Film Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2

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If you loved Guardians of the Galaxy, you will definitely love the second volume!

Film Review: Gods of Egypt

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After watching the trailer for Gods of Egypt, I thought it looked like an epic film that I really needed to watch. The film follows the battle between two powerful Gods, Set and Horus, for the throne of Egypt.

Film Review: Daddy's Home

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So, when I first saw the advert for Daddy's home I thought to myself "now that's a film I'd like to watch" because I think it looked very funny, and also because Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg star in it. So, that can't be a bad combination, right?

Film review: The Lady In The Van

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Film Review: Deadpool

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The films I'm excited for in 2016 - Part 1

Hey guys!

I have decided to split my "films I'm excited for in 2016" post into a quarterly series that I will do throughout the year because there are just so many films coming out in 2016, and you would probably forget by the time it gets to that date. So, this post will be about the films coming out in 2016 from January to March, and I must note that of course there are many films coming out this year, but these are just the ones that I am personally excited for. So here goes...

Film Review: Victor Frankenstein (2015)

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The new film Victor Frankenstein re-tells the story of an old classic about a radical scientist (Frankenstein) and his surgeon partner (Igor) who ultimately create a monster as a result of experimenting between life and death.
I thought the film followed the story of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein very well, but I feel as though every re-telling of the story will be the same for every film, because you can't dramatically change any events from a classic story book. So, I left the cinema feeling like this was just an average film and did not have a lot to say about it really because if you know the story of Frankenstein, then this film is pretty much going to be the same story line.

Also, I was not quite so sure about Daniel Radcliffe's acting as Igor Strausman, as I just found it strange to see him play this sort of character and could not make my mind up whether I liked it or not. However, I did think James McAvoy played Victor Frankenstein quite well, and he even had me giggling at some of his insane and radical moments that is typical of his character.

Next, the special effects of this film were really good, and even quite gruesome especially in regards to the experiments that the partners were performing in order to create their monster in the end. In my opinion, this film is a good modern day re-telling of the classic book with up-to-date special effects, but did not really have the 'wow' factor. However, my opinion cold be a little harsh as I have already mentioned you can't really do a lot more if you're re-telling the same story as others have done before.

I know that there are many mixed reviews about this film, but I do not think it was that bad so I will rate this film 6.5 out of 10.

Have you seen this film yet, and what did you think?

Film Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two

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First of all, I haven't read the books to this series (although I really wish I did before I watched any of the films), but I have been a fan since The Hunger Games films franchise began.
I was so excited to watch 'part two' of Mockingjay, especially after how the first part ended. But, I must admit I was left a little disappointed when I left the cinema because I thought there was going to be more of a 'BANG' when it ended, but it seemed to reflect a fairy tale, as in it was too "happily ever after" for my liking, but I am aware that is entirely my opinion.

However, I am also glad that I could see how the rest of Mockingjay unfolded, and what was going to happen to the rest of the characters, and it answered some of my questions such as; was Peeta going to be alright? What will happen to Snow? What was Katniss going to do?

The special effects and graphics were great (I didn't expect any less) and I was given a fright by some awful looking monsters in the film - I was not expecting that. As I mentioned, normally I would have liked to have read the books first so I could also compare them to the film, so I am a little sorry I cannot do that in this case. Nevertheless, I liked the film and I thought it was pretty good, but I suppose my expectations got the better of me, and the year-long wait must have left me a little disappointed when I finally got to see it. Also, I could add that I was a little tired and watched it on a later showing, so that could also be my reasoning for how I felt when I left the cinema.

All in all, it was a good film, especially a good and happy ending to such a huge film franchise. I would rate this film 7 out of 10.

Have you seen Mockingjay Part Two yet, and what did you think?

Film Review: Maze Runner The Scorch Trials

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I finally got round to watching the second installment of the Maze Runner trilogy, and I must admit The Scorch Trials was far from disappointing, so it was well worth the wait for me. There is exciting non-stop action throughout the entire film, and it even made me jump quite a lot which I was not expecting. I much agree with the movie tagline 'the maze was just the beginning'.

