Review To A Kill

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2009-01-04T18:54:00.001Z

http://reviewtoakill.wordpress.com if this doesn't redirect.

21 (2008)

2009-01-03T22:06:00.002Z

Kevin Spacey stars in this mathematical drama centred around the card-counting concept. Several students are enlisted by a teacher to engage in a card-counting scam, and in Las Vegas of all places!! It's a decent enough plotline, not too heavy on the twists and turns and a better film for it. The finale, however, brings a fairly predictable twist but one that is enjoyable nonetheless: obviously the good guys win.

Kevin Spacey is as good as he always is and the younger members of the cast all do a decent job at their respective parts. Noone really shines, however, and this unfortunately includes Laurence Fishburne, playing the 'bad guy' (who also ends up sort of as a good guy of sorts). No really bad performances, to be fair, but nothing really amazing.

Star Of The Film: Kate Bosworth - best of the youngsters.
Best Bit: The Revenge Of The Geek ending

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478087/

Episode 7: Semi-Pro

2009-01-03T08:40:00.001Z

Baz and Gaz review Semi-Pro, starring Will Ferrell, and another of the fantastic Pound Shop Picks (Killjoy) with special guest John the Hobo!

The boys talk about their Christmas, New Year and standing on a roundabout.

B + G x

Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ReviewToAKill
Direct Download: http://m.podshow.com/media/19770/episodes/138226/areviewtoakill-138226-01-03-2009.mp3

The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor (2008)

2009-01-02T00:01:00.002Z

Third in the series of the Mummy films sees Brendan Fraser returning without the delectable Rachel Weiss, although not without evie, irritatingly. Unsurprisingly this film is utter guff. Bugger all plotline, crappy stunt sequences and no decent acting to take your mind off the fact that Brendan Fraser really can't act for toffees. The only saving grace of this film is the inclusion of John Hannah, who is almost as funny as he was in the first two films. Jet Li also sucks donkey balls in this one, but then he usually does.

Star of The Film: John Hannah
Best Bit: Knowing I never have to watch this drivel again.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0859163/

Easy Rider (1969)

2009-01-01T23:44:00.003Z

Bit of an unusual one, this. Directed, written by and starring Dennis Hopper, it wasn't a huge hit at the time, but has become a cult phenomenon for it's own worth.

It's a little difficult to watch in places as there isn't really any overt plotline other than a road trip for two friends transporting drugs from a to b. To be honest I think that, although this is a decent film with a strong cast (Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson anyone?), the success of the film is down to it's quite horrific climax which sees both major characters blown off their bikes by a shotgun wielding hillbilly.

Ultimately I'm of the opinion that this is a good film but not a great one and is more about the shock value and bleakness of the ending than about being a great film in it's own right.

Star Of The Film: Peter Fonda
Best Bit: The Shotgun Climax

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064276/

King Kong (2005)

2009-01-01T23:22:00.004Z

Peter Jackson delivers another epic with this remake of the classic monster hit. This one had humongous potential to be a massive turkey, as with most monster movies, but Jackson puts together a visually stunning, grandiose vision of King Kong, framing a fairly empty concept with a strength of storytelling that belies the basic idea.

Naomi Watts shines as the heroine, acting out a frank and genuinely believable connection with the beast. Adrien Brody also puts in a solid performance, successfully bridging the transition from bookworm to hero over the course of the film. Special mention, also, for Jack Black (playing Carl Denham, the entrepreneur who brings Kong to New York) who proves with this effort that he's much more than the big man with the toilet humour. Star of the film undoubtedly goes to King Kong himself, however. Rendered beautifully in the digital format, the level of detail in Kong's personality and mannerisms lend such a heightened sense of personification as to make it possible for the viewer to feel a connection.

Star Of The Film: King Kong
Best Bit: On Top of the skyscraper, obviously.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0360717/

Fargo (1996)

2009-01-01T23:10:00.003Z

Another great darkly comedic thriller from the Coen Brothers, Fargo is almost an oddity in that the story is actually pretty sparse. The 'catch the killer' plotline could easily be played out in a half hour episode of Law And Order, but this is not where the film shines.

