Topic: Never Ending Movie Marathon (short reviews)

[Najemikon]

Very glad you enjoyed Incredible Journey. It's some years since I saw it myself. I must look it up again.

[samuelrichardscott]

War (2007) Region 2 United Kingdom

Overview:
After his partner is brutally murdered by the infamous assassin Rogue (Li), FBI agent Jack Crawford (Statham) vows to find the elusive killer and personally avenge his partner's death. But Rogue proves untraceable until three years later when he resurfaces to ignite a bloody turf war between Chinese mob leader Chang and Japanese Yakuza boss Shiro. Eager to capture Rogue once and for all, Crawford leads his team of crime specialists headlong into the conflict. But Crawford's thirst for vengeance jeopardises his professional judgement, and as the violence escalates, Crawford finally comes face to face with his enemy to discover that nothing about Rogue or his plan is quite what it seems.

My Thoughts:
I'm a fan of Jason Statham and Jet Li so I was a little surprised that this film seemed to completely pass me by until it came up as a recommendation while browsing Amazon. It's quite action packed throughout as expected and features quite an interesting storyline with some simple, but effective, twists. I was a little disappointed that a lot of the action seems to be focused on gunplay or the odd explosion, meaning there was not as much martial arts scenes as I would've liked to have seen considering Li and Statham's previous movies but the action scenes were well choreographed and enjoyable to watch. The acting throughout isn't anything special but is above average for the genre, especially the supporting cast, which includes Devon Aoki (who appears to have left acting in 2009), Saul Rubinek and the ever great Luis Guzmán. Although War is nothing new, it's good fun for the action fans. Recommended. 3.5/5

[samuelrichardscott]

Empire Records (1995) Region 2 United Kimgdom

Overview:
This comedy cult sensation about the young slackers and dreamers that hang around local record store cranks it up another notch in an awesome Special Fan Edition with 16 minutes of cool added footage not seen in cinemas. In one of the most dynamic song scores ever, tune by Gin Blossoms, The Cranberries, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Cracker, Evan Dando, Better Than Ezra and more set off virtually every scene. If the music isn't enough, check out the stellar cast including Liv Tyler, Renee Zellweger, Anthony LaPaglia, Maxwell Caulfield, Debi Mazar, Rory Cochrane and more. This digitally remastered, fully-loaded DVD will rock your world!

My Thoughts:
I picked this one up based on the casting not knowing very much about it. I had heard of it, but not enough to get an interest. Well, it seems I'd been missing out on a very enjoyable little movie. Each character that works in Empire Records is very different and each have their faults which come to light during the movie whilst dealing with the news that the independent record store is getting sold to a chain and will lose it's individuality and family like feel of the workers and their manager. Anthony LaPaglia is excellent as the manager of the store, and Liv Tyler, Rory Cochrane, Robin Tunney, Johnny Whitworth and Renee Zellweger are all great as the store employees. The music selected is very varied and suits each moment perfectly, a must for a film being set in a record shop. Lastly, Empire Records is proof that Renee Zellweger was once a hottie. Recommended. 4/5

[samuelrichardscott]

Kung Fu Dunk (2008) Region 2 United Kingdom

Overview:
Hot on the heels of SHAOLIN SOCCER, Kung Fu Dunk is a dazzling collision of hi-impact martial arts and re-hot sports action from the action-director of HERO and HOUSE OF THE FLYING DAGGERS.
Orphaned from birth, Jay is raised in a martial arts school, and becomes a prodigious master in the ancient art of Kung Fu. When he is expelled for overshadowing his teachers in an epic showdown, he quickly learns that lightning fast reflexes are good for more than just fighting, and agrees to play for the college basketball team in exchange for information on his long-lost family.
After a dazzling display of backboard-breaking slam-dunks, alley-oops and gravity-defying circus-shots, he emerges triumphant as the team’s new star-player. However, when faced with a headlong race to the finals against a team of legendary brutality, he soon discovers that skill alone will not bring home the gold...
Showcasing the breathtaking talents of one of action-cinema’s brightest new stars, KUNG FU DUNK delivers a high-velocity, hoop-tastic thrill-ride that will have you cheering for overtime!

My Thoughts:
When I first came across this title I noticed it featured Eric Tsang, an actor who has been in over 200 movies including several personal favourites such as the Infernal Affairs Trilogy. What I have noticed over the years is he generally picks very similar roles, but here, he plays a funny character who discovers a new basketball prodigy who can make him a ton of cash. Thankfully, having Eric Tsang's experience keeps Jay Chou in tow as he isn't a strong enough actor on his own. The special effects are quite mediocre throughout, and some of the slow-motion stuff didn't do anything for me, but there are also some nice frenetic action scenes that are well choreographed and shot. The music is quite cheesy and the supporting cast a mixed bag but Kung Fu Dunk is still a fun way to burn a bit of time. Shaolin Soccer is relatively similar and much better though for what it's worth. Rent it. 3/5

[Achim]

Eric Tsang is quite the star in this section of the globe. But if you have mainly seen him in serious roles would be a misrepresentation of his repertoire.

