Day 269 – The Empire Strikes Back – 1980

How do you make a successful sequel to one of the greatest movies of all time? You make your story darker than you ever thought. George Lucas did exactly that with The Empire Strikes Back, with its tone and look. He even created one of the greatest pieces of deception a filmmaker has ever done. Directed by Irvin Kershner, and a script was written by Lawrence Kasdan and Leigh Brackett, and story by George Lucas. The film was a huge success, thanks to fans returning to the franchise, and many believe this Star Wars film to be the best of the original trilogy.

Luke Skywalker and Han Solo are on the ice planet Hoth investigating a probe droid. Luke is attacked by a Wampa, so Han is sent to locate him. Leia at the same time realises the Empire have located the Rebel Base on Hoth and have come to attack. Luke fights the Empire and there AT-AT, and leaves the planet to Dagobah and locate the great Jedi, Master Yoda and train with him. Han, Chewie and Leia escape the planet and go across to Bespin to find his old friend Lando Calrissian. Things run into trouble when Lando double crosses Han, Chewie and Leia with Darth Vader coming to interrogate them. Luke feeling the force realises and forfeits his Jedi Training with Master Yoda to try and save his friends before its too late.

This film has everything. I am going to list them all here.

1. A battle with spaceships on the ice planet of Hoth.
2. Lightsaber Ignition on Hoth.
3. The Millenium Falcon being chased out of the belly of a space slug.
4. Jedi Training on Dagobah.
5. A friggin X-Wing being pulled out of the watery depths of Dagobah.
6. Cloud City, and its ridiculous Cloud Cars.
7. Han Solo and the infamous “I Know” line.
8. Lightsaber Battle on Cloud City with Luke and Vader.
9. “I am your Father”
10. Boba Fett!

I don’t even need to review this film. It has everything. Emotion, Action and overall a feeling of value thanks to the love the filmmakers have for the characters. I don’t know how George Lucas did the impossible and create something greater than the original but he did.

The visual effects are also on top form with the sequence with the Falcon evading the Star Destroyer in space looking even more realistic then the last film. Hell, the film even has the moment where we meet Boba Fett and the other bounty hunters who all of which are real. You have got to love the attention to detail that Lucas and Kershner have done with the franchise. IG-88, Dengar and Bossk all are featured in the film.

You can probably tell what I think of this film. It’s incredible. It has everything. I Love STAR WARS!!!!!

Should you watch it: HELL YES.

Day 268 – The Breakfast Club – 1985

You know what, I am going to be completely honest with this review. I didn’t enjoy it. It was boring, nothing happened the characters didn’t do anything but sit there moaning about there life. A lot of people will hate me for it, but I didn’t like it. I am sorry John Hughes.

The Breakfast Club comes from the mind of Mr John Hughes and starring Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy and Paul Gleeson as the teacher Mr Vernon. Released in 1985, it was a hit at cinemas and made the stars a household name.

I will keep the plot of the story short. The five students enter detention on a Saturday for reasons unknown to the audience. They all come from different cliques from the school. They slowly learn more and more about each other during a there time in detention and become friends over the time in detention.

This film was quite boring, nothing significant happened and to be honest I was bored throughout. I have always enjoyed John Hughes films, with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off being up there as one of the greatest films ever made, and Weird Science being so wacky that it was fun. Hell, even Uncle Buck was a great film and did you know that he wrote Home Alone – the quintessential Christmas movie ever.

This film didn’t connect with me, and to be honest I think a second viewing must be in order. For now, I conclude…

Should you watch it: NO

Day 267 – Elysium – 2013

I have always enjoyed Neil Blomkamp’s films. District 9 was a realistic approach to what would happen if aliens had landed. Chappie was an interesting look into the life of a robot that has a conscience. The beauty of his films is that they all based in South Africa, different for a genre that usually based there stories in a futuristic world. Starring Matt Damon, Jodie Foster and Sharlto Copley (he is in every Neil Blomkamp film). Released in 2013, it was received by audiences as generally positive across the world.