The whole film is based around a bodged staged kidnapping which sees Steve Buscemi and his psychotic cohort (Peter Stormare) lose their heads and start killing. Meanwhile Frances McDormand (the excellently played Margie) tracks down the erstwhile killers as the pregnant cop. What makes the film work so well is the odd polarity between the intense niceness of the police, public and indeed the man who initiated the staging (William H Macy), and the two villains of the film. Not to mention the odd couple set up of the villains with Steve Buscemi being level headed and interested in only the money, and his counterpart who is intent on killing everyone in sight.

Special mention should also be made for the musical score. Despite being incredibly sparse, the few bars of music that are repeated throughout hold sway over the tone of the entire film and in particular the climax of the film.

Star Of The Film: Frances McDormand
Best Bit: Steve Buscemi getting fed into a wood chipper

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116282/fullcredits#cast

The Happening (2008)

2009-01-01T22:59:00.003Z

Being a fan of M. Night Shyamalan, it comes as no surprise that I enjoyed this one a lot. I always find his story telling a fascinating prospect, never content to stick to the tried and tested formulauc mumbo jumbo churned out by hollywood, Shyamalan continues to press the audience into thinking about what they are watching.

This isn't Shyamalan's best work to date but it is an enjoyable film with a highly original concept driving the story to a non-twist-ending, which is unusual for Shyamalan. The acting from the three main characters is of a high standard, with Zooey Deschanel standing out as a very unsettled and confused love interest for Mark Wahlberg's geeky teacher (something which he pulls off to a decent enough standard). Special Kudos go to the acting of the smaller parts, with excellently eerie turns by several bit-part actors, albeit performing essentially the same thing.

Star Of The Film: A toss up between Zooey Deschanel and the bit-part actors.
Best Bit: The seriously sinister music.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0949731/

Survivors (2008) [TV Series]

2008-12-29T19:35:00.003Z

The BBC decided to remake the iconic 70's Apocalyptic drama where the UK succumbs to a deadly viral epidemic, killing 99% of the population, and decided to have Julie "Sack of spanners in the face" Graham and Max Beesley in the show. Oh dear.

As always, each of the survivors have their own story to tell and have the stereotypical characters in it, such as the "loner", the "loving mother", the "prisoner" but the most interesting interaction between the characters for me were played by Chakak Patel and Phillip Rhys (the one off 24 Season 2 who was ethnic and thought to be a terrorist but in the end wasn't). Rhys played Al, a "playboy" who has never had to care for anyone other than himself, and Patel plays Najid, a deeply religious kid who is older than his years. The two of them sort of end up looking after each other.

The acting is okay at times, but the story seems to speed up and slow down at will. Max Beesley, "Prisoner", has two looks which I like to call "Scowl" and "Growl" and the other characters are un-interesting at best.

The new series will be out in 2009, and I'll watch it - it's not terrible... it's just not really great either.

Star of the show: Phillip Rhys in his role as Al.
Best bit: Nothing really stands out, so I'll go for the cinematography of the destroyed and desolate cities.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1258189/

The Dark Knight (2008)

2008-12-29T17:16:00.004Z

"Why so serious?" could turn out to be one of the most iconic film lines of 2008.

The Joker is back in Gotham City and he has one objective... to cause mayhem.

This was Heath Ledger's final main role before his untimely death, and filling Jack Nicholson's boots as the Joker in a previous iteration of the series was always going to be tough. Ledger, however, makes the character his own in a way which would have propelled his career to loftier heights had he not passed on.

However, I don't think he is the real star of this film, despite the inevitable posthumous Academy Award nomination/victory. Christian Bale, as Batman/Bruce Wayne, isn't either. His growling of every line as the self-titled Dark Knight is irritating and gets very old, very quickly. Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent is a good, well played role but his smug portrayal as Gotham City's "White Knight" left me wishing for a train to hit him firmly in his chiseled jaw.

