andre-walcott Reviews

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

Excellent summer movie

[7/10 · 26 June 2009]

Well, I honestly don't understand what all of the negative reviews are about. I mean...it's Transformers we're watching here. Giant robots trying to destroy other giant robots...I wasn't expecting a deep Oscar worthy plot. Just one that was good enough to hold your attention and that's what you got. The action is excellent..with tons of explosions and more fight scenes than part 1. While the movie is a tad long, it is a good watch and it's always exciting to see the 'bots transform. Shia does a very good job and is believable as he helps the audience to feel his difficulty leading a 'normal' life while there is an alien war going on that he can't avoid. Meagan Fox is wonderful on the eyes but she needs to work on her acting. Optimus Prime and Bumblebee stole the show in my eyes...again and it's clear Michael Bay is highlighting their heroic acts..and the audience in my cinema loves it. I will always remember the cheers in both installments when Prime first takes the screen. Bumblebee believes in Sam and will always be there to protect him. It's a toss up which one is better...but action wise, Revenge of the Fallen wins. If you enjoyed part 1, I don't see why you wouldn't enjoy this installment. You see tons more 'bots, and experience tons more action. Go see it!!

The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight is an instant classic

[10/10 · 29 July 2008]

"Where do we..begin?"

I knew the movie would have been good...but wow!! It's better than what I could've ever imagined. Enough superlatives can't be used to describe how wonderful a cinematic experience this was. Christopher Nolan is taking over. While I wouldn't expect him to release movies to this level every time, once he continues with anything even close(as his portfolio is still small), then he'll become a legendary director. From the beginning, you're locked on to everything the movie has to offer. The mood is just dark and exactly how Batman should be portrayed....as in Batman Begins. I don't even know if I can watch the 1989 Batman now. Seems so...bland in comparison. Sorry Tim Burton, Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson but my goodness...The Dark Knight is a masterpiece. Despite all the hype, which usually spoils some movies as you expect too much, this is worth all the hype and more. I think Christian Bale is a superb actor and is cast very well due to his cool, calm and collective demeanor BUT Heath Ledger stole the show hands down. He had the mannerisms exact and he was a psychotic twist to what we've seen as the joker in the past. How did he do the voice? Just superb!! The acting was wonderful thanks to excellent casting, the music heard throughout just set the tone. The action scenes were well done, and the stunts were cool, especially the ones seen with his 'new' vehicle. The dialogue was excellent. Very well written. Everything is tied in nicely from beginning to end. It gets 10 out of 10 in my books. I have a Batman Begins poster in my room. Looks like it will be replaced. The Dark Knight is an instant classic!!

"Let's put a smile on that face!"

The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

Jason Bourne remembers everything!!

[8/10 · 3 August 2007]

I will begin by saying I am very pleased with this climax of the Bourne trilogy. Please, oh please don't ruin it by doing a sequel years from now or a prequel. Just leave it alone. Right..moving on.As talented and versatile as Matt Damon is...it seems as though he was just meant to play Jason Bourne.

If you are a fan of the first two Bourne movies, you will not be disappointed by the third installment. It sticks to what works and adds a little more. I was very pleased to see how well all the information we obtain in 'Identity' and 'Supremacy' all mesh in 'Ultimatum' to finally paint the full picture of Jason Bourne's troubled past. The action sequences are fast paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The fights between Bourne and the assassins are always fun to watch. I have always been a fan of movies surrounding CIA agents and how the CIA gather their Intel and this movie is right up that street, making it even more exciting for me.

If you choose to watch The Bourne Ultimatum without watching the previous 2 installments..you will still thoroughly enjoy the movie but I would still recommend you watch them first. This would allow you to fully understand the character Jason Bourne and become attached and be a part of his world. This allows you to appreciate and enjoy the movie even more. I'm not sure which is the better of the first 2 but I personally think 'Ultimatum' might, just MIGHT, have the edge when comparing the trilogy.

Transformers (2007)

Splendid Movie...Optimus is Prime!!!

[9/10 · 24 July 2007]

I saw the poster for the movie a long time ago..can't remember when...but I immediately came online and searched for any info I could find. I saw a few shots..and thought to myself...oh no..they're gonna ruin my childhood memories of Transformers...every boy's favourite cartoon around the 80's. When the OFFICIAL marketing for the movie began..and I realised it was Michael Bay AND Steven Spielberg behind the movie...I knew it was in good hands. The marketing was very well done...lovely trailers..especially the full trailer which is the one that begins with Sam's father taking him to look for his first car.

