tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39507669917366622062024-03-05T17:39:26.370+00:00Another wannabe movie reviewerAnother blog, featuring movie reviews from someone with an over-inflated sense of self importance.
WARNING! Some spoilers may be contained.Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-66416580391319746682010-12-17T14:21:00.000+00:002010-12-17T14:23:21.680+00:00Just need to host an image<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1axbcYhfIRS6F8R5nXJKxXfMlwfwhrUovp8peADftYvokNZwdRD7VOHe6syY4ZZxW9l1utua6sR2QqrNSQP2L687kjJ21zFkHqsk-rCYES6-m2yBgRgvwaZfiJ3CRlEe2SxcEmHjbTY/s1600/IMAG0004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1axbcYhfIRS6F8R5nXJKxXfMlwfwhrUovp8peADftYvokNZwdRD7VOHe6syY4ZZxW9l1utua6sR2QqrNSQP2L687kjJ21zFkHqsk-rCYES6-m2yBgRgvwaZfiJ3CRlEe2SxcEmHjbTY/s400/IMAG0004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551656556707769618" /></a>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-46721099970898033042010-08-30T18:13:00.002+01:002010-08-30T18:22:18.234+01:00The WarriorsDirector; Walter Hill<div>Starring; Michael Beck, James Remar</div><div>Year; 1979</div><div>Genre; Thriller</div><div>Release; UK Paramount Blu Ray</div><div><br /></div><div>In case you've never heard of this, set in the future, New York is in the grip of gangs. Big cheese Sirus has called a meeting of all the big gangs, and a truce for people to attend. Assassinated at the meeting, the killing is, falsely, blamed on The Warriors. Stranded miles from their home turf, they have to fight all the way home. A classic of 70's filmaking, this is an utter blast. Sure it's a bit cheesey, the acting is terrible, and Beck is far from convincing as the leader. However, it's all great fun, as the gang go from one fight to the next, in their attempt to make it home. Required viewing for just about anyone.</div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-53373255738023486522010-08-30T17:59:00.002+01:002010-08-30T18:12:33.827+01:00The Girl with The Dragon TattooDirector; Niels arden Oplay<div>Starring; Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace</div><div>Year; 2009</div><div>Genre; Drama</div><div>Release; UK Momentum Blu Ray</div><div><br /></div><div>Drama based on the first of Stieg Larssons trilogy of novels, centred around Lisbeth. The story deals, if anything, more with the reporter, Mikael Blomkvist, and his attempts to find out what happened to a missing girl, in the 60's. Rapace plays the titular character extremely well, as does Nyqvist in his role. A properly excellent film, that manages to overcome the problem many Scandinavian dramas have, that of slow pace and dullness. Just as it seems it might slip into there, the film picks itself up, and moves along. Watch this, and not the impending, inevitable, Hollywood remake. They will fuck it up. </div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-52631379918656520422010-08-30T17:48:00.002+01:002010-08-30T17:58:06.190+01:00Mesrine, Parts 1&2Director; Jean Francois Richet<div>Starring; Vincent Cassel</div><div>Year; 2008</div><div>Genre; Thriller</div><div>Release UK Momentum</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll do both parts in one, as it's really one long film, split in 2. Telling the story of true life French Public enemy No1, Jacques Mesrine, this is a long, and involved tale, spanning 2 decades. The first part deals with his rise, the second with his life as enemy no1. Stylish and cool, the films show life in the periods well, and must have had a good budget. Not sure as to the accuracy of the films, but they are great to see. I watched them back to back, and the time flew by. </div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-62310564458182054922010-08-30T17:32:00.002+01:002010-08-30T17:40:08.521+01:00Sin NombreDirector; Cary Fukunaga<div>Starring; Marco Antonio Aguiree, Leonardo Alonso</div><div>Genre; Drama</div><div>Year; 2009</div><div>Release; UK Revolver</div><div><br /></div><div>More slum gangster stuff, this time in Mexico. The story centres on a gang who live in the south. One of the things they do, is help illegals get from Guatamala to the US, a gruelling, dangerous journey, hanging onto the top of trains. The main guy, in the story, turns on his boss, during a robbery of said immigrants. On the run, he's forced to make the journey himself, to try to get in the US. Gritty, brutal, yadda yadda yadda. Good stuff though.