Gladiator (2000) Review

I am a bit late to the party, but I am going to see Gladiator 2 today, so I decided to watch the first film in the franchise Gladiator and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees a Roman General betrayed and on the hunt for revenge after being sold to slavery. 

Main Character

Russel Crowe plays Maximus and he is fantastic in this film, this is such an iconic role and he absolutely nails it. He plays this gladiator so well and makes it so believable in the action scenes but there is a real depth to Maximus and Crowe really delivered in making us care about his character and the situation he is in. Crowe won the Oscar for this role and that is truly deserved here. 

Supporting Characters

Joaquin Phoenix plays Commodus and he is truly amazing and deserves real credit for playing one of the biggest scumbags I have seen in film. He is a petulant and angry man who just wants power and recognition. He contrasts Maximus so well and this is an iconic performance and up there with his very best. 

Connie Nielsen plays Lucilla and I really liked her performance. She is introduced as a strong character but you really see her problems and how she is treated throughout the film drives her to drastic decisions and Nielsen is a good addition to the cast. 

Oliver Reed plays Proximo and it is sad that Reed died before the end of filming so he never got to see the film and it caused the production to have to adapt to keep him in the film. He is great and I loved him as the gladiator owner here, he truly believed in Maximus and their relationship is a highlight of the film. 

Richard Harris and Djimon Hounsou play small roles here but they also add to the quality of the cast and show that the film is full of great performers. 

Story

The film does a fantastic job with its story. In theory, it is quite a simple revenge story but there is just so much more to it and the film does a fantastic job at it. There are political machinations going on that links to Maximus plan to take down Commodus and they contrast really well and adds to the depth of the story. The ending is also great and truly fits the story and tone of the overall film. 

Script

The script is fantastic, there are quite a few really memorable quotes here that people use in every day life. There are so many memorable scenes and even a bit of charm and humour to Maximus and this really fleshes the character out. 

Style

The film has a fantastic style, the cinematography is brilliant. The actions scenes are really well filmed and the landscapes and backgrounds are beautiful. The film is paced really well and I thought it flowed between action and dialogue incredibly well. The score and all the music adds so much to the film and is really iconic. 

Overall

Overall, Gladiator is an Epic Film and needs to be seen by every person. It is really well directed has great action and is acted brilliantly so this is a must watch and a film that is truly legendary. 

Rating - 10/10

Inside Out (2015) Review

I am going to see Inside Out 2 tomorrow, so I decided to go back and rewatch the first film and here is my review for Inside Out. The premise of the film focuses on a young girl and the different emotions in her head, as she makes a move, the emotions must react and try to help her be happy. 

Main Character

Amy Poehler plays Joy and she is so full of energy in this film, at first I thought she might have been a bit annoying but the film really pulls it around and Joy is a great character. She really goes through a character arc and by the end of the film you really feel like it was earned and Poehler adds a lot here. 

Supporting Characters

The main characters here are the emotions and they are played by some big names, the main one being Phyllis Smith who plays Sadness. It was similar to Joy, that she is really annoying to begin with but once again the film brings it around with a good character arc throughout and by the end she was fun to watch. 

The other emotions include fear who is played by the brilliant Bill Hader and I really loved him in this film. He just has true comedic timing and he uses that to his best ability here to really shine. We also have Disgust played by Mindy Kaling and she was a lot of fun, I think she is probably the emotion that does the least here by Kaling is a talented actress and adds something to the character. But the standout for me was Anger played by Lewis Black. He is every grumpy old man and his rants are hilarious and some of my favourite bits of the film. 

Richard Kind plays Riley's imaginary friend Bing Bong and he is great, he is there as kind of a guide for Joy & Sadness and he felt like a great addition. He also has a pretty subtle story arc and it is handled expertly well and makes you really care about him. 

Story

The story is really great, it is a really creative idea and I love how they turn a young girls mind into this cartoony world but it all makes sense and though it is ridiculous it just feels right. I think the film is really relatable because every human feels these emotions and by giving the emotions arcs further adds to us caring about what is going on. 

Script

The film is really well written, it has some incredibly smart dialogue and was a pretty funny film that had me laughing quite a bit. There is also some real emotion here which is key considering the concept of the film and they really deliver with it. 

Style

The film is really great visually. Pixar has never struggled when it comes to the look of there films and this film is very exuberant and colourful showcasing the mind of a human being. Also the film is only 90 minutes long and is paced brilliantly, it never loses its pace and is fun throughout. 

Overall

Overall, Inside Out is an Epic Family Film that totally ticks all the boxes for the whole family and it really delivers. This is a must watch for everyone and I think anybody will enjoy it. 

Rating - 10/10

Avengers: Endgame (2019) Review

Just over 5 years ago, the culmination of the first 3 phases of The MCU came to a head with Avengers: Endgame. This was one of the biggest Cinematic events to ever take place and with it hitting its 5 year anniversary, I thought I would give it a rewatch and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees the world in turmoil after the events of Avengers: Infinity War, with one last chance to make things right, The Avengers reunite to take on their biggest challenge. 

Main Character

Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark was the real start of this whole cinematic universe and he is brilliant in this film. He really delivers a strong performance, you see how the events of the previous film really affects him and motivates him to come to terms and once again become Iron man. He still has the funny quips and narcissism that made his character famous which is great. 

Chris Evans is back as Steve Rogers and similarly he does a great job with this iconic role. He has great chemistry with Downey & Scarlett Johansson and I thought this film did a great job putting him back in the spotlight and having him being an emotional centre of the film. 

Supporting Characters

Now this might be the largest cast in film history, so I will definitely miss some people out but everybody delivers on their performances and really bring the comic book characters to the cinema screen. 

Mark Ruffalo reprises his role as Bruce Banner and I actually liked the direction they take his character in this film. They make him a more enjoyable character to watch and it is really good seeing The Hulk getting a bit more time to shine after missing for the majority of the previous film. 

Scarlett Johansson plays Natasha Romanoff and they really did some really good work with her character of Black Widow. She really struggles with the weight that comes with being one of the leaders of The Avengers who failed and Johansson is strong in her role here. 

Chris Hemsworth is back as Thor and after the events of Infinity War he is really the character that is effected in a really interesting way. The film handles his failures in a way that I don't think anyone could have expected and it is handled well with Thor developing a lot during the film. 

After missing Infinity War, Jeremy Renner & Paul Rudd are back as Clint Barton & Scott Lang respectively.  The film really focuses on the issues that Barton has gone through since the events of the previous film and it is pretty dark and easy to relate too. Paul Rudd is mostly used for comic relief but is a lot of fun and when he needs to deliver some more dramatic scenes he is good at that too. 

Don Cheadle gets more screen time as Rhodey and does a good job, Karen Gillan is given her best work yet as Nebula and Thanos played by Josh Brolin is a great villain, though he is clearly not the most important character like he was in Infinity War. 

