cat_ranchero

This one has been on my list for some time and I've had it on my PVR disc for a while now. Finally an opportune time-slot came up and I got the chance to give it a viewing. I have to say it was everything I had expected and more. A lot more humour in it than anticipated which was very welcome, with one particular set of scenes featuring our hero and the bodyguards of one of the bad guys that I found very amusing. I find that sometimes these films take themselves far too seriously and that is usually to their detriment; not the case here. Although not as polished as I would have expected, I still liked it despite the rough hewn edges to the production. Decent performances all round with Danny Trejo doing a very decent job as the lead, Machete Cortez. Also on the good-guys side we had Jessica Alba as Satrana and Michelle Rodriguez as Luz, nice eye candy but without too much substance. Chief among the bad guys were; Robert De Niro as Senator John McLaughlin, Steven Seagal as Rogelio Torrez and Jeff Fahey as Michael Booth; the pick of these being Fahey, mainly because he had a lot more screen time. Over all I found it a very entertaining film that didn't tax the little grey cells too much. It's pretty gory so definitely not one for the squeamish; just remember to check your brain in at the door and I'm certain you'll enjoy Machete.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 6.6/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Very well made with a nice pacey start that really grabs your attention. Sadly, it cannot maintain that rate, but it soon settles down as we get to know the various characters. I did find all the to-and-fro with flashbacks a little confusing at times, but it soon sorted itself out. On the performance front, everyone did an excellent job but the stand- out by some margin (for me) was Michael Shannon. He really does play the slightly psychotic cop so very well. I felt the final pay-off didn't quite live up to its initial promise, but I found it entertaining enough. Well worth a look; but don't put a stopwatch on it.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.2/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Although I liked this film I did find it a little too long; in fact I have to admit that I watched it in two halves. From a totally stunning sequence at the start I felt it lost momentum for a while, that was until I became embroiled in the drama of Whip Whitaker's story. It's quite a tale and an excellent performance from Denzel Washington holds it all together quite brilliantly. I also thought Kelly Reilly did a pretty good job as well. But back to the opening sequence for a moment, for me it ranks as one of the best special effects driven sequences I've seen in a very long time and hats off to all involved. Taken as a whole, the film does take the audience on quite a journey and I know for some it couldn't quite live up to that crash sequence. For me I thought it held together pretty well, mainly thanks to the acting skills of Mr Washington. Over all, definitely worth a watch but don't get blown away by the crash sequence, there's a lot more depth to it than that.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.8/10

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

I have to admit I enjoyed this one; yes, they do make certain rules about time travel and then immediately break them, but that's not what the story is about. And yes, it is about well off white people, but again, if I wanted a film that was politically correct and socially aware I don't think I'd have Richard Curtis write it. No, this was pure escapism for me and I happily went along for the ride. Great performances all round, but the stand-out for me was Bill Nighy; he really nailed the part of the dad for me. I have to say I liked the soundtrack as well with many contemporary tunes littered along the way. So it made me laugh and I even shed a tear towards the end and there's not many films can do that. I admit I'm a bit of a sucker for the occasional Rom-Com and this one had just the right ingredients for me.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.2/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

There is plenty of action with a fight scene every five minutes (or so it seems); the pacing is kept pretty high throughout also. There are many impressive set-pieces with many tricks we've seen before being re- used. For me, this wasn't a problem; I wanted to be entertained and that's just what I got. There is quite a high gore-factor though, so it's definitely not one for the squeamish. All the performances were very good with Russell Crowe, despite a very Aussie sounding English accent, standing out for me. I was impressed with RZA; I thought he did a very decent job taking on the dual role of actor and director. Lucy Liu was as reliable as ever and I also liked the performances of Rick Yune and Byron Mann. It's quite a simple tale told with a very highly paced action orientated script. It's well made and did just what it said on the tin. This is one of those where I'm going to disagree with popular opinion and give it more credit than most because I didn't think it was that bad.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 6.6/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

A film very much in the style of the 1930's classic horrors, it never pauses for a laugh and never misses a beat. I admire that it's all taken so seriously and that the actors play it so straight. This gives it a bit of an edge over more modern takes on the genre (for me). Although none of the performances could be called great, I thought both Jeffrey Combs and David Gale come out on top. I really liked the musical score by Richard Band, almost a homage to the great horrors of the past. Over all, an intriguing film that I ended up enjoying despite a totally ludicrous story line; definitely worth a look for any horror fan. Be warned though, it's definitely NOT for the squeamish.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.2/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

