teams up with Statham to try and napture a nutty killer who's targeting cops. Giving the films standout performance, Aidan Gillen plays the killer and is totally convincing in the role. It's not mind-blowing stuff but it's enjoyable and Statham fans will lap it up. ***/*****

The Veteran (2011)

Entertaining Brit Flick

[7/10 · 1 May 2011]

Saw this with my girl today and enjoyed it very much. It's nothing great by any means, but it's a good little film. Toby Kebbell plays a soldier back from Afghanistan, who soon finds himself in another war, this time on his home turf. The film switches between a plot involving terrorism and a plot involving violent gangs on the estate. Both are interesting to watch and both eventually collide. The plot is something we've seen hundred's of times over but that's not to say this isn't well made. Kebbell is very good in the lead role and can certainly carry a film. The supporting actors perform well enough too but nowhere near Kebbell's standards. The gun-heavy climax is gritty and well done, if you don't take it too seriously of course. Me and the missus were the only ones in the cinema, so I'm guessing this will probably die a death while it's on the big screen. Overall a violent, over-the-top but entertaining Brit flick, not to be taken seriously but not to be ignored. ***/*****

Angel-A (2005)

Something Different

[7/10 · 30 January 2011]

My missus brought me this the other month because she knows I'm a fan of Luc Besson, usually the action films he's wrote and produced but it was a nice effort anyway. I found myself pleasantly surprised with this one. I'm not usually into all this soppy romantic b*llocks but with this I'll make an exception. It's actually a really beautiful film, well acted and well made. It tells the story of a no-hoper who finds redemption in the form of a beautiful girl. The film makes you question, for a while, whether or not this girl is actually insane. I was taken with how beautiful and talented Rie Rasmussen was and was even more stuck by the fact she wasn't French and had to learn the language for the role. Jamel Debbouze also did well, his scene in the mirror very well acted (you'll know what I mean if you've seen it). Not for everyone but for fans of a nice night in with the missus, this is a must. Quick note: she cried at the end ***/*****.

Frontier(s) (2007)

Slick Mayhem

[8/10 · 3 January 2011]

Frontier(s) is a fast-paced, very violent thrill-ride from Xavier Gens. While it won't be everyone's taste, for fans of full-on gruesome action it's a must. It's basically a very decent version of 'Hostel' with a couple of thugs on the run from riot-torn Paris who seek refuge at a seedy hotel, unbeknownst what lies ahead. It's not a great film by any means but it is a thrilling one. The lead actress did a great job, but there's also good stuff the actor who played Farid and the actor who played the meathead lunatic. Its style is slick, just what I enjoy watching. Fans of the genre will know what to expect, others may not. But I recommend 'Frontier(s) for a mind-f*ck of a night. ***/*****

Transporter 3 (2008)

Frank 'The Transporter' Martin

[7/10 · 5 December 2010]

'Transporter 3' has had a raw deal. Like most of Luc Besson's action flicks the reviews have been quite bad. I don't listen to reviews really and if I like the look of a film I'll see it.' Transporter 3' is beyond brilliant though there's brilliance in it. The fights are as good as always, inventive, violent and fast-paced. Jason Statham is good as always in his signature role and there's a lot of fun to be had with the film. Robert Knepper is the best of the villains. Natalya Rudakova is not exactly a good actress but she is very beautiful and does well enough. Certain people hated her in the film and said she ruined it for them but I didn't mind her at all. I thought her and Statham had genuine chemistry. There's also a superbly done push ned chase (slang for push bike). Overall not as good as the first one but a lot better than the second, 'Transporter 3' is a fine climax to a good trilogy. ***/*****

Hitman (I) (2007)

Enjoyable Action Mayhem

[7/10 · 5 December 2010]

I saw this at the cinema a few years back and didn't pay much attention as I was more interested with the girl I was with. Watched it since and enjoyed it very much. There's nothing earth-shattering about it but it's not half as bad as the critics make out. They just don't know how to switch off and enjoy a film. Timothy Olyphant does well in the lead role as Agent 47, one deadly geezer and Olga Kurylenko is just beauty to behold as the troubled damsel in distress. The shoot-ups and fight scenes are fast-paced and thrilling. Well choreographed mayhem. Overall for fans of the game and fans of violent action this is a must. For serious filmgoers I suggest giving it a swerve. ***/*****

The Transporter (2002)

Best Of The Three

[8/10 · 5 December 2010]

'XXX' came out the same time as this so that was the bigger film. However this is the more superior film. Jason Statham does well in a role made for him. Frank Martin is his best action role to date in my opinion. Cool but lethal, he's basically everything we want in an action hero. 'The Transporter's' fight scenes are definitely the movie's highlight. Corey Yuen's choreography is brilliantly inventive placing our hero in life-threatening danger that he somehow always manages to slip. Don't take it seriously and you'll enjoy it. I personally love Luc Besson's action flicks and haven't been disappointed with any he's wrote or produced. This is among his best. Top marks to Vincent Tulli for his sound design too. ***/*****

Kiss of the Dragon (2001)

A Must For Fans of Action

[8/10 · 19 September 2010]