Story

The story is great, it really fits the drama and feeling of a world in disarray after what happened in the previous film and the performances delivered on it. Despite having lots of characters and lots of story beats to hit, it really delivers on it and has twists and turns that wouldn't be expected and really drive it up. There is plenty of comic book film fun though and the last act of the film is pure cinema and an experience unlike any other, especially for fans of these films that have been watching since the beginning. 

Script 

This film actually feels a little different to others in the MCU in that it is more serious. It realises the situation that the characters are in and realises it has to be a bit more serious and have these characters have emotional issues and I am glad they went in this direction. The film does have plenty of humour though and these people are naturally funny which does help. 

Style

The film has great action sequences, there is a lot of green screen and CGI but it looks great throughout and the way they managed to make the film seem really epic is through this. The film is 3 hours long but it really doesn't feel like it, it is paced really well and allows the audience to be invested in the story.

Overall

Overall, Avengers: Endgame is one of my favourite films. Being a huge fan of Marvel, this felt like the apex of what could be achieved and the fact that everybody involved nailed it so well made it a truly special event and one that needs to be seen. 

Rating - 10/10

Dune: Part Two (2024) Review

A few years ago we got the first part of Denis Villeneuve's interpretation of Dune and I enjoyed the film though I thought it was a bit overrated. Well, now Dune: Part 2 has hit the cinemas and I have seen it so here is my review. The premise of the film sees Paul Atreides align himself with the Fremen in order to try and get revenge against the people that destroyed his family legacy. 

Main Character

Timothee Chalamet plays Paul and he is brilliant in this film. His character has a great stroy arc throughout this film and feels like a natural continuation from the first film and this is such an interesting character fuelled by a great performance. This is a huge cast but Chamalet stands out and definitely holds the weight of being the lead actor on his back very well. 

Supporting Characters

This film has a big cast with big stars throughout and I am sure I will not be able to mention all of them but I just want to start here that everybody in this film does a stellar job and there isn't a bad performance here. 

Zendaya plays Chani, after her small role in the first film she gets way more to do here and I really liked her performance. She is a great companion to Paul but I also really like her individual journey that the character goes through. It is nice to see Zendaya deliver some impactful scenes here and give a great performance. 

Rebecca Ferguson is back as Jessica and she goes through a real transformation here from her character in the previous film. She has had to adapt to her new surroundings and responsibilities and seeing her characters development from the previous film is impressive from Ferguson. 

Javier Bardem is back as Stilgar and I have to be honest he might have been my favourite character in the film. He is actually pretty funny and I really liked the relationship that he had with Paul and it makes him a great ally to him. Bardem really commits to the role and I really enjoy watching him on screen. 

Austin Butler plays villain Feyd-Rautha and this is a truly imposing villain. He is cold and violent making him an impressive opposition to Paul. His introduction is very memorable and Butler really wanted to make this character memorable and he really nailed it. 

Story

The story has quite a lot going on but I found it much easier to follow here. The two factions are both interesting in their own ways and I really liked the way The Fremen are showed and given loads of depth. The characters go through lots in this film and the majority of them have compelling stories over the film with a really satisfying ending to this film. 

Script

This film has way less exposition and is way easier to follow then the first part and that is because the writing is a lot better and focuses on its characters and the plights that they are going for. There are slight pieces of humour that goes well with the characters and shows their natural charisma. 

Style

This film looks absolutely beautiful. The cinematography is some of the best ever put onto film and the action sequences are really well filmed and they feel different depending on who is fighting. Also this film has an amazing use of sound and music, the score is harrowing and adds to the overall feel of the film. 

Overall

Overall, Dune Part 2 is a special film and is one of the best sci fi films that I have seen in years. It is such a vast improvement on the first film and despite its long runtime I was never bored and engaged throughout and I would say that this is a must watch at the cinema. 

Rating - 10/10

 Oppenheimer (2023) Review

This week has seen one of the craziest times for cinema with the release of both Barbie and this film Oppenheimer. Hopefully, this gives cinema the shot in the arm that it needs and truly provides some great cinema. I have seen Oppenheimer and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film examines the life of Robert Oppenheimer, the man who was behind the development of the atomic bomb. 

Main Character

Cillian Murphy and director Christopher Nolan have been linked for many years and it is finally time for him to be the lead performance as Oppenheimer and he is incredible. This is easily one of the best performances of 2023 and I guarantee that he will be getting an Oscar nomination for this performance. He depicts the role perfectly, he is arrogant but so intelligent, you can tell he is the smartest person in the room and this is amazing to see. Murphy shows different sides to this amazing person and this is a role of a lifetime for him and I am glad that we get the chance to see it. 

Supporting Characters

Emily Blunt plays his wife Kitty Oppenheimer and she is great in this role. She has one scene in particular where she owns the screen and makes you watch and pay attention to her. She is a strong character and the chemistry between her and Murphy is really good. 

Matt Damon plays General Leslie Groves and I really liked his character. You see the difference between himself and Oppenheimer but also that given everything that is required that they can work together. He oozed charisma and added some bit of humour which just made this film even better. 

It is great seeing Robert Downey Jnr in a film that isn't made by Marvel Studios and I swear he is also going to be up for an Oscar nomination for his role as Lewis Strauss. He is in a unique part of the film but delivers a masterful performance and sees how his character is affected by the actions of other characters and how he is losing grip on his lifestyle. 

Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock is a smaller role in the film but also a really effective role. She is a strong part of the film and I thought she was pretty powerful in all the scenes that she is in and this is another really solid performance for her young career. 

This film is full of well known actors in smaller roles with my favourites being Jason Clark, Josh Hartnett & Alden Ehrenreich who do really great jobs and maximise the ability with the small amount of minutes that they get. 

Story 

The story is fascinating, it examines different times of Oppenheimers life and how it affects not just himself but the other people around him. There is a lot going on here and the film doesn't really hold back on trying to tell you as much as possible but it really works because of how the story is moulded and performed. I knew very little about Oppenheimer before the film but I am now super interested about him and the life that he led. 

Script

This film is expertly written. It is very serious due to the subject matter and it doesn't dumb the film down and shows us all the science that is involved in the film. The film has slithers of dark humour in this as well, especially through Damon's performance and that really balances the film well and kept me engaged. 

Style

The film looks incredible. The cinematography and showing how the bomb can truly affect anything is mesmerising. Christopher Nolan has become such a pivotal and amazing director that the way he makes this film feels like a crucial part of the film. The score by Ludwig Goransson is incredible and adds so much to every scene making it feel like this who amazing experience. The film may be 3 hours but I was never bored here and I thought every scene added something to the film and that is as great as it is. 

Overall

Overall, Oppenheimer is one of the best films of the year and will be truly remembered. We have been treated to a true cinematic experience and should be experienced on the big screen and I hope people see this film because of the hard work put in by everybody involved. 

Rating - 10/10

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2023) Review

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-verse was one of my favourite comic book films ever, and after all these years the sequel, Across The Spider-Verse has been released and I have finally had a chance to watch it and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees Miles Morales travel across the multiverse where he meets other Spider-Men that at are charged with protecting it, Miles must understand what it takes to be a true hero. 

