Avengers Infinity War Film Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Avengers Infinity War Film Review, Benedict Cumberbatch, Black Panther, Bradley Cooper, Captain America, Chadwick Boseman, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Doctor Strange, Gamora, Guardians of the Galaxy, Hulk, Infinity Gauntlet, Infinity Stones, Iron Man, Josh Brolin, Karen Gillan, loki, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr, Samuel L Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Spider-Man, Thanos, The Avengers, The Vision, Thor, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Holland, Wakanda, Wanda Maximoff

Avengers Infinity War Film Review

Review by Paul Bowler

Get set for Marvel Studios’ Avengers Infinity War to rock the Marvel Cinematic Universe to its very core as the Avengers and their superhero allies confront the deadly power of Thanos, played with gravely voiced menace by Josh Brolin. Earth’s mightiest heroes must prepare to sacrifice everything in order to prevent Thanos from gathering the Infinity Stones into a gauntlet that could enable him to destroy the universe!

Quintessentially the culmination of everything the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been building towards since its inception way back in 2008 with Iron Man, it now falls to the nineteenth film in Marvel‘s box-office hit-machine franchise to bring this ten year journey across the MCU full circle with Avengers Infinity War.

Although our heroes were left fractured by the events of 2016’s Captain America Civil War, it’s not long before they reunite in the face of the threat posed by Thanos and the mad Titan’s nefarious scheme to wipe out half the universe.

With returning favourites including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans) leading the charge into battle along with Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson), Vision (Paul Bettany), Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olse), Falcon (Anthony Mackie), and War Machine (Donn Cheadle), there’s also the welcome addition of Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), the Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Spider-Man (Tom Holland), and the Guardians of the Galaxy into the mix, along with numerous other characters from the MCU also joining the ranks of the films heroic ensemble cast in the battle against Thanos!

Right from the jaw-dropping opening, it quickly becomes apparent that not everyone will survive either. The two and a half hour running time boasts spectacular action and drama, with its narrative interwoven across four major plot threads, spanning locations across the entire MCU; this epic crossover event is ably handled by the directing duo of the Russo brothers and screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFreely.

For a film so packed with plotlines and characters the Russo brothers still manage give everyone a moment in the spotlight – however fleeting – and still keep everything and everyone on track. Thanos cuts a swathe of devastation in his quest to acquire all six Infinity Stones, but it quickly becomes a very personal battle for the Avengers because one of the stones is embedded in the Vision’s forehead, making the androids impending plight especially heartrending for his love interest Wanda Maxim off – in scenes movingly played by Elizabeth Olse and Paul Bettany. Chris Evans continues to impress as Captain America, times have been tough for Cap in recent films but the camaraderie between Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes / White Wolf (Sebastian Stan) shines though here, as does Roger’s great respect for Wakandan king T’Challa / Black Panther. The spiky banter between Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man / Tony Stark and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange is another highlight, and Tom Holland’s wisecracking Spider-Man is always fun to have around. Chris Hemsworth also gets some great scenes as the vanquished Thor who teams-up with Guardians of the Galaxy Star Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel), and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) in the fight to stop Thanos.

Avengers Infinity War crams a hell of a lot in but it never feels bloated or gets bogged down in needless exposition. The majority of the characters are well served by the script, key emotional beats really hit the mark, and there are plenty of fun one-liners to enjoy. Infinity War also goes out of its way to firmly establish the giant purple alien Thanos as the ultimate Big-Bad of the Marvel Universe, and the CGI wizardry together with Josk Brolin’s brilliant performance mesh seamlessly to bring us one of the most richly compelling villains to have ever graced the MCU. Although his motivations in Avengers Infinity War diverge slightly from his comic book counterpart, Thanos still remains a towering presence throughout the film, there’s also great pathos to his scenes with Zoe Saldana as his adopted daughter Gamora, and his fearsome lieutenants The Children of Thanos (known as the Black Order in the comics) are an imposing – if rather one-dimensional – addition to the villain’s forces.

