Wednesday 30 November 2011

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids Poster
I am going to be honest and put this out there, I was quite excited by the prospect of this film, and unfortunately I was deeply disappointed by it. Apparently it was “10/10 Funny”, “The NEW hangover” and “the next best thing since slice bread”. However all of these “statements” are extremely untrue.
Now I don’t know if it was the hype that damaged its ability to please me, but it seriously isn’t funny at all, I know it’s a woman’s film, but I “dig” chick flicks, this just didn’t do it for me.
I can’t even bring myself to say that there are any redeeming qualities about this film, apart from the whole dress fitting scene, which was hysterical but that was it and a film cannot be reviewed in its entirety, fairly by one scene.
So the film is basically about a 30 or 40-something woman who has no prospects in life, she is very bitter and sleeps around with men who are, the stereotypical rich man. However she realised this when her best friend since childhood breaks the news that she is getting married and she wants her to be her maid of honour, this is where you think that its going to get better for her, but no, it gets worse……much worse.
She finds herself an enemy who wishes to be the friend’s maid of honour instead of the main character; this brings about many many awkward situations which are extremely cringe worthy and not funny.
So this is the film in a nut shell, hopefully you will watch it and see for yourself but honestly, don’t be surprised if you don’t find it funny at all. I wouldn’t even call this a review I would call it a slaughtering.
Overall: 4/10

Saturday 26 November 2011

The Tunnel

The Tunnel Poster
With a limited release it was quite hard to get a copy of this handheld horror. With what sounded like a good plot I was armed and ready with my pillow and a lovely friend who was  willing to watch it with me (Yes I really go sound like a woman). So the basic premise of the film is that an Australian film crew go into abandoned train tunnels because so many “bums” are going missing in the city and they want to investigate why. As they go through these abandoned tunnels they realise that they are not just looking for “bums” they are running away from something far more sinister.
The film is extremely low budget, so don’t expect a very big CGI fest; however it does well on the suspense factor, until they show the “thing” that is stalking them, which is unfortunate because they could have kept it under wraps, they are some very creep set ups, because they use a hand held character. It also takes a different edge to other films like Paranormal Activity and REC, where it uses interviews from the present day to convey the story, which is very interesting, although poorly acted in some sequences.
If this was a given a bigger budget I think it would have been quite the cult film, some people will watch it and think what the hell is this guy doing thinking the way he thought about this film. It will be a marmite film, but it is a little gem, it wont make any big money but it is but it is worth a watch just to see what you think.
Soundtrack: 7/10 (Harrowing)
Overall: 6/10

Upcoming Reviews

Now I know I haven’t written on my blog for some time, I suppose about a week, it does feel like an eternity, however I can assure you that I have many reviews that I am going to write in the near future.
The Tunnel
Bridesmaids
Hatchet
The Human Centipede 2
Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
5 games that changed my world
Woodkid - Iron EP
I hope you are looking forward to these, just as much as I am writing them.

Wednesday 16 November 2011

10 Films That Changed My World

Now with this list I wanted to show you films that, changed my prospective on life, now I want you to know now, that some of these aren’t my favourite films, but more that they how a sentimental value to me, purely because of they did to me as films when I watched them. I hope you enjoy.

28 Days Later Poster 

28 Days Later
Why?
So, to start off with one of the greatest ever zombie films to be made is kinda weird. Doom and gloom and all of it but, this really got to me, how one small cog can change the way the wheel turns. This grippingly gory story  of Jim and co trying to survive from the hoardings of raging human beings is a masterpiece and will always in my eyes be one of Danny Boyle’s greatest works.



The Matrix
Why?
The Matrix
 Before you think I am a complete and utter weirdo for choosing this film, yes I do believe that one day that machines could take over, maybe to not the extent in this film, but it is possible, very very possible. The Matrix first changed the way I perceived films with its non stop action and fantastic layered story line. The Wachowski Brothers made a true master piece, and I think it will live on in the memories for a hundred years to come. A Definite must see if by any chance you haven’t seen this film.


