Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

by Adam Edwards, 26/05/2013

One of the most anticipated sequels for many years and it did not disappoint. A fantastic cast was already in place and with the brilliant JJ Abrams adding the talents of Benedict Cumberbatch and Alice Eve, it was the movie event of the year.

However, whilst a massive sci-fi fan such as myself was 100% satisfied by the film, I feel the obsessive Trekkies out there will not be happy. Whilst it was a stunning action film with humour and science thrown in, it just did not feel like Star Trek.

On the other hand, it is clear that Abrams, Lindelof, et al. are taking Star Trek in a new direction so any problems with the film or the lack of canon with the original series can be blamed on Eric Bana and the Romulans of the first film.

Best Bits: Acting quality and the writing. Cumberbatch.

Worst Bits: Plot holes, Can the Enterprise really survive under water?

Rating: 8.5/10

For fans of: Star Trek XI, Star Wars prequels, Sci Fi Action.


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By Daniel Bradley, Trekkie representative. 05/07/2013

This one has had to do a lot of work to match the general success of the first reboot. The hardest job, perhaps, was to satisfy die hard fans of the franchise that has come before. There is a formula to Star Trek. You must build into the crew a family spirit at its core - we must care about this family. Then there must be comedy, visual, situational and black alike, but not too much. Then there must be a solid Science Fiction vein throughout, perhaps a mystery, a quest populated by narrow escapes and a perceived insurmountable threat beaten by brains and teamwork. There must also be alien tottie of any gender.

It is for the above reasons that I love Star Trek and would, if pushed, confess to watching every episode every made. The story writing, with rare exception, has consistently been of a high calibre. It was my bread and butter growing up. So when we said goodbye to the Next Generation (and Commander Data in Nemesis!), it was a sad day for many. That Star Trek still exists in one form or another is a blessing - so is this film worth seeing for a Trekkie with hang ups? 

Difficult to say. I loved it, but a reboot still feels like it's coming at the cost of so many years of what came before… The special effects are outstanding, and all done in house which is even more incredible. The storyline was predictable for anyone who knows anything about Kirk's backstory - but that aside, the nods to Wrath are so wonderful that most sins are forgiven. So what if the timeline is irreparably changed forever - we got to see Spock talk about the old adventures…!

I know I watched a good movie, kids. I came out in awe of it… But it's like rebooting Lost with Mark Ruffalo as Hurley… and the Hatch opened early by pygmies… and Desmond's actually a bad guy now because of sleep deficiency and an accidental trigger finger… It all comes done to a simple question for a Trek fan. 'Do you want to believe, again?'

Best Bits: Benedict kicking ass, Spock kicking ass, Kirk having his ass kicked, the rapport with Scottie and the good Doctor.

Worst Bits: You don't have to try and make us happy by dipping in and out of established cannon. Do it unexpectedly, just make great science fiction. Also: Fucking tribbles. :)

Rating. 7.5/10

For Fans of Star Trek & JJ's films.

Lockout (2012)

By Daniel Bradley,

This one was great, kids, just great. I kept coming back to this one, despite the press,  because I had enjoyed the trailer so much… So when the opportunity arose, Nicola and I sat down to watch Guy Pearce shoot his mouth of at bad guys and run around a space station.

Quite unexpectedly, Lockout was extremely funny in places. There is a lot to be said for perfect casting and, were it not for Mr. Pearce, I reckon this one would be as flat as a waffle iron. The storyline was as riddled with holes as the prison guards were by act two, not a great deal of it made sense, vast portions of budget CGI was used with the effect of making the viewer think 'this is terrible, in a good way', but still terrible' and the cheese built up to constipation levels by the end…

And yet, I loved it. It was cheap, it was ok, but it did have charm and smashing one liners. It was like a side project. A labour of love made by film makers accustomed to other genres but wanted to make the kind of film they'd like to see at the pictures. Don't go in expecting something mind blowing, go in expecting something like an octopus. Something diverting, that'll tickle you suddenly when you're not paying attention. 

Best Bits: The many wise cracks coming out of left field.

Worst Bits: Predictable. Yet somehow this wasn't a deal breaker.

Rating: 6.5/10 for shameless style.

For fans of the recent Judge Dredd.

Sightseers (2012)

By Daniel Bradley

Sometimes a weird film is just a weird film. Other times a weird film can make you feel weird for having watched it in the first place. This is an example of the latter.

Independent, alternative film making has always appealed to me. So when a film about a couple of dopey caravanning serial killers surfaced in an Empire podcast earlier this year, I jumped at the chance to catch it. Now I don't know how i feel about it… other than weird.

