Who am I? That is the question for Mr Neeson

I have to admit I might be a bit biased in this review, but the fact is I think Liam Neeson is one of the coolest actors. He may be in his 50's, but the dude sure knows how to choose his movies and make the most out of some cool material. From his turn in Schindler's List, to the villain in Batman Begins, to his turn as a doctor trying to find a young women's voice in Nell, Liam's range covers all genres. After his tough guy, take no prisoner, action man in Taken (haven't seen it, then do, it's worth it) Liam is now seen as a bit of an action man pro staring in last years highly underrated A-Team and now in his excellent action/thriller movie, "Unknown." Why was it a great thriller? Read on and find out.

Dr Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) is on his way to a conference with his beautiful wife Elizabeth (January Jones) to give a speech. On his way to the hotel room he notices that he has forgotten his briefcase at the airport which contains his speech, passport, and wallet. He leaves his wife and heads back to see if he can retrieve it. Hoping into a cab, he encounters Rita (Diane Kruger) his driver who he thinks he will never see again, but she may be the only person who can help him, after her cab is involved in an accident after a large fridge falls off the back of a van. Trying to avoid it, Rita loses control smashing into a bridge ploughing into the river below. Pulling the unconscious Martin out of the freezing cold water, Rita flees the scene due to being an illegal immigrant. Martin wakes up four days later from a coma in a Berlin hospital. After convincing the doctor to find his wife, he manages to go back to the hotel only to find his wife with another man who claims he is Dr. Martin Harris (Adian Quinn) and that she is his wife. His head starts to spin as he is certain he is Dr. Martin Harris. Is he? What is going on? Has he hit his head to hard? Or is there more sinister forces at play here? After tracking down Rita who is the only person to ever meet him in Berlin, and enlisting the help of Ernet Jurgen (Bruno Ganz) a private detective who may uncover more than he should, Liam is on his way to discover who he really is. But that's it. I can't say anymore or I will give too much away and I hate those reviewers who do that.

Let me just say this. If I can't figure out the twist, I know that I am watching a well done thriller. This movie had me stumped at what the twist was going to be and let me tell you it is very smart. Hats off to screenplay writer Oliver Butcher for doing something out of the norm. Liam Neeson plays the part to perfection. Liam is born to play these roles. He has the dynamic face and acting skills to pull it off, and let me tell you he gets put through the ringer in this film. Whether it be a crazy car chase (which was well directed) along the icy roads of Berlin, or being stalked by crazy hit men, Liam holds his own in every scene.

But let's not forget the rest of the cast. Diane Kruger is fantastic as Rita, the girl whose cab he just had to jump into to get involved with this mess. Kruger holds her own against acting legend Neeson, and brings to the role a sense of trust and kindness but also a sassy chick who will not take any bull from anybody. But I must give credit to Bruno Ganz who played Ernst Jurgen. I have never seen this old actor before, but when he was on screen he captured the audiences attention from the get go. He works well off Neeson and brings a kind friendship and understanding to a man in need.

This movie is being compared a lot to Taken. Yes they are both action/thrillers and yes they both star Liam Neeson but they could not be further apart. This one is a thinking man's thriller and director Jaume Collet - Serra brings the action hard and fast, but does not rely on it to capture the audiences attention. The movie keeps you guessing and makes you think the action scenes are a bonus, not a necessity. The movie flows very well and if I had to say anything bad about this film, I would have liked to continue the journey. Trust me, if you like your thrillers smart and interesting and not full of bloody over the top violence, see Unknown. 9/10

How would you cope if you lost your only child?

Nicole Kidman is either a love her or loathe her sort of actress. When she scores big, she wins loads of awards, praise and a hefty next paycheck. But when she fails, she is butchered for her work, making us ask the question, "is she really worth spending $13 to see her non-moving face headline a movie." Her last three big movies, Australia, The Golden Compass and The Invasion didn't exactly set the box office on fire and really didn't do much for anybody. But it comes as a great surprise that Nicole is back to fine form as an actress as witnessed in previous efforts with her new emotionally charged film, "Rabbit Hole." Now lets just say Nicole definitely deserves the praise for this one, but let's not forget she is in excellent company. But wait, I am jumping too far ahead of myself here. Let's get to the review.

Becca (Nicole Kidman) and Howie (Aaron Eckhart) are you typical American couple. Perfect house, strong income, but there is one thing they no longer have, their four year old son Daniel. Eight months ago, Daniel was taken from them, when a car hit their son outside of their house, which resulted in his death. What they have left are the memories of their son. His clothes, the room which he slept, his dog. But how do you stop the pain, and even after eight months, how do you move forward? It is here where we are introduced to the supporting players of the movie, and how they are involved with the therapy needed for this couple to try and move on. On one hand, they are trying group therapy for other families who have lost their children, where they meet Gaby (the incredible Sandrah Oh) and her husband who have been coming for over eight years. We see the support of Becca's mother in the form of Diane Weist who holds the same pain that her daughter does after losing her only son eleven years ago who helps her with her struggle. Feeling that none of these are helping with her cope, Becca has a chance encounter of the young man which struck her child resulting in his death and forms an unlikely friendship. From this encounter, it begins the motion of the help she needs to cope with her loss. I'm not saying anything more, but this movie is one emotionally charged film, headed by a great cast.

