Change Your Image
LostInFilmUK
Reviews
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
An hour laughing your head off
Story/Plot - Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey) is a slightly crazy yet lovable character. He has a love for animals and detection. Ace Ventura is able to think like an animal and also think like a criminal. This giving him the edge over the real police.
Starting off by rescuing a stolen dog from a very angry man by posing as a courier right through to then end by rescuing the beloved mascot of an American Football team, a dolphin. Ace is pure comedy and still manages to win the heart of Melissa Robinson (Courteney Cox).
My verdict - If you want to spend over an hour laughing your head off and in suspense then I fully recommend you watch Ace Ventura Pet Detective. You will definitely not be disappointed with this film.
Outstanding screen play by Jim Carrey who moulds into his character extremely well, he is accompanied by a fine performance by the lovely Courteney Cox, who I must say looks fabulous.
Alien (1979)
Great film from the 70's
Story/Plot - A mining ship picks up a suspected SOS call and heads off to investigate, unaware of what horrors they are about to come upon. An alien life form manages to attach itself to the face of one of the crew, the rest of the crew manage to separate them but are unaware that this is now the beginning of carnage.
The fabled crew member goes into shock and suddenly an alien life form emerges out of his stomach, bringing havoc to the ship and killing all crew except one. Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) manages to stay alive and escape from the alien, but not without having to put up an uphill battle.
My verdict - Excellent acting by Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt and Ian Holm place this film as on of the best in my 70s films selection. The effects for a 70s film are fantastic.
Aliens (1986)
Aliens everywhere
Story/Plot - The planet that the mining ship landed on in Alien has now been colonized by the Alien race. Contact has been lost from the humans on this planet and a rescue mission must be mounted. Yes they have more up to date equipment and ammo but is this enough to rid the planet of aliens.
Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) is once again faced against these alien life forms, this time they are stronger than before. She is joined forces by a team of commandos who do their best to take control of the planet. Faced with the dilemma of not being able to trust an artificial, what will Ripley do when her life is in the hands of an artificial.
My verdict - Watch in suspense and awe as the aliens are annihilated and Ripley comes out the stronger once more.
Great performance by Sigourney Weaver keeps the Alien series in check. Once again the effects for the time of filming are second to none.
The Road (2009)
Story of love and courage
Story/Plot - At first I was very sceptical about this film due to reviews written about it (yes even I read reviews). A lot of what I read was negative feedback and how the story was really sad etc. I am not one to be put of by bad reviews so I endeavoured to watch this film via a legal online rental website.
Right onto the film, The Road is a tale set in the aftermath of an apocalyptic America. The world is now virtually deserted save for a young boy and his father. Together they cross America, foraging for what little food they can find, searching through abandoned homes and shops. They sleep rough and bathe in waterfalls and lakes, living on the rough of mother earth.
The are soon to discover that they are not the only ones left, living to survive in this desolate land. The encounter hunters who are intent on killing anyone and anything. They are faced by cannibals wanting to eat who ever they can lay their hands on just to feed. Most of all the come across an old man and a crook, the boy trying to get his father to help these two men.
Through out the journey the father has flashbacks of the good and bad times with his now lost wife. He is slowly but surely losing his mind and his health is deteriorating rapidly. They have a revolver with two bullets, one for each of them, unfortunately they use one whilst escaping the hunters. Reaching the beach the father is now dying and his little boy is faced with a dilemma.
My verdict - Yes this is a sad story but it is a story of courage, togetherness and most of all true love. The tension and suspense of the duo not knowing who they will encounter, where they will sleep and what they will each ads to the raw courage portrayed in this film.
Viggo Mortensen who plays the father is a wonderful actor and he plays his role with sheer dignity and love. The story itself is one of pure brilliance and the screenplay is to the highest standard needed.
Based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, the screenplay was written by Joe Penhall and directed by John Hillcoat.
This film is a definite watch for anyone, especially those who want to see what courage and love really means.
