The original 300.
And probably more closely related to the actual Battle of Thermopylae than its modern rival.
The 300 Spartans is based on the the Battle of Termopylae, which saw one of the greatest last stands in military history. In 480BC, King Leonidas of Sparta led a rearguard action with 300 Spartans, 700 Thespians and 400 Thebans as they held out an invading Persian army ranging in number from 100,000 to 150,000 (depending on where you get your information). They managed to repel the invading force by plocking a small coastal road, and were only defeated when Ephialtes, a local resident, betrayed the Greeks by revealing a path that led behind their defensive line.
The 1962 film attempts to depict this infamous battle, with Richard Egan taking on the lead role of King Leonidas.
For the action-savvy viewer, you have to cool your heels for quite some time as the film dedicates quite a bit of time to the build-up. This includes a few diplomatic meetings, and Xerxes of Persia (David Farrar) announcing his intention to defeat the city-states of Greece.
Keeping in mind it was made/released in 1962, the film isn't too bad. Being the fan of action that I am it took a while for me to get into it, but it is very much worth a viewing. An old school classic.
The 300 Spartans: 109 minutes (1962)
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Resident Evil: Retribution
The best part of this film is the final scene.
Resident Evil: Retribution kicks off directly where the previous film left off, with Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory) leading an attack on Arcadia, a ship housing survivors from the T-virus, and the same place where Alice, Chris and Claire Redfield happen to be.
Alice (Milla Jovovich) is captured after an intense battle scene we see in slow motion rewind during the title credits and in real time after it. She is taken to an(other) Umbrella Corporation base, where she is interrogated by Valentine. But not before we get a flashback to pre-T-virus Alice is living a normal life just before the zombies attack.
During this interrogation the power goes, allowing Alice to fight her way out of a simulation which brings her face to face with Albert Wesker's (Shawn Roberts) top agent, Ada Wong (Li Bingbing).
What follows is an excuse to bring Michelle Rodriguez back to the series through several simulations of which Alice and Jill have to fight to survive. In fact, several characters from the previous films make their comebacks in these simulations as Valentine and the Red Queen attempt to recapture Alice.
There are quite a few action sequences which, again, aren't too bad, but the extreme level of CGI takes away from the film quite dramatically. In fact, I severely disliked the smiulations. When you need to find excuses to bring several "dead' characters back to life, or you have to clone the central character umpteen times to get a job done, it's a surefire sign that the series is running low on gas.
That aside, the final scene which show US Marines, S.T.A.R.S and Umbrella Corporation personnel working together to defend the White House in humanity's final stand against hordes of undead/infected actually has me a little keen for the next, and final, entry to the series. I love a good climactic battle, and I sincerely hope I'm not left disappointed.
Resident Evil: Retribution: 95 minutes (2012)
Resident Evil: Retribution kicks off directly where the previous film left off, with Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory) leading an attack on Arcadia, a ship housing survivors from the T-virus, and the same place where Alice, Chris and Claire Redfield happen to be.
Alice (Milla Jovovich) is captured after an intense battle scene we see in slow motion rewind during the title credits and in real time after it. She is taken to an(other) Umbrella Corporation base, where she is interrogated by Valentine. But not before we get a flashback to pre-T-virus Alice is living a normal life just before the zombies attack.
During this interrogation the power goes, allowing Alice to fight her way out of a simulation which brings her face to face with Albert Wesker's (Shawn Roberts) top agent, Ada Wong (Li Bingbing).
What follows is an excuse to bring Michelle Rodriguez back to the series through several simulations of which Alice and Jill have to fight to survive. In fact, several characters from the previous films make their comebacks in these simulations as Valentine and the Red Queen attempt to recapture Alice.
There are quite a few action sequences which, again, aren't too bad, but the extreme level of CGI takes away from the film quite dramatically. In fact, I severely disliked the smiulations. When you need to find excuses to bring several "dead' characters back to life, or you have to clone the central character umpteen times to get a job done, it's a surefire sign that the series is running low on gas.
That aside, the final scene which show US Marines, S.T.A.R.S and Umbrella Corporation personnel working together to defend the White House in humanity's final stand against hordes of undead/infected actually has me a little keen for the next, and final, entry to the series. I love a good climactic battle, and I sincerely hope I'm not left disappointed.
Resident Evil: Retribution: 95 minutes (2012)
Resident Evil: Afterlife
The quality of the Resident Evil series takes a serious nose dive with this film.
The beauty of the first three films in the series was that they were realistic. They had a simple plot they followed through, and at least a tiny bit of believable story development.This film, while it does advance the story, goes a completely different direction to what I expected, and a direction that isn't too great.
But it does keep the Resident Evil tradition of awesome action scenes well and truly alive.
Our heroine Alice (Milla Jovovich) kicks this film by infiltrating an Umbrella Corporation with no less than four clones in an effort to kill Albert Wesker (Shawn Roberts). A few kickass and completely unrealistic action sequences later all Umbrella employees are dead except for Wesker, who escapes in a helicopter and activates a bomb that destroys the base, killing everyone (and all Alice clones) inside.
The real Alice managed to get onboard the helicopter, and engages Wesker in a fight until he injects her with a serum, removing her powers.
She travels to Alaska where she bumps into Claire Redfield (Ali Larter) who is being controlled by a device and attempts to kill her. The device's destruction frees Claire of mind control and they shoot off to LA to find her brother Chris (Wentworth Miller) who, like Miller's most famous role, is imprisoned and knows an escape route.
The story doesn't sound too bad and the action scenes are fantastic, but there is so much CGI in this film it makes it hard to keep interest. The acting is substandard and the ridiculousness of some of the situations takes away from the enjoyment level.
The final scene features a cameo from Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory) which sets up Resident Evil: Retribution, and that is defnitely not a good thing.
Resident Evil: Afterlife: 96 minutes (2010)
The beauty of the first three films in the series was that they were realistic. They had a simple plot they followed through, and at least a tiny bit of believable story development.This film, while it does advance the story, goes a completely different direction to what I expected, and a direction that isn't too great.
But it does keep the Resident Evil tradition of awesome action scenes well and truly alive.
Our heroine Alice (Milla Jovovich) kicks this film by infiltrating an Umbrella Corporation with no less than four clones in an effort to kill Albert Wesker (Shawn Roberts). A few kickass and completely unrealistic action sequences later all Umbrella employees are dead except for Wesker, who escapes in a helicopter and activates a bomb that destroys the base, killing everyone (and all Alice clones) inside.
The real Alice managed to get onboard the helicopter, and engages Wesker in a fight until he injects her with a serum, removing her powers.
She travels to Alaska where she bumps into Claire Redfield (Ali Larter) who is being controlled by a device and attempts to kill her. The device's destruction frees Claire of mind control and they shoot off to LA to find her brother Chris (Wentworth Miller) who, like Miller's most famous role, is imprisoned and knows an escape route.
The story doesn't sound too bad and the action scenes are fantastic, but there is so much CGI in this film it makes it hard to keep interest. The acting is substandard and the ridiculousness of some of the situations takes away from the enjoyment level.
The final scene features a cameo from Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory) which sets up Resident Evil: Retribution, and that is defnitely not a good thing.
Resident Evil: Afterlife: 96 minutes (2010)
Friday, June 28, 2013
Resident Evil: Extinction
The third entry in the Resident Evil franchise and the last that was any good at all.
Resident Evil: Extinction begins with another pre-title recap of the previous films, something that is not as bad as I probably make it sound. It comes in handy if you've spaced the viewing out a bit, and it helps prepare you for the hell in which you are inevitably launched.
We follow Alice (Milla Jovovich) and a group of survivors from Racoon City as they try and cross the desert to the escape the zombie apocalypse. That's after we find out the Umbrella Corporation is making clones of Alice.
The rest of the film is exactly what you would expect - group travel, zombie attack, friends die, group travel, zombie attack and so on.
It is probably a touch better than Apocalypse, but viewers have to accept it will never get better than the first one.
Resident Evil: Extinction: 94 minutes (2007).
Resident Evil: Extinction begins with another pre-title recap of the previous films, something that is not as bad as I probably make it sound. It comes in handy if you've spaced the viewing out a bit, and it helps prepare you for the hell in which you are inevitably launched.
We follow Alice (Milla Jovovich) and a group of survivors from Racoon City as they try and cross the desert to the escape the zombie apocalypse. That's after we find out the Umbrella Corporation is making clones of Alice.
The rest of the film is exactly what you would expect - group travel, zombie attack, friends die, group travel, zombie attack and so on.
It is probably a touch better than Apocalypse, but viewers have to accept it will never get better than the first one.
Resident Evil: Extinction: 94 minutes (2007).
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Resident Evil: Apocalypse
The second in the series and we get a convenient recap of what happened in the first film before we start, and the answer to one of the most pivotal questions from the first film in the opening few minutes. If you blink you miss it. Seriously.
It seemed to gloss over the whole "how did the virus get out of The Hive?" question everyone had at the end of Resident Evil when Alice (Milla Jovovich) was walking around a deserted Racoon City. It is pretty simple to understand what happened, but there was something in the presentation that seemed to leave it a bit out of place.