</div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-25311541357580737852010-08-30T17:27:00.002+01:002010-08-30T17:32:43.264+01:00GomorrahDirector; Matteo Garrone<div>Starring; Toni Servillio, Gianfelice Imparato</div><div>Year; 2008</div><div>Genre; Thriller/ Drama</div><div>Release; UK Optimum</div><div><br /></div><div>Slum gangster films have been in the ascention, ever since the success of City of God. Here, it's Italy having a go. A multi threaded, interwoven tale, set in the slums of Naples. Usual sort of thing, gritty, brutal etc. It's a good film, definatly worth seeking out.</div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-5379383924838014672010-08-30T17:18:00.002+01:002010-08-30T17:27:24.480+01:00Elite SquadDirector; Jose Padilha<div>Starring; Wagner Moura, Andre Ramiro</div><div>Year; 2007</div><div>Genre; Action/ Drama</div><div>Release; UK Optimum</div><div><br /></div><div>Set in the Flavelas of Rio, where crime rules, and the police are as corrupt as the criminals. A pair of rookie cops become disillusioned with the rampant corruption they see around them. In an attempt to escape, they try to enrol in the BOPE unit, an elite force of uncorruptable police. Gritty and brutal, as you'd expect these days, this is a very good, watchable film.</div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-42703084919709096372010-08-30T15:11:00.002+01:002010-08-30T15:23:38.522+01:0013; Game of DeathDirector; Chukiat Sakveerakul<div>Starring; Krissada Terrance</div><div>Year; 2006</div><div>Genre; Thriller</div><div>Release; UK Revolver</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a Thai remake of a French film. A salesman is having a really shitty day, loses his job, car and girlfriend. So, when a mysterious caller offers him huge sums, for taking part in a game, he takes up the offer. 13 challenges, getter ever more dubious and questionable. Keep playing, or lose the lot. This film starts out well, but loses its way a bit towards the end. Trying to hard to hit with a twist ending, it kind of buggers up the previous hours good work. Decent enough, but needs a better ending.</div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-9238705914743905842010-08-30T15:01:00.002+01:002010-08-30T15:10:09.758+01:00ChocolateDirector; Prachya Pinkaew<div>Starring; Yanin Mitananda, Hiroshi Abe</div><div>Year; 2008</div><div>Genre; Martial Arts</div><div>Release; UK Cine Asia</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, there's about a hundred films called Chocolate, this one is a Thai MA movie. The film centres around Zen, mentally retarded she has to raise money to care for her mother. Her mother used to be a big shot criminal madam, but now is ravaged with leukemia. Zen gets money by chasing her mothers old debts. Naturally, people refuse to pay, so Zen 'perusades' them, with her savant ability to mimic martial arts off tv. Interesting take this, although not the first time such things have been done. By no means a classic, but worth a watch.</div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-5756211971158152982010-08-30T14:49:00.003+01:002010-08-30T14:57:23.862+01:00The ClassDirector; Ilmar Raag<div>Starring; Vallo Kirs, Part Uursberg</div><div>Year; 2007</div><div>Genre; Drama</div><div>Release; UK Final Cut</div><div><br /></div><div>A classroom drama, from Estonia. Not seen anything from there before, so I thought I'd have a look. Joosep is the class whipping boy, and permanently bullied. Out of nowhere, Kasper decides to stick up for him. Leading to an all out war, in the classroom. Not exactly a feelgood movie, this is a bleak and depressing view of teen life. It's a very good film, just don't expect any yuks along the way.</div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-89480347541132516902010-08-30T14:41:00.003+01:002010-08-30T14:48:52.801+01:00District 13: UltimatumDirector; Patrick Alessandrin<div>Starring; Cyril Raffaeli, David Belle</div><div>Year; 2009</div><div>Genre; Action/ Thriller</div><div>Release; UK Momentum</div><div><br /></div><div>Inevitable sequal. Inevtiably, not as good. The two guys from the first one are back, to save the district again. Much more overblown than the first one, it sort of goes a bit far, really. Some good action scenes, but not much else.