Jay Chou is not an actor at all, he is a Taiwanese pop star mainly cashing in on his popularity.

[samuelrichardscott]

Eric Tsang is quite the star in this section of the globe. But if you have mainly seen him in serious roles would be a misrepresentation of his repertoire.

Jay Chou is not an actor at all, he is a Taiwanese pop star mainly cashing in on his popularity.

Outside of Jackie Chan movies, it seems most Eric Tsang movies I have seen have been gang orientated. Infernal Affairs, Cop on a Mission, Divergence and Hitman just remind me of those roles. Maybe it's because Infernal Affairs has stuck in my head so well?

As for Chou, I had read that, and it kind of shows because we often get a few camera shots of him just posing. I have only seen him in this and The Green Hornet (performances are night and day between the two) but I also own Initial D and Curse of the Golden Flower which are in my 'pile'.

[samuelrichardscott]

Mega Piranha (2010) Region 2 United Kingdom

Overview:
In the depths of the Amazon rainforest something stirs. Something vicious, evil and very, very hungry...
Join Special Agent Finch (Paul Logan) and Professor Sarah Monroe (80's pop star Tiffany) as they battle a mutant strain of ferocious giant piranha that escapes from the Amazon and eat their way toward Florida. Humanity will be threatened, a continent will reach the edge of disaster and one group of heroes will risk it all to stop the world becoming fish food.
Prepare for the ultimate bite-sized blockbusting thrill ride from the makers of the cult smash-hit Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus.

My Thoughts:
One of my favourite genres of film is the b-movie creature feature. Whilst most people tend to hate them, I generally find them a lot of silly fun and something to laugh at aswell as with. The Syfy channel have been churning out a ton of "Mega" creature features recently and as the title suggests, this deals with massive killer piranhas. Unfortunately, despite having all the markings of a guilty pleasure such as a dodgy former star in the lead role (80's pop sensation Tiffany), laughable special effects and very silly situations and dialogue, Mega Piranha falls short of the mark and is poor all round, even when I take into consideration the quality of movies Syfy generally put out, and the expectations I had. Skip it. 1.5/5

[samuelrichardscott]

Triangle (2009) Region 2 United Kingdom

Overview:
When Jess (Melissa George, 30 Days of Night) sets sail with a group of friends, she cannot shake the feeling that there is something wrong. Then the yacht hits a storm and the group is forced to board a passing ocean liner, a ship Jess is convinced she's been on before. Although it appears deserted, they soon find they are not alone... Someone is intent on hunting them down, one by one. And Jess unknowingly holds the key to end the terror.

My Thoughts:
Melissa George is an actress I have come to be impressed by, especially her horror roles like 30 Days of Night, The Amityville Horror and Paradise Lost. Triangle has her starring as Jess who is caught in a storm when aboard a friends yacht and has a feeling she has been there before. Suddenly, someone starts killing the yacht survivors and Jess is left stunned as to who it is. What also sets Triangle apart from other horror films is the time travel aspect which has been well thought through, isn't overly complicated, and ends respectably. Special effects are a little suspect every now and then, probably down to the low budget considering the goals of the production, but there are also some nice little effects, such as the look and creepiness of the ocean liner and some of the more bloody scenes. Triangle tries something a little different, and ultimately succeeds. It should definately be checked out by any self-respecting horror fan. 4/5

[addicted2dvd]

As soon as I saw Melissa George's name on the cover (at first glance) I knew this one would have to go into my wishlist. After reading the review I am hoping to add it to my collection before too long! Thanks!

[addicted2dvd]

I have to say... I like your cover art better then ours!...

[samuelrichardscott]

As soon as I saw Melissa George's name on the cover (at first glance) I knew this one would have to go into my wishlist. After reading the review I am hoping to add it to my collection before too long! Thanks!

No worries. Definately worth picking up. I'm debating whether to double dip onto Blu-ray already, as it is quite cheap.

The UK one I have is that cover I posted, but the slipcover is lenticular. Quite nice.

[samuelrichardscott]

California Man (1992) Region 2 United Kingdom

AKA Encino Man

Overview:
CALIFORNIA MAN shows just how hilariously out of control things can get when the Stone Age meets the Rock Age head-on! The fun kicks off when two high school buddies dig up frozen cavemen in their backyard!
Once the living fossil thaws out, the friends figure he's their ticket to being cool. But the plan backfires when the newcomer turns everyday life upside down, generating pre-hysterical craziness wherever he roams!
If you liked Wayne's World, you're going to love the totally irreverant, totally awesome comedy CALIFORNIA MAN!