This film seems to re-establish its link with the video game series by including Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory), a major character from the games. Valentine is a police officer in Racoon City, and ends up being trapped in the city when the Umbrella Corporation seals the population inside.
The two major plotlines of this film is the Nemesis project, and the rescue of Angela. Angela is the daughter of T-virus creator Dr Charles Ashford, and also happens to be trapped in the city. Dr Ashford hacks into the city's CCTV to make contact with Valentine, Alice and several other protagonists to enlist their help in finding her.
Nemesis is the result of experiments on the only other survivor from Resident Evil, Matt Addison. He is programmed and controlled by the Umbrella Corporation, and boasts Terminator-like ability to track his opponents down, and an array of weaponry including rocket launchers and rail guns.
Resident Evil:Apocalypse isn't that great a film, but the action scenes are very well done. An entertaining ride through a post-apocalyptic city is always one I'm up for, and this entry satisfies that need despite the poor story.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse : 96 minutes (2004)
It seemed to gloss over the whole "how did the virus get out of The Hive?" question everyone had at the end of Resident Evil when Alice (Milla Jovovich) was walking around a deserted Racoon City. It is pretty simple to understand what happened, but there was something in the presentation that seemed to leave it a bit out of place.
This film seems to re-establish its link with the video game series by including Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory), a major character from the games. Valentine is a police officer in Racoon City, and ends up being trapped in the city when the Umbrella Corporation seals the population inside.
The two major plotlines of this film is the Nemesis project, and the rescue of Angela. Angela is the daughter of T-virus creator Dr Charles Ashford, and also happens to be trapped in the city. Dr Ashford hacks into the city's CCTV to make contact with Valentine, Alice and several other protagonists to enlist their help in finding her.
Nemesis is the result of experiments on the only other survivor from Resident Evil, Matt Addison. He is programmed and controlled by the Umbrella Corporation, and boasts Terminator-like ability to track his opponents down, and an array of weaponry including rocket launchers and rail guns.
Resident Evil:Apocalypse isn't that great a film, but the action scenes are very well done. An entertaining ride through a post-apocalyptic city is always one I'm up for, and this entry satisfies that need despite the poor story.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse : 96 minutes (2004)
Resident Evil
The first in the series and one of the best post-apocalyptic films.
I had never played any of the video games before seeing Resident Evil. I was drawn in purely because of the fact it featured the undead, and it was the best decision I've made.
Resident Evil takes elements from the first two entries to the video games series.It features a global company by the name of the Umbrella Corporation, a company known publicly for its investment in pharmaceutical goods and medical supplies, but is also a major player in genetic engineering.
They run a subterranean facility under Racoon City called the Hive, which hosts a research program into a highly secret "T-virus". In the beginning of the film, a thief steals the virus and contaminates the facility. The facility's artificial intelligence "The Red Queen" seals the Hive to prevent an outbreak, killing everyone inside.
We meet the primary protagonist Alice (Milla Jovovich), who wakes up in a deserted mansion suffering amnesia. She checks out the mansion before she is subdued by a man, after a which a group of commandos bust in and arrest the him. Very confusing to read, but the frantic first few minutes of the film set a cracking pace for the rest of the film to use as a vehicle.
The deaths of four of the commandos is a must-see, while Michelle Rodriguez's toughness and one-liners add much break the tension in all the right ways. The introduction of the undead is remarkably done, and is far enough into the film to allow the development of a story, and for the viewers to gain an understanding of Alice's background.
I won't give any of the rest of the film away, but it is definitely the best of the series, and is one of the two best films made from video games in cinema history (the other being Silent Hill).
Resident Evil: 100 minutes (2002)
I had never played any of the video games before seeing Resident Evil. I was drawn in purely because of the fact it featured the undead, and it was the best decision I've made.
Resident Evil takes elements from the first two entries to the video games series.It features a global company by the name of the Umbrella Corporation, a company known publicly for its investment in pharmaceutical goods and medical supplies, but is also a major player in genetic engineering.
They run a subterranean facility under Racoon City called the Hive, which hosts a research program into a highly secret "T-virus". In the beginning of the film, a thief steals the virus and contaminates the facility. The facility's artificial intelligence "The Red Queen" seals the Hive to prevent an outbreak, killing everyone inside.
We meet the primary protagonist Alice (Milla Jovovich), who wakes up in a deserted mansion suffering amnesia. She checks out the mansion before she is subdued by a man, after a which a group of commandos bust in and arrest the him. Very confusing to read, but the frantic first few minutes of the film set a cracking pace for the rest of the film to use as a vehicle.
The deaths of four of the commandos is a must-see, while Michelle Rodriguez's toughness and one-liners add much break the tension in all the right ways. The introduction of the undead is remarkably done, and is far enough into the film to allow the development of a story, and for the viewers to gain an understanding of Alice's background.
I won't give any of the rest of the film away, but it is definitely the best of the series, and is one of the two best films made from video games in cinema history (the other being Silent Hill).
Resident Evil: 100 minutes (2002)
Resident Evil: The Series
Has there been a more popular video game series to be converted to film?
After finally buying Resident Evil: Retribution (the 5th film in the series) AND having a session on Resident Evil 6 (Xbox 360), I decided to have a marathon viewing of the series and write a little about each one.
The series is up there with my favourite post-apocalyptic films of all time, and even though the quality of the films do drop off, Resident Evil still brings the entertainment.
Click the links below to see what I thought of each.
Resident Evil: 100 minutes (2002)
Resident Evil: Apocalypse : 96 minutes (2004)
Resident Evil: Extinction: 94 minutes (2007)
Resident Evil: Afterlife: 96 minutes (2010)
Resident Evil: Retribution: 95 minutes (2012)
After finally buying Resident Evil: Retribution (the 5th film in the series) AND having a session on Resident Evil 6 (Xbox 360), I decided to have a marathon viewing of the series and write a little about each one.
The series is up there with my favourite post-apocalyptic films of all time, and even though the quality of the films do drop off, Resident Evil still brings the entertainment.
Click the links below to see what I thought of each.
Resident Evil: 100 minutes (2002)
Resident Evil: Apocalypse : 96 minutes (2004)
Resident Evil: Extinction: 94 minutes (2007)
Resident Evil: Afterlife: 96 minutes (2010)
Resident Evil: Retribution: 95 minutes (2012)
Monday, June 17, 2013
The Impossible
The 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami is one of the worst natural disasters on record.
It was triggered by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean with a magnitude 9.1-9.3, making it "the third largest earthquake measured on a seismograph". The earthquake, which was recorded at a depth of 30km below the surface, triggered the tsunami which affected Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India to name a few. The deathtoll was estimated by the US Geological Survey to be about 230,000, placing it in the top 10 deadliest earthquakes of all time. Regardless of who or where you were at the time, it was impossible to escape the effects.
It is this event which forms the backdrop to The Impossible.
It is not the first disaster film I've watched, but it is easily the best. Perhaps it is because it is based on the real life story of Maria Belon and her family, or maybe it was because I can remember the day it happened.
Regardless, I have never been consumed by a film as much as I was by The Impossible.
Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland in his sensational film debut as Lucas Bennett, one of Maria (Watts) and Henry (McGregor) Bennett's three sons.
It tells the story of the Bennett family, who travel to Thailand for a Christmas holiday in 2004.
On Boxing Day morning, the Bennett family are playing in and beside the pool of a resort. It is at this time a tsunami smashes through the resort, sweeping away everything in its path. The Bennett family are separated by the force of the waves, but luckily, all survive.
The rest of the film follows the family as they try to reunite.
The Impossible has been widely acclaimed since it was released, and with good reason: it's a bloody good film.
Watts and McGregor are fantastic as the Bennett parents, but it is young Holland who steals the show for mine. The film closely follows Holland, and you feel as helpless as he does when he tries to deal with everything that has happened. You laugh when he laughs, you cry when he cries.
Personally, The Impossible reaches a level of notoriety with me as it becomes the second on a list of "films that made me cry/tear up a little".
Keep the tissues handy - you're going to need them.
The Impossible: 113 minutes (2012)
It was triggered by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean with a magnitude 9.1-9.3, making it "the third largest earthquake measured on a seismograph". The earthquake, which was recorded at a depth of 30km below the surface, triggered the tsunami which affected Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India to name a few. The deathtoll was estimated by the US Geological Survey to be about 230,000, placing it in the top 10 deadliest earthquakes of all time. Regardless of who or where you were at the time, it was impossible to escape the effects.
It is this event which forms the backdrop to The Impossible.
It is not the first disaster film I've watched, but it is easily the best. Perhaps it is because it is based on the real life story of Maria Belon and her family, or maybe it was because I can remember the day it happened.
Regardless, I have never been consumed by a film as much as I was by The Impossible.
Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland in his sensational film debut as Lucas Bennett, one of Maria (Watts) and Henry (McGregor) Bennett's three sons.
It tells the story of the Bennett family, who travel to Thailand for a Christmas holiday in 2004.
