Tag: ACTION

BLOOD GAMES (1990)

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Directed By: Tanya Rosenberg
Written By: Craig Clyde, James Hennessy & George Saunders 
Story By: Jim Makichuk 
Cinematography: Sam Gart
Editor: Rick Mitchell

Cast: Gregory Scott Cummins, Laura Albert, Shelley Abblett, Luke Shay, Ross Hagen, Don Dowe, George Buck Flower, Julie Hall, Paula Manga, Sabrina Hills

A team of softball players get lost in the woods after their bus breaks down. They get attacked, beaten, raped and murdered by some psychotic men. The women fight back with baseball bats and bows and arrows.

This film is quite the throwback. As I believe i saw this back in the day on late-night HBO as a kid.

The film is simple and stupid yet entertaining. As it was released in 1990 but feels made from pure 1980’s ideas all the way.

As essentially it pits an innocent team of female softball players versus what seems like a whole county of evil redneck men bent on revenge. Even though the females are assaulted the perpetrator is killed by accident but he is seen as innocent and the ladies as bloodthirsty. 

The film is made by a female filmmaker. So that it feels more sympathetic to the female character as heroes and survivors. Even though they have short-cut tight semi revealing outfits. They are rarely nude and the sex that the film shows is violent and involves rape. So that while it heaps on the violence. It stays not explosive when it comes to sex and nudity. Giving the female characters a sense of pride. It treats them more as human beings and less as sex objects. They are treated more respectful 

Even when it comes to the deaths of characters. When it’s a male you feel a kind of happiness. More like they deserved it. Whereas when it is a female character it is tragic and makes you in the audience want to get emotional. 

The villains come off at times as more comedic releif than at least two of the characters do. Who manages to survive despite being thought of, or left for dead in many accidents throughout. Though early on they are more comedic releif until the hunt begins. Where they are rarely scary just armed doofuses and then only own becomes a threat later in the film. Even though most of the male characters believe themselves to be badass. That only appears to be true in numbers.

Titillation was used to their advantage constantly though more accidentally and as a survival technique. 

The film stands as a kind Of statement in a genre that usually leaves female characters as the damsels in distress who can’t help themselves, wives & girlfriends meant to be by someone’s side but barely have anything to do or as sex objects. This film sets the female characters apart from that not necessarily in a better quality of filmmaking.

The one Minority character gets killed off early and quickly. 

The initial premise that sets this film up is ridiculous. Why would the females team coach/manager trust the town’s matriarch in a fair game? Also is the female team professional traveling along to take on exhibition games and pick-up games? Are they hustling unsuspecting towns and teams which should be tipped off by their team bus and matching uniforms? Are they using sexism to help them be underestimated and hoping that by showing their talent that men will see them in a different way and then be respectful? That seems like the premise for another film. As this film seems to want to set up and get to the action quickly. 

The film is barely 90 minutes. Though while it doesn’t feel longer than Its running time. It could have been easily 10 minutes shorter 

This film is ultimately meant to be a tale of survival. 

Grade: C+

TRAIN TO BUSAN PRESENTS: PENINSULA (2021)

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Directed By: Sang-Ho Yeon 
Written by: Sang-Ho Yeon & Ryu Yong-Jae 
Cinematography: Hyung-Deok Lee 
Editor: Jinmo Yang 

Cast: Dong-Won Gang, Lee Jung-Hyun, Re Lee, Hae-Hyo Keon, Min-Jae Kim, Kyo-Hawn Koo, Do-Yoo Kim 

Peninsula takes place four years after the zombie outbreak in Train to Busan. The Korean peninsula is devastated and Jung Seok, a former soldier who has managed to escape overseas, is given a mission to go back and unexpectedly meets survivors.

The film builds the world that was set up in TRAIN TO BUSAN and while the film is inventive and Starts off with a bang from The beginning at the start to define the antagonist and place a proper history for him. 

Then the film Gets going with action pretty quick as well as the plot. The opening scene flashes to the all-new cast of characters and fleshes them out.

