Monday 16 April 2018

Movies: Rampage (12A) & Truth or Dare (15)

Rampage (12A) – what’s it about? A gorilla ends up being super-sized and must protect Chicago from being squashed by a giant wolf and crocodile.

I was hoping this was going to be like a classic monster flick, giant creatures on the rampage and fun stuff like that, and it was but sadly there was a lot more of the not. It had a big budget so high end graphics and some well-known actors but it didn’t wow compared to films like Pacific Rims monster mayhem. Yeah its ok, you can just to leave your brain at the door and watch a bit of giant creatures smashing shit up, just may be don’t expect to come out super hyped.

Rating: ***



Truth or Dare (15) – what’s it about? A bunch of stupid uni students go on Sprint Break to Mexico and get caught in playing a game that kills its players.

So, this is one of those where you hope the entire cast gets killed because all the characters are so freaking annoying. It was ok, it wasn’t scary or anything of the sort and it wasn’t gory either, just your mediocre horror film much in the same vein as Final Destination, it was very predictable and there was nothing new or special in it. It’s something to watch to pass the time, but I wouldn’t rush to watch it on the big screen, it’s probably better sitting at home on the sofa in the dark with just your friends around you. 2 * is probably being way too harsh, it’s probably worth 2 ½ as it was ok just nothing special.

Rating: **


Monday 9 April 2018

Movies: Tomb Raider (12A), A Wrinkle In Time (PG), Ready Player One (12A), Pacific Rim: Uprising (12A), A Quiet Place (15) & Ghost Stories (15)

Tomb Raider (12A) – what’s it about? Lara Croft goes in search of her missing father.

This is based on the Tomb Raider reboot game which goes back to how Lara became the Tomb Raider. So it’s basically an origin story – and well they are always a bit meh but I personally thought this was done well. There were some scenes that made it very much like the game and I generally thought it was better than expected. It’s been done in a way you can just watch it as a movie and don’t need to have played the games. I like young Lara and preferred the reboot, yeah she’s pretty damn cool. If you are a fan of the old movies or enjoyed the games then this is worth looking into seeing, and I hope you like it as much as me :D

Rating: ****




A Wrinkle In Time (PG) – what’s it about? A girl goes on a quest with her brother and friend to find her missing father.

I went to see this hoping it maybe an enjoyable watch like some kid’s films but also a little deep at the same time with it being about celestial beings and stuff. It was good and I think most young people will like it. There were a few bits that made me think a little more afterwards but sadly for me it just was a little lacking on that front. I was expecting more from it that I got out I suppose, but don’t get me wrong it was still fun to watch and it did make me shed a single tear so it was moving. I’d say it’s about average, maybe a little above, so at some point maybe look it up if you like a good tale.


Rating: ***




Ready Player One (12A) – what’s it about? Set in the future where a virtual reality world is the place to exist, players are given the chance to win its ownership.

This is a mix of two worlds - a real life and CGI one, and the way it is done is pretty amazing, it’s a top budget movie that doesn’t stop with the shiny throughout. The story is pretty great, as are the graphics and the actors, it’s well done with a g good mix of action and story elements. It plays really well between the real world and virtual reality world. It is a good tale of friendship and has some really funny moments. If you are a geek in their 30’s then you’ll enjoy this more than someone who isn’t into pop culture, as you can sit and pick out movie, TV and game references until the cows come home. Basically, for me this movie is spot on, but probably as I say if you are not into sci-fi and pop culture so much then you may find this a little less appealing.

Rating: ****



Pacific Rim: Uprising (12A) – what’s it about? The second instalment of the big robot vs giant monsters from another dimension movie.

If you liked the first one or if you like the good old monster movies, then you’ll probably enjoy this one too. I must admit that the first half of this was pretty slow, I was a little disappointed as it didn’t seem to be going anywhere, but I suppose they had to introduce most of the new characters so its again a bit of a beginning movie. It does though get going with what you expect in the second half – a good bit of robots smashing up monsters and vice versa. Yeah it’s a great movie, if you just want to leave your brain at the door and watch something that’s cool then this is for you.

Rating: ****



A Quiet Place (15) – what’s it about? Monsters that hunt by sound have devastated the world, this movie follows a family who are trying to survive.

This is a survival horror, though not really scary it’s a good monster movie. It keeps you on the edge of the seat and its interesting when you start to look at all the things that the family changed in their life so they can be sure to survive and not be killed off by the big bad. It’s one of those though that you don’t really get any answers from, like where did the monsters come from or why they are here...well you know they hunt by sound and kill anything that makes a noise but you are kind of left wanting to know more. It is though a great survival film with a good amount of suspense, so if you like that type of thing you’ll probably love this one.

Rating: ****



Ghost Stories (15) – what’s it about? A skeptic who debunks the supernatural is sent on a mission to try to disprove three supernatural stories.

When this started, I didn’t realise it was based on a play and my first thought was omg what have I come to watch this is going to be a complete pile of rubbish but I stuck with it. The movie is basically the main story arch and then the three ghost stories within it, so each one is a little different and gives its own bit to create the whole story of the movie, which is kind of interesting. I can’t really say any more though because spoilers but just say this manages to go from being a meh movie to a good one in the matter of moments. If you like a good bit of supernatural ghost hunting, then this will probably be right up your street.

Rating: ***