'This is England '86' Episode 4 Response

'This is England '86' Episode 4 Response

Shane Meadows' television spin-off series for his picture 'This is England' has sadly ended. This 4-part mini-series brought audiences back into the nostalgic and wonderful world he created in 2006, and what a return it was.

 Episode 4 continues from the next morning after episode 3's stomach-churning ending. Trev (Danielle Watson) is emotionally and physically scarred from the horrific rape she suffered at the hands of Mick (Johnny Harris), Lol (Vicky McClure) is crushed by her fling ending with Milky (Andrew Shim) and with his help, runs back to Woody (Joe Gilgun). Combo (Stephan Graham) has returned to see his dying mother but he is too late and Shaun (Thomas Turgoose) and Smell's (Rosamund Hanson) relationship deepens.

This episode's main talking point will be the confrontation between Lol and Mick. When Trev tells Lol that her father brutally raped her, Lol motives are clear; kill Mick.
The scene when he and she engage in a whirlwind of verbal and psychical violence is some of the best TV acting I've seen in years. It was repulsive and distressing, yet completely engaging and incredibly real. I wasn't surprised that Mick tried to rape Lol as we know from previous episodes that he has sexually abused her, but I was gob-smacked by Combo's intervention in the attack.

 There was a little comedy in this episode too which was good. The banter between Woody and Milky was funny and refreshing, it was a nice break from the relationship they have been having throughout the series.

This was a fantastic ending to a wonderful series and I can't wait until it's out on DVD. Vicky McClure has become one of my favourite actresses of 2010 and I'm sure more great things will come from her.

All in all, 'This is England '86' was utterly brilliant.



'The Town' Review

'The Town' (dir: Ben Affleck, 2010), Cert: 15

The words ‘gritty’, ‘bleak’ and ‘raw’ are not usually associated with Ben Affleck; he’s usually on the receiving end of a battering from most critics about his pictures. His latest film however, which he also directs and co-writes, has changed many minds. ‘The Town’ is glowing with praise; stars are splattered all over its poster and television adverts, and it seems many are fond of Affleck behind the camera rather than in front. His 2007 debut picture ‘Gone Baby Gone’ was a gripping and haunting Crime Drama that put him on the map, but was this just a one-off, or is Ben Affleck really becoming a great filmmaker?

 Charlestown, Boston, Massachusetts: The bank robbery capital of the United States. Doug MacRay (Affleck) and his three best friends, James Coughlin (Jeremy Renner), Albert Magloan (Slaine) and Desmond Elden (Owen Burke) are bank robbers who wear demonic masks and strategically plan each and every move of their crime. They are criminal masterminds who thrive in the dank and dingy underworld that is Charlestown. During a robbery, the group kidnap Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall), a bank manager who could cause them huge problems. She is released unharmed after the robbery. Claire then has a surprise meeting with Doug and a relationship between them ensues. Claire is unaware that MacRay was involved in her kidnap; however, she has enough information to send the Police and FBI running after the group. Now Doug must decide what life he really wants to pursue; should he stay loyal to his friends and his hometown, continuing with his current lifestyle, or does he turn a new leaf and devote his life to the woman he loves?

 Affleck, who’s known as one of Hollywood’s pretty boys fails to let his star status invade his latest picture; ‘The Town’ is about as ‘Hollywood’ as a David Lynch movie. Sure, it’s got action, stars and a big budget, but Affleck’s latest plays on the screen like a cesspool littered with crooked cops, brash-talking Irish-Americans and blood money. It feels like ‘Angels with Dirty Faces’, just without clean-shaved stars. The film lacks any glamour or sparkle at all; it’s a depressing and dysfunctional portrait of a town begging to be saved from itself. ‘The Town’ is cold, damp and cripplingly honest; this is 2010s Film-Noir.