Main Character

Shameik Moore is back as Miles Morales and he is fantastic. He plays the teenage spider-man very well and he is easily likeable which is great to see. There is more to him though, Moore adds real emotion to the story of Morales and the things he goes through is well done. Gwen Stacy voiced by Hailee Steinfeld gets way more to do in this film and I would argue her character is as important as Miles. She gives such an emotional performance and Gwen is a character that we learn a lot about and see how she really fits into this story. The dynamic between both characters is really well delivered and I am glad it worked so well. 

Supporting Characters

This film has probably the most amount of characters a film ever has, so I certainly won't be going through all of them but I will acknowledge that they are all great. 

Brian Tyree Henry and Luna Lauren Velez return as Miles parents and they are a large part of this story. Seeing how the dynamic between Miles and his parents goes down is a really crucial element of this film and the two performers did a great job. 

Oscar Isaac plays Miguel O'Hara and is fantastic. It seems like he is becoming the king of comic book films and shows and he is no different here, O'Hara is the leader of the team of Spider-Men and he is the most serious character in this film. As you learn more about him, you understand why he does what he does and it makes him a really interesting character. 

Jake Johnson is back as Peter B Parker, though he has a much smaller role. Even though he isn't in the film a huge amount he is used effectively and I felt like he was somebody that added to the overall story of the film and how it affects Miles life. 

There are some other great characters specifically Jason Schwartzman as The Spot, Issa Rae as Jessica Drew and Daniel Kaluuya as Spider-Punk. They all were fun additions to the cast here. 

Story

The story is fantastic. As I mentioned above, it focuses equally on Miles Morales & Gwen Stacy and it deals with both stories incredibly well. This film exceeds what the majority of people would expect for an animated film with the amount of depth and emotion that goes ahead with these characters and the situations that they are put in. This is also a great ending, which feels appropriate for the film and effects every character that has been a spotlight of the film. 

Script

The script is really great. The comedy is well written, this film is funny and not in a childish way. It is clever with its comedy and it picks appropriate times to use it. But the drama is where the film succeeds, you really do care about these characters and how the events in the film change the characters. 

Style 

The first film was amazing to look at and so creative in its design. This film is even better, you can't take your eyes off the screen because of the colours and use of technical devices that no ever film does like it. This films pacing is great too, it clearly has different acts to the film and I was never bored, 

Overall

Overall, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse is an Epic film that just like its predecessor is one of the best comic book films ever made. Ignore the fact that it is an animated film, this is an amazing film and especially for Spider-Man films needs to be see. 

Rating - 10/10

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) Review 

Even though it has been out for a few weeks, I have now had the chance to watch Top Gun: Maverick and here is my review for it. The premise of the film is set 30 years after the original film with Maverick having to teach a new group of recruits to give them the best chance of surviving a dangerous mission. 

Main Character

Tom Cruise is back as Maverick in one of his most iconic roles and he knocks it out of the park. This version of the character is really well realised, he still has that cocky bravado towards him but there is more pain to his role and he is thrust into this position that he is not completely comfortable with. This is one of his strongest performances over the last few years and it is great to see him really committed here. 

Supporting Characters

Miles Teller plays Rooster, the son of Goose from the previous film and he is fantastic in the film. There is real heart to his performance and the dynamic between himself and Cruise is done really well in the film. It was probably my favourite part of the film and that is a credit to the two actors to deliver emotion to both of the characters. Jennifer Connolly plays Maverick's new love interest and I thought they worked really well together and it was just nice to see. She is a pretty cool character in her own right and it is a nice part of the film instead of being a boring side plot. Jon Hamm basically plays the military boss who disagrees with Maverick and though he is frustrating, Hamm does a really good job and he is a good contrast to Maverick in the film. All the young pilots are really great too and I can see big futures for their careers, especially Glenn Powell who plays Hangman. Probably one of the best parts of the film is seeing Val Kilmer reprise his role as Iceman, due to his real life illness it is difficult but I cant deny and say it is really well handled and adds plenty to the story. 

Story 

The story is really well handled, it is way more serious then the original Top Gun and that was definitely the right root to take. There is a real raw emotion to the characters here and the situation they are put in, it feels like this group are training for a high stakes mission and the film did a great job of that. You really will care about them and want to see the twists and turns that the film is going to take. 

Script

The script is fantastic, the charm and humour that you would want from a Top Gun film is here. But it is the extra layer of emotion and care that rises it above, the characters are well written and the story is well crafted and built up well. 

Style 

The films style is incredible, the flying scenes can now truly hit their true potential with todays technology and they are amazing. The cinematography is some of the best you will ever see and it keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. The film is also incredibly well paced and I was never bored with it being a brilliant film. 

Overall

Overall, Top Gun Maverick is an Epic film and one of the best films in the last few years. It maybe the best sequel of an older film that has been made and this is a must watch for everybody in my opinion. 

Rating - 10/10

The Batman (2022) Review

After many years The Batman has finally made its way to the Cinema and I managed to get to the cinema and watch it and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a Batman in the early part of his career having to take on a new foe which will push him to new levels and makes him question his whole motivations. 

Main Character

There was plenty of controversy when Robert Pattinson was cast as Bruce Wayne/Batman but I actually had high hopes and I have to say I thought he did a really good job. He sold the pretty new Batman well, he is probably the most aggressive version of the character and you just feel the intensity radiating off of him. But there is real development here and I feel like the version we meet at the beginning of the film compared to the one at the end has changed quite a bit and it is well handled. This is very much a Batman film and thus sees him less as Bruce Wayne but when he is, it works well enough it just isn't the focus of the film. 

Supporting Characters

Zoe Kravitz plays Selina Kyle/Catwoman and she is great. The dynamic between the two of them is really well handled and I really enjoyed watching her character develop as there are some really interesting story parts with her. Paul Dano plays The Riddler and they do an amazing job with this character. He is like a horror character and seeing him go about his mission is fascinating and he was the perfect villain for this film, his motivations were really well executed and this is redemption for this great character. Jeffery Wright plays James Gordon and this is another stellar depiction of the character, he is tough but fair and I really liked the partnership between him and Batman. Despite their relationship being quite new there is clear trust and respect between the two of them. Colin Farrell plays The Penguin and despite being caked in prosthetics it is a really strong character, it feels honest to the comics and creates this really cool mob character that fits well in this universe. 

Story 

The story is expertly handled, this is a true detective story. For the first time really in film, it feels like Batman is a proper detective and this mystery kept me guessing and the twists and turns were really effective. There are so many characters and plot points here that I was worried it was going to be too much, but it all fits together really well and nothing felt out of place to me and that was a really impressive piece of storytelling to me. 

Script

The script is extremely grim and this is no doubt the darkest Batman film we have ever seen. But it really fit this film and I was fine with it, this film writes all of its characters really well and keeps the film progressing in a really interesting and for me captivating way. 

