Category: Adventure

28Jun

[FILM REVIEW] JUJUTSU KAISEN O: THE MOVIE Review (2022)

Posted in Action, Adventure, Animation, Film, Film Genre, Home Page, Sci-Fi / Fantasy | Leave a comment

Summary:  Yuta Okkotsu, a high schooler who gains control of an extremely powerful Cursed Spirit and gets enrolled in the Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School by Jujutsu Sorcerers to help him control his power and keep an eye on him.

Year: 2022

Cinema Release Dates:  17th March 2022 (Australia), 23rd June 2022 (Thailand), 18th March 2022 (UK), 18th March 2022 (USA)

VOD Release Dates: TBA

Country: Japan

Director: Seong-Hu Park

Screenwriter: Hiroshi Seko

Cast: Chinatsu Akasaki (Kasumi Miwa (voice)), Aya Endo (Shoko Ieiri (voice)), Kana Hanazawa (Rika Orimoto (voice)), Show Hayami (Raru (voice)), Yu Hayashi (Takumo Ino (voice)), Satoshi Hino (Noritoshi Kamo (voice)), Marina Inoue (Mai Zen’in (voice)), Shizuka Ito (Manami Suda (voice)), Mitsuo Iwata (Kiyotaka Ijichi (voice)), Subaru Kimura (Aoi Todo (voice)), Mikako Komatsu (Maki Zen’in (voice)), Rie Kugimiya (Momo Nishimiya (voice)), Takaya Kuroda (Masamichi Yaga (voice)), Risae Matsuda (Mimiko Hasaba (voice)), Satsumi Matsuda (Nanjako Hasaba (voice)), Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (Ultimate Mechamura (voice)), Shin’ichiro Miki (Atsuya Kusakabe (voice)), Kotono Mitsuishi (Mei Mei (voice)), Yuichi Nakaura (Satoru Gojo (voice)), Megumi Ogata (Yuta Okkotsu (voice)), Takahiro Sakurai (Suguru Goto (voice)), TomokazuSeki (Panda (voice)), Sora Tokui (Akari Nitta (voice)), Kenjiro Tsuda (Kento Nanami (voice)), Koko Uchiyama (Toge Inumaki (voice)), Koichi Yamadera (Miguel (voice))

Running Time: 112 mins

Classification: MA15+ (Australia), G (Thailand), 15 (UK), PG-13 (USA)

OUR JUJUTSU KAISEN O: THE MOVIE REVIEWS

David Griffiths’ Jujutsu Kaisen O: The Movie Review:

Okay so my love for manga and anime is fairly fanatical so if you are reading this and it feels like I am speaking an entirely different language, I apologise. I also apologise if this turns into something as long as War & Peace, I will try to curb my thoughts to a readable length, but I will be honest I have been like a kid counting down to Christmas ever since I heard that the Jujutsu Kaisen O was being released on the screen.

I thought I was a lucky puppy when it was first announced that this legendary manga series was becoming an anime serious but back then I could only dream that one day these characters that I love would make it to a big cinema screen. Of course with that much excitement building inside me there was also a pretty good chance that I was going to be disappointed at the result… luckily I wasn’t.

For those that are unaware of Jujutsu Kaisen it is a super-natural series that centres around a world where every living being has an energy called Cursed Energy. It is sent out into the world whenever somebody has negative emotions and this fuels Curses – supernatural beings that are determined to bring pain, misery and death to others. To combat Curses you have people known as Jujutsu Sorcerers that have their own special abilities to defeat them.

In Jujutsu Kaisen O your main Jujutsu Sorcerers are the angry young Maki Zenin (voiced by Marina Inoue – Attack On Titan), Toge Inumaki (Koki Uchiyama – Tower Of God) who can only converse using food names and an actual reanimated Panda named Panda (Tomokazu Seki – Angelic Layer).

They are training under the watchful eye of their enigmatic sensei Satoru Gojo (Yuichi Nakamura – My Hero Academia) at a special school for Jujutsu Sorcerers. Their tight friendship group is challenged though when Gojo brings a new student to the school – a loner student named Yuta Okkotsu (Megumi Ogata – Neon Genesis Evangelion) who was responsible for the death of the kids that bullied him at his last school.