In 2154 the world has reached the peak of its pollution. The rich and powerful have created a world in space, a central ring where they can live in harmony with the best of the earth technology and can even defeat death. Max De Costa (Matt Damon) is a former car thief who has gone straight and works on an assembly line for a company. He is exposed to a lethal dose of radiation and is it is killing him slowly. He gets word that Elysium can be reprogrammed to allow the sick inhabitants on Earth the chance to live again, and with that, he goes on a mission to take down Defense Secretary Delacourt (Jodie Foster). The only problem is she has her task force on Earth, with Agent Kruger (Sharlto Copley) leading it. It’s only a matter of time before its too late for Max.

The film was excellent. A science fiction film set primarily in a locale that we have rarely seen before, in this case, a future imagination of South Africa. It also showcases further that Neil Blomkamp was destined to direct the live-action adaptation of Halo, which never came to be. I think if they ever did make it, he was would be the man to create it.

The futuristic world of Elysium is incredible, and Blomkamp has generated the feeling that only the elite could live there with the introduction of the code tags that are imprinted on the body via laser. It’s an interesting concept which I would have liked to see further explored. The main spectacle of the film was the exo-suit that Matt Damon’s Max De Costa wears during the second half of the film, as it can be connected to the computer mainframe of Elysium and take the system offline. The visual effects in the film were also very impressive, with the slow shots of Elysium spinning in space is the best spectacle. I enjoyed the film immensely, and hope that Sony can continue this franchise in some way or form.

Techno noir is something I can never say no to, and this film has that essence built into its core.

Should you watch it: YES

Day 266 – Lethal Weapon – 1987

Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. Two of Hollywoods greatest weapons. Cop Buddy Drama. Written by one of best screenwriters of our generation and directed by the man who brought the worlds greatest superhero to the screen (Superman) – Richard Donner. The classic cop caper.

Murtagh is an old cop, who is watching his family grow up while he grows old. Riggs is a former Green Beret who is suicidal thanks to the death of his wife. He has been transferred from Narcotics because of he suicidal, and they start off feuding with each other. They butt heads over the course of the film but have to work together in order to take down a gang of drug smugglers.

This film needs no review, its a classic film from Richard Donner and writer Shane Black who wanted to create an urban western. The film actually was a buddy cop comedy, but Shane added in the aura of deception to create tension between both characters and it works very well. Also in the cast is Gary Busey, who plays “Mr Joshua”, the right-hand man of the main villain and also the craziest guy ever witnessed in a cop buddy drama. He actually plays the best role, behind the Murtaugh and Riggs.

This is a no-brainer. Of course. The sequels, not so much.

Should you watch it: YES

Day 265 – Ben-Hur – 2016

Why would Hollywood remake this classic film, and ruin it with some of the cheesiest dialogue availible to man. Thats what Director Timur Bekmambetov has done to the classic story of brother vs brother. Starring Jack Huston as the main man, Toby Kebbell as Messala the brother of Ben Hur and a large cast of actors of different calibre, the film was released in 2016 and bombed at the box office thanks to Hollywood bastardising it.

Il keep the synopsis short. Judah Ben-Hur is a prince with his adoptive brother Messala. His brother is envious of his brothers pride, and leaves to join the Roman Army. 3 years later his brother arrives in town, jealous of his brother he has him framed for a crime. He is sentenced to imprisonment, and over 5 years he seeks revenge for his murdered sister and mother. He returns home, and finds a way to get revenge on his brother and the romans for what they did.

If you have ever seen the original you would remember the scale of the film, it was made in a time where bigger was better and Ben Hur had that. It had the star power of Charlton Heston behind it, and had some of the most intricate costumes ever created for a single motion picture of the time. It was even shot on location, in Italy, and Sea battlea shot on the oceans. Then the remake comes out of nowhere and decieded to change everthing that made the original great.

To be honest I don’t blame the director for his work, I blame the studio. There insistence on replacing the classic moments of the original which relied on real locations and sets and even minuatures and replace it all with cheap CGI was the hole in the grave. Even the chariot race was laden with cheap CGI and crap footage. Who uses GoPro footage for a film that is based on the great stories of our generation. Overhype and under deliver must have the been the motto on set.

This film shoulnd have been made. Even the actors on screen look like they shouldn’t be there, especially Morgan Freeman. He is a national treasure.