Jet Li is my idol and this is one of my favourite films of his. He's superb as a Chinese cop sent to Paris to stop a drug deal going down, only to be betrayed by the people he was sent to help and framed for murder. Bridget Fonda is also good as the prostitute with a heart of gold. This was really the film that shot Jet Li's career up. Fans wanted more realistic fight scenes and that's what they got. We're treated to bone-breaking action throughout. The hotel fight and the climactic fight with the two blonde twins are the films highlights for me. Corey Yuen's choreography is a joy to behold but of course it's Li's skills that make them as good as they are. The sound design and cinematography is top notch too. Basically if you're a fan of action then you can't afford to miss this classic. I certainly didn't. For an even better film check out Li and Besson's second outing 'Danny The Dog' (aka 'Unleashed')****/*****

Devil (2010)

Not A Bad Film

[7/10 · 19 September 2010]

Saw the trailer for this and was interested from the off. M. Night Shyamalan's name didn't put me off as it did a lot of people. It's a simple concept but one that moves along swiftly. The actors all did a fine job with what limited job they had, in particular I was fond of Bojana Novakovic, Chris Messina and Logan Marshall-Green's performances. It wasn't a masterpiece by any means and the final twists surprised me but didn't blow me away as expected. However, the atmosphere was just right, creepy and different. Overall a simple, atmospheric psychological horror which won't grip you like a vice but will surely entertain you throughout its short running time. ***/*****

From Paris with Love (2010)

Great Fun

[8/10 · 19 September 2010]

I was looking forward to this for a while as I'm a fan of John Travolta and Luc Besson. I wasn't disappointed. While it won't please all viewers, it'll certainly entertain those who can switch off. Travolta is superb in the lead role as Charlie Wax, his wisecracks and violent behaviour very enjoyable to watch. The film got bad press but that didn't put me off seeing it. The shoot-ups are well executed. The scene where Travolta takes on a tough looking Chinese gang is the films highlight for me. I saw the twist coming a mile off but you might not. I thought it could of done with a few more fights in it but apart from that I really enjoyed this kick-ass action flick and hope to see a sequel or two in future years. ***/*****

The Expendables (2010)

Does Exactly What It Says On The Tin

[7/10 · 18 September 2010]

'The Expendables' looked like it was going to be the film of a lifetime for me. All the greats in one film. What was better? And while it didn't blow me out of the water it still thrilled me. I think when a film's hyped up to much it exceeds your expectations like this one did. That's not to see I didn't enjoy it. I loved it, just thought it could have been better. Jet Li's my idol, so to see him lose against Dolph Lundgren was a let down, especially as he could probably serve every one of the cast members single handed. Everyone in it did what they were paid to do. Kick ass. These aren't really actors they're action stars so acting's not they're speciality. It was nice to see Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger in cameo roles, though performing a little action wouldn't have hurt. The fight scenes are well choreographed and I was pleasantly surprised to read that veteran martial arts choreographer Corey Yuen was behind some action. 'The Expendables' won't change cinema but it was certainly exciting stuff and a must for any serious action fan.

Unleashed (2005)

One of my favourites

[9/10 · 18 September 2010]

'Danny The Dog' (aka Unleashed) is Jet Li's finest work in my opinion. Thrilling as well as moving, it blends action and drama to great effect. I never paid attention to the film when it first came out because Jet Li and his films never interested me. It's only in recent times that I've realised what a force he is and how he's the greatest action star in the world. That's only my opinion of course. Luc Besson is the man behind the film and his previous collaboration with Li 'Kiss of The Dragon' was also excellent stuff. Bob Hoskins and Morgan Freeman lend superb support. The score by Brit group Massive Attack is a pleasure to listen too and the film would probably not be the same without it. And of course the action is unbelievable. Choreographed by action God Yuen Woo Ping, it's fast, brutal, realistic and exhilarating. The opening fight and climactic toilet fight are the highlights. Li and Besson need to collaborate again, though I'm not sure if they'd top this. Special mention must be said to the sound supervisor Vincent Tulli for his terrific work. ****/*****

Knight and Day (2010)

Sit Back & Enjoy

[7/10 · 18 September 2010]

Don't listen to whatever the critics say about this film. If you can just switch off and enjoy a film then you'll enjoy this. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz are perfectly cast and the spark between them is genuine from the start. It's full of well choreographed action, witty dialogue and pure fun. If you're not a fan of the stars I'm sure you'll enjoy them in this. I'd think anyone would find it hard not to. It seems Cruise has been stuck in a bit of a rut in recent times with his personal life and film choices. But 'Knight & Day' is a welcome return to form. Diaz also impresses and nails her scenes with Cruise. Overall, entertaining and a pleasure to watch. ***/*****

The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009)

A Superb Little Film

[9/10 · 18 September 2010]

'The Disappearance of Alice Creed' is possibly the best British film of the year. It's a three-hander so the film could of gone one way or the other, the right way or the wrong way. Thankfully it went the right way. The script and direction is tight and the films twists are very surprising. The audience in the cinema gasped at one scene in particular which you won't see coming at all. I certainly didn't. The film is helped of course by stunning performances from all three actors. Martin Compston from Ken Loach's Sweet Sixteen plays Danny, the younger, twitchier of the two kidnappers who isn't as sweet as he seems. Eddie Marsan as Vic, the older, vicious and intelligent kidnapper. And Gemma Arterton who plays Alice, the spoilt, rich girl in the centre of all the commotion. Those who didn't manage to catch 'Alice Creed' at cinemas missed out. I recommend it to anyone in search of a lean, tight thriller with excellent performances. ****/*****