The real star is Gary Oldman as Lieutenant/Commissioner Gordon. He is expected to be the side order to the main course, but he plays the role of Gordon as someone who is genuinely doing what he believes, for the right reasons... even to the extent of faking his death to catch the Joker. Oldman is superb in the role, and really caps off what is a good film - it will always be Ledger's film, but Oldman is the one who deserves more plaudits than he'll get. Another notable mention for the legendary William Fichtner who is a bank manager of the Mob.

Star of the film: Gary Oldman
Best bit: The end scene, perfectly setting up a further episode of another film.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/

Layer Cake (2004)

2008-12-26T20:21:00.004Z

Daniel Craig's true break-through into cinema comes in Matthew Vaughn's film. A successful drug manufacturer plans his retirement but his boss actually gives him two final jobs - find the daughter of another prominent "businessman" and negotiate the disposal of a large amount of ecstacy pills.

This, obviously, leads to deceit and double crossing and various different story strands all coming together.

The film contains a plethora of British TV/film stars including Kenneth Cranham as Jimmy Price, Sir Michael Gambon as Eddie Temple and others including the start of Sienna Miller's film career and the continuation of Colm Meaney's career. The film's soundtrack is set to 70's/80's music mainly but it's a fine juxtaposition (especially George Harris' Morty beating up a former posse member set to Duran Duran's Ordinary World)

Star of the film: Daniel Craig's XXXX character's progression through the film is very much a tribute to Craig's acting ability.
Best Bit: I would say the escape from the warehouse, drugs in tow, followed by the police.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375912/

Elf (2003)

2008-12-26T20:05:00.002Z

Will Ferrell stars in this festive comedy, as a child who grows up at the North Pole believing he is an elf called Buddy. When his size gives him away (about 3 times the size of all of the other elves), Santa allows him to go and find his real father, played by James Caan. However, Caan is on the "naughty" list due to his general demeanour and attitude to life.

Buddy ends up teaching his father about what life means, and the Christmas spirit via a department store where he meets Zooey Deschanel's Jovie - a girl working as a store elf at the store.

The story is one of family, and learning what you can be, rather than what you are.

Ferrell plays the role well as a very unworldwise person, and Caan is also excellent in his grumpy, career-orientated role as the book publisher who won't let work go.

Star of the film: Will Ferrell, the sort of role which is made for him.
Best bit: Buddy wandering around New York City, dressed in elf's gear.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319343/

Episode 6: The Christmas Special

2008-12-24T12:57:00.002Z

Oh come all ye faithful, good mates. Baz and Gaz planned to review Santa Claus the Movie reviewed, but due to other things, it didn't happen. So they wrong a Christmas song... and described the Christmas Day process... and got two special "celebrity" guests to record a piece for the podcast... and included the WHO!

Seasons Greetings, good buddies.

G

Download the show here or subscribe - go on, you know you want to

Sideways (2004)

2008-12-24T10:41:00.001Z

A film about wine-tasting. Does this sound interesting? No... well, you're WRONG.

Paul Giamatti's character, Miles, is a semi-failed writer who sounds like he might finally have a chance at getting his book published. His life is generally in the toilet. However, he takes his best friend and actor Jack (Thomas Haden Church) on a "stag" weekend to remember, drinking wine and playing golf. Or at least, that's the plan. Jack has his eye on getting his end away one final time.

Miles, after his divorce, is mentally scarred, but tries to find love with a waitress who shares his love for wine, but her friend is in Jack's sights.

It's a good film, with a sense of humour, and it isn't too self important despite the subject.

Star of the Film: Paul Giamatti - I'd never come across him apart from in the Negotiator.
Best bit: There are quite a few.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375063/

Police Academy (1984)

2008-12-22T16:33:00.003Z

A group of rag tag citizens join up the Police Academy when the new mayor opens it up for the public to join. However the police bosses don't want the recruits so they intend to make them quit. Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg) can't quit however otherwise he will be going to jail himself after committing lots of petty crimes.

As the Academy begins, Guttenberg doesn't want to continue in it but knows he cannot quit but as he goes on and meets Thompson (Kim Cattrall) who he instantly takes a liking to. Hilarity ensues as the Academy guys are put through their paces, and ultimately put into a situation involving a riot.