Style 

The film has an amazing style, Gotham has never looked better, it is so bleak and grey that it feels like it is ripped straight from the comic books. The harder hitting action is so well done and makes Batman way more brutal and less reliant on gadgets which feels extremely fitting for the story that was being told here. Yes, the film is 3 hours but I thought the film was paced really well and I was never bored. There wasn't anything that I thought should have been cut or trimmed down and fair play to Matt Reeves as a director who did an amazing job here. 

Overall

Overall, The Batman is a truly special comic book film that I loved. Fans of Batman will love it and it is a must watch, I am not saying this film is as good as The Dark Knight but it is pretty close and that is great to see for the character of Batman in 2022. 

Rating - 10/10

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) Review

Finally, the biggest film Spider-Man: No Way Home has hit cinemas and I had to go see it as early as possible. Now I have watched it, here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees Spider-Man's secret identity revealed, he tries to get Doctor Strange's help to fix things but this leads to some unwanted visitors from other universes to cause problems for both of them. 

Main Character 

Tom Holland has played Spider-Man for a while now and for me this is his best performance in the role. You really see how he has grown and this film shows real depth to the character and how he has kind of grown up into this crazy world. He doesn't have much rest in the film and it really pushes Holland to impress in the majority of his scenes and I thought he was great in really making Spider-Man a top hero in The MCU. 

Supporting Characters

Zendaya plays MJ and I was just really happy to see the dynamic between her and Peter in this film. Despite everything that goes on they are a pretty strong couple and it is just nice for a comic book film to have a relationship that feels natural without overpowering the main plot. Benedict Cumberbatch reprises his role as Doctor Strange and he is really good, I really like how despite being a hero he has a more mature and different viewpoint to Spider-Man. He adds some really interesting parts to the film and plays a unique role in the progress of the story and Spider-Man as a character. Jacob Batalon is back as Ned and he is much better then the role he played in Far From Home. He is just a fun character that supports Peter, he is way more involved with Spider-Man and that improves his character so much. Marisa Tomei is back as Aunt May and again she is more involved this time out and is just a really great person for Holland to bounce off and the dynamic just really works and makes their relationship feel very real. Willem Dafoe, Alfred Molina and Jamie Foxx reprise their roles as Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus and Electro. Dafoe and Molina are great and really flourish in their roles, but the surprise is Foxx as Max Dillon/Electro. He is so much better then he was in Amazing Spider-Man 2 and I am glad he got given this 2nd chance here. 

Story 

The story is really great, I was worried with all of the multiverse elements that the focus could have been taken off of a character arc for Spider-Man but it nails this element. Peter has a real arc and it develops incredibly well and for me was a real highlight. It is obviously great seeing the returning villains and they are treated with respect and their characters are further explored. The ending feels deserved and because you are so invested it feels really earnt. 

Script

MCU films often get criticised for their scripts including too much humour in them, but I actually think the balance is really handled well here. Yes there are funny moments here but for me they didn't outweigh the serious and darker parts of the film. 

Style 

The film looks great, the actions scenes are all really fun and seeing The MCU Spider-Man going against villains from the other franchises works very well and allows for some fun sequences. The pacing for the film is also really good, despite being 2 hours 30 mins it never felt too long and I honestly believe that there isn't really any filler here which is an impressive feat. 

Overall

Overall, Spider-Man: No Way Home is an epic film that really lives up to the hype. I am possibly still buzzing because I have just watched the film but I can't find too much fault and this is a Spider-Man fans dream film and anybody will find this film plenty of fun. 

Rating - 10/10

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) Review

It's ironic that with the week that The Falcon & The Winter Soldier came to Disney+ the next film in my Marvel review series is the one that saw both characters debut - Captain America The Winter Soldier. I watched the film today and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees Steve Rogers trying to adapt to the modern world working for SHIELD when a mysterious enemy called The Winter Soldier targets him. 

Main Character

Chris Evans once again plays Captain America AKA Steve Rogers and he is fantastic in this film, he has transitioned from the naive boy scout and is a really well developed character here. Evans has a charm and charisma that really works for the character and makes him so likeable but you see how his ideals really come out and conflict with this modern world that he has become a part of. He is great in the action scenes and provides the emotion needed for a really great super hero. 

Supporting Characters

Scarlett Johansson plays Black Widow again and she is also great here and a spotlight is really placed on her here more then in previous films and she shines. Her character is given really great development and you see how her friendship with Rogers has changed and adapted since The Avengers and it makes her the most interesting she has been in the films here. Samuel L Jackson is always great as Nick Fury and he is the same here, his character is examined closely here and the dynamic between his methods and Rogers believes is highlighted and explored in an interesting way. He is also part of one of my favourite MCU action scenes in this film so there is that. Robert Redford plays Alexander Pierce and I always find it crazy that one of his last roles is in a Marvel film and he is also really good, he is just a solid hand in his role and he seems to be having a good time. This is the first time we see Anthony Mackie as The Falcon and I actually forgot just how good he is here, he is a really nice character here and his down to earth nature really fits well alongside the Avengers we already see on screen. Sebastian Stan plays The Winter Soldier and this is one of the best villains in the MCU, he is mysterious and a really awesome threat to the heroes and feels like he is truly capable of taking out Captain America. 

Story 

The story for this film is really great, the whole character of Captain America gets explored in depth and this film has a clear message to it which it shows in a mature and unique way. Then there is the interesting stuff involving the villain of the film and what that means, with twists that are genuinely surprising it mixes to have a story that will keep you engaged throughout. 

Script

The script is also fantastic, a really good mix of humour and drama. This film is funny when it needs to be but it also hits some emotional moments that feel deserved and like they actually have weight to them. The film keeps you on your toes with its developments and it is written very well in this case which rises it above other films in its genre. 

Style 

This films style is one of the best parts of the film. The action scenes are some of the best you will see in not only comic book films but also action films in general, this film made Cap one of the truly best fighters in the MCU and that is great to see. Hell, every character is great in their action sequences and they all feel so different that it never gets dull. 

Overall

Overall, this is a truly epic film. The Winter Soldier has intrigue, great characters, great action scenes and twists and turns. This is one of the best MCU films there are and comic book film fans and just film fans alike will love it. 

Rating - 10/10 

The Avengers (2012) Review

On my way to reviewing all the MCU films I have now made it to the end of the first phase which means I have made it to The Avengers and I re-watched it today and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a group of superheroes have to come together to save the world from an alien force. 

Main Character

He was the first star of the MCU and he is one of the main focuses here, I'm talking about Robert Downey Jnr as Tony Stark AKA Iron Man and I think he is great in the film. He has so much charisma and the one liners are coming at a really high rate in the film, the key thing for me though is that his character develops and I think what this film does really well is show you how much has changed in him since the first Iron Man film. Chris Evans is back as Captain America and it is fun seeing this man who is from another time having to deal with modern times, I also like how his character interacted with the others, also in the action scenes Cap still shines and this film doesn't even montage past all of it. The dynamic between Downey Jnr & Evans is great here and shows just how different their personalities are and how difficult it is for them to work together despite the world literally being on the line. 