 It’s showered with tense and nerving moments, leaving your eyes either glued to the screen, or covered by your hands. The violence makes you wince, the sex makes you feel dirty and Charlestown makes you feel unsafe; and all of these great emotions are down to Affleck and his cameras.

 The set pieces and cinematography in the picture are exceptional. One sequence in particular involving a car chase through the narrow back streets of the town is experienced like an arcade simulator. The audience in my cinema were turning and twisting in their seats as if they are trying to avoid the walls and oncoming cars in the scene. The film is also incredibly intelligent and it treats its audience with respect. It doesn’t dwell on a scene or event, the momentum is always pushing the narrative forward, it doesn’t leave anyone at second base of Fenway Park, it’s heading for a Home-Run.

 Sometimes your ear may stray slightly during some dialogue as its fast and the gravelly tones of the Boston voice box can be a little confusing, but this is all down to Affleck’s accuracy when presenting the city and its residents. Having been to Boston and some of the locations of this film myself, I know first-hand that this is a pretty fair depiction of the area, but don’t worry, if you visit Boston you’re not going to get robbed by a group of men dressed as nuns.

 The performances in the film are stellar; Affleck gives one of the best ever performances and is wiping the filthy grins off of the critics who desperately wanted this movie to fail. Hall is wonderful and it’s great to see a Brit battling for the limelight with some of Hollywood’s heavyweights. Jon Hamm is also great as the hard-talking and acting FBI agent, Adam Frawley, but Renner is easily the star of the show. He’s a maverick of cinema; having failed to get his career off the ground numerous times, he comes and kicks dirt in our faces with the masterpiece that is ‘The Hurt Locker’ and he’s back for round two in this movie. His character James is a menacing and highly believable screen presence that stares through you leaving you feeling empty; he’s similar to a young Cagney, only scruffier and foul-mouthed. His manic and unconventional ways of dealing situations has earned him a spot in the craziest characters of 2010 category.

 ‘The Town’ has proven to film critics and fans alike that Ben Affleck is not a one-trick pony, he’s looking like one of the best up and coming American directors for a long time. His camera skills, attention to detail and documented accuracy are something that many filmmakers fail to achieve. Sure he’s starred in a few duff films, but if he keeps making and starring in films like ‘The Town’, the majority of people will forgive him and see that he’s actually bursting with talent.

 ‘The Town’ is a marvellous picture that mixes genre cinema with documentary, resulting in a sublime outcome. It’s one of my favourite films of the year and it will be a crime if people don’t go and see it.

Verdict: 5 out of 5 – An utter knockout. This is proper American filmmaking, a modern Noir, a re-vamped ‘Heat’, call it whatever you want, but I’m happy to just call it fantastic.

By Chris Haydon

'This is England '86' Episode 3 Response

'This is England '86' - Episode 3 Response

So the third episode of 'This is England '86' aired on Tuesday and this week saw Shane Meadows take over the directors chair from Tom Harper. Meadows' episode has moved the characters from bad scenarios, to utterly depressing ones. Shaun (Thomas Turgoose) seems to be on the up having accepted his mother's love life with his boss but for the rest of the gang, things still seem bleak. Lol's (Vicky McClure) affair with Milky (Andrew Shim) has become tired and Lol only seems to be interesting in him for loveless sex.
Woody (Joe Gilgun) is in despair as his 'Lollypop' is slipping through his fingers and there's nothing he can do about it.
But worst of all is for Trev (Danielle Watson) who feels the vicious wrath of Lol's father Mick (Johnny Harris). The final sequence of the episode where he rapes Trev is appalling and deeply upsetting.
And to top it all of, Combo (Stephan Graham) returns covered in cuts and bruises.

Meadows has taking back the grasp of his characters and creation, thus forcing the show back down to it's social reality. The original film is a masterpiece, but it is a cold and sad look on British life and culture in the early 80s. In parts of episode 2, you felt the mood had been slightly lifted with scenes like the hot-tub party, but the third instalment has laid out the tracks for a dark and unforgettable finale.