Mahoney helps save the day, and everyone is happy as they all graduate.

The film is comedy slapstick at its best, and Guttenberg does well to, at first, portray the rebel Mahoney, but after that the officer-to-be who wants to do the right thing.

Star of the Film: Steve Guttenberg
Best bit: The scene at the Blue Oyster Bar

Arlington Road (1999)

2008-12-17T19:16:00.002Z

Jeff Bridges stars in this thriller with Tim Robbins.

Jeff saves the beginning of the film by saving his neighbour's kid after he injures his hand. This helps Jeff to get to know Tim. Jeff is a terrorism expert who begins to suspect Tim isn't quite who he thought.

He conducts some research and finds out that Tim hasn't been strictly truthful and is, in fact, someone with a past to hide. Jeff's current girlfriend is then killed in an RTA after she sees Tim acting suspiciously in the shopping mall.

The tone of the film is dark with lots of fade to black shots, and dark settings. The scene is veey tense and it's a decent thriller with Bridges and Robbins both playing very different roles.

Star of the film: Close between Robbins and Bridges but probably Robbins for his totally un-nerving performance as Oliver Lang

Best bit: the ending

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137363/

Episode 5: Dark City

2008-12-14T14:17:00.001Z

Baz and Gaz review Alex Proyas' film "Dark City" as well as discussing the best Christmas films ever, and the prelude to the Christmas Review to a Kill Special.

Direct Download the file here and subscribe here

G + B x

That Thing You Do! (1996)

2008-12-09T17:29:00.001Z

Set in the 60's, a school band get thrust into the limelight with a hit record for their band, the One-ders. Signed up by a local promoter and then by Tom Hanks' Play-Tone label, they break into the Billboard Charts.

Before long, they're hitting the country and singing all over the States as well as appearing in films!

Things start to unravel when the lead singer dumps his girlfriend and quits the band, the bassist enrols and the lead guitarist gets married in Vegas.

Things end up well though as Liv Tyler's character ends up with the drummer (Tom Everett Scott, the films spiritual lead role) and all ended well.

It's a bit clichéd and, at times, a bit artsy but on the whole, it's enjoyable enough. It's almost a feel good film but not quite.

Star of the film: Tom Everett Scott starts off as a lowly family electrical store employee and ends up as a national star and gets the girl. What has he ever done since though?

Best bit: Any time that Everett Scott does that thing he does (get it? Ha ha) with the drumsticks before looking ultra smug.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117887/

Copycat (1995)

2008-12-08T20:06:00.003Z

This thriller regarding a copycat killer is harmless enough but it hasn't aged well. Sigourney is an agoraphobic psychologist who survived a murder attempt on her life from the killer portrayed by Connick Jr. who has written a book while in prison.

On the outside, there is a copycat killer following a pattern given by Weaver's character in one of her lectures. It is on Holly Hunter to catch the killer using the help of Weaver.

However, the final killing is planned to be Ripley's so Hunter and the police have to get there in time.

The atmosphere of the film is pretty decent but it has not aged well from the technology used in the film, even to the cinematography.

Star of the film: Holly Hunter plays the role of the police officer in charge well
Best Bit: The final scenes, the tension is good and it brings the film to a close

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112722/

Enemy of the State (1998)

2008-12-05T18:18:00.003Z

Typical Jerry Bruckheimer action flick starring the Fresh Prince. The Smith character is a lawyer who gets caught up in a Senator's murder by someone in the Government, namely the NSA. The story is mainly about privacy laws and technology used in the aforementioned 'Big Brother' laws.

It's the standard action followed by tension pattern used in these films but it's not done badly. It's just a bit bland. Will Smith runs around for hours trying to avoid the Government agents who would easily take down the simple lawyer. There are quite a few surveillance camera style shots which underline the privacy laws moral behind the tale.

The soundtrack is typical of Trevor Rabin and Harry Gregson-Williams and it's good action music.

Star of the Film: Will Smith simply because it's all about him... like most of his films.
Best Bit: The end scene in the Mafia restaurant.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120660/

The Mummy Returns (2001)

2008-12-05T18:07:00.002Z

The sequel to the previously reviewed film is longer and features mummies again. This time, O'Connell and his now wife and son head out to another pyramid in chase of more treasure.

