Wonder Woman (2017)

I am “Wonder Woman” hear me roar… and also help those who cannot help themselves!!!

Warner Bros. Pictures in association with DC Films, Atlas Entertainment, Cruel and Unusual Films, Tencent Pictures and Wanda Pictures present…

One of the most anticipated films for 2017 which also jump-started the summer blockbusters! Wonder Woman was in a precipice of either literally taking off the DC Extended Universe or letting it drag the company’s reputation further down together with its predecessors “Man of Steel”, “Suicide Squad” and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”. Since 2013, all these films have amassed above average earnings in the box-office but were all deemed failures in terms of their “delivery”!

In retrospect, the meant universe of these superheroes has been shouldered by Zack Snyder (300) after bequeathed by Warner Bros. blessing he took it upon himself to bring these icons into their respective pedestals and champion them for the movie viewing public. But unfortunately his vision didn’t seem to be on par with the fans albeit its revenue, it still fell short in the eyes and hearts of everyone…who cared!

Wonder Woman debuted in the comic books in All Star Comics No. 8 on October 1941 whereas her alter-ego Diana Prince had a slightly different origin backing her story since January 1942 from Sensation Comics No. 1. From the multi-faceted progenitor William Moulton Marston, a man of many talents being a psychologist, inventor, self-help author and a comic book writer – he had many ways to share his gifts and one of these are being a polygamist. The story tells of a husband and lover to two women, Elizabeth Holloway Marston his wife and college student turned assistant and live in partner Olive Byrne. While uncredited, artist Harry George Peter was also considered as her co-creator, they all have given attributes and flaws that make the “Princess of Themyscira” a well-loved phenomenon especially to women around the globe.

Moving forward, the Academy Award Winner Patty Jenkins (Monster) was brought in to help turn things around and made the best of what she can gather, amalgamating the history of the Amazon Demigoddess from William her creator, George Perez’s formative years with the character in the 1980’s, aspects from the New 52 reboot and even drawing inspiration from Richard Donner’s very own Superman.

Together with Geoff Johns DC Extended Universe and Films incumbent Chief Creative Officer which he oversees the actual framework in order to get their flagship up and running and for these superheroes to breathe life on the big screen. Formulating the screenplay with Zack is Jason Fuchs (Pan) and Allan Heinberg (Gilmore Girls) they were able to finally convince Warner Bros. and DC to make this film materialize from the get-go!

After auditioning Olga Kurylenko, Ѐlodie Yung and Gal Gadot (Triple 9) they have chosen the latter to be their “long legged” wonder (as preferred by the Director). Upon release of her casting many critics defied her looks to add was her ability to act. Nevertheless, many believed that Gal will do “justice” to the given character and so far proven her detractors on the uptake that they were wrong. She was able to convince most people that a female led superhero gig is worth watching with the same edge of your seat entertainment, action, romance, plot, CGI effects and dialogue…

It was surreal that they were able to get Connie Nielsen (Gladiator) and Robin Wright (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) as mentors for the young Gal’s character. Both have very strong reputation in terms of interpreting their roles even to their previous ones. Nicole Kidman was one of the few to be offered Hyppolyta the Queen of the Amazons but it was all the same to Connie for making the character as tangible as a mother to her child and being a symbol of freedom and lead her people out of prejudice. Her General and sister Antiope was regarded as the “greatest warrior of all time” part as a villain in canon and now as Aunt and trainer for Diana believing in her abilities and her passion to help those in need has made her susceptible for her niece’s safety…

What is a film without antagonists? Even love stories and comedies have a bedevilled cast member may it be disturbing stalkers to high profiled power mongerers. Enter Danny Huston (30 Days of Night) plus her sidekick Elena Anaya (In the Land of Women) they portray General Erich Lunderdorff and Isabel Maru aka Doctor Poison respectively. Winning the war is one thing but killing as many people as you could without regard for humanity is another issue altogether. Danny has become a household name for his villainous roles inclusive of these are: vampire leader Marlow from “30 Days of Night”; embittered and angry soldier Col. William Stryker from “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”; paramour and self-sustaining British High Commissioner Sandy Woodrow from “The Constant Gardener” to name a few.

His endeavor to make war does not conform eventually with his character’s standpoint however it does emanate from each and every one of us that that we are all capable of chaos and destruction. He has limitations and this is where he gains Isabel’s wrought deformity both inside and out. She compliments him with the eagerness to push through with humanity’s extermination so that they can rule of whatever is left to torment.

But David Thewlis (Anonymous) is a different kind of monster; he’s a real piece of work! He is Ares the “God of War”, son of Zeus and brother to Diana. Between the lines of propagating a “black propaganda” making the armistice fish bait for all involved countries, this is where he likes to ploy his plans whispering and influencing mankind to feel weak of being used so that he can consume all their hate and suffering…guten appetit!

I have to admit getting Chris Pine (Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit) to portray Steve Trevor was right off the bat! Everyone was speculating him for play Barry Allen “The Flash” or Hal Jordan “Green Lantern” but still contented. He is an American pilot and a spy being allied to the British government! Steve does the job but maybe through writing or on how he resonate as Steve in the big picture gives the “boyfriend” of sorts the witty bantering, comedic retort and the sober soldier who needs to fulfill his duties.

Speaking of which, this is where the gang comes in Sameer played by Saïd Taghmaoui (Vantage Point), a French Moroccan field agent; Eugene Brave Rock (The Revenant) as Chief Napi belonging to the Blackfoot Native American tribe and the “sharp shooting” drunkard Charlie portrayed by Ewen Bremner (16 Years of Alcohol).

With all due respect to the actors especially the first and the latter, this has been one of the most boring and pathetic supporting casts. I really don’t know if it’s the way they were written since there is much incoherence on how they act the part as soldiers. For one they lack resources, a sniper who does not shoot anyone, the supposed “Black Hawk” pilot has become known for his flamboyant stories and flirting with women and lastly, when someone told the Director to have “more creative control” it was either she has not researched enough for the demi-god “Apache” who can be given reference to one of the members of the “Superfriends” aka 1980’s Justice League or he helps fight and save the world by just leading the way to enemy territory, absolutely ridiculous considering that it can be understandable that Wonder Woman will save the day well at least 95 percent of it. The rest are for the boys to work on.

