Special: The Grudge, The Banker, The Willoughbys Mini-Reviews

The Grudge:

Synopsis: After a young mother murders her family in her own house, a detective attempts to investigate the mysterious case, only to discover that the house is cursed by a vengeful ghost. Now targeted by the demonic spirits, the detective must do anything to protect herself and her family from harm.

My thoughts: I'll be honest I don't really remember the original Grudge films but I remember being scared... And yes I'm a big scaredy cat generally. So with that in mind I was never scared once watching this reboot. I had to look away because they were showing gross stuff but that's about as scary as this gets. The cast was filled with talented enough actors we've seen pull off great performances but none really stand out here, not that I blame them entirely as the scripting was not great. The plotting also left a lot to be desired. It seemed they decided they wanted to make a "smart horror" film and instead ended up banging their head against a wall repeatedly and making a convoluted mess of a plot that really doesn't move anything forward.

Final verdict: 2 out of 5 severed fingers

The Banker:

Synopsis: Inspired by true events, "The Banker" centers on revolutionary businessmen Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), who devise an audacious and risky plan to take on the racist establishment of the 1960s by helping other African Americans pursue the American dream. Along with Garrett's wife Eunice (Nia Long), they train a working class white man, Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult), to pose as the rich and privileged face of their burgeoning real estate and banking empire - while Garrett and Morris pose as a janitor and a chauffeur. Their success ultimately draws the attention of the federal government, which threatens everything the four have built.

My thoughts: I'd like to say this film pulled no punches but it definitely did which is upsetting given our current political and societal climate, however the strong acting overshadows any flaws in the script and direction.

Final verdict: 3.5 real estate tycoons out of 5.

The Willoughbys:

Synopsis: Convinced they'd be better off raising themselves, the Willoughby children hatch a sneaky plan to send their selfish parents on vacation. The siblings then embark on their own high-flying adventure to find the true meaning of family.

My thoughts: The Willoughby children left me wanting more after a watch, but it's not the way you think... The voice cast is very funny and does well in this Netflix animated feature film. My big gripe is that animated dark comedies aren't attempted often, especially for children, but they have been done and it has a lot to explore given it's lack of options but The Willoughbys seem content to play it safe and not explore the genre further which holds it back, thus leaving me wanting more from the film. 

Final verdict: 3 odd siblings out of 5.

Special: Avengers: Age Of Ultron/Mad Max: Fury Road/Hot Pursuit Mini-Reviews

Avengers: Age Of Ultron:

When Tony Stark jumpstarts a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth's Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as they battle to save the planet from destruction at the hands of the villainous Ultron.

My thoughts? Age of Ultron had huge expectations after the success of Joss Whedon's first Avengers team up in 2012. I must say I wasn't enamored with the opening sequence as much as everyone else was, it was painfully obvious CGI and I found myself concentrating on that more so than The Avengers getting back in the saddle to retrieve Loki's staff. Now watching it a second time I was being too nitpicky since Age of Ultron is a really fun ride, but it fails in comparison to it's predecessor. The only person to blame for this is Whedon himself for setting the bar so damn high. The script paces well and all the actors bring their A-game. Spader was the highlight for me being one of the only true new characters to pop up as he made a perfect Ultron. As mentioned the action sequences were flawed at times but still mostly entertaining.

Final verdict: 5 infinity stones out of 5.

Mad Max: Fury Road:

Filmmaker George Miller gears up for another post-apocalyptic action adventure with Fury Road, the fourth outing in the Mad Max film series. Charlize Theron stars alongside Tom Hardy (Bronson), with Zoe Kravitz, Adelaide Clemens, and Rosie Huntington Whiteley heading up the supporting cast.

My thoughts? Those who caught my most anticipated movies of the summer list might have noticed that Avengers and Mad Max slotted in as my Top 2 films, and although Avengers dissapointed with failing to live up to the original, Mad Max also dissapointed though this one's on me for giving it such high expectations. Once the critics reviews started rolling in (current 98% on RT) my expectations sky rocketed further.What I was left with was a really good movie but not the cinematic masterpiece I expected. The acting was solid, though the supplementary roles could've used some work, Theron's role as strongest characted was vastly overstated and outshined by Nicholas Hoult's Nux. I thought after a 2nd viewing I'd enjoy it more like Age Of Ultron but that unfortunetly was not the case as it was the same movie, still looking forward to upcoming sequels though.

Final verdict: 4 wildboys out of 5.

Hot Pursuit:

In "Hot Pursuit," an uptight and by-the-book cop (Reese Witherspoon) tries to protect the sexy and outgoing widow (Sofia Vergara) of a drug boss as they race through Texas, pursued by crooked cops and murderous gunmen.

My thoughts? Where do I start... The leads are two generally likeable actress's in Vergara and Whitherspoon, fresh off another oscar nomination too might I add. Unfortunetly the only part I enjoyed when they were both on screen was when their names were featured together in the end credits as it meant this piece of poop was done. The script was terrible as I couldn't even pull out a giggle at even the most rudimentary joke. Which left director Anne Fletcher searching for answers on how to get anything of substance to the screen, not that Fletcher has the best track record in the director's chair with The Proposal being her highest rated film at a rotten 44%. This is just pure garbage all around... Stay away!

Final verdict: 1 bad buddy-cop movie out of 5.