Let's break it down. Was it funny? Yes. Was it really funny? Yes, (in a 'I can't believe she just said that, oh my goodness, what is he doing…' kind of way). Was it consistently funny? No. Was it shocking? Yes...

There were moments throughout when I began to question the motives of the writer. It challenged me to watch on, as if daring me to go deeper in to the homicidal, tea fuelled minds of the two main characters. It was difficult to stop watching, and by the end I wasn't sure who I was rooting for anymore… I liked this pair initially… But that was before the petty squabbling and adolescent sexual shenanigans… 

Honestly…? Who's to say you will like it, it's one of them. I'd say watch it if you're curious. But like doing most things because you're curious, you may end up with an unpleasant surprise.

Best bits: Misc graphic joke killing scene, dog humour.

Worst bits: Mother in law moments, forced suspense, empty feeling when you go to sleep afterwards.

Rating: 4/10

For fans of A Dog's Breakfast. (Actually, watch that instead. Canadian humour is great).

Argo (2012)

By Daniel Bradley

Sometimes when you sit down to watch a film, you worry whether for all the awards and hype, it'll just be exactly what it says in the trailer. No more, no less… nothing to surprise you with that hasn't already been hinted at in a 60 second segment on National Television.

I worried needlessly as it happens; the awards were warranted. This one is well written, based on true events, well paced and suspenseful without torturing its audience. I like to be on the edge of my seat, don't get me wrong, but no one except my 4 year old niece likes to be 3 inches from the screen giggling inanely. This film takes you for a ride and brings you back to the bus depot afterwards for a small dinner party.

Whilst it had the spin of hollywood for dramatic effect, the movie never went over the top with stunts, action or hyperbolic dialogue. There were wise cracks befitting the circumstances which I liked, and these moments didn't jar with what was going on on screen. Politics was handled craftily as well. I like my politics like I like my comedians. Honestly cynical.

Chiefly, not the disappointment I wished upon it. Well done, Ben Affleck.

Best bits: Airport scene, American Hollywood bosses.

Worst bits: Build up at the beginning. Not enough cowbell.

Rating: Solid 8/10. 

For fans of Con Air & The Taking of Pelham 123

Oz: The Great and Powerful (2013)

by Adam Edwards


Before I start, I will say I am a huge fan of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked and indeed the whole Oz world (and not just because of it's influence on Lost!). The trailer intrigued me so it immediately went on the watch list.

I am happy to admit I was pleasantly surprised. Kunis and Franco were easily the right choices for their respective roles and in all honesty, it was absolutely spectacular to watch. Colours and imagination everywhere.

Whilst it is clearly aimed at children and is very Disney, overall, well worth a watch. There is no need to have seen the original Wizard of Oz but it helps, there are many little nods. A few jumpy moments only add to the film and you will be so enthralled, you will look past its 2hr 15 run time.

Imaginative and Brilliant.

Best Bits: Wise cracking monkey, Magic, cinematic brilliance.

Worst bits: Obvious storyline, convenient plot

Rating: 7.2/10

For fans of: The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, James Franco.

Fracture (2007)

by Adam Edwards

Originally highlighted as a must see by fellow movie reviewer Jamie Lawrence, this film has been on the list to watch for a long while. Finally being watched to help with a Law degree essay, the room was left with mixed feelings.

A very clever story line with expert acting throughout with Anthony Hopkins taking on Ryan Gosling in a challenge of the mind. Gosling plays a hotshot prosecutor trying to convict Hopkins of a crime that he has admitted to but covered up so well, it is unprovable.

Well written and well directed and overall, not given the credit it deserves. The only reason I feel it is not more widely enjoyed is due to its slightly sluggish pace and weaker sub-story.

Clever and satisfying.

Best bits - Hopkins downright cleverness, courtroom humour

Worst bits - Goslings accent, a weak sub-storry.

Rating - 8/10

For fans of - Oceans 11, Benjamin Button,

Black Swan (2012)

By Adam Edwards

A film that boasts Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman in lead roles promised to be an enjoyable two hours and Black Swan did not disappoint. After hearing that it was a particularly scary affair, I was cautious but forced myself to watch it from behind a cushion.

Turns out, though a psychological thriller, not a scary film at all. Very enjoyable with some funny moments thrown in. A few jumpy parts but overall a very watchable film.

Best Bits - Memorable Kunis/Portman scenes, a good twist ending.

Worst bits - The premise of dance (non-dance fans may get bored at times)

For fans of - Ballet, dance films.