Supporting Characters

Okay, there are so many characters so in order for this review to not be longer then it needs I will try and keep this as short as possible. Chris Hemsworth is great as Thor, he adds more humour and presence in the role and like all the other characters he really gets to excel by bouncing his presence off of the other characters. Tom Hiddleston plays the villain Loki and what a shock he is great too, we saw the start of the character in Thor but he has clearly progressed since then and I liked how the relationship between the two brothers develops from the previous film. Scarlett Johansson is back as Black Widow and she is much better here then she was in Iron Man 2, she is actually given a character and real time to shine and the best thing I can say is that she stands alongside these gods and super powered beings and doesn't look out of place. Jeremy Renner plays Hawkeye and they don't give him that much to do, or more like they handle the character poorly, but by the end of the film I came around to Renner in the role and given more to do he is a great fit for the character. Over the first phase of the MCU we have seen flickers of Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury but this is the most we get of him so far and he is great, he is just so cool and interesting with his motivations not being as black and white as you would expect for this film. Now onto The Hulk, Mark Ruffalo takes over the role in this film and he is great as Banner, yes it is different to Edward Norton but he feels like a natural fit and I really liked his character here. But The Hulk is the star of this film, when he gets going he is amazing and looks incredible, The Hulk has never been better then he is in this film I believe and credit has to go to him for that. Clark Gregg, Colbie Smulders & Stellan Skaarsgard are also all good in their roles. 

Story  

As you can see by the lengthy cast list there is plenty going on here but it all balances nicely. I love the fact that the film shows that despite these characters all being heroes they don't all necessarily get along and have different views on things and it adds some much needed drama. I think the fact that we have seen their solo films aids in that as the film doesn't have to waste time with backstories and that allows the film to move at a really fast pace. Yes, there are some conveniences but I don't care, this film is so fun and the final act is comic book film greatness and delivers truly memorable moments. 

Script

The script is great, it just has that very snappy dialogue with plenty of one liners and dialogue that just fits the characters appropriately. There is also some depth and drama to this popcorn blockbuster film and that is good and credit to the people behind the script as this aids in making these god like characters interesting and a bit relatable. 

Style 

The style of the film is one of the best things about the film. As I mentioned above, the pacing of the film is incredibly quick and that aids in making this an incredibly fun film. The action scenes are huge in scale and the CGI is at its best here then any MCU film that came before. Which brings me onto The Hulk, he looks amazing, the action scenes involving him are the the most exciting part of the film and finally the MCU had a Hulk that delivered in looking and fighting like he deserved. 

Overall

Overall, The Avengers is a special film that is a must watch for not just Marvel fans but all film fans. I think because of what The MCU now is we sometimes forget about this film and take it for granted. But without, The Avengers there wouldn't be an MCU and it is an amazing film that is honestly one of my favourite movies possibly ever. 

Rating - 10/10

Iron Man (2008) Review

So touch wood Black Widow is set to come out sometime in May, so I have decided to re-watch all of the films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in prep and of course that means starting with the first - Iron Man and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a Billionaire Weapons Dealer kidnapped where he creates a suit of armour to escape and make up for his own mistakes. 

Main Character

When Robert Downey Jnr was cast as Tony Stark it was a huge risk, many personal demons had taken its toil of his personal and professional career. But never was a role more perfect for an actor then he was for Stark, he is so charismatic in the role and he nails the complexity of the role. You see growth over the film but he never loses his true personality and always kept the wit and snappy dialogue with him and this was the first time we saw his great portrayal. 

Supporting Characters

Gwyneth Paltrow plays Pepper Potts and she is great as well, the chemistry between her and Downey is off the charts and you see the relationship between them build and it is the real heartfelt part of the film and she provides plenty too that. She isn't written as the damsel in distress and really is a proper character that feels worthy of her role here. Jeff Bridges plays Obadiah Stane and he is clearly having a lot of fun and revelling in his role and Bridges does enough for him to be a good character here. I mean there isn't really any depth with Stane but there is no denying that Bridges is great in the role. It feels a bit weird seeing Terrence Howard play Rhodey as he was replaced with Don Cheadle after this film but he is good too. I thought the friendship between him and Tony was a good part of the film and added to the story as a whole. Clark Gregg & Paul Bettany play Coulson & JARVIS for the first time and they do well in their roles with plenty more to come from them in future films. 

Story

The story is fantastic, you see this guy who starts the film in one mindset and finishes it in pretty much a completely different one without compromising his character. Tony Stark's character arc is the real highlight of this film and for me the first 30 mins really helped with that as we see just how intelligent he is and how his life is really affected by what happens to him in Afghanistan. Yes, the whole villain part of the film isn't the most compelling but it fits the film we are watching and I thought it suited Tony's character arc and for a first film was the right way to go, it also helps that this film has one of the most iconic endings to any comic book film ever made. 

Script

The script is really good and what I mean by that is the actors did a great job with the script they were given which wasn't finished when they started shooting the film so credit has to go to the actors. The humour is top notch with some truly great one liners which Downey delivers to perfection. But the film also has plenty of heart to it, you really care about this character and this whole redemption story that he is going on. 

Style

The style of the film has some great action scenes, this was the first time we saw the Iron Man suit and it looks great with some memorable sequences. It doesn't have the massive stakes of some other films involving the character but it really nails the action and what felt appropriate for the first film in the franchise. The film is also paced really well, as I said the first half an hour really sets the scene so well and it keeps it up throughout. 

Overall

Overall, this is an epic film, the first film in the MCU is full of quality and still holds up as a more personal and raw story told about this now iconic character. This is one of the most important comic book films of all time and it is also one of the best. 

Rating - 10/10

The Lord of the Rings: The Return Of The King (2003) Review

So I have now made my way through The Lord Of The Rings trilogy and that culminates with The Return Of The King, one of the biggest films ever made and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees the forces of Gondor & Rohan fight to protect Middle Earth from the forces of Mordor while Frodo, Sam & Gollum get closer to Mount Doom and their endgame. 

Main Character

Elijah Wood is back as Frodo and I think he does a great job in selling just how tough the journey has been on Frodo compared to the other characters. The ring is just weighing him down and this film in particular he is really struggling with it and finding his mind on the brink. I mean Frodo isn't the most likeable character for parts of this film but I thought Wood did a great job in portraying the anxiety and torment that Frodo has gone through in this trilogy. Viggo Mortenson plays Aragorn and talking about his character is pretty funny, I mean the title of the film spoils his whole character arc but he is still great here and does well in his role and just does a great job as a protagonist. 

Supporting Characters

Sean Astin does a really good job in the first two films but this is the film where he really stands out and for me gives the best performance in the film. There is a line in The Two Towers where Frodo says he wouldn't get far without Sam and you really see it in this film, as Frodo struggles Sam gets stronger and Astin does a fantastic job in this film as the moral centre. Sir Ian McKellen is given more to do here as Gandalf The White and he is great, he gets to see more of the action and nails every moment he is on screen and just adds so much to the film. Andy Serkis is also back as Gollum and the effects are even better here, Gollum looks fantastic and the character is fleshed out here and it even better, Serkis truly deserves credit for his role here and Gollum is also a real highlight of the film. The rest of the cast also do great jobs, Miranda Otto as Eowyn gets more to do here, Bernard Hill as Theoden gets more to do, Merry and Pippin have more to do and they are all fantastic and have really good character arcs, the whole cast really do a great job in the film. 