It was fascinating at best, Gal’s breakout role came through and her acting has improved enough to see her genuine kindness, naïve and gullible at the same time. But also with a heart that is destined to bring peace and order no matter the costs. While Patty made another “monster” hit in her own beautiful way!

Ghost in the Shell (2017)

Visually aesthetic and mind-blowing “screenplay” which can send you back to the past! #atmwatchingGITS1995

Paramount Pictures in association with DreamWorks Pictures, Reliance Entertainment, Arad Productions, Shanghai Film Group and Huahua Media present…

A “woman” in a stretcher is being delivered for a transplant but what we see is not an ordinary procedure! “Hanka” personnel hasten for the operation to take place, the patient who is tagged “2571” will revolutionize the future of amalgamating robotics and augmentation of the human body. So it begins, as the brain carefully leaves her, a cyborg “shell” serves host linking her “ghost” inside the cyberbrain and for the first time “she” breathes…

We do identify the “ghost” on how does it affect the machine while nothing to do with the physical organ particularly the brain, the essence or “consciousness” of a person is still intact somehow with its new prosthetic body. Directed by Rupert Sanders (Snow White and The Huntsman) and produced by Avi Arad and Steven Paul. Based on the best-selling manga created by artist Shirow Masamune in 1989, it follows the story of a dystopic future where humans and machine share a thin line of co-existence. From here, Section 9 of the Japanese government a tactical cyber-enhanced unit composed of soldiers, police officers and forensic scientists functioning under full discretion on counter-cyberterrorism, black-ops, special operations, and cyber-warfare.

I have been an avid fan of the anime series and the films but how does Hollywood bring to life this cyberpunk world – will find out as we get along in the story. Frankly, I think that the premise was redundant and falls short on the potential of making this a great film. The world of GITS is so vast, writers can actually “deep dive” into the canon then provide a think tank in making an actual script work. First of all, they just copied the opening sequence to which we can identify a robot undergoes transcendence while “humanizing” it in a form of a “white” female human body even the music was not spared. To add another cliché, from GITS (1996) and GITS: Innocence (2004) in the prologue where the Major assassinates a foreign diplomat and for the latter anime film, Batou and Togusa handles the case of a murdered employee while finding out the disappearance of their leader through Batou’s eyes (figuratively). Although there were some changes made like a Hanka Robotics official being hacked and killed in the live action version on the other hand, LOCUS Solus was the gynoid (sex robot dolls) company that was being investigated in the anime in congruence with government’s Sector 6 as well.

The director together with his cohorts Jamie Moss (Street Kings), William Wheeler (The Hoax) and Ehren Kruger (The Ring) regarded as promising screenwriters has given the one of the most lethargic live action animes of all time. They just interchanged the plot lines from the previous films and we know it can be spectacular to see sequences that can pay homage to the work of director Mamoru Oshii but seriously, I could have just watched the original films instead if I knew this was the blasphemy waiting for me on the big screen!

On the bright side, near seamless cinematography was handled by Jess Hall together with Jan Roelfs acting as the film’s production designer. It was fascinating to see how they envisioned a futuristic Hong Kong particularly in Yau Ma Tei and Jordan districts, turning the cityscape into giant holographic billboards aptly coined “Solograms” (solid holograms) by the director. It was amazing how the amalgamated urban and local setting still gives precedence to what Japan actually looks like at the present while supplanting technological advancements on its streets, buildings and the inhabitants.

Together with the help of Moving Picture Company (MPC) and WETA Digital the director, VFX Supervisor Guillame Rocheron and effects pioneer John Dkystra worked on the actual structural backdrop from the anime film, providing more than 1000 shots from the creation of the cyborg to the courtyard fight scenes with the hacked garbage truck driver. Seeing how the visuals work make “Minority Report” advertisements in the tunnels and the city look like minuscule at best both in size and through its subliminal messaging.

Now we take on the crew starting with the main protagonist, Scarlett Johansson (Lucy) as field commander Major Motoko Kusanagi / Mira Killian, to be honest, the thespian is a hit and miss for me. I do regard her for the chosen projects like “Lost in Translation”, “The Nanny Diaries”, “Lucy”, “Sing” but her versatility cannot still save her from films that need to bring more the character on who she portrays. She’s got the Major’s swagger especially when she walks and on how she looks back over her shoulder. But like I said Scarlett can bring the character in the play but even her performance cannot save (nor Margot Robbie) a film with the sole purpose is to garner only sales.

Takeshi Kitano (Johnny Mnemonic) as Section 9 founder and Director Daisuke Aramaki is known for his earlier works in the field of comedy and later become known as “Beat”. His demeanor for work is contested, simply put he does have an indispensable unit not only to rely on to get the work done but he has faith in them and they trust each other no matter the cost. Usually, he has some security to protect him but not Takeshi who can put a bullet in your face if he really wants too.

Speaking of which, Pilou Asbæk (The Great Wall) as second in command Batou.  He is considered as the closest to the Major both professionally and personally. The actual one-two punch of Sector 9 literally, they have been considered having mutual affections but it did not apply on a congested premise especially with their line of work,  Pilou and Scarlett had collaborated already in the film “Lucy” back in 2014.

I was really glad the Singaporean thespian Chin Han (2012) is turning into marketable projects like his previous work with “The Dark Knight” and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”. He plays Togusa one of my favorite characters, considered to be a “natural” and prefers to be one while having a repartee after his teammate Borma since he underwent another cyberization. He is quite prominent in handling investigations especially after he cracked the “Laughing Man” case and even made him led his own team.

The rest of the team which we see only for a few segments from Zimbabwe to New Zealand, Tawanda Manyimo (The Rover) portrays Borma the demolition specialist. Lasarus Ratuere (The Mule) as Carlos Ishikawa one of the supposed lead investigators who handle covert intelligence, tactical warfare, and data manipulation assignments, basically he is also a soldier for JSDF (Japan Special Defence Force) having served with the Major and Batou as depicted in the series.