Kidman and Eckhart are at their best here. Overshadowed by Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight, Eckhart, delves deep into his emotions to show a man who is hurting, but unlike his wife wants people to know he is in pain and is emotionally crippled by the loss of his son. His interaction with Kidman is intense in many scenes and makes you forget that you are watching a movie and really feel that you are a voyeur looking in on a cracked relationship. Kidman has never been better. As Becca, she is so intense using every emotion in her acting handbook to show the pain and steps needed to start to move forward in life when a tragedy occurs. We learn it is hard, but every day a step needs to be taken in order to try and make each day bearable.

It is not only the two leads which surprise here, Diane Weist is amazing as always. As Becca's mother she shows after her own tragedy, that we never really get over a family member dying, but there are ways to make it through. Weist gives such an emotional portrayal of this, that we can sorta see into the future of how Becca will turn out. But I want to give a special mention to the young actor who plays Jason, the man who accidentally killed Becca and Howie's child. Miles Teller is an amazing young actor, who really needs to be watched. He is amazing, as a young man who has to live the rest of his life with the pain of what he did, and how he has impacted this family. His interactions with Kidman are fantastic and make the picture that much more interesting.

I have to give credit to filmmaker John Cameron Mitchell, the director of this piece. The way this movie is made is not what I expected. From the shorts, it looked like we were going to witness the death of a child followed by the life after it. But it is actually extremely well done, as we fast-forward eight months, and then are slowly given tidbits of what has happened in the past, making it a sort of piece together the puzzle movie. It makes us see the grievance process in a different light and I think in this case makes the movie work well.

Rabbit Hole is one emotionally charged movie, so make sure you take your tissues. It is not light, but gives us into a look at how a couple copes with the loss of their only child. I am not giving away why it is called Rabbit Hole, as this is one of the key scenes which makes the movie have a strong impact if you think about it. Kidman definitely deserves the praise she is given in this film, and really her supporting players should be up their with her. They make this film. Without the talent involved, this movie could have fallen flat in the soppy direct to DVD pile. But instead rises above the material and impacts the viewer. Rabbit Hole is a strong character driven piece that strongly needs to be seen. 8/10

Can you believe this roadtrip has been going on for 20 years?

Where were you in 1991? Some people were at school. Some traveling. Some becoming parents. But for two actresses and one top notch director, they would show the world of film that a roadtrip about two women was going to make its impact in the world of cinema. Yes, I am talking about the one and only Thelma and Louise and come this year it is it's 20th year anniversary. The movie that made girl power a huge statement, that made a big star out of Brad Pitt (and his abs) and showed that women don't have to turn ugly or play a real person to win an Oscar nomination. Susan Sarandon has never been better, and Geena Davies made everyone stand up and take notice. Hollywood was proved that two women could handle holding an entire movie and with the help of the legendary Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Alien) that it would become a huge sensation at the box office, with one of the most memorable endings in movie history, (it still makes this reviewer keep wishing everytime I watch it that it would change just once). And if you haven't seen it, what have you been doing for the last twenty years? Seriously, this is one piece of cinema everyone needs to witness in order to fully appreciate when a movie says "stuff you to society" and just goes for it, breaking all the barriers and stereotypes in its way. This reviewer is a bit biased towards this film (it's my second favourite film of all time), but I urge you to see why this film won so many awards, and why it is cinematic gold.

I want to win the Blockbuster Blogger Comp

Hi All,

This is not like my normal posts, but by viewing my profile on the Blockbuster page I can win the chance to go to the Cannes film festival which would be the best thing to happen to this Aussie. I have always wanted to go and with your support I can. I know you view my blog for a reason and I know I have the passion and interest in the film industry to bore people to tears with my knowledge, but I feel for those who love film as much as me that they understand the obsession and dedication to the industry. Please look it up. Follow the link http://www.blockbustersuperblogger.com.au/members/jimmydean83/blog/

Thanks heaps

Jimmydean

How far would you go to keep your family together?