Story

The story is epic on all levels, more of the characters have interesting character arcs and more time to shine. The story is in three plots really, Frodo, Sam & Gollum, Gandalf & Pippin and the rest of the characters at Rohan, and all of it is really interesting. The film uses its extra runtime to flesh out more characters and makes the story be more epic and have more depth to it then the previous films. It ends the trilogy pretty much perfectly and does it really well with these characters that you will have grown to love over the 9 hours that you have watched. 

Script

The script is great, the dialogue and ways the characters are written takes these larger then life personalities and makes you care about them which is no mean feat. This film knows when to focus on the drama and it knows when to have a laugh, it balances the plot arcs very well and makes the film interesting from start to end. 

Style 

This film is epic on scale, I mean it could be argued that in terms of scale this is the largest film ever, the battle scenes are huge in scale and raises the scale which was necessary for a final instalment of this epic franchise. The film has over 3 hours to tell its story and I think it does a good job of it and keeps the pacing high for pretty much the entire film which is a difficult thing to do. 

Overall 

Overall, I mean this is The Return Of The King so of course it is amazing, this whole trilogy is one of the greatest of all time and if people haven't watched it then they just need to get on it, especially while we are in lockdown. 

Rating - 10/10

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018) Review

So with the new Spider-Man Miles Morales Video game coming out, I thought this would be a good time to watch the much acclaimed film Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse and review the film. It is funny, when this film came out I was against going to the cinema to watch and animated film so today is the first time I have ever watched this film and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a teenager granted the powers of Spider-Man and must unite with five Spider-Powered heroes from other dimensions to stop a threat to every universe. 

Main Character

Shameik Moore plays Miles Morales and I thought he was fantastic here, Miles is just such a likeable character, the film does a great job in making you care about him and want him to succeed throughout. This is the first Spider-Man film to focus on Miles and it is done wonderfully, Moore adds humanity to this role and despite it being an animated character you feel the humanity and how well rounded he is as a character to make this one of the best main characters in a superhero film you will see. 

Supporting Characters 

There is a long list of supporting characters here, Jake Johnson plays Peter B Parker and he is so good here, this is a really interesting take on the character and something we have never seen on the screen. He is more of a burnt out veteran and seeing his dynamic with Miles is really cool and you see just how much both of them need each other and it is a nice story arc. Hailee Steinfeld plays Gwen Stacy and she also does a good job, her friendship with Miles is a nice part of the film and makes her more likeable, again they do something unique with her character and it fleshes her out and adds something fresh to that character. But my favourite character might be the fact that Nicolas Cage, yes that Nicolas Cage plays Spider-Man Noir and he is brilliant, he is so cool and Cage is clearly loving playing this part and he is a really interesting cool character that I want and need to see more of in the future. Liev Schreiber plays Kingpin and this is a really interesting antagonist, it would have been really easy to make him this by the numbers generic villain, but they don't, they really flesh his character out and make him interesting, his motivations are actually relatable in some weird way which really rises the film up. Chris Pine, Mahershala Ali & Brian Tyree Henry all do really good in there roles too. 

Story

The story is really interesting and makes some bold choices, it isn't afraid of getting dark in order to tell a more rounded story and it helps it stay fresh. There is alot going on here, but it never feels like too much, everything is important here and all the characters are interesting and well written and that is mainly due to the care and depth that they are given. The plot is fresh and tells an interesting story with these different Spider-Men to build a new world that I really want to see more of with sequels and spinoffs. 

Script

The script is fantastic, this film has plenty of humour and a lot of references to the live action Spider-Man films which was nice to see. But there was also plenty of heart and emotion in this film and when you consider this film to be a family film it is pretty dark and adult which was a great choice for me and made this film accessible for more Spider-Man fans then ever. 

Style 

The style of the film is superb, the animation style is so vibrant and colourful that it really stands out. At times it looks like a comic book bought to life and there isn't really anything like it around. The action scenes are great and really feel true to the Spider-Man mythos and will be a film for new generations which older fans will love too. 

Overall

Overall, this is and important movie, I honestly cannot believe how good this film is, it is honestly one of the greatest comic book movies ever made and if you haven't seen this film then you must see it as soon as possible. For many this is there introduction to Miles Morales and this can be a great Black hero that can be an inspiration for a new generation that might even see him as the main Spider-Man in the future which is exciting times. 

Rating - 10/10

The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002) Review

So next on my list of films to watch is The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers and here is my review for it. The Premise of the film sees Frodo and Sam get closer to Mordor with the help of Gollum, while the rest of The Fellowship must stand against Saruman and his huge army. 

Main Character

Viggo Mortenson really shines in this film, he is given more to do and really gets given the shine and he is a great lead protagonist. You see how his character has taken up more of a leadership role in this film and his part of the film is great and interesting. He nails the action scenes and it makes Aragorn really stand out and shine in this film, he develops well and he gives a really great performance here. Elijah Wood is still good as Frodo, he maybe is in the shadow of Mortenson a bit in this film but he still stands out. You see how the ring is really affecting Frodo, more then the first film and the introduction of Gollum really enhances his character and makes him more interesting then he was in Fellowship Of The Ring. 

Supporting Characters

Onto the show stealer of the film and that is Andy Serkis as Gollum, this character is fascinating and a really ground-breaking character. This performance really changed the game, it really is iconic and Gollum was such a great addition to the Frodo & Sam story making it a much more interesting plot point. Lets face it without Gollum, you wouldn't have the brilliant motion capture performances that you get now, so real credit to Peter Jackson & Andy Serkis for taking the risk and knocking it out of the park. Orlando Bloom & John Rhys Davies as Legolas and Gimli are given much more to do in this film and they are fantastic and add some nice comic relief here that never feels out of place. The friendship between Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn is one of the best parts of the film and really sells the relationship, and feels like a natural progression from the first film. Sir Ian McKellen is back as Gandalf The White this time and he does a great job, he isn't in this film as much but when he is on screen he is awesome and nails this change of character. Sean Astin, Christopher Lee, Bernard Hill, Billy Boyd & Dominic Monaghan  are great in there roles and prove that these Lord Of The Rings casts are probably the greatest of all time. 

Story 

The story is bigger and larger in The Two Towers and it does work, there are three story arcs going on, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli's, Frodo, Sam & Gollum's & Merry, Pippin & Treebeard and they are interesting. The Aragorn plot gets the most screen time and it adds a new dynamic to Middle Earth and these films and make them feel larger then the previous film, even the Merry & Pippin stuff, though slower is good to watch and has a great conclusion to it which makes it worth it. The three stories work really well as they all feel a bit different and add something to the film in their own ways leading to The Battle Of Helms Deep which is possibly the greatest battle in film history. 