Yutaka Izumihara (The Great Raid) as Saito the marksman, a sniper who was just used at the last moment. His design is by far the most grotesque looking and lazy. His eyes actually are uplinked in a satellite called the “Hawkeye” to give him the precision shooting he requires but it still can be hacked. But where is Pazu the former Yakuza? Turns out He was replaced by Ladriya the weapons specialist she is portrayed by newcomer Danusia Samal (Boom) so like I’ve mentioned earlier, these characters were used only to depict the team nothing more to show for (what a loss).

The quasi villain of the story, Michael Carmen Pitt (I Origins) as Kuze / Hideo, regarded a revolutionist, terrorist and a member of the anti-augmentation rebellion. Juveniles that were captured by Hanka enforcers only to be made as test subjects to what they were fighting against. He was actually a significant character of the 2^nd GIG tv series plus the GITS film titled the “Individual Eleven” same modus operandi but on a different setting. To be honest, Michael was not given a chance to act the part with emphasis on having a short running time for the film, more so the screenplay was not able to convey the actual emotions the two lovers had when they were “biologically” capable.

Peter Ferdinando (Hyena) as Cutter the CEO for Hanka Robotics, the man hides a clandestine purpose, not even his clear intentions of providing the country the means to persevere life with the business he’s running, how ironic what abominations he will bring to this world with science and technology. He is clear with his intentions, straight to the point and let others know that he is untouchable since the government supports his program. While Juliette Binoche (Godzilla)as Dr. Ouelet, she is not only the scientist who oversees Mira’s evolution despite her obligations to Cutter and her work, in the end, she knows that every human being deserves to be respected and to be free.

Certain aspects of how the film was reciprocated by the public and critics alike panning on the premise relegated to the main protagonist’s background and how she copes life after being transferred to a cyborg body. It seems that she was more focused on her personal roots when was she born? Who were her parents? Where did she live? Giving emphasis on her déjà vu moments where bits and pieces of her previous life are being recollected. Unlike from the manga, films, and series she embraced who she was but noting something of significance was her time with Kuze in the hospital where they both shared loss, anonymity, love and paper cranes.

In closing, the whitewashing predicament hasn’t helped Hollywood based companies producing films that only concerns with one “race” and that is to be on top of the box office sales. Humans driven by greed and lust for power seek always any means necessary to explore knowledge then exploit it first with those who are not deemed “fit to survive” until we evolve into something more “godlike”. That’s probably the nexus point here maybe we can learn from it for either we fight for the future or be their “puppets”.

Gladiator (2000)

All roads lead to Rome and for Maximus, he came, he saw, he conquered!

Universal Studios and DreamWorks SKG in association with Scott Free Productions present…

A story of discovery!

I was never fully aware of the genius who became as one of the most influential and greatest directors of all time; he gave us “Blade Runner”, “Aliens”, “Black Hawk Down”, “Kingdom of Heaven” “Prometheus” and much more! It grants precedence on what projects that he was able to provide the audience, full of admiration as well as reflection in every scene, instance, words uttered are given life in his comportment and it just astounds me every time I watch his films!

A hiatus was intended…marching on!

It all started with a painting and Ridley Scott never looked back! From a French history painter Jean-Léon Gérôme appropriately named Pollice verso which means “Thumbs Down”, it signified the outcome of a fight where it makes a big difference from a swing of a sword, a throw of a spear or a shot from a bow that will decide your freedom or your untimely death!

The Arena, where gladiatorial combats commence; which partakes and signifies to what a meaningless, mindless form of entertainment that has become a part of culture that transcended into generations of bloodshed! This was actually part of history not just for Rome that only serves how people can be so wicked and inhumane!

A tale of betrayal, survival and redemption that came into full circle! A one man’s journey to regain his honor and integrity against a tyrant maliciously ascended to the throne without any compromise nor love for his country! It was out of his reach, a plan that was never meant to be, convoluted even more with his greed for power!

The story captures every single moment filled with unprecedented intrigue and packed with awesome fight scenes! Full of accolades and awards that favored one of the best directed films of all time! Gladiator boasts its talent, extraordinary performances and in which famous lines were inserted to give more meaning to the talent that was brilliantly sublime!

“Your fault as a son is my failure as a father.”

From the late Richard Harris (Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone) as Caesar Marcus Aurelius. To think that reputation meant well for an intended purpose in his Empire, his family and his soldiers! His General who served him without flinching more so his uncontested loyalty was proven incessantly! He made a decision to both sons that have brought forth further anarchy to his homeland! His character was considered as the last of the “5 Good Emperors” and to think they were all adopted!

“What we do in life echoes in eternity!”

Academy Award Winner: Russell Crowe (American Gangster) as General Maximus. Serving his country was by far his main concern as per his duty to his King. How he encompasses his role, being taken away from everything he had ever possessed and loved was truly heart breaking in all aspect of the term.

He gave and captured its very essence of being set to the test draining every bit of his physical, emotional and mental capacity! In spite of these tribulations, he rose by standards like no other and paid homage to the people and his responsibility to give Rome, its people the meaning of existence and learning what it means to survive. Remarkable indeed!

“It’s a dream, a frightful dream… life is…”

Joaquin Pheonix (We Own the Night) as Commodus. Yes, even his line uttered exemplifies his humanity of being an unpleasant man and a coward! This guy seems so underrated but when you watch him perform you will definitely despise him for his portrayal thus it suggests that it worked. Very profound on how he makes it worthwhile for us to see his emotions grasp the character he’s in!

“Today I saw a slave become more powerful than the Emperor of Rome.”

Connie Nielsen (The Devil’s Advocate) as Lucilla. A sister, paramour (perhaps) and a daughter! The last time I saw Connie performed was in “Devil’s Advocate” that was nothing compared to what she has given in this film. Torn between her family and her desire to be assist her former lover has aggravated the tension between the young Emperor and the Gladiator!

“Listen to me. Learn from me. I was not the best because I killed quickly. I was the best because the crowd loved me. Win the crowd and you will win your freedom.”