It works more as an action film with horror elements. Where most of the true horror is how the human characters treat each other in times of strife for survival.

At times the use of CGI zombies is obvious but used to make their threat grander and more epic but luckily not cheesy.

The film is post-apocalyptic where gangs of survivors run the streets and find others stragglers for sadistic games.

We are introduced to a human villain they are killing a character just to do it. No actual gain 

The film’s finale has a car chase that reminds the audience of THE ROAD WARRIOR. While the film feels like it was inspired by ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK. With a planned heist that goes wrong, he becomes a man on a mission and rescue mission. So the film obviously wears it’s inspirations on its sleeves while trying to add its own flavor.

Wisely the film trims the fat early. As this film is more political, adventurous, it opens up the world. Like most sequels, this film is bigger and feels less emotional as a thing of the past.

In the end the film’s themes seem to be about family and the sacrifices you are willing to make for them. 

Grade: B-

TURKEY SHOOT (1982) (ESCAPE 2000) (BLOOD CAMP THATCHER)

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Directed By: Brian Trenchard-Smith
Written By: Jon George & Neill Hicks 
Story By: Robert Williams, David Lawrence & George Schenck 
Cinematography: John McLean
Editor: Alan Lake

Cast: Steve Railsback, Olivia Hussey, Michael Craig, Carmen Duncan, Noel Ferrier, Lynda Stoner, Roger Ward, Michael Petrovitch, Gus Mercurio, John Ley 

In a dystopian future where deviants are held in “re-education” camps, a freedom fighter and a wrongfully-accused prisoner form an alliance to survive their decadent oppressors’ game of kill-or-be-killed – and turn the tide against them.

This is pure Ozploitation a prime example of the cinematic style and genre.

This is a B-Movie that strikes the right tone. As it is ridiculous and explosive but stays inventive and entertaining. 

Some might even watch this movie and can see it as an early version of the film THE RUNNING MAN 

This is a film that makes clear from the beginning who will not likely be the victims. 

The film seems to try to build up a sexiness for a female character but never quite follows through. Never giving her any character and is eliminated without a thought especially when it seems the female warden has a special interest in Her, more than any of the males.

Most of the wardens are actually more interesting and fun than the prisoners.

One of the evil wardens doesn’t even seem like he was really capable of doing any real hunting, physically. 

This film is one of the few times seeing Olivia Hussey in a film and as the lead. She is quite beautiful as the most innocent of the bunch. Which helps her to get the audience’s biggest sympathies throughout.

There are times when the film goes over the top in many fun ways. When it comes to the action, violence, and character but it also travels into the ridiculous. Like when it comes to the strange animal wolf-human character. 

The bald guard who aids the warden thought he was going to be a bigger adversary for the prisoners if he ends up barely being a Challenge. As the film seems to set him up at first as more of the main villain than just a right-hand man. 

This movie is never truly slow or boring. Though is continuously violent and ridiculous that you can’t help but have a fun time watching 

GRADE: B+

CONSPIRACY THEORY (1997)

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Directed By: Richard Donner 
Written By: Brian Helgeland 
Cinematography By: John Schwartzman 
Editor: Kevin Stitt & Frank J. Urioste 

Cast: Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart, Cylk Cozart, Troy Garity, Sean Patrick Thomas, Peter Jacobson, Thomas McCarthy, Rick Hoffman 

Jerry Fletcher is a man in love with a woman he observes from afar. She works for the government. Fletcher is an outspoken critic of that government. He has conspiracy theories for everything, from aliens to political assassinations. But soon, one of his theories finds itself to be accurate. But which one? Some dangerous people want him dead and the only person he trusts is that woman he loves but does not know.

The film has a notable cast which is how the film will peak your interest and hook you. It also has a kind of underdog story at heart. Of course as expected by the title the film makes various references to popular conspiracies Such as assassinations, Lee Harvey Oswald

It has Mel Gibson Playing against type. He is more invested and Actually seems a bit more challenging for him. Though he still keeps his jokey tough demeanor.