Script  

The script is great, it has the right balance of drama and humour and it just does a great job of making these characters feel unique and interesting. This film does have a darker feeling and tone then the previous film and it shows but it knows where to find the times to lighten the mood without going against its overall feeling and it does a great job. 

Style 

The style of the film is fantastic and raises the stakes. The action scenes are bigger and better, Bloom & Mortenson in particular standout with some great action scenes, leading as I said above to one of the greatest battles of all time that feels epic in nature but very real due to great stunts and great fight scenes. The film has great CGI and Motion Cap work, whether it be Gollum or Treebeard it looks great and Gollum in particular changes the game and allowed characters like Caesar, The Hulk & Thanos to exist in the future and this was his start. The film is 3 hours long but never drags, the stories are balanced really well and keep you interested throughout and expand on the films really well. 

Overall 

Overall, just like its predecessor this is one of the greatest films ever made and is a must watch. One of the greatest second films in a franchise ever and raises the stakes in a great way and sets up the final film in the most grand way possible. 

Rating - 10/10

The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001) Review

So with the Lockdown back in effect I thought it was time to get started on re watching The Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit Films so yesterday I watched The Fellowship Of The Ring and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a group of companions from different races have to come together to travel to a dark land to destroy a powerful ring and stop the dark lord Sauron. 

Main Character

Elijah Wood plays Frodo Baggins a Hobbit who is tasked with carrying the ring and he is great here. You really get the feeling that Frodo is out of his depth on the quest but Wood does a good job in making him likeable and you really want to see him succeed in his quest. Viggo Mortenson plays Aragorn and he is brilliant here, he is such a physical actor here and he nails all the action scenes that he is given. He is also a really interesting character, I mean you are given bits and pieces in this film to keep you interested, but not giving you too much right off the bat. 

Supporting Characters 

There are so many characters in this film and everybody is great but I will only talk about a few of them in greater detail. Sir Ian McKellen plays Gandalf The Grey and he is awesome here, Gandalf is so wise and McKellen nails it as the wise, fun and action heavy wizard that is a real mentor figure to the rest of The Fellowship and does it effectively. Sean Bean plays Boromir and he is also a really interesting character here, he has a bit of a darker personality then the other characters but he gives a very memorable performance. Sir Christopher Lee plays Saruman The White and of course he is fantastic, he is a legend and a hue Lord Of The Rings fan so of course he is great in the role, Saruman is another really interesting cog of the film and his dynamic with Gandalf is fascinating to watch. As I said everybody is great, Orlando Bloom is great, Cate Blanchett is great, Sean Astin is great and the whole group is just so great and one of the greatest ensembles of all time. 

Story

The story is great, it brings you into this world as we follow these people come together on this epic quest. The characters and their connection together is what drives the film forward and you will end up caring about all of them throughout, it has a simple good vs evil but layers it with so much depth to make this a great journey. The film may be 3 hours long but the story stays interesting throughout and moves at a really nice pace to keep you intrigued for every minute of the film. 

Script

The script is great, it takes this fantastical world and gives us interesting and down to earth characters that we can look up to and care about. This is obviously a very dramatic film and it nails all of that but it is the humour too that makes this script legendary. You can go from drama to humour and it feels really natural and helps build the world and the characters up. 

Style 

The style of the film is amazing, the landscapes of New Zealand where it was filmed it as beautiful as ever which is advanced by some legendary cinematography mixed with Howard Shore's epic score that just brings you into Middle Earth. Even though the film is 3 hours long it is paced perfectly and as I mentioned before keeps you invested throughout with some great action scenes. 

Overall

Overall, The Fellowship Of The Ring is one of the greatest films ever made, if you haven't seen this film then find not only 3 hours but nine hours to watch all of these films, heck maybe watch the extended editions but do it whenever you can as it is a must watch. 

Rating - 10/10 

 

 Logan (2017) Review

So even though I have watched The New Mutants, I still have a few X-Men films left to watch and the next one is the film Logan and here is my review for it. The premise of the film is set in the future and sees an older Wolverine looking after Charles Xavier when a young mutant comes into their lives and force them on the run. 

Main Character

Hugh Jackman has become famous for playing the role of Logan/Wolverine and in his final appearance in the role he gives his best performance to date. The fact he wasn't nominated for an Oscar for his performance here was an injustice as he truly deserved it for a mammoth truly emotional performance. We see a Logan worn down and fed up of life, he struggles throughout the movie and it really feels like the world has caught up with him and he is actually in danger, which has been something X-Men films have struggled with. Also this film having a more mature adult feeling means we finally get to see Jackman go full berserker Wolverine and it is fabulous and absolutely brutal. 

Supporting Characters

Sir Patrick Stewart is back one last time as Charles Xavier and similar to Jackman he is brilliant here. The father figure and strong character is gone, replaced with a weak and damaged man that has gone through a lot. The dynamic between Charles and Logan is fascinating here, as it really feels like the roles have reversed and that Logan has to look after Charles which is great to see. Dafne Keen makes her film debut as X-23 and she is fantastic, she has hardly any dialogue but you can't help but care about her and I really bought into her relationship with Logan and where it grows. The dynamic between these characters is really the thing that carries the movie and you really care about these characters and it really drives this movie. Stephen Merchant, Boyd Holbrook and Richard E Grant also all do good jobs in their smaller roles here. 

Story

Now even though this film has characters from the X-Men universe, this couldn't be further away from an X-Men film. It really focuses on the characters and the damage that has occurred to them over their lives and why they need to go on living for this young girl. As I mentioned above, the relationships between the characters and the friendship is what gives this movie weight and plenty of heart. It is a tragic story but a really well told one that fits the characters perfectly. 

Script

The script is really great, this world is so gritty and there is drama galore. The more mature writing fits the film perfectly and really shows where the characters are, especially Xavier when you consider what he has been like in the previous films. There are also little drops of humour too which is nice to see and ensures Wolverine still has those moments even if they aren't always meant to be funny. 

Style

The style is brilliant, this world they created for the film fits so well, it is dark, dirty and gritty and it really feels like the end of days for the mutants. The R rating for this film was the right choice, the action is brutal and violent and it adds to this films story and the way it is presented. It is such an emotional ride that is paced really well and keeps you interested throughout. 

Overall

Overall, this is a brilliant film, whether you are an X-Men, Wolverine or just film fan then you owe it to yourself to watch this movie. It is an emotional roller coaster and by focusing on it's character give a story and journey that you won't forget. 

Rating - 10/10 

 X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014) Review

Next in my line of X-Men films to watch is the film that bought the two timelines together, X-Men: Days Of Future Past and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a future where Mutants are hunted down and destroyed by machines called Sentinels, Professor Xavier & Magneto send Wolverine back in time to 1973 where he must find there younger selves and stop Mystique from killing the creator of the machines. 