The late Oliver Reed (Oliver) as Proximo. What can I say with this man? Fantastic! Every time he speaks his lines I applaud it for its intensity! I never realized how talented Oliver was not when I heard from Ridley and the casts own words of how much he puts in his portrayal. Here, he was easy to admire for the character he played was of the same route and his pride and empathy for his Gladiators shows how much he wanted his and their freedom!

To Oliver Reed, one of industry’s best, died while still shooting in Morocco…keep the fire burning, God bless his soul!

Gladiator was meant to be a winner, to take the awards:

Russell Crowe – Best Actor

Douglas Wick, David Franzoni, Branko Lustig – Best Picture

Jancy Yates –Best in Costume Design

John Nelson, Neil Corbould, Tim Burke and Rob Harvey – Best in Effects, Visual Effects

Scott Millan, Bob Beemer, Ken Weston – Best Sound

Director Sir Ridley Scott has proven time and again his mastery over epic cinema that presents the finest in the business from casts to production teams that carried his banner throughout his career! Ridley always captures the most intricate things even the trivial ones that gives him reason to generate fervor and charisma in his undying stories!

He has once quoted that “Hollywood is an industry and not an art form”. True, the former has a post code by which only sets its foundation on money and glamor while true films are made with genuine disposition. Even mere posters of his films deliver its simple and yet inspirational take on the main characters which does not need any obligated stances or exuberant Photoshop techniques …the picture says it all and what the film is all about!

Set from the outskirts of Morocco, burning forests England, Malta the “land of honey” and seemingly idyllic Italy… beautifully shot by John Mathieson with breathe taking scenes and landscapes that indeed captured the scathed battlefields and the glory of Rome!

All I can say is, the film made a great impression providing a better outlook on sword and sandal epics which movie goers had been neglected for the past few years. Sir Ridley makes it happen repeatedly beyond doubt and it’s always worth the wait!

The Guardian (2006)

A story about heroism, sacrifice and knowing when to let go!

Touchstone Pictures in association with Beacon Pictures present…

Directed by Andrew Davis (The Fugitive) who also takes pride on getting the usual talents that he has worked with in his previous films, a very few notable names on his list were Steven Seagal and Tommy Lee Jones. After Hurricane Katrina which destroyed a greater part of New Orleans and left thousands without homes, the production team and the writers utilized key moments of courage and humanitarian efforts to instill in the film’s undertakings. Known for his thriller action oriented films, the Director on this occasion takes a dive with the men and women of the United States Coast Guard!

Legendary Rescue Swimmer Ben Randall played by Kevin Costner (No Way Out), in a not your typical work scenario film where you can find it a bit perplexing that your job description is to save lives and your office cubicle is the whole freaking ocean! Kevin has been around the movie industry long enough to call him a veteran, how he commands stage presence in delivering both acting and at the back of the camera is worth watching. On his part, he may have to deal with issues that make his duties as an Officer more complicated seeing the personal side of his experiences gets the better of him and it gets worse from there…

This trauma and a troubled marriage had brought more complications to his life. Ironic, he saves lives and yet he cannot save his own from his personal concerns. So, Coast Guard Captain William Hadley from the talent of the towering Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption) offered two options is either walk out of here or take the desk job at A Point to school some new Coast Guards and to get back on his feet from all his emotional stress.

There were fishermen who were found floating already and seeing that one was presumed alive, Ben came to the rescue but without sacrifice, a tidal wave hurled a massive container and the helicopter comes crashing down pulling the lone survivor into his deathly grave! Nothing can shake the nerves of this hero of the high seas, until one tragic mission. Wanting to save his partner Carl, they were sent a lifeboat before extraction but was a little too late for his best friend and partner!

Enter hotshot and pain in the ass swimmer Jake Fischer who was portrayed by Ashton Kutcher (The Butterfly Effect) a show off, cocky but hilarious guy but you just want to shut up! He goes into training camp and trying to beat every single record that Ben accomplished. Bar fights, casual dating and tremendous work out from the veteran himself gave him some epiphany in his life. Though, there were few insights that Jake made him king of the hill, he never got point from wasting time. Soon all began to unravel when Ben understood what was bothering him and what tragic accident happened that left Jake wanting attention and some direction in his life.

Ben sees Jake as a potential not just in his class but for the rescue team his going to be assigned to, he can be the best of the best if he wanted to, he just need to understand how important his gift was and what reasons are left uncertain for his survival in the car accident with his friends. That goes without saying how Ben kept him on the team for obvious reasons of having that opportunity to be alive and so others may live!

The premise in general was more of a feel good film noting that it had had well talented actors that inspires to be better in spite of the danger in terms of people to be rescued and of their own lives as well. Production just needs to make sure all is secured especially when it comes to drop-offs from helicopters and for the situation of the water as well are all needed to be taken into consideration. They even made indoor pools just to compensate to make it real enough to be felt by the audience of what it’s like to work under these duress situations! On another aspect, Flash Film Works was hired just to recreate the 3D effects with the supervision of Mark Stasiuk while working in Fusion CI Studios.

The premise was like moments of desperation which comes and goes just like a McDonald meal served for the whole day! It was a story that inspires and shows people to never give up and make the best out of their lives no matter how bad the situation is! To the U.S. Coast Guard, truly the unsung heroes!

The Equalizer (2014)

“Got a problem? Odds against you? send me an email!”

Columbia Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures in association with Escape Artists present…

Based on the crime drama television series which starred the late Edward Woodward, Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) brings this film adaptation to life with the help of an old friend Denzel Washington (Man on Fire)!

The protagonist, Robert McCall was a retired black ops operative who has finally found peace as a recluse from society. He gets up for work on the dot, as we see him bantering with work colleagues, well mannered and basically an all around help! But before he goes home he drops by at this diner where he finds some quiet time reading his book until he meets Alina also known as “Teri” being based on her late night occupation.

Chloë Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass) is one of the many women who are under the sex trafficking of the Russian Mafia. She has the same waiting place with Robert where she gets acquainted trying to find a reason in her life but more importantly maybe a friend that can help her get out of this dire situation she’s living in! Her character depiction moved up a notch practically from her younger days but still hailed as one of the promising young actresses of her generation.

