Haywire by name..

Haywire (2011)

Directed by Steven Soderbergh this film stars Gina Carano, Ewan Mgregor, Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum, Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas and Bill Paxton. A special agent for a private security firm is framed by someone.

This film is littered with problems, firstly the script is convoluted and left me pretty confused as to what the actual conspiracy was (not in a good way). When you cast a mixed martial arts fighter in as the protagonist shooting so many of the action sequences so her face is not visible seems to defeat the point of casting her in the first place. When it comes to the supporting cast you have to say it is a case of so much talent given so little to do.

2/5

Resistable

Resistance (2011)

Based on the novel of the same name this film directed by Amit Gupta stars Andrea Riseborough, Tom Wlaschiha and Michael Sheen. In an alternate 1944 Britain is invaded by Germany and the women of a Welsh valley are left to deal with the occupiers by their husbands.

While the premise of this film is fairly interesting the plot never really goes anywhere, preferring to skirt around the issues rather than get to grips with them. Wales provides an excellent backdrop for the film with some stunning scenery but that is about the best thing in this film. Unfortunately I think this is another case of trying to take a novel where all the conflict is internal and trying to transfer it to a medium that specialises in external conflict.

2/5

There is another

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Directed by Irvin Kershner this sequel stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Billy Dee Williams. Following the destruction of the death star in the previous film the Empire looks to hunt down the rebels while Luke continues his training as a Jedi.

Often this film is the highest rated of the series and it is easy to see why as it takes everything from the original and adds a level of philosophy as well as a good amount of character development. There are more great action sequences which include the opening battle in the snow and the slight changes made by Lucas in the re-release do help clean up some of the special effects. The extra budget available for the film also help put the film just a notch above it's predecessor.

5/5

Zulu 2: Zulu Harder

Zulu Dawn (1979)

Directed by Douglas Hickox this film stars Peter O'Toole, Burt Lanchaster, Sir John Mills and Denholm Elliot. In 1879 a British column is set to launch an invasion of Zulu land in South Africa.

Made 15 years after Zulu (1964) this attempt at a prequel has an all star cast and a fairly large budget. While the script is again provided by Cy Endfield this time the direction really lets it down in comparison to the original. While the scenery provides a great back drop to the film the all important battle is too small a part of the film and really suffers from now having a more detailed view.

2/5

Actually pretty normal

Crazy, stupid, Love. (2011)

Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa this film stars Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore and Emma Stone. A young ladies man takes an older man going through the break up of his marriage under his wing.

There is a whole host of acting talent involved with this film but sadly most of them do not have much to work with. By far the funniest person in the film is Emma Stone and I can not help but think this film would have worked better if the Emma Stone/Ryan Gosling story line was the central one as it is more interesting than the main plot which has been played out plenty of times in film. Most of the film is pretty good and there is a great twist but the transformation scene at the end really pushes the boundaries on cheesy, trite, rubbish that you have seen plenty of times before.

3/5

Gun bad

The Iron Giant (1999)

Based on a book by Ted Hughes this animated film from director Brad Bird includes the voice talent of Eli Marienthal, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr. and Vin Diesel. During the 1950s in America a robot from outer space makes friends with a boy.

Despite being based on the novel “The Iron Man” there are a number of departures from the plot of the book and it serves more as a character inspiration. With themes of Cold War pacifism and anti violence it does seem like this film maybe made a few decades late but it is still well worth watching as it is entertaining and has a number of really funny moments. The voice acting is good but there are no stand out moments and like wise the animation is sufficient but not much more.

4/5

Bodies in the Bayou

Texas Killing Fields (2011)

Directed by Ami Canaan Mann this film stars Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Sam Worthington, Jessica Chastain and Chloe Grace Moretz. Three detectives in Texas struggle to deal with the number of murder victims being dumped in the bayous.

Loosely based on real events I think it is safe to say this film is more likely inspired by real events rather than necessarily based in fact. The plot is a pretty dark tale of obsession but is nothing particularly original. While the film has a pretty good atmosphere Sam Worthington's accent is patchy at best and sometimes a little undecipherable.

3/5