Man on Fire Poster

Man on Fire
Why?
 When I first watched this film, it was totally not how I expected the film to turn half way through, I thought the film would be dealing with grievance and the loss of a child, turns out its quite the opposite, its Denzel Washington going straight for the jugular literally. It’s all about corruption and getting something you love back or getting revenge for it. Absolutely fantastically shot, words all over the screen, gritty shots of Mexico. Showed me what a fantastic director Tony Scott is.



Pay It Forward
Why?
Pay it Forward Poster
Well what can I say about this film, it’s a beautiful story starring Haley Joel-Osmont(Trevor), Kevin Spacey (Eugene) and Helen Hunt (Arlene). It’s basically about Trevor’s teacher, Eugene giving his class an assignment to “Pay It Forward” this basically translates into people doing other people favours without having a return. 1 person helps 3 people and those 3 people help another 3 people each, so on an so forth. It’s a film of many heart wrenching moments, good ones and bad ones alike. Trust me you will be a changed person forever. Simply beautiful.


Battle Royale Insignia

Battle Royale
Why?
One of my favourite films ever, its about a class of Japanese children that are sent to a remote island of the coast of Japan, they are originally going on a school trip to show the kids that they should go back to school, as their generation has a lot of truancy and violent offences. However the government have decided to intervene and send them to an island to fight to do their deaths. Fortunately this film has been left untouched by Hollywood, it is a truly brutal tale of kids fighting for their lives, with friendship and love interests all coming under scrutiny. Some excellent and memorable performances from the legend that is Takeshi Kitano and Tetsuya Fujiwara. It really made me think about how life could turn like this with benefits and so many social impracticalities.


The Adjustment Bureau
Why?
The Adjustment Bureau Banner
Quite the original storyline, with an excellent cast of Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, it’s about a future American presidential candidate who, ruins his fortunes by giving an unorthodox speech in a conference in front of millions of people on television, he then goes to the bathroom and meets a beautiful woman, by sheer coincidence, or is it. It’s a wonderful film of fate or coincidence and really gets you thinking about life in general which is why its one of my favourites. Riveting Stuff.


Edward Scissorhands
Why?

Edward Scissorhands Poster
Well what can I say about this absolutely legendary film, Starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder. I first watched this when I was 4 and in all honesty it made me cry. (YES! A MAN CRYING OH MY GOD!) I think I have watched it 2 or 3 times since then and I cry in the same part each time. Such a brilliant film and an instant classic when it first came out. Its basically about a man that is built by a creator and is then taken in by the local Avon lady, however he has scissors for fingers and it leads to many different situations some good and some bad. Excellent script and a haunting soundtrack.



Right at Your Door
Why?
Now not a lot of you may have heard of this one, if I remember correctly it only had a limited release in the cinema, and was then preceded by the DVD copy. I got this out to rent by chance as I was in my “DOOM AND GLOOM” stage. I was not disappointed, an excellent tale of a modern day battle with an unknown enemy. 3 dirty bombs go off in L.A and the main characters are forced to live at home without going outside. However how would you feel if your wife/husband was stuck downtown in the air which is toxic? What would you do? This is the exact position that the film puts you in and quite honestly its unrelenting. An excellent low budget flick. A Must See.



Signs
Why?
Now even I was a little hesitant about putting this film in this list, however purely based on this one scene in the film, it is one of my all time favourite films anyway, but I know a lot of people found it to be a rubbish alien film, but rather than the aliens, I love the exploration of religion, love and togetherness and loss. This is part of the scene in which I think sums this film up excellently, hopefully you have seen it and thought the same or hopefully this will encourage you to watch it:
Signs Poster

People break down into two groups. When they experience something lucky, group number one sees it as more than luck, more than coincidence. They see it as a sign, evidence, that there is someone up there, watching out for them. Group number two sees it as just pure luck. Just a happy turn of chance. I'm sure the people in group number two are looking at those fourteen lights in a very suspicious way. For them, the situation is a fifty-fifty. Could be bad, could be good. But deep down, they feel that whatever happens, they're on their own. And that fills them with fear. Yeah, there are those people. But there's a whole lot of people in group number one. When they see those fourteen lights, they're looking at a miracle. And deep down, they feel that whatever's going to happen, there will be someone there to help them. And that fills them with hope. See what you have to ask yourself is what kind of person are you? Are you the kind that sees signs, that sees miracles? Or do you believe that people just get lucky? Or, look at the question this way: Is it possible that there are no coincidences?”



