Will Lightning Strike Twice For Panormal Activity 2?

I have a confession to make. I may not see this movie. But rest assured my reasons are legit as I may need to see a therapist to get over it if I do venture in to see this picture. The first one scared me so badly that I thought someone was standing over me when I slept for weeks (if you haven't seen the movie you will have no idea what I am on about). The second reason IT WAS FRICKIN SCARY!!! I don't care what anyone says (and if they don't say that they got scared then they are lying) this movie was so terrifying that I was glad my roomate came home as watching it by yourself at night is not an enjoyable experience. The movie tapped into the world of paranormal and used human fears to scare us senseless. It was a major success financial and critically as audiences flocked to see this little $10000 movie make back its budget in a matter of hours. So there was only a matter of time before the studio knew they had a new francise to build on. Is is going to work though? Will "Paranormal Activitiy 2" scare audiences again or will it be a one time been there, seen that, occasion? I mean will it be a case of Blair Witch 2 (I don't know about you, but the second one was just plain awful). I am praying for this to work again. There are some major positive factors that may see lightning strike twice for the sequel. It has the same actress coming back as Katie. I am not going to spoil it for you but everyone else you remember Katie don't you? Or better yet don't want to remember Katie do you? They have acclaimed indie director Tod Williams (Door In The Floor) helming the picture. So two positive points. But there is no more information about what is going to happen. The studio is keeping it very secret. All that has been released is a trailer with a baby and Katie once again standing watching over it at night being videotaped with time lapsing for hours (you will all know what I am talking about if you have seen the first one). The trailer already got the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up giving me flashbacks of the first film. It was enough for me to start to freak out. Maybe this franchise will be alright. Okay I probably will check it out, but I am going to make sure that it's during the day and that I have all my trusty friends around me for moral support. Paranormal Activity 2 open on October 21 (Australia)

The Avengers Is Coming. Is Everyone Getting Excited?

I think I just heard a sudden gasp from an audience at a comic book store five miles away. Mention The Avengers (not the Uma Thurman, Sean Connory craptacular movie of the 90's, the comic book) and I am sure that they will prick up their ears in interest about any information on this new movie. Well sorry guys, I really don't have anymore information then what the studio has given us, but let me tell you if done right this movie could break not only box office records but break the entire rules of what an audience can expect from a superhero movie. Now for everyone else who has no idea what I am on about (and if you haven't seen Iron Man 2 which basically was two hours introducing and setting up characters for this major event) The Avengers is about the joining of every popular superhero in the Marvel Universe coming together to stop the evil forces. We have already been introduced to Robert (I can wear a bag on my head and still be captivating) Downy Jr. as Iron Man, his sidekick Rhodie which became War Machine. Joining them in the second Iron Man movie we were introduced to Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). But who are the rest of The Avengers. Well we all know the Hulk played by both Edward Norton and Eric Bana. But unfortunetly, the studio didn't want either of them back (tough break fellas) and have opted for Mark Ruffalo. He will be joined by Chris (hopefully this will be his breakout role) Evans as Captain America and Chris (Home and Away) Hemsworth as Thor. Don't forget Hawkeye played by Jeremy Renner of The Hurt Locker fame (a movie which I refuse to watch due to it winning over Avatar as this years best picture at the Oscars, all I can say is this is the first time in Oscar history I have thought it was rigged) as Hawkeye. But could this movie became a case of two many cooks spoiling the broth? Or will The Avengers be the new standard every comic book turned movie will take? Only time will tell. But with Josh (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Whedon on board to direct, it may just come out safely. The only question is if Thor (coming out next year) and Captain America (also coming out next year) don't do very well, have the studio already bit off more than they can chew? Already greenlighting a movie without seeing the audiences reaction to these new characters is a huge gamble. Hopefully for the studio's sake it will and "The Avengers" will be the start of a new franchise movie geeks and audiences will embrace with open arms.

Burlesque May Be The Surprise Hit Of The Holiday Season

I don't know if you have seen the trailer yet, but Cher is back and brinigng her larger than life persona to her new film "Burlesque." But what also has many paying attention is that Christina (Genie in a bottle) Aguilera is going to be staring opposite the legend herself. But will this be the strength of the movie, or will it be a curse just like her new album which plumetted into the depths of obscurity? Giving the strength of the trailor and the supporting players as well, lets just say it has some classic actors bringing their larger than life personalities to the film. Stanley (I am going to be everywhere these coming months) Tucci, Alan (I am that actor who you see and love even though you may not know my name) Cumming and Veronica Mars herself Kristen Bell. Throw in Cam (probably thanking his lucky stars he was killed in the first Twilight movie) Gigandet as Christina's love interest and you have all the elements for this to work. What I can gather off the trailor is that Christina's character is a girl who has moved to LA to make it big only to land a job in a burlesque club owned and operated by Tess (the always amazing Cher). Tess is underwhelmed by Ali at first only to one day here her open her mouth and out comes that amazing voice we have come to expect from Christina (looks like not much of a big stretch for her first movie, but why not start with something you know hey Aguilera). What will come of this we don't know as that it all I can gather from the trailor. The production numbers look big, the sequins are sparkling and Cher looks right on par as her usual sassy self. Just don't stuff this one up Christina, or you will be forever known as Floptina to me. Burlesque hits Australian cinemas 26 December

Is "Easy A" Going To Be The "Mean Girls" of 2010?

Have you heard about the new movie staring Emma Stone? You know the hillarious chick who stood her own against Anna Faris in House Bunny, and stole the movie away from everyone in Zombieland? Well she is staring in what could be the breakout comedic role of her career "Easy A." Easy A follows the story of Olive who starts rumours about herself to advance her social status in high school. Also staring Stanley Tucci (is this guy in everything lately, but i'm not complaining), Amanda Bynes (another underrated comedic genius, watch She's The Man and laugh yourself silly) Penn Badgley (please be not as annoying as you are in Gossip Girl) and everyone's favourite friend Lisa Kudrow. But does Easy A have everything to make it this year's Mean Girls? I think it could be. Sounds like a great cast of actors who can step up to the plate as we have witnessed in many of their own movies. It centres itself in one of the most awkward environments in anyone's life, high school, which is where comedy comes to life (see Mean Girls, Clueless, Superbad for examples). The ingredients are there, lets just hope it doesn't go down the same path as "I Love You Beth Cooper" (didn't see it, neither did much of the population). I for one will be standing in line for this one waiting to see if Emma Stone can pull this off. Otherwise, it may be time for Emma to look for a new agent.

Is "The Kids Are Alright" Going To Prove To Mainstream Society That Same-Sex Couples Are Fully Capable To Raise Children?

Coming out this Thursday is a film which has gained a lot of praise and publicity for showing two women in a same sex relationship raising healthy children in a loving environment. The movie is "The Kids Are Alright" and stars the underrated Annette Benning (don't believe me, watch American Beauty then get back to me) and the always terrific Julianne Moore (same case, watch A Single Man) as two lesbian partners who have raised two healthy teenagers played by Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland which was a total bore) and Josh Hutcherson (who was amazing in Bridge to Terebithia trust me it's not what you think) who had them via a sperm doner. However, the funny thing about this story is that the two children set out to find out who the sperm doner is and the impact he is going to have on this family. So is this movie asking the question that children are always seeking out the missing parent even in a same sex couple? And can two people of the same-sex bring up healthy children without a member of the opposite sex? The movie is coming out in a time when this subject is current with many coutries still feeling that two people of the same sex in a loving environment can not provide the right support for children as a hetrosexual couple could. With this small little independant movie making a big impact in the box office stakes will it send out the right message and start the ball rolling for countries to start excepting same-sex couples? Only time will tell, but I can tell you I for one want to know how the director will tackle this subject, and really give a perspective on if the kids will be alright with two homosexual parents. "The Kids Are Alright" opens this Thursday in Australia.