If anything I found this one a little too complex; there were several threads that seemed totally unrelated to the main thrust of the story. It's also, I felt, a little too long; the filmmakers are asking quite a lot for an audience to concentrate for two hours and fifteen minutes. It is slow paced, but I didn't particularly mind that; I'm used to the noir style and it is usually quite a slow burner. Some great performances with Chris Cooper coping well with the leading role and Kris Kristofferson playing the villain of the peace with gusto. Also we have Elizabeth Peña, who did an excellent job as the female lead and a small part for Matthew McConaughey as Buddy Deeds. Although it does have its problems I still found it an excellent watch; definitely one to look out for for all you noir fans out there.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.5/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Beautifully animated with all the style and grace of Miyazaki's work. It is distinctively his own and I hope nobody ever tries to copy it. I saw it in the 'Americanised' Disney version with some well known names in the cast. For me though, I feel it always loses something; I would have rather seen it with its original Japanese soundtrack. For some reason, that gives it a little more authenticity and also makes it a little more mystical. But the English language version was OK too with the likes of Cate Blanchett as Granmamere, Liam Neeson as Fujimoto, Tina Fey as Lisa, Matt Damon as Kôichi, Frankie Jonas as Sôsuke and (of course) Noah Lindsey Cyrus as Ponyo. They all did a pretty good job. I very much liked to music by Joe Hisaishi as well, it has a great feel to it and fits the visuals really well. Over all, although I'm far from the target audience, I have to say I really enjoyed this engaging mystical tale. Maybe one for a very young audience, which proves I must be young at heart, but certainly a worthy watch.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.2/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Filled with some crazy characters, this one certainly catches your attention and refuses to let go. Nicolas Cage is at his best playing the larger than life Sailor Ripley and Laura Dern does a great job as Lula. I thought Diane Ladd as Marietta was truly excellent and Willem Defoe was also great as the sleazy Bobby Peru. You cannot fail to notice the many references to 'The Wizard of Oz'; a theme that runs throughout. Unfortunately I found the film ran too long, there's only so long you can put up with all the craziness. It reaches a point where we lose one of the main threads that have been running through the first two thirds of the film and I found that quite distracting. Still, it's worth a look for a decent Cage performance and the, almost comic-book, like characterisations from Lynch (well at least for the first two thirds).

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 6.9/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

I found it a little hard to get into at first with Bradley Cooper over- acting in places, which was beginning to put me off. The introduction of Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) though changed all that and the narrative began to make more sense. All the performances were excellent with (for me) Jennifer Lawrence standing out. Yes, I know De Niro is there but he's really not a major character although he does play his part very well. Bradley Cooper was good, but no better really than I have seen him before. The action is littered with an awful lot of music, some I was familiar with and some not so much; all of it fitted the visuals well though and it made for a welcome enhancement to the entertainment. Over all I found it a well rounded romantic comedy (with some drama thrown in for good measure) and just a twist of quirkiness. It even touched me on an emotional level (a rare thing these days) so it gets a pretty high recommendation from me.

SteelMonster's verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.3/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

This film was billed as a comedy but I found it so darkly comic that I could almost take it as a straight-up drama. All the performances were excellent with both Robert and Robin Hill putting in stellar turns. A cross between a kitchen sink drama and a fly-on-the-wall documentary, I found the filming style made for a compelling watch. Unfortunately there were a couple of niggles. They are supposed to be drug dealers but we see no drug dealing going on. Also, the police were very conspicuous by their absence; not one policeman seen all the way through. You'd have thought the police would definitely be watching someone with their track record. Other than that I found it an interesting and compelling watch. Just a word for the squeamish though, Ben Wheatley does not hold back on the violence. There are a couple of quite graphic scenes in there that might have you wincing.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.1/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Well made with many baseball references that went well over my head but that didn't matter. The film isn't about that, it's about relationships and as such I found it an engaging watch. Both Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams were excellent in this; I admire them both as actors and they didn't disappoint. Justin Timberlake gets better each time I see him, I just wish he'd stop making those awful records! (It's a joke folks). Also worthy of note were Matthew Lillard as Phillip Sanderson, Robert Patrick as Vince and John Goodman as Pete Klein. It's not a tear-jerker or a heart rending tale but I found it did strike an emotional chord with me. If, like me, you admire Eastwood and Adams then it's well worth a look.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.1/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Very well made with all the usual tropes you expect from and Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg script. There are an awful lot of references to their past work and very subtle nods to other films along the way. I guess you'd have to watch it many times to get them all. All the performances were excellent with Frost and Pegg taking centre stage (of course) but with the talent on show, nobody could really put a foot wrong. Oh, and I have to mention Rosamund Pike who plays the female lead, Sam Chamberlain, I thought she was excellent as well. So was it just a clone of 'Shaun of the Dead'? Well, it has many similarities but the characters are all different and the antagonist is also different. So not a direct clone but you can see where it came from. Over all, I liked it, an entertaining romp well worth a look.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.7/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

