Tag: Action-Adventure

THE RUNNING MAN (2025)

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Directed By: Edgar Wright 

Written by: Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright 

Based on the book by: Stephen King 

Cinematography: Chung-Hoon Chung

Editor: Paul Machliss 

Cast: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Michael Cera, Colman Domingo, Alyssa Benn, Sean Hayes, Lee Pace, Katy O’Brian, William H. Macy. Emilia Jones  

A man joins a game show in which contestants, allowed to flee anywhere in the world, are pursued by “hunters” hired to kill them.

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Where to begin with this one? First off, let me say that I am a huge fan of director Edgar Wright. Though I have to say this is his most disappointing film from a personal standpoint.

Though it is not his fault, but throughout the film, the only time the film seems to have his madcap energy and directing prose is really in the scenes with Michael Cera. Which is where the film feels fun and unpredictable. Which is what you are kind of expecting the whole film to be.

This version plays supposedly a little bit more to the original book by Stephen King then the previously filmed the version of it starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I can’t really say because I’ve never read the book .

Though while this story seems like it would do well on the big screen I prefer the previous version of the film maybe because while not sticking exactly to its material it does play well as a satire Moore in the 1980s of what the future might be 

Whereas watching this version of the film, the satire feel somewhat dated and beat you over the head with a message that I think or would hope most viewers already enough and furthermore, this film just feels like it didn’t need to be made. It just feels like such a big budget Entertainment but yet it lacks the death.

Worst of all, even though Edgar Wright, cockroach and directed the film other than the Michael Cera scenes this film felt like it could’ve been made by anybody any director worth their weight as that is how uninspired the story and visuals come across it just all feels colorful yet basic 

Now don’t get me wrong the film is perfectly entertaining for a popcorn movie but again if you’ve already seen the original from the 1980s, this is just a retread that has been updated and seemingly to have more action instead of inside of a studio more in the world and the villain has changed from the game show host to the CEO behind the scenes 

Most of the major actors seem more like they’re doing cameos that were done all for the paycheck and we’re finished in a day or two, though they are stitched into the film and storyline to be major players

The lead played by Glenn Powell does try but this feels like a film that definitely needs a known star who has a history within the action genre so you already know they can pull it off whereas Glenn Powell is a star who is somewhat known but does not have a big screen personality he is more of an actor so this every man surviving comes across more as a concoction, and then letting the audience believe it also, even though his character is supposed to be this angry man full of rage and that’s why he keeps surviving. The problem is that Glenn Powell comes across as such an affable guy you can understand his anger, but you don’t believe that he has that much built up inside of him that is just keeps pushing him ahead. He just seems like your average decent guy now whereas in the past, that would work for an action hero to be identifiable here it makes it seem all the more implausible.

Now while the film is never truly boring, it doesn’t run a bit long and could’ve easily been shortened by 20 minutes as it feels like the film just wanted to give you more action and that’s really the only reason for the length of time whereas the story could’ve been told a little bit shorter.

Especially when they have scenes devoted to a seemingly satire of the Kardashians throughout, which seems there as alternative programming for viewers in the film to watch, as it is at least more innocent and less violent than most of the game shows that are presented as well as to just make fun of reality shows in general in the end feels unnecessary

Throughout this review, trying not to compare the two but also the introduction of a third act character who truly proves integral to the whole film feels random at best  and at worst like lazy storytelling that had to be put there because it was part of the story of the original and in the book. Has even as it seemed to pre-date AMERICAN GLADIATORS at least the villains. The hunters had personality whereas here, though they could be compared to ice they feel a bit more random and mysterious again, typical villain, who each seem to have a look, but only to come across in costume.

This one tries to be different and while it is much different then the original screen version and manages to set itself apart. It’s not necessarily for the better. When it’s difference really doesn’t help it and makes the co promised version we got, just a bit better. Even if it let the book’s fans down and not one of its stars favorite films. As he feels the movie is filmed too flat.

As by now there have been so many copycats, we borrowed from this story in plot and managed to do better and impress, and also do mean and go to the worst offenses of exploitation It’s pretty much hard to impress or top at this point.

