Hybrid / Kill Hole Movie SSMR Review

Lau's Switch & Contract Killers Reviews SSMR

Switch (2013)

#Jarring editing and pacing that feels like 3 movies, each with a different director, intermixed but conflicting in both scenario and method.

#The south-east Asian cast are suitably over-dramatic, charming their way to redeeming their British companions embarrassing awfulness. Andy Lau is as charismatic as ever, miraculously melding together the mishmash of properties.

#Huge, colourful and artistic sets and settings. Awesome shots and production values but the absence of good juxtaposition nearly nullifies the beauty on show.

#The convoluted story is crippled by distinct lack of skill, authenticity and believability, leaving Switch feeling old fashioned (90's) but with modern production tools and techniques in use.

##Warning: this film features blonde Asians in roles of supremacy.

# - # -   -   -   -   1.6/5

Contract Killers (2014)

#Irresistable white guy goes round killing on contract trying not to get himself killed by a chinese badass. For those who play COD, think action web-series' are good and liked 2012's Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning.

#The swiftly paced story is gripping but predictable with interesting characters that could have been a little more fleshed out, the chinese badass antagonist is the star of the show. Complimentary soundtrack is rough but spirited.

#The acting direction of the Thor lead and his damsel is the worst thing about this film redeemed by amazing scenes of masterfully cut violence that have an imperfect but awesome sense of realness.

#Although often charmingly amateurish both in performance and staging, we are in the modern age of film making and this is not a bad movie for its b-action genre. Contract Killers was Cool with some seriously moments of brilliance, you may enjoy it.

#Steal in HQ or buy for cheap.

# - # - # - #   -   3.7/5

Nurse 3D SSMR

Zulu & Snowpiercer Movie Review - SSMR

Zulu (2013)

#True detectives run around South Africa getting things off their chests.

#A truly hardcore show, with violence at a level of realistic brutality you're not usually allowed to see in the west. A gripping, tense and intriguing story that is easy to lose track of and may just bring you back for another round.

#Albeit grounded and somewhat mundane, the skilful and bright cinematography makes the film a joy to have on the screen making up for the excruciating soundtrack that is full flavoured but peaks way too high at the worst possible times.

#One to watch for free or purchase cheaply if you can find it.

# - # - #   -   - 3.1/5

Snowpeircer (2014)

#Metaphorical class struggle on a cold train speeding into the future.

#Edited flawlessly, the emotive visuals are spectacularly skillful. The action scenes leave a lot to be desired in terms of display but overflow with drama. This is a cleanly scored film that is hard to criticise.

#The story is gripping and well written, for its type, benefited by its simplicity with a twist ending that shouldn't really be one. The cast, spearheaded by the awesome Chris Evans, perform wonderfully minus Tilda Swinton who doesn't quite deliver a convincing and complete character, here the supporting cast truly supports.

#A galvanising and memorable experience, pay to watch once on a big screen.

# - # - # - # -   - 4.2/5

SSMR: The Suspect / Concussion Movie Review

SSMR: Skyfall / Grave Encounters 2 Movie Review

SSMR short n sweet movie review 001

Grave Encounters 2 (US 2012)
#Starts of with an overlong introduction, half an hour setting up the characters in a horror film should be the limit. The story is mostly ordinary with a few moments of smart originality but sadly, it leaves no lasting impression.
#The male lead (Richard Harmon) has a memorable, distinctive visage, I expect big things for him; he'd play a great snobby villain or greek god. Everyone in the cast is competent, none giving an outstandingly bad performance.
#Although occaisionally slightly annoying, the "found-footage" style of film-making has evolved to a principled and skilled genre, this presentation is a good example, along with V/H/S and the REC series.
#An interesting, mildly scary horror-flick which has some great moments and well-done, realistic special effects. Worth a good-quality paid rental.
* - * - * -   -   - 3.8/5

Skyfall (UK 2012)
#Retains the practices of the originals with an exotic cast, extraordinary sets and scenarios. Strong, nuanced characters, the script is smart and well-written; understated and slick with moments of clean, dry humour.
#Great framing and cinematography, a beautiful and colourful viewing with original, clear and awesome action scenes. This movie probably couldn't have been filmed any better. Its liberal running-time is full of quality. If you liked The Fall and The Fountain you'll be pleased to see this; the environments are some of the best and most varied i have seen in recent memory.
#Performance's are exemplary across the board and the women, oh the women ;)  007's nemesis, his dark mirror image, is a creepy dude and is certainly a worthy Bond-villian.
#A brilliant, near flawless experience that feels like a true Bond-film modernized, optimised and innovated.
* - * - * - * -   - 4.2/5