Rating - 7/10

Spring Breakers (2013)

By Adam Edwards

Spring Breakers. Advertised as a fun filled romp, filled with bikini clad girls and a bit of drug use and violence thrown in. To most, this premise promises a light hearted and amusing film.

Alas, they could not be more wrong. This is single handedly the worst film I have ever seen in my life. 95% of all scenes in this 94 minute train wreck were repeated pictures of bridges and girls on 'Spring Breeaaak'. To say the film lacks plot is an understatement. Poor directing, disastrous acting and even the editor had an off day.

If anyone asks you to see this film, immediately kick them.

Best Bit: N/A

Worst Bit: It's existence. Seriously.

Rating 0/10

The Negotiator (1998)

By Daniel Bradley,

Hostages. Sometimes you've got to take them. 

On occasion I have been known to lament with the words: 'They don't make films like this anymore!' This is one of those films that they don't make anymore. 

A simple search of IMDB turned up this beauty when I was on holiday in London and looking for something compelling starring Kevin Spacey. With good reviews, Samuel L Jackson, and a plot centring around a framed hostage negotiator taking hostages to clear his name… well. It was everything I wanted Man on a Ledge (2012) to be. Twists, turns, guns, explosions, helicopters, bent coppers, suspense and intrigue, and hostage negotiation… it had everything. 

Samuel L Jackson, a skilled negotiator, is framed for the murder of his partner, and muddied in the eyes of his department for embezzling funds… desperate times call for desperate measures. Kevin Spacey, an equally talented hostage negotiator is called in from another precinct to deal. An independent party, unaffected by allegiance and untouched by the bent-copper syndicate…

A wonderful movie. Satisfying in every respect.

Best bits: The dialogue between the two negotiators.

Worst bits: the wooden acting from some of the coppers.

Rating: 8/10

For fans of Die Hard, Sword Fish.

Cloud Atlas (2012)

By Daniel Bradley,

I nearly didn't see this in the cinema, and that would have been a regret that lived with me well into old age, the next age, and beyond. 

The story and characters, so beautifully laced together across vast expanses of time, echo the Dirk Gently method of investigation. I would hazard Dirk would have had a field day unravelling the inter-connectiveness of all things in this movie. Imagine life events inspire an artist to create a painting, a novel, a movie, or orchestral piece. That artist can have no idea how his work can effect the course of an individual's life many years after his death… Then imagine human nature is (almost) unchangeable, and we are doomed to keep making the same mistakes, kindnesses and decisions generation after generation… 

How can you capture this idea in a film…? By making it 3 hours long. By making it equal parts suspense, horror, comedy, period drama, science fiction, crime fiction, fantasy and adventure. By making the character unique and the dialogue natural for each part. By flashing backwards and forwards through time. By letting the audience see the same faces through history, and having those faces move them through a myriad of genres and emotions…

Do not believe anyone that says that this film is too complicated, that it is a horribly mind-bending movie that'll tie you in knots and leave you unsatisfied… That would grossly devalue the film makers, the actors, screen writers, audience and author. I defy you not to let the adventure take you like a whirlwind, but you will have no problem following it. A tribute to it's creators and editors.

Please. Watch this with enough time to appreciate it. Shed a tear and invest yourself in the adventure.  And buy a HD television.

Best bits: The many faces and characters

Worst bits: It was an honest account of human nature in many respects. Not the fault of the film at all.

For fans of Being Human (1994).

Rating: 9.8/10

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

By Daniel Bradley,

My mother was the one to recommend this film to me. Whilst the actors had appealed, the subject matter and age-range had put this beauty well outside of my sphere of interest. Just goes to show, never judge a film by it's target audience.

This one was vibrant, spicy and had some great performances from some experienced actors. It was touching, funny and relevant to all audiences who can appreciate it. It is paced well, with likeable characters all round, doesn't bore and paints a colourful picture of India and life after 60.

I would be negligent if I didn't ask everyone of you to watch this feel good film. Bill Nighy, William Morgan Sheppard and Judi Dench deserve a special mention for simply shining whenever they were on screen.

Best bits: the on screen chemistry between these golden individuals is a pleasure to behold. The poignant confrontation of racism. 

Worst bits:  The inevitable consequence of the elderly massing together.

For fans of Slumdog Millionaire, Calendar Girls.

Rating: 8.7/10

Man On A Ledge (2012)

By Daniel Bradley,

The premise for this film was the hook for me. After seeing the trailer at the cinema, I thought to myself: If there is more to this film than meets the eye… If there is a lovely, unexpected twist or a gripping story like The Negotiator (1998), then this is going to be brilliant.