Gojo brings Yuta to the school to not only train him but to get to the bottom of the curse, Rika (Kana Hanazawa – Tokyo Ghoul) that has attached itself to him.

Now you are probably thinking that there is no way that you could go and understand this film if you haven’t read the manga or seen the anime series. But don’t fear, see I did a little experiment and took along a friend who didn’t even know what Jujutsu Kaisen was and he loved the film.

I found the reason why Jujustu Kaisen 0 is so accessible to new fans is because it is prequel to the orginal series. Director Seong-Hu Park (The God Of High School) and first-time feature film screenwriter Gege Akutami make sure that this film is told through the eyes of Yuta. He is new to this world and because of that the explanations given to him of what is going in is also a great introduction for any muggles in the audience. Likewise the fact that they give us an insight with Yuta’s inner thoughts sometimes spoken allowed often mirrors what the audience are thinking as well… especially when it comes to the erratic behaviour of Gojo.

Having said that though I do need to stress that if you are a fan of the series or the books you will get a lot of ‘special’ moments out of the film. Characters turn up at times that will certainly having you gasping or oohhhing in your seat and I found that there are just enough new characters and old favourites to keep everybody happy.

Plot-wise this film is sensational, it captures the magic of the manga and the series remarkably well and you can’t help but find yourself becoming emotionally attached to the characters on the screen despite the fact they are animated. This is a story that will take you through an emotional-wringer though, you will feel the sadness of the characters at times and then sometimes you will find yourself laughing especially at Panda’s lines when he realises that perhaps a romance maybe developing between two characters.

The super-natural element is also shown well on screen and I have to credit the team for being able to juggle a major battle that is having in three different locations without ever losing their audience… sometimes even Marvel struggles with that.

The power of this film though is the characterisation. I’m sure everyone will sympathize with Yutan and some of the characters here are so well created that you can’t help but find yourself feeling for them even if they are doing the wrong thing at the time.

Jujutsi Kaisen 0 is one the best action driven animes that we have seen on the big screen for quite awhile. With strong visuals and a deeply emotional and moving screenplay this ticks all the boxes for both long-time fans of the series and those exploring it for the first time. And if you are still not sure if this is something you will like or not I will close with this – if you love Harry Potter and X-Men then you NEED to go and see this!

Dave’s rating Out Of 5

Average Subculture Rating:

Other Subculture Jujutsu Kaisen O: The Movie Reviews:

Nil

Trailer:

26Jun

[FILM REVIEW] LIGHTYEAR Review (2022)

Posted in Action, Adventure, Animation, Family/Kids, Film, Film Genre, Home Page, Sci-Fi / Fantasy | Leave a comment

Summary:  While spending years attempting to return home, marooned Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear encounters an army of ruthless robots commanded by Zurg who are attempting to steal his fuel source.

Year: 2022

Cinema Release Dates:  16th June 2022 (Australia), 16th June 2022 (Thailand), 17th June 2022 (UK), 17th June 2022 (USA)

VOD Release Dates: TBA

Country: USA

Director: Angus MacLane

Screenwriter: Jason Headley, Angus MacLane

Cast: Uzo Aduba (Alisha Hawthorne (voice)), James Brolin (Zurg (voice)), Chris Evans (Buzz Lightyear (voice)), Bill Hader (Featheringhamstan (voice)), Keira Hairston (Young Izzy), Angus MacLane (ERIC/DERIC & Zyclops (voice)), Mary McDonald-Lewis (I.V.A.N. (voice)), Keke Palmer (Izzy Hawthorne (voice)), Efren Ramirez (Airman Diaz (voice)), Peter Sohn (SOX (voice)), Dale Soules (Darby Steel (voice)), Taika Waititi (Mo Morrison (voice)), Isiah Whitlock (Commander Burnside (voice))

Running Time: 100 mins

Classification: PG (Australia), G (Thailand), PG (UK), PG (USA)

OUR LIGHTYEAR REVIEWS

David Griffiths’ Lightyear Review:

Lightyear is perhaps the origin story that you never knew you needed. When you consider that the now famous Buzz Lightyear was in fact one of the original toys in the Toy Story you would have to wonder how Disney and Pixar could make an origins story for him. But as the class saying goes where there is a will there is a way and the result has been Lightyear a film that this week we have learnt has become one of the most controversial films of 2022.