On Boxing Day morning, the Bennett family are playing in and beside the pool of a resort. It is at this time a tsunami smashes through the resort, sweeping away everything in its path. The Bennett family are separated by the force of the waves, but luckily, all survive.
The rest of the film follows the family as they try to reunite.
The Impossible has been widely acclaimed since it was released, and with good reason: it's a bloody good film.
Watts and McGregor are fantastic as the Bennett parents, but it is young Holland who steals the show for mine. The film closely follows Holland, and you feel as helpless as he does when he tries to deal with everything that has happened. You laugh when he laughs, you cry when he cries.
Personally, The Impossible reaches a level of notoriety with me as it becomes the second on a list of "films that made me cry/tear up a little".
Keep the tissues handy - you're going to need them.
The Impossible: 113 minutes (2012)
NRL Round 14: Rabbitohs remain top after Rumble at the Reef
Before getting into the details of the game, I have to give
a super wrap to the Cairns crowd. Over 16,000 rugby league-mad fans from North
Queensland – some even made the trip – packed out Intrust Super Cup team Northern Pride's home Barlow Park to witness what ended up being a super match. When
you consider the maximum capacity figure is usually quoted at around the 15,000
mark, it really puts the success of the “Rumble of the Reef” into perspective.
A marvellous advertisement for rugby league and one that I
hope is repeated by all teams (not necessarily Cairns but regional areas of
Australia) in future.
The game itself was sensational.
South Sydney and the Gold Coast Titans came into the clash
rested after a round 13 bye, and before that enjoyed wins over Newcastle (25-18)
and North Queensland Cowboys (31-14) respectively. Both teams had been in good
form before the bye, setting up a match that had every hardened rugby league
fan frothing at the mouth.
And it didn’t disappoint, with several “try of the season”
contenders coming out of it.
Souths seemingly had the early ascendency after an early short-range
try to Greg Inglis in the 9th minute that reeked of Isaac Luke
brilliance and made the Titans goal-line defence look soft. A tight tussle in
the middle saw the Titans fight their way into good field position, when a 23rd
minute cross-field kick was met by a flying Kevin Gordon in the left corner.
Some Albert Kelly brilliance gifted the Titans a 12-6 lead
(after Aiden Sezer converted both tries), before Luke struck back for the “home”
team to level things up in the 30th.
Two of the best tries of the match rounded out the first
half, with the Rabbitohs’ effort arguably the best of the year.
Titans and NSW Origin back-rower Greg Bird showed he could
still fit in the number six jersey when he fed a perfect inside ball to a
flying William Zillman, who did what most other players can’t by shrugging
Inglis off to put the Titans back into the lead.
The Bunnies bounced back right on half-time in a try that
had to be seen to be believed. The ball went through umpteen pairs of hands as
they made 30 metres up the left, with the ball being kept alive in tackles with
the help of several offloads. It eventually found its way into the hands of
Adam Reynolds, who summed up the situation in an instant and dropped it onto
the boot across field, finding the hands of Dylan Walker who touched down. It
has to be seen to be believed.
After the brilliance of the first half you could be forgiven
for thinking the second was a bore. It was always going to be a struggle to
live up to the standards set in the first.
The Rabbitohs should have run away with the result, and
looked like doing so after tries to Roy Asotasi and Ben Te’o. Souths held a
30-18 lead with about 20 minutes to play, and should have closed out the game
by putting the Titans to the sword.
Instead, Titans winger Anthony Don showed blinding pace to
break the line down the right side in the 63rd minute, producing a
fine offload that found Kelly who scored his second. The 30-24 scoreline set up
a grandstand finish for the Barlow Park crowd, but that is how it would remain
after both teams turned off their attack and muscled up in defence.
Despite keeping their stranglehold on first position on the
ladder, South Sydney won’t be happy with their effort. The two points always
come in handy and it’s a trait of premiership-winning teams to win ugly, but
there were several opportunities to wrap the game up and they didn’t do it.
Instead of putting the opposition to the sword the Rabbitohs relented, giving
the Gold Coast a sniff of victory.
Gold Coast could view it as two points that slipped away,
but would gain a lot of confidence from keeping up with the competition
leaders. The Titans showed enough in that game to be considered dark horses for
the title, with Kelly and Sezer’s partnership in the halves improving every
week.
Player of the year: Luke 3, Kelly 2, Reynolds 1
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 30 (Inglis, Walker, Luke, Asotasi, Te’o
tries; Reynolds 5 goals) def GOLD COAST TITANS 24 (Kelly 2, Zillman, Gordon
tries; Sezer 4 goals) at Barlow Park, Mackay.
NRL Round 2: Sharks succumb to sloppy Souths
It was a match that could have been anything.
Three days after the full time whistle was blown, pundits
are still trying to work out what they saw.
The record books will forever read South Sydney Rabbitohs
gaining victory over the Cronulla Sharks 14-12 at ANZ Stadium, but the
performances by both teams are an enigma in themselves.
Souths came into the game off the back of a strong
performance in round one, where they flexed their premiership muscle – and
showed some of that potential – in a 28-10 thumping of the Sydney Roosters.
Cronulla also came into the contest off the back of a first
up win, but in completely different circumstances. After an effort the Spartans
of Thermopylae would be proud of, they held out for a tough 12-10 win over the
Titans.
Enter round two.
Souths started the game the same way they played last week.
They controlled the match, possession, field position, and
posted two converted tries in the first 15 minutes.
The first try came in just the fourth minute when boom
halfback Adam Reynolds spotted an open Andrew Everingham. A pinpoint cross
field kick in behind the defence landed in Everingham’s arms, and he made no
mistake in putting the ball down to score.
Reynolds’ boot featured again in the second try as he put
Dylan Farrell over for a try of his own about the 15 minute mark. Reynolds took
the line on as he did with the first try, but placed a grubber straight through
the defensive line for Farrell to fly in from nowhere to score.
The man who could be the next NSW Origin halfback Reynolds
converted both tries.
They had the Cronulla defence grabbing at shadows, and could
easily have gone on to post a cricket score.
But whether it was the effects of an 11 day turnaround, or
they simply believed the match was already won, the Rabbitohs let Cronulla off
the hook.
Cronulla’s attack seemed to click in parts and only
desperate defence held the Sharks out. They started making massive metres when
they had the ball and forced the Rabbitohs to earn every inch – which they
didn’t do easily.
The Sharks struck back only three minutes later when
fullback Michael Gordon sliced through the defence. Gordon, who is potentially
the most valuable recruit in season 2013, managed to slip through the tiniest
of gaps in the Rabbitoh defence to put Cronulla on the board. His conversion
made it 12-6 after 18 minutes.
From there the points dried up and the arm wrestle began.
Heavy hitting saw the ball dislodged before the fifth
tackle, the referees warmed their whistles up and either indecisiveness – or
desperate defence – forced several turnovers.
A penalty on the stroke of half time for holding down saw
Reynolds extend the lead to 14-6, and it would also be the last time the
Rabbitohs troubled the scorers.
Simple errors cost the Rabbitohs any momentum in the second
half. What momentum they did have – which ended in two disallowed tries – was
squandered due to simple mistakes.
Merritt seemingly sealed the game at the hour mark until the
video referee noticed an obstruction in the lead up play.
The penalty count drifted up against the Rabbitohs and
Cronulla put themselves in the box seat for an assault on victory.
Countless attacking raids saw the Rabbitohs defence muscle
up and repel the invaders, while others contributed to the Sharks’ lofty error
count (which ended up at 18).
The Rabbitohs somehow got themselves into an attacking
position and had a chance at more points in the 65th minute. That was
until a wayward pass hit the deck and was scooped on by Sharks flyer Beau Ryan,
who raced 92m to put his team within striking distance.
Gordon’s conversion made it 14-12 and set up a grandstand
finish.
Souths would rekindle their relationship with the video
referee when Adam Reynolds looked to have scored a match-sealer. Replays showed
Isaac Luke interfered with the marker, and the try was disallowed.
With full time called, Souths remain one of only three
undefeated teams in the competition while the Sharks have made a home
mid-table.
Some commentators have suggested these close, scrappy games
are the ones that premiership contenders have to win to make the big dance.
While the performance wasn’t ideal, Souths can take solace from the fact they
managed to secure the win, even if on the back of what they hope is their worst
performance of the year.
The Sharks can take many positives as they continue to play
under enormous pressure thanks to the ASADA investigation, but will be
concerned they couldn’t score – or handle the ball – on the back of superior
possession.
NRL Round 11: Sharks slip past Souths at sodden Shark Park
There was something in the air heading into their second
Monday Night Football clash of the season. South Sydney Rabbitohs had been on
another winning streak and sat comfortably atop the Telstra Premiership table
with Cronulla Sharks sitting amid chaotic traffic at the other end of the top
eight.
The Sharks came into the game showing improved form
after shaking their off-field issues and concentrating on footy, resulting in a
three game winning streak. Shaun Flanagan’s men had been improving every week,
led by the rise of former Wests Tigers prop Andrew Fifita.