It’s quality entertainment as long as you don’t have your hopes up .

Grade: C+

KRAVEN THE HUNTER (2024)

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Directed By: J.C. Chandor

Written By: Richard Wenk, Art Marcum and Matt Holloway 

Story By: Richard Wenk

Based on characters created by: Stan Lee & Steve Ditko 

Cinematography: Ben Davis 

Editor: Milos Djakovic and Zach Vandlik 

Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Alessarndro Nivolla, Russell Crowe, Christopher Abbott, Levi Miller 

Kraven’s complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff, starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared.

This film is like a record where at first you are really not liking the songs then every other song you like or you hit a section of the album and it’s quite good or adequate for a few songs that make it listenable/watchable. So it’s not as bad as you expected 

As there are some really good action sequences that save the film but there are so many scenes in between setting up the characters and story. As the film tries to be of a better quality then it is. Trying to enrich it. When tis should have been a more Mindless popcorn action film.

As the early opening scenes or rather the intro is so ridiculous it seems like it’s on the verge of becoming MADAME WEB bad. Though at least that was watchable and not boring. As thst tried to throw everything against the wall and see what stuck. 

Aaron Taylor johnson is good in the lead and believable but ultimately better than the material. Ariana debose really has nothing to do and Russell Crowe is as usual chewing the scenery and having fun.

The foreigner  is really the only interesting part and character in the film. Though not used nearly enough. As he comes across as a celebrity cameo throughout or a special guest star. Not To mention his fashion is a flex. 

The film could have resisted the use of cgi for the scaling scenes which makes kraven look more like a non super human version of Spider-Man. 

Though at least it’s Excessively violent like a 1980’s action films of yesterday. Honestly out of the spin-off spider-man films. This is the one I wouldn’t mind seeing a sequel to this film. Even though there is no reason. As he truly was a minor villain in the comic books, who caused a major storyline. 

Where is he? Where is the world’s greatest Hunter? He saw Spider-Man as the ultimate pray, and went about hunting and ceremoniously killing him with us, also causing his own downfall, and Spider-Man’s resurrection of sorts.

The film’s second half is better than the first half and that’s only because of so much set up in the first half. Even if it is ridiculous and always feels more like fantasy than any kind of reality it tries to portray. 

It has the same problem as the other films in this series. In that it feels disposable. They feel like the superhero films that would have come out in the 1990’s and with the same mindset. So if looking for something brainless yet entertaining. I would say go for it.

Grade: C-

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM (2023)

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Directed By: James Wan

Written By: David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick

Story By: James Wan, Jason Momoa, and Thomas Pa’a Sibbert

Based on the character AQUAMAN created By: Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger 

Cinematography: Don Burgess

Editor: Kirk Morris

Cast: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Randall Park, Nicole Kidman, Temuera Morrison, Dolph Lundgren, Martin Short, Indya Moore, John Rhys-Davies, Jani Zhao, Pilou Asbaek 

Black Manta seeks revenge on Aquaman for his father’s death. Wielding the Black Trident’s power, he becomes a formidable foe. To defend Atlantis, Aquaman forges an alliance with his imprisoned brother. They must protect the kingdom.

Luckily, this film isn’t as bad as it had been predicted or advertised. So what does work in its favor is that it feels kind of a bit like a retread of the first film as it has pretty much the same cast of characters who survived the first film, and essentially the same villain only this time who has managed to acquire more strength and power Through supernatural means partially being possessed, but still determined to take down Aquaman and Atlantis if he can.

Amber Heard who plays Aquaman’s wife in this film her role is either severely cut down from before or meant to just be a placeholder as a love interest. As she is barely in the film and is in an action or two, but really, given nothing to do and not too much importance.

The film plays more like a buddy comedy with Aquaman teaming up with his half-brother, who has been in prison and they learning and going through their differences to trust one another, and to join together, to save Atlantis, thus allowing his brother to get his honor back throughout.

This sequel like the first film has quite a bit of comedy. However in this film, the special effects are a little more distracting as they are not as impressive in fact, while watching the film, it feels like you’re watching a video game demo almost rather than a film. This is good when it comes to the action sequences when it tries to do the dialogue scenes it doesn’t quite fit as well.