As Thomas and the gang escaped from yet again another institution that turned out to be under control of the mysterious 'WICKD' organisation, they soon found themselves in danger from virus-infected beings called 'cranks' as well as running for their lives from WICKD . However, it was the cranks that mostly made me jump, as they would appear out of the darkness from nowhere and run crazily after the gang. I felt myself hold my breath on so many occasions when the cranks were chasing everyone in fear of what might happen, and I must add that they were pretty scary looking too.

There is not really any dull or slow moments during this film, it is quite fast-paced and full of action, as Thomas and the gang head towards the mountains to find the 'Right Hand', a group of resistance fighters who could possible help them fight WICKD. Of course, along the way they are met with many obstacles, until they finally join forces with the Right Hand, but all is not that smooth in a twist of events at the end. It is safe to say I was not expecting what Theresa did at the end, and I was even a little shocked, but it only excites me further to see what happens in the final installment of the trilogy. If you enjoyed the first film, then I have no doubt that you will enjoy The Scorch Trials and would recommend a watch to anyone.
I would rate this film 4 out of 5.

Have you seen this film, and what do you think?

Film Review: Terminator Genisys

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It took me a while, but I finally got around to watching the new Terminator: Genisys film, and it is safe to say that I was actually impressed. When I heard they were adding another film onto the Terminator franchise I was a little skeptical at first because this would be the fifth film in the franchise, and sometimes this can go either way in terms of good and bad. Although, when I found out that Emilia Clarke would be playing as Sarah Connor in this film I was actually a little more excited to see it because I am a massive fan of Game of Thrones, a series in which she stars.

First of all, I thought the graphics were incredible, and the special effects were a lot better than the first Terminator films (as you would imagine). This film is full of explosive action with guns and brutal fight scenes, a real signature with the Terminator franchise. At the beginning of the film I was a little confused as I was lost trying to get my head around what was actually going on. But once I figured out that this Terminator was based along a fractured timeline everything fell into place, and I began to enjoy the film even more.

I think Clarke did a really good job of the portrayal of Sarah Connor's character and really got behind the emotional side of her character, but she was also kick-ass when it came to the action scenes. I think Arnold Schwarzenegger fit straight back into his role as the Terminator brilliantly, and I even found some scenes very humorous, particularly at the beginning when he was trying to smile. Most of all, I loved that the director explored the deeper connection between Sarah Connor and the Terminator, and I thought the fact that Connor had nicknamed him "pops" was the sweetest thing. Because of this connection, the scene near the end had me holding my breath as it was very emotional (trying not to spoil it here). Also, I think Jai Courtney's portrayal of John Connor was brilliant, and he brought a great masculine energy towards the character. Of course, he looked pretty good in all the fight scenes too (I may be a little biased here).

I would definitely recommend a watch to anyone, especially if you are a fan of the Terminator franchise. Of course, I still prefer the first film and Judgement Day, but this comes a close third and is still a very enjoyable watch. I think I will be watching this film again in the near future, and I hope I enjoy it just as much as the first time I saw it.

I would rate this film 3 out of 5.
Have you seen this film and what are your views?

Film Review: Maggie

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First of all, quite a few people had told me how great they thought this film was, and how they had seen it multiple times which was what made me inclined to watch this film in the first place. So, the other night I decided to watch Maggie, but I hate to inform you that I actually fell asleep, and I had to finish this film in two sittings. Now this might tell you something about I felt about the film because I tend to love watching films and if they have my attention I don't normally fall asleep.

I thought the concept behind the film was pretty good, but I think it lacked a certain "umpf" because it was not that exciting to watch. It was a very dull film, shot with grey skies and no happy emotions. Arnold Schwarzenegger's character did not seem to speak much, although I did think his portrayal of his connection with his daughter (played by Abigail Breslin) was very good. Next, Breslin's character was infected with a virus that would eventually turn her into a zombie, and she acted some very good scenes where the virus had begun to take effect, and I was certainly left wide-eyed during the scene with the fox (if you know, you know).