The talking point of this episode will be the rape scene because it was dramatic and distressing. I found the actual on-screen rape to be fairly tame compared to many TV shows and films, however it was the atmosphere that circled the act making it feel far more brutal than what images meets the eye; the score, the setting and the acting in the last 5 minutes of the show left me feeling briefly hollow.

This episode did have some comedy relief though; the fight with the gang on the football pitch was comic and it was even more funny for those who spotted Chris from 'Skins' as one of the rebel gang members.

For me, this has been the best overall episode of the show story-wise, but I don't think this one had any major standout performances. Woody and Mick were probably the best screen presences this week but nobody really made me reel. Lol is still the star of the show overall though; McClure is easily the most memorable and remarkable of the bunch. I can't wait to see her in future projects.
:)

DVD of the Week - 20th September

DVD of the Week - 20th September 2010

It's a new week and I've got a new DVD pick for you to all go and check out! :)

This week's DVD is...

'[Rec]2' is the bone-shuddering sequel to the Horror masterpiece '[Rec]' (dir/s: Jaume Balagueró & Paco Plaza, 2007).

The Spanish chiller was based in a hotel block ridden with a rabies-like infection that caused sufferers into a bloodthirsty frenzy. Filmed in documentary style with digital hand-held cameras, '[Rec]' was not only highly original, it also felt incredibly real.

The sequel picks up where the original left off and the horror and the madness continues. Filled with chills, thrills and spills, this is easily one of the best Horror sequels for a long time.

It's manic, relentless and utterly terrifying.

Grab a pillow, grab your partner and grab a copy now! :)

'[Rec] 2' is on sale for £10.99 from Play.com

http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/15493752/REC-2/Product.html

New Films - 17th September 2010

New Films - 17th September 2010

It's another week, and with that comes new movies playing at your local cinemas! Check out what's new right here at Haydon's Movie House!

Note: Videos aren't currently uploading on the blog due to a technical fault, so I've provided the poster for each film and a link to their trailers online!

'Winter's Bone' (dir: Debra Granik, 2010), Cert: 15

For 17 year-old Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence), life is already hard enough. Always on the wrong side of the law, her father, Jessup, has gone missing, leaving Ree to take care of her younger brother and sister, as well as her sick mother. But when Ree learns that Jessup has skipped police bail and disappeared without trace, she realises she has only days to find him before she loses the family house. Seeking help from the frightening figure of her Uncle 'Teardrop' (John Hawkes), Ree sets out on a dangerous journey to find her father. Travelling through the bleak landscape of the Ozark Mountains, Ree appeals to her extended family, but finds them stony and evasive. Refusing to give up, she searches for the truth that lies behind her outlaw kin's code of silence...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE_X2pDRXyY

'The Other Guys' (dir: Adam McKay, 2010), Cert: 12A

A pair of intrepid cops, Danson (Dwayne Johnson) and Highsmith (Samuel L Jackson) are living the law-enforcement dream. The criminals fear them, while their colleagues and the community revere them. They're the heroes of the New York Police Department - achingly cool from top to toe, with women and criminals alike falling at their feet. Then there are detectives Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) - they're 'the other guys', the lowly desk jockeys that just get in the way of glory boys like Danson and Highsmith. But when a fairly innocuous-looking case turns up, it's left to Gamble and Hoitz to take the reins. What first appears to be nothing begins to unravel and reveals the city's biggest crime yet. But do these guys have what it takes to bring in the bad guys?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1wy_E7h2Wg

'Devil' (dir/s: Drew and John Erick Dowdle, 2010), Cert: 15

Feel the fear with this chilling slice of horror from the mind of M. Night Shyamalan.
The fates of five complete strangers are sealed from the minute they step into the same lift in an inner-city office block. None of them could ever have imagined that the seemingly small decisions that brought them to this moment were likely to be the last they ever made. All, that is, except one of them - the Devil, who is pulling sinister strings to make terrifying events unfold. As the lift grinds to a standstill, the group begins to suspect that something is definitely amiss. As lights flicker on and off and strange things reach out of the darkness, hysteria sets in and four of the five strangers must fight for their lives. But which of these characters is the Devil? And what can the others possibly do to save themselves from this desperate situation?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aINOilb_Kzc