Main Character

There are a few main characters here so I am going to put them together. First of all is Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and he is fantastic here, he is still the charming and charismatic guy here but it is also nice to see a more veteran version of the character that has to be a mentor to a young Xavier. In some of the previous films he has been given screen time over other characters but he is here the appropriate amount and it doesn't overshadow some other amazing performances. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender are back as young Xavier and Magneto and they are amazing here. First of all McAvoy is fascinating, they really humanise Xavier here and they do a really good job of making him interesting and compelling, he feels even more human here then he did in First Class and it is a real highlight here. Then onto Fassbender who totally revels in his role as more of an antagonist but once again he is a remarkable antagonist, there is one scene on a plane that shows the strength of his performances and character. Also their chemistry together is still brilliant and really shows that Fox nailed it with this casting. 

Supporting Characters

I thought Jennifer Lawrence did a good job as Mystique in First Class but she steps it up a level here. She ups it in the action scenes and really feels closer to the Mystique that we saw in the original films, she also has a really interesting character arc and it feels like her emotions are stuck between Xavier and Magneto and it puts her in a really interesting position. Sir Ian Mckellen and Sir Patrick Stewart play the older versions of Magneto and Xavier and once again do a great job, they get less screen time here as the film mainly focus on the younger cast but they still add plenty to their roles and deliver when needed. Peter Dinklage, Nicolas Hoult and Ellen Page also give good performances in there smaller roles, also Evan Peters as Quicksilver is a show stealer, he isn't in the film much but when he is he owns every scene that he is in. 

Story

The story is really good, the characters are at the forefront of the story. We spend the majority of time with Wolverine and the younger cast and the position that the film puts them, I mean Xavier, Magneto and Mystique are really well handled and it makes them interesting characters. The contrast with the future scenes are great to, it is a dark really grim world which makes you realise why this drastic action is taken by the mutants. The last act is also fabulous and does a great job in showing how much the characters develop throughout the film. 

Script

The script is really great here, there are some fantastic dramatic moments and dialogue here. Plus the questioning of ideology is here in a great way, looking at the ideology of Xavier, Magneto and Mystique is great and that all of them are different. In this film they aren't really heroes or villains throughout but work towards their roles in the moral spectrum which is well handled. Also when needed the humour is good and it adds tot he quality of the film. 

Style

The style of the film is great, the 1970's looks great and the future scenes look really good and it fits the time periods that they are in and what has happened. The action scenes are really great, the powers are pushed to higher levels and the design choices are really unique and truly great and yes Beast looks so much better in this film. 

Overall

Overall, this is a brilliant comic book movie. It has great acting, great action scenes and a great narrative and is a must watch for anybody with an interest in The X-Men. 

Rating - 10/10

The Prestige (2006) Review

So in prep for Tenet, if it ever comes out I have gone back and watched some of director Christopher Nolans films and the one I have watched today is The Prestige, which is actually the first time I have ever seen this film and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees after a tragic accident two magicians engage in a battle to create the ultimate illusion and will do anything to stop the other. 

Main Character

Hugh Jackman for me is one of the most underrated actors ever in my opinion, he is mainly remembered just for Wolverine but there is so much more to his acting and he is amazing in this film. His character is so fascinating and you see him become more and more obsessed with figuring out Bale's characters trick that it takes over his whole life and it is honestly brilliant and I am surprised there was no Oscar nomination for him for this film. Christian Bale plays the other magician here and he is also great, his character has a really interesting mentality and these two actors really clash amazingly to create a great dynamic. It becomes hard to pick one to root for and that is what is so interesting about the two leads that there is so much moral complexity to both of them. 

Supporting Characters

 Michael Caine plays a veteran magician here and he is brilliant too, his chemistry with Jackman in particular is great and their dynamic is also really interesting here and he gives a standout performance. Scarlett Johansson and Rebecca Hall have supporting roles and they both do great jobs, there chemistry with the two leads is a highlight of the film and adds even more complexity to the relationships here. It is also nice to see rare performances from David Bowie and Andy Serkis who are also good in there roles. 

Story

For me the story of this film is amazing and breathtaking, something as simple as a simple professional rivalry is made so complex and deep that it makes this film one of the most interesting I have ever seen. This film isn't really about magic, it is there but this is a film about rivalry, about obsession, about jealousy and it is one that needs to be seen. Also just like most of Nolans films the ending of this film is so gratifying and interesting that it really makes you think and you won't be able to get this film out of your head. 

Script

The script here is amazingly written, not only the truly great dialogue but the way the twists and turns are presented is literal screenplay perfection. Both Nolan brothers deserve so much credit for their writing of this film as it is a true masterpiece. 

Style

Some people would argue that Christopher Nolan is a star in his own right and you can see it here. The film conveys so much tension and suspense and it is one of those films that you really have to pay attention as it is truly detailed. It is slower paced, but I was so interested by what was going on that it never really felt that way.

Overall

Overall, The Prestige is one of the best films I have seen in a long time. Nolan has made many amazing films and The Prestige is up there with being one of the best and this is an absolute must watch.

Rating - 10/10

Inception (2010) Review

With Christopher Nolan's new film Tenet set to hit the cinemas hopefully some time soon I have decided to watch the film it has already been compared to in Nolan's big hit Inception. The premise of the film sees a thief who is tasked with stealing secrets using dream like technology have to gather a team to plant an idea into a mind of a CEO of a huge company. 

Main Character

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Cobb and he is as usual excellent in this role. He is the soul of this movie and you really care about his character and want to see him succeed, he has such emotional depth to him but a mix of charisma that makes him a true leading man here. I don't want to go into too much depth about his character but he is fascinating and you learn more and more as the film progresses and it adds layers to his performance. 

Supporting Characters

Ellen Page plays the main supporting character and she is really good here. She is the new member of the team so she is our insight into this world but she has plenty of heart and her relationship with DiCaprio is a real strength to the film. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is in this film and also does a great job, his character does plenty of exposition but it never feels boring and it fits his character well. Also when it comes to the action scenes he is the standout here and has some truly memorable moments. Tom Hardy plays a big role here and he is the most charming character, he oozes charisma and is just a really fun character to watch do his thing. Ken Wantanabe, Cillian Murphy & Marion Cotillard are also great in there roles. 

Story 

This story is hard to talk about to say the least so I won't go into it too much but it is incredibly innovative. The story keeps you on your toes throughout and keeps you fascinated, it combines excitement, emotion and intrigue superbly. It takes a bit of time to get to the main crux of the story but every part of the setup is really interesting and just being put into this world is so unique. The ending of the film is also amazing, it has been debated for years and I love how this ending is thought provoking and makes the audience talk about it. 

Script

The script here is great, it has the issue with having plenty of exposition but it does a really good job of it, making those scenes as interesting as the shootouts. The emotion and humour is a really good blend to make these characters feel like real people even though the concept is crazy. 

Style

The style of the film is brilliant, the action scenes are fantastic to watch and all feel very different and really unlike anything we have seen before. The score by Hans Zimmer really adds plenty to the film and really makes it feel epic, even though the film is 2 and a half hours it never felt slow or boring and kept my interest throughout.

Overall

Overall, this is a truly special film, it is one of them most unique ideas ever put on the screen and it really delivers. This film is not a casual watch, it is one you have to pay attention to throughout and it might be complicated at times but it will be worth a watch for sure. 

Rating - 10/10