It’s billed as an action thriller but ends up More like a comedy. As even the action sequences seem to end with some kind of joke or more humor than thrills necessarily.

The film’s Seems to fit into the Richard Donner funhouse. Where the film is entertaining above all else and beautiful to look at, Even though the film Tries to be gritty but always seems more like a typical Hollywood production. As Director Donner is one of the last of the studio directors who had to work his way up to directing by first working his way around every other department before getting the lucrative directing jobs. So he knows his way around way department having been vetted.

He is a director who constantly makes likeable movies that do ok but few would probably register as favorites of all time. But is a Consulate Hollywood director who deserves respect for making quite a few memorable films such as THE OMEN, The LETHAL WEAPON series of movies, 16 BLOCKS, MAVERICK.

The film is written by Brain Helgeland who also wrote and directed the Mel Gibson PAYBACK. Where you wonder if their working relationship was formed on this film.

One scene just seems so big even if it is minor. It’s a masterpiece of it’s own even if overblown. It’s After he buys the book. The scenes grand production that seems to set off just to try and capture him. Especially with a familiar sight involved. Just at the time seemed so amazing and was the epitome of Hollywood magic.

Even the thriller elements are entertaining. As they are just creepy enough to add some suspense and tries to throw you off. Even though you know how it will probably turn out.

It’s a film where every one seems to have secrets even the good guys. So that at every turn you don’t know who to really trust or believe.

Patrick Stewart is here truly chewing the scenery in his delicious turn as the main villain.

It’s a movie that keeps building so that even if it were done on a modest budget by the end it has grown so big it would have to need major stars for the size of production and for the audience to keep believing. Don’t know if this film would be made today As it is more driven by star power especially two very big names attached and mid budgeted so unless really a gamble or as someone’s passion project which this wouldn’t Really be or somehow it would have to be Sci-fi or superhero related or be an independent financed film.

The film is Disarming how enjoyable it is though somewhat predictable.

Though she is a major star of the movie they don’t leave Julia Roberts with much to do other then Be the brainy damsel in distress. She is only really here for star power. Which truly seem the only reason this film was made. As they try to market it as more a modern team-up of stars. Even though the characters are close there is no real romance beckoning though the film keeps trying to build up one.

This is pretty much a movie star movie. The story might actually be something ambitious for more than a mid-size budget, but in the end, it’s a movie for the audience to stare and gawk as two superstar movie stars share the screen. It’s actually not a stunt here as the stars do share a number of scenes and the movie doesn’t make you wait around for half the movie for it to happen. Though the film ends up being best for a Saturday afternoon a breezy affair with no real stakes. That you will mostly watch to see who is In it rather than what it is about. Sort of like those black and white movies starring a star of yesteryear that you watch only because you like the star. Not necessarily the story.

The film Won’t stick with you too long after but a crowd pleaser

You feel by the end like you got your money’s worth though keep in mind I saw this at the $2 theater. Back when there was one. This is where movies played second string after their major release, right before reaching hoe. Video at the time. Today think of that more as a digital release before the DVD/Blu-ray

Grade: C+

THE TUXEDO (2002)

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Directed By: Kevin Donovan 
Written By: Michael J. Wilson &  Michael Leeson 
Story By: Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi & Michael J. Wilson 
Cinematography By: Stephen F. Windon 
Editor: Craig P. Herring 

Cast: Jackie Chan, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Debi Mazar, Jason Issacs, Peter Stomare, Romany Malco, Ritchie Coster 

Jimmy Tong is just a lowly chauffeur for millionaire Clark Devlin, until Devlin has an accident that puts him in the hospital. Tong is sent back to fetch some things for Devlin and unknowingly tries on Devlin’s tuxedo and finds that it gives extraordinary powers to anyone that dons the suit. This discovery thrusts Tong into world of international intrigue and espionage and pairs him with an inexperienced partner.

This is another Jackie Chan American comedy. That usually requires him to either team up with another star of some sort or kids. This film takes more of a middle ground by not being aimed at children as some of the material is more trying to be aimed at an older or maybe even teenage audience with a light touch. Even though one can only see it appealing more to a younger audience. 