Deep Impact
Why?
Deep Impact Poster
So this is my final film, one that is shown every Christmas for some peculiar reason, I think us british are gluttons for punishment. It focuses on many peoples accounts on what could be their last days on earth as an asteroid plummets towards earth which could cause the extinction of the human species. The film has an all star cast, Elijah Woods, Tea Leoni, LeeLee Sobieski, Morgan Freeman, Robert Duvall and Jon Favreau. Its excellent film and I would tell anyone to watch it. Its makes you realise what you have and what you shouldn’t forget, especially family, we should all take the time we have as something special and not take it for granted.

Monday 14 November 2011

20 Songs That Changed My World

So I have decided to right this entry because I feel that it will be interesting for people to get to know me a bit better and maybe you can understand my musical preferences. I hope you enjoy.


Bon Jovi – It’s My Life

Linkin Park Hybrid Theory
Where? On my way to one of my first major swimming competitions on the radio.
Why? This song eased me into liking rock

Linkin Park – In the End
Where? On Kerrang
Why? This introduced me to Linkin Park and the “Nu Metal” scene

P.O.D – Youth of the Nation
Where? After listening to “Alive” I heard this song straight after
Why? Instantly loved the lyrics and what it stood for.

Staind – It’s a Been While
Where? On a compilation album called “Supercharged”.
Why?
This  introduced me to the more depressing side of alternative rock.

Devotchka How it Ends Cover

Blue October – Hate Me
Where? First heard this song on VH1 music channel.
Why?
Was played countless times on my IPod when I was going through a bad time.

Devotchka – How It Ends
Where? Gears of War 2 Advert.
Why?
Such a cold and harrowing voice, yet such a beautiful song.

Mazzy Star – Into Dust
Where? On the “O.C”.
Why?
 Such a chilled out song with so much power.


Limp Bizkit – Rollin

Slipknot My Plague

Where? The Undertaker’s theme music (WWE).
Why? Just a badass tune, which changed my perception on rock music.

Slipknot – My Curse
Where? Resident Evil Soundtrack.
Why? Introduced me to slipknot and my love of metal music began.

Celldweller – Frozen
Where? Constantine Soundtrack.
Why? Mental amounts of Synths and just an awesome song.

The Used – Im A Fake
Where? The Used’s Album.
Why? Changed my mind about screamy music and how deep it can really go!

DMX – Slippin
Where? Found while randomly downloading music of DMX’s.
Why? A really touching slow melody with a memorable voice.
The Used - Im A Fake Cover

Lisa Gerrard – Creasy is dead
Where? At the end of one of my all time favourite films, Man On Fire
Why? Beauitful voice, beautiful song.

Nine Inch Nails – The Mark Has Been Made
Where? Also on “Man On Fire
Why? Such an edgy song with some good guitar work 


Combichrist – Shut up and Bleed
Where? The Collector (2009 Film)
Why? Such a hard industrial track which screams murder, such a fitting song for the film.


Combichrist Album Cover

Rammstein – Feuer Frei
Where? xXx Soundtrack
Why? Another badass song with some badass instrument work.

Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
Where? Grew up with this song being my dad’s favourite band
Why? One of the first songs I was introduced to in music. There is nothing to dislike.

Yellowcard – View from Heaven

Where? Listened to it on a CD I bought by chance, and is now one of my favourite albums.
Why? Lovely song, with a great message and brilliant singing, really catchy.
 