An American Tail: The Mystery of the Night Monster (1999)
Puns, puns and more puns
Story/Plot - The Mystery of the Night Monster, and I am very glad that I did. This is pure cartoon animation at its best before we got into the world of CGI and HD. Even thought this was released in 1999 and technology was booming then, this film ranks as one of the best in cartoon from that time (that is my opinion). I feel if we used today's technology to remaster this it will ruin that experience of what a pure cartoon is.
Right onto the film itself. We follow on the adventures of a young mouse called Fievel Mousekewitz (note the pun in the surname) and his family and friends. This is the fourth instalment in the An American Tail series.
A terrible monster has started to terrorise the mouse city and is mouse napping (excuse the pun) the residents. Fieval scared from all of this is having nightmares and can hardly sleep until one day his parents make his sister take him to work at The Daily Nibbler (again note the pun) where Fieval meets the wonderful reporter Nellie Brie (a cheese reference there, mmm brie on crackers, hold on better get back to the review). Fieval joins Nellie on her travels to get the facts about the monster and to help Fieval counter his fears.
The encounter the psycho poodle named Madame Mousey (I don't see a pun involving mice there) who little do they know is the mastermind behind the mystery withe the help of a gang of mouse hungry cats. Fieval is helped along his journey by his friend Tony Toponi and a cat called Tiger who is actually a massive coward.
Once they know that Madame Mousey is the spearhead for the mysterious monster Fieval, Nellie, Tony and Tiger take on the pooch and her feline friends to save the city from being eaten. The cats are chased out of town by a the dog high counsel and Mousey is returned to her owner which is a higher punishment for her than being put in the dog pound. The mouse community can live on happily and with no fear once again!!
My verdict - The characters have been written in to this in a way that compliments the screenplay to the highest degree. the actors who are the voices for the characters are able to get into their character so well and their voices match the personality set to the character.
I recommend the whole series of An American Tail to everyone of all ages. This is not just a family film but a fun, thrilling and action filled cartoon. I urge you to rent this, buy this or watch online legally via a reputed rental/film site.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Must watch
Story/Plot - John and Jane Smith (Brangelina) are nothing but a normal boring married American couple living in the suburbs. Little do they know that they each hide a shocking secret. They go about their daily lives, working run of the mill jobs, hold on a minute, who said being an assassin was run of the mill. Well secretly John and Jane are assassins working for rival companies. These companies task each Smith with a new target, their other half.
Faced with the knowledge of having to eliminate their spouse John and Jane get to know more about one an other than they did in the time they were married. You will be surprised that they each make several attempts to take the hit on the other. Who will win, who will die, who will survive........................sorry I'm not going to spoil that bit for you, you need to watch it to find out.
My verdict - Full of fights (winner of 2006 MTV Awards Best Fight), action and tension this film is sure to thrill you and keep you wanting more.
I do recommend this film to action lovers and Brangelina lovers. Imagine if they really were assassins.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt work well together as husband and wife in this film, portraying a normal couple with secrets. Top notch acting and an excellent screen play.
Harry Brown (2009)
sheer class and pure personality
Story/Plot - Harry Brown is the moving film portraying the life on an ex British service man named Harry Brown (Michael Caine). Harry spends most of his days going to visit his very ill wife Kath (Liz Daniels) and playing chess with his best friend Leonard Attwell (David Bradley). Harry and Leonard live on an estate in London which is becoming plagued by the now common youth gang culture. Sadly Harry's wife Kath passes away and all harry has left is Leonard.
Leonard tells Harry that he is being harassed and abused by the local gang, to which Harry begs his friend to take this to the police. Leonard also tells harry that he is carrying a bayonet in order to use as protection for his life. One evening Leonard goes to confront the gang in an underpass as is sadly shot and killed. The police can not prosecute as the court would rule self defence by the shooter.