Streep and Fey. Together, Could These Two Be Box Office Gold?

Well this is great news for any fan of Meryl (I can play anything even in my sleep) Streep and Tina (I can write anything funny even in my sleep) Fey. The buzz is these two actresses are teaming up to play a mother/daughter duo in a yet untitled comedy. Shooting hasn't begun yet, but both are rumoured to be starring and will be directed by non other than the wonderful Stanley Tucci. You remember Stanly don't you? He's the guy that played Meryl's husband in "Julie and Julia" and nearly stole every scene he was in with her in "The Devil Wears Prada," If you don't remember he's the bald dude. Could this be the winning ticket for the studio? I mean Streep has been on a roll since she showed her comedic brillance in "The Devil Wears Prada" "Mamma Mia" and "Julie And Julia." Fey is definitely going in the comedy hall of fame. The woman is a genius at delivering and writing comedic lines and her performance at the box office in "Date Night" proves she has pulling power. She is the queen of comedy on tv, and is going in the right direction as the queen of comedy on the silver screen. Time will only tell. But hurry up girls, I need my fix of you real soon.

The Na'vi People Are Back As Avatar 2 Has A Release Date

Hold onto your hats people, as the buzz is Avatar 2 will be going ahead. Cameron is back on board with the task of taking us on a wild ride once again. But when are we going to be seeing it? It has been rumoured to hit the silver screen in 2014. I know thats four years away, but we had to wait 14 for the first, I don't see it as a problem to wait. But will it be any good? Or will it just be a franchise that will start off good and end up being remembered as something great that could have been (I'm looking at you Matrix dudes)? Lets look at past Cameron sequels. Terminator was a brillant sci-fi movie with scares and action aplenty. Then comes along Terminator 2 which blows,in a word, the shit out of the first one. How many people have always thought the second one was an absolute improvement on the first? I for one do. And lets not forget what he did for the "Alien" franchise. Alien as it may, was a great sci-fi (a little slow for my likeing) but did show what can happen in a small spacecraft when a not so warm fuzzy alien (sorry this isn't ET) shows up and destroys a whole crew. Cameron changed the direction of this movie, and turned the sequel into an action packed adventure, which brought on the scares and made Sigourney Weaver one bad ass heroin (if you notice Cameron likes to write strong female characters who seem to always become legends in film, Sarah Connor, Ripley and even Neytiri). So I think he knows what he is doing. I think the man will be able to deliver a new way for this franchise to go. All we have to do now is wait and see what the man has up his creative sleeve.

Alice Is Back! This Time She Is Bringing Some Old Friends With Her

The Resident Evil francise isn't dead yet with the return of Alice once again in "Resident Evil:Afterlife." Is anyone else a bit excited? I know I am. I saw the first Resident Evil when I was 19 (about a viruse which had gone off in a secret underground governent facility that turns everyone into flesh eating zombies) and have been in love with the series ever since (even though I didn't care much for number two, but at least it introduced Jill Valentine). Paul W.S Anderson, being a fan of the genre and giving us the hugely popular Mortal Kombat movie, knew he had the power to bring this franchise from video game to the silver screen. What appeared was 90 minutes of heart pounding action, gore and a few scares (admit it you jumped). The world was also introduced to one kick ass heroin Alice (played by Mille Jovavich) who brought the action to the extreme in number two and three. Two to me was lame. It missed all the ingredients that made the first one so popular. It lost the plot in my mind. The scares were not there, the gore did not exist and the directing was pretty bad, (as in it looked real cheap). But it did bring some cool characters including Jill Valentine who was up there in the bad ass stakes with Alice. I kinda block this movie out and wish that it didn't exist, but that would just make me be living in denial, it does exist and I have to just except that. Number three restored my faith in the series as it brought back the scare factor, the gore and some crazy action scenes (the birds scene has to be seen to be belived). It also brought to the attention another female heroin Claire Redfield the leader of a group of people trying to survive in this virus plauged world. Now onto number four and its time to bring down the big guys. What has got me so excited about this one? Everyone is coming back. The original director and writer (and Milla's husband) Paul W.S Anderson, Jill Valentine(Sienna Guillory), Claire Redfield (Ali Larter, please never do another movie with Beyonce) and the introduction of Claire's brother Chris (played by Wentworth Miller, Prison Break). What has got me the most excited about this one is it has been shot completly in the same 3D technology as James Cameron invented for "Avatar" (and we all know how amazing that looked). This time the group are lead to believe that humanity has survived in Los Angles only to discover that it is a trap. Not much more information is given but I feel this could be the most exciting one yet. I've seen the trailors now numerous times, and am having a hard time waiting till 7 October when it hits the cinemas to see the if the francise can still hold strong or if its time to pack up your guns Milla and find a new series to take on.

Did The Expendables Pack A Punch? Or Did It Fizzle Out?

I must admit I love hardcore 80’s action movies. When I was old enough, or able to watch them at my friend’s house without my parents knowing, sorry mum, I became like everyone else obsessed with them. The violence, the cool hero, the guns, the big explosions, the car chases, the cheesy one liner. They were a guilty pleasure. Stallone, Schwarzenegger and Willis all became my obsession. The trend soon enough died in the 90’s with these characters fizzling out for what the media dubbed “the thinking man’s action hero.” I mean I love the Bourne Movies, and James Bond is a suave character, but there is no doubt the 80’s action men still rule to this day. So did “The Expendables” bring back this feeling in me? Or did I realise the 80’s action man is well and truly over? The answer is a big fat YES!!! The Expendables packed a major wallop. And here’s why.

Stallone new his career really was in the bargain bin. I mean I can’t even remember the last movie he did that went to the cinema. So with the help of a couple of friends, Stallone has managed to bring back the action big and loud. Stallone wrote, directed and starred in this vehicle which delivers action hard and fast. With him he has been able to secure a couple of well know hero’s of the last couple of year’s, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Steve Austin, Terry Lewis as well as old favourites Dolph Lundgren, Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke and a cameo by the one and only Arnie, (lets just say he could have been used more, but oh well, maybe the sequel will provide a vehicle for him, but gee he has aged). The only two who were missing were Segal and Van Damme, (oh well who cares never liked them anyway).

Here is the rundown of the story (which is pretty simple, but what 80’s action movie isn’t). A group of mercenaries headed by Stallone are sent down by Willis to overthrow a dictator who along with an ex American official (Eric Roberts) has taken over a small island in South America. The people need a hero and who better than Stallone and his team (I told you there wasn’t much of a story, but who cares). And here is when the fun begins.

Boys and girls get ready for the bodies to fly, the bombs to drop, the explosions to be big and the fights to be intense. Throw in a love story of the dictator’s daughter and Stallone, as well as a car chase, and you have the perfect vehicle for these actors to prove their masculinity as action stars.

Be prepared though, the last 20 minutes you will literally not want to be going to the bathroom as you will not be able to breathe as the action goes off. (I know this as the man beside me could not stop gasping and giving the whole cinema his reaction to every moment, he literally should be have been recorded it was hilarious).