Now the film tries to go with what works for him, teaming him up with someone else in action-comedy. Though by this time it seems like he was starring in the same movies. Only with different partners and each time seems to lower the level of quality and appeal. As after the SHANGHAI NOON’s and RUSH HOUR’s none of the other films warranted a sequel.

This time they have him teaming up with Jennifer Love Hewitt an attractive teenage partner. This also leads the film to hint at an improbable suggestion of romance between the two of them. Though he seems a bit long in the tooth for the role.

She seems here more to be the eye candy and comedic prop at times, but at least she has more to do in her role than She usually does Especially physically.

The film has a funny premise as an action-comedy. Where Jackie Chan seems more comfortable with this material. As his character isn’t a natural fighter. All the king fun and stunt hijinks are due to a gadget-laden tuxedo that he never quite gets the handle on that even has him dancing like James brown at a James Brown concert. After accidentally knocking him out. Again this shows you the level of humor.

The film is largely forgettable but is entertaining for what it is worth. It will have you rolling your eyes a bunch. After all, It’s a silly, fun movie you don’t watch for filmmaking.

I will admit the only reason I really wanted to watch the movie for was Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jason Issacs who I am a fan of, here he plays a James Bond-ish secret agent who becomes incapacitated, and Jackie Chan as his bumbling chauffeur has to take over in the mission and through a case of mistaken identity.

This wouldn’t be the type of film one would usually Watch. As you can never take anything in this film seriously especially the threats. Even the New York of the film is obviously In Sets and filmed in Canada.

Seems like a grown up film made for kids. That is how ridiculous and silly the situations and plot are at times.

Luckily in the film when in doubt cut to a shot of jennifer love Hewitt in a tight outfit and low neckline. The film seems to contain less action fight sequences then stunt physical comedy sequences which when Jason issacs wears the suit is special effects but when Jackie Chan dies it it is actual live stunts work, but is filmed the same way so it might as well be special effects

This movie is only worth watching for fans of Jackie Chan exclusively.

Grade: C

COWBOYS & ALIENS (2011)

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Directed By: Jon Favreau 
Written By: Robert Orci, Alex Kurtman, Damon Lindelof, Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby 
Story By: Steve Oedekerk, Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby 
Based On The Graphic Novel By: Scott Mitchell Rosenberg 
Cinematography By: Matthew Labitque 
Editor: Dan Lebantal, Jim May 

Cast: Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Paul Dano, Adam Beach, Clancy Brown, Sam Rockwell, Abigail Spencer, Ana de la reguera, Toby Huss, David Carradine, Walton Goggins

The Old West.. where a lone cowboy leads an uprising against a terror from beyond our world. 1873. Arizona Territory. A stranger with no memory of his past stumbles into the hard desert town of Absolution. The only hint to his history is a mysterious shackle that encircles one wrist. What he discovers is that the people of Absolution don’t welcome strangers, and nobody makes a move on its streets unless ordered to do so by the iron-fisted Colonel Dolarhyde. It’s a town that lives in fear. But Absolution is about to experience fear it can scarcely comprehend as the desolate city is attacked by marauders from the sky. Screaming down with breathtaking velocity and blinding lights to abduct the helpless one by one, these monsters challenge everything the residents have ever known. Now, the stranger they rejected is their only hope for salvation. As this gunslinger slowly starts to remember who he is and where he’s been 

This film you get exactly what you would expect from the title. A fun filled action extravaganza. That delivers the thrills. It is the very definition of a popcorn movie. It’s big loud and dumb and passes the time in a entertaining way. Impressive considering how much of a disaster it could have ended up being. It’s competently directed. Instead of feeling like it is based on a popular graphic novel. The film plays out instead more like a video game adaptation with familiar clichéd stories of proving yourself.


The effects certainly make the film lead that way and half the time it feels like you are playing a video game while watching it. The film feels overblown and just a genre mash-up with little other reason for its creation or to exist.

Strangely for such a big extravaganza it also oddly feels rushed.
 