Harry, who is now very emotionally upset and frustrated by the polices lack of help decides that justice must be served and he takes matters into his own hands. Obtaining a firearm he goes on a one man vigilante spree to rid his estate of the vile pest of the local gang.
My verdict - Follow the explosive and emotionally charged scenes packed so tightly into this wonderful film. You will be saddened, horrified and then brought into a sense of reality that the gang culture problem is portrayed to the truth in this film. I found myself feeling so emotional that a group of youths would kill an elderly man point blank.
Michael Caine portrays Harry Brown with sheer class and pure personality. His acting ability never ceases to amaze. The story and screenplay are explosive and full of emotion, courage and heroism. I beg everyone to watch this film and see how gang culture can ruin a community.
The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)
No goats were harmed in the making of this review
Story/Plot - Bob Wilton (McGregor) is a reporter who has just lost his wife to his editor. Down on his luck he decides to go on a journey to discover himself. His luck may have changed, Lyn Cassady (Clooney) is on his way to Iraq to fulfil a mission he was set. Bob persuades Lyn to let him join on this mission so he can get a story.
On their travels Bob learns about new age hippy techniques employed by the US Army. Lyn is a sergeant with the New Earth Army and his past is shared to Bob during several difficult situations. Bob learns about Bill Django (Bridges) who was the founder of the Jedi's and about Larry Hopper (Spacey) who has a hatred for Lyn.
Stranded in the desert Bob and Lyn stumble upon a lone goat and before they now it they wake up on an army base where Lyn is reunited with Bill and Larry. It is here that Bob begins to learn more and to fully discover himself. Has Bob got that story he craved?
My verdict - A delightful journey into the world of alternative methods. Psychologicaly demanding but brilliant to watch. Ewan McGregor and George Clooney are a perfect pairing.
Banlieue 13 (2004)
The art of parkour
Story/Plot - District 13 (Banliue 13) is a French film by director Pierre Morel. Set in the segregated slums of Paris in the not so distant future District 13B has been declared the most crime ridden and infested of all. Leito a bit of a thug himself is brought into a crisis when his sister Lola is kidnapped by a ruthless crime boss. Leito does everything he can to get his sister back but does not foresee himself being arrested in a deep story of betrayal.
We flash forward six months and Leito is paired with undercover cop Damien as news of a stolen neutron bomb hits B13. Together these two must work together to ensure the bomb does not go off. They fight of the crime bosses and their gangs to reach the bomb in time. However, when Damien receives the deactivation code, Leito quickly sees that the code references the District and that date. This prompts Leito to stop Damien from entering the code, the clock reaches zero ........................................................ the bomb does not go off. Leito was right.
The French government are now seen as responsible for the bomb being taken to B13 and installed ready to be triggered by the deactivation code. The bomb is taken to the government and a senior member is taped confessing to the plans to destroy B13. This tape is broadcast immediately and B13 becomes a slightly better place to live.
My verdict - To me this films was simply outstanding. Action films full of the art of parkour will keep you gripping onto your seat as you cheer on Leito and Damien in their mission. Plenty of fights, chases and a decent soundtrack is enough to keep you entertained all the way through.
This film is very highly recommended.
Police Academy (1984)
Perfect old school comedy
Story/Plot - The year is 1984 and the mayoress has removed set personal criteria form the requirements to join the police force. No longer is sex, weight, height and orientation a factor. This now allows for an insurgence of people applying. The Police Academy series follows a select group of misfits in their quest to become police men and women.
The first film of which this review covers follows these misfits in their time at the Police Academy. The main focus is on a petty criminal called Mahoney. Mahoney is busted for criminal damage and as punishment is forced to go to Police Academy. Mahoney initially feels that this isn't the right place for him and he makes it his mission to be thrown out as he is not allowed to quit.
As the classes go by and the training exercises are played out, Mahoney soon realises that he is actually enjoying the academy and does want to become a police officer.