Avengers Infinity War is a veritable fangasim of comic book action, packed with mind-boggling special effects and huge action set pieces that dazzle amidst every twist and turn of the plot as events inexorably rumble towards the epic final battle, and its subsequent game-changing conclusion. Once the dust settles the excitement, gut wrenching loss, and unexpected surprises in Avengers Infinity War will leave you reeling as to where the Marvel Cinematic Universe goes from here. Avengers Infinity War doesn’t pull any punches, however with the stakes raised so high in this move it makes you wonder how much of it is set in stone – especially with the continuation already due in next year’s fourth Avengers film – but one things for sure Avengers Infinity War is without doubt one of the most ambitious and breath taking superhero movies ever!

 

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Kong Skull Island Review

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Brie Larson, John C Reiley, John Goodman, Jordan Vogt-Roberts, King Kong, Kong Skull Island, Kong Skull Island Review, Samuel L Jackson, Skull Island, Skullcrawlers, Tom Hiddleston

Kong Skull Island

Review by Paul Bowler

Kong Skull Island sees Hollywood’s most iconic movie monster of them all, King Kong, smashing his way back onto the big screen, together with an all-star cast, including Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L Jackson, John Goodman, Brie Larson, and John C Reilly for Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts blockbusting reboot of the Kong Kong franchise.

Set in 1973, as the Vietnam War is drawing to a close, representatives of Monarch (the same corporation from Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla) scientist Bill Randa (John Goodman) and his colleague Houston Brooks (Corey Hawkins), recruit British former S.A.S officer / James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston) for his tracking skills, along with anti-war photographer Mason Weaver (Brie Larson), and a crack team of soldiers led by Samuel L Jackson’s no-nonsense Colonel Packard, to escort them to a fabled uncharted island to uncover its mysteries.

But when their helicopters are attacked by Kong, the downed survivors of the expedition of scientists and soldiers face a daunting trek across Skull Island to rendezvous with a rescue team. On the way they encounter the local natives, and Marlow (John C Reilly), a WWII pilot who became stranded on Skull Island back in 1944, and with his help they continue their journey, running a dangerous gauntlet with the other gigantic monsters on the island amidst their epic clashes with Kong in their desperate bid to escape from Skull Island.

Kong Skull Island is an entertaining adrenalin fuelled monster movie, the screenplay by Dan Gilroy, Max Borenstein, and Derek Connolly is fast paced and exciting. You can’t really go wrong though when you have a cast of the calibre of Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson, and John Goodman, even though the story gives scant time for much in-depth characterization, but, aside some odd moments of cheesy dialogue, there are strong performances all around, and John C Reilly totally steals the lime-light from everyone as Marlow.

The real “star” of the movie, though, is of course King Kong himself, and the other bizarre array of creatures that inhabit Skull Island. Kong looks magnificent, standing at 100ft tall; the gigantic monster ape has never looked more menacing and as powerful as he has here. His introduction is swift, tossing helicopters left right and centre, in a terrifying display of bestial fury, and from there on in every time Kong appears to menace the expedition or battle monsters, your jaw will hit the floor as the rampaging carnage unfolds. As well as Kong, Hiddleston and Co encounter all manner of other wild and dangerous beasties during their arduous voyage across the island, the most fearsome of which are the Skullcrawlers, who in turn are also Kong’s most formidable adversaries on the island.

Sidestepping the more usual Kong tropes to go for a full-on reboot in terms of tone and style, the distinct Apocalypse Now vibe that Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts has going on with the stunning visuals epitomizes Vogt-Roberts vision for the film, which, together with the terrific 70’s soundtrack, effectively ensures that this adventure to Skull Island hardly ever hits a dull moment. Its a monster movie epic that makes Kong the revered king of all he surveys – in every sense of the word. Sure, the plot and the human characters may be a bit inconsequential next to all the mega-buck B-Movie monster action set-pieces, but let’s face it, where all here to see Kong in action and unashamedly wallow in the sheer spectacle of it all anyway.

Kong Skull Island does exactly what it says on the tin, and then some. It all rounds off with a titanic smack down as Kong tackles his most powerful adversary of all, and there’s even some tantalising post-credit franchise cross pollinating to look out for as well. Big on action and high on fun, Kong Skull Island is a triumphant reimagining of the King Kong mythos for fans old and new, and a sure-fire monster hit not to be missed.