Stallone, although not much of an actor, knows what he is doing as a director. He is not making Rocky, he is making a hardcore action flick that will bring back the memories of the good old days (where he could actually run, its hilarious watching this man run, but I wouldn’t say that to his face, the man is huge and I cant believe he is 65) The actors all look like they are having a ball as with all boys, they get to play with some big toys. The movie flows, and not once will you get bored. If the rumours are true, we will definitely be seeing these big (and steroid, did I say that) men come back for round two. I for one would love to enter the world of “The Expendables” again. I for one have missed the boys, and welcome them back with open arms. Just don’t shoot or cut it them off. 7.5/10

Expendables. Will It Live Up To The Hype? Or Is It Just A Chance For Big Boys To Play With Some Big Toys?

Today I'm finally going to check out what every lover of big, loud, dumb action movies gets excited about. I'm finally going to see "The Expendables" Pairing every major player of action movies from  the 80's and direct to video action heros of the noughties, I can feel the testosterone already flowing from the film canister even before I see it. I have to say I have always held a spot in my heart for Sly Stallone. The man sure looks great for his age, and is actually pretty smart if you think about it. Who else could think of getting together every action hero for the last 2 decades and bring them back from the dead to star in a huge blockbuster which has actually hit theatres instead of the shelf of the video store (do we still call them that since there are actually no VHS copies of movies in a video store anymore?). Its every kids dream to see their childhood action star once again bring them the same thrill as they did when they were young. I hope my expectations are met, otherwise Sly, I might find you expendable as well as this movie.

Can Tom Cruise Save His Franchise? Or Is This One Mission Too Impossible To Handle?

So the new rumour of the day is that Tom Cruise has negotiated his way into letting the studio green light a new Mission Impossible movie. Course this is still a rumour but it could possible be the boost Tom needs in order to get back to being the major box office draw that he once was. But is he past his use by date? His last three movies have not at all done big business (I mean Valkyrie what in the world was that about?). Remember, Cruise was a huge drawcard in his day with most of his movies easily passing the $100 million mark. And until he started jumping up and down on a couch and screaming out at the top of his lungs his love for his lovely (and desperate) wife, the franchise felt a huge drop in popularity. Even though number 3 was probably the best out of all of them (I know number 2 was filmed in Australia, but gosh it was bad and what was with his hair) due to Cruises' stupid PR stunts it never receieved the popularity it should have deserved. But here is hoping I say. Good luck Cruise. I may check it out, or cheap Tuesday at the video store has a new one I will have to add to my list to rent.

X-Men First Class Brings Back Our Favourite Mutants One More Time

Did you hear the latest? X-men is coming back. Yes the third movie was not like the first two, but give it some credit there were many exciting scenes. But this time, like the new trend in Hollywood, they are going back to the origins, and this reviewer couldn't be happier. The story will likely follow Professor Charles Xavier before he was a professor, (and before he went bald and was stuck in a chair) and his best friend Erik Lehnsherr, who will eventually become Magneto before they decided to fight on different sides for mutant equality. But the most exciting news for this reviewer is the fact that the bad guy will be played by none other then Kevin (Footloose could their be a better movie about dancing for your rights) Bacon. I love Kevin, and I feel he will give it his all. The man is talented even though I never see anyone else but Ren McCormack when I watch him, he has been one bad ass man in a number of movies (especially in the River Wild where the rapids were not the scariest thing about that movie). The movie will also star James McAvoy as Xavier, Michael Fassbender as Magneto, January Jones (Mad Men) as Emma Frost, Nicolas Hoult (Skins, About A Boy) as Beast, and Rose Byrne (Troy, Damages) as Moira MacTaggert just to name a few. This reviewer will definitely be watching when it hits cinemas next year. Lets hope this director can bring to the table a movie to rival that of Bryan Singer's materpiece.

Who is Salt And Did I Even Care?

The answer is a big fat HECK YES. Salt is one woman who I would want to have in my corner in a bar fight. Let’s just say she kicks ass in a stylish way and you don’t want to make this woman angry. I could not see anyone else perfectly cast as Angelina Jolie in this movie. But before I get ahead of myself let me explain the premise so you can at least see where I am coming from.


Evelyn Salt (played to strength by Angelina Jolie) is a CIA agent who with her partner Ted Winter (played by Live Shreiber when are the studios going to notice they have such a great untapped talent in this man) are on their way home only to be summoned back by their fellow officer Peaboy (Chiewetel Ejiofor) as they have brought in a Russian man by the name of Orlov who believes he has some interesting information for the CIA. As both partners stroll back in to interrogate this man it is put on Salt’s shoulders to question Orlov. As he starts telling her his background story we learn that he is apparent is involved in the KA 12 Program in Russia. The KA program is apparently where they have recruited Russian children to learn the skills they need in becoming spies. After finishing their training they are placed in American society in government positions only to one day be notified of their mission to bring down the American government. Apparently they have been doing it for years as he comments that it was one of their own who killed JFK.

As Salt listens with lack of enthusiasm and turns to leave the interrogation room, Olva explains that someone is going to kill the Russian President. As her ears perp up she asks if he knows the name of the spy to which he replies “Evelyn Salt” to which she replies, “I’m Evelyn Salt” And here is where the fun starts. Is she bad is she good? Who really is Salt? I am not going to spoil it but my gosh it is a fun 100 minutes of cinema as she races out of the interrogation room to prove that she is innocent or is she (mwwhhhaaaa)?

I can’t speak highly of Angelina in this movie. Apparently, it was going to be Tom Cruise and Salt was going to be a male but due to his sudden decline as a box office draw (he only has himself to blame, can annoying say couch jumping and mid life crisis) the script was changed. I can’t imagine anyone else playing Salt. Yes we have seen Angelina be the tough chick in Tomb Raider and Wanted. Yes we know her personal back story where she liked to play with knives as a child, and yes she has more kids that would make Octomum blush, but the woman does make the character Salt her own and lets us see that she is one kick ass chick. There is something Angelina can do with her eyes (I just can’t explain it, watch it and you will to notice it) that she can be fun and innocent and then turn dark and embrace her kick ass persona without any emotion on her face except through her eyes. I have to say Angelina has something and we all know it. And so to does Philip Noyce the director. Working for the second time since the Bone Collector, Noyce lets Angelina embrace her character and lets her have fun in the world of this spy thriller. The man sure knows how to direct action as we have witnessed in Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger and The Saint. The action comes hard and fast. Even though many of the scenarios are completely ridiculous (come on she doesn’t even break a bone, in one of the most breath taking car chase scene) you can’t help but lap it up.

By keeping the action fast and the twists non-stop (you will probably get a bit confused I sure did) the director keeps your attention firmly glued to the screen. Salt to me makes for a fun new heroin to join the action genre. But is she good? Is she bad? I can’t tell you that at all. All I can say is Salt to me is definitely not bitter. 8/10

Who is Salt?

I'm going to check out Angelina's new movie "Salt" tonight which I hope lives up to my expectations. I have been seeing the trailor and posters around the cinema for months now and have been interested in finding out who this "Salt" character is. I must admit though I have a love/hate relationship with Angelina. I used to love her, then I couldn't stand her, now with "Salt" I feel I want to embrace her once again. Come back later tonight and I will give you my verdict if "Salt" sizzled or let a sour taste in my mouth.

Piranha 3D - Don’t Take It So Seriously And You Will Have A Bitingly Good Time

I just caught a preview screening of Piranha 3D (thanks for the free tickets Family) and let me just say I was really surprised. Let’s just say I had a lot of fun with this movie and I wasn’t the only one in the cinema who thought so. This movie has all the qualities of pure camp. Bad acting, over the top gore and gratuitous nudity. Everything a “B” grade movie should be. This one is going in the category of perfect example why this sort of filmmaking works. Let me explain.

