Film Reviews – Page 2

Set in a futuristic post apocalyptic world the film is an all out action thriller. This world is riddled by drugs and violence with the majority of people living in slums. The only people keeping order are a specially selected few called ‘Judges’ who lay down the law as they see fit. We follow ‘Judge Dredd’ (Karl Urban) with his trainee (Olivia Thirlby) as they respond to a routine triple homicide in one of the most feared neighbourhoods, a 200 foot storey tower block. What seems to be a routine case soon turns to all out bedlam as a high profile drug gang run by leader ‘Ma-Ma’ turn on the Judges. Locked in the compound with no way out and with hundreds of criminals baying for their blood, surely theres no way out for them? A weak narrative that is made up for by pure action the film is a bit hit and miss. ‘Judge Dredd’ doesn’t exactly send shivers down my spine and some moments are very corny. Despite this, the film does have some really cool shots mostly the slow mo ones, which go a bit psychedelic (obviously linking into the films narrative). The film ends in a way which means we could be seeing ‘Judge Dredd’ on our screens again in a follow up, and if I was you I would wait for that.

7/10

First published: February 3, 2013

Where?: https://willgcollege.wordpress.com/2013/02/03/dredd-by-pete-travis/

This film will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout, with sublime acting and a gripping narrative it’s without doubt one the best films I have ever seen. Set in LA it follows the leader of a white supremacist gang (Edward Norton), who commits racially motivated crimes throughout the city. After Edward Norton, who plays Derek Vineyard, is sentenced to three years in prison for killing two robbers his viewpoint however changes. His time in prison has drastically changed his outlook, but soon realises that getting out of the gang is not so easy and that his younger brother has been greatly influenced by him. Derek becomes determined to keep Danny (Edward Furlong) from going down the same violent path that he went down, but with what consequences will their past actions have. This film will leave you stunned, a must watch.

9/10

First published: February 1, 2013

Where?: https://willgcollege.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/american-history-x-by-tony-kaye/

Based on the 70’s UK TV show ‘The Sweeney’ tells the story of a division of detectives in the Metropolitan Police Force. This team, which features Ray Winston and Ben Drew (Plan B), tackles the problem of heists and robberies across the city of London. The film follows them in the pursuit of a major player in this world, who they feel has come back after a long absence. Whilst trying to resolve this situation they are also under attack from above who want to shut them down, feeling their rough tactics and alleged abusing of the law is tarnishing the police’s reputation. The film is an all in action thriller including numerous car chases, gun battles and obviously Ray Winston’s ‘charm.’ Despite all the action, the film really lacks a strong narrative and you are sometimes left laughing at some of the comical and corny scenes. Ray Winston lives up to the stereotypical bad cop and plays the role well with much admiration of how Ben Drew (Plan B) took on his part in the film. Overall it lacks in storyline and struggles to keep your full attention throughout, if you’re a fan of Jason Statham or ‘The Expendables’ then this might be the film for you, but for me it’s not one that’s going to live long in the memory.

6/10

First published: January 27, 2013

Where?: https://willgcollege.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/the-sweeney-by-nick-love/

Jonathan Levine’s ’50/50′ tells the story of a 27 year old male who is diagnosed with a rare cancer in his back, leaving his life in turmoil. His seemingly perfect lifestyle is left in tatters. He is sent to a theropist to help him psychology get over these sudden turn of events, although cynical about her theories and methods a bond is formed between them. Dealing with his over-caring mother, party animal best friend and a strained relationship with his girlfriend the film is extremely touching and thought-provoking, taking you through a variety of emotions along the way. Well worth a watch.

8/10

First published: December 12, 2012

Where?: https://willgcollege.wordpress.com/2012/12/12/5050-by-jonathan-levine/

Category: Film Reviews

Film Review: Dredd, directed by Pete Travis

Film Review: American History X, directed by Tony Kaye

Film Review: The Sweeney, directed by Nick Love

Film Review: 50/50, directed by Jonathan Levine