Rebooting The Universal Monster universe, take one.......SNAP!

The Mummy (2017)
Director: Alex Kurtzman
Starring: Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe, Sofia Boutella

Most Friday nights, our family head off to the cinema to see the latest offering. Usually it's something the whole family can see, even though our 17 year old son is rarely with us as he's at that age where we're too embarrassing to be seen with. A few weeks ago, I was excited to see Tom Cruises latest offering, in a reboot of the Universal Monsters franchise, with The Mummy.

The trailer for this had me interested, curious and a bit skeptical all at the same time. I loved the Brendan Fraser versions of The Mummy, and I think a lot of people were annoyed that they were remaking something that was so recent. But when you read the numerous articles and the interviews that are out there, the furthest thing from their minds was remaking the Brendan Fraser version. This was a reboot of the 1932 Boris Karloff version, or more a reboot of the Universal Monster movies as it were. It was meant to start with Dracula Untold, the 2014 movie starring Luke Evans as our Carpathian Count, but sadly, it was a flop. So they called in the big guns and brought Tom Cruise on board. I like Cruise, not a fan of his personal life, but more his work ethic and generally most of what he puts out there. Let's face it, the guy can do action better than most and he's not a spring chicken anymore. So a Mummy movie, with Tom Cruise as the main character..........sure, I'll give it a go.

Three Fridays ago, there wasn't much else on, so we decided to bite the bullet and take our 12 year old to see this as well. She was a bit worried it would be scary, but she ended up really enjoying it.

Nick Morton (Tom Cruise) and fellow mercenary Chris Vail (Jake Johnson) find themselves in war torn country looking for treasure. What they uncover is a mystery that brings more than either of them bargained for.

When Nick accidentally awakens the imprisoned and cursed Egyptian Princess Ahmanet, (brilliantly played by Sofia Boutella) he and Vail are taken on an action packed adventure with archaeologist Jenny Walsey (Annabelle Wallis) which sees them smack bang in the middle of London. Walsey works for a secret organisation called Prodigyum, headed by Dr Henry Jekyll (Russell Crowe) and so the Mummy is captured and taken to their headquarters to be studied. But Ahmanets desire for revenge and chaos has festered during her years of imprisonment and she sets her sights on Nick as her future King and partner.

The special effects were basic, but well done. The acting is not exactly Oscar worthy, and I do think at times the actors are playing themselves rather than their characters. But the action sequences are awesome and the stand out for me is definitely Sofia Boutella as Princess Ahmanet. Her make up is gorgeous and the intensity she gives the role is exactly what is needed.

Russell Crowes character falls slightly short for me, and I questioned why they would bring a character as famous as Dr Jekyll into a movie that centers on another famous monster. I'm not saying I disliked his character, but I disliked the fact that they put him in this movie. It took away from the Ahmanets story, which should be been more developed than it was. It felt to me like they had tried to cram too much into the first movie of what they hope will be a series of reboots. 

There were was one little nod, or Easter Egg if you like,  to the Brendan Fraser version, with the inclusion of The Book of Amun Ra. It is prominently displayed on the shelf in the library at Prodigyum. During a fight sequence, the book is picked up and one of the guards is hit over the head with it. I noticed it straight away, but only because it has a distinct star shape on the front.

The ending felt very rushed, and although we know there are plans for further movies, I think it will depend on how this is received in the long run. If the reviews on IMDB are anything to go by, the reboot is doomed. But my suggestion is to take out your brain before you press play, and just enjoy it for what it is, a fun, action movie that you don't have to think too much about.

You're a wonder, Wonder Woman!

Wonder Woman (2017)
Director: Patty Jenkins
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis

It seems to have taken forever for this to hit the big screen from when we first heard that they were working on a film. I remember seeing different actresses in manipulated photos wearing the infamous red blue and gold costume that made Lynda Carter so famous, and wondering who would fill those marvelous Amazonian boots to perfection.

Well, they found the perfect Glamazon in Israeli born Gal Gadot. What a stunning looking woman. From the moment she graces the screen, she grabs your attention. This is a woman to be revered, worshipped and admired. 

I saw this with my daughter, two of her friends and some incredible women that I volunteer for a charity with. Just looking at the face of my 12 year old daughter watching intently at every move Gal Gadot made, was fantastic. She will become the idol of millions of young girls. 

The movie starts in modern day Paris, with Diana Prince on her way to the Louvre where she receives a delivery of a photo from Bruce Wayne. The sepia photo depicts Wonder Woman flanked by four men.