The story is so ridiculous the screenwriter new what he was doing and with the help of horror director Alexandre Aja (The Hills Have Eyes, Mirrors) has made a pure camp and dare I say classic horror/comedy movie. This man knew what he was getting into and has decided to steer clear of his other serious and very disturbing horror movies (let me just say one scene in particular of The Hills Have Eyes still makes me shiver) and just have fun with it.

The story is set in spring when the community of Lake Victoria is overrun by 20 000 teenagers wanting to celebrate Spring Break and have a good time on the lake, (spring back is equivalent to Australia’s schoolies just so you know what it involves). Girls, booze and hard partying is what it is all about. But this time the Lake and its partygoers are in for a treat, a nice bloody treat. (mwwwhhaaaaa). An earthquake has gone off causing a tremor which has opened up a cavern underneath the lake which has let out a swarm of Piranhas. (I’m not going to spoil it but it features a brilliant cameo by Richard Dreyfuss and a fun take on his Jaws persona). Being such a small community the town is run by a few local police officers including Elizabeth Shue as the Head Of the Sheriffs Julie Forester (where have you been Elizabeth we missed you). On receiving a call that Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) is missing by his wife, they discover the discarded body and know that something is up in their small sleepy town. It is up to Julie and her fellow officers along with a marine biologist to save the kids from what is going to set the scene for a blood bath on the water for an exciting 80 minutes of pure fun.

This movie has it all. A crazy soft porn director played by Jerry O’Connell who provided a heap of laughs for the audience (especially a scene where we see what Jerry was packing in his Speedos, lets just say it drew a huge reaction from the audience). A fantastic cameo (but not long enough) from Christopher Lloyd channelling Dr. Emmett Brown from his Back To The Future days. A love story of young teenagers that includes the Sherriff’s son. Enough blood and guts that could solve the blood bank shortage. A huge climax on the lake which has to been seen to be believed. There is even homage to Titanic.

This movie has all the elements of pure camp fun. I haven’t seen this much camp since Showgirls (yes I am one of the handful of people who think that it is a classic movie, leave your morals and embrace the stupidness of the movie and you to will enjoy it as well). The actors all know what they are doing. They know they are not making Ben Hur but are making a movie so ridiculous that it works, (come on a tremor opens a world where Piranha’s have been able to live underneath the lake without know one knowing). The director brings on the shock and gore in bucket loads. Many people in the audience even screamed and flinched (even my friend sitting next to me) so there is a bit of scares for people thinking that they will not jump in their seat. Remember this is a horror film. I couldn’t get enough of this movie. The 3D was fun as well letting the audience get up close and personal with these scary little creatures. What I don’t get is why audiences in America decided to steer clear of this movie in droves last weekend. I don’t know if they can’t laugh at themselves or just thought it should have been a full blown horror movie. But come on its called Piranha. Did you really expect to see The Exorcist (which on viewing today is pure over the top fun as well)? I honestly hope it’s true that the studio has greenlit a sequel because I want to witness the fun again. This is why I love movies. I didn’t expect much but was thoroughly entertained over and over again. I mean its not going to change the shape of movies, or win any Oscars, but this is one movie I was happy to sink my teeth into (pun intended). 7.5/10

SCOTT PILGRiM I JUST DIDN'T GET IT

Scott Pilgrim Vs the World was one movie that took me a few days to decide if I liked it or not. I was confused and needed to think about it as it was unlike any other movie I had seen in a while. Here is the rundown of the movie and at the end of the review I will let you know my outcome, (but you should be able to make up your mind what I thought half way through).


Scott Pilgrim played by Michael (Superbad fame) Cera, is a 22 year old guy living in Toronto Canada with his gay best friend/roommate Wallace played by Kieran Culken (who will always be Fuller to me from Home Alone). Every week he plays with his band the Sex- a-Bomb-Bombs and enjoys the world of Toronto and the women in it. He is dating once again a young 17 year old high school student named Knives. After being dumped beforehand by one of his band members who has gone onto bigger and better things with her new band. One day while dreaming he has a vision of a beautiful (and her every changing hair colours) girl named Ramona played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. His sister played by the hilarious Anna Kendrick believes he is getting himself into trouble with this new friend. What he doesn’t know is that Ramona has 7 exes who just happen to have superhero powers and each vying to destroy Scott Pilgrim if he continues seeing here. Here is where the director lets the imagination of his mind go wild and transforms the whole movie into a video game pitting Scott against everyone of Ramona’s ex’s until his final battle with the ex who will not let her get away, Gideon Graves. There is more to this movie as well and this is where I had the problem lies. Let me tell you why I thought it was a difficult decision if I enjoyed it or not.

I give major praise to the director Edgar Wright for his vision. I have not seen anything like this in ages. The director uses so many visual styles and CG for the fight scenes that they engage the viewer to get excited about what is going to happen to Scott and his next fight scene. (You will get what I mean when you see the movie). It is pure fantasy for any video game addict who wanted to see a real life Street Fighter game. The supporting actors were the stand out in this movie. Anna Kendrick who proved such a talent in Twilight (yes I have seen them all don’t laugh) once again cracked me up and made me want to see more of her in this movie. Even though she has limited screen time she upstaged the rest of the cast when she was on the screen. Kieran Culken as Wallace was a standout. This kid coming from a talented family (you all know who his brother is if you were lived through the 90’s I don’t need to go into it) knows how to handle the material. He brings Wallace to life with sarcasm and wit and every minute you are waiting for his next line to come out of his mouth because you know you will be cracking up. Mae Whitman (wow hasn’t she grown up since One Fine Day) as Roxy, Chris Evans (when is this guy going to get the breakout role he deserves he is talented) as Lucas and Brendan Routh (where have you been since Superman?) as Todd steal the scenes away from Michael Cera in their battle scenes. Their comedic timing is a standout and the director lets them shine even if most of them are only on screen for a limited time (I won’t spoil why).

Now, here is where my problems lie. Michael Cera. I have not got a problem with this kid, but its time to breakout. I feel I have seen him be this character in every movie he has every been in. Don’t get me wrong, I thought he was necessary in Superbad to balance out Jonah Hill’s character and in Juno he was the perfect match for Ellen Page, but for some reason I feel like this is Michael Cera the person and not Michael Cera the actor. And for some reason this annoyed me. I feel like the geek chick is starting to get a bit outdated now. But I can’t blame Cera for why I had problems with this movie.

To me there were too many subplots and not enough character back story to understand many of the characters relations. These include Scott’s ex girlfriends, current girlfriends, band mates and even Ramona. I know that this Scott Pilgrim is based on comic books and that they used many stories in them to write the screenplay but it shows. I wanted to know these back stories. I wanted to know why they gave Scott attitude and why they were all part of his clique still. Plus some of the actors were so engaging I wanted to keep them on screen more than I wanted to see anymore of Scott. The last problem I had was with Jason Schwartzman. I can never understand his appeal. I mean I have nothing against him, I mean the guy can act (even though I can’t remember one role I liked him in except when I didn’t see his face and only heard his voice in Fantastic Mr Fox worth the rental peoples) but I never felt the connection of his appeal and what Ramona found so attractive about him in the first place.