The film resonate the very same plot and premise of the original series that involves abusive behavior, police procedural, human rights and vigilantism. Note that in every turn of the story Robert finds a way to provide help or better justice for those who were oppressed and how ironic that most of them came from police harassment. Even without the permission of these people, he just cannot turn a blind eye to what’s happening around him and for those he cares for!

Enter main baddie Teddy played by Marton Csokas (The Debt) calm and collected as he is brutal to the core! Teddy is the right hand man of a Russian elite businessman named Pushkin, he takes care of loose ends and while doing so tramples on anyone who gets in his way even for the police whom we learn also under their illicit transactions! It was very intriguing how to opposing forces collide knowing one will only go down most notably seeing Robert go back to his former self and visited his friends Melissa Leo (Olympus Has Fallen) and Bill Pullman (Bringing UP Bobby) who plays husband and wife Susan and Brian Plummer who were also former agents of the government who were able to provide specific background information of who he was up against.

The violence is very evident considering that he has to take down gangsters, robbers and even mercenaries in full combat gear! Dialogue was enough to convey the objectives while at some point having intermittent situations before reaching the final boss and it was worth it! While the action was gratifying all throughout knowing that Denzel delivers his best to please the audiences (especially for the fans).

The story was straight forward and much anticipated since it was extradited from a previous well accepted origin. Plus Denzel once again has done a terrific job to make this film more exciting to watch (even Russell Crowe who was approached first can match the said performance) I doubt it will be a box office failure. He has given the role much more levity and precision although people still criticized this aspect to be less in terms of developing his character but there can ways in order to expand and depth of his portrayal if given a chance to give the film its own franchise like the “The Bourne Trilogy” with Matt Damon and recently the “Taken Trilogy” top billed by Liam Neeson!

Jack Reacher (2012)

“The only difference between your work and mine is that they are all trained killers!”

Paramount Pictures in association with Skydance Productions and TC Productions present…

The Holidays have passed and great films were shown to the public to provide joy, excitement and let’s not forget blood, bruises and broken limbs! So, to put things in perspective may I ask if you enjoyed “The General’s Daughter”, “Courage Under Fire”, “Rules of Engagement” and of course the leading actor’s very own “A Few Good Men”? Then look no further!

From the novel of Lee Child titled “One Shot”, the film was actually given with the same name but was later changed to keep the man mountain protagonist being represented as needed to be part of their marketing recall. From imposing giants with given talent available in Hollywood, Tom was instead chosen not because of his physical stature but rather in his ability to project the character’s innate sense of determination and to get the job done no matter the cost!

The actor will always have his moments and that is what he is being paid for, to deliver the goods and provide the best in the business! The man is here and still bringing in the noise, Tom Cruise (The Client) wows the crowd with his exceptional skills as a former U.S. Military Police Officer Jack Reacher! A nomad going nowhere and anywhere that leads him to a recent incident in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where a man had set-off a killing spree that have a misdirected purpose…

Written and Directed by Christopher McQuarrie (The Way of the Gun) Considered in Hollywood to be a “last minute script doctor” has worked with Tom from his last few projects. I still gave him credit to have this film pleasant enough to finish though nothing spectacular was employed; it was just a concise and clear follow through from cast and crew!  On the other hand, Cinematography was overseen by five time Oscar nominee Caleb Deschanel, A.S.C (The Patriot) where he always have this way of conveying stories through characters that need not be overexposed in the spotlight of the camera but with the right given environment they roam in, he can deliver all of these with absolute precision!

Co-star and leading lady, Former Bond girl Rosamund Pike (Fugitive Pieces) returns to the big screen after she helps fending off a wrathful god! She plays Counsellor Helen Rodin who is also the District Attorney’s spiteful daughter. Rosamund have been playing characters which attributes to her sense of strength and decisiveness whether she may be a villain killing off spies or a protector of truth and oppression makes it more conceived to what she can achieve, her acting has an inclination to be better if given an opportunity to get projects that requires maybe a heavier plot in terms of drama or even for thrillers just like this one.

While veteran actors provide strong supporting casts to complete the Robert Duvall (Open Range) as gun shop owner and former sniping veteran U.S. Marine Corps. Gunnery Sergeant Cash whose job is making sure that Jack reaches his man on time. Robert for most people is a very illustrious actor at least here he can still throw in some action with comedy at the same time just to have those blind spots covered. Another fine talent is Richard Jenkins (Sins of the Father) as Alex Rodin the District Attorney making life worse for both his daughter  while jeopardizing his work along in the process and Werner Herzog (Invinsible) as Russian Mob leader codenamed The Zec who initiates the ripple effect of murder and deception!

I really thought that this would be a sleeper and will not even reach the 100 million mark. Though having this predictable onset in its premise be it an adapted screenplay, it was still pure clean entertainment not too heavy as it leaned on well-acted screenplay and dialogue that was not cheesy like Mr. Cruise’s box-office bomb “Knight and Day”! So, until Mr. Child gets another advice from his wife because of unemployment, let’s hope its good enough to write another good book!

The Expendables 2 (2012)

Listen up “men at arms”, on the count to three shoot everything on sight I mean “everything” and ACTION!

Universal Pictures, Lionsgate and Nu Image in association with Millennium Films present…

Soldiers one and all! The “heroes for hire” returns to the big screen with more explosions than all three Michael Bay’s Transformers franchise could even muster and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

Directed by Simon West (The General’s Daughter) he turns this ensemble cast into a more dynamic sequel. I did appreciate this one coming from the first installment since it has a decent mission to follow not just being thrown into some predicament with a woman acting as ploy to find her rescuers from tyrannical rule! Come on, this film’s premise and predicament is in worldwide scale (wow)! His earlier works at least gives a deliberate and provocative stories and that is where he should derail from, work with the script and screenplay and not just rely on star power to save the day!