So, generally I have no specific complaints with the actors in the film, as I think they portrayed the story line brilliantly, and definitely made you feel the connection between the characters. I thought the special effects in Maggie were brilliant as well because I found Breslin's wound to be particularly gruesome, and her change looked very realistic. However, I stick by the fact that I just found it to be a little bit too boring, without any fiercely exciting scenes as you would expect in a zombie-related film. Also, the film was little too slow-moving which is probably why I fell asleep halfway through. I am not sure that I would be in a rush to watch Maggie again in the near future, but I would definitely recommend you to watch it and come up with your own opinion. I don't think you will be let down by the graphics and the story line, so that's a plus!

I would rate this film 2.5 out of 5.
Have you seen this film and what you do think of it?

Film Review: Ant-Man

"I'm Ant-Man... What, you haven't heard of me?" - Scott Lang/Ant-Man

Before going to see Ant-Man I was aware that there have been very mixed reviews of this film, as there are with most films, but I knew it was going to be a film I would like because, in my opinion, Marvel have yet to make a tragic film.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but for me this film was great and I would recommend a watch to anyone. It has lots of little quirks and jokes that kept me giggling throughout the film, such as Michael Pena's character Luis, who had a lot of idiotic stunts and phrases. Surprisingly, a superhero who can shrink to the size of an ant is actually a pretty cool superhero, and Paul Rudd was well suited to pull off being Ant-Man.

Scott Lang is a thief who has been in and out of jail, but wants to set himself on the straight and narrow so he can have a relationship with this young daughter, Cassie. But, he finds it increasingly difficult to find a job with criminal record. Dr Hank Pym, the original Ant-Man, watches Scott over a period of time because he is interested in his ability to break into places, and thus puts him forward as the best candidate for the next man to wear the Ant-Man suit. Hank Pym and his daughter Hope, are both trying to stop Darren Cross (who is taking over Pym's company) from recreating the Ant-Man suit because his intentions are not good. Cross gets very close to succeeding with his Yellowjacket suit and hosts an unveiling ceremony, which angers Pym and thus where Scott comes in, to take down Cross and the Yellowjacket. And here follows all the great fighting scenes. In between all this, there are the jokes and fantastic graphics to look forward to.

Maybe it is not a typical Marvel film in some sense, when comparing it to the likes of The Avengers. But you've got to remember it is a separate film with a different pace to the other Marvel films. Of course, there are many easter eggs to look out for whilst watching the film, as there always is (I love finding them). Lastly, I would just recommend having an open mind if you're a Marvel fan already, and I think it is a film anyone would enjoy - it is especially a great one for families.

So there you have it, are you going to watch Ant-Man or have you already seen it?
I would love to hear your views too!

Film Review: Jurassic World

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Hey friends!
So, I finally got the chance to see the new Jurassic World the other day, and it's safe to say I am more than impressed. I thought it was a really good take on the Jurassic Park films. I am seriously going to have to rethink my order of preference for all the films, I mean it was 1, 3 then 2... but now I am unsure!

As soon as the theme song came on in the opening credits I had a huge smile on my face because I was so excited to see dinosaurs. Using the idea of a Jurassic theme park again was a really good move, and the creation of a new dinosaur (the Indominus Rex) was excellent. I thought the storyline was really good and kept a good flow throughout the film with some nice little jumpy scenes with the dinosaurs (a trademark of these films).

Of course, the ending was going to be predictable. I mean, were they really going to end the film with the dinosaurs eating everyone and just taking over, no. But, I felt that it was strong and could easily lead onto another sequel (I really hope there is). The film had me giggling throughout with some good humour from Chris Pratt (leading actor) and the CGI of the dinosaurs was absolutely brilliant.

If you're a fan of dinosaurs and the Jurassic Park films, I guarantee you're going to love this film (and have probably already seen it). I would definitely recommend a watch to anyone!