Before long we are led to a seemingly perfect island known as Themyscira, which was created by the Gods of Olympus. This island is inhabited by a race of Warrior Women, ruled by Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen). Diana, daughter of the Queen, looks on longingly as her Aunt Antiope (brilliantly portrayed by Robyn Wright) trains the women in the ways of war. The island is shielded from the outside world, to protect it's borders and the inhabitants of the island from the threat of man. As Diana grows, she trains in secret with her Aunt, and eventually becomes the fiercest among the warriors. But when Captain Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), crashes a German plane on the island, Diana dives into the ocean to save him. He finds himself on a beach surrounded by women, and tries to convince them to let him return to the War. Upon hearing of the atrocities that are being committed, Diana is convinced that Ares, the God of War, is behind the whole thing and she is determined to stop him.

Against her mothers wishes, Diana accompanies Steve to London, in the last weeks of World War 1, where she discovers he is a spy on a mission to find where the enemy is making a rumored new weapon that could have potentially devastating consequences. There are moments of humour as Steve and his secretary struggle to cover the obviously alien Diana, taking her to a department store to get her some more appropriate clothes. But the humour is blended in well with the darkness and bleakness of war torn London. 

The action sequences are stunningly choreographed, especially the Amazonian training sessions. Their sweeping leg kicks are graceful and deadly. The most intense and powerful scene comes when Diana steps onto the Front in France, where she is faced with the true horror of it all. The moment she climbs up that ladder is just breathtaking.

The most emotional moment in the movie comes towards the end when men, who moments before had been trying to kill one another, stand on an airfield comforting each other. It made me wonder exactly what these brave men would have felt as the War came to an end, how would they look upon fellow man who had been the enemy for so many years.

DC have definitely outdone themselves with the introduction of this popular heroine, and I have nothing but intense excitement now, as we wait for the release of the Justice League movie.

See this one with the strong, female influences in your life, it is truly empowering....................

Pirates of the Caribbean 5: Dead Men Tell no Tales (aka: Jacks back baby!)

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell no Tales (2017)
Director: Joachim Ronning, Espen Sandberg
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem, David Wenham

Wow! Who would have thought, all those years ago, that a two minute ride in Disneyland could spawn five feature length movies!
I've read varied comments surrounding the fifth installment of the franchise, some saying it's awful, some boycotting because of Johnny Depps personal problems, some just over the whole franchise. For me personally, I always ignore what I read, regardless of whether it's good or bad, and I go out and see it for myself. This was well worth the wait.

Fourteen years later, and Johnny is still delivering the goods. The story for this one revolves around young Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), who just happens to be the son of Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) and the cursed Captain of the Flying Dutchman, Wil Turner (Orlando Bloom). Henry wants his Dad back and tries desperately to find something that will break the curse, allowing his Dad to break free and come back to land permanently.

While searching for an end to the curse, Henry meets young Carina Smyth, a budding astronomer, also searching for something by following the diary of her unknown father.

Before long the two cross paths with the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow, and the adventure begins.
Henry faces off with Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), a Spaniard who leads a crew of the damned. Salazar blames Sparrow for their demise and is out to seek revenge. Javiers makeup is absolutely amazing, even though there is a huge amount of CG incorporated as well, it just works. He is downright creepy.

A fantastic cameo by Sir Paul McCartney, in full pirate regalia, and great to see most of the original Black Pearl crew back on board with Gibbs, Scrum and Marty.

We really enjoyed the whole movie. We laughed, we cried and we wanted to know where all the rum had gone! If you're curious, go out and see it, don't listen to anyone that tells you it's not worth it. Everyone has a different opinion and completely different taste when it comes to what is entertaining. 

A long time between posts.........let's start with some rollicking good old King Arthur Fun

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
Director: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law, Djimon Hounsou, Eric Bana

Where do I start? How about by apologising for the huge, okay enormous, gap inbetween proper reviews. I have been battling some health issues for a couple of years now and the thought of sitting down and concentrating on a huge review kind of didn't appeal. However, after having a major operation in January of this year, I'm back baby!!!

And what a movie to start my full length reviews again. King Arthur:Legend of the Sword. For as long as I can remember, the myth and legend surrounding King Arthur has always fascinated me. I think it started with watching the musical Camelot with my Mum. Let's face it, it's the stuff of legend, the kind of swoony love story that has it all. Dashing knights, beautiful castles, damsels in distress and an evil sorceress thrown in for good measure. Now when one hears the words King Arthur, several characters spring to mind, Arthur, Merlin, Lancelot, Guinevere, Uther and a few others. 

When you go to see this version of the Arthurian legend..............forget everything you know. Leave it at the cinema doors, this is not the stuff of text book myth. This is Guy Ritchie at his finest, putting a twist on things in a way only he can. 