It carries with it the same disappointment I felt whilst I watched Jumper (2008). The elements were there, it was even fun in places, but the acting, the linear storyline and the sheer lack of imagination let the piece down. Literally, the most exciting thing that happens in this film is the man… on the ledge.

I apologise to any of our number that hold this movie in high regard, but the snob in me encourages you to come forward with any part of this film that we haven't seen somewhere else. Or perhaps one moment that makes you nod in approval.

I'm afraid I needed to see this aged 12.

Best bits: Finding out whether he jumps or not.

Worst bits: Finding out whether he jumps or not.

For fans of the Negotiator, misc Hostage films.

Rating 4/10

A Fantastic Fear Of Everything (2012)

By Daniel Bradley,

When you sit down to a film in which Simon Pegg stars, you expect something quirky, fun and a little unconventional.  This is exactly what you get with this little gem.

A paranoid and delusional ex-children's fiction writer from London fears he will become just another grizzly murder statistic after researching Victorian homicides for his latest novel. The film takes us on a tour through the psyche of a man riddled with anxiety and crippled by a fantastic fear of nearly everything.

What's particularly fun about this film is, after you leave the house, you have no idea what's going to happen next. A simple trip to the laundrette is turned into a tour de force of emotion. I never thought I'd write that in this blog…

Best bits: The knife.

Worst bits: Gas mark 6.

For fans of Bunny and the Bull.

Rating: 6.8/10

Les Misérables (2012)

By Daniel Bradley,

For me, there were 3 things wrong with this adaptation. 1. Russell. 2. Diction. 3. The final confrontation wasn't agonising enough.

The set design, production value, the music, *most* of the acting, the commitment to staying true to the Musical, all these things make it worth going to see. There is a reason it is the most successful musical in the world. It's powerful, it's entertaining, and it's got a rich story throughout. The tunes are catchy and the orchestra is on nitro. This IS one to go and see if you have never touched Les Mis.

But why was I underwhelmed? I love the stage show, always have! What made me wish I'd seen Django instead?

Russell did not let go like his character wanted to. Repeatedly, Mr Crowe could have made me believe with an anguished increase of volume and an injection of feeling, that he was a natural born antagonist to Jackman's protagonist. But he held back, either out of anxiety, direction or sheer fear of cocking it up. I would have liked more, though.

Helena and Sacha, amongst others, could have been clearer. Strangers to Les Mis would have missed reasonable swathes of Herbert Kretzmer's lyrical genius. This may have been a studio problem that could have been resolved easily, but I think stubbornly insisting on natural musical performance from actors contributed to a slightly annoying jumble of sounds at odd points. To be fair, I was in the oldest cinema in the country, this may have been another contributing factor.

The final confrontation. I just wanted it to be longer. Sue me.

All in all, a thoroughly miserable film.

Best bits: Jackman & Hathaway blew me away. Good on 'em.

Worst bits: Nic: 'Annoying bloody cockneys in the middle of Paris!'

For fans of Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera, Oliver Twist.

Rating: 7/10

Must Love Dogs (2005)

By Daniel Bradley

A quick talking romantic comedy starring John Cussack and Diane Lane as spurned, divorced forty-somethings who are forced to start dating again by friends and relatives.

Light-hearted laughs come every couple of minutes, showing up in the form of smart comebacks from both main and supporting cast. The male and female leads are likeable and believable.  

I would warn against going in expecting a perfect rom-com recipe. It has all the ingredients, don't get me wrong… the well accepted cliches, the dramatic irony, the token gay best friend, the trailer park step-mother, the one in a million chance encounters… but it's slightly under done.

This film comes with a firm recommendation for those that love rom coms, dogs & John Cussack. If you're looking for something diverting with the other half of an evening, this film is spot on. Not too taxing, not too long, and certainly more feel good than Marley & Me.

Best Bits: the Dogs, the wise-cracking.

Worst Bits: If it weren't for the clever dialogue, you'd think it had all been done before.

For fans of You've Got Mail, Hitch & Serendipity.

Rating: 6.8/10

21 Jump Street (2012)

by Adam Edwards

Before going into this film, I was certain I would not like it. Not being a huge Jonah Hill fan and the tagline of 'The only thing getting blown tonight is their cover" screamed teen sex humour and bad humour at that. However, only ten minutes into the film, I found myself giggling like a little school girl to intelligent humour and slapstick alike. Very amusing.

A strangely likable double act, Tatum and Hill bounce off each other perfectly. The film avoids the obvious cliches of teen movies and it even manages to work the fact that it is an 80's sitcom remake, very cleverly!