This is the first time I have really seen Daniel Craig as a true lead and action star. He brings the Tall dark and quiet qualities that the led character of this film needs. He reminds you of a later day Steve McQueen. Craig is Mysterious dangerous and moral to a point.

Harrison Ford is nice to see giving a supporting performance. Rather then a lead one. It gives him a chance to play a character. Not an icon or heroic lead. It gives him more of a flavor then the vanilla he usually plays.  Olivia Wilde while very beautiful and nice to look at has a role that makes no sense.
 

Paul Dano is a good actor. Who I am starting to get annoyed with always playing the dweeb characters. Certain actors have their schtick when playing characters. As this seems to be his in particular usually in big-budget movie supporting roles. While he has an odd look, He is certainly better then the roles he plays. look at TAKING LIVES he is dangerous in. In THERE WILL BE BLOOD he holds his own against Daniel Day-Lewis of all people.  

Wait for Cable

 
 GRADE: C

THE ONE (2001)

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Directed By: James Wong 
Written By: James Wong &Glen Morgan 
Cinematography By: Robert McLachlan 
Editor: James Coblentz 


Cast: Jet Li, Carla Gugino, Delroy Lindo, Jason Statham, Dylan Bruno, James Morrisson, Dean Norris 

This movie postulates what if there is more than one universe. And that all of these universes are held together by one single stream of energy and that energy is equally distributed to every living in each universe and if one of these beings die, that energy is reallocated equally to each other surviving member. And with each allocation, a person becomes stronger. Now one universe has master the ability of crossing into another universe, and a man named Shulaw who believes that if he can kill all of his counterparts, he will become invincible, but there are those who believe that it might have detrimental effects, so try and stop him. Unfortunately, he just has one more person to kill, Gabe Law, but the officers follow Shulaw but Shulaw has committed some crimes and Gabe is accused and is wanted. But Gabe discovers that he has changed and only wants to kill Shulaw not realizing what could happen.

Even for experienced writer-directors James Wong and Glenn Morgan who were also showrunners for THE X-FILES, this film feels especially weak for a science-fiction tale though I realize it is more action. That element could have been played up more. I am not even blaming the lackluster effects. It’s just that everything about this film feels uninspired.
This is a film I have seen beige and pretty much forgotten about until I re-watched it recently and all the old feelings and impressions came rushing back.

It feels uninspired though it takes elements from a bunch of different sci-fi films it never settles to use any of those inspirations to come up with spent anything different and original. I can accept that.

It also seems like a film where the directors were either fans or in awe of the star of the film Jet-Li and seem to just hang back on film ad let him do what he does best. Which would be fine of hey a least set him up with scenes that were somewhat Interesting and set up the action so that we can be amazed by his skills.

For the martial arts aficionados: Jet Li uses two distinct kung fu styles when portraying Gabe and Yulaw. The evil Yulaw uses Xingyi Quan, or “Mind-Form Fist” (loosely translated). As can be seen, when he is training, it is a very linear, offensive style. Gabe on the other hand practices Bagua Zhang, or the “Eight Trigrams Palm”. It is characterized by open palm fighting, with circular footwork. Both styles are two of the three main “internal” styles of Chinese kung fu – the third being Taiji Quan (Tai Chi).

The film LETHAL WEAPON 4 did it and look at how. Underwhelming that film was. He only played a supporting part and amazed audiences with his martial arts skills so much that soon after he was making film after film in the United States though he Barry spoke any English and most of those films while disappointing at least knew how to use him to his advantage and have at least one memorable scene with him.

This is a shame as Jet-li never really found his niche in America sure he starred In many American films though he never found a project that really defined him nor pinpointed his skills. None were truly showcases or even highlights. They all looked kind of like bargain-basement productions and paired him with a musician of some kind. They also seemed more to advertise him to more of an urban audience. (CRADLE TO THE GRAVE, ROMEO MUST DIE) Though usually, the films were multiracial. Though the films he made just as always from overseas were usually excellent to passable (HERO, FEARLESS)

This film feels like it could have been written for any action star. To use their skills in the role only here it happened to be martial arts. Truly this could have started anyone that is how much the lead character and the villain have no real personality or general-purpose other than to fill out their roles and work within the mechanics of the film.