Directed and written by Angus MacLane (Finding Dory) Lightyear is supposedly the film that Andy, the main character from Toy Story, had just watched way back in 1995 when he asked his mother to buy the Buzz Lightyear toy for him.

That film’s story finds Buzz (voiced by Chris Evans – The Avengers) proudly working as a Space Ranger alongside his partner Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba – Mrs. America) as they investigate a recently discovered planet. However, when they find themselves being attacked and then crash-land as they try to escape themselves and their crew find themselves stranded.

In the years that follow Alisha tries to build a civilisation on the planet while Buzz tries to experiment with a number of ways to leave the planet. That eventually leads to him having to lead a rag-tag group of ‘space rangers’, that includes the brave but unsure Izzy Hawthorne (Keke Palmer – Hustlers), the criminally minded Darby Steel (Dale Soules – The Messenger), the nervous and out of his depth Mo Morrison (Taika Waititi – JoJo Rabbit) and a robot cat called SOX (Peter Sohn – Monsters University) in a bid to protect the planet from a ruthless invader named Zurg (James Brolin – Traffic).

Lightyear is kind of a strange film. It seems like it should be a film for children but a lot of the storyline and themes seem like it has taken a leaf out of the Anime playbook and is aimed for an older audience. There is of course the same sex kiss between Alisha and her partner but even that aside the dialogue between the characters seems to be aimed at an older audience while the time travel element of the film will go right over the head of most younger audience members.

In fact to be honest the whole time travel story that pops up three-quarters of the way into the film seems very redundant. First of all it is the simplicity of the first half of the movie that makes it warm to its audience and the time travel twist not only completely ruins that but it falls on its own face and makes no sense when you really think about it. It actually leaves a bit of a sour taste in the mouth of its audience which is a bit of shame because the first half of the film is a sweet delight.

The film actually works better when it is a simple fight for survival by the main characters. Buzz and the team that surrounds him and all likable, okay SOX actually steals the show and is a merchandise dream, and as an audience you not only find yourself rooting for them – you actually do like them. Each character has their own traits that make them feel special and McLane and Jason Headey’s (Onward) screenplay allows for some witty dialogue that provides laughs amongst the action ensuring that the first half of the film is a pleasurable experience.

The film is so intriguing at times that you are willing to overlook that even though the film was supposed to have been made in 1995 its animation looks nothing like the cartoons of the 90s but it is virtually impossible to overlook the poor plot turn as it becomes a time travel movie with a story that makes no sense. The best way to go into this film is to expect a finale that is going to be a bit of a fizzer.

Lightyear is well worth a glance if you a big fan of the Toy Story franchise but you do quickly realise that it could have been a lot better. The fact that the first part of the film is so much fun and action packed makes you wonder why the creative team went in a whole different direction for the later parts. It ends up being an okay film with a really disappointing finale.

Dave’s rating Out Of 5

Alex First, Jacqui Hammerton and Peter Krausz’s Lightyear Review:

Alex’s rating Out Of 5

Jacqui’s rating Out Of 5

Peter’s rating Out Of 5

Average Subculture Rating:

Other Subculture Lightyear Reviews:

You can read our review of Lightyear that appeared in The Phuket News right here – https://www.thephuketnews.com/lightyear-a-real-buzz-for-fans-84606.php

Trailer:

07Jun

[VOD NEWS] DOCTOR STRANGE Is Coming To DISNEY+

Posted in Action, Adventure, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News, Sci-Fi / Fantasy, TV | Leave a comment

Disney+ has announced that Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ June 22. Watch the new online spot to see a special “fan thank you” from Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong and Xochitl Gomez.
 
In Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.
 
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams. 
 
The film is directed by Sam Raimi, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Hauserman Carroll, Scott Derrickson and Jamie Christopher serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Michael Waldron. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” released in Australian cinemas on May 5, 2022.