If the film had maybe tried to give Aquaman a different villain, this film might have been worthwhile, but with it feeling like a retread, it kind of limits itself.

I am impressed that they managed to make Aquaman so dynamic on the big screen as before he had been either a minor character or more of a laughing stock at with his limited abilities and costumes in the past. 

This is a film where you can see the budget on screen, but somehow it limits itself which is a shame because there seem to be so many possibilities as you’re watching the film instead of what you get, which is ultimately disappointing.

This is a shame, as I was one of those who enjoyed the original way more than I expected to, but like the sequel to Shazam this film just feels like what you thought the first film was going to be it doesn’t improve, and in fact, it’s worse.

This is a shame, considering the impressive cast and Jason Momoa just looks like a badass superhero either way. 

Grade: C- 

65 (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Scott Beck & Bryan Woods 

Cinematography: Salvatore Totino 

Editor: Josh Schaeffer and Jane Tones

Cast: Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt, Chloe Coleman, Nika King 

After a catastrophic crash, pilot Mills quickly discovers he’s actually stranded on an unknown planet. Now, with only one chance at rescue, Mills must make his way across an unknown terrain riddled with dangerous prehistoric creatures in an epic fight to survive.

Adam Driver truly puts himself through the wringer in this movie. Which rises above the material and keeps it watchable. As he is definitely inspired by something throughout.

I only wish as an audience member we could feel the same way. 

The film is disappointing even though it seemed to come out of nowhere when released. 

The audience should expect more from the writers of A QUIET PLACE. Who wrote and directed this film. You want a little more originality or at least try to put an original spin on the material. This just feels like a lost 1980s science fiction, B-movie with modern special effects.

Understand that this is a starter film for the screenwriting duo, to show what they were capable of, but you would hope there was something better. As this seems like a film that was either lying around or that they were brought in to salvage and failed. 

The film tries to world-build and gives us glimpses of this new planet or terrain that Adam Driver is exploring. At first naturally then as he tries to survive against dinosaurs and repair his ship. 

Though pretty soon this feels like a movie that owes itself more to those special effects than making an entertaining movie. This feels more like it could have easily been more of a video game.

Worst of all it Comes across as basic. Most of the audience has seen this type of film before. Only here it’s presented in new wrapping.

Grade: C- 

THE BIG 4 (2022)

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Directed By: Timo Tjahjanto

Written By: Timo Tjahjanto and Johanna Wattimena

Cinematography: Batara Goempar

Editor: Dinda Amanda

Cast: Abimana Aryasatya, Putri Marino, Lutesha, Arie Kriting, Kristo Immanuel, Marthino Lio, Michelle Tahalea, Michael Kho, Donny Damera, Budi Ros

A by-the-book detective investigates the death of her father and follows a clue to a remote tropical island, only to find out his true identity as a leader of a group of assassins. Now hunted by his enemies, she has to team up with the crooks her father had trained – four retired, down on their luck assassins itching to get back in the game.

Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, like Director Gareth  Evans they bring beauty and energy to their Jaw-dropping and brutal action sequences. You generally know you are going to have a good time. 

You can never go wrong with either of them as director and as always promise an exciting Experience. You can tell the directors are having fun in their presentations and are thankful they get to keep making movies. 

Wish they would be allowed to make more projects with bigger budgets. Then again that might dilute their aesthetic and take away from Their inventiveness and originality. 

Timo Tjahjanto seems almost like a best-kept secret amongst film fans. Especially action die-hard fans 

As long as Netflix keeps showcasing him he is in for a good ride. His films have great stories and characters to go with them 

Action films for some like me come off as not as emotional. Except for base reactions that provide motivation for the characters or their reactions. Emotions are expressed In These films as an overall bonding experience of action dreams that the audience wishes they could experience with excitement, adrenaline, and hero worship like they were there. As they are like a rite of passage, a shared adventure. 

This film is the most intentionally comedic of all of his films thus far. The storyline might be dark for some. Though This is his most mainstream or as close as he has come so far and designed it seems to appeal to a broader audience with action and a bunch of comedy thrown in as well as a revenge tale. 