When Dwayne Johnson’s’ The Rock’ was attached to a star, this film was known as The Rock Movie. When he left to work on THE MUMMY RETURNS, it was listed for a short while as Untitled Sci-Fi Project, and when Jet Li came aboard, it became The One. Now I will admit I can be a snob and at times hard on the action, that might be because growing up with action films I grew used to them and I just can’t take the run of the mill. There must be something special or some kind of passion about the film for me I appreciate it. Even of the film is lackluster there must be something in it even iconic that might bring me memories of yesteryear ones. This one though truly feels like a waste of time and talent. That seemed doomed from the beginning.

Skip it

 Grade: F

THE FAMILY (2013)

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Directed By: Luc Besson  Written By: Luc Besson & Michael Caleo Based in the Book Written By: Tonino Benacquista Cinematography: Thierry Arbogast Editor: Julien Ray

Cast: Robert DeNiro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Tommy Lee Jones, Dianna Agron, John D’Leo, Domenick Lombardozzi, Vincent Pastore, Jimmy Palumbo 

The Manzoni family, a notorious mafia clan, is relocated to Normandy, France under the Witness Protection Program, where fitting in soon becomes challenging, as their old habits die hard.

The film goes from a zany comedic one moment then wants us to believe In The dramatics and tension of situations. They then usually relieve themselves in ridiculous ways. Filled with Italian mafia stereotypes. 

As each character finds their own hustle daughter seems to suffer the most

Just as with the ridiculous ark of Diana argron’s character sets out to seduce her teacher and then when he decides to end the affair for Good reason. She is ready to kill herself in a dramatic fashion. I guess the script is aiming to show the vast emotional unpredictable terrain of teenage girls In love?

Robert DeNiro seems to be having fun once again sending up himself and mob movies

The film has style but shows it rather sparingly and usually only in the action scenes.

The film should be a slam dunk. Though even the lost-in-translation-type jokes and setups don’t work here. As the film seems more of a high-concept comedy that has come too late. Usually, the film is just as appealing and Rich as a bunch of action scenes in a small town. That is when the film at least comes alive

Director Luc Besson is bringing Hollywood-style blockbusters and big action stores to more typical European locales and surroundings.

Here it doesn’t feel like anyone is trying. They more or less seem to be trying to coast on their own laurels. Just as the film seems to try to coast on the big-name cast and be seen as more of a prestige picture

Considering all the talent involved this should have been a slam dunk. It definitely should be better and sharper. Even if dumbed-down, It should definitely be better in the action sequences that director Luc Besson is usually an expert at.

The film feels so middle for the road, lazy and lacking effort. Its tone is all over the place and the humor seems obvious or just lost in translation. 

Every character goes their own way and eventually abs their own secrets. Breaking the rules they hold each other to. Except for surprisingly Robert DeNiro’s character who all the other characters think will. 

The film feels like they should men ore for character considering the talent. Instead, the film just feels thin like an idea without true follow-through very 1980s and 1990’s.

Grade: F

SHERLOCK HOLMES (2009)

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Directed By: Guy Ritchie
Written By: Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham & Simon Kinberg
Story By: Michael Robert Johnson & Lionel Wigram
Cinematography By: Phillipe Rousselot
Editor: James Herbert

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan, James Fox

In London, Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. John Watson captures the follower of black magic and serial killer Lord Blackwood that has already killed five women when he is near to kill his sixth victim. Blackwood is sentenced to be strung up and Dr. Watson attests his death. However, Blackwood mysteriously returns from the afterlife and Inspector Lestrade summons Sherlock Holmes to help the Scotland Yard in the investigation. Meanwhile Dr. Watson intends to get married of the gorgeous Mary Morstan while Sherlock is visited by his former lover Irene Adler that has a secret agenda.