Legendary action icons Sylvester Stallone (Rambo) is head honcho Barney Ross and Transporter franchise alpha male is Jason Statham (Killer Elite) he portrays Lee Christmas (come on man!) as they team up to rescue a businessman held hostage which became more complicated when Trench a rival and comrade played by Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator) from the hands of Nepalese extremists! While lurking in the dark, the man who will always be a cowboy, Yipee-Ki-Yay (well, not here) Bruce Willis (Die Hard) is the enigmatic CIA Operative named Mr. Church, primarily coming from Covert Black Ops or Government funded projects he still calls the shots, imposing he may be while standing next to Sly still gives me goose bumps he does make a decent anti-hero or a bad guy every once in a while!

A 2^nd Degree Black Belt in Kyokushin Karate Dolph Lundgren (Red Scorpion) since missing Yin Yang en route in China from a previous mission had his eyes in another minority! Psychotic Gunner Jensen was a Chemical Engineer (just like in real life) before he went nuts with a Dancer in a Disco he used to have worked as a Bouncer! In the film, he reunites with Sly from Rocky IV’s Ivan Drago and with kickboxing ace Van Damme in their Universal Soldier projects as Andrew Scott the renegade GR13. Nothing came out of Dolph in this film (especially with Randy Couture) he just served as the team’s comedian without any use except to reply a line or two when needed!

They say that you have to take the bad with the good and frankly he does not give a damn! The lone gunman Texas Ranger, a 10^th Degree Black Belt Shito Ryu Karate (Tae Kwon Do, Jiu Jitsu etc.) and Chun Kuk Do founder Chuck Norris (Missing in Action) as Booker derived from his previous film “Black Tigers” is giving the guys a lot of back up firepower when all the chips are down! He shoots down everyone from the other side of the fence but he in nowhere to be found and yet he walks in the battlefield cool and calm just like that… (what the?)

The not so serious muscle man Terry Crews (The Longest Yard) should be with all honesty got the role for Roadblock in G.I.JOE: Retaliation! He has the comedic wit, firepower and cooking skills even for a Bunsen burner he could make a meal out of it. Hale Caesar is the team’s heavy artillery guy who could blow you away either with his grenade launcher or with his supplementing one liners!

The hand to hand combat expert was replaced by a chick, enter Nan Yu (Speed Racer) as Maggie Chan sent by Church to extract the device that traces the plutonium secluded in a mine which brings us to Kung-Fu and Wushu sensation Jet Li (Once Upon a Time in China) as the hard kicking Yin Yang! He had his moments just to savour his graceful exit knocking out bad guys left and right with frying pans! (Jackie must have been consulted on this…)

While the real brother of the Thunder God (not with the Deer antlers) Liam Hemsworth (The Hunger Games) is sharp shooting Billy The Kid was given credit for his “rookie” entry in the team seeing that he is the only young soldier on the team it does not mean he can’t knock you out as far as a mile away from nowhere. His entry makes the dialogue more humane though sombre and gratifying as the “soldier boy” of the group his loyalty does give him the respect of his peers!

Finally he’s been called in to join…I mean to be the villain! Jean Claude Van Damme (Bloodsport) the very first film I saw this man throw his famous helicopter kick Kumite style! I’ve watched this guy’s films and it was always an adrenaline rush! “Respect is everything, without it we are just common people, shitty common people” nice one Jean! On the other hand, English Martial Artist Scott Adkins (The Shepherd: Border Patrol) as wing man Hector, he reunites with JCVD for the fourth time! Their tandem makes it edgy and flamboyant not backing down even if push comes to shove!

The 80’s and 90’s is the best era there is in indulging cinema with well rounded performances and  breakthroughs in terms of genres like crime thrillers, martial arts, cops and robbers, AWOL soldiers  and even through sci-fi! Our fathers will always have their James Coburn, Charlton Heston, Marlon Brando, Kirk Douglas, James Dean, Sean Connery Charles Bronson and Clint Eastwood on the other hand the generation of today can have their Taylor Lautner and Channing Tatum (yawn!) I grew up with these films and action stars and they’ve become part of culture, heroes one and all whether they came from different fields, they still found their way into this monumental gathering of mercenaries as friends throughout these years!

Before we get killed, let’s move on! It was built in a $100 million budget and Sly wanted to bring in as much as possible actors that have fallen out of movie offers and it’s a generous way to do in order to help out friends in need. For instance Nicolas Cage and John Travolta was offered, while from the Orient martial arts superstar Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen were taken into consideration but most of them declined due to scheduling conflicts or the part was not enticing enough!

What is a testosterone driven story without the elements of combat, some rough housing, guns and oh, just the fate of world that hangs in a balance amidst an impending nuclear war! I guess it would have been better when the story comes into play which is actually evident here than the first film. There is a wider scope on the premise, still mission centric but with elements that covers the entire story let the viewers just follow the blood and bullet riddled bodies all over the place.

But this was definitely better than the first film with this one having at least an inclination to finish off properly in a sense of stand offs (what’s new?) which is actually clichéd given it’s appropriate fan service running after the villains and picking a fight to know who’s better or who will survive coming out from hanging chains or a rotating blade of a helicopter! The dialogue is mediocre as usual and needs a lot of work especially coming from guys like Sly, Arnold and Jet Li who was actually replaced with a lady (just for eye candy) to add insult to injury.

All the banters from the legendary action stars made it cheesy already entertaining but sometimes silly where lines just come out as adlibs just to incite previous films or works that just needs to make the male populace reminisce the days, the old days if you catch my drift! In terms of violence, there were a lot of blood spilled from punctured human beings coming from incoming ballistics as if they were there for target practice shooting only, knives thrown or stabbed wherever you like, burnt corpses from a cannon equipped seaplane which makes sense since they are just “cannon” fodder! (I made a funny).

Well, nobody leaves without a kiss from JVCD’s foot, pun intended! He made sure of that since Sly got his Rocky thing rolling against “The Villain” who is actually the name of his character!!! Maybe they had so much time to have fun shooting people that they forgot they’re making a film which includes decent screen names for starters! There were plenty of time to make the script but seriously Sly should have changed the names Barney, Christmas, Yin Yang, Toll Road, Hale Caesar and lastly, Jean Vilain, it “may” have been codenames but it wouldn’t hurt giving well thought off ones?