Should you watch it: NO

Day 264 – Last Vegas – 2013

What do you get when you get some of the greatest actors of our generations and a wallop of cash? Last Vegas does exactly that, send them to Vegas for one last hurrah. Starring Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline. Directed by Jon Turteltaub, the man behind National Treasure and Cool Runnings and released in 2013 to many critics praising the main actors as they get better with age.

Billy Gherson (Michael Douglas), Paddy Connors (Robert De Niro), Archie Clayton (Morgan Freeman) and Sam Harris (Kevin Kline) are lifelong friends. Over the years they have kept in contact, except for Billy and Paddy who are not talking thanks to Billy not attending Paddy’s wife funeral. They head to Vegas to celebrate Billy’s wedding and have a bachelor party, and have some crazy antics along the way.

The great thing about films which celebrate stag party is their journey. This film is very good at showcasing the fun the boys have. Starting when they are young it shows them having fun, and shows them growing up. The great thing is the chemistry between all four actors, as they work off each other’s actions and it’s all so natural.

The actual idea of heading to Vegas and winning big is a big lie because it never happens, and this film just fulfils the idea that anyone could win a large amount of cash by playing blackjack. Also, this film is a throwback to the 2009 film The Hangover of which has some similarity to this film, as the men wake up with hangovers and can’t remember what this did. Similar but not the same.

The friendship that these guys convey to the audience is authentic, and it shines through the bland storyline and showcases the acting prowess of the 4 lead actors. It is also quite funny at points, which is rare when you have the big guns on screen at once. I think the addition of Kevin Kline did it for me, he is hilarious.

Should you watch it: YES

Day 263 – Waterworld – 1995

Waterworld is an American post-apocalyptic film set in the distant future starring Kevin Costner and Dennis Hopper. At the time of its release in 1995, the film was classed as the most expensive films ever made, and also one of the biggest flops in Hollywood history thanks to its weak box office returns. The film was directed by Kevin Reynolds.

The film is set in the future, where the polar ice caps have melted so all dry land has been submerged. Various humans have adapted to the Waterworld, some have mutated to survive. There have been stories that dry land exists, and the map is on the back of the young girl. The Mariner (Kevin Costner) is a man who goes from sea village to sea village to trade goods, as he can survive underwater thanks to his mutation – fish gills. He meets Enola, the young girl with the tattoo of which points to dry land, and has to stop Deacon (Dennis Hopper) the leader of the Smokers – a band of pirates who pillage everything – and stop them before its too late.

The film was notorious for being the most expensive film ever made, costing Universal $175 million dollars in 1995. The most amount of money spent on a single motion picture.

The problem I had with the film was that the entire plot was based on water, and there was no mixture of colour. The palette was incredibly boring, and also the character of The Mariner played by Costner was really dull. He had nothing fun to say, and his body language was more of a killer than a hero. I think it was the fact that Kevin Costner was becoming a backseat director and that’s why original director Kevin Reynolds left the film during production. The only good thing about the film was Dennis Hopper and his mad Deacon character, which suits him perfectly like the character he played in Speed – Starring God himself – Keanu Reeves.

The film’s premise is an interesting experience, but thanks to a bleak colour palette and a lame story the film ultimately sucked. He did the same thing a couple of years later with The Postman, another film similar to this where he plays a postman on a mission to deliver a letter.

Should you watch it: NO

Day 262 – The House – 2017

I feel like some comedy films containing Will Ferrell try too hard to get you to laugh, and mixing that with not so funny comedic partner – Amy Poehler, and we have The House. Directed by Andrew J Cohen, and starring Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler and Jason Mantzoukas (the weed guy from Bad Grandpa), it was released in 2017 to weak reviews.

Scott (Will Ferrell) and Kate (Amy Poehler) have been gambling on there daughter to get a scholarship with the local community and not have to worry about college. Unfortunately for them, it goes belly up, and the scholarship is lost. They then have to figure out how to pay for college for there daughter. They meet neighbour Frank (Jason Mantzoukas) and discuss options. One idea was the create an underground gambling operation in Franks house to help pay for college and pay Franks gambling losses. It’s only a matter of time before the local mafia clocks on, and take down The House.