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Captain America The Winter Soldier Film Review

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Anthony Mackie, Anthony Russo, Captain America, Captain America The Winter Soldier, Chris Evans, Joe Russo, Marvel, Nick Fury, Robert Redford, S.H.I.E.L.D, Samuel L Jackson, Scarlet Johansson, Sebastian Stan, The Black Widow, The Falcon, The Winter Soldier

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Review by Paul Bowler

Captain America: The Winter Soldier gets the next installment of the Marvel saga off to a fine start, as the shield-slinging Avenger continues to adjust to life in the modern world as his past returns to haunt him. This blockbuster sequel to 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger sees Steve Rogers / Captain America settling into his new life following the events of The Avengers as he continues to work with Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D.

A new threat emerges after Captain America is involved in a rescue mission at sea after a ship is captured by Georges Batroc (George St-Pierre); Cap uncovers a dark conspiracy, one that challenges everything he stands for. When someone close to him is attacked Captain America teams up with Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, in his ongoing battle against the highly trained forces that have been sent against him, whilst also enlisting the help of a new ally, the Falcon, as they face a powerful new enemy, one with a secret past of his own – the formidable Winter Soldier.

This Marvel sequel is a real step up for the franchise. While his origin was handled well in Captain America: The First Avenger, the character was still finding his feet in The Avengers, now in The Winter Soldier we have a film that really capitalizes on the characters full potential. Chris Evans gives a great performance as Captain America / Steve Rogers, bringing an added depth to the character as Cap finds himself in a world where political corruption is now his greatest enemy. There is also the heartrending realization of everything he has left behind in his old life, it’s an underlying theme which The Winter Soldier uses to great effect, one that shows how much this franchise has evolved and grown.

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is in many respects, as much a gritty conspiracy thriller as it is an all-out superhero action story, and as a result the tightly plotted screenplay by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFreely delivers its fair share of thrills and adrenalin pumping action sequences along with some well structured character development to balance the excellently choreographed fight scenes.

When Cap learns about a secret project and the Helicarriers created for it, each fitted out with new surveillance technology and weapons to eliminate potential threats before they can happen, the duplicitous and uncompromising nature of the project brings him into conflict with S.H.I.E.L.D and his boss Nick Fury. As the forces of the clandestine organization manipulating events from within begins to close in it falls to Captain America and the Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson) to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy that now threatens to engulf them all. Samuel L Jackson also gets plenty to do as Nick Fury, giving a captivating and commanding performance, and Scarlet Johansson is excellent as the badass super-spy, Robert Redford stars as a Government official for S.H.I.E.L.D, while Cobie Smulders plays Mira Hill and Emil VanCamp is introduced as Sharon Carter. Hayley Atwell also returns, made up as the elderly Peggy Carter – the Captain’s former sweetheart from the 1940’s.

There is great chemistry between Cap and the Black Widow, with their opposing morals and personalities, forcing them together in such extreme circumstances like this makes for some really exciting moments. Anthony Mackie makes an impressive new addition to the series as war veteran Sam Wilson, who also strikes up a close friendship with Cap. Wilson is later transformed into the Falcon with the help of some special flight equipment, which he uses to join the battle.

The action in Captain America: The Winter Soldier hardly lets up for moment: with a thrilling fight on a ship at sea, a nail-biting car chase through Washington and assassination attempt on Nick Fury is perfectly staged, and there are also some brilliant aerial battles when the Falcon joins the fray and takes to the skies.

The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) is ruthlessly efficient killer; he possesses a metallic arm, and has a flair for violence that will let nothing stop him from achieving his goal. The Winter Soldier also has a dark, terrible secret, one that also reaches back into Cap’s own past. Sebastian Stan gives an excellent performance as The Winter Soldier, as intense as the Terminator, with just a glimmer of the humanity beneath, his true identity and that of those he works for may come as no surprise, but his steely presence is more than enough to maintain the suspense.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a spectacular film which draws on every ounce of its dark premise, inspired by Ed Brubaker’s Winter Soldier storyline from the Captain America comics, and this makes for a hugely entertaining film. There are plenty of references, name-checks, and in-jokes for fans to enjoy, while still being enjoyable and accessible for those who haven’t read the comic book series. Captain America: The Winter Soldier really honours the character of the star spangled Avenger, events in this film look set shake up the Marvel Cinematic Universe quite dramatically, it is easily the best of Marvel’s Phase 2 films so far, the special effects are breathtaking, and it all builds towards a spectacular action-packed final act that will have you on the edge of your seat. A must see film, and make sure you sick around for those two post credit scenes as well.