Lastly, I know I have a problem with a movie when I am look at my watch. I know that I know longer want to experience the world that I am watching and would rather get back to my own. This was the problem with Scott. I felt it was way too long, (about 20 minutes in fact) and wanted to leave. Even my friend who I saw it with who enjoyed the movie said the same thing (a big shout out to my friend you know who you are) By the last 20 minutes I didn’t really care if Scott got the girl as I felt the novelty of what the director was trying to bring to the screen wore off.

By now I think you know where I am going with this review. I liked parts of it, but not enough for me to rave about it. I don’t think I am the only one with people avoiding it in America and Australia as it didn’t exactly light the box office on fire. I know box office isn’t a sign that a movie is a failure if it doesn’t make $100 million, but this just doesn’t have much appeal for me. I mean I have an open mind about movies and like a bit of kooky crazy different filmmaking but if it’s not enough to sustain my attention it ain’t worth the price of my ticket (I would rather wait for cheap Tuesday). I applaud the director for his vision, but to me there was too much going on, that I had no time to actually know what was going on. There were parts I liked, and I did love the supporting cast but Scott Pilgrim Vs the World, really didn’t set my movie experience on fire. 5/10

A Big Shout Out To HITFX.com

Afternoon everyone. I just want to send a big shout out to the HITFX.com journalist Brenden O'Brien who took the time out to check out my blog and give me some free creative feedback. It's people like that who will have good karma come their way just for taking time out of their busy schedule to help an up and comer reviewer some tricks of the trade. I have now realised I need to change my blog up a bit. I will be doing more reviewing and not giving away so much of the story. I will also be doing a lot more new releases and trust me I see a lot as well as movie gossip. So stay tuned and enjoy my new and improved blog.

Lock Up The Kids And Join Steve and Tina For A Wild Ride In DATE NIGHT

I have to admit I am probably extremely biased towards this movie due to the fact that I think Tina Fey is a comedic genius. The woman sure knows how to write a great comedy (see 30 Rock if you don’t believe me. Come on who else can write lines for characters like “I’m going to make you a mixed tape you like Phil Collins,” “I have two ears and a heart don’t I?” So I went into this movie with biased opinion towards Fey but come on she is fantastic. If you don’t like her tell someone who cares, because I sure as shit don’t, and Carell is just plain funny. I don’t know what it is about this man, but he cracks me up just looking at his face. And I mean that in a nice way. At first I didn’t like this man in movies. I found him extremely annoying in Anchorman, and thought Evan Almighty was just plain bad. I know lots of people like those movies, but for me that didn’t really register on my radar. Then I saw movies such as Little Miss Sunshine, Dan in Real Life, 40 Year Old Virgin and even Get Smart and I thought there is something about this guy which embodies the everyday guy, but with a sense of humour. Anyway, when I heard they made this movie I thought all my Christmas’s had come all at once. The chemistry between these two actors needs to be bottled and shown to other actors about how they should portray married couples in movies. I just pray that major studios take note. This movie made a bucketload of money at the box office. Take note Hollywood: looks and major lead actors does not necessarily equal box office guarantee. Its chemistry and comedic genius as well as an extremely funny script delivered with great enthusiasm by its lead that does. Let me begin with this fantastic screwball comedy.


Claire and Phil Foster (Steve Carell and Tina Fey) are bored with their marriage. Every week they have date night, where they go to the same restaurant and have the same meal and see a movie. Course they still love each other. They laugh and make fun of other couples pretending to make up stories about them. They no longer have relations and are starting to lose their romantic chemistry. At their weekly meeting of their book club, they are surprised to hear that their friends are getting a divorce even when their marriage seems better then the Foster’s. It is time for a change and Claire knows this. She decides to put on her best dress and as her friend says, “Learn how to fly,” telling Phil that she wants to change it up and leave their life in New Jersey and go into Manhatten for dinner for their Date Night. What happens next is when the movie hits its stride. Phil decides to take Claire to the restaurant of her dreams called Claw which is impossible to get a reservation at. Being from New Jersey Phil thinks he can waltz in and get a table. He is delusional to the fact that they need to book months in advance to get a table. They are told that it is not going to happen and to wait at the bar and they may get a table. When one of the waitresses starts calling out, “Triplehorn” Phil gets the brilliant idea to just take someone else’s reservation (a joke that keeps coming back and back time and time again, very funny, you will get what I mean when you watch the movie) As they are enjoying their dinner and noticing the prices, (classic line by Fey, “With prices like this for crab, it better sing and dance and introduce me to the Little Mermaid,” told you she is on the mark with her comedy) their night starts to become a date night like they have not experienced, (in more ways then one) All of a sudden two men appear at their table and instruct them to get up and leave with them. The happy married couple feel that they have been found out, but instead are forced outside where they harassed by the two men, who point guns on them and force them to answer the question, “where is the flash drive” (In case you are wondering a flash drive it what Australian’s call a USB stick just so you are clear about what I am talking about) Okay, I am not going to go into too much detail as this is a new release and I don’t want to destroy the story for you before you can enjoy what ensures ahead. So I am just going to summarise what now happens, but please know that this is one funny movie and I insist you watch it. Apparently these two agents work for Joe Moletto (played to perfection by Ray Liotta, I don’t think he is acting against type as we all know Ray Liotta is one bad ass man and the director plays this off well) and on this USB stick is incriminating photos of the DA of New York. As they finally escape the two henchmen in a hilarious way, finding I swear the slowest boat I have ever seen on film, they have to think how they are going to get through this.

As any normal person would do they go to the police, only to spot the bad guys in the police station. What’s this? The two bad men are actually undercover cops. What are they to do? They have no idea what to do until Claire remembers that she knows a man who she once showed property too (oh I forgot to mention Claire is a real estate agent and Phil is accountant, sorry my bad) and they hunt him down as she knows he will be able to help them. Enter Holbrooke played to perfection by Mark Wahlberg who knows why he is in the movie and enjoys making fun of himself as he spends all his scenes without a shirt (Mark Wahlberg used to model for Calvin Klein and never wore a shirt, I know the ladies will know all about this and if you don’t have you been living under a rock?) I know Tina Fey does as she asks Holbrook, “You must be doing well with the ladies,” to which Holbrook reply’s “I do alright,” to which Fey replies “I bet you do all kinds of alright” Watch Fey’s face closely. To me a true comedian can make you laugh just with her face. To me this is one scene I can never stop laughing hysterically at. Holbrook helps them out and they are on their way to find the real Triplehorns.

Enter the Triplehorns played with comedic genius by James Franco and Mila Kunis. In my opinion, these are two actors who deserve a lot more praise for their work in movies. Have you seen Franco in Milk? Brilliant. I don’t know how he could not have been nominated for an Oscar. Kunis just keeps on impressing. I never thought that she was very talented in “That 70’s Show,” but after watching her in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, I knew this girl had a lot of talent. The scenes with the Triplehorns and the Fosters is pure comedic screwball fun. The director lets his actors go and you can tell that many of the lines have been ad libbed as you can tell by the actors faces.