Overall, I would recommend this film to all, especially the skeptics.

Best Bits: Actual funny drug humour, hilarious violence, explosions...or not?

Worst bits: The lack of recognition it deserves.

For fans of: Hot Shots, Breakfast Club, Naked Gun, Superbad

A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)

By Daniel Bradley

Yippeee-K… yeah. I was apprehensive, it's all been done before. But this film must have been several Soviet tonnes of fun to work on.

So was this a vain attempt to milk more money from the franchise? A cynic might say so. But did we enjoy it? Certainly.

Playing the part of a disgruntled parent trying to talk sense into his estranged-delinquent son, Bruce has the care-free attitude of my own father. Unafraid of the authorities, the general public, and quite prepared to run an armoured transport off the road in Moscow if he feels he's not being listened to. Not believable in the slightest, one keeps thinking 'You can't do that, bollocks!' - and yet, you go with it because it's so attractive. Going abroad and reeking merry hell, the action sequences, car chases and set pieces were quite satisfying.

But this feels like only 4/5ths of a movie. It's missing a few scenes that I'll be heartbroken to find on the cutting room floor section of the special features. Extra, 2 minute scenes of more havoc and chaos caused by everyone's favourite white vested vigilante cop would have made a good film perfect. What we see is a string of long, well done action sequences that are astounding realistic. (Example: The car chase has been done before, but can you remember seeing the drivers in their vehicles as they flip end over end?)

The immortal line is uttered, the vest appears, we're reminded continually that 'I'M ON VACATION', but whereas we're used to seeing John crawling around vents, this is more like John behind enemy lines. And he's so much more confident with it. Most excellent.

Best Bits: *gun shots* 'I'm on VACATION!' *more gun shots* - The wonderful 20 minute car chase.

Worst bits: Not long enough, they got the pacing slightly wrong.

For fans of the Die Hard Quadrilogy, MacGyver, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

Rating: 7/10

This Means War

By Adam Edwards

With Chris Pine and Tom Hardy starring, this film could hardly go wrong. Laughs and action aplenty and a decent romantic link this will keep film fans from all walks of life enthralled through out.

With a normal rom-com premise of two best friends falling for the same girl, you may think you have seen this film before. However, due to them both being MI5 agents, there are spy jokes and gadgetry throughout.

Well recommended for men as well as women, very enjoyable and very amusing.

Best Bits: Spying on each other, fight scenes, FDR's apartment

Worst Bits: A few obvious rom-com cliches, Weak ending

Rating: 7/10

For Fans of: Oceans 11, Austin Powers, Hitch

Men in Black III

By Adam Edwards

As a fan of the original film, I could not resist completing the trilogy, despite the fear of the film being a bit of a money-grabber. However, it works very well and completes the story loop very nicely.

The premise of the film is very clever, though there are obvious time travel plot holes (though lets be honest, what time travel story doesn't have holes!) There are many moments that cracked a smile but not enough that actually got a laugh. The casting of Emma Thompson and Jermaine Clement of Flight of the Conchords fame were high points and Josh Brolin could actually be a young Tommy Lee Jones.

Overall the film is well worth a watch with an unexpected ending that almost beings the trilogy full circle.

Best Bits: Time travelling sequence, Jermaine Clement, 60's MIB central

Worst Bits: The film not entirely shaking the idea that ir was purely a money grabbing trilogy completer.

Rating 6/10

For Fans of: MIB 1 and 2, Will Smith, Time Travel.

A Dangerous Method (2011)

By Jamie Lawrence

As a psychology graduate, this film helped me understand my deeply repressed father and mother issues through the form of psychoanalysis. Of course, it is the story of Freud. Good old Freud. The man who gives 'father issues' a whole mother meaning (pun intended). It tells us the wonderful story of Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud as the inventors of psychoanalysis, their work with patients and their strained relationship and conflicting beliefs. Despite the lack of action and shocking moments that you would expect from a story involving Freud, the story felt real. As if you had exclusive access to their ideas and experiences over 100 years ago.

Best Bits: Keira Knightley's acting - absolutely outstanding. And resulting from Michael Fassbender doing to her what many of us have only dreamt of doing. What? Oh you think I mean... No, I mean psychoanalysing her... honest.

Worst Bits: (Annoyance alert) Freud sounding oddly similar to Bane from The Dark Knight Rises - once you hear it, it won't go away.

Rating: 7.5/10 - A great story at the forefront of psychological theories - a must-watch for budding psychologists.

For Fans of: One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest, A Beautiful Mind, Black Swan,