Russell Crowe is an interesting actor. Take away his temper and the media scrutiny over it (yes we all have heard the telephone throwing incident, but come on, who wouldn't want to do that just once) and the man sure knows how to pick his movie roles. From playing Jeffrey Wingald who brought the tobacco industry to it's knees in "The Insider" to his ancient epic action/drama "Gladiator" to his Oscar winning role in "A Beautiful Mind," there is no way you can type cast this man. He is one of the best Australian exports to come from this country (yes I know he is from New Zealand, but hey we have claimed him now) and really the man is awesome, (and yes I am biased) Well Crowe is back for vengeance in Oscar Winner Paul Haggis' new film, "The Next Three Days," and let me tell you Crowe does not disappoint. But hey, before I tell you why, lets get to the film.

John Brennan (Crowe) is a family man with a gorgeous wife Lara (Elizabeth Banks), a young healthy 6 year old son Luke (Ty Simpkins) a home in Pittsburgh and a job as a literature professor. That is until one day this all comes crashing down, when police charge into his home and arrest his wife. Why may you ask? Well apparently someone has accused Lara of killing her boss. There is blood on her jacket, someone saw her leave the crime and her fingerprints are on the weapon, Did she do it? Can't tell you that. But one man believes she is innocent. After their appeal is rejected after three years of fighting, Russell is going to get his tough macho man act together and thinks of a way to bring his family back together. He is going to break Lara out of jail. That's right, out of a maximum security jail. With the help of Damon Pennington (Liam Neeson in a blink and you will miss him role) a man who has escaped jail seven times, he explains the process which is not going to be easy. What occurs next is how far a man will go to bring his family together. How far he is willing to put himself on the line and how far might be too far so that the plan does not fall apart.

Intrigued yet, you should be. This is one thriller that definitely worked and you know why? It is the result of a great screenplay, acting and directing. Coming off his work on Million Dollar Baby, Crash, Casino Royale, Paul Haggis is an Academy Award screenplay winner. His work is able to bring action hard and fast (see Casino Royale) or tug at the heart strings without being too sappy and predictable (see Million Dollar Baby, that movie still haunts me) Here he has decided to put both together. This is not a revenge flick. Or a man out to prove that he can hit a million people and feel macho, this is a ordinary everyday joe who is hell bent on keeping his family together at whatever cost. Haggis knows how to write emotionally charged humans as well as action and keeps the film going at a great pace that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat. From the last hour, the movie really hits it's peak with intense action scenes and the final showdown (I'm not saying anymore) But Haggis really involves the audience in this story and makes you hope his plan comes together.

This is all brought together by excellent acting by his talented cast. Crowe has not been great in anything lately (in my opinion) but this is where he really shines. His portrayal of John makes you feel you could know a man like this. He is strong and tough, but sensitive and caring. He is a man who will do anything for his family and you believe that from the get go. He brings the love and strength needed to make us care enough about his plan and the desperation he has for his family. Crowe nearly has to carry this entire movie himself and does it well. Not once did I think, get off the screen Crowe your annoying me, but I gave a shit about John. I hoped his plan would come together. But let's not forget Elizabeth Banks as Lara. Elizabeth Banks is one actress I feel is truly underapprecaited. The girl can act and act well when she is given the right roles. We care about Lara, we want to know if she did it,. and we see her pain and anguish in nearly every scene she is in. It could happen to anyone and she proves this. We all need to be strong, but sometimes you do have to crack. The chemistry between Banks and Crowe works extremely well. If there was no connection this movie would have fell flat on its ass. We have to care about these two characters acting like a married couple, and we do.

Okay, here is what erked me a little about this movie. Don't get me wrong I really liked it (stay tuned for my rating) but firstly, putting a Russell Crowe song in one of the most pivotal scenes actually made me laugh when I shouldn't have. I know I shouldn't, but the song was not good, and really it must have been in his contract, because a million other songs would have made the scene impact more on me than it did. Russell love you as an actor, but please don't sing, and please don't put them in decent films. Secondly, the running time. This is a long movie. And could have been cut by at least 10 minutes. You will know where I mean when you see it. It's just one of those things, sometimes directors and editors really need to understand you don't need to drag a film along, you have the audience already. That 10 minutes more can actually do damage than good.

So here is my verdict. If you want a great thriller/drama definitely go check this out. If you want a full blown action movie, I hear the Rock has a new film that will fix that need up. The Next Three Days is a very adult thriller which we don't get to witness very often. It is a smart film. If you looking for a movie which incorporates a great screenplay, brought to life by excellent acting and thrilling adventure by a exteremly talented director, strap yourself in and get ready to see what will happen in the life of a couple in three days. 8/10

Does "The Fighter" pack a punch? Or does it get "KO'D" in it's first round?