</div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-79472020492224290322010-08-30T14:21:00.002+01:002010-08-30T14:41:28.861+01:00District 13Director: Pierre Morel<div>Starring: Cyril Raffaeli, David Belle</div><div>Year: 2004</div><div>Genre: Action/ Thriller</div><div>Release: UK Momentum</div><div><br /></div><div>Set in a none too distant future, Parisian suburbs have been walled off, and divided into 'districts'. Ruled by criminals, these places have been left to rot by the authorities. When a local hero is set up, and imprisoned, the criminal boss kidnaps his sister as his own, personal slave. Hero boy teams up with an uncover cop, to take him down. Fast and frentic action, with a certain style about everything (not suprising, Luc Beeson has his nose in it), this is meant as a showcase for parkour. The scenes of free running are great to watch, as it's all unfaked. The story is pretty terrible, but it's a good no brainer. </div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-59992011303845850812010-07-05T18:42:00.002+01:002010-07-05T18:49:19.853+01:00The WarlordsDirector; Peter Ho-Sun Chan<div>Starring; Jet Li, Andy Lau, Takeshi Kaneshiro</div><div>Year; 2007<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">G</span>enre; Period epic</div><div>Release; UK, Metrodome, Blu-Ray</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Another sprawling epic, from China. these films can be very good, or very boring. Fortunatly, this fits into the former. Li does not rely on kung fu here, getting the chance to act a bit instead. Lau is Lau, you pretty much know what you're getting there. Good entry into the genre, and one of the few films I'm prepared to pay the extra for on blu-ray, as the visuals in films like this deserve it.</div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-84079236415001550672010-07-05T18:26:00.002+01:002010-07-05T18:38:25.159+01:00Inglorious BastardsDirector; Enzo G. Castellari<div>Starring; Bo Svenson, Fred Williamson, Peter Hooten</div><div>Year; 1978</div><div>Genre; War</div><div>Release; UK, Optimum</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Yup, it's the film Tarantino got the name from. Inevitably released in the wake of the more famous film, Tarantion took only the name, and nothing more. This is Italian exploitation stuff, but don't let that put you off. Hiding beneath the low budget, terrible partial dubbing and lousy production is actually an extremely enjoyable film. The story, although formulaic in the most (it's a Dirty Dozen rip off), has a few touches that are ok. Like the double-misunderstanding resulting in the death of the sympathetic german soldier prisoner with them. It's a brain-off thing, but there's nothing wrong with that. Oh, and naked chicks with machine guns! What more do you want? I paid 3 quid for this, in HMV, and honestly, is one of the best value films I have ever bought.</div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-47933377512538249362010-07-05T18:14:00.003+01:002010-07-05T18:26:51.684+01:00Inglorious BasterdsDirector; Quentin Tarantino<div>Starring; Melanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Brad Pitt, diane Kruger</div><div>Genre; Action/ Thriller</div><div>Year; 2009</div><div>Release; UK, Universal</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>No, I didn't list Pitt at the top of the cast list, he's not actually in it that much. I rather enjoyed this little romp, although I do think it could have been very different too. I think Tarantino has too many ideas for his own good, sometimes, and it shows a little here. Even at near 2 1/2 hours, there could be more in it. The titular characters are not in it, all that much, the story mostly centreing around Laurent's character, and Waltz's excellent turn as the Nazi Colonel. Pity, as some of the Basterds are very good characters, and deserved more screen time. Still great fun though.</div>Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-73142556299799031222010-07-05T18:13:00.002+01:002010-07-05T18:13:57.537+01:00Holy CrapIt's been over a year. Guess I never managed to muster much arsed after all. Gonna do a few now though.Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-66209281516897032252009-05-28T19:47:00.001+01:002009-05-28T19:48:02.688+01:00More away timeI've been away again. Not that anyone reads this drivel anyway. I may post up some more reviews, let's see how much arsed I can muster.Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-68640193932034641932009-02-23T22:24:00.003+00:002009-02-23T22:35:29.472+00:00Alien Vs. Predator: RequiemDirector; Colin & Greg Strauss<br />Starring; Steve Pasquale<br />Genre; Action<br />Year; 2007<br />Release; UK<br /><br />After the debacle that was AVP, I couldn't believe that the franchise could get any worse. AVPR does its level best to prove me wrong. I can be arsed no more, it's utter fucking rubbish, and that's all I can be bothered to say on it.Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-25076215615648227702009-02-23T22:16:00.003+00:002009-02-23T22:24:49.901+00:00There Will Be BloodDirector; Paul Thomas Anderson<br />Starring; Daniel Day Lewis<br />Genre; Drama<br />Year; 2007<br />Release; UK<br /><br />Much heralded drama, about an 'Oil-man' in early 20th century America. Lewis got an Oscar for his role, and you can see why, his acting is nothing short of superb. The cinematography is great too, really giving a feel for the period and setting. All the ingredients for an absolute classic. Such a pity it's all so fucking boring. [chris rock] Yea! I said it!! [/chris rock]. It seems like it's building to something, and this feeling, coupled with the great acting, keeps you watching. Then it ends. I know the rest of the world thinks this is an all time great, but it does little for me.Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-44184695616443956272009-02-18T21:22:00.002+00:002009-02-18T21:30:36.628+00:00PrincessDirector; Anders Morganthaler<br />Starring; Thure Lindthart<br />Genre; Drama/ animation<br />Year; 2006<br />Release; UK DVD Tartan<br /><br />Interesting little film this, from Denmark. Mostly animated, there are live action parts set into it. The story revolves around a Missionary returning home, to find his porn star sister has died. Taking her child into his care, he sets about discovering her fate. The shots involving the sister are the live action bits. While not explicit, some of the subject matter is not for the faint hearted. Neat little flick this.Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-91842712491870475222009-02-18T21:14:00.002+00:002009-02-18T21:20:49.836+00:00[Rec]Director; Jaume Balaguero<br />Starring; Manuela Velasco<br />Genre; Horror<br />Year; 2007<br />Release UK DVD Contender<br /><br />Recently remade as Quarentine, in the USA. This is the Spanish made original. It's a camera-view type thing, involving a news reporter, trapped in an apartment building. I haven't been scared by a film since I was about 8, but if you do get scared by them, this will do it. Nice tension, and some good gore splats, this is a nifty little flick. Oh, and the dago bird is cute as hell.Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-58490292842375959952009-02-18T18:59:00.001+00:002009-02-18T19:05:32.530+00:00Deadwood (TV series)Director; Various<br />Starring; Ian McShane, Timothy Olyphant<br />Genre; Drama/ Western<br />Year; 2004-2006<br />Release; UK DVD boxset<br /><br />Another telly series, but wooo, what a series. Portraying the west like no other series before, this is great stuff. Typically HBO, so not for kids. Dare I say it? better than The Sopranos? would be, if it had a decent ending. Tragically short lived, it needs finishing properly.Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-42332206413467601532009-02-18T18:54:00.002+00:002009-02-18T18:59:41.585+00:00The Sopranos (TV series)Director; Various<br />Starring; James Gandolfini, Edie Falco<br />Genre; Drama<br />Year; 1999-2007<br />Release UK DVD<br /><br />Ok, not a movie, I know, but wholly responsible for me not watching any for about 3 months. Having missed the series on TV (shock!) I got it on DVD. Thought I'd better watch it, as everyone keeps banging on about it. They're right too, awesome, just awesome. Can't think of much else to say really. Watch it, a TV is not a TV until it has shown The Sopranos.Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-63365195206412917252009-02-18T18:41:00.002+00:002009-02-18T18:48:27.458+00:00American GangsterDirector; Ridley Scott<br />Starring; Denzel Washington, Russel Crowe<br />Genre; Drama<br />Year; 2007<br />Release; UK<br /><br />More true life gangsta shit. This time it's Frank Lucas, who built up a huge, independant, drug empire, in 70's Harlem. Fairly gritty, in it's attempt to be realistic, showing the corruption of the law, and all the other complexities that such an endevour would involve. Some think it's slow, but I found it compelling. Crowes cop, while basically good, aint whiter than white either. Heartily recommended.Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950766991736662206.post-33319883165470219662009-02-18T18:32:00.002+00:002009-02-18T18:41:05.884+00:00McVicarDirector; Tom Clegg<br />Starring; Roger Daltry, Adam Faith<br />Genre; Drama<br />Year; 1980<br />Release UK<br /><br />John McVicar was a nasty piece of work. Armed robber, gangster and all round shithouse. This is his story. Sort of.. Told in a very sympathetic, and rather rose-tinted style, Daltry plays him as a loveable cockney rogue. Centred around his escape, and subsequent re-capture, from prison, and despite its twisting of the truth, it's actually a decent film. It's the closest Daltry ever came to actually acting, and well worth a watch.Ironmonkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17804603428567767821noreply@blogger.com0