As this is an action film, jungle adventure, and island getaway all in one. That is openly comedic. The cliches are here yet updated and funky. 

The drugged high scene is amazing for how physically actress Putri Marino transforms herself and her demeanor 

The ultimate villain Might remind some of Takia Wahtiti’s Performance in the movie FREE GUY only here, actually physically dangerous. Though jsit as impeccably styled and over the top ridiculous that showcases how dangerous he can be.

It Makes you wonder sometimes If the assassins make so many mistakes because they have never seen or don’t realize they are in an action film. So they keep falling for diversions, tricks, and traps.

This film feels like a live-action comic book. It’s full of greatness and sees itself up for a sequel. 

Definitely more of an impressive PG-13 movie except for the graphic violence 

Grade: B

LUCY (2014)

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Written & Directed By: Luc Besson 

Cinematography: Thierry Arbogast 

Editor: Julien Rey

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Choi Min-Sik, Analeigh Tipton, Pilou Asbaek, Amr Waked, Julian Rhind-Jutt 

A woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic.

The film starts off as a Eurotrash crime story. That becomes an action-adventure revenge story then goes to a full Science Fiction movie.

So that it feels like an excessive superhero movie, before trying to be something more. Which eventually Makes little to nonsense or becomes philosophical though feels too convenient. As her needling abilities come to use anytime. In an impossible situation or fight.

The film tries to put in a mystery we learn and wonder with her through these situations and events. She is forced to be a drug mule and the compilation of drugs in her system allows her to strike back. 

The film is diverse as it has an international cast and seems to be the beginning of Scarlett Johansson as an action star. Again this leaves a stunning young lady as a Warrior amongst the chaos. Who never loses her beauty or a fight it seems In a Luc Besson production. 

The real social terror of drug trafficking and sex slavery internationally. The film tries to use the horrors of these social Issues and add into it an action-fantasy element. That borders also on a revenge story. Only she gets past the revenge and her enemies just want to destroy her after she has mostly forgotten about them. 

It seems to also be a retaliation against not only dumb blinders allusions but also skinny helpless damsels. Showing they can take care of themselves and then some and all the while gaining consciousness and awareness. 

To keep the film from being a typical action film shoot ‘em up it seems like that is the only reason the consciousness theme was thrown in. Also as an ultimate dream that taking enough drugs leads to spiritual bliss.

Entirely written by Luc Besson. He actually decides to direct this film also. He usually writes and produces these films and leaves a newcomer or protege to direct. While the film is sharp considering he decided to direct it. It should be a lot better than the final product. 

In the end, the film seems to be about finding consciousness and enlightenment and rising above it all. 

Grade: C

TRANSPORTER 2 (2005)

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Directed By: Louis Leterrier
Written By: Luc Besson & Robert Mark Kamen 
Cinematography: Mitchell Amundsen
Editor: Christine Lucas Navarro & Vincent Tabaillon

Cast: Jason Statham, Amber Valletta, Alessandro Grossman, Kate Nauta, Matthew Modine, Jason Flemyng, Keith David, Francois Baerleand, Annalynne McCord

Transporter Frank Martin surfaces in Miami, Florida, and is implicated in the kidnapping of the young son of a powerful USA official.

Luc Besson is a director who has always flirted with more action-oriented projects as well as his own artistic ones. At a certain point, he seemed to abandon directing films altogether and instead write and produce continuous action films. Leaving the directing to others. Where you wonder if his brand is all over these films and lets up-and-coming directors spearhead the projects. Yet still maintains control.

As he is mroe than capable of directing them himself, maybe even he knows that they are mroe commercial projects and he wants to be seen more as an actual artistic director. Whatever the reasons he has made a fortune from writing and producing these mid-level budget action films that seemed to be everywhere in the 1990s and especially early 2000’s he seems to have set the rules somewhat for modern action cinema that unfortunately isn’t made anticipating the future and revising as the years go by More they are trashy and ridiculous yet fun and seek to stick to a formula and offer diversity and international casts.