The cast is quite a strong one with the addition of the Rock and supporting roles again for Oded Fehr and Mr Eko from Lost.

Fraser plods his way through the film, predictably as do the other characters but it's a perfectly acceptable film to watch as long as you can manage to turn your mind off.

Star of the film: Mr Eko comes close to it, but it's Oded Fehr for his defending of the upper ground in a loosely connected strand of the story.

Best bit: The end scenes in the Oasis of Ahm Shere

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0209163/

Episode 4: 24 Redemption

2008-12-04T10:02:00.002Z

The "Review to a Kill" podcast returns with a somewhat below par edition, given that the technology decided to balls up at the last minute.

The boys discuss their thoughts on the 24: Redemption TV movie, as well as discussing Jack Bauer interrogating Santa Claus, and what weapons would be in their Xmas Selection Box.

Direct download the show here or subscribe to the all-singing, all-dancing feed here.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0813980/

Normal service will be resumed soon.

The Good Girl (2002)

2008-12-03T17:35:00.002Z

Both work at the Retail Rodeo, a bargain discount store. Justine, Aniston's character, is in a marriage with a pot head painter who she has been with for years and she's generally down about life.

Her and Holden (Gyllenhaal) start an illicit affair almost out of boredom with life.

The film follows their tedious existence in the Retail Rodeo and their choices in life leading up to the affair going sour and Holden's eventual theft of the takings of the store and his subsequent suicide.

The affair comes out after Holden's death and Justine has to deal with the fallout which makes things stronger in the long term.

The film is a slow one but it's not a bad flick. Aniston acts well enough and Gyllenhaal is a good, shy kid with mental tendencies.

Star of the film: Jennifer Aniston does a very good job of playing a downtrodden housewife.
Best Bit: Probably the scene towards the end of the film in the motel.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0279113/

Ultraviolet (2006)

2008-12-01T17:23:00.002Z

Serial bad actress Milla Jovavich in wearing coloured wigs and leather shock. This movie just shows loads of neon lights (like a really bad disco), big energy music as Violet steals a case from some organisation with loads of security. The cinematography is good but uncalled for really and there is far too much of the "bullet time" like moves in the fight scenes. On the plus side it has the World's best actor William Fichtner in it which almost makes it worth watching. Almost. The plot is contrived (vampires and non vampires who were vying for a cure to their race) and a bit shit if I'm honest. I'm glad that I didn't go to see it at the cinema as it was a poor film. Not worth the hour and a half of my life.

Star of the Film: Hard to call but probably, begrudgingly, Milla Jovavich
Best Bit: The opening scenes

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0370032/

Mercury Rising (1998)

2008-11-28T18:30:00.002Z

Bruce Willis shows off another of his multi-faceted acting sk... oh wait. No. FBI agent confronted with failute... gets demoted... finds a way of redemption... succeeds. Bruce Willis' roles generally follow that pattern. This is no exception. The role that Brucey plays isn't badly acted - it's just not a great role.

Alec Baldwin plays the evil Government agent who wants autistic boy Simon killed because he cracked an uncrackable code. Various goons get their chance to off Simon through the film including the great Peter Stormare (John Abruzzi in Prison Break/Lev Andropov in other Willis film Armageddon) although his role should be lots bigger.

The film is touching in parts with a slight love sub plot, the film however doesn't get the heart pumping enough - it's not a love film, it's not an action film and it's not a thriller... it doesn't know what it is.

Star of the film: Miko Hughes for his portrayal of Simon, the autistic child
Best bit: The city scene where Willis meets the NSA missive and Stacey

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120749/

Episode 3: Demon Fire and other stuff

2008-11-27T20:15:00.002Z

More arrogant than a sack of smug spanners, here is the Review to a Kill, episode 3! This contains some, none or fewer of the following:

The latest in the lads' Pound Shop Picks, Demon Fire (Witch House 3)
A discussion of future shows including the Pound Shop Picks trailer special
A chance to win a holiday to the Caribbean
Other film talk

Direct Download the show here or make some guys very happy by subscribing to that there feed

Enjoy!

