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Apocalypto
Cert: 18
Starring: Rudy Youngblood,
Raoul Trujillo, Dalia Hernandez
Director: Mel
Gibson
Running Time: 135
minutes
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This
is Mel Gibson’s latest venture in the director’s chair,
taking us to a rather violent time amongst the Mayan civilisation.
Our hero is Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) living peacefully in his
jungle village his idyllic life is changed when warriors from another
tribe raid his home. Although managing to hide his pregnant wife
and child the village is pillaged, and Jungle Paw and the other survivors
are taken captive.
After a long journey they arrive to a very different world than they
are used to! A hugely populated city, where the only destiny that
awaits them is slavery for the women, and sacrifice to the gods for
the men. Luckily fate intervenes, and despite his injuries Jaguar
Paw knows he must overcome all obstacles and his pursuers, to return
to his family. There he can seek a new beginning, a far cry from
this civilisation that has lost its way.
This is far from a family film, it contains a number of violent scenes
and also its lines are all in a Mayan dialect. But, before that puts
you off too much it also has its merits. The story line, though simple,
does deliver what’s needed regarding action and drama. Cinematically,
the combination of the scenery, set and costume design make it visually
very good, the fact you have an all native cast using a traditional
language actually helps add authenticity.
This movie is not going to appeal to everyone, but if are not put
off by the violence, and reading of subtitles then it does make an
interesting alternative to some of the movies about at the moment. |
Night
at the Museum
Cert: PG
Starring: Carla
Gugino, Ben Stiller, Kim Raver, Dick Van Dyke,
Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs, Ricky Gervais, Robin
Williams, Ben Garant
Directors: Sean
Levy
Running
Time: 108
minutes
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‘Step
Up’ is the latest Hollywood teen movie, and while this
sort of dance type musical doesn’t give us anything we
have not seen before, it does have some likeable characters.
And above all they can dance.
Tyler Gage (Chan-ning Tatum) is your typical no future kid
from the slums. He spends most of his time avoiding his foster
parents, playing basketball, and stealing cars. Most of this
he does with his friend, Mac (Damaine Radcliff), and Mac’s
little brother, Skinny (De’Shawn Washington).
When they are almost all caught breaking into an Arts High
school, Tyler taker the wrap. As part of his community service
he then has to work at the school as a janitor. This is where
he first sees ballet student Nora (Jenna Dewan), and when her
dancing partner obtains an injury Tyler steps up as the talented
street dancer that lacks technique.
We see the usual story line here, opposites attract, and many
lessons are learned by all.
The main thing that helps this movie is that although this
is Anne Fletchers first film as a director, she draws heavily
on her experience as a choreographer. And it shows, as it’s
the dance scenes that come alive in the movie and keep the
storyline from becoming to slow.
Your not going to go and watch this sort of film for the acting,
but for the early teen audience it should have enough to keep
them entertained. |
Eragon
Cert: PG
Starring: Jeremy
Irons, John Malkovich, Ed Speleers, Djimon
Hounsou
Director: Stefen
Fangmeier
Running
Time: 104
minutes
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Bond
is back! And I doubt in 1962 when the first Bond film ‘Dr
No’ was released that many would have expected that over
40yrs later so much interest would still exist in this character.
With a new actor in the James Bond role they take us right
back to the beginning with Casino Royale, which is where Ian
Fleming first introduced the world to the secret service operative
that is now so
well known.
The film begins with some pre-credit footage of Bond as he
has just obtained his 00 status, and is now making his very
first kills. We then move to a later time where Bond is a little
more the character we recognise. Ignoring his boss M (Judi
Dench), he fly’s to the Bahamas tracking a cell phone
trail of possible terrorists. The trail leads him to Le Chiffre
(Mads Mikkelsen), the man who is actually the banker to the
World’s major terrorists. Bond’s plan is to bankrupt
Le Chiffre in a high stakes poker game at the casino, and initially
is annoyed that a beautiful Treasury official Vesper Lynd (Eva
Green) has been sent not just to deliver his stake money, but
also keep track of it. But as the two of them survive a series
of attacks from Le Chiffre’s henchmen, a deep attraction
begins to develop between them. This only manages to lead them
into further danger, and to a series of events that will change
Bond’s life forever.
Taking on the role of a character that is this we-ll known
is daunting for any actor, as everyone has their favourite
Bond! But in fairness Daniel Craig does it quite well. He gives
a solid performance without relying on any traits of his predecessors.
This new film is far away from what we have gotten used to.
Gone are the endless gadgets, and a darker more believable
character is shown. The action sequences are impressive (such
as those in the construction site, with Free Running performer
Sebastien Foucan), with very little digital enhancement and
Daniel Craig doing a lot of his own stunt work.
In all they have brought Bond into the modern day, giving us
a film that is much more of an action-thriller that may appeal
more than just Bond fans. |
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