We are also introduced to the gun maniac Tackelberry, the very tall Hightower, voluptuos Callahan, squeaky Hooks, human beat box and sound effects master Jones and the ever confuzzled Commandant Lassard.
This group become good friends and become the base for the rest of the series of films.
My verdict - This is one of my favorite film series ever. I have watched these films a few too many times but I love them. I will always recommend Police Academy to anyone who wants a good laugh but to see a good film as well. Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, GW Bailey, Bubba Smith, Donovan Scott, George Gaines, David Graf, Lesley Easterbrook and Michael Winslow create the main cast and are all prefect in their characters. I can not fault them at all.
The Hit List (2011)
Appalling in all ways
Story/Plot - The idea of the film is mediocre. The plot is that a very unhappy and agitated man has a drinking session and thinks up a hit list of those he wishes to be terminated. Once he realizes what he has done he is forced to race against the clock to warn and hopefully save those that he has marked for extinction, but bodies are appearing and the blame is being pointed to him.
My verdict - As mentioned by Steve N Allen on 107.5 Time FM, The Hit List is in fact rubbish. Actually it does not even deserve the word rubbish. I think absolute ball sack is more suited to this film. I really wanted to like this film but I just could not bring myself to. I will not be recommending this to anyone.
Torque (2004)
Once is enough
Story/Plot - Torque is a bikers version of The Fast & Furious but is a very poor version at that. The idea is good but the story line and screen play is no where near that of FF.
The story is as follows, a biker named Carey Ford played by Martin Henderson is in a spot of bother when he is left with a few drug filled bikes and needs to save face. He makes the decision to put the bikes under lock and key and leave his girlfriend and home behind.
For some reason he decides to return in a bid to clear his name but finds himself being framed for the murder of the brother of feared head honcho of a bike gang. The leaders name is Trey played by Ice Cube. As well as being chased down by Trey he is also being hunted by the FBI.
My verdict - I have only watched this once and do not plan on it again unless forced to.
The Rock (1996)
Alcatraz Island has been taken over
Story/Plot - Alcatraz Island has been taken over by a group of marines led by General Francis Xavier Hummel. They also have taken 81 tourists who were on the island as hostages. He is using these hostages as his leverage in his bid to make the government pay benefits to those who have lost loved ones in secret military operations. His wife died recently and this pushed him far over the edge, hence the hostage taking.
An FBI biochemist whose partner has just announced that she is pregnant gets the call that Alcatraz is now under terrorist control. His name is Stanley Goodspeed. Stanley discovers that the general has a selection of deadly warheads containing a gas called VX. The general has threatened to use these nukes on American soil unless his demands are met.
Luckily Stanley nows how to disarm these nukes. The only down side is that he doesn't know his way around Alcatraz island.
This is where John Patrick Mason comes in handy. An ex MI5 or 6 operative, John is the only person to have ever escaped from Alcatraz so is the best suited man for the job. Although John is currently in prison for supposedly stealing the personal files of ex president Hoover. However John even though he would love to see the FBI fail he joins forces with Stanley to put an end to the generals terrorism.
Together John and Stanley enter Alcatraz island with a team of highly trained US Navy Seals. As the move through the prison facility the seal team are killed, leaving John and Stanley to finish this themselves.
Will they reach the hostages and free them, will they neutralize the bombs and take down the general and his men??
The answer is .........................watch the film to find out.
My verdict - Nicholas Cage as Stanley and Sean Connery as John make a perfect pair. The explosive match they have is perfect to this film. This is such a great film and is one I personally could watch over and over again.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
What you thinking?.............Pub?
Story/Plot - PC Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is at the top of his game. He has high arrest rates and has reduced crime. However, those above him are worried that if he stays in London he will continue to make them and the rest of the London police force look really bad. As a result of this PC Angel is pushed out of London and into a sleepy Gloucestershire town of Sandford.