19Apr

[FILM NEWS] THOR: LOVE & THUNDER Teaser Released

Posted in Action, Adventure, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News, Sci-Fi / Fantasy | Leave a comment

A new trailer and poster are now available for Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder,” offering long-awaited clues to what’s in store for the God of Thunder.

The film finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced – a quest for inner peace. But his retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods.

To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who – to Thor’s surprise – inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.

Directed by Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok,” “Jojo Rabbit”) and produced by Kevin Feige and Brad Winderbaum, “Thor: Love and Thunder” opens in Australian cinemas July 7, 2022.

12Apr

[VOD NEWS] WALKER SCOBELL To Play Percy Jackson

Posted in Adventure, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News, Sci-Fi / Fantasy, TV | Leave a comment

Walker Scobell (“The Adam Project”) has been cast in the titular role in Disney+’s fantastical live action series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” it was announced today by the streaming service. The epic adventure is based on—and closely aligned with—Disney Hyperion’s best-selling book series by award-winning author Rick Riordan. The Disney Branded Television series, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios, and will go into production this summer.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” tells the fantastical story of a 12-year-old modern demigod, Percy Jackson, who’s just coming to terms with his newfound supernatural powers when the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. Now Percy must trek across America to find it and restore order to Olympus. 

Percy Jackson is a smart and compassionate kid with a sharp sense of humour. He’s always seen himself as an outsider, in no small part because of how the world sees his ADHD and dyslexia. He’s impulsive and rambunctious and is quick to anger when things seem unfair to him. But beneath his cynicism is an affectionate son and loyal friend who just wants to do right by those he cares about. If only he could find a place where he fits in.

Riordan and Jon Steinberg will serve as writers of the pilot episode, and James Bobin will direct. Steinberg will oversee the series with his producing partner Dan Shotz. Steinberg and Shotz serve as executive producers alongside Bobin, Riordan, Rebecca Riordan, Bert Salke, Monica Owusu-Breen, Jim Rowe and The Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell and D.J. Goldberg.

About Walker Scobell
When Walker Scobell was five, he learned that his favourite superhero Tony Stark – AKA Iron Man – was not an actual person but an actor playing a role. He decided right then that he wanted to become an actor. He said if he couldn’t become a superhero in real life, the next best thing would be to play one. After attending an actor’s workshop in L.A., Walker began his professional career. His first film acting role was in “The Adam Project,” and he filmed his second movie, “Secret Headquarters,” soon after. Walker loves the movie-making process and has fun utilising his flipping and jumping abilities to perform many of his own stunts. He enjoys a variety of movie genres but always comes back to where it began for him – superheroes. At the top of his list of movie favourites are “Deadpool,” “Spider-Man” and “The Avengers.” When Walker is not acting, he enjoys spending time with his family, his friends, and his dogs. He also enjoys skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, lacrosse, and swimming. 

Walker is repped by A3 Artists Agency, Stagecoach Entertainment and Attorney Ryan LeVine.  

04Apr

[FILM REVIEW] SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 Review (2022)

Posted in Action, Adventure, Animation, Film, Film Genre, Home Page, Sci-Fi / Fantasy | Leave a comment

Summary:  When the manic Dr Robotnik returns to Earth with a new ally, Knuckles the Echidna, Sonic and his new friend Tails is all that stands in their way.

Year: 2022

Cinema Release Dates:  31st March 2022 (Australia),7th April 2022 (Thailand), 1st April 2022 (UK), 8th April 2022 (USA)

VOD Release Dates: N/A

Country: USA, Japan

Director: Jeff Fowler

Screenwriter: Pat Casey, Josh Miller, John Whittington

Cast: Jim Carrey (Dr. Ivo Robotnik), Antwan Eilish (Nick), Idris Elba (Knuckles (voice)), Lee Majdoub (Agent Stone), James Marsden (Tom), Shemar Moore (Randall), Colleen O’Shaunussey (Tails (voice)), Adam Pally (Wade), Natasha Rothwell (Rachel), Ben Schwartz (Sonic (voice)), Tika Sumpter (Maddie)

Running Time: 122 mins

Classification: PG (Australia), TBC (Thailand), PG (UK), PG (USA)

OUR SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 REVIEWS

David Griffiths’ Sonic The Hegehog 2 Review:

The original Sonic movie was a rarity. A movie based on a video game that was both entertaining and kept the gamers happy. For once it seemed that the filmmakers behind a film actually had a vast knowledge of the game they were bringing to life and had incorporated as much from ‘game play’ as they could.