Fifita has been the jewel in the Sharks’ crown of
forwards, chewing up plenty of metres and making a slightly exaggerated thousand
tackles per game. Wade Graham has developed into a Paul Gallen-esque player,
with Gallen and Luke Lewis offering world-class support to form a lethal back
row.
The Rabbitohs came in under a shroud of controversy
thanks to the Ben Te’o assault claims. In what was the first major off-field
incident to plague the cardinal and myrtle, all eyes were on Te’o – and the rest
of the team for that matter – to see if they would be distracted.
If their last meeting was anything to go by we were in
for a belter. The round two clash saw Souths sneak away with a 14-12 victory at
ANZ Stadium, but not before being outplayed but not outpointed by a determined
Sharks outfit.
Who knew their return fixture would end with an
identical scoreline, only a different victor?
Not most people as it turned it out, as Gallen and Lewis
were ruled out earlier in the day (coincidentally around the same time they were
with the NSW Blues side, cough conspiracy cough) and later joined by Michael
Gordon who was not passed fit to play. The under-manned Sharks had it all to do,
and that is exactly what they did.
The Sharks first try came after back-to-back penalties
and a mountain of possession in the first five minutes. In what was simply a
soft defensive effort from the Rabbitohs “Wall”, Sharks hooker John Morris sold
a huge dummy, before slipping through a massive gap to score under the black
dot. Todd Carney’s conversion made it 6-0 after as many minutes.
A sloppy contest ensued as both teams struggled to
contend with the conditions, and the men in pink seemingly sought to warm their
whistles.
A dropped ball from Sosaia Feki served the Rabbitohs a
golden opportunity to post points in the 14th minute and recruit
Bryson Goodwin seized it with both hands. His try in the left hand corner
continued his bounce back to first grade, with Adam Reynolds’ conversion making
it level at 6-all.
The two sides traded metres, penalties and countless
dropped ball for the rest of the half, with a try to Jason Bukuya the only
shining light in a somewhat dour half.
When Souths’ in-from five-eighth John Sutton lashed out
at an attacking grubber, the footballing gods smiled upon the Sharks and
directed the ball – with a perfect bounce – into the hands of Bukuya who put
them back into the lead. Carney’s conversion gave the home side a 12-6 lead at
the break.
The second stanza saw much of the same from both teams,
with only two scoring plays in the half.
Souths forward Sam Burgess played the role of hero and
villain on the night, scoring a try and going on report for a crusher tackle.
His try in the 44th minute allowed Reynolds to level the scores at 12
apiece, but his misdemeanour would become the talk for at least the next few
days (he was subsequently suspended for one week).
From there it was end to end play filled with dropped
ball, close calls and penalties against the Rabbitohs. The penalty count ended
11-3 in favour of the Sharks, with the most important of these coming in the
68th minute to Cronulla. Carney’s decision to take the two points –
which was easily converted – would ultimately separate the teams, but not
without some controversy surrounding Sutton’s ability to “knock himself out” in
the final 10 minutes.
Refereeing performance aside, the Sharks hung on for a
win they well and truly deserved. The man of the match performance from Fifita
showed exactly why he was selected for State of Origin, while every other player
chipped in.
Souths were disappointing and did not play like a team
that was on top of the NRL ladder. The penalty count may not have helped them,
but simple dropped ball and poor discipline came back to bite them. Injuries to
Te’o and Sutton weren’t severe enough for them to miss any future games, but
their absence in the first and second halves respectively did not help.
CRONULLA SHARKS 14 (Morris, Bukuya tries; Carney 3
goals) def SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 12 (S Burgess, Goodwin tries; Reynolds 2
goals) at Shark Park.
From Dusk Til Dawn
George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, and a scantily-clad Salma Hayek dancing with a snake wrapped around her moments before turning into a campire - From Dusk Til Dawn has it all.
Clooney and Tarantino play brothers Seth and Richie Gecko who are wanted by the FBI and Texan police after a robbery that left several people dead. We meet them at a convenience store, where they simply want to pick up a state map - until the unstable Richie (Tarantino) shoots and kills Ranger Earl McGraw. Seth (Clooney) is clearly the mastermind out of the two Geckos, who tries to calm the situation before the cashier stares down Richie's gun barrel. A firefight and improvised explosion later and the brothers are on their way out.
We learn they're off to Mexico to get to a safehouse, and kidnap a family to help get them there in their RV. A trade of promises and a lucky break sees them get across the US-Mexico border, before arriving at a popular establishment known as the Titty Twister (you can guess why it's popular).
This is where we meet Hayek, with a few minutes dedicated to her sensual routine, and a few minutes later the vampires.
It isn't the greatest film, but you can see Tarantino's influence all over it - the huge amount of gore being the most obvious. It isn't the best film in his repertoire, but it's still a bit of fun.
Clooney and Tarantino play brothers Seth and Richie Gecko who are wanted by the FBI and Texan police after a robbery that left several people dead. We meet them at a convenience store, where they simply want to pick up a state map - until the unstable Richie (Tarantino) shoots and kills Ranger Earl McGraw. Seth (Clooney) is clearly the mastermind out of the two Geckos, who tries to calm the situation before the cashier stares down Richie's gun barrel. A firefight and improvised explosion later and the brothers are on their way out.
We learn they're off to Mexico to get to a safehouse, and kidnap a family to help get them there in their RV. A trade of promises and a lucky break sees them get across the US-Mexico border, before arriving at a popular establishment known as the Titty Twister (you can guess why it's popular).
This is where we meet Hayek, with a few minutes dedicated to her sensual routine, and a few minutes later the vampires.
It isn't the greatest film, but you can see Tarantino's influence all over it - the huge amount of gore being the most obvious. It isn't the best film in his repertoire, but it's still a bit of fun.
Star Trek Into Darkness
The most recent Star Trek film is an absolute winner.
It must be the use of Khan as the villian, after his first appearance was one of, if not the best film featuring the original cast.
In the second entry courtesy of J.J. Abrams, Captain James T Kirk (Christopher Pine) loses command of the USS Enterprise after violating the Prime Directive of not interfering in the development of primitive cultures. Admiral Christopher Pike is reinstated as captain, and lobbies (with success) for Kirk to be made his first officer.
The film takes a dive into real-world familiarity as a secret installation in London is bombed by rogue Starfleet agent John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch who you may recognise from Sherlock). A meeting is called for all high-ranking Starfleet commanders in an effort to address the bombing, but that too is attacked by Harrison in a jumpship. Kirk, who attended the meeting with Pike, manages to detroy the ship, but not before Harrison escapes and Pike is killed.
Kirk is reinstated as commander of the USS Enterprise and is sent to capture Harrison, who we later find out to be a genetically engineered superhuman by the name of Khan.
What follows is a star system-hopping (I use that term too much) adventure of revenge, betrayal, love and loss that we come to expect of modern science fiction films. It is a fun ride through the universe, and is designed by Abrams to be enjoyed by all fans - not just those that enjoy the previous Star Trek films and television series.
The previous Abrams entry made me a little bit interested in the Star Trek universe, but this film was the clincher.
As great as it was, there is a minor problem in that new fans to the series don't know much about Khan, and could be lost for some time. Early reviews I read mentioned it had this character named Khan and it was so well done, but I never knew who Khan was. Immediately after watching the film Ifound I didn't really know who Khan actually was,but upon reflection, that isn't such a bad thing. He is a mysterious genetically engineered superhuman after all.
Apart from that minor detail, which could've been because I was absorbed with every other part of the film, Star Trek Into Darkness was sensational.
Star Trek Into Darkness: 133 minutes
It must be the use of Khan as the villian, after his first appearance was one of, if not the best film featuring the original cast.
In the second entry courtesy of J.J. Abrams, Captain James T Kirk (Christopher Pine) loses command of the USS Enterprise after violating the Prime Directive of not interfering in the development of primitive cultures. Admiral Christopher Pike is reinstated as captain, and lobbies (with success) for Kirk to be made his first officer.
The film takes a dive into real-world familiarity as a secret installation in London is bombed by rogue Starfleet agent John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch who you may recognise from Sherlock). A meeting is called for all high-ranking Starfleet commanders in an effort to address the bombing, but that too is attacked by Harrison in a jumpship. Kirk, who attended the meeting with Pike, manages to detroy the ship, but not before Harrison escapes and Pike is killed.
Kirk is reinstated as commander of the USS Enterprise and is sent to capture Harrison, who we later find out to be a genetically engineered superhuman by the name of Khan.
What follows is a star system-hopping (I use that term too much) adventure of revenge, betrayal, love and loss that we come to expect of modern science fiction films. It is a fun ride through the universe, and is designed by Abrams to be enjoyed by all fans - not just those that enjoy the previous Star Trek films and television series.
The previous Abrams entry made me a little bit interested in the Star Trek universe, but this film was the clincher.
As great as it was, there is a minor problem in that new fans to the series don't know much about Khan, and could be lost for some time. Early reviews I read mentioned it had this character named Khan and it was so well done, but I never knew who Khan was. Immediately after watching the film Ifound I didn't really know who Khan actually was,but upon reflection, that isn't such a bad thing. He is a mysterious genetically engineered superhuman after all.