'F' (dir: Johannes Roberts, 2010), Cert: 18

Robert Anderson (David Schofield) is a burned-out, alcoholic, world-weary English teacher who works in a huge sprawling Comprehensive school. After lessons have finished for the day, this place of learning becomes a vast, deserted labyrinth of corridors and empty rooms, gyms, studios and halls. But all is not right with the school tonight - there are strange shadows and noises, signs of unusual and ominous activity. And then the school falls under relentless attack from a gang of mysterious and bloodthirsty hoodies, intent on only one thing - to spread terror! Unsuspecting victims are picked off one by one, and Anderson must now battle against these brutal killers - and his deepest fears. What follows is a desperate fight for the survival of his pupils, fellow teachers and those Anderson holds most dear, culminating in a final terrible choice...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO1gGmcXQa8

 

'Just Wright' (dir: Sanaa Hamri, 2010), Cert: PG

Leslie Wright (Queen Latifah) is unlucky when it comes to love. A straight-talking physical therapist, she's the kind of fun, down-to-earth woman that men just want to have as their buddy. Leslie's gorgeous childhood friend Morgan (Paula Patton) has a different approach, advising Leslie that you don't show a man your real self "until you've been married five years". When Leslie has chance encounter with basketball star Scott McKnight (Common), it quickly leads to romance - for Morgan, that is. But when Scott is injured, Morgan brings in Leslie to nurse him back to fitness. Having set her sights on being a trophy wife, Morgan soon dumps her injured beau, believing he will never recover. But Leslie is ready to work a miracle for Scott, even as she finds herself falling for him...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHYSeSAXQf4

 'The Kid' (dir: Nick Moran, 2010), Cert: 15

Kevin (Rupert Friend) is nothing if not a fighter. From the very start he's had to fight for survival - whether it's bare-knuckle scraps for cash or the very different kind of battle he eventually faces to turn his life around. Raised by abusive parents in a poverty-stricken London council estate, Kevin is beaten and starved by his family, bullied by his peers and abandoned by social services. Even when he escapes these dire circumstances, it's only to become embroiled in London's criminal underworld. Here he is known simply as 'The Kid'. And yet, despite having experienced nothing but brutality, Kevin becomes determined to change his life for the better. Through sheer grit and determination - and with the help of Jackie (Jodie Whittaker), the woman he loves - he begins a journey towards redemption. 



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH3UVWVxs2k

'This is England '86' Episode 2

'This is England '86' Episode 2 Response

So last night the second episode of 'This is England '86' aired, leaving us with only two more episodes left.
Yesterday's show focused mainly on Lol (Vicky McClure) and how her world seems to be collapsing around her. The same thing is happening to young Shaun (Thomas Turgoose) as he finally feels like he's moving forward in the world before crashing back down to a painful and lonely reality. Milky's (Andrew Shim) story also began last night as his life-long love for Lol surfaced when she needed a shoulder to cry on after her relationship troubles with Woody (Joe Gilgun).

I'm loving how Shane Meadows had moved forward from the Skinhead culture that circles these characters and given them a new and believable dimension. They have become home-grown heroes who just want to get by. The television formatting of the story has opened more doors for these characters but it's good that they aren't getting the screen time which could make their stories become ridiculous. Instead, they get 4 hours to invite us back into their world and tell us a new tale, and for me, it's been a magnificent journey.
The show is beautifully performed, captured and rendered; it's easily one of the best British TV dramas this year.