This film became a franchise. One has to wonder was that always the intended aim to make this into a series of films or did the original make it easy to set up further adventures for the character who helped make Jason Statham An action star. In fact, the plan for most of his action films and scripts is to try to create a franchise and the others don’t do as well.

As there was never a sequel to LA FEMME NIKITA, there was not only a remake but eventually a television series. Which after a few mroe sequels was the same fate of this franchise. Even though Jason Statham only came back to the role to complete the trilogy with the next film in the series. 

This was only the second action film I saw Jason Statham star in after the first film. As I had mainly seen him in films by director Guy Ritchie when he was still making criminal caper films Such as SNATCH and LOCK, STOCK & TWO SMOKING BARRELS though he also was in the similar remake of THE ITALIAN JOB also. 

This franchise is like the character is an underworld James Bond of old. As he is usually somehow double-crossed in his own line of work or is brought into a conspiracy because he cares. Even though he has a supposedly strict set of rules. Yet in each new film, they are mroe stand-alone involving few recurring characters. Though no old girlfriends or attachments. Allowing for romance or sex for him in each new film

When it comes to this film It’s ridiculous, Loud, flashy, and fun full of  jokes and impressive action scenes where Jason Statham barely gets a R.I.P. on his suit 

This film is even filtered to be glossy where almost everyone seems to have a shin sheen of sweat that brings out any bright colors to almost be blindingly obvious 

Kate Nauta makes an impression as the villain’s henchwoman lover who seems to be a masochist. She is memorable in the film. One wishes she had been in more films or found a way to bring her back or get a spin-off or action hero series of her own

The film is legitimized by having Matthew Modine in the cast of having an actor who usually doesn’t appear in these types of films. While offering former supermodel Amber valets a role as a maybe love interest and whose scenes are more dramatic 

The film ends up being something that is hard to take seriously. As everything is over the top with the hero being the only one to truly not only save the day but figure things out. But also everyone is disposable especially when it comes to living g or dying except the heroes and villains.

Not to mention the action sequences are a sight to behold as they all truly depend on the fight choreography mroe than anything as the fights include so many people and the only way one can hold off so many are desperate luck and knowing the moves the others will make.

There is So much damage done yet you never question it and just want to see where it goes and how it resolves itself.

Grade: B

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES (2016)

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Written & Directed By: Burr Steers 
Based on the book by: Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith 
Cinematography By: Remi Adefsrasin 
Editor: Padraic McKinley 

Cast: Lily James, Sam Riley, Matt Smith, Jack Huston, Lena Headey, Douglas Booth, Suki Waterhouse, Bella Heathcote, Charles Dance, Sally Phillips

The five highly trained Bennett sisters in Georgian England must try to protect themselves from the growing zombie threat, find suitable husbands for themselves, battle marriage proposals and unlikely suitors, and save the country before it’s too late.

The production values, as well as costumes and weapons, are impressive allowing the film to have a sharpness most period films lack.

The film comes across as more action or even science fiction by way of steampunk rather than horror. The film also has its comedic elements, especially Matt Smith’s performance as an ever-changing suitor

Sam Riley as Mr. Darcy has an imposing state that seems to hide a viciousness that is apparent in the action scenes. But also shows his skills and defenses

I wish the same can be said of Lily James as the lead and the rest of the female cast. Those who are pretty faces and are adequate but don’t really stand out in their performances. She is engaging as a woman of the past with more modern ideas and ideals.

Natalie Portman was originally cast as Elizabeth Bennet but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. Scarlett Johansson, Anne Hathaway, Emma Stone, Mia Wasikowska, Rooney Mara, Mila Kunis, and Blake Lively were considered to replace her before Lily James was finally cast. Portman remains on board as a producer. All of whom might have made the film more marketable due to name recognition and star power.

The only one who remotely makes a mark is Lena Headey who seems to play a role that might have originally been modeled for Angelina Jolie.

The film allows for originality and a fun mixture of two genres where they create to break the rules as well as play with them.

It is easy to see why this film was considered a hot property as far as adapting it from a novel to a proper film. As it allows the film to be an open bit also let’s get to know the characters.