Apart from that minor detail, which could've been because I was absorbed with every other part of the film, Star Trek Into Darkness was sensational.
Star Trek Into Darkness: 133 minutes
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Star Trek
Following the end of the Star Trek television series and films in 2002, the Star Trek franchise spent seven series gathering dust on the film universe's shelf.
Rather than continue the series in its last form featuring the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation after Star Trek: Nemesis, the series is rebooted in this film with J.J. Abrams at the helm.
And he does a remarkable job.
It was the first Star Trek film I ever saw, and it roped me into the universe with ease.
The film starts with Federation starship USS Kelvin investigating a "lightning storm" in space when they witness a huge Romulan ship emerge from the centre of the storm. The Romulan ship orders the captain of the Kelvin, captain Robau to come aboard to negotiate a truce. Robau is questioned about the whereabouts of Ambassador Spock, and when Robau profess not to have any information, is killed by Romulan commander Nero. The Kelvin is attacked and evacuated, with first officer George Kirk assuming command. His pregnant wife Winona is on board the Kelvin, but once safely in an escaping ship, Kirk stays on board to stage a kamikaze mission. Before impact, he and Winona name the child James Tiberius.
Chris Pine takes over from William Shatner in the role as James T Kirk at Starfleet Academy while Zachary Quinto assumes the role of Spock.
The universe-jumping adventure takes us first to planet Vulcan, where the USS Enterprise is on a mission to answer their distress signal - but unbeknownst to them the planet is under attack by the Romulans. It kickstarts a series of events that sees several high-profile prisoners taken, the appearance of a familiar face, and an ultimate change in leadership aboard the USS Enterprise.
It is a refreshing new start for the Star Trek film franchise, and is tailored to suit fans old and new alike. It is set in an alternate timeline to the previous films and television series', allowing new fans to jump aboard and enjoy.
Star Trek: 124 minutes (2009).
Rather than continue the series in its last form featuring the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation after Star Trek: Nemesis, the series is rebooted in this film with J.J. Abrams at the helm.
And he does a remarkable job.
It was the first Star Trek film I ever saw, and it roped me into the universe with ease.
The film starts with Federation starship USS Kelvin investigating a "lightning storm" in space when they witness a huge Romulan ship emerge from the centre of the storm. The Romulan ship orders the captain of the Kelvin, captain Robau to come aboard to negotiate a truce. Robau is questioned about the whereabouts of Ambassador Spock, and when Robau profess not to have any information, is killed by Romulan commander Nero. The Kelvin is attacked and evacuated, with first officer George Kirk assuming command. His pregnant wife Winona is on board the Kelvin, but once safely in an escaping ship, Kirk stays on board to stage a kamikaze mission. Before impact, he and Winona name the child James Tiberius.
Chris Pine takes over from William Shatner in the role as James T Kirk at Starfleet Academy while Zachary Quinto assumes the role of Spock.
The universe-jumping adventure takes us first to planet Vulcan, where the USS Enterprise is on a mission to answer their distress signal - but unbeknownst to them the planet is under attack by the Romulans. It kickstarts a series of events that sees several high-profile prisoners taken, the appearance of a familiar face, and an ultimate change in leadership aboard the USS Enterprise.
It is a refreshing new start for the Star Trek film franchise, and is tailored to suit fans old and new alike. It is set in an alternate timeline to the previous films and television series', allowing new fans to jump aboard and enjoy.
Star Trek: 124 minutes (2009).
End of Watch
Cops do their job, runs foul of drug cartel, cops pay for doing their job.
It is a classic storyline of films based around police activity, but End of Watch do it in a way that makes it a must-see. It's a gripping film, evoking every kind of emotion as it follows the lives of close friends and partners in the LAPD Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Pena).
The film is presenting through a series of unconventional means, with Taylor obsessed with filming his activities for a later project. Scenes are presented through a series of handheld cameras Taylor carries, as well as police dashboard cameras, and a camera held by cartel members to name a few.
The role of the LAPD is championed throughout the film as we get what we believe to be real representation of their work, and the way they go about it.
Unlike typical cop shows and films, we are taken behind the scenes and into their lives away from work. You get to understand the LAPD are one big family unit made up of little families, as social gatherings held by the two involve a large contingent from the force.
I'm trying quite hard not to spoil the ending but if I have, I do apologise. Do yourself a favour and watch the film - it's well worth the time and effort.
The final scenes are intensely gripping, especially if you allow yourself to be drawn into the lives of Zavala and Taylor. Pena and Gyllenhaal make it almost impossible to resist feeling like the third member of their team, making not only the end, but the whole film, an experience you will remember.
End of Watch: 109 minutes (2012)
It is a classic storyline of films based around police activity, but End of Watch do it in a way that makes it a must-see. It's a gripping film, evoking every kind of emotion as it follows the lives of close friends and partners in the LAPD Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Pena).
The film is presenting through a series of unconventional means, with Taylor obsessed with filming his activities for a later project. Scenes are presented through a series of handheld cameras Taylor carries, as well as police dashboard cameras, and a camera held by cartel members to name a few.
The role of the LAPD is championed throughout the film as we get what we believe to be real representation of their work, and the way they go about it.
Unlike typical cop shows and films, we are taken behind the scenes and into their lives away from work. You get to understand the LAPD are one big family unit made up of little families, as social gatherings held by the two involve a large contingent from the force.
I'm trying quite hard not to spoil the ending but if I have, I do apologise. Do yourself a favour and watch the film - it's well worth the time and effort.
The final scenes are intensely gripping, especially if you allow yourself to be drawn into the lives of Zavala and Taylor. Pena and Gyllenhaal make it almost impossible to resist feeling like the third member of their team, making not only the end, but the whole film, an experience you will remember.
End of Watch: 109 minutes (2012)
12 Monkeys
Add time travel, apocalyptic conspiracy and Bruce Willis together and you have the recipe for this sensational science fiction film.
The film depicts a dystopian future where humans have been forced to live underground. We learn a biological virus was released across the world in 1996-7 and contaminated the Earth's surface, killing billions. We move on to sometime in the future, where scientists have come up with an imperfect form of time travel, and a convicted criminal by the name of James Cole(Willis) is volunteered to travel back to 1996 in an effort to collect information about the virus.
Time travel is a favoured science fiction plotline, some do it well and some end up being absolute bores.
Thankfully, 12 Monkeys is the former.
Brad Pitt plays a man by the name Jeffrey Goines, who we first meet in a mental asylum in 1990. Goines reminds me of Heath Ledger's Joker, who I describe as a remarkably intelligent but insane man. Pitt is perfect in the role, finding an almost perfect balance of the intelligence and insanity that makes Goines such a sensational character. His performance earned him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, and a nomination for an Academy Award in the same category.
The plots unravel as the film continues, as we get to witness the "Butterfly Effect" brought on by Cole's assignment, and his actions in the past.
It is a film that is easy to miss, but if ever there's a film you go out of your way to see, make it this one. It's a gripping adventure through time and (potentially a long bow here) the effect a tiny bit of faith can have on at least one person's world.
12 Monkeys: 124 minutes (1995)
The film depicts a dystopian future where humans have been forced to live underground. We learn a biological virus was released across the world in 1996-7 and contaminated the Earth's surface, killing billions. We move on to sometime in the future, where scientists have come up with an imperfect form of time travel, and a convicted criminal by the name of James Cole(Willis) is volunteered to travel back to 1996 in an effort to collect information about the virus.
Time travel is a favoured science fiction plotline, some do it well and some end up being absolute bores.
Thankfully, 12 Monkeys is the former.
Brad Pitt plays a man by the name Jeffrey Goines, who we first meet in a mental asylum in 1990. Goines reminds me of Heath Ledger's Joker, who I describe as a remarkably intelligent but insane man. Pitt is perfect in the role, finding an almost perfect balance of the intelligence and insanity that makes Goines such a sensational character. His performance earned him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, and a nomination for an Academy Award in the same category.
The plots unravel as the film continues, as we get to witness the "Butterfly Effect" brought on by Cole's assignment, and his actions in the past.
It is a film that is easy to miss, but if ever there's a film you go out of your way to see, make it this one. It's a gripping adventure through time and (potentially a long bow here) the effect a tiny bit of faith can have on at least one person's world.
12 Monkeys: 124 minutes (1995)
A History of Violence
A History of Violence is described as being a "crime thriller", and is adapted from a 1997 graphic novel of the same name by John Wagner and Vince Locke.
Starring Viggo Mortensen, better known as Aragon in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and well-supported by Maria Bellos and Ed Harris, A History of Violence tells the story of the owner of a diner (Mortensen) who is thrust into the spotlight after stopping a robbery, and the unexpected consequences that follow.
The film explores multiple themes, with two of the main being a heavy emphasis on the family unit, and the use of violence to settle disputes.
Mortensen plays the role of Tom Stall, a diner owner in a small Indiana town. He gets thrust into the national spotlight as a local hero after two men tried to rob the diner after hours. Small takes out both robbers, showing an alarming proficiency with handguns as he saves several local diners and his business with a series of gunshots.