A - Nothing Cover

A – Nothing
Where? Also heard this on the “Supercharged” album
Why? Some good screamy music, awesome song, awesome vocals

Stone Sour – 30/30/150
Where? Learnt that Corey Taylor sung for them, so looked it up on “Youtube”
Why? Yet another badass song, amazing song and truly got me it to hard rock.


Saturday 12 November 2011

Tower Heist

Tower Heist Poster
When I first saw the trailer for this film, I was a bit excited to see Eddie Murphy back on screen after his awful excuse for a movie “Dave” (Don’t even bother watching that). It certainly has a good cast in it, along with good ol’ Eddie Murphy. Ben Stiller, Michael Pena, Matthew Broderick, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda and Tea Leoni all join Eddie.
So basically the story goes that, Ben Stiller plays Josh Kovacs a building manager of an extremely expensive apartment/hotel complex in which all rich people live in and they abide by the rules to the letter of the law. Throughout the film you meet different characters from different backgrounds such as Michael Pena who previously worked in “Burger King” and is now at this complex as an Elevator Assistant. All these people throughout the film are pushed together by Josh Kovacs because his manager Alan Alda (also a multi billionaire) stages a kidnapping so he can get out of the state and away from charges of Fraud and basically spending everyone’s money in the company such as pensions. They basically want to get there own back by stealing the money back from him, except they don’t know where to find it, so they enlist low-time criminal Leo “Slide” (Eddie Murphy) to help them out and steal the money.
I won’t go any further otherwise I will give the game away.
Its one of those films, that although I didn’t find very funny, It was heart-warming and a light hearted comedy for a Saturday (or Monday in my case) afternoons watch.
The acting is of a good standard, obviously not Oscar winning stuff but it’s consistent in its approach, with some loveable characters such as Lester (the door opener).
The kids will probably love it too, although I would probably say that there are some bits of adult humour throughout so Parental Guidance is necessary (look at me sound or posh).
I would definitely recommend this film.
Storyline: 8/10
Soundtrack: 7/10
Overall: 7.5/10

Friday 4 November 2011

Battlefield 3


Battlefield 3 PC Cover
Here I am again this month writing another review for a massive title in “Battlefield 3”.