Of course that didn’t mean that some people who grew up with the game were not nervous going into Sonic The Hedgehog 2, after all sequels often don’t live up to the expectations of a first film… especially when everything went so right the first time around. But everybody can take a sigh of relief because once again we have a Sonic film that incorporates the ‘game play’ while being a film that the entire family will enjoy.

This time around we find Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz – Parks & Recreation) trying to find his independence. While he still lives with happy couple Tom (James Marsden – X-Men) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter – Ride Along) he sneaks off each night to the City where he is trying to become a superhero… except his errors make him a pretty poor hero.

When he is chastised by Tom for the damage that he has caused Sonic declares “You are supposed to be my friend, not my Dad!” Desperate to try and give the young Sonic some freedom the couple decide to leave him at home while they travel to a wedding in Hawaii. But Sonic’s plans to lounge around an relax is brought to a screaming halt when Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey – The Mask) returns with a powerful friend, named Knuckles (Idris Elba – Pacific Rim). Their aim is to take down Sonic and claim an all-powerful gem as their own.

However Sonic also soon finds himself with an unlikely companion as well – a super intelligent Fox named Tails (Colleen O’Shanussy – Danny Phantom) who has a bag full of gadgets.

Director Jeff Fowler (who directed the first Sonic film) and his team of screenwriters once again deliver the goods with this film. Fowler’s experience on the first film really shows here as there is no inconsistency with the characters and it almost feels like this film picks up immediately after the events of the first.

Once again what we find from this franchise is a film that fans of all ages can enjoy. Little kids will the love the fast paced action and furry critters (even if they have never played a Sonic games) while adults will embrace a film that treats a character from their childhood with a good level of respect. And of course the film is well written enough to provide a few laughs along the way and is pure entertainment from start to finish.

Story wise the screenplay packs a lot in. From characters trying to out ‘ski’ avalanches through to an epic robot battle there is a little bit of everything here for the action junkies. But then there is a softer side to the film as well. The friendship that develops between Sonic and Tails is a good lesson for all the younger audience members while there is also a very strong moral delivered exceptionally well at the end of the film… I just can’t say what because of spoilers.

The inclusion of Tail and Knuckles adds another element to the films for the gamers out there and also help move the film franchise along as well. Knuckles provides a welcome relief so this isn’t just another Sonic vs Robotnik story while Tails also allows the audience to see Sonic breakaway from the depressing mood he is in at the start of this film. Kudos to the filmmakers for bringing in characters from the game and not just creating their own out of thin air.

While the human characters of the film are often on the bleachers in the film’s big scenes Jim Carrey does get more than once chance to steal the show… something that he does remarkably well. Even Carrey’s haters will have to admit after watching this film that his portrayal of Robotnik ranges from the comic to the intense as he relishes playing a character that is insanely evil.

If you loved the first Sonic movie then there is a good chance that you will enjoy the second as well. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 provides something for audience members of all ages and at the end of the day is just good old-fashioned wholesome fun.

Dave’s rating Out Of 5

Average Subculture Rating:

Other Subculture Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Reviews:

Nil

Trailer:

07Mar

[FILM NEWS] DC LEAGUE OF SUPERPETS New Trailer Released

Posted in Action, Adventure, Animation, Family/Kids, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News | Leave a comment

Featuring the voices of: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa Bayer, Natasha Lyonne, Diego Luna, Marc Maron, Thomas Middleditch, Ben Schwartz and Keanu Reeves.

In DC League of Super-Pets, Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side. When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack—Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel—to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes.

02Mar

[FILM NEWS] New FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE Trailer Released

Posted in Action, Adventure, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, News, Sci-Fi / Fantasy | Leave a comment

Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?