Okay I am not going to spoil the movie for you anymore but I am going to summarise why I think this movie works so well. Fey and Carrell ( I can’t praise them enough as you may have noticed) prove that they can headline a movie and with the right material can make a movie that married couples, couples in general and anyone who just love these two will enjoy and take a second and go “I’ve been there. I’ve definitely felt that way.” I think having two actors that many people can relate to makes this film work. These two actors look like regular people and if I didn’t know better could actually be married in real life. The directing by Shawn Levy is spot on as he has done with previous movies, (Night at the Museum, Cheaper by the Dozen, Just Married) the man knows how to let his actors embrace their comedic side and just have fun in their roles. They know they are not making an Oscar worthy film, but who cares. I would rather watch this on repeat then some of the Best Film winners, (I’m not going to name names). The supporting cast is top notch. Even though they are big names, they are just happy to play the supporting cast and bring to the table lots of laughs without letting their egos get in the way of Fey and Carell’s movie. I must also mention that this movie is not long at all. It runs for 87minutes and not once did I find myself looking for the remote. The movie never stops and even throws in a car chase scene that is now in my favourite car chase scenes of all time. Trust me it’s a good one, which you will be rolling around in laughter watching. As I said when I started this blog, movies are meant to be fun. You are meant to sit back and enjoy them without taking it too seriously. Come on Fey running around in a dress for half the movie without it ripping, I dare to say with some of the scenes she is in it’s a bit far fetched. But that is what movies are about. I hope to see these two do more movies together. It is about time more people pick up on the fact that these two actors are comedic gold and I sure would watch another movie with them in it than some of the other dribble that big name actors churn out in the year that reviewers rave about. All in all I give this movie 8.5 out of 10. So strap yourself in and enjoy the ride with the Fosters.

FRIENDSHIP IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT

Why may you ask is a 27 year old male reviewing Thelma and Louise? The answer is simple. Thelma and Louise is what a great experience in cinema should be. I hold this movie very high in my favourite collection. Over the years, Thelma and Louise has always been in my top ten, but when I was re watching it the other week, I felt that this is why I love cinema. Thelma and Louise jumped to my number two favourite movie. Let me explain.


The story of Thelma and Louise is one you may or may not know. Directed by the amazing and talented Ridley Scott of Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator fame with a screenplay by Callie Khorli was a big change of pace for the director. What he brings to the screen through Callie’s words is pure cinema genius. Why does a movie with two leading females (a huge risk at the time, and still I feel today) driving across America through the baron desert due to an event which will change their lives forever work? I’ll tell you why.

The movie is about an uptight headstrong waitress Louise played by the amazing (and I feel her best performance ever) Susan Sarandon. Louise is allowed to use her manager’s cabin in the woods for the weekend due to his divorce. She is best friends with Thelma, played by Geena Davis (who I feel is one of the most underrated actresses and this movie proves my point). Thelma is a housewife, who married her high school boyfriend who rules her life. She is not allowed to go anywhere, do anything or enjoy her life without her husband’s permission played by the perfectly cast Christopher McDonald as her sleazy overbearing husband. Louise invites her best friend Thelma to go away with her for the weekend. But there is another reason Louise wants to get away. Her relationship with her boyfriend Jimmy played by the brutish but sensitive Michael Madsen is on the skids and she needs to escape. One catch. Thelma needs to ask her husband. What happens next is the start of the crazy, fun, dramatic, thrilling ride that the viewer will experience and how far would they go for their friendship. Thelma decides the hell with it; I’m going to enjoy the life I’m supposed to live. She packs everything, including a gun, which her husband bought her to protect herself due to him working late all the time as a car salesman. (It is never quiet clear, but you may interpret this that her husband is having an affair. I sure did as Thelma asks the question, “You would think people would want to do other things on a Friday night then buy a car?”) Thelma then decides to not tell her husband and this is when the fun starts.

There are so many classic scenes from this part onward and classic lines, including when Thelma gives Louise the gun and she asks Thelma, “why the hell you bring that for” to which Thelma replies, “bears, psycho killers” It is clever comments like this that you feel that Louise has always been the strong one of their friendship and Thelma has always been the kooky housewife. The journey then starts with the ladies heading to the cabin in Louise’s T-Bird Convertible. We witness Thelma breaking free of her restraints as she waves goodbye to her neighbourhood and is excited as a ten year old. The ladies travel along the open roads of America when Thelma asks the question, “when are we going to have some fun,” begging Louise to pull over and go to a bar where she can let her hair down. This is where the movie changes focus once again. As I said you can’t not label Thelma and Louise into a comedy or if anyone calls it a chick flick I will slap them. From here you can feel that change is about to happen to these ladies.

From here the ladies start to let loose, drinking and smoking enjoying the nightlife of the country themed bar. Then what comes lurking out of dark corners of the bar. A man by the name of Harlen. Harlen waltzes up to the impressionable Thelma and asks her for a dance. He sets his sight on this lady as he can see she is starting to get intoxicated and looking for a good time. Louise however can smell a rat a mile away and brushes him off knowing he is no good. However, when she leaves for the bathroom Thelma goes and enjoys herself with Harlen. We witness them enjoying themselves on the dance floor and swinging back drinks, but then all of a sudden the mood changes and Thelma starts to fall ill. Harlen then tells her he will take her outside for some air. Louise returns from the bar wondering where her friend is and asks the waitress where she has gone. Ridley Scott quickly changes the focus back to Thelma who is stumbling around trying to get back to Louise from the parking lot. However, Harlen has other ideas. He picks her up and forces a kiss on her. Thelma rejects his offer, and with force Harlen quickly slaps her face. Thelma is shocked, (from here on I warn you that it does take a very in your face moment that I still have trouble even watching this part, as I love these characters so much. I have even found myself fast forwarding until it is over). But since I am reviewing I can’t miss the most important part. Quickly Harlen flips her over and proceeds to rape her. The scene is only 10 seconds long but Ridley Scott makes you feel the pain of this scared women, until he quickly changes the direction of the whole movie. A stern gun is pointed on Harlen’s face by Louise who insists he stop what he is doing and let her go. (Now do you see why I mentioned the gun so much in the first part of my review?) He quickly laughs it off and says we were only having some fun. Thelma quickly runs to her friend and the women quickly back away, where Louise says in my opinion one of the most memorable lines in cinema, “When you see a woman crying like that, she ain’t havin any fun.” Harlen quickly replies “Suck my d%*k” And with a mighty roar of the gun blast, Louise quickly shoots him dead. Sarandon’s face shows the anger and disgust as she stands over him (my favourite part of the movie) and makes us stand up and cheer for this woman who has saved her friend. I am not implying go kill for your friend, but Sarandon has past issues which is written all over her face why she has done this. As she stands over the body, she quickly tells him, “you watch you mouth buddy.” Its lines like these that make you want to be Louise’s friend. Thelma quickly runs to get the car and yells for Louise where they roar out of the carpark and quickly are on the run for their lives. (Did someone say chick flick, you better start eating your words now)

From here the movie switches focus to a thriller (told you you can’t put this movie into one genre). What are they going to do? Should they go to the police like Thelma wants to? Or should they just drive to Mexico and start a new life? Now it wouldn’t be much of a movie if they just go to the police so this is where their camping trip takes backseat and they are on the run now driving through the vast desert of America to Mexico.

Enter Hal played with such masculinity but soft emotion by Harvey Keitel. Before this movie, I have always thought of Harvey as a one sided actor. Always Mr tough guy, but here he gives the best performance of his career I feel (remember this is my opinion prove me wrong people). Hal becomes the inspector to deal with the case. He starts to have a soft spot for them, but it is amazing how the actor and director make this character care so much for these ladies when they do not even spend anytime on screen together except for the last 5 minutes of film. But I am jumping ahead sorry; I just really love Hal in this movie.