I can see McClure's career rocketing after this because her performance as Lol is incredible. She bursts with raw energy and grit, something that many British actresses lack. Lol eats up every scene and leaves the crumbs for the rest; she is breaktaking.

I'm sure next week's episode will be fantastic, and with the return of Combo (Stephan Graham), I can sense that the characters lives are going to go from bad to worse.

DVD of the Week - 13th September 2010

DVD of the Week - 13th September

Well it's another week and as always, Monday brings us the new DVD releases! Here's my DVD pick of the week!

'Date Night' is a hilarious Action-Comedy starring Tina Fey ('30 Rock') and Steve Carell ('The 40 Year Old Virgin'). The film follows the Fosters, a couple stuck in a rut who spend their weekly date night at the same restaurant eating the same meal. They are bored and tired of their lives and want to spice things up a bit. When they head to New York and steal a dinner reservation at a top restaurant, they are mistaken for the Tripplehorns, a couple wanted by gangsters. Now the Fosters go on the run, filling their dull relationship with adrenaline and excitement.


This film is side-splitting, heart-felt and brilliant. Fey is wonderful as always and Carell is on top-form.
'Date Night' is a fantastic comedy that all audiences can enjoy!

'Date Night' is available from Play for £11.99!
 
http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/12509560/Date-Night-Extended-Edition/Product.html

New 'Let Me In' Stills

New 'Let Me In' Stills Online

So far, everything about Matthew Reeves' American remake of Tomas Alfredson's 'Let the Right One In' is looking promising. It doesn't look like a horrid cash-in that will damage the original, in fact, it looks like a really decent picture with a great cast. Chloe Grace Mortez ('Kick-Ass') looks perfect for this role!

Check out some of the new stills that have just come online courtesy of Empire!

What Films do you Really Want to See?

What Films are you Most Excited about Seeing?

There are loads of anticipation films to emerge before the end of 2010, but what I want to know is, what films are you really excited about seeing?

Here are mine! :)

 

 

Friday's Films - 10th September

Films Out Today - 10th September

If you want to do something this weekend but don't know what, then why not head to the cinema and check out the latest releases?

Here on Haydon's Movie House, I'll be telling you all about the latest pictures at the cinema weekly!

Here are the new films for this week!

'Tamara Drewe' (dir: Stephen Frears, 2010), Cert: 15

Stephen Frears directs this big-screen adaptation of the comic strip by Posy Simmonds. Gemma Arterton stars as Tamara Drewe, a former ugly duckling turned glamourpuss who makes a triumphant return to the sleepy Dorset village of Ewedown. Having spent a few years in London reinventing herself as a music journalist and sex kitten, Tamara now makes an indelible mark on the village and its clutch of middle-class, sex-obsessed residents including philandering novelist Nicholas Hardiment (Roger Allam), narcissistic pop star Ben Sergeant (Dominic Cooper), teenage tearaways Jody and Casey (Jessica Barden and Charlotte Christie), and Tamara's lovestruck former boyfriend, Andy (Luke Evans).

'Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D' (dir: Paul W.S. Anderson, 2010), Cert: 15

Fourth film in the series based on the popular computer game. Milla Jovovich reprises her role as Alice, who continues to fight against the Umbrella Corporation. Following new information, she heads to Los Angeles where she seeks out any survivors of the T-virus epidemic. Characters Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory) and Claire Redfield (Ali Larter), who appeared previously in the series, are back to help defeat the Undead. The group of survivors attempt to strengthen their numbers and find refuge, but can they escape the city which is infested with zombies?

'Going the Distance' (dir: Nanette Burstein, 2010), Cert: 15

Romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. When Erin and Garrett meet on a blind date, they both know that they don't want a serious relationship; after all, Erin is leaving town in only six weeks' time. Vowing to 'keep things light', the two embark on a fun short-term fling, hampered only by the antics of Garrett's eccentric live-in father. But as the time comes for Erin to leave, they both realise they feel more deeply for one another and decide at the last minute to try a long-distance relationship - despite repeated warnings from their friends. Can they overcome the challenges posed by the many miles that divide them and do what it takes to 'go the distance'?