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0289626/

Blind Fury (1989)

2008-11-27T18:03:00.002Z

Fun and frolics with Lord Rutger Hauer, star of many average films. Hauer plays a man, blinded after Vietnam. He also carries a walking cane... with a knife in. Taught to use it by locals, Rutger is a force to be reckoned with. A blind man with a smug ability to use a weapon - what could be a better combo?

Well, actually... throw in Lost's John Locke, or actor Terry O'Quinn. TV's best bald man? Yes. But not in this film (the baldness).

It's an okay film which lets you enjoy the action without having to think.

Star of the film: Rutger Hauer - it's a blind man, with swords innit?
Best bit: The scene in the cornfields.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096945/

The Mummy (1999)

2008-11-24T19:14:00.004Z

Harmless guff starring the docile Brendan Fraser, the quintessentially British Rachel Weisz and evil 24 villain in the making Arnold Vosloo. Someone has been bad with a book found in the ancient Egypt are of Hamanaptra, and awoken an evil spirit. Bad things happen, loads of greed hungry Americans die in horrific ways (generally by having their body sucked out and turned into shrivelled up prunes) before Brendan casually dismisses the Mummy using another evil book.

It's not the most challenging of films, but it's harmless enough.

Star of the film: Oded Fehr as the lord almighty of the Majai
Best bit: The Colonel's plane sucking into the quicksand giving him a heroes send-off.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120616/

Episode 2: A Godfather Trilogy Special

2008-11-22T22:33:00.003Z

Episode 2 of the Review to a Kill podcast is here already (I hear you jump for joy), and this one is a Godfather Trilogy special...

Baz and myself watched all three Godfather films back to back (ish - a short break for air), and recorded what we thought and stuff.

Take a listen... if you dare.

The feed is here or you can download it and stuff from here.

IMDB Pages:
Godfather 1: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068646/
Godfather 2: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071562/
Godfather 3: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099674/

Peace and love, peace and love.

Creep (2004)

2008-11-22T22:13:00.004Z

Only one decent bit of acting (Franke Potente), no discernable plot aside from the obvious running around in the dark and only one truly creepy scene in the whole film (blackened filing place). Complete Dogshit.

Star Of The Film: Franke Potente (like she had any competition)
Best Bit: The end credits

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381966/

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

2008-11-11T18:01:00.004Z

This chucklesome flick starring Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor is a good way to kill an evening. The owner of a local gym is bought out by a gym magnate in White Goodman. The only way to stop this from happening, is for the rag tag bunch from Average Joe's to win a Dodgeball tournament, which the Globogym guys also take part in. With cameos from Chuck Norris, William Shatner and Lance Armstrong in, this is just a fun film.

It's pretty much laugh every few minutes, with Stiller's egotistical Goodman doing such things as shoving pizza down his shorts and pumping up his crotch cup with a pump. Of course, good wins out over evil in the end (would you expect anything else?) and the gym is saved... there's a couple of cheesy love story(ish) plots along the way but they're done in a good comedy style.

I'd watch it again, just for the chuckles.

Star Of The Film: Steve the Pirate
Best Bit: Rip Torn teaching the guys to dodge, duck, dip, dive and ... dodge

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364725/

Ghostbusters 2 (1989)

2008-11-10T18:13:00.004Z

The sequel to Ghostbusters is pretty harmless fare, with Bill Murray and Dan Ackroyd starring with future star of Bean and 24, Peter McNicol putting on a terrible accent.

It's been a few years since I've seen this film, and to be honest, it doesn't get any better. If you like the Statue of Liberty coming to life and dancing, and seeing goo flying everywhere, it's not ridiculous. If you fancy a quiet afternoon where you don't have to engage your brain too much, it's good.

Just don't be afraid of no ghosts, you hear?