Pure adrenaline “mindless” action the way it was not meant to be…unfortunately, all were expendable to each and every last one of them!

The Expendables (2010)

So full of adrenaline pumped action that it gave no meaning on who or what these guys are shooting at!!!

Lionsgate and Nu Image in association with Millennium Films present…

The film in a general perspective is nicely done, although the plot was a bit easy to play with. But important thing was, Sylvester Stallone assembled a cast that is truly daring, applaudable and amazing! (on a one sided note)

The soldiers turned mercenaries alone was impressive to look at but there are hinges from the script from which Stallone visualized that makes it lack depth of story and intention. The story he co-wrote was about mercenaries who does Black-Ops when their country can’t or won’t do anything about these specific missions.

In retrospect, Stallone has made very convincing and iconic portrayals in his Rocky and Rambo films. He knows his field very well and explores more on how he can improve and make stories that are worth seeing!

So it begins…

Somalia, a boat was captured by pirates and demands $5 M for the hostages, Ross (Sly Stallone) with his team has given $3 M to free them, but Jensen (Dolph Lundgren) just got a little bit trigger happy!

Then people started to become smear on the wall! Restrained, Jensen was ordered by Ross to leave the team for being loose cannon and for his psychological instability.

This was the part the audience applauded the trio. Enter CIA Agent Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) and Trench (Arnold Schwarzenegger), together they were discussing on whom was going to take the mission, a little verbal exchange with Ross and Trench since they were rivals from past missions, with everything said Ross got the deal from Mr. Church, but not without a warning!

Ross together with Lee (Jason Statham), did a reconnaissance in Vilena as World Wildlife Conservatory agents. They met a freedom fighter woman which made it more difficult for them since it was the Dictator General Garza’s daughter. Trying to save her, she willfully stayed instead to fight for her country. They left with a lot of casualties and Ross is now feeling the guilt of leaving the woman behind. He wanted to come back alone but not without company.

As action heroes, fighting is in their forte already, I was expecting that there would be a showdown with either Yin (Jet LI) or Lee with The Brit (Gary Daniels) who was one of the best kick boxers of his time but unfortunately he was tag teamed and got kicked in the ass! (in the head as well). While taking down soldiers with Toll (Randy Couture), Ross was wrestling with Dan Paine (Steve Austin) on the other side. Now, here comes their weapon specialist Hale Caesar (Terry Crews) with his tank of a gun, who blows up everyone and everything in its path. Running for his life together with the daughter ex-CIA James Monroe (Eric Roberts) was gunned down and knifed by both Ross and Lee at the end.

Going back to LA, Tools (Mickey Rourke) is having a knife throwing contest with Lee, while Yin and Jensen having reconciled regarding their past arguments (and some!)

Well, that’s all about it some parts were awesome at the same time other sequences were dull and lacks delivery. Audiences pre-dominantly for the male went for the gut wrenching, testosterone level of action moreover with the names involved and was gathered has been set as a must see for a long time! Stallone could have been great with this, he actually directed and wrote his “Rambo IV” film and it did great in the box office. Maybe there was too much talent around that he was all over the place thinking everyone will be given justified roles in an equal, no holds barred manner.

Many got curious on how the film and cast was planned out; actually giving emphasis on more action heroes that should have been added into the line up. Now here they are:

1. Steven Seagal – was offered but had past issues with the film producer.

2. Jean Claude Van Damme – was offered but didn’t see any importance to his role.

3. Wesley Snipes – was offered the role for Hale Caesar, but declined, he has his own reasons for not joining the bandwagon.

4. Kurt Russell – should be doing the part of Mr. Church but later was offered to Bruce Willis (which many would agree to be the better of the two).

People can have mixed reviews for this film, but I understand how Sly was able to bring this together, his work ethic is over the top! And with the casts reputation and camaraderie these past 30 years, all was done abruptly but with a least a decent impression! It was a simple story but very entertaining indeed, with all the characters having a good time and having that respect for each other. I do hope the sequel can be a little more comprehensive and a plot that really works and would sell for the demographics involved. Still, worth the wait and I believe Sly will redeem himself on the next run…

It’s all in a day’s work for the Expendables!

The Rock (1996)

Conspiracy Theories are just being paranoid… not to Mason! (but look where it got him!)

Buena Vista Pictures in association with Hollywood Pictures and Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films present…

A disavowed General who wanted vindication for the soldiers who fought for the country’s safety and lost their lives was in a verge of mutiny to give them what was due, a proper military burial and compensation for the family who survived them! Ed Harris (Under Fire) leads his band of U.S Marine Corps as Gen. Francis X. Hummel…

To make things complicated, throw in an unwilling prisoner who has been taught to be the only survivor who escaped Alcatraz in his time and have him give the directions underneath its tunnels, 81 hostaged tourists and rockets that will hit San Francisco’s intended scores of people.

The film was directed by Michael Bay (Transformers), the so called “king of slow motion capture underneath the point of reference then circumferencing to a perfect angle screen shot!” well that was a mouthful! I really thought that it gave me more of an impression on how Directors applied their “signature” moves for the films they make but everyone has their own way of entertaining the movie masses so I guess it won’t hurt if he delivers his own style and their own repertoire!

This was the glory days of the Director where his action was still raw in the minds and hearts of film viewers where at least there was content in what the film was all about and getting actors to play their roles was given levity rather than relying on special and visual effects.

A Biochemist by the name of Stanley Godspeed was having the time of his life when he was asked to help his country in need but without a price and exchange for a Hotel suite and a haircut. He was portrayed by Nicholas Cage (Trapped in Paradise) one of the films that brought together a partnership for more upcoming films with the famed Producer. While trying to help solve the conundrum for this hostage situation the Government tapped on the last resort to get in that blasted rock and no other man has done this twice his name is John Patrick Mason played by Sean Connery (The Entrapment) was a British Operative and a ranking officer in the S.A.S. caught by the Americans on accounts of theft his demeanor and penchant for bad behavior had made him dubious and was needed an escort to enter his previous hell hole of a house!