The film seems to be fitting with what seems like get rich quick outrageousness turned into movies such as ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER and HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS. Or even films such as SCOUTS VS. ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE. Where the title seems to tell you all you need to know. Though this film plays itself as more classy and less juvenile. Though with better production values and plenty of Nice scares that don’t seem requisite.

After David O. Russell left the project, Mike Newell (4 WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL), David Slade (HARD CANDY), Matt Reeves (CLOVERFIELD), Jonathan Demme (PHILADELPHIA), Neil Marshall (CENTURION) (all of whom might have been better visual stylists), Mike White (YEAR OF THE DOG), Phil Lord, and Christopher Miller (21 JUMP STREET) were all considered to direct before Burr Steers was chosen.

It’s a new Genre for Burr Steers who usually directs more talkative and intimate dramas. Here he is directing a more action-oriented material. While also having the chops to get the most out of the few dramatic and romantic scenes that contain their own burning emotional suspense,

It seems only natural that we would get to these certain characters or at least the story as it is a classic and somehow mix in popular otherworldly ghouls and creatures. As I am sure werewolves are next to be mixed with some classic tale. Usually set sometime in the past rewriting history on film to create their own worlds but challenges us to wonder how they will defeat the monsters with more prominent weapons, technology, and means. At least we can’t necessarily predict how it will all turn out.

While the fight scenes are reminiscent more of BUFFY: THE VAMPIRE SLAYER television episodes rather than an impressive feature film. It is nice to watch a film that challenges gender roles and gender politics. While also showcasing dangerous physical heroic female characters. Who also are the feminine characters that want to be courted even if tougher then the men who romance and desire them. Here they are characterized and defined less like amazons, but just as dangerous as they are attractive.

They spend so much time defining the world and rewriting the main characters to be be more bold and defined. That some get left behind especially among her other sisters and seem almost interchangeable if not paying attention,

The type of film for those who like and don’t like period pieces as it stays close enough to one while also having more modern conventions and genre additions.

The film manages to keep the locations seeming small and to a minimum bit keeps the film big screen grand worthy.

More an addition to have a reason for a genre expedition that adds a swashbuckler spirit to the mix as other then gore and violence as well as an overall plot that needs them to separate the material and add action.

The film does offer a set of circumstances that could truly make the film memorable would have been more tragic. had it for. The way it seemed aimed that then serves up a spectacular finale.

That ultimately might feel like a sell-out to some people, but provides a crowd-pleasing ending and hits the familiar notes for those who have read the book PRIDE & PREJUDICE or at least know the story

Though the film does tap into the desires and fantasies of the female audience by allowing them to be frilly and have an old-style classic romance and go back to a time period where courted and wooed while also letting them be kick ass action heroes. Yet still feminine. In The end, they get to have their cake and eat it too.

GRADE: C+

ROBOCOP (2014)

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Directed By: Jose Padilha
Written By: Joshua Zetumer
Based On The Original 1987 Screenplay By: Edward Neumeier & Michael Miner Cinematography By: Lula Carvalho
Editor: Peter McNulty & Daniel Rezende

Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Michael K. Williams, Jay Baruchel, Jackie Earle Haley, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Ehle, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Aimee Garcia

In RoboCop, the year is 2028 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Overseas, their drones have been used by the military for years – and it’s meant billions for OmniCorp’s bottom line. Now OmniCorp wants to bring their controversial technology to the home front, and they see a golden opportunity to do it. When Alex Murphy – a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit – is critically injured in the line of duty, OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer. OmniCorp envisions a RoboCop in every city and even more billions for their shareholders, but they never counted on one thing: there is still a man inside the machine pursuing justice.

Though a sanitized version of the original. This film retains some of the original aspects of the film. While managing to care about its own identity that is somewhat noteworthy and is better at being a reboot than something like TOTAL RECALL which tried too hard to be a virtual remake with all the greatest hits they try to change it around.

The film tries to be somewhat satirical with a lot less bite. It is strangely more on point and cynical though takes the time to explain as feels more Of the time whereas the original always felt futuristic.