'Cyrus' (dir/s: Jay and Mark Duplass, 2010), Cert: 15

 
Indie comedy written and directed by the Duplass brothers. Seven years after splitting up with his wife Jamie (Catherine Keener), dejected Los Angeles divorcee John (John C. Reilly) is still single and has all but given up on the idea of meeting somone new. But then out of the blue he meets the beautiful, spirited and single Molly (Marisa Tomei). Unfortunately, it isn't until after he has fallen head over heels in love with her that he discovers there is a major catch: her seriously peculiar and very dependent 20-something son Cyrus (Jonah Hill) - who, it becomes startlingly apparent, is far from ready to share his beloved mother with another man.
 
 
 

'The Runaways' (dir: Floria Sigismondi, 2010), Cert: 15

 

 

Teenage friends Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning) set out to form an all-girl rock group - an unthinkable feat in the macho music scene of 1970s LA. They fall under the Svengali-like influence of notorious LA rock impresario Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon), who sees the group's potential for outrageous success. With their raw talent and 'tough-chick' image, the band quickly earn a name for themselves. Flaunting her Bowie-meets-Bardot looks, Cherie is the band's sex kitten starlet, while Joan adds the pure rock 'n' roll heart. 'Runaways' chronicles Joan and Cherie's tumultuous relationship both on and off stage as the band starts to hit the big time. Written and directed by Floria Sigismondi, it's the story of how two rebellious girls became stars and paved the way for future generations of female rockers.

 

 

Hope this gives you some food for thought! :)

'This is England '86' - What did you Think?

'This is England '86' - What did you Think?

Shane Meadows' television debut hit Channel 4 last night and invited audiences to spend a little more time with the wonderful characters of the Skinhead world he created for us in 2006 with his Social Realism picture, 'This is England'.

Meadows said he didn't think another big-screen adventure was appropriate for these characters and placing them onto the small screen was the way forward. I couldn't agree more, having 4 more hours with Shaun (Thomas Turgoose), Woody (Joe Gilgun), Lol (Vicky McClure), Meggy (Perry Benson) and the rest of the gang sounds perfect to me.

I loved last night's first episode; it didn't dwell on past events and enforce the film onto the viewer. This is a new show with a new narrative and even though the movie is a critical cog in the show, I feel this has its own legs to stand on. I think people who haven't seen 'This is England' will still be able to make a connection with these characters as they are so well grounded. They work like a family, moving each other forward and picking one up when another is down; it's a really beautiful thing to watch.

For me, last night's star was McClure. She puts her heart and soul into the character of Lol and its shows clearly through her characters actions and her stellar performance.

What I'd like to know is what you thought of it? Do you think it does the film justice to carry on its story or do you think it's just a silly idea? Who was your favourite character and why?

Post a comment on the blog and tell me your thoughts! :)

'The Expendables' Review

'The Expendables' (dir: Sylvester Stallone, 2010), Cert: 15

Sylvester Stallone has been providing cinema-goers with white-knuckle entertainment for the best part of 4 decades, and he shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. The actor come director and writer has had his name plastered everywhere again for his new film, ‘The Expendables’; a high-octane Action picture with an ensemble cast of Hollywood greats of Action cinema including Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Wills to name a few, but can this herd of actors create a truly great film, or will ‘The Expendables’ be another Action film to end up in a DVD bargain bin?

Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) is the leader of the “Expendables”; a group of mercenaries who sport mountains of tattoos and cruise the streets of Los Angeles on their chrome covered motorbikes. Each member has their own specialty; Lee Christmas (Jason Statham) is a knives enthusiast, Yin Yang (Jet Li) is a martial arts wiz, Hale Caesar (Terry Crews) is a heavy arms specialist and Toll Road (Randy Couture) is a demolition expert. Together the group are summoned by a “Mr. Church” (Bruce Willis) who asks them to complete a mission. The group have to overthrow an evil Latin American dictator named Garza (David Zayas) who’s stationed in an island on the Gulf of Mexico. Later it becomes apparent that Garza is supported and controlled by the CIA consequently leaving the group a much more complex and dangerous task at hand.