The opening scenes in the movie were action packed...wow...Blackout was wicked!!! I went to the opening night and I was smiling from beginning to end and my friends thought I was going mad...but I was just so excited. Bumblebee plays a very important role in the movie and his character was cool. Michael Bay made you feel attached to Bumblebee. He was a true soldier as anyone watching the movie will realise as the movie develops. The plot was a simple plot..not cheesy..just simple..but c'mon...it's Transformers..what do you expect. It was still done very well...and the special effects were top quality...nothing looked fake. The introduction to the autobots and the decepticons,but mainly the autobots, made me feel like a kid again. WOW!! I want to thank Michael Bay for staying true to the fans..especially in attaching Peter Cullen to reprise his role as the voice of Optimus Prime..it just wouldn't be the same without him. Megatron was pure destruction and the fight between him and Prime was wicked...pure mayhem and destruction in the city. Oh yeah..look out for when any of the robots transform in mid-movement....damn awesome!!! I don't really root for bad guys..but honestly..Starscream and Blackout were just cool. By the way, after watching the movie..went home to dig out my old Super Optimus Prime. Plan to get the new toys too...and they're for me(27yrs) and not for my nephew and I don't have kids. Haha. It's the movie!! It's just SO splendid and brought back wonderful memories. Can't wait 'til the sequel. SPLENDID!!!

Casino Royale (2006)

Bond is back....and in FINE STYLE!!

[8/10 · 16 November 2006]

I was a little skeptical when I heard Daniel Craig was the new Bond. I didn't really know who he was until I realised he had an important role in Tomb Raider. However, playing James Bond would be no easy task and I wanted it to be done correctly, considering I'm a HUGE Bond fan and have all of the Bond movies(minus the spoofs). I thought Pierce Brosnan was an excellent choice when he was chosen to play James Bond so I didn't want this long awaited Bond to be a disappointment. I'll say this...from the opening scene, you know that you're in for a nice ride. The 10-15 minutes scene after the opening credits is one of the best chase scenes I've seen in a while. Daniel Craig adds a very rugged style to the Bond character...rugged yet smooth. The actions sequences are very well done..a lot of excitement and the locations are lovely. Throughout the movie you are blessed with lovely scenery. The locations were very well chosen.

The mushy love parts near the end went on a little too long but being the longest Bond movie to date...it was OK due to plenty exciting scenes to keep you glued to the screen. Well..Bond is back...Daniel Craig...007 Status and Licence to Kill Granted!!

King Kong (2005)

Kong is certainly King in my books....thanks to Peter Jackson!!

[8/10 · 1 January 2006]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I saw King Kong was being re-made. However, when I found out who was directing it, I saw absolutely no reason to be skeptical anymore. I also allowed my friends to know who the director was as they didn't seem to excited at first about going to watch it. I persuaded them with that little piece of information. While I knew Peter Jackson would've done a good job, he still surprised me by doing a marvelous job with the movie. It was better than I expected. The visual effects were awesome. The scenery was just beautiful.(I really want to go New Zealand sometime before I die thanks to Peter Jackson) All of the acting was good...not over the top(no Academy Awards for anyone) but good enough. Naomi Watts, however, played her part very well. I felt the connection/bond between her and Kong. The build up to when we first see Kong was nice and then from there to the end was quite fast paced. I like that in a movie that is 3 hours long as you tend not to realise the length of the movie. The scenes where Kong had to save Ann Darrow(Naomi Watts) from the dinosaurs were SPECTACULAR!! I can't wait 'til the DVD comes out so I can watch that part over and over.

In summary..it's a very good movie...keep up the good work Peter Jackson.

Fantastic Four (I) (2005)

Well...it wasn't exactly FANTASTIC!!

[6/10 · 17 December 2005]

I'm not as big a comic book fan as I used to be but I'm pretty familiar with Marvel characters. I don't have any problem with CERTAIN things about the comic book being changed for entertainment purposes or whatever. However, I think they took too long to develop the characters and just get down to the fighting so they could really display how FANTASTIC their powers are supposed to be. The characters were cast well...no problems there...but why all the jokes, if you call them that. I think those that take on Marvel projects in the future should take notes from X-Men and Spiderman. While they obviously have their fair share of jokes...they get down to the nitty gritty in terms of developing a real plot and action. Fantastic Four was OK for a summer movie...but that's about it. When the sequel does come out...I hope they don't focus on jokes again with Human Torch. He is so powerful to let his character go to waste. I'm not saying his character wasn't played well 'cause it was but he can do a lot more. I must say though...the special effects were done very well.