Star Of The Film: Bill Murray
Best Bit: Probably the Statue of Liberty dancing

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097428/

The Longest Yard (2005)

2008-11-10T14:08:00.003Z

The Longest Yard, for a sports film, is actually suprisingly good. It's predictable as you would expect from a sports film, as there's pretty much two possible endings: 1) they win, 2) they lose. They win in this one but the journey is much more enjoyable than many similar films which helps you forget about the stock ending.
Adam Sandler puts in an unusually straight performance, leaving the slapstick antics to the other players, which actually works surprisingly well with a host of unknowns fulfilling the comedy slots greatly. Chris Rock is pretty superfluous, providing very few laughs on his own. Rapper Nelly also appears as a player but, frankly, he's there for the gangsta vote, which is a shame because he acts quite well within the role. Overall it's better than a lot of sports films I've seen but is certainly no masterpiece. Not great but Not bad.
Star Of The Film: None. Noone particularly shines.
Best Bit: Generic Sports-based Slapstick.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398165/

Episode 1: A Back to the Future Special!

2008-11-09T14:09:00.005Z

The first episode of the Review to a Kill podcast is up now, and includes some or more of the following:

Back to the Future 1, 2 and 3 reviews as watched by Baz and Gaz... discussion of how Gaz's car would not stand up to a hover conversion... advertising within the films... the Pound Shop pick: the Zombie Chronicles...

Comments here, there and everywhere please!

Download the show here or sign up to the feed to have it download direct to your computer or iTunes

IMDB Pages:
BTTF 1: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/
BTTF 2: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096874/
BTTF 3: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099088/
Zombie Chronicles: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0272950/

Southland Tales (2006)

2008-11-05T20:22:00.001Z

I also watched Southland Tales recently. I was hoping for so much from this film but unfortunately I was left quite disappointed at the end. I hold the firm belief that a film should make sense at the end. Otherwise what's the point in trying to tell the story?! And it's not like I can't follow an unusual or complicated storyline. Films like Donnie Darko or Mission Impossible present no problems. But where is the entertainment when the end of the story leaves you thinking 'is that it?'
Southland Tales borders on comical in places (Sarah Michelle Gellar's porn star chat show) but never really commits to being a comedy, content, instead, to straddle some imaginary line that also borders on what might have been an excellent oddity film. The problem is that the only time during the film that there is any real plot development is the ending, by which point you've already sat through two hours of irritating characters (over aggresive female 'resistance' style freedom fighters??), superfluous scenes (most of the whole drive-along sequence) and an evil corporation that seems to be in there just to prop up a small aspect of the ending. It's a real shame that a potentially great idea has been over indulged in the wrong way and left the film as a whole a fairly dull experience.
Star of the film: Seann William Scott puts in a surprise turn as a decent serious character, around whom the fascinating climax of the film centres.
Best Bit: the last 15 minutes.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405336/

Crash (2004)

2008-11-05T20:06:00.001Z

I just watched Crash last night. I was not expecting a huge amount from the film. I tend to find that I don't much enjoy the films that critics rave on about. I don't watch any awards shows either. But I have to say that Crash was surprisingly good. Very well acted, if a little jaggedly directed. It gave an inspiring and yet devastating insight into the (in?)humanity of living in a large, ethnically diverse city. Hailing from London myself, I could really identify with the themes of the film: racism, family, friendship, right and wrong, common courtesy. Despite the inclusion of some fairly superfluous acting 'talent' (Brendan Fraser??) in relatively insignificant roles, an overall highly enjoyable film.
Star of the film: Matt Dillon (Officer Ryan) for his disturbingly convincing portrayal of a cop who's racist attitudes are overshadowed by his compunction to save a life.
Best Bit: Racist Officer Ryan saves a black lady's life.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375679/

The Review to a Kill Podcast begins here

2008-10-15T19:20:00.000+01:00

Hi,

This is designed to be a Reviews podcast, with pointless wittering interspersed from your two hosts, Baz and, myself, Gaz. This might work, this might not. Who knows? The reviews might be sporadic, but there will also be the occasional "special" such as the first planned podcast... the Back to the Future trilogy special!

There may also be the odd single review, or a special guest review and ting, but apart from that, it could be book reviews, music reviews, gig reviews, food reviews, car parking reviews... you name it, we'll review it!

Gaz