The film features an ensemble cast, including Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”), two-time Oscar nominee Jude Law (“Cold Mountain”, “The Talented Mr. Ripley”), Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, William Nadylam, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, Victoria Yeates, Poppy Corby-Tuech, Fiona Glascott, Katherine Waterston, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Richard Coyle, Oliver Masucci, Valerie Pachner and Mads Mikkelsen.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” was directed by David Yates, from a screenplay by J.K. Rowling & Steve Kloves, based upon a screenplay by J.K. Rowling. The film was produced by David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves, Lionel Wigram and Tim Lewis. Neil Blair, Danny Cohen, Josh Berger, Courtenay Valenti and Michael Sharp served as executive producers.

The film’s behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography George Richmond (“Rocketman”, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”), three-time Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig (“The English Patient”, “Dangerous Liaisons”, “Gandhi”, the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films) and production designer Neil Lamont (“Solo: A Star Wars Story”, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”), Yates’ longtime editor Mark Day (“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”, the last four “Harry Potter” films), films), Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Christian Mänz (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1”, the “Fantastic Beasts” films) and four-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Chicago”, “Memoirs of a Geisha”, “Alice in Wonderland”, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”). The music is by nine-time Oscar nominee James Newton Howard (“News of the World”, “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”, “Defiance”, “Michael Clayton”, “The Hunger Games” films).

27Feb

[FILM REVIEW] UNCHARTED Review (2022)

Posted in Action, Adventure, Film, Film Genre, Home Page | Leave a comment

Summary:  Street-smart Nathan Drake is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan, and lost 500 years ago by the House of Moncada.

Year: 2022

Cinema Release Dates:  17th February 2022 (Australia), 17th February 2022 (Thailand), 11th February 2022 (UK), 18th February 2022 (USA)

VOD Release Dates: TBA

Country: USA, Spain

Director: Ruben Fleischer

Screenwriter: Matt Holloway, Rafe Judkins, Art Marcum

Cast: Sophia Ali (Chloe Frazer), Pilou Asbaek (Gage), Joesph Balderrama (Carlos), Antonio Banderas (Santiago Moncada), Alana Boden (Zoe), Manuel de Blas (Armando Moncada), Tati Gabrielle (Braddock), Georgia Goodman (Sister Bernadette), Tom Holland (Nathan Drake), Tiernan Jones (Young Nate), Pingo Moli (Hugo), Rudy Pankow (Young Sam), Serena Posadino (Goldie), Steven Waddington (The Scotsman), Mark Wahlberg (Victor Sullivan)

Running Time: 116 mins

Classification: M (Australia), G (Thailand), 12A (UK), PG-13 (USA)

OUR UNCHARTED REVIEWS

David Griffiths’ Uncharted Review:

For gamers one of the most anticipated video game to film adaptations over the past few years has been Uncharred. Before Hollywood even became aware of the game’s popularity it felt like gamers were already calling out for it. And it wasn’t just gamers in front of the PlayStations who were interested to see what would happen, there were high profile actors and directors – including the likes of David O. Russell and Robert De Niro who were putting their hands to be involved should the project ever get off the ground.

Well some years later and it has taken PlayStation getting their own studio off the ground to see the film finally be released in cinemas. The good things for all of those who have been calling out for the film is that it remains true to the games themselves while remaining highly entertaining for those who have never held a controller in their lives.

Directed by Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland) Uncharted introduces the audience to the adventurous life of Nathan Drake (Tom Holland – Spider-Man: No Way Home). Introduced to the idea that famed explore Ferdinand Magellan’s crew hid a fortune of gold during their round the world voyage by his older brother Drake has always been fascinated by history.

But since his brother’s disappearance years earlier he has spent his time working in a New York Bar which allows him to steal from the socialites that often frequent it. However, his interest in Magellan’s gold comes flooding back after he meets the untrustworthy Victor Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg – Boogie Nights) who recruits him on a quest to find the elusive fortune.

Soon Drake finds himself teamed up with Sullivan and the alluring Chloe Frazer (Sophia Ali – The Wilds) in a deadly game to find the gold before the rich Santiago Maoncada (Antonio Banderas – The Mask Of Zorro) and his ruthless ally Braddock (Tati Gabrielle – The 100) find it first.