A visit from a man (Carl Fogarty, played by Harris) from Philadelphia changes everything, and could have far-reaching impacts on his family.
Mortensen and Bellos turn in fantastic performances as Tom and Edie Stall, but Ashton Holmes steals the show. Holmes plays Jack Stall, the teenage son of Tom and Edie who is the victim of intense bullying at school from a boy named Bobby (Kyle Schmid).
While only really playing a minor part in the film overall, Holmes is believable in all of his exchanges, and you get a sense his character is real. The scene in which he fights back against his school bullies is the dream of people everywhere who have been the victim of bullying. He evolves before our eyes throughout the film, as he is impacted by the actions and reactions of his parents and the mysterious Fogarty.
A History of Violence is a thousand times better than what I expected, and is a must-see.
A History of Violence: 96 minutes (2005).
Starring Viggo Mortensen, better known as Aragon in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and well-supported by Maria Bellos and Ed Harris, A History of Violence tells the story of the owner of a diner (Mortensen) who is thrust into the spotlight after stopping a robbery, and the unexpected consequences that follow.
The film explores multiple themes, with two of the main being a heavy emphasis on the family unit, and the use of violence to settle disputes.
Mortensen plays the role of Tom Stall, a diner owner in a small Indiana town. He gets thrust into the national spotlight as a local hero after two men tried to rob the diner after hours. Small takes out both robbers, showing an alarming proficiency with handguns as he saves several local diners and his business with a series of gunshots.
A visit from a man (Carl Fogarty, played by Harris) from Philadelphia changes everything, and could have far-reaching impacts on his family.
Mortensen and Bellos turn in fantastic performances as Tom and Edie Stall, but Ashton Holmes steals the show. Holmes plays Jack Stall, the teenage son of Tom and Edie who is the victim of intense bullying at school from a boy named Bobby (Kyle Schmid).
While only really playing a minor part in the film overall, Holmes is believable in all of his exchanges, and you get a sense his character is real. The scene in which he fights back against his school bullies is the dream of people everywhere who have been the victim of bullying. He evolves before our eyes throughout the film, as he is impacted by the actions and reactions of his parents and the mysterious Fogarty.
A History of Violence is a thousand times better than what I expected, and is a must-see.
A History of Violence: 96 minutes (2005).
Monday, June 10, 2013
Star Trek: Nemesis
Okay so we're starting with a Star Wars: The Phantom Menace style senate meeting on a planet that looks like Naboo (Star Wars again) then leading into a wedding? This is actually what's happening? I just need to double check that George Lucas didn't write the screenplay and those who did don't touch the franchise again.
What the devil were they thinking? Weddings are always a bad idea in science fiction films - just ask Padme Amidala (see Star Wars again).
Maybe I'm being a little overly critical of the opening of the film, but it's that very stage of the film that can hook viewers in - and can just as easily lose them, like it almost did me.
Thankfully we move on quite quickly.
The earlier assassination at the Imperial Senate meeting between the Romulans and Remans becomes the first misson for the crew of the USS Enterprise-E (gee they go through a few Enterprises, especially this Next Gen bunch). Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) leads the crew on a diplomatic mission to the planet, but diplomacy soon ends with the discovery of a new, yet too familiar, foe.
It's not the greatest film in the series but it's not the worst (see Star Trek: Insurrection), but it's completely understandable why the Star Trek series was done away with after it.
The most impressive thing to come out of this movie is it was the second time Tom Hardy appeared in a future film (he debuted in Black Hawk Down). He goes all right in his role as the chief bad guy Shinzon, but the rest of the film isn't too special.
Star Trek: Nemesis: 112 minutes (2002).
What the devil were they thinking? Weddings are always a bad idea in science fiction films - just ask Padme Amidala (see Star Wars again).
Maybe I'm being a little overly critical of the opening of the film, but it's that very stage of the film that can hook viewers in - and can just as easily lose them, like it almost did me.
Thankfully we move on quite quickly.
The earlier assassination at the Imperial Senate meeting between the Romulans and Remans becomes the first misson for the crew of the USS Enterprise-E (gee they go through a few Enterprises, especially this Next Gen bunch). Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) leads the crew on a diplomatic mission to the planet, but diplomacy soon ends with the discovery of a new, yet too familiar, foe.
It's not the greatest film in the series but it's not the worst (see Star Trek: Insurrection), but it's completely understandable why the Star Trek series was done away with after it.
The most impressive thing to come out of this movie is it was the second time Tom Hardy appeared in a future film (he debuted in Black Hawk Down). He goes all right in his role as the chief bad guy Shinzon, but the rest of the film isn't too special.
Star Trek: Nemesis: 112 minutes (2002).
Star Trek: Insurrection
If there's ever a series that can go from WOAH to NO it's Star Trek.
Maybe it was because Star Trek: First Contact was awesome and I was yet to come down from the epic high.
Or maybe Star Trek: Insurrection is genuinely a terrible film.
It feels like an extended episode of what I imagine Star Trek: The Next Generation is like. I've watched plenty of science fiction television shows over the years and it felt more like a 90-minute special than a film.
There were elements of this film that would make for a great television episode (I'm pretty certain Stargate did about three of these), and surely at least one Star Trek television series has done the job on this idea - potentially more than once - so why was it needed?
I question the relevance of Star Trek: Insurrection, and am quite willing to put it down as the WORST chapter in the series.
Enjoy the trailer and let your imagination do it's job, because the film definitely does not.
Star Trek: Insurrection: 99 minutes (1998).
Maybe it was because Star Trek: First Contact was awesome and I was yet to come down from the epic high.
Or maybe Star Trek: Insurrection is genuinely a terrible film.
It feels like an extended episode of what I imagine Star Trek: The Next Generation is like. I've watched plenty of science fiction television shows over the years and it felt more like a 90-minute special than a film.
There were elements of this film that would make for a great television episode (I'm pretty certain Stargate did about three of these), and surely at least one Star Trek television series has done the job on this idea - potentially more than once - so why was it needed?
I question the relevance of Star Trek: Insurrection, and am quite willing to put it down as the WORST chapter in the series.
Enjoy the trailer and let your imagination do it's job, because the film definitely does not.
Star Trek: Insurrection: 99 minutes (1998).
Star Trek: First Contact
Any concern over the momentum of this series was alleviated by the end of this film.
What an entry!
It's the first in the series to feature only the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV show), and breathes new life into the series.
Sure the character development and acting wasn't the best you would ever see, but this film was right in almost every other way.
The use of the Borg as the enemy was an interesting one, but their sudden introduction to those of us who hadn't seen the television series was more than sufficient. Nothing is left to the imagination with the Borg - which is exactly how it should be in science fiction.
Star Trek: First Contact takes us on another time travel adventure, but it's one that gives the ultimate background to the whole franchise. In the film, the Borg decide to travel back in time and enslave the human race before Zefram Cochrane (James Cromwell - who also played Farmer Hoggett in Babe) was the first man to go into space and use warp speed. It also happens to lead to man's first contact with extraterrestrial beings.
It's a novel but unoriginal idea that is executed better than one could've imagined.
The Borg themselves are the ultimate enemy. You see, they aren't just a bad guy or girl, the Borg are a conscience, and can adapt to any weapon or situation in moments. As an example, one or two can be removed by a weapon but the rest will develop an immunity and learn how to defend future attacks of that nature.
It also happens to help that captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) had been taken prisoner by the Borg in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It gives him the perfect reason to have knowledge of how to defeat the enemy, and adds an element of revenge to the storyline.
There isn't much bad I can say about the film.
It ranks as one of the best films in the Star Trek franchise, and was much better than several previous chapters. It's going to be a hard act to follow that's for sure.
Star Trek: First Contact: 106 minutes (1996)
What an entry!
It's the first in the series to feature only the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV show), and breathes new life into the series.
Sure the character development and acting wasn't the best you would ever see, but this film was right in almost every other way.
The use of the Borg as the enemy was an interesting one, but their sudden introduction to those of us who hadn't seen the television series was more than sufficient. Nothing is left to the imagination with the Borg - which is exactly how it should be in science fiction.
Star Trek: First Contact takes us on another time travel adventure, but it's one that gives the ultimate background to the whole franchise. In the film, the Borg decide to travel back in time and enslave the human race before Zefram Cochrane (James Cromwell - who also played Farmer Hoggett in Babe) was the first man to go into space and use warp speed. It also happens to lead to man's first contact with extraterrestrial beings.
It's a novel but unoriginal idea that is executed better than one could've imagined.
The Borg themselves are the ultimate enemy. You see, they aren't just a bad guy or girl, the Borg are a conscience, and can adapt to any weapon or situation in moments. As an example, one or two can be removed by a weapon but the rest will develop an immunity and learn how to defend future attacks of that nature.
It also happens to help that captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) had been taken prisoner by the Borg in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It gives him the perfect reason to have knowledge of how to defeat the enemy, and adds an element of revenge to the storyline.
There isn't much bad I can say about the film.