Now I knew perfectly well before seeing the movie that it wasn’t going to have a particularly great narrative, but that’s not why anybody would go see ‘The Expendables’, however, one reason that may tempt people into buying a ticket is the stars, which is a slight problem. If you’re going to see the movie for Willis and Schwarzenegger, then prepare for disappointment. They are only cameos and have about 2 minutes of screen time. However, you do get plenty of Stallone, Statham, Li, Crews, Couture, Rourke and Steve Austin for your money. Most people however will be seeing the film for its Action, and if you fall into that category, then go get a ticket right now.

The film starts off a little slow and the first 20 minutes are pretty boring, but that’s only because the action hasn’t begun yet. Once the bullets start flying and the bodies start falling, ‘The Expendables’ becomes brilliant entertainment. The action is utterly relentless; with beheadings, kung-fu fights and more ammunition than an army training centre. Stallone knows Action so well and a fundamental part of making a good picture is knowing the difference between realistic and ridiculous. This movie holds its tongue firmly in its cheek and it’s a total pleasure to watch. Audiences will be howling with laughter at the sheer stupid brutality of the film, especially the scenes with Caesar’s huge Gatling-type gun which just blows enemies away in their hundreds, and Christmas’ knife-throwing skills which echo the violence of classic B-Movies.

Stallone’s last picture, ‘Rambo’ (2008) was an absolute riot because of all of its hilariously graphic violence and it was slapped with an 18 certificate from the BBFC because of it. However, ‘The Expendables’ is easily as violent as ‘Rambo’ but because it’s not as bloody, it was granted a 15 certificate. But don’t worry; this film is just as mad as his last picture.

The performances are what you would really expect from a Hollywood Action, Stallone is great at what he knows best. Li is very funny surprisingly and provides some great entertainment without spraying bullets everywhere. Lundgren is brilliant as the psychopathic sniper Gunner and Rourke has a strange emotional moment as his character Tool but he performs it wonderfully with all the power and excellence he is capable of, but the star of the show is Statham. He is side-splittingly funny, his knife skills are fantastic and he gives the old dogs of Action a new bone to chew on.

‘The Expendables’ is a white-knuckle, pyrotechnic-soaked and over-the-top Action film that has its heart in the right place. It’s a brilliant popcorn film that can be enjoyed again and again.

Verdict: 4 out of 5 – Stallone and his boys serve up a dish best served cold. A total riot that will wipe a huge silly smile across your face.

By Chris Haydon

DVD of the Week - 7th September

DVD of the Week - 7th September 2010

So last week I selected the wonderful BBC Show 'Sherlock' as my DVD pick of the week, and I hope some of you either watched the show or purchased the DVD! :)

This week, I have two picks for you! One film and one television show!

Film of the Week

'Kick-Ass' is the outstanding Graphic Novel adaptation from director Matthew Vaughn ('Layer Cake') that stars Aaron Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Mark Strong, Chole Grace Mortez and Nicolas Cage.


Dave Lizewski (Johnson) is a typical High School geek who's socially lower down than others and is obsessed with comic books. He dreams of becoming his own superhero who aims to rid the streets of gangsters and crime; he calls himself 'Kick-Ass'. Dave's hero becomes an internet phenomena and soon he is approached by other fanatics who want to join forces with him.

It's a hilarious take on the common Comic Book/Superhero movie that bursts with comedy, chaos and controversy. It's gory, sweary and tons of fun. 'Kick-Ass' is one of 2010's best films and it's an utter must to own.
 