When we first meet Arthur, he is but a boy, whose father, King Uther (Eric Bana), and mother Igraine share the infamous Camelot with the Kings brother Vortigen (Jude Law) and his family. All is well until the evil sorcerer Mordred rises in power and brings the kingdom to it's knees.

Fast forward many years later, and Vortigan has become King and seeks out the nephew, known as the Born King. 

Charlie Hunnam is absolutely brilliant as the adult Arthur. I can't fault his performance and for me, he was the stand out in the whole film. Seeing him struggle with the knowledge that only he can wield the legendary sword is heartbreaking, but so well done. 

The supporting cast are also brilliant. Many familiar faces for those of us who watch Game of Thrones and other medieval movies/tv series. Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen) pops up, as does Roose Bolton (Michael McElhatton) and Katie McGrath (Morgana from Merlin). There is one other cameo that I won't mention, because it's just too funny when he appears on screen to spoil.

This is classic Guy Ritchie genius. The soundtrack is gritty and fits perfectly with the period. The locations were perfect, mainly Wales and Scotland, transporting us back to the darker days of the 12th Century. There are definite Richieisms, (I made that word up, but I think it fits well!) in his use of humor and camera work.

This is edge of your seat, not too gory, but definitely gripping storytelling. Our 12 year old daughter came with us, and absolutely loved it. I can't wait to hear if there will be a sequel, I'd pay to see one that's for sure!!

Thank you for letting us glimpse the Arthurian Legend as seen by your brain Mr Ritchie.

The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies

The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies (2014)
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Richard Armitage, Ian McKellan, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Aidan Turner, Evangeline Lily, Orlando Bloom, Lee Pace, Manu Bennet.

The final installment has finally landed. This has been touted as the final journey to Middle Earth, but can Peter Jackson resist the temptation to show us even MORE of New Zealand? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

In the meantime, this is what I thought of the final installment of The Hobbit. SPOILERS AHEAD. 

Having watched the Extended edition of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug the night before, we were well prepared for this. It wasted no time picking up where the last movie left off, with the rather annoyed Golden Dragon flying towards the aptly named Lake Town, hell bent on....well, desolation really. 

Bard the Bowman (Luke Evans) really rises up and takes charge in the first moments of the movie, fulfilling his destiny of finally taking down the one thing that his ancestor failed to do with the Black Arrow, but this leaves the people of Lake Town without a home and they eventually make their way to the shores of the Long Lake and look to Bard to lead them. With the help of others, they make their way to the ruins of Dale, the city that was destroyed by Smaug the terrible when the Kingdom under the Mountain was taken by the gold loving dragon years before. 

 In the meantime, Gandalf continues his ordeal with the Necromancer of Dol Guldur, until he is aided by the Lady Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), Lord Elrond (Hugo Weaving) and Saruman (Christopher Lee) and Radagast (Sylvester McCoy). I really enjoyed this scene, the tenderness that Galadriel shows Gandalf was really well done, and awesome to see Christopher Lee one last time.

All the while, we have Thorin Oakenshield, poor conflicted, angry, not as stumpy as a dwarf should be Thorin. How I love him. I really loved Richard Armitage's portrayal of Thorin, despite die hard Tolkien fans saying he was too young and too tall, I thought he was great. To me, Thorin was meant to be a younger dwarf, broody and mysterious, and that's how Richard played him.

Anyway, I digress. So the Arkenstone and the gold has cast it's spell on poor Thorin, and the rest of the dwarves and Bilbo are a wee bit put out by his behaviour, walling himself into the mountain and not letting anyone in to see him because he thinks they're all there to steal the gold. Hence when Bard approaches with Thranduill (Lee Pace), to make a deal with him, he goes a bit whacko and yells taunts from atop the wall at the entrance to the mountain halls.

Not too far away, a rather sizable army of Orcs is on it's way to kill the dwarves, end humankind and basically wreak havoc. (they REALLY don't like men, except on toast).

And then we come to the title of the movie, The Battle of Five Armies. I really didn't like the title, but I guess it's kind of obvious what the movie is about and I can't really think of another title to be honest.

In a brillant piece of casting, Billy Connolly leads the Dwarf army as Dain, Thorins cousin,  on a nasty looking hog. (no, not the motorbike, an actual hog)

Thranduill leads the elves on his magnificent stag, never breaking a sweat, hair always perfect, joining the dwarf army to help defeat the orcs. 

After Thorin comes to his senses, he leads some of the dwarves up to the battlements where Azog and his Orcs are waiting. This wasn't in the books from memory, but was really well done. Again, I have read reviews stating that these were characters that we never got the chance to care about so it didn't matter what happened to them, but I disagree. The added story of Kili (Aidan Turner) and Tauriel (Evangeline Lily), gave us a bit of romance that you knew was always going to be doomed. 