I remember when I first saw this film (many years ago); I found it quite slow and plodding. This time I appreciated much more the measured approach taken by the director. It gives the audience time to take in the story and become familiar with the strange world he has created. Yes, there are a few clichés in there, the medieval village with a 17th century manor house and the fact the snakes (big ones) live in an English forest did seem kind of wrong to me. Also in the 'dislike' column came the musical score; sorry but synth's just don't cut it any more. May have sounded cool at the time but now it's just too damn cheesy. Okay, so what's to like; well, first there's the performance of Sarah Patterson, who I though did a truly excellent job given the talent she was working with. I also liked the special effects; all mechanical with not a hint of CGI (after all, it didn't really exist back then). I really liked the way the story was structured but it could have done without the 'modern day' bits tagged on to either end. Over all I found it an entertaining watch and something every horror fan should have seen at least once.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.3/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

A well shot film making full use of its surroundings, Istanbul in this case. Well paced with the level action keeping the adrenalin pumping almost from the start. The performances were all very good although I felt nobody was particularly stretched. Liam Neeson was his usual self as Bryan Mills, Maggie Grace was good as daughter Kim, as was Famke Janssen as wife Lenore. Also worthy of note was Rade Serbedzija as major bad guy, Murad Krasniqi. It was OK as a piece of entertainment but I felt it didn't do anything the first film didn't. You usually expect a sequel to expand on the story of the first but this one virtually told the same story but with a couple of alterations. It seemed like the studio (Fox) were just out to cash in on the success of the first one. I'm just glad I didn't go and watch it in a cinema but still, if you want entertainment that won't stretch the little grey cells to much, then this is the one for you.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED (Just)

My score: 6.3/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

The film is beautifully shot, making full use of the various surroundings they find themselves in. The use of music from the period was quite effective also, not always to my taste, but it seemed to fit pretty well. As to performances, well, all the major parts were excellently portrayed with Philip Seymour Hoffman standing out. I found I really paid attention to every scene he was in; without him, meaning no disrespect to the other actors involved, it kind of fell flat. I though Amy Adams was excellent too, although I felt she was underused. There appeared to be an awful lot of improvisation, particularly from Joaquin Phoenix and I found these scenes very hit and miss. I sometimes felt like I was watching an acting class. As far as the narrative goes, well I found it meandering; it was very slow (not that this is always a bad thing) and when we did get to a point it would then go off in a totally different direction. Over all, it didn't stand out as the particularly outstanding work the critics seem to think it is; but then again, I don't have to watch all the dross they have to on a day to day basis. Maybe I have to watch a lot of really bad films and then watch this one again, but for now it's 'Recommended', but only just.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 6.1/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

I found this a bit of a contradictory film; on one had there are some really great performances, on the other; I found it hard to see the motivation behind some of the actions taking place on the screen. Maybe I'm not as good at reading characters as I thought; but then again, it's a very long time since I was a twelve(ish) year old boy. As to the performances, well, I thought both Thomas Doret and Cécile De France were truly excellent. I can't say we really got to see the gritty realism of the streets of Belgium because it wasn't all that gritty, or maybe that's as gritty as Belgium gets. It was, however, well made but didn't do anything particularly extraordinary. Worth a look? Definitely, but I don't think I'll be giving it a repeat viewing anytime soon.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.1/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Although I found it an interesting concept, I found it quite hard to engage with any of the characters. Having said that, I did find I had a bit of a soft spot for Betty. It's pretty well made, although I did feel I was watching a soap half the time. There were far too many coincidental events going on that allowed the plot to progress. The performances were all pretty good with Renée Zellweger easily standing out. Morgan Freeman was, well, Morgan Freeman; he just seems to play every part the same these days. Chris Rock was a bit of a surprise for me, playing the hot headed Wesley with great aplomb and a great degree of swearing. Over all though, I found it a little disappointing despite the decent performances, it never really got going.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED (Just)