The tagline for this movie was "Prepare for the Fantastic". Well..I'm still preparing. Hopefully, the sequel's tagline will be..."Experience the Fantastic" 'cause I haven't as yet. Haha...sorry..couldn't help it. Honestly though...it's OK.

Finding Neverland (2004)

Wonderful Movie

[8/10 · 17 December 2005]

What can I say...is there a word I can use to describe this movie after the end credits are coming on screen...yes there is.WONDERFUL is that word.In a nutshell Finding Neverland shows the audience how the Peter Pan story was created. This movie showed me and anyone that knows anything about acting that Johnny Depp must get an Academy Award for Best Actor sooner or later. Sooner would be better. This movie was wonderfully written and directed from start to finish. Kate Winslet did an excellent job. Johnny Depp, as usual, was superb. He just becomes his character no matter who it may be. Believe it or not though..it wasn't Johnny Depp's acting that I was talking about after the movie(well...a little)but instead it was a young actor that I was seeing for the first time by the name of Freddie Highmore. He appeared very comfortable in the role. He was just as enjoyable to watch as Mr.Depp. Excellent work young Freddie Highmore.

If you want to sit down one evening and watch a nice family movie with good acting and story telling...don't bypass Finding Neverland. By the way...if you're a sentimental person...be prepared for the last two/three scenes. Touching is an understatement.Have the tissues ready. I can see a lot of ladies crying during these scenes. Wonderful last scene with Johnny Depp & Freddie Highmore. WONDERFUL!!!

Batman Begins (2005)

The Dark Knight has TRULY returned!!!

[8/10 · 17 June 2005]

FINALLY...the Dark Knight is once again portrayed how he should be..DARK..as he was in the first Batman where Michael Keaton did a wonderful job. While I will not directly compare Christian Bale's performance to Michael Keaton's, I will say this..Christian Bale..excellent job!!! You constantly have this look/facial expression that was perfect for you to simply be...'THE BATMAN'. Batman Begins brings back what Batman has always been about..a man dealing with his anger how best he could...cleaning up Gotham in terms of the criminals. Christopher Nolan did a great job showing us how Bruce Wayne had to face his fears and go through such intense training for years before he was ready. We've never been shown this element of Batman and it is a pity but Mr. Nolan has corrected all of that.

I'll be honest..when I heard of another Batman..I was excited and a bit scared at the same time due to the SUPER corny previous two. How did all of that colour get in the movies and those ridiculous jokes? I am now very pleased to say that all of my fears were put to rest upon seeing Batman Begins. The movie has an all star cast which usually backfires but not this time. Gary Oldman was very convincing as Jim Gordon and Michael Caine played Alfred very well. Cillian Murphy also did a good job as Scarecrow...he had this creepy look. That was my first look at his acting..good job.

If you haven't seen the movie as yet..don't waste anymore time. If you're a Batman fan...this is it. We all know Tim Burton's Batman was extremely good but Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins is right up there..maybe better. I'll decide after my next 2 viewings or so.Haha Anyway...it's simple. This is the real deal. This movie captures EVERYTHING that simply makes Batman what he is.

Hail to the Dark Knight!!

Saw (2004)

A surprisingly good thriller that will not disappoint!!

[8/10 · 4 February 2005]

Saw grabs hold of you from the opening scene and doesn't let go until the end credits. This movie caught my attention from the trailer but it was way better than I ever expected. Leigh Whannell did a good job as the character Adam, providing SLIGHT but effective comic relief at the right moments. The rest of the actors did a good job as well. I'm a fan for all types of movies but I've always been a sucker for a good horror/thriller with a good ending which most of them have been lacking in recent years. The way the victims are killed will send chills through your spine. It's very original and shocking. It's more of a thriller than horror but I thought it was cleverly written. Kudos to the writers and director. Job well done. This movie was supposed to be released straight to video but due to the overwhelming response at early screenings, it was decided it would premier in theatres. Good move!

To all fans of a good thriller...watch Saw and be prepared to be totally shocked by the surprise ending. "Wow!!" will be your only response.