The film allows the director Jose Padilha (ELITE SQUAD) to keep his hand-held style of filming and guerrilla, you are their filmmaking skills.

The original ROBOCOP was more memorable as it looked accomplished for a film with such a low budget. In this film, you see the big-budget onscreen. No one essentially embarrasses themselves. The film just feels basic by the end. Nothing really to give it an identity or make it memorable. Especially when it already has so many naysayers against It just for being made as the film is still relevant and remembered. At least this film tries to be an honest reboot.

The changes really hammer home some points. The revealing scene of what is left of him is really a gripping scene aided by impressive special effects.

The film is more excessive in price and scope than the original which was more excessive In Behavior, violence, and action. Now of course the studio wants the film to appeal to broader demographics. So it is softened torn a hard R to a pg-13 rating aim end more at a younger audience.
Director Jose Padilha and actor Joel Kinnaman fought hard for an R rating, but due to the ever-expanding budget, which went from a modest $60 million budget and ballooned to a $120 million budget, studio executives were forced to deliver a PG-13 rating in hopes to recoup the budget they had spent on the film. Throughout the course of filming, studio executives kept a close eye on Padilha, making sure he was going to deliver a PG-13 rating. At least this film comes off as more questioning the ethics of the situation. Which is either modern-day or futures

This version of ROBOCOP feels more like a comic book version that would have been understandable for popularity amongst kids in the 80’s. Whereas the original first two films from the ’80s were seen by a generation who were probably too young to see the film and despite its rating still managed to become an iconic hero mostly to kids. While being so jetted I gross violence on screen. Featuring drugs and having a more graphic satirical cynical nature.

I love the original I was one of those who saw the film way too young and loved it. Though didn’t understand it 100%, not the ramifications of what I was exactly seeing. Nick Schenk and James Vanderbilt are among the few uncredited writers who have entirely rewritten Joshua Zetumer’s screenplay.

The satire tries for reaching reactions but brings up a subject we already know to showcase. Though his is all comparative and goes against the film leaving its own identity barren as it is always being compared to its original or a similar film. Like MEMENTO and THE SALTON SEA have similar storylines through different points, direction and showcases its own story and plot in different ways

The film feels more like a video game at times but is kept realistically vivid.

It’s nice when a film manages to surprise you and is much better in quality than it was suspected and I can admit when I was wrong on the first impression. Someone’s the same can be said about people…even me.

Like MINORITY REPORT it is part of the idea that this new technology is good for keeping statistics down a bit at what cost.

Watching ROBOCOP remade and marketed as a machine feels a bit like behind the scenes of how maybe the film was made itself very meta.

I found it interesting how he is seen as a club or in the original design. Though once the new design comes into play the film moves up and a new identity takes off. That the film begins to suffer. The action scenes aren’t anything special and feel basic. Losing the part of the personality a measurement the audience came specifically to see.

I can see why the well-regarded cast chooses to be in the film. Especially Michael Keaton who makes an interesting return to form.

Jackie Earl Haley hilarious in his role wish there was more of him in the film. Other than a small role and a return towards the end.

Gary Oldman has his own Doctor Frankenstein type role starts off the film innocent, but finds himself falling in line with his employers as they give him more than he can ever want and interested to see how his invention plays out and reacts. Which also informs the audience. Though it is nice to see the original film batman in scenes with the reboots Commissioner Jim Gordon

Samuel l. Jackson’s role in this film feels like a more well spoken. J. Jonah Jameson from SPIDER-MAN for this franchise.

Interesting angle as we watch Alex Murphy not only deal with his new life change but also as he pieces together his own murder. Doesn’t seem to be as grand a plan as more random.

There is also a revenge plot that is dropped then brought up and then passes to the side as simple. For bigger machinations. Though leaves no closure as to the details.

Then there is a character change that you kind of know is coming. Though still feels strange once it happens, Once the villain is revealed. A villain more of morals I guess more than actual acts, but supervised to a degree and gave the go-ahead. It gets a little false and generalized not the individual but more what he represents and his ideas.