Okay back to the ladies. In a time when ATM’s did not exist (remember this movie was made in 1991) the ladies need to think about money and how to survive if they are to make it to Mexico. This is where we get to see the true definition of each of these leading ladies. Thelma is scared, doesn’t know what to do, can not think, wants to go to the police, and is frazzled by the whole ordeal. Louise on the other hand, knows that she is in a word f*&ked, and has to stay strong for her and her friend. She can not let her guard down as she is the rock which is going to keep these two alive. Quickly Jimmy starts to come back into the picture. Louise calls him to ask for money which she has in her account and to transfer it to her in Oklahoma, but can not tell him what it is for. However, we start to see the real Louise break. As her voice weakens and she nearly starts crying, but quickly pulls it together, Jimmy agrees and the ladies are on their way. As I mentioned, these two lead actors are so perfectly cast and dive into their roles that you see what truly great actors should be especially half way through the movie. But back to that later.

Ridley Scott takes us back to the FBI where they are now on the hunt for the two ladies. He wants to help them, but also is being harassed to bring these two fugitives in.

Scott quickly brings us back to the ladies who are now at a service station where Thelma calls her husband. Her husband is rude and obnoxious on the phone and treats her like he is her father and not her husband. Thelma quickly gets fed up with this and realises this is the turning point in her life, with the simple words, “Daryl… Go F*(k yourself” It is here we start to see that there is more to Thelma then we may have thought. (Didn’t I say at the start that the roles start to change?) Anyway, back to the ladies where Thelma is in the store buying small bottles of liquor. The man asks is she would just like a larger bottle where Thelma replies, “No that’s alright.” Its funny small scenes like this I want people to take notice of in movies. They are clever and to me the ones I remember. Why? Cause they can change the tone of the movie in a second. It went back to a comedy for a few seconds. You ever notice that in a movie where it has been intense the director has a scene like this to be a bit lighter? Gives the audience a bit of time to laugh and move away from the dramatic tale. I find things like this amusing in film.

Here we also meet the young JD played for his major breakthrough by Brad Pitt. Who would have thought a man who is in the movie for all up 15minutes would become such a big star? I mean I like a few of his movies, but its JD which I always remember him for. It was his lucky break to be part of a movie that is a now a classic. Anyway, JD explains that he is a student looking for a ride to Oklahoma and cause Thelma is an in awe of his sexiness wants him to come along for the adventure. Louise on the other hand, flat out refuses explaining that it wouldn’t be such a great idea right now. But have we seen the last of JD? More on him later.

With the FBI now one the girl’s case, Hal wants to know everything about the girls. He breaks into Louise’s home looking at photos of her childhood, her life, her clean living environment, then goes around to Thelma’s home where he meets her husband, and like us the viewer probably understands why she wanted to break loose. Hal is soft spoken, listens to everything and jokes around with his fellow FBI agents. Its traits like this we start to warm up to Hal and feel that maybe he is a man that will not screw these girls over.

As the director moves back to the ladies, they quickly stop at an intersection as a train goes by. Louise asks Thelma to look for a way to get to Mexico on the map without going through Texas. Thelma states that there is no way to go except through Texas. Here is why Louise did what she did to Harlen. She never says it, but lets Thelma know that Texas is not the place you want to be killing a man. What happened in Texas? Why is Louise so agro about this? If you think about it, you can fill in the blanks. It is a major scene which Ridley Scott knows the importance of and with Sarandon’s delivery of the lines we can presume that the same thing happened to her what was happening to Thelma back in the parking lot. Once again, he shifts the focus from a thriller to a drama, perfectly executed by the director and the top notch cast.

With their journey now getting them closer to Oklahoma, who should they see on their travels but JD? Thelma bats her puppy dog eyes at Louise and Louise gives in picking up JD for a ride to Oklahoma. Here Thelma and JD talk about her husband and explains why she turned out the way she did. She explains to JD that Louise doesn’t like him calling him a pig, where Louise pipes up saying, “I know he’s a pig” Classic lines again. While in this scene we start to laugh, but are quickly pulled back to why they are on the run when Louise spots two police cars on the other side of the highway coming in their direction. She quickly speeds off the highway and drives through the back roads quickly not to be spotted. We can feel that Louise is always on her game even in moments like this where they start to forget why they are on the run.

They group quickly come to Oklahoma where Louise follows the instruction that Jimmy told her (did I forget to mention that, Jimmy asked her to go to a Hotel due to it being a Saturday and was going to do a wire transfer to get Louise her money sorry) and asks for a money order at the front desk. When hearing her voice all of a sudden behind a paper appears Jimmy. Louise is shocked and also you can see vulnerable to this man. They quickly speak and go back to the car, where Jimmy surprises Thelma and JD playing in the back. JD is asked to leave and the girls retreat to their hotel room.

Louise hands Thelma a wade full of cash in an envelope and trusts her with its safety. We see for the first time in the line delivered and Sarandon’s face that this is the moment where they know there is no turning back and with this money lays their freedom and new life in Mexico. Thelma understands and holds the money close. Louise leaves to visit Jimmy in another room so they can speak about what has happened.

Suddenly the next scene sees a knock on the door and who should appear but JD wet from the pouring rain outside asking Thelma to come inside. Being Thelma she says its fine, forgetting that we do not know why JD is who he says he is.

Louise on the other hand is in Jimmy’s room where he is waiting with a single red rose. He wants to know what is happening. They speak and start to fight, when Jimmy quickly gets angry and starts throwing the table across the room. Louise quickly wants to leave but Jimmy stands in her way. She explains to him that she will not put up with his s&*t and will quickly leave if he starts it again. From this scene we start to understand the relationship these two had and why Louise decided to call it quits. Jimmy asks her to sit down which she flat out refuses, (remember Louise is very head strong which I love about her) when Jimmy quickly pulls a box from his pocket, to which Louise opens to find a ring. She quickly thinks about it and we move back to Thelma.

JD and Thelma are playing slaps with each other when he mentions that she has too much metal on her fingers and needs to lighten her load. Thelma starts to ask him questions, when we find out the JD is actually on parole for robbing convenience stores (can you just tell what is going to happen) JD shows Thelma how he does it (now pay attention this may come back in some way in the movie) The film flashes back to Louise’s room where is speaking to Jimmy about why their relationship didn’t work and explains why she is on the run. We then come back to Thelma where one of the sexist scenes takes place, (I’m not going to ruin it but it involves Thelma and enjoying a man other than her husband) We quickly move back to Louise’s room where she is smoking a cigarette looking at Jimmy and we can presume wondering what she has done.

The next scene shows Jimmy and Louise in a diner enjoying breakfast talking about their relationship and that she still loves him, but cant go back with him. I love Jimmy, even though he is a tough angry but sensitive character I have to hand it to Madsen to make Jimmy a loveable character who is one man in this movie who is their to help and not harm the ladies. He soon leaves and we see a side of Louise fragile and upset, before Thelma comes in with the funniest scene I feel is the whole movie. She walks in looking like she is on drugs, walking funny, hair messy and with a big smile in her face. She explains that JD came back and they had a great night of passion. Louise quickly replies, “Oh honey I’m so happy for you, you finally got laid” (see the classic lines are so clever in this movie).The viewer can laugh at this, but then once again we are worried as Louise asks, “Where’s JD now? Thelma replies, “I left him in the room.” Remember, JD is a thief so what has happened? He has stolen all their money. The money they were going to use to start their new life. It is here the roles are reversed which is the change of the whole movie. Louise completely loses it. She has been this strong woman all her life and finally she breaks. She starts crying and telling Thelma everything is not going to be ok. Thelma on the other hand, starts to feel empowered and strong and ready to take on the world. She is becoming Louise and Louise is starting to become Thelma. I credit the writer and the actors who pull this off perfectly. No longer can we call Thelma the housewife who is a bit airy fairy and Louise the headstrong woman. Thelma grabs Louise and tells her lets keep going.