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Django Unchained: Film Review

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Bromhilda, Calvin Candie, Django, Django Unchained, Dr King Schiltz, Jamie Fox, Kerry Washington, Leonardo Di Caprio, Quentin Tarantino, Samuel L Jackson, Schiltz, spaghetti western

Django Unchained

Review by Paul Bowler

 

After the critically mauled Death Proof proved to be a box office flop, and the flawed Inglorious Bastards, Quentin Tarantino makes a triumphant return to form in his brilliant homage to the spaghetti western genre with the satirical blaxplotation satire – Django Unchained. Inspired by Sergio Corbucci’s 1966 film, Django, Tarantino’s blood-splattered western turns this tale of revenge into a sprawling epic that unashamedly plays to the director’s passion for the genre.

Set in the South two years before the Civil War, Django Unchained tells the story of the slave Django (Jamie Fox) who is freed from his chains by German bounty hunter Dr King Schiltz (Christopher Waltz) who needs his help to identify and track down the murderous Brittle brothers. On gaining his freedom, Django leans that his wife Bromhilda (Kerry Washington), who he lost to the slave trade, has fallen in this hands of the despicable plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo Di Caprio), and with Schiltz’s help Django sets out to rescue her.

Django Unchained assails you with its stark visuals right from the outset as the barren landscape of the old west stretches out before you. The blood red credits spill over the ultra-cool soundtrack as Tarantino’s unflinching portrayal of rampant racism sizzles in a heat haze of slapstick humour and gloriously stylised ultra violence.

As ever, Tarantino has chosen a superb cast, with Waltz (who won an Oscar for his role as a Nazi in Inglorious Bastards) giving a perfectly understated performance as the wily old dentist / bounty hunter, while Jamie Fox tempers the burning intensity of former slave Django with a selfless  honour that leave his enemies sprawled in the dirt. Leonardo Di Caprio is fantastic as the sadistic Candie. His cruelty knows no bounds, endearing and charismatic one moment, cross him and you could soon find yourself being ripped limb from limb by a pack of dogs. There are some great cameos from Don Johnson, Tom Savini, Franco Nero, and even Tarantino himself, but all of them are overshadowed by Samuel L Jackson as Candie’s foul mouthed servant who is even more racist than his master.

The best scenes come early on as Django and Schiltz bond during their mission to find the Brittle brothers. Brilliantly shot, their exchanges are tinged with a mutual respect as Django fully embraces his freedom to kill white folk and make money for it.

In time honoured Tarantino fashion, Django Unchained pulls no punches and gives no quarter in its depiction of racism, with a script peppered with enough N-words to fly in the face of political correctness, the film will leave you reeling with its rapid fire dialogue and eye watering brutality. The jet black humour that brazenly slaps you in the face as Tarantino shows Ku Klux Klan members bitching amongst themselves about their poorly fitting hoods, Schiltz’s crazy looking wagon hides an explosive secret, and the way Django hones his gun fighting skills against a snowman sets up a brilliant payback for the films climatic showdown.

The gunfights are a spectacle of exploding scenery and gushing arteries, blazing a trail towards a no holds barred final act that sees Django wreak his revenge against those who have enslaved his wife and tortured him. Brimming with slow-motion shootouts and fantastic performances, Django Unchained is Tarantino’s longest film to date (165min), but it never feels overly padded or drawn out. Not one line is wasted or one bullet spent without driving Django’s quest to save his wife. Flashbacks convey raw emotion of Django’s plight, the suffering he has endured, and the phoenix like way he rises from the ashes of his defeat to rescue his wife is truly awe inspiring.

Django Unchained may not reach the dizzying heights of Tarantino’s former glories, but it is easily his most entertaining film in some time. Sure, tighter editing and a few cuts would have perhaps made it more palatable for some, but Django Unchained is Quentin Tarantino as we love him best: bold, in your face, and courting controversy at every turn.