'Kick-Ass' is available on Play for £9.99 and it comes with limited edition art cards and packaging!
 
http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/9770259/Kick-Ass/Product.html
 
 

Television Show of the Week

 

The Doctor's final episodes of series 5 are now available on DVD! Matt Smith and Karen Gillan have breathed new life into the show and haven't followed in their predecessors footsteps. Matt's Doctor is utterly fantastic; he bursts with energy, knowledge and charisma. Amy Pond is easily one of the best companions ever on the show, she isn't love-sick for the Doctor, she's her own strong and independent woman, and together they make an unstoppable pair.

This volume contains the final 4 episodes including 'Vincent and the Doctor', 'The Lodger', 'The Pandorica Opens', and 'The Big Bang'.

All of these episodes are brilliantly made, executed and written, especially Steven Moffat's final two episodes and Richard Curtis' marvellous study of Vincent van Gogh.

A must buy for any Who fan!

'Doctor Who' Series 5 Volume 4 is available from Play for £10.99

 

http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/15639878/Doctor-Who-Series-5-Volume-4/Product.html

 

 

Teaser Trailer for 'Buried'

Teaser Trailer for 'Buried' Online

Surely an Indie Thriller starring Ryan Reynolds trapped in a coffin for 90 minutes can't be true, right?

...........Yeah it's true.

Mr. Reynolds, who soon will be gracing our screens as DC Comics 'Green Lantern' has had a go at making a low-budget shocker, something which film fans never guessed would happen.

However, don't let Reynolds hold you back from seeing this film when it's released on 24th September because 'Buried' looks stylistically fantastic and gives of vibes that this will be an unbearable cinematic experience.

Check out the gruelling but brilliant teaser trailer here!

Claustrophobics, you have been warned!

The Whitstable IMP September Issue Now Online

The Whitstable IMP September Issue is Now Online!

The latest issue of The Whitstable IMP is now available online for you all to read!

It features my reviews of 'Toy Story 3' (Page 22) and 'Inception' (Page 26)
So go read now and let me know your thoughts!

I'd also like to thank my editor Christina for all she's done for me and the mag!


To read the magazine, head to this address:

http://issuu.com/whitstableimp/docs/whit_sept_2010

You can also access other issues of the IMP which all contain film reviews/articles from me :)

James Cameron talks 'Avatar 2'

James Cameron Talks 'Avatar 2'

In a new and exclusive interview for Empire magazine, James Cameron discusses his ideas and views on 'Avatar 2', highlighting the scripting progression of the movie novel and why he's excited to return to Pandora.

Check out the video interview here at Haydon's Movie House!

Enjoy! :)

DVD of the Week - 1st September 2010

DVD Pick of the Week - 1st September 2010

New DVD releases hit the shelves every Monday so I'm starting a DVD pick of the week each and every week for you!

This week's pick isn't a film however, It's a Television show!

The wonderful 'Sherlock' is now on sale and if you missed it on BBC1 earlier last month, then do yourself a favour and grab a copy of the DVD! It contains all three episodes of the series plus a bonus Pilot episode that wasn't aired!

Writers and Producers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss ('Doctor Who') have done a fabulous job of placing Sherlock Holmes and John Watson in the modern day, and the performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are brilliant!

It's a wonderful show and I can't wait for it to return to our small screens!

It's avaliable on Amazon and Play for a very reasonable £12.99!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sherlock-DVD-Benedict-Cumberbatch/dp/B003TO5414/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1283355884&sr=1-1

http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/15633837/Sherlock/Product.html

:)

What's your favourite film of 2010 so far?

What's your top film of 2010 so far?

2010 has brought some incredible highs, and some diabolical lows, but I want to know what is your personal favourite movie of the year so far? I want to hear all genres get a mention!

Post a comment on the blog saying your favourite film and why! :)

Also, here's an extended trailer for 'Tron Legacy', I think it's got the potential to be fantastic! Take a look!