We watch as there is no life in Louise’s eyes. We can tell she knows it is all over. As Thelma stops at a convenience store on the highway Louise is frail and does not want to go on. All of a sudden Thelma shrieks, “Drive Louise, Drive” Thelma has robbed the store in a hilarious moment. This was the lady who was afraid of her husband who now has the guts to rob a store so that they can keep going with their plans. This is Davis’ moment to shine. From here, she embodies her character to perfection and lets the audience know that Thelma is not a push over, (Didn’t I tell you the scene with JD in the room would somehow come back later in the movie?)

We quickly are then moved back to Hal who has now picked up JD. They notice the money on him and see the footage of Thelma robbing the bank. The girls had a chance to come in and say their piece but now Thelma is wanted for arm robbery. Keitel is amazing in this one scene. The man wants to be tough as he is with JD, but knows that the system sucks that these ladies will be taken in now, due to their new circumstances. He is trying to help them out as he believes them. Hal is such an amazing character and Keitel I feel is underrated as an actor, but pulls this off to perfection. (You may notice I have a strong spot for Hal, I love the character, I never think of anyone else when I see Harvey in movies now).

Louise is inclined to call Thelma’s house where the FBI have taken up residence. She knows they are there, and for the first time Louise and Hal speak. He explains to them what he can do, to which Louise flat out refuses. Hal then tells them they will then have to be taken in, and informs them they know they are on their way to Mexico. The one thing the girls had has now been discovered due to JD spilling it in the interrogating room.

The girls are on the run for the last half of the movie, which then turns into the action part. Thelma turns into the action heroin we have been longing for her to become. From the start, we have wanted her to break her restraints and let go. The girls are quickly pulled over in the baron desert by the police officers due to speeding. They know if they get pulled over they are done for. Louise quickly gets out and is handcuffed by the officer. But the officer then feels the metal of the gun against his temple and Thelma rescues her friend. They grab the officer’s gun and Thelma instructs her friend to shoot the radio which she obliges. Instead though (here comes another classic line) she shoots the radio, which Thelma quips “The Police Radio Louise” Classic. They tell the officer to get back in the boot and they lock him up. Once again, Thelma is driving the strong force to get them to Mexico. Louise looks on in shock at her and realises this may work now.

And here lies the near completion of the movie. Now I warn you if you have never seen this movie, stop reading now. If you have read on, the end is the best. The girls are quickly driving to Mexico when they are spotted by a police car. They are quickly chased down in the baron desert. Now Ridley Scott is a great action director (see Gladiator, Blade Runner, Aliens if you don’t believe me) and executes this scene with enough testosterone that any road movie lover will enjoy. The girls do not give up and give the police a run for their money. My heart still stops I swear every time this happens as they come so close to getting caught. However, they don’t and keep going. All of a sudden they are off track and slam the brakes on in the car as they nearly go over a cliff. Where have they ended up? The Grand Canyon. As they keep driving we see a police helicopter flying in the canyon and quickly come up out of it. The police are right on their tail with about 15-20 police cars. Hal is in one of them and knows that it is all too much just to bring these ladies in.

This is where the movie turns into a cinematic masterpiece and we learn what true friendship is. The women have a terrified look on their faces, but quickly look at each other and decided that they have come this far, to keep driving. And that means driving into the Grand Canyon. It is cinema at its best and one of the most memorable scenes I feel in a movie. The dynamic duo is not going to be imprisoned for something that was not right in the first place. We see this in their eyes and witness the friendship and the love these two characters have. It is not soppy, and the actors execute the emotion perfectly. If it were too men who I had witnessed for two hours their journey I would feel the same way. Davis and Sarandon are pure genius in this scene where they lock hands and quickly drive off into the canyon. I still gasp when the car goes over the edge and every time I watch it I still don’t want them to do it. I know though that the impact of the film would be completely different though. Ridley Scott executes this perfectly, as the car goes down, we do not witness it hit the bottom, but are then transported back with scenes of the two friends doing what they do best. Having fun and enjoying their friendship. Sarandon campaigned hard for this ending with Scott as the studios fought hard for the original ending which saw the girls go down the canyon with a helicopter chasing after them. Thank you to this director and actor as I feel the ending is a perfect completion to this wondering absorbing movie about friendship.

In summary, I love this movie. I loved it last week, I loved it two years ago, I loved it 5 years ago. It is a triumph movie, which everyone needs to see at least once in their life. Ridley Scott’s direction is perfect. Even though they are driving in this vast landscape he keeps the focus with the girls and with the FBI down their backs starts to make us feel this vast desert is quickly closing in on them. Ridley Scott took a chance and it payed off. To me, this is his best movie he has done. I know he has made some amazing movies, but to me a character driven piece is a real challenge for a director, then to stand behind big action sets and hope that people don’t realise the lack of character development in the movie. Okay I’m not going to say I don’t like big dumb action movies because I will probably review a fair few of them, but this movie is just the best. The acting is amazing. I don’t think I will ever think anyone could have handled the challenge of Thelma and Louise like Davis and Sarandon. When I hear names like Melanie Griffith, Angelica Houston, Glenn Close and Sigourney Weaver as contenders once for the part, I am glad they went with these two ladies. Callie Khorli’s screenplay is spot on. Her writing gives these two actors a chance to show off their range by flipping what we know about their characters half way through and going hold on weren’t they supposed to be like this at the beginning? We grew with them and felt how they were feeling. We cared about them, and understood their motivation to do what they did. All in all Thelma and Louise is 10/10 for me. I can watch it and watch it again, and never not pick up on something new I didn’t notice before. Yes I know I may have forgotten some great moments of the movie (the truck blowing up scene is one of my favs) but I want you to experience this movie for yourself. You will not regret it. What you got to lose. Two hours. You probably spend more time in traffic then you would watching this movie. Trust me you will not stop thinking about it. I sure haven’t. Every time I see it in my collection I think about it all day. Great story, acting so real you forget that they are acting, directing so well done you want to experience more of his work and writing so good, you think wow, I wish I could write like that. Take a chance, grab a copy of Thelma and Louise and strap yourself in for one of the best movies this reviewer will always remember.

It's Time To Teach These Reviewers A Thing Or Two

I have decided to start this blog as I have spoken to many people who feel the reviews they read do not take into the account the audience the movie is trying to reach and what movies are all about.  Movies are meant to be an escape. A way to leave behind the world and enjoy another place for a few hours. A place where nothing else matters except what is going on on the screen. A chance to enjoy and experience a story which someone wanted to tell, and a director who wanted to put a vision to their words. I feel many reviewers have forgotten the joy and experience cinema can be. They go in and try and destroy what someone has worked so hard to establish. I am not going to say I like every movie I watch, or give it 10/10, but I want to take a different perspective which I feel will show normal everyday people like me do not agree with reviews they are reading, and go into the movies with an open mind and not just score it high or low based on the fact that it is not "Oscar Calibre" or "Citzen Kane." It's time that these reviewers start to open their mind again. I am a 27 year old male who is going to review old school movies, recent releases, or anything I decide to either watch at home, or in the cinema. Just so you know I am being fair, my top movies will not be the standard ones every reviewer seems to have in their selection. Mine range from Toy Story, to Thelma and Louise, The Godfather to Romy and Michelles High School Reunion. This will prove I am not biased and only enjoy high calibre films. Please enjoy and post comments I want to hear what many of you enjoy about the movies I have chosen.