It ranks as one of the best films in the Star Trek franchise, and was much better than several previous chapters. It's going to be a hard act to follow that's for sure.
Star Trek: First Contact: 106 minutes (1996)
Star Trek: Generations
It is always going to be tricky when you leave the original cast behind, but it's something that has to be done if a series is to continue.
Star Trek: Generations is that step, as the film series boldy goes where it hasn't been before.
Original crew members James T Kirk, Montgomery Scott and Pavel Chekov all feature as retired personnel who are invited to attend the launch of a new (another) Federation starship - the USS Enterprise-B. The original plan is for the new crew to go on a trip around the Solar System, but as luck would have it, they receive a distress signal and decide to rescue the ship.
Once there they encounter an energy ribbon that is thretening to destroy the ship, and attempt to beam the crew on board. They succeed in saving several people, but become trapped in the ribbon itself. Kirk takes it upon himself to help the vessel escape but not before the ribbon makes contact with that section of the ship.
The story jumps forward some 80 years, where the Enterprise-D comes across a distress call from a solar observatory, and find everyone has been killed - except for a doctor named Soran.
Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) takes the role as captain of the Enterprise, and as such hooks into a potentially reckless rescue mission after one of his crew is abducted. Startling discoveries are made about the energy ribbon and a planet called Veridian III, and it's up to captain Picard to save the day - with help, of course, from an old friend.
This film seemed to improve the longer it went on, and is quite a jump without having kept up with the television series. Apart from the three mentioned earlier, there is no sign of any original cast members, apart from the daughter of a former character and a mention of Spock.
I have reservations about the continued revival of Kirk. When a television/film show or series has to bring characters back from the dead or find a reason to keep bringing them back, I have to assume it is running out of gas. In this instance, Kirk is handing the keys of the franchise over to Picard. I can't imagine how Kirk can make another appearance in the series, but I still think he hung around one or two films too long.
Star Trek: Generations: 113 minutes (1994)
Star Trek: Generations is that step, as the film series boldy goes where it hasn't been before.
Original crew members James T Kirk, Montgomery Scott and Pavel Chekov all feature as retired personnel who are invited to attend the launch of a new (another) Federation starship - the USS Enterprise-B. The original plan is for the new crew to go on a trip around the Solar System, but as luck would have it, they receive a distress signal and decide to rescue the ship.
Once there they encounter an energy ribbon that is thretening to destroy the ship, and attempt to beam the crew on board. They succeed in saving several people, but become trapped in the ribbon itself. Kirk takes it upon himself to help the vessel escape but not before the ribbon makes contact with that section of the ship.
The story jumps forward some 80 years, where the Enterprise-D comes across a distress call from a solar observatory, and find everyone has been killed - except for a doctor named Soran.
Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) takes the role as captain of the Enterprise, and as such hooks into a potentially reckless rescue mission after one of his crew is abducted. Startling discoveries are made about the energy ribbon and a planet called Veridian III, and it's up to captain Picard to save the day - with help, of course, from an old friend.
This film seemed to improve the longer it went on, and is quite a jump without having kept up with the television series. Apart from the three mentioned earlier, there is no sign of any original cast members, apart from the daughter of a former character and a mention of Spock.
I have reservations about the continued revival of Kirk. When a television/film show or series has to bring characters back from the dead or find a reason to keep bringing them back, I have to assume it is running out of gas. In this instance, Kirk is handing the keys of the franchise over to Picard. I can't imagine how Kirk can make another appearance in the series, but I still think he hung around one or two films too long.
Star Trek: Generations: 113 minutes (1994)
Sunday, June 09, 2013
Casino Royale
I'm going back to where the legend of James Bond began. It is a time before man landed on the moon, before Martin Luther King Jnr made his famous speech, and before a young, Scotsman by the name of Sean Connery signed on the dotted line to appear as the most popular spy in the world.
The very first James Bond.
Born in the mind of retired naval intelligence officer Ian Fleming, this globe-trotting Englishman would go on to entertain fans for over five decades (and counting), and influence an entire genre. Mr Bond is introduced to us to in the 1953 book Casino Royale, and over the next 213 pages we are taken on a ride that explores winning against the odds, the murky underground of the lives of spies, and a betrayal or two (apologies if you were expecting the 2006 film).
The novel takes us on a journey to France, where Agent 007 is tasked with bringing down a villain by the name of Le Chiffre, but not by the means you think. Capitalising on Le Chiffre's well known addiction to gambling, Bond's mission involves a high stakes game of baccarat, where he is to defeat and bankrupt his foe. His foe happens to be the treasurer of a French union and a member of the Russian secret service (SMERSH).
We meet CIA agent Felix Lieter in this novel, while Vesper Lynd is our protagonist's love interest (you may remember them both from the film version).
Having watched the film at least twice before reading the book, it struck me how different the two were.
My frustrations at a big part of the film being set in a casino were put to the side after reading the book, where every part of baccarat game is described in extreme detail. While basic plot elements remain the same, minor changes were made to the film version - changes which I believe were made for the better.
This is where the genius of Fleming comes into play.
For example, he knows full well that not all of his readers have been to a casino, and he doesn't assume that they have been to one. He describes almost everything in precise detail, as if he has abducted the reader and placed them inside his mind, in the scenes populated his imagination. Fleming starts by describing the rules of baccarat and some of the strategies (and odds) of the game that will be played out over the next section of the book, before diving into the interactions between our main hero and villain.
There is a part of the book that deals purely with what I can only describe as torture. The cane chair, of which the cane seat is removed and a naked man is strapped to in a seated position, his underparts protruding "through the seat of the chair towards the floor". Add a cane carpet-beater to that mix and you have a few pages of pure pain.
As a standalone story it leaves this reader unsatisfied and hungry for more.
Luckily for me (and others in the same situation), Fleming would write another 13 books centring around the life and times of one Mr J. Bond. It's a literary journey of which I'm all too happy to submit.
Unless it involves a cane chair.
The very first James Bond.
Born in the mind of retired naval intelligence officer Ian Fleming, this globe-trotting Englishman would go on to entertain fans for over five decades (and counting), and influence an entire genre. Mr Bond is introduced to us to in the 1953 book Casino Royale, and over the next 213 pages we are taken on a ride that explores winning against the odds, the murky underground of the lives of spies, and a betrayal or two (apologies if you were expecting the 2006 film).
The novel takes us on a journey to France, where Agent 007 is tasked with bringing down a villain by the name of Le Chiffre, but not by the means you think. Capitalising on Le Chiffre's well known addiction to gambling, Bond's mission involves a high stakes game of baccarat, where he is to defeat and bankrupt his foe. His foe happens to be the treasurer of a French union and a member of the Russian secret service (SMERSH).
We meet CIA agent Felix Lieter in this novel, while Vesper Lynd is our protagonist's love interest (you may remember them both from the film version).
Having watched the film at least twice before reading the book, it struck me how different the two were.
My frustrations at a big part of the film being set in a casino were put to the side after reading the book, where every part of baccarat game is described in extreme detail. While basic plot elements remain the same, minor changes were made to the film version - changes which I believe were made for the better.
This is where the genius of Fleming comes into play.
For example, he knows full well that not all of his readers have been to a casino, and he doesn't assume that they have been to one. He describes almost everything in precise detail, as if he has abducted the reader and placed them inside his mind, in the scenes populated his imagination. Fleming starts by describing the rules of baccarat and some of the strategies (and odds) of the game that will be played out over the next section of the book, before diving into the interactions between our main hero and villain.
There is a part of the book that deals purely with what I can only describe as torture. The cane chair, of which the cane seat is removed and a naked man is strapped to in a seated position, his underparts protruding "through the seat of the chair towards the floor". Add a cane carpet-beater to that mix and you have a few pages of pure pain.
As a standalone story it leaves this reader unsatisfied and hungry for more.
Luckily for me (and others in the same situation), Fleming would write another 13 books centring around the life and times of one Mr J. Bond. It's a literary journey of which I'm all too happy to submit.
Unless it involves a cane chair.
The Great Gatsby
I remember being forced to read The Great Gatsby in high school, but I don't think I finished the novel (I much preferred to not do any homework), and I'm quite certain I don't remember many of F. Scott Fitzgerald's words.
And when it comes to Baz Luhrmann, it is almost impossible not to be blown away by the scale of his works - he knows what an epic should be, but more than that he understands it. Everyone remembers Strictly Ballroom (or Strictly Boring depending on who you ask), Romeo and Juliet still brings a tear to the eyes of some, Moulin Rouge can make you sing, dance and cry at will, and Australia was epic storytelling, even if it ended about five times before the ending and went a tad longer than what could've been enough.
While not being the biggest fans of both men, I was drawn to The Great Gatsby by film reviews, the performances of powerhouse actors Tobey Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio in scenes shown in the various trailers, and, more than anything, curiosity.
What followed was a wild adventure through parts of the United States of America during the Roaring Twenties, a time when automobiles were becoming all the rage, alcohol was available in copious amounts despite being prohibited, and servants were seemingly all the rage.