My Thoughts:
From the synopsis and the case I was expecting a completely silly 90's comedy, perhaps in the same tone as the Wayne's World or Bill and Ted movies, but alas, this was never to be. Whilst the rapore between Brendan Fraser's caveman and Sean Astin are very good and lead to numerous moments that are reasonably funny, Pauly Shore's character is unbelievably irritating and almost ruins the entire film. Thankfully, he doesn't quite succeed and the supporting cast of Megan Ward and Robin Tunney also help combat Shore's character. Whilst it is similar in tone to the films I mentioned, it isn't even close to being in the same league. It isn't as funny, it isn't as smart and it suffers from a couple of dull moments. Still, it isn't a complete waste of time and if you can get past Pauly Shore it is worth a low-end rental. 2.5/5

[samuelrichardscott]

Paradise Lost (2006) R2 United Kingdom

AKA Turistas

Overview:
Paradise Lost is a tense, unsettling horror thriller centering around a diverse group of young adventure travellers. After a terrifying bus accident maroons them in a remote Brazilian beach town, they slowly discover that the white sand beaches and lush jungles are concealing a darker, unsettling secret...

My Thoughts:
Paradise Lost is a bit of a mixed bag. It starts off very well as the characters are introduced to each other following their bus crashing whilst traveling through a remote part of Brazil. After the characters party, they wake up, drugged and robbed so they walk into town and they realise the locals were in on the robbing. After one of the characters throws a rock at a kid to get his hat back, a local they met the previous night takes them into hiding in a remote cabin by the river. However, the local is taking them to this location so they can be killed for their organs. The second half is your typical horror/thriller cat and mouse affair, but fails to materialise with the scares as well it should have done, considering the macabre tone that had been set. Still, the cast which includes Josh Duhamel, Melissa George and Olivia Wilde are entertaining enough and coupled with a stong first half and likeable characters, this is still worth a solid rental for horror fans. 3/5

[Achim]

I agree with your review of Turistas. The end ended up being too much of straight forward torture porn film when the film could have Ben more thn just that. It was somewhat level with my expectation, so maybe my disappointment was smaller.

[samuelrichardscott]

Snow Buddies (2008) Region 2 United Kingdom

Overview:
Get ready for nonstop adventure as five adorable talking puppies venture to the frosty arctic for a thrilling dogsled race across Alaska, in Disney's Snow Buddies – a hilarious and heartwarming all-new movie. Join the buddies – the big fella Budderball, rappin' B-Dawg, courageous Rosebud, mellow Buddha, dirty dog MudBud, and their new Alaskan friend, Shasta – for fun, action and excitement in a wonderful family film about the power of teamwork and following your dreams. Fetch big fun for you and your family with this all-new film, featuring bloopers, an all-new music video and much more!

My Thoughts:
Disney have so far released eleven movies in the Bud/Buddies series, and they appear to show no sign of slowing down, making them at a rate of one per year. I have only seen one previously, the Halloween based Spooky Buddies, which was below average, and I can't say that Snow Buddies is any better. It's the same formula that Disney have followed before, and with it comes a severe lack of originality. It isn't very funny, the adventure aspect feels practically missing and the CGI effects for the dogs talking is rather poor, especially when Disney have been doing movies featuring talking animals for some time. Despite the many poor aspects, the film is very polished, well edited and includes the right music and level of drama for the intended audience. If you have kids and they've enjoyed previous installations, I would say they will enjoy this one, but otherwise skip it. A generous 2/5

Other Notes:
Snow Buddies got a lot of bad press on release because of the amount of puppies that died during filming when sick puppies that were too young were used. Because of this, Disney were not able to use the "no animals were harmed during the filming of this movie" line in the credits. The Humane Association released this statement:

"American Humane has rated this film "Monitored: Unacceptable" due to the numerous deaths of young animals and the unlawful and fraudulent behavior that we believe impacted their fate. Although the producers may have been victims of unscrupulous people in their hire, American Humane, as an animal protection organization and the animals' safety representative, finds the outcomes for these animals unacceptable.
American Humane would like to acknowledge that the production cooperated in every way with the Animal Safety Representative's recommendations, and once the unhealthy puppies were removed from the set to receive veterinary care, healthy puppies were then brought in -- using proper procedures and following all guidelines regarding age limits, vaccinations, illness prevention methods and other safety protocol -- to ensure that healthy puppies were ultimately used during filming."

After further reading, it seems the breeders that Disney got the puppies from were arrested on federal charges of falsifying documents before selling the puppies to Disney, and Disney were found to not be at fault.