Now, this film contains some funny sequences, all thanks to the comedic timings of Jason Mantzoukas and Will Ferrell. The problem with the film is the filmmaker’s attributions with the story. Its very basic and has no real correlation with the on-screen sequences we as an audience view. Some moments are satirical of another film such as the Godfather and Scarface but take out of context thanks to the who the film is aimed at – Generation Z – people born during the end of the 90’s who would have never seen the Godfather or Scarface.

The plot is thin, and the overall character development is weak thanks to the crazy scenarios. Both Poehler and Ferrell are at their weakest comedic performance in this, and thanks to the weak script the film falls flat. The only good thing about this film is the appearance of Jeremy Renner – who generally is a legend in everything he does.

Should you watch it: NO

Day 261 – The 40 Year Old Virgin – 2005

Now I remember in 2005 going to the cinema to see this film and remember walking out gasping for air because it was that funny. It was the start of director Judd Apatow’s comedic direction career and created the start of Steve Carell’s life of Hollywoods funniest man (at the time). Released in 2005, and starring Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco and Seth Rogan – the film was received by critics and audiences as one of the funniest films of the year and praised Steve Carell for his portrayal of a man without libido. Hilarious.

Andy (Steve Carell) is a 40-year-old man who lives in an apartment laden with thousands of action figures and video games. He works at the local electronics store with David (Paul Rudd), Cal (Seth Rogan), and Jay (Romany Malco). One day during a conversation they find out that Andy is a Virgin. Never having sex before, the team set out to get Andy laid. During his ordeal, Andy meets Trish (Catherine Keener) and slowly pursues a relationship with her. That’s where the hilarity ensues.

The film was actually shot with a lot of improvised comedy, thanks to the team of actors on set. It worked incredibly well thanks to Judd Apatow’s direction and the cast all playing along. The team worked so well that he used them in various other projects after this film.

The comedy concept was the best thing about this film, with Andy getting in some hilarious sequences such as the speed dating locale, the waxing situation and the moment he gets into bed with Trish for the first time. Each one perfectly executed to the utmost best of comedic potential – and fresh each time watched. Sub cast such as Paul Rudd, Romany Malco and Seth Rogan are perfectly cast as the friends who want Andy to do well and set out to create some interesting scenarios for him. It’s reminiscent of the old raunchy 80’s sex comedies such as Good Times at Ridgemont High and Animal House.

Overall this film is too funny to miss, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Should you watch it: YES

Day 260 – Boyz n The Hood – 1991

This was John Singleton’s first feature film, and at the age of 23 was one of the youngest men in Hollywood to be nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of young black American living in the ghetto of Los Angeles in the late 80’s and early nineties. It also made stars out of Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr and Morris Chestnut. Released in 1991, the film garnered a large cult following and rave reviews across the world.

The film follows the lives of three young men, Tre, Doughboy and Ricky as they go from kids to young adults and the escapades they go on during this time. As adults Tre (Cuba Gooding Jr) has moved out and has become less of a thug – and wants to attend college after graduating. Doughboy (Ice Cube) has recently been released from jail and is a member of the Crip gang from the West Coast. Ricky (Morris Chestnut) is a sportsman whose life is based on his mother, girlfriend and their young son. Their lives are called into question when race, relationships, violence and there future are brought forward by various influences across their lives.

Now this film was very popular back in the early 90’s thanks to Ice Cube being in one of the biggest musical groups of our generation – N.W.A. His stardom made this film big thanks to the star power he had, and also made John Singleton a big movie director thanks to his age, race and the way he made films. It also had F.F Gary Grey (Director of The Italian Job and Straight outta Compton) as a camera operator on set.

The good thing about this film was how raw it was to the audience, no piggybacking on other stories but self-contained and how it really was on the streets of Los Angeles back in the day.  John Singleton used his own experience and then expanded on it with more detail. He also brought onboard some good talent with the likes of  Lawrence Fishburne and Angela Bassett as Furious (father of Tre) and Reva (Mother to Ricky). Them combined with the other cast members created a great sense of pride within the film, and it was furthermore showcased with the acting from Cuba Gooding Jr, Ice Cube and Morris Chestnut.

 This film is not an easy watch thanks to its notorious language and its themes of death which are laden across its impressive story. But I definitely recommend it once to watch.

Should you watch it: YES