To be honest Uncharted is a much better film then it should be. Going into the film you could be forgiven for thinking that it is going to be an Indiana Jones knock-off, but through interesting characters and an engrossing plot Fleischer and his team of screenwriters have been able to give Uncharted a legend of its own… and made a pretty decent film along the way.

The film’s plot winds its way through the world that these characters live in and is loaded with so much suspense that the audience is kept guessing at who Drake can trust at every single turn. Raising the suspense even further is the fact that Fleischer reveals very early on that he is not worried about killing off main characters either.

Enhancing the film even more is the fact that while blockbusters like Death on The Nile and Moonfall were using green screen during Covid times Uncharted goes all out shooting in exotic locations which really come to the fore during the aerial boat sequences that use some of Thailand’s picturesque islands for a back-drop. This sequence is going to be one of the highlights of cinema in 2022.

Further enhancing the film are the performances of its leading men. Tom Holland throws away any of the doubts people had about Drake being younger in the film with a performance that more than cements the fact that he is one of Hollywood’s best leading men at the moment. His performance here alongside his work in the Marvel universe who perhaps suggests that he is now one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars as well. No matter what is thrown at him in this film – dramatic dialogue driven scenes with Sophia Ali, stunts where he is hanging off a plane or delivering some comedic relief  – he delivers it with skill.

Likewise Mark Wahlberg shows why he beat a list of anyone who is anything in Hollywood to land the role of Sullivan. Like Hollywood he takes to the comic side-relief lines with brilliance and of course is more than capable when it comes to action sequences.

Then there is Sophia Ali who certainly announces herself with this film. She plays a role here where the audience is never sure whether they should hate her or love here but in doing so they find themselves drawn to her and luckily it seems like she is going to have a major role in the sequel.

Uncharted goes above and beyond what any cinema fan expected it to be. In a rare double the film not only stays true to the video games it is based on but also because of its interesting characters and amazing stunts and effects becomes a film that fans of blockbuster cinema will also warm to.

Dave’s rating Out Of 5

Alex First, Greg King and Peter Krausz’s Marry Me Review:

Alex’s rating Out Of 5:

Greg’s rating Out Of 5:

Peter’s rating Out Of 5:

Average Subculture Rating:

Other Subculture Uncharted Reviews:

You can read our review of Blacklight that appeared in The Phuket News here –

https://www.thephuketnews.com/uncharted-finds-its-place-on-the-big-screen-83161.php

Trailer:

05Jan

[FILM REVIEW] THE KING’S MAN Review (2021)

Posted in Action, Adventure, Film, Film Genre, Home Page, Thriller, War | Leave a comment

Summary:  In the early years of the 20th century, the Kingsman agency is formed to stand against a cabal plotting a war to wipe out millions.

Year: 2021

Cinema Release Dates:  6th January 2022 (Australia), 31st December 2021 (Thailand), 26th December 2021 (UK), 22nd December 2021 (USA)

VOD Release Dates: TBA

Country: Germany, UK, ,USA, France, Italy

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Screenwriter: Matthew Vaughn, Karl Gajdusek

Cast: Ross Anderson (Corporal Johnstone), Robert Aramayo (Sergeant Major Atkins), Gemma Arterton (Polly), Lucia Jade Barker (Grand Duchess Olga), Joel Basman (Gavrilo Princip), Todd Boyce (Dupont), Daniel Bruhl (Erik Jan Hanussen), Callum Chiplin (Declan Nell), Ron Cook (Archduke Franz Ferdinand Of Austria), Max Count (Young King George), Charles Dance (Kitchener), Dora Davis (Grand Duchess Maria), Harris Dickinson (Conrad Oxford), August Diehl (Vladimir Lenin), Barbara Drennan (Sophie, Duchess Of Hohenberg), Ralph Fiennes (Orlando Oxford), Rosie Goddard (Grand Duchess Anastasia), Matthew Goode (Morton), George Gooderham (Young Tsar Nicholas), Tom Hollander (King George/Kaiser Wilhelm/Tsar Nicholas), Djimon Hounsou (Shola), Rhys Ifans (Grigori Rasputin), Neil Jackson (Captain Forrest), Branka Katic (Tsarina Alix), Ian Kelly (President Woodrow Wilson), Alexandra Maria Lara (Emily Oxford), Nigel Lister (Arthur Zimmerman), Molly McGeachin (Grand Duchess Tatiana), Kristian Wanzl Nekrasov (General Ludendorff), Emil Oksanen (Young Kaiser Wilhelm), Valerie Pachner (Mata Hari), Alexa Povah (Queen Victoria), Alexander Shaw (Young Conrad), Alexander Shefler (Tsareich Alexei), Alison Steadman (Rita), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Archie Reid), Aaron Vodovoz (Felix Yusupov), Toby Woolf (Young Conrad)