Now Sergeant Angel, he teams up with a hapless PC named Danny Butterman whose father is the towns chief of police. The Sandford police force seems to have a way of punishment for in-house problems, and that is cake and ice cream.
Out and about on their daily duties Danny is constantly asking Nicholas about aspects of his previous action in London, curious to see what happens outside of a law abiding town. Or is it really a law abiding community.
Two actors are decapitated in a road traffic collision, which the community and police are branding an accident. Sgt Angel on the other hand has his doubts, doubts which are soon added on by further deaths in the community. Sgt Angel is pushed out of town by the so called neighbour hood watch.
On his return Sgt. Angel with PC Butterman by his side take on the neighbour hood in a shoot out. Only one side can be victorious.
My Verdict - I have watched Hot Fuzz several times and each time I laugh just as hard as before. Nick Frost and Simon Pegg have a brilliant on screen relationship and can bond their characters into what the writers have portrayed. They compliment each other in different ways and make an excellent pairing.
Edgar Wright has co written and directed a comedy masterpiece and a film that will continue to be loved for decades more.
I will always recommend Hot Fuzz for everyone to see. From filling a dull rainy afternoon to a film you watch with a loved one and beyond. If you want to laugh and I mean laugh, you must watch Hot Fuzz.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
you forgot one very important thing, mate
Story/Plot - Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightley) is the daughter of the Governor and she holds the last piece of Aztec gold, wanted and hunted by pirates. Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is a pirate and captain of the Black Pearl. Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) is a blacksmith with quick feet and quick thinking.
Elizabeth is kidnapped by a group of pirates under the command of Captain Barbosa (Geoffrey Rush) and taken to the Black Pearl. On board this ship Elizabeth soon realizes that the pirates are more than rum drinking swashbucklers, they are in fact undead. Will and Jack join forces on the hunt to save the love of Will's life, Elizabeth. With a ship and a crew they set sale to reclaim what is theirs and take down Barbosa.
A battle commences and a fight to the death has arisen. Will Jack reclaim the Pearl and Will reunite with Elizabeth?
My verdict - An amazing story of grit and determination surrounded by love and action.
12 Rounds (2009)
Good but could be better
Story/Plot - Officer Danny Fisher (John Cena) is picked up by his partner and they go about their daily duties, when they get called in to help find and apprehend villain Miles Jackson (Aiden Gillan). A chase is started and Danny catches Miles and his girlfriend, however his girlfriend runs and is hit by a passing SUV and is killed instantly.
A year later and now Detective Fisher, Danny has to get the plumber over and the action begins. Molly (Ashley Scott) leaves for work, leaving Danny with the plumber. Danny's cell phone rings and on the other end is Miles who has managed to escape from prison and is on a mission. Molly has been kidnapped, Danny's house has been blown up killing the plumber and the start of a game has begun. A game of 12 rounds, each round Danny must succeed in order to see Molly again.
As Danny progresses through the rounds, causing mayhem and the deaths of a few of his friends and colleagues, he suddenly realises that the rounds are set up to give Miles certain tools and aid to carry out a robbery from the federal mint. Now with this information Danny is on the hunt to catch Miles before he leaves the country and kills Molly. Miles forces Molly to fly a helicopter to aid his escape but doesn't count on her stalling and giving Danny the chance to jump onto the helicopter and subdue Miles. A fight on the helicopter ensues and the helicopter loses hydraulics. Who will survive...................................
My verdict - A good action thriller with plenty of explosive action within. The stunts are realistic and the chases have that feel of reality to them. A must watch for any fan of WWE star John Cena and anyone who loves films jam packed with action and explosions.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Following Edward through his acceptance into the community
Story/Plot - Edward Scissorhands is the emotional story written by Tim Burton and Caroline Thompson. In a small American suburban town lies a castle upon a large hill. In this castle lives the most extravagant and meticulous invention ever created. This invention is the boy Edward Scissorhands. However Edward has not yet been finished and has the unusual choice of scissors for his hands.
Edward has spent many years after his creator passed on living in this castle on his own. To Edwards surprise one day a very kind hearted Avon lady comes to the castle and discovers Edward. She makes an on the spot decision and decided to take Edward home with her to her family.
Edward is welcomed into the home and quickly becomes well liked by family and neighbours alike. However as time goes by all this quickly worsens for Edward and he finds him self in danger. Kim, Peg's daughter is able to see past everything and is able to fully understand Edward and her feelings towards him.
Edward is again left to spend many years on his own in the castle.
My Verdict - This is a very emotional and loving film, following Edward through his acceptance into the community and the drama that follows after. Johnny Depp portrays his character with sheer passion and drive, I cannot fault anything about this man. Winona Ryder as Kim is a perfect choice and she shows her character to the full emotion of true love. Dianne West as Peg is outstanding, she portrays the epitome of an Avon lady and a huge hearted lady.
Blast (2004)
Tug boat captain to the rescue
Story/Plot - A bank has been robbed by Michael Kittredge (Vinnie Jones) and now he and his team have turned terrorist and hijacked an oil rig of the coast of California. On this rig they have set up an electro magnetic pulse with the intent to use it in order to cover up their crime and be free from prosecution.
However, they did not count on tug boat captain Lamont Dixon (Eddie Griffin) surviving a brutal attack on his vessel. Dixon joins forces with an undercover FBI agent and enters a fast paced race against time to make sure that this emp does not get set off.
My verdict - A very fast paced hands on film. Full of hand to hand and gun combat, along with a few explosions. This is a definite must watch film. Great actors, actresses and camera work has ensured this film is worth a watch.
Clash of the Titans (2010)
Bland challenge to save Argos
Story/Plot - A war between Zeus and Hades is about to embark. Hades leader of the underworld is intent on toppling his brother Zeus. However he doesn't see the mortal son of Zeus, Perseus getting in the way of his plans. Hades summons the monster known as the Kraken to destroy the city of Argos. Perseus a half god is thrown into battle and takes on the challenge to save Argos.
My verdict - A heart warming story of love and war, complimented by plenty of action. I enjoyed this film but found myself wanting more from it. I have sat here trying to think of what to write for this review but am struggling to find more so I apologise if this is short.
The Postman (1997)
Sorta like vampires, huh?
Story/Plot – We have arrived in the year 2013. The United States of America are no longer united. A war has since passed and the civilization of the world has near enough destroyed itself. A lone wanderer (Costner) drifts along with his beloved donkey until he is captured by a savage militia led by the notorious General Bethlehem (Patton).
The drifter manages to escape and by chance falls upon a Jeep. Inside this Jeep he finds a skeleton donning a postman's outfit. Desperate for dry clothes he takes the uniform and mailbag. He goes from town to town delivering the mail in an elaborate con to gain food and shelter. Soon though the postal service is revived and the legend of the postman ensues.
Bethlehem is determined to put a stop to the revolution caused by the postman. In reply the postman rallies support and takes on the general in a bid for leadership of the militia. A fight that could turn civilization back to the ways of old.
My verdict – A brilliant epic tale of one man's quest to put the right back into the world that has long since gone. A must watch for everyone. I now rate this film in my top 5 all time favourite films.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Is it to late for Joel
Story/Plot - Joel Barish (Carey) a normal working, down on his luck guy takes a gamble and skips work one day. This day happens to bring his luck up, he meets the gorgeous Clementine (Winslet) and together they start a relationship and things couldn't be better. Or could they.
Clementine decides to have a procedure to erase Joel from her memories. Angered by this Joel decides to undergo the same procedure but in doing so he makes a massive realisation. He still loves Clementine and will do anything to get her back into his life. Is it to late for Joel whose memories are spiralling out of his mind or will he be able to win his girl back.
My verdict - At first when I read up on this film I was a bit unsure if Jim Carey would be able to pull of a non comedy role but he has proved me wrong and not just pulled it off but gone even further and made this role his own. Complimented by Kate Winslet and Kirsten Dunst this film is outstanding and shows a story of true love and desire. I recommend this a must for all to watch.
Enemy of the State (1998)
A brilliant gripping action drama
Story/Plot - The NSA has assassinated a congressman and is unexpectedly caught on tape. Unfortunately for the recorder the NSA is after him to destroy this tape. Robert Dean (Smith) is a gentle tempered lawyer who unwittingly is thrown into the NSA's path when the memory card holding the evidence is placed on him. Robert's life is thrown into turmoil when he loses his wife and his job. He runs into a man nicknamed Brill. Together they find a way to bring the corrupt agents of the NSA down and get Robert's life back on track.
My verdict - A brilliant gripping action drama. The story line is written to perfection and suits Will Smith perfectly.
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Evo? Where'd you get an Evo from?
Story/Plot - Brian O'Conner (Walker) is an ex cop and along with his partner Roman Pearce (Gibson) they set on a job to transport dirty money for a shady Miami criminal Carter Verone (Hauser). However O'Conner and Pearce are working undercover for the police and are on a mission to bring Verone down.
Equipped with high powered cars and their wits they take on the challenge and work together to bring this criminal to his end.
My verdict - Loved this film and the combination of Paul Walker and Tyrese Gibson worked a treat. The lovely Eva Mendes was as pleasing to the eye as always. The story line was fantastic. Go undercover and work for the drug exporter and then bring him down whilst saving the girl. Plus doing all this in a modded Mitsubishi Evo and Mitsubishi Spyder, amazing cars and the exhaust tones were pleasing to the ear.
7 Seconds (2005)
A poor showing
Story - Jack Tulliver (Snipes) and his criminal crew have just pulled of a massive heist on an armoured car. They get ambushed by a group of Romanians after they are tipped off by one of his crew. Tulliver escapes whilst the rest of his team are killed.
On his escape Tulliver hijacks the car of Sgt Kelly Anders (Outhwaite) and he makes his getaway. On this journey Anders is made aware of possible corruption and can no longer trust her colleagues in the army. The chase is on to get the merchandise out of the country......
My verdict - An interestingly boring film. It has action, well little of it and when it happens its very slow paced. The car chases are pretty dire, I think a load of grannies on mobility scooters could do a better job. Wesley Snipes portrays his character very well and a good performance form Tamzin Outhwaite were about the only pluses I could find.
The story line was mediocre and could have done with a bit, i mean a lot of tweaking to get it to the standard it really should of been. Directed by Simon Fellows who I have actually never heard of, and he has only done around three more films since this one. I wonder why.
8 Mile (2002)
Rap meets film
Story/Plot - B-Rabbit (Eminem) has always wanted to be a rapper in the district of 8 Mile. He has a number of problems that don't help him. His girlfriend becomes pregnant so he dumps her to make his life easier. He moves in with his mum (Bassinger) to save money to make a demo tape. He has also has just failed at the local rap contest.
However things gain momentum when he meets a wannabe model called Alex (Murphy) and gets his demo tape sorted. This is short lived as he discovers his new girlfriend is sleeping with other guys, his mum doesn't want to know him anymore and he falls out with his friends. Could it get worse, yes it can, he gets mugged by a group of rival rappers.
The next rap contest is where his life hang in the balance, can he pull it off and make a name for himself
My verdict - A venture by Eminem into the film industry. The story line had a lot of heart in it and portrayed the life of a young rapper wanting to make it big and the problems he faced to do so. A must watch film for any rap fan and anyone who likes a film full of heart. Set in Detroit where the 8 Mile is a boundary between where and who you want to be. Eminem plays his character very well and the stuff he sings has meaning and actually sounds good (I'm not a big rap fan). The late Brittany Murphy acts her character to her full potential and as always has a very appealing charm about her.