It tries to impart thy everyone has a price, only those who are truly brave and honest don’t

While they were successful in the making of the film and can understand why the project was greenlit. It would have been great if the film just wasn’t ROBOCOP. And was just an action film under a new name and characters. Redesigning the suit to be more updated and flexible doesn’t help. Though that point is handled well in the film as both an homage and representation. After having his time goes back to the original model. The same we in the audience have known.

I can admit I wondered I they made a sequel where would it head.

GRADE: C+

DEN OF THIEVES (2018)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Christian Gudegast 
Story By: Christian Gudegast & Paul Scheuring 
Cinematography By: Terry Stacey 
Editor: Nathan Godley, Joel Cox & David Cox 

Cast: Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Pablo Schrieber, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Meadow Williams, Brian Van Holt, Jordan Bridges, Dawn Olivieri, Maurice Compte, Evan Jones, Mo McRae 

A gritty L. A crime saga that follows the intersecting and often personally connected lives of an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. and the state’s most successful bank robbery crew as the outlaws plan a seemingly impossible heist on the Federal Reserve Bank of downtown Los Angeles.

I will be the first to admit this film is better than you might think it will be.

While you watch it. It seems to be a film that is inspired by HEAT and wants the audience to see both sides of the fence when it comes to the criminals and the cops chasing them. Though when it comes to the cops we only really see Gerard Butler’s home life and problems. When it comes to the criminals we see glimpses but mainly see 50 cent’s family and Pablo Schrieber’s planning.

At least when it comes to 50 cent’s daily the film adds some humor in the form of a warning to his daughters’ prom date. Which also helps humanize the character and the crew.

The film was in development for roughly fourteen years, where director Christian Gudegast and a writing partner had a blind deal with New Line Cinema in 2003. The project was also later supposed to be distributed by the now-defunct Relativity Media at one point as well. His original cut was 160 minutes long and had a different ending. Which would have added even more brooding to the film I am guessing.

The film is filled with testosterone galore with plenty of muscles up men with tank tops of their shirts off and sweaty. Using the guide or reasoning of working out of a home gym where they plan their caper.

It also seems to want to keep a kind of aggressive Mano e Mano tone. Where all the characters tend to be over the top tough and dangerous and females stay mostly in the background.

Though one is used as a kind of power play against one another. This only adds to the leaders of each side mutual respect but also a kind of sabotage they try against one another. As they know a showdown between them is coming and literally are sizing each other up.

Prior to filming, two separate boot camps were run in order to get the cops and the robbers in shape for their respective roles with both groups training separately to enforce a rival atmosphere. Interestingly, each group was trained differently by military consultant Paul Maurice.

O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s character is our introduction to this film and world as he is trying to be part of this crew as a getaway driver. He is the only new guy on the crew and goes through the ropes of intimidation. While also being forced by the cops to be an informant. He also seems to be our protagonist, but soon he and his storyline seem lost in the shuffle as the film begins to become a passing contest of one-up-manship between Pablo and Gerard.

While we wait for the heist that is promised to ensue. Most of the film is about the build-up of the different diversions and challenges thrown in front of each other and having to defeat or subvert in able to move forward and just as aggressive as the heist is these moves they make before are just as strong and motivated.

The film does offer beautiful visuals and quite stirring action sequences. As the heist fits all the required tension you want and expect. So that by the end it feels like a good modern-day heist caper film. Where we only learn of the logistics of the plan when it happens.

The film is building as it goes while we wait for the eventual showdown and release.

The film leaves you to wonder if the character of Gerard Butler was driven due to his failing marriage. So he seems more amped up and ready to go over the line. As it seems to be what he is good at and more capable of controlling even though supposedly more dangerous and unpredictable than a relationship. As at first he and his crew seem either dirty or more adept at bending the rules then they actually are eventually seen as pretty by the book.

By the end of the film, you have sympathy for the robbers as we meet their families and situations. Only to find out both sides were played against the other. By the end, it seems to try too hard to set itself apart by all of a sudden Introducing a twist. That while it works wasn’t really necessary.

It achieves what it set’s out to prove. It also doesn’t overthink itself or tries to show off for the audience more than what it has. Nor does it gloat or focus on any twists it offers up.

Grade: B