With this came the “midnight launch”, which, Yes! I did go to, it was my first ever one and I thoroughly enjoyed it, got to meet some really funny people and some really weird at the same time, the most hilarious moment was queuing up at HMV with about 5 people in front and 2 behind and then looking across to GAME at my local high street and a queue of about 50 standing there, then HMV told us they were selling it for £37.99, normal edition and special edition with a steel tin. I almost burst out laughing when GAME customers had to pay a £5 deposit for them then to have to pay £42.99 for the special edition.
So I came away with a cheaper (more expensive) version of the game, from a place I have never bought a game from and managed to get points on my HMV loyalty card, so that was a great start even though at that point I hadn’t played the game.
So the next morning when I opened the packaging, I was “chuffed” to see that I had plenty of free stuff I.E New Gun (M1911) and Back to Markand DLC.
The first thing you will get to see is that amazing piece of industrial music playing with a soldier coming to the front of the “Press Start Screen”. (Good 2 second introduction, good start).
Battlefield 3's Realistic Graphics
Then you hit a pretty basic menu system, with everything you need to………..
”oh wait, what’s this” (reads down screen)
“DO YOU WANT TO INSTALL HD CONTENT”
“What the…………”
(Presses Install Button)
“1.5GB”
So on the above conversation, you have probably just realised that yes, EA ask you to install the HD Content for the game. This is slightly disappointing as I would have expected them to put this in the game any, why you have to install I do not know, however just to pre-warn you that there are also 2 discs for this game:
Disc 1: Multiplayer/HD Content
Disc 2: Single Player
Maybe the single player campaign took up too much space but it is kinda disappointing.
So after this installation, I could finally move onto the campaign. I don’t know if any of you saw the faultline trailer but it was basically a 10 minute showing of what the first level was all about.
Sergeant Blackburn (Main Character)
The story starts on a level called “Flash-Forward”, whether or not a reference or Easter egg to the book and TV series or just explaining the circumstances in which the level is taking place. You’re playing as Sergeant Blackburn, but in this level he has hand cuffs on and is running away from the police before the cinematic version of you decides to jump on a train covered with “bogeys” and bombs. It’s a pretty good tutorial for the game and sets up the rest of the exciting campaign. (Especially in the next level it opens up to Johnny Cash music, Awesooooome!!!)
Just to give you a brief sketch of the campaign (I don’t want to give away too much as usual, plus I have only player the first 8 levels because I had annoying message telling me that my save game was corrupt and couldn’t carry on, so I had to start from scratch, on hard, again, how annoying that was). Like I said earlier you play Sergeant Blackburn and a couple of other characters but mainly Blackburn, throughout, all you know from the beginning is, there is a terror plot from the organisation that the Americans have gone to war with called the PLR, who are planning to bomb New York and Paris, along with what seems like a tyrannical dictator, using portable nuclear bombs.
Throughout the game, you can see your character being interrogated by 2 other Americans which I believe are representing the equivalent of the FBI or Internal Affairs, for some reason they are accusing Sergeant Blackburn of treason and the like.
So that is the basic storyline.
Gameplay.
The graphics are excellent, extremely realistic, the sounds are even better, after all they are using “Dolby Digital Surround Sound” so you can hear bullets wisping past your virtual ears, the gun sounds are perfect and each gun has a different a realistic sound to the particular model being used (Fired) at the time.
One of the greatest additions to the series to date is that of the “prone” position, “Thank God” rang out of my mouth when I saw I could do that. Seems something so small but it really isn’t, it’s a massive addition to the game and completely changes the dynamic of the tactics you choose when playing online or on hard in campaign mode (definitely on hard).
"Destruction 2.0" in Action
They have also brought back with destructive environments, if you havent seen it before then its basically what it says on the tin, you hit a building with an RPG its walls will blow up, except this time around, the buildings will collapse when they dont have enough foundations to keep themselves up, this is what they call "Destruction 2.0". It makes the gameplay so much more realistic rather than hitting a building with a RPG and nothing happening, some people just play online just to play with this part of the game, and believe me I know people personally that actually do that. 
The good thing about this game is that they have kept the core parts and changed the parts that made it such a great series in the first place, especially as the last 2 games in the Bad Company series were excellent and really helped the franchise to what it is today.
So now onto the online mode, like the campaign they have kept the essentials of the mode, the same 4 attacking options, Assault, Medic, Support, Scout (Sniper). However they have greatly increased the amount of modifications that you can use such as:
ACOG scope.
-          Sights
o   Red Dot
o   ACOG
o   Reflex
o   Etc.
-          Underslung Rail (this helps to attach shotguns to your rifle)
-          Bullets
o   Flechette
o   Slug
o   Smoke
-          Tactical Torch (Blinds your enemies in close quarters, but gives away your sniping position)
There are many, many more options to modify the guns that you choose to use; each set of guns differs for what side of the world you play as I.E PLR or Americans

PLR = AK47u
American = M16
The maps are excellently designed with an equal emphasis on sniping and close quarters combat, which allows players of any type can play this game, the first thing you will notice is that it is extremely easy to kill someone if you are a veteran of the Battlefield series and Call of Duty Series, it is much more realistic being able to kill someone with a handgun just as easy as mowing someone down with an LMG obviously in the right places. Headshots are a one shot kill as per usual.
The player community is a very wide ranged one, very competitive but very team based unlike other shooters, without using any names or recently award winning titles.

Another addition to the series is that of the “Battlelog”, where you can see what your friends are doing within the game and what they are unlocking when they level up, it’s basically the same as the “Autolog” in the “Need for Speed” series.