My score: 5.9/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Beautifully shot using a very theatrical style. In fact the majority of the action uses a theatre as its backdrop and I even spotted a section of stop-motion animation at one point. Sumptuous costumes, for which it won an Oscar, and some brilliantly choreographed set pieces are the backbone of this production. Of course we must not forget it is a drama and there's plenty of that with some really excellent performances to back it up. Keira Knightly went up in my estimation with this one; as did Jude Law; they both put in great performances. Also worthy of note was Aaron Taylor-Johnson; who I have watched with interest over the past few years and is rapidly growing into a very fine actor (& yes, he is that guy from 'Kick-Ass'). I was a little concerned that it may be a case of 'style over substance', but as it wore on I became more and more engrossed in the characters and the storyline. I guess this shows that the drama did manage to shine through (at least for me). The only thing that let it down was the fact the sub-plot involving Levin and Kitty didn't really have a lot to do with Anna and Vronsky by the time we saw the last of them; it seemed a little disjointed. Over all though, a very worthy watch and one, I'm sure my sister would definitely enjoy!

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.7/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

I found this one a little difficult to follow, but at the same time it was quite a compelling watch. The connections between the three acts of the plot are, at times, quite hard to knit together, but it does all tie up in the end. Very bloody and quite daring (for its time) with quite a bit of nudity; I can imagine it was a little controversial, to say the least, on release. I won't say too much about the performances, but needless to say I couldn't find too much to complain about. I can't say I understood much of the religious allegory that was mentioned in the blurb, but it was entertaining enough.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 6.3/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

The film starts off very stylish, looking every bit the classic cop movies of the 70's and 80's. Sadly it does not keep this early promise and soon slips into the usual cliché's that have haunted many more recent cop films. I found it very hard to connect with any of the characters, although all the performances were very good. I did particularly like Werner Herzog as The Zec, a particularly shady character; other than that it was pretty mundane. I found it a bit bloated and over-long although it did pick up towards the end.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED (Just)

My score: 5.8/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

To say this film is bizarre is to put it extremely mildly; in places, it's down-right bonkers! However, I did find it strangely compelling, if a little difficult to follow here and there. I'm usually pretty good at following foreign language films; even those with subtitles, but this one just lost me a couple of times. At times it was very violent and it could be also very comic; touching drama and even horrific; it seems to touch many genres. There were some excellent special effects; all practical effects as far as I could see; and some of these were truly stunning (particularly one near the end). Over all though, I did find it a tad over long and a little frustrating to follow (too many metaphors, maybe?). Even so, I will deem it 'recommended' for its' innovative effects and some compelling (if confusing) story telling.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 5.8/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Filmed entirely in black and white and on a budget, I thought the filmmakers did a pretty good job. All the performances were excellent with Reece Shearsmith and Michael Smiley standing out. There are many unexpected plot twists in this one; it certainly keeps the audience on their toes. Quite a few bizarre effects used to show the effects of the mushrooms but I did like the use of close-ups. It is pretty gory despite being made in black and white; some of the effects are pretty gruesome. Over all, I pretty much enjoyed this one despite it's strangeness in places. I would like to see it again sometime as I'm sure there's much I missed.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.2/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

The film goes in to quite a lot of technical detail about the technology of filmmaking; most was easy to follow, but I can see how it might put a few off. Some very interesting questions are posed; particularly revealing are the comments on the fad for 3D; something the studios seem to love at the moment. The music wasn't all it might have been as well; it sounded a little like I was watching an 80's infomercial about a film camera company at times. A well balanced piece although I did find it was beginning to drag a little towards the end. Still, well worth a look for any fan of the movies, I can't see it having a much broader appeal though. On a personal note; I don't really care what technology is used to make a film; to me the important thing is the story. Without a well scripted story, to my mind at least, there's no point in even starting.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.2/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Because it's based on a play the action does all seem to occur in one place; predominantly the Smith family trailer. I didn't find this too distracting but I did find it a little claustrophobic at times. All of the performances were truly excellent but I have to say the critics were right; Matthew McConaughey really does stand out in this one. There are some really violent scenes in this one so I definitely wouldn't recommend it for younger viewers; the 18 Certificate is definitely more than a guideline here. I really liked the underlying dark humour throughout; it gave the narrative a little more interest. Over all, an interesting watch with some nice touches; it doesn't have any particularly stunning effects but it's a well crafted character-driven piece. Well worth a look if you get the chance.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.7/10.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.