We follow Maguire's Nick Carraway, a university grad and World War I veteran that has fallen off the rails to become a depressed alcoholic. Carraway talks to his doctor about his journey to that point, and continues to talk of a man named Gatsby. The doctor (Jack Thompson) urges young Carraway to write the story, and he jump through a series of flashbacks to find out just who this mysterious man was.
People who have read the book will know what happens, and (surely) many others have seen the film or at least know what happens. Those that don't know should go and find out.
I expected to enjoy the ride, but didn't think I would enjoy or even like the story. It turned out being one of the best films I've seen this year - which is a surprise because I seem to be more of a science fiction or action film fan.
DiCaprio's portrayal of Gatsby was brilliant. The way he walked, the way he talked, the way he interacted with the other characters - all of it was how I imagine a mega-rich man would act in that era. Maguire nailed his role as the chief storyteller Carraway, giving us a deep insight into the man whose life would be so heavily impacted by a chance meeting with the man he describes as the "most hopeful I have ever met".
There are quite a few presentation characteristics that most can recognise as "pure Luhrmann", like an extra sparkle to the crisp colour on screen, and the way he helps create the myth around his characters. He makes us believe the primary characters are untouchable, and finds ways to help us understand not just what they are thinking, but why they are thinking it.
Even the heavy presence of R&B music, thanks to executive producer Shawn Corey Carter, better known by his stage name, Jay-Z. The uptempo hip-hop stylings delivered to the production obviously isn't what one would think the music of the time actually was, but it works in this film. Gatsby is made known to us as a man who has it all, a man unlike any other, and a man who hosts parties so extravagant you have to see to believe. It's at these parties you notice most of the Jay-Z influence (somewhat predictably), but his presence doesn't take away from the scenes, or the overall production, at all.
Carly Mulligan is outstanding in her role as Daisy Buchanan, while Joel Edgerton, Isla Fsher and Elizabeth Debicki more than hold their own in very important supporting roles.
A must see.
The Great Gatsby: 144 minutes. (2013)
And when it comes to Baz Luhrmann, it is almost impossible not to be blown away by the scale of his works - he knows what an epic should be, but more than that he understands it. Everyone remembers Strictly Ballroom (or Strictly Boring depending on who you ask), Romeo and Juliet still brings a tear to the eyes of some, Moulin Rouge can make you sing, dance and cry at will, and Australia was epic storytelling, even if it ended about five times before the ending and went a tad longer than what could've been enough.
While not being the biggest fans of both men, I was drawn to The Great Gatsby by film reviews, the performances of powerhouse actors Tobey Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio in scenes shown in the various trailers, and, more than anything, curiosity.
What followed was a wild adventure through parts of the United States of America during the Roaring Twenties, a time when automobiles were becoming all the rage, alcohol was available in copious amounts despite being prohibited, and servants were seemingly all the rage.
We follow Maguire's Nick Carraway, a university grad and World War I veteran that has fallen off the rails to become a depressed alcoholic. Carraway talks to his doctor about his journey to that point, and continues to talk of a man named Gatsby. The doctor (Jack Thompson) urges young Carraway to write the story, and he jump through a series of flashbacks to find out just who this mysterious man was.
People who have read the book will know what happens, and (surely) many others have seen the film or at least know what happens. Those that don't know should go and find out.
I expected to enjoy the ride, but didn't think I would enjoy or even like the story. It turned out being one of the best films I've seen this year - which is a surprise because I seem to be more of a science fiction or action film fan.
DiCaprio's portrayal of Gatsby was brilliant. The way he walked, the way he talked, the way he interacted with the other characters - all of it was how I imagine a mega-rich man would act in that era. Maguire nailed his role as the chief storyteller Carraway, giving us a deep insight into the man whose life would be so heavily impacted by a chance meeting with the man he describes as the "most hopeful I have ever met".
There are quite a few presentation characteristics that most can recognise as "pure Luhrmann", like an extra sparkle to the crisp colour on screen, and the way he helps create the myth around his characters. He makes us believe the primary characters are untouchable, and finds ways to help us understand not just what they are thinking, but why they are thinking it.
Even the heavy presence of R&B music, thanks to executive producer Shawn Corey Carter, better known by his stage name, Jay-Z. The uptempo hip-hop stylings delivered to the production obviously isn't what one would think the music of the time actually was, but it works in this film. Gatsby is made known to us as a man who has it all, a man unlike any other, and a man who hosts parties so extravagant you have to see to believe. It's at these parties you notice most of the Jay-Z influence (somewhat predictably), but his presence doesn't take away from the scenes, or the overall production, at all.
Carly Mulligan is outstanding in her role as Daisy Buchanan, while Joel Edgerton, Isla Fsher and Elizabeth Debicki more than hold their own in very important supporting roles.
A must see.
The Great Gatsby: 144 minutes. (2013)
Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country
William Shatner's swansong as James T. Kirk!
Actually, it is only the end of the line of Mr Shatner in the captain's chair of the USS Enterprise (or stranded on an alien planet, or stranded back in time), and it's a fact he communicates to the audience in one of his monologues (close to the end).
Most Trekkies will cry with outrage saying he appears in Star Trek: Generations, but as it stands now, he's out and somebody new is in.
This incarnation of Kirk is an interesting one. Everyone has that one (or two, or 23) racist uncle/aunt/grandparent who makes you cringe when they start sprouting their dislike of another race for events that happened "in their day". While Kirk isn't exactly that far out, he certainly harbours some similar feelings for the Klingons (they were responsible for the death of his son after all) - all of which are thrown into the spotlight in this entry.
A Klingon moon (Praxis) explodes in the opening scenes of the film, crippling their productive power and bringing the alien empire somewhat to their knees (if they do have knees of course).They seek a peace/truce with the humans, and the crew of the USS Enterprise have been brought back together to meet and escort the Klingon ambassador back to Earth for negotiations.
But in a twist most people should've seen coming, an unknown assailant attacks and kills the Klingon ambassador and some of his offsiders in their vessel. Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise are immediately blamed, and the rest of the film plays out as expected (Kirk and McCoy on trial, jailed, escape and Scooby Doo-style saving of the day, which I quite disliked).
Further research shows they tippy-toed along racial lines in the script more than a few times, forcing a series of rewrites after several African-American actors/actresses refused to speak their lines. While films can be praised for breaching such topics and delivering them to a wider audience, I'm not convinced Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country did that very well. At all.
On top of that, the Shatner love-fest continues, reaching its crescendo with a monologue explaining "he would no longer be captain of the Enterprise but it will continue to explore the galaxy". While television shows may explain departing characters away with interstate moves and (the soap opera favourite) death, Shatner told us straight to our collective faces. Maybe it's not a bad thing and it was just out of the ordinary enough for me to take note. You decide after watching.
As a whole, the film isn't overly too bad but it is a step down from the previous films. It's like a professional athlete reaching the top of their sport, retiring, then coming back for another dig and falling short of the mark (Ian Thorpe anyone?). This is that Star Trek film.
Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country: 105 minutes (1991)
Actually, it is only the end of the line of Mr Shatner in the captain's chair of the USS Enterprise (or stranded on an alien planet, or stranded back in time), and it's a fact he communicates to the audience in one of his monologues (close to the end).
Most Trekkies will cry with outrage saying he appears in Star Trek: Generations, but as it stands now, he's out and somebody new is in.
This incarnation of Kirk is an interesting one. Everyone has that one (or two, or 23) racist uncle/aunt/grandparent who makes you cringe when they start sprouting their dislike of another race for events that happened "in their day". While Kirk isn't exactly that far out, he certainly harbours some similar feelings for the Klingons (they were responsible for the death of his son after all) - all of which are thrown into the spotlight in this entry.
A Klingon moon (Praxis) explodes in the opening scenes of the film, crippling their productive power and bringing the alien empire somewhat to their knees (if they do have knees of course).They seek a peace/truce with the humans, and the crew of the USS Enterprise have been brought back together to meet and escort the Klingon ambassador back to Earth for negotiations.
But in a twist most people should've seen coming, an unknown assailant attacks and kills the Klingon ambassador and some of his offsiders in their vessel. Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise are immediately blamed, and the rest of the film plays out as expected (Kirk and McCoy on trial, jailed, escape and Scooby Doo-style saving of the day, which I quite disliked).
Further research shows they tippy-toed along racial lines in the script more than a few times, forcing a series of rewrites after several African-American actors/actresses refused to speak their lines. While films can be praised for breaching such topics and delivering them to a wider audience, I'm not convinced Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country did that very well. At all.
On top of that, the Shatner love-fest continues, reaching its crescendo with a monologue explaining "he would no longer be captain of the Enterprise but it will continue to explore the galaxy". While television shows may explain departing characters away with interstate moves and (the soap opera favourite) death, Shatner told us straight to our collective faces. Maybe it's not a bad thing and it was just out of the ordinary enough for me to take note. You decide after watching.
As a whole, the film isn't overly too bad but it is a step down from the previous films. It's like a professional athlete reaching the top of their sport, retiring, then coming back for another dig and falling short of the mark (Ian Thorpe anyone?). This is that Star Trek film.
Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country: 105 minutes (1991)
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