So to summarise “Battlefield 3”, it is an absolutely brilliant addition to the series, unfortunately it will soon be over shadowed by the likes of “Call of Duty MW 3” just based on its reputation, however I believe that this holds all the keys to the future of FPS’s, hopefully people will see the truth about Call of Duty and how they just keep churning out the same game each year, I will probably end up buying “Modern Warfare 3” but I doubt very much that I will stop playing this, I am a bit of an achievement hoar but I haven’t even finished the last 2 games of “COD” on the campaign simply because I got bored of the mundane storyline, however Battlefield has bought a fresh face along in the genre of army shooters.

I strongly recommend this game and without doubt it is one of the best FPS’s to be released in the last 10 years or in the Next generation consoles.

Graphics: 9.5/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Storyline: 9/10
Soundtrack: 8/10
Online: 9/10

Overall: 9/10

Thursday 3 November 2011

Enochian Theory: Evolution - Creatio Ex Nihilio

Evolution: Creation Ex Nihilio Album Cover
Once again, like the Tricorn review, I have been blessed personally by the band to do this review, so I was extremely excited to be able to write this review under the gaze of yet another exciting band to come out of Portsmouth. They formed in 2004, and their current members stand as, Ben Harris-Hayes (Throat – as he likes to call himself), Sam Street (Drummer), Shaun Rayment (Bassist). They have released 2 other CD’s:
-          Our Lengthening Shadow
-          A Monument to the Death of an Idea
They have been heard on Kerrang Radio and BBC Radio, so it is quite an honour to be able to review this band.
So I am going to review their latest album, Evolution: Creatio Ex Nihilio.
The album is quite striking when looking at the album art, and clearly it has been done professionally, heavily “CGI’ed” industrial complex with a beautiful blue sky, a haunting moon, a “wirery” old tree on top of the building with an exclamation mark on what looks to be a electric billboard, which is something you would see in “New York” or closer to home “Piccadilly Circus”. Clearly this shows a statement of intent, by showing the creativity of the band straight away on the artwork.
So a good start, so far.
(*Now, before I start this review, if you are going to listen to this album, then take the advice that I was given before listening to this. Give yourself some time alone and just listen to it through a good set of head phones, believe me it works*)
Straight from the start you can appreciate the sheer amount of effort they have put into the intro alone, its very dark and sets a good tone for the rest of the album (1.Every Ending Has A Beginning)
After the excellent “1.Every Ending Has A Beginning” comes “2.The Dimensionless Monologue-Tedium”  which shows what Ben and the band are all about, starting off slow and descending  into brilliance,  Ben’s harrowing voice, Sam’s brilliant drumming and Shaun’s mood setting “Bass”, all I did was sit there with my ear phones and think to myself:
“Wow, this band has some talent”
I was completely and utterly in awe of the brilliant violins and just the whole set-up of how it all came together. The band completely and utterly compliment each other, this is shown in what the band have created in this album, and most importantly the album has an infinite flow to it, each song flowing into the next, utterly compelling.
Some of my favourite other tracks are:
Enochian Theory
6. Apathia
7. Triumvirate
10. Waves of Ascension

And finally

13. A Monument to the Death of an Idea

I believe that all of these songs show the true identity of a brilliant band, with an eagle eye for excellent lyrical choices and solid instrument playing. There is no point saying that this band are up and coming, they are already here, all you need to do is help them on their journey. Without a doubt I would recommend this album to rock lovers. Not as heavy as I expected, but there are some tracks for the heavier listeners.

Utterly brilliant.

This. Is. A. Must. Buy.

What is even better about this band is, they are bringing out a new album very soon, so time to get excited!

Track Listing:
  1. Every Ending Has A Beginning… 1:08
  2. The Dimensionless Monologue:
    • Tedium (i) 2:20
    • The Dimensionless Monologue (ii) 2:59
    • T.D.M (iii) 1:36
  3. At Great Odds With… 5:07
  4. Apathia 3:58
  5. Triumvirate 2:35
  6. Movement 5:14
  7. After The Movement 2:53
  8. Waves Of Ascension 6:57
  9. The Fire Around The Lotus 7:15
  10. The Living Continuum 2:22
  11. A Monument To The Death Of An Idea 4:36