The final battle between Azog and Thorin is really well done, but be prepared for CG overload. 

Did I cry? Yes, yes I did. Was it because it was the last movie? No, not really. Was it the song by Billy Boyd sung over the end credits? No, it didn't affect me the way I thought it would. Was it because two of my favourites died? A little....but strangely enough, the scene that really made me cry was when Gandalf sits down with Bilbo and cleans out his pipe, packs it, and lights it up. This was exactly what my Dad used to do with his pipe and it brought back a flood of memories for me. 

See it to say goodbye, if for no other reason.

Maleficent

Maleficent (2014)
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning
Director: Robert Stromberg

Angelina Jolie, actress, humanitarian, mother, wife to Brad Pitt and now the person that puts Disney villains up on a pedestal and sets their stories straight. Well that's how I see it anyway.

This movie sets about digging into the emotion behind the villain in Sleeping Beauty and giving the magnificent Maleficent a fairy tale of her own.

When we first meet Maleficent, she is a young girl, full of curiosity and fieriness, living a peaceful life in the enchanted forest kingdom of The Moors. The young actress that plays her is fantastic and never misses a beat. When an intruder comes into her forest in the form of a young farm boy trying to steal something, a friendship begins that lays the mortar for Maleficents story.

Some years down the track, we see Angelina in all her glory as the adult Maleficent, fighting to save her kingdom from King Henry's greed and ignorance. Upon proving herself to be the fierce protector of The Moors, she retreats back into the forest, hoping that King Henry will leave her world alone. But when she meets up with her childhood friend, now a squire to the King, she believes that their relationship can continue, but his heart has other ideas.

 I saw this just after watching Disneys Sleeping Beauty and was so impressed with how well she had researched a two dimensional cartoon villain, bringing her to life in full colour and malevolence.
The combination of make up and computer graphics is well done, even though the computer graphics far outweigh everything else, it is still no-less a magical 97 minute ride.
Elle Fanning was a bit of a let down, and probably not my first choice for Aurora, but she was ok. The movie is about Maleficent after all, not Aurora.

Also impressing, was Sam Riley, as Diaval, the ordinary raven called into service by Maleficent after she is betrayed.

I won't give anything away, as I think this is just one of those movies that should be enjoyed, not spoilt. It is light hearted, and should be taken as such. Removal of brain so as to cease over thinking is probably a must.

Dallas Buyers Club

 Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Jennifer Garner
Director: Jean Marc Valee

Ron Woodroff, (an emaciated McConaughey) is a Dallas Rodeo cowboy who lives a life of excess. If he can drink it, snort it, smoke it, inject it or screw it, he will. Set in 1985 at the height of the AIDS epidemic, Woodroff learns that he has contracted the disease through unprotected sex with prostitutes. 

A typical cowboy attitude leads him to believe that only homosexuals can get AIDS and after he collapses and is brought to hospital, the gravity of his situation starts to sink in when he is told he only has 30 days to live.
Hours of research and conversations with a doctor at the hospital (played by Jennifer Garner), lead him to Mexico where he is able to get his hands on AZT,  a non FDA approved drug that helps those with the disease. He soon ends up in a partnership with a transgender woman by the name of Rayon (Jared Leto), and begin to bring the drug into the US illegally, selling memberships to the Dallas Buyers Club. As they are not allowed to sell the drug, they give it away with a hefty membership fee.
But their activity is being monitored and the FDA soon swoop in and do what they can to interrupt Ron and Rayons business dealings.

This movie was always going to cause controversy and divided opinion due to the subject matter and the fact that it's lead, Matthew McConaughey went to dramatic lengths to play the main character. McConaughey lost over 20 kilograms to play the role of real life AIDS victim Woodroff. Matthew ended up winning the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role and after watching this movie, it was well deserved.

I'm a huge Jared Leto fan, have been for quite some time. He is an amazing songwriter,  musician and an underrated actor, until now.  Jared plays a transgender woman called Rayon who is HIV positive and enters into a business deal with Ron to supply as many people as possible with the drugs they need to treat their disease. While Rayon was not a real person, Jared went to incredible lengths to transform himself into Rayon and the results are spectacular. His performance is moving, sassy and incredibly powerful. Jared also won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

This is not a movie for everyone and Ron Woodroff himself was certainly not a nice person by any means, but this is one of those stories that hits you hard and makes you feel for anyone who contracted the disease at a time when it was, (and still is to a certain extent) so misunderstood.