There were lots of gunfight and explosions as usual, nothing new that will amaze fans and action junkies alike! I was impressed by the film’s action sequences and banters between Cage and Connery. I saw the film years ago but it still gave a wonderful experience seeing a star studded cast. Cage, Connery and even Harris were applaudable and made a great effort to give the film a remarkable output!

Known for his commercial success and multiple box office results and producing the film with a $75 million budget, what can you expect from a Jerry Bruckheimer project? Well, it will be financed thoroughly given that both guys on the front seats has a knack for cars while Jerry stirs the wheel, Michael rides shotgun intending to blow things up just to have some fun!

It even got hints on some conspiracy theories of the United States, but we won’t know won’t we?!? Stating that the ex-prisoner got a hold of a microfilm that included the Roswell UFO incidents and who really did assassinate the former President John F. Kennedy. People today have been resilient on these types of stories making them either more susceptible to what is really going on in the world but still many are left ignorant to see the subliminal undertakings of this “elitist society” carving the stone for a new world order.

To finalize, watching these films from Bay before made it to my great lists of films, but after seeing “Pearl Harbor”, “Bad Boys” 1 and 2, “Armageddon” and don’t forget the “Transformers” franchise, I’m ambivalent of whether he can rise up to the challenge and make a decent film once more especially when the Director is set-up for continuing his “blastful ways” in reimagining four turtles who came from the sewers while making another u-turn from his highly successful film franchise with robots rampaging in every direction, for sure his new partner Mark Wahlberg will be in for a bumpy ride!

The A-Team (2010)

20^th Century Fox in association with Dune Entertainment, Top Cow Productions, Big Screen Productions, Stephen J. Cannell Productions, Ingenious Film Partners, Phoenix Film Partners and Scott Free Productions present…

As part of my military movie marathon, I found this story penchant in the field of soldier tactics, gallantry and hardware!!! Filled with action, thrills and comedy that makes it worth watching all over again!

Now, the film was based in an 80’s TV series that spawned so many fans in their 5 series in 4 years! I loved the show, it was like MacGyver but it’s 4 of them, from building new weapons, strategizing offensive and defensive parameters for the villains and maintaining that crazy camaraderie! It was centred on soldiers of fortune on the run from the government and helping those people who are being oppressed and in need.

Crossing paths was just the beginning of a bigger plan as Col. Hannibal Smith puts it! Making it more contemporary this was based on the Iraq war that occurred in the 90’s. The characters are all different signifying a specialization that contributes to the objectives of the mission taken.

Directed and providing Screenplay is Joe Carnahan (Smokin’ Aces) while Produced by cinema making legends Ridley Scott (G.I. Jane) and Tony Scott (Enemy of the State) and with Stephen J. Cannell who co –created the team with Frank Lupo. He was able to provide audiences well known hit TV series in the 80’s and 90’s like “The Greatest American Hero”, “Riptide”, “21 Jump Street”, “The Renegade” and my personal favourite “The Hat Squad”!

Let’s tackle the team…

The guy who still has a “hangover” with a former flame Bradley Cooper (Hangover) aka Lt. Templeton “Faceman” Peck for me was the breakout character, he was second in command, loves the excitement of given missions, covert ops and he knows what his doing, definitely more confident, aggressive and in spite of all that, still have his arms full of women (even if she has a girlfriend tormenting them).  Bradley is slowly making his was to be the next Hollywood star to look at having the potential to be the next leading man with the likes of George Clooney, Tom Cruise and even with Tom Hanks. Well diversed in every given role he plays, in the film he makes it easy playing a soldier that can be wild with his cohorts, drama in one corner with the love of his life (right!) and action all around is all in the days work!

Former MMA player Rampage Jackson’s (Midnight Meat Train) portrayal of the Corporal Bosco “BA” Baracus was mediocre, though he still managed to give the character justification being a tough guy with a lot of heart! He was struggling to take on arms or be at peace which he reflected more into Ghandi’s way of life but in the end he found his mojo (Mohawk) back! Anything that is mechanical he can make it work and he lives by the creed of pitying anyone who needs to know a little better!

The man who was supposed to wait for three years to get himself cured, newcomer Sharlto Copley (District 9) the most entertaining from the bunch, he is still the “Howling Mad” Murdock. A Captain with superb pilot skills, a genius (at least in his own right) and keeps the team knocking their heads off, especially with BA who he had stepped on the wrong foot to begin with! He gives life to the team whether through one sided jokes or just straight up annoyance.

One of film industry’s finest actors, Liam Neeson (Kingdom of Heaven) has always been a fan favorite talent that defines direction, very instinctive and with charisma. He takes care of his boys and making sure they are out of trouble. I’m just not crazy about his lines being repeated all the time. There was this scene where Hannibal Smith keeps on calling Lynch in a cargo container; I still kept on hearing Peyton Westlake aka “Darkman” which he played in the first film of the trilogy. That was weird and the same time funny surreal!

I find their screen dynamic very credible not just being soldiers at arms but rather as brothers looking out for each other. The film gives audiences the feeling of inconsistencies but not leaving behind its intended purpose of getting the mission done and as well as being entertained.

The supporting casts such as Jessica Biel (Stealth) was very much underrated but for me, both were exceptionally profound in the delivery of their characters! They were able to act it with admonition given the levity of the situation, more so Patrick Wilson (Little Children) more so Patrick Wilson (Little Children) a CIA Top Dog who is pompous prick and a spoiled brat who gets what he wants where he wants it, still being a villain was well accepted!

There were times that certain sequences were over the top (tank from the sky and cargo containers) but still were executed very well (thanks to CGI and Green Screen). It was well-paced, entertaining, funny and action oriented like the way it was planned!

Unfortunately that’s not how fans and movie goers reacted, stating that the film only earned 176 M worldwide with 110 M budget that speaks a lot for any upcoming sequels that could have been! Critics also were not helpful given that the premise was convoluted and without regard for character development. Seriously, what do these people want from an action film that is even derivative from the original series. I do understand how Dirk Benedict (Battlestar Galactica) reaction how he just cut from the film for about a few seconds emphasizing on no respect!

It would not be much of a concern because Col. Smith always takes the plan into consideration and nothing makes him happier than a plan that comes together!