 I should have liked this film, but the film is too big, too many action set pieces, Too many explosions. Not enough Mystery. It’s like everything has to be bigger and better like it’s some kind of sequel or Michael Bay movie with better style and some sensibility.

It’s not good enough for Sherlock Holmes to be a good detective but must also be tough by doing bare-knuckle fighting, being a master of disguise, and always having a weapon handy. Like a victorian era super spy.

Once in a while, we get to see how Holmes’ mind works with deductive thinking. While having a semi homoerotic relationship with Dr. Watson, Who he is jealous of because he is not only moving out of the house they share but also getting married. The case they try to crack involves a woman from Holmes past who is lively and almost as cunning as he is and at first the case seems based on the supernatural. Than along the way becomes more logical.

The chemistry between Downey Jr. and Jude Law seems false and more manufactured than it should and makes you wonder if Jude Law was insulted as being the natural-born brit and having to play the sidekick to the American actor taking over a notorious British character.

The film isn’t horrible and it’s nice to see what director Guy Ritchie can do with a sizeable budget, but as I said before everything feels overblown and like it goes out of its way to keep reminding you this is the NEW Sherlock Holmes.

The leads are both charming and mark Strong is a good villain and the film’s more interesting scenes are when he is on the screen or exploring his character and it’s a conspiracy.

While the film is a good popcorn film afterward you start to feel the fat and the grease and wonder why this movie really needed to be made. Again it’s not horrible it’s not bad either. It’s ok and has some things going for it, but the end feels unnecessary and unremarkable. It keeps your attention as any time the film seems to begin to slow down another action sequence pops up. Not always for a good reason, But for the most part everyone involved seems to be having fun.

Wait For Television

GRADE: C

GOING TO BRAZIL (2016)

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Directed By: Patrick Mille
Written By: Patrick Mille, Julien Lambroschini & Sabrina Amara
Cinematography: Andre Szenkowski
Editor: Samuel Dansei

Cast: Vanessa Guide, Alison Wheeler, Margot Bancilhon, Philippine Stindel, Patrick Mille, Christine Citti, Susana Pires, Chico Diaz, Joseph Makebra 

Four childhood friends reunite for a wedding in Rio, only to find themselves on the run through the Brazilian countryside after accidentally killing someone at a drug-fueled party.

The film feels very 1980s inspired. As the plot feels high concept and simple. As it takes a GIRL’S NIGHT type story and takes it further and more action-oriented.

It even feels directed like an interaction action film from the 1980s. So that you always feel a bit of nostalgia. If you are a fan of films from the decade. 

The film offers a kind of girl’s gone wild scenario. As the characters deal with being on vacation in Brazil for a friend’s wedding and their lives not going too well. So they decide to show e fun no wild out. Which eventually leads to trouble. The film presents deals with them trying to stay out of trouble as more complications are presented.

Even though the film sounds like it would more be  T & A fest. It is more for female viewers. As most of the male characters are stupid, evil and manipulative.

The film sets up an older male villain. Whose motives are understandable partially. As he is only reacting to the death of a loved one. One who ended up being reprehensible. Showing that the Apple doesn’t fall far from The tree.

The film plays so broad but then reins in some scenes that want to be more dramatic or character building. 

The film certainly switches tones as it begins like a screwball comedy and then becomes more hardcore at first serious then action but tries to keep a sense of humor through it all. Leaving the film to be inventive and thankfully fast-paced.

In trying to stay out of trouble they are lead into all sorts of criminal activity and hijinks that eventually allows them to have a full-fledged adventure. That stays on the move and exposes a silly and unexpected side. 

Even if the last-minute hardcore action seems a bit much. 

The four leads all play types more than characters but all are needed for their particular skills that help along the way and they all have their own appeal. 

The more darker-skinned characters are shown more as villains, tough and dangerous. It doesn’t seem intended that way but still comes off that way and noticeable. 

The film offers an interesting tale of a girl’s vacation in its own way.

The film unfortunately might be entertaining as you watch it but by the end feels forgettable. 

GRADE: C-