Mark Wahlberg has come a long way. From dropping his dacks in public and showing the world who he worked for (Calvin Klein great marketing there), to forming his own rap group of Marky Mark and the funky bunch (with one of the best song's of the 90's Good Vibrations), Mark was not someone you would expect to be approached to make damn good movies. The juvenile pants dropper became a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry when people stood up and took notice when he stared as porn star Dirk Diggler in Boogie Nights. From then on there have been many hits and misses (more hits good work Wahlberg) and grew even more praise when he stared in his Oscar Nominated role in "The Departed" against such heavyweight actors like Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon and Leo. This time though, Walhberg has became the main star in David O. Russell's new film "The Fighter." Staring as well as producing this family/sports drama Wahlberg has managed to score a top notch cast. But unfortunately, that is the problem for him. But I am jumping too far ahead. Let me begin.

Based on a true story, The Fighter tells the story of Micky Ward (Wahlberg) a man who has been put into the world of boxing by his manager/mum Alice (Melissa Leo) after the success of his brother Dicky (Christian Bale) whose claim to fame was beating out Sugar Ray Leonard. However, Dicky is not the same fighter he once was. Now a washed up, crack addicted, shade of his former self, his habit could ruin the chance for his brother. With the help of Dicky as his trainer, Micky gears up for the fight that could take him further in his career. But Micky's pride is bruised when he loses a fight to a man twice his size and believes he has brought embarrassment to his family. Enter his love interest Charlene (Amy Adams) a college drop out who now works at the local pub who offers Micky advice that he should steer clear of his families wishes and do what he wants to do, which is, leave his manager/mother, leave his now cracked out brother, and leave behind the world he once thought was the normal way to live, which starts to divide his already strained family. From here on we witness a family torn apart by addiction, love, and sacrifice.

Where to start with this review. Well first off, I am with the Academy on this one. The acting is absolutely fantastic. Mark Wahlberg gives a good performance as Micky and gives us a look into the world of this interesting story of a heavyweight champ. See how I said good and not great, that's because the fact is that all the supporting players just tear up the screen when they are on, and really I started to forget he was even on screen. It is the supporting cast who really bring this movie together. You will not believe your eyes when you see Christian Bale. If you ever wanted to see the results of crack on Batman, watch this movie. Bale is terrific as Dickie and went to such extreme lengths for this film. He steals every scene he is in. We don't necessarily feel sorry for Dickie, but we sure do see the implications that this drug can have on a family and themselves thanks to his portrayal and rightfully deserves his best supporting Oscar nomination (my pick he will win it).

It looks like the Academy is truly loving crazy mothers this award season as the trend is that most of the supporting actresses have played scary mums. We have Jackie Weaver from Animal Kingdom (now she was scary), Barbara Hersey from Black Swan as the mental mum and now we can add Melissa Leo who plays Alice the boys mum in The Fighter to that mix. Alice is a mum who wants the best for her boys, but also the best for herself. She risks Mickey's life and turns a blind eye to Dickies problems. We do get a sense that she has had a hard life, but also that she does care for her nine children as the head strong woman who feels that a new woman is about to take her place. Enter Charlene played by the amazing Amy Adams who is also up for an Oscar for her portrayal (and in my opinion should win it). I am a bit biased when it comes to Amy as I love her. From the enchanted princess in "Enchanted" to the scared and confused nun in "Doubt"to this, Amy's body of work is amazing. And here she gives us a look at a character strong, independent, and ready to help Mickey see his family for what they are and provide him with the support and the courage to move his career to the next level. As they say, "behind every great man, there has to be a great woman." And that sure is the case here. Amy demands you watch her on screen and makes the movie extremely enjoyable as her sassy character upstages everyone.

Here is the downfall of this movie. I must admit I really didn't love it. I thought the acting was superb, except the main problem is Wahlberg. He is so good in other things, but this I really didn't care about his journey. I craved seeing the supporting actors and wished that the movie was about them. I don't know if it was the screenplay or what, but I really found it very average, and really does not belong in the Best Picture category at this year's Oscars. Acting, yes,. Picture, no. It just felt really all over the place. We are bombarded with fight scenes then emotional scenes, then just mediocre scenes. I don't know why, but I just could not connect with this film at all. With other boxing movies packing more of a punch, I'm talking about the first Rocky and Million Dollar Baby amongst others, they got it right, mixing enough sport with enough emotion to draw the outside viewer who may not be interested in the occupation to want to view a story about these people's lives. Sometimes you can do it with genres and sometimes you can't. The Fighter in my opinion didn't It sorted fizzled out for me about an hour into it. A few scenes as well were just way over the top (I'm talking about the family harassing Charlene, you will know when you see it) which really I started laughing when I don't think you were meant to.

My verdict. I really only enjoyed this for the acting. Bale, Adams and Leo were excellent. They provide the only draw card to this movie. Other than that, I really can't recommend anything else. I feel bad for saying that because the amount of talent on display should have lifted this movie to an emotionally charged drama with boxing as a background. But it didn't for me. The Fighter did fizzle out and really I lost interest in the first round. 7/10