Running Time: 130 mins

Classification: MA15+ (Australia), 18 (Thailand), 15 (UK), R (USA)

OUR THE KING’S MAN REVIEWS

David Griffiths’ The King’s Man Review:

One of the best franchises to have surfaced over the past decade has been the very British King’s Man franchise. A kind of mix between James Bond and a Quentin Tarantino film the original film not only made Taron Egerton a household name but also introduced the world of a cinema to a secret organisation that could even see Colin Firth lay waste to a room full of villains.

A second film soon followed and of course fans of the franchise soon started to ask more and more questions about this society and how it began. Well now those questions are answered as writer/director Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) returns to the universe with a prequel aptly titled The King’s Man.

The film chronicles the early days of The King’s Man organisation as widely respected pacifist Orlando Oxford(Ralph Fiennes – Schindler’s List) works with his hired help, Polly (Gemma Arterton – Clash Of The Titans) and Shola (Djimon Hounsou – Guardians of The Galaxy), to investigate a cabal that he believes he is working to keep World War I continuing as long as they can.

While the cabal, which is headed by Morton (Matthew Goode – Stoker) and aided by the likes of Rasputin (Rhys Ifans – The Amazing Spider-Man), are playing out their cunning plan Orlando finds himself wanting to try and end the war anyway he can after his only son, Conrad (Harris Dickinson – Beach Rats), expresses an interest in enlisting.

The term prequel when it comes to an established franchise is often a scary notion but Vaughn has delivered an absolute classic with this film – it is easily better than the second film and gives the audience a great insight into the organisation and the characters that started it.

The power of this film though is that Vaughn is more than willing to try various things throughout the film. Yes, the traditional action sequences that made the first film so special are back, but added to that is the fact that Vaughn has a real handle on characterisation this time. Then there is also the brilliant screenplay, which is co-written by Karl Gajdusek (Oblivion), which goes from tear-jerking moments to laughs with ease and is never afraid to mix genres as well. The scene in which a trio of king’s men take on Raputin has just the right mix of comedy and action and is one of the best cinematic moments of the year, as is one of the film’s biggest twists that we unfortunately can’t talk about here as it would be a spoiler for a major plot point.

The strongest point of this script though is the relationship that Vaughn stets up between Orlando and Conrad. The dynamics between the two shift from a relationship made up care and respect through to a combative nature that makes both explore their views on the Great War. Even better is the fact that Vaughn moves away from Hollywood tropes to bring a close to the storyline that is a sheer stroke of screenwriting genius.

To the credit of the screenwriting team there are no wasted characters in this film either. While a lot of focus is placed on Orlando and Conrad that doesn’t mean that that characters of Polly and Shola are left lacking. Both have enough characterisation to make them interesting enough characters and most audience members will find that the hint that there may be a follow-up film to this one very welcoming.

The brilliant acting performances here though belong to Ralph Fiennes and Rhys Ifans. Fiennes is an acting force in this film – delivering both action and dramatic scenes amazingly well and he is well matched alongside a nearly unrecognisable Ifans playing the notorious Rasputin. The fact that Ifans is able to make the character comical while remaining a fearful villain is credit to both actor and screenplay.

The King’s Man will be loved by fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. The right mix of action and characterisation make this a memorable film while the amazing screenplay and characterisation make this a worthy entry into this already brilliant franchise.

Dave’s rating Out Of 5

Average Subculture Rating:

Other Subculture The King’s Man Reviews:

You can read our review of The King’s Man from The Phuket News here – https://www.thephuketnews.com/the-king-man-excels-82570.php

Trailer: