Ocean's Twelve (2005) Review

Ocean's Twelve (2005) Review

 So after the highly successful Ocean's Eleven, Hollywood thought it would be a good idea to come up with a sequel a few years later in Ocean's Twelve and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees the crew reunite and add a member in order to commit some international heists to pay back Tony Benedict after their heist in the previous film. 

Main Character

Brad Pitt is given more of the screen time in this film and he is his usual charismatic self in this film, it is entertaining to see him in action and I think that is because he is simply Brad Pitt. The problems I have are with his character there are some things retconned from the previous film to attempt to give him more character but it didn't work and actually goes against the methods he had in the previous film. George Clooney is also back as Danny Ocean and he is fine in the film, similar to Pitt I feel like I only like his character in this film because he is George Clooney, there is no progression in his character and it just feels like Clooney being Clooney which isn't particularly interesting. 

Supporting Characters 

It is really entertaining to see the crew back together for sure, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle & Elliot Gould have some good moments in the film and I thought they were just as fun if not more fun in this film then the previous one. Also shoutout to Vincent Cassell who gives a fun performance but not really given enough to make you care about his character. Julia Roberts as Tess is back as the extra member of the team and once again like the previous film I just don't care about her character and there are some questionable things about her character that just made me believe there was not really much care about her character in this film. Catherine Zeta-Jones plays the detective going after the crew but she was really bland to me, for some reason there had to be a detective in the film and she has a forced story arc that links her to Pitt but it feels very tacked on and like she again wasn't the part they took the most time with. 

Story

It's hard because for a heist film it usually has a fun story, seeing a crew have to rob something and this film does an alright job at it. I really enjoyed how the team come together, it feels like an homage to the previous film in all the right ways, though there are way more issues with this film's story. The motivation for the plot doesn't really feel important enough and you don't have as much interest in the heist as you did in the previous film. The film decides to focus on the relationship between Zeta Jones and Pitt's characters and Cassell's motivation both which are weak and a shallow part of the film. Also just thought I would mention there is a story arc involving the character as Tess and it is just absurd, in a film you are meant to take seriously it really takes you out of the film. If you have seen the film you know what part I mean and honestly it belongs in something like a Deadpool movie it is that stupid and crazy. 

Script 

The script starts off with some great humour and has a bit to keep you liking it, but it gets less funny as the film goes on. This film also has less clever writing and tries to be so crazy that it feels to much, for me one of the best parts of Ocean's Eleven is that it is very clever but it feels logical for the most part where this film doesn't at all. Also the drama in this film is a clear weak point and is linked to the weaker elements of the story.

Style

The style of the film has a nice background, it is entertaining seeing these guys go more international and comitting crimes in places such as Amsterdam and Rome and adds a different flavour to this film. It is just the pacing for the film is a bit off, as mentioned it focuses on stories that don't really matter and things that hold the film back.

Overall

Overall, this is a very average movie, it feels like after a great first film they had to make a sequel so they made this film and even though there are some positives it isn't a film I would suggest watching. 

Rating - 5/10 

After Life Season 2 (2020) Review

After Life Season 2 (2020) Review

 After watching the first season of the show I have now had the chance to catch up on the new second season of After Life and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees Tony attempting to be happy and move on with his life with his relationships with his friends. 

Main Character

Ricky Gervais is back as Tony and I thought he once again did a really great job, he has less crazy and insulting lines but he nails it with the dramatic side of his character. You see even though he is trying to move on he struggles which is realistic for a person, it would have been the most unrealistic thing if after the first season finale he was fine and had completley moved on. He is still pretty funny and is for sure a more likeable character this season so he has that and Gervais does a great job here.

Supporting Characters

Honestly one of the bigger weaknesses of the first season was that of the supporting characters and I thought it was worse this season. Tom Basden as Matt gets more to do as his marriage is failing but you are never really given a reason to care about it and his performance isn't good enough to make you care. There are some great british comics on this show such as Joe Wilkinson & Roisin Conaty and they are paired up but again there isn't enough given for you to get invested and even though their natural humour helps a bit it wasn't enough for me. Then the rest of the crew in the newsroom are back and literally none are given enough time to develop as a character, there is some potential with the character of Sandy but the show again doesn't give you enough to care. I know I said I wanted to see more of the supporting characters and we do this season but I wanted a few more episodes to give them more screen time and the show fails to do that. 

Story

Just like the first season the strength of the story is that of Gervais character, he really goes through plenty this season and it is nice to see him in more of this friendly guise then last season as it does feel like a natural character progression. Again there is more of the supporting characters but I don't really care about any of their stories as they just weren't very interesting to me and at the end of last season some stories are set up but just reset for the new season such as the potential romance which didn't work for me. 

Script

The script has much better drama this season, Gervais character does a great job in making you care about his emotional plight and especially in the last episode which really makes you care. The one thing about this season is that it isn't as funny, it focuses more on cringe comedy and for me it just wasn't fun to watch and was a better show when it focused on the emotional moments. 

Style

The show does a good job in using the style to make you care about Tony's plight and depression, you see him trying to get better and we are there with him hoping he can do it. The problem for me is the pacing of the show, by trying to focus on so many characters and story in only 6 thirty minute episodes isn't enough to make you interested in it. 

Overall

Overall, again I just don't get the hype for this show, for me this season is worse then the first one it is a very average season of television and I am not excited for a 3rd season which I am sure we are set to get. 

Rating - 5/10 

After Life Season 1 (2019) Review

After Life Season 1 (2019) Review

 With the 2nd season of this show being released recently I thought I would go back and rewatch the first season of After Life and here is my review. The premise of the season sees a man become suicidal after the death of his wife going through and trying to find a reason to live. 

Main Character

This show was a personal project of Ricky Gervais with him starring, writing and directing and I thought he did a very good job. You can tell his passion for his character, and there is a nice development from the first episode to the last episode, he also has some really funny lines especially when he is being confrontational about things that we all think about but are too shy to say to people. You can tell he is a character in grieving and even though some things come across as abusive which i'll get to later he does a good job with the material andmakes you have sympathy for the character. 

Supporting Characters

This for me is a mixed bag, some of the characters are performed well such as Gervais' boss and his phsychiatrist but the problem was for me is that we never spend enough time with these characters to really care about them. Everything is shown through Gervais' character point of view so we find other characters irritating because he does and as none of them really have there own thing developed it hurts the characters, though the performers do decent jobs and try it is just the writing that hurts.

Story

The story is pretty emotional, you see this guy at the end of his rope in contrast to the majority of the other character characters are trying to help, it is a pretty predictable plot but I thought it was well done and even though it is predictable it is handled well enough. The main issue I have with the story is the amount of people that he comes across, it feels like there are too many people, plus it feels like there are times at the beginning of the season where Gevais is just abusive and mean to other characters for no real reason and it takes him from a griever to just an unlikeable person. 

Script

The script did make me laugh quite a bit, it's comedy is quite well handled. The drama is well executed and make you care about the main character and the story that he has throughout. However, I thought this show run into an issue, the script mentions suicide so much that it felt like Gervais was just postering and I never actually felt like he was actually going to commit Suicide. Then onto those scenes that come across as bullying and abusive, it just isn't a good look for the character and it harms the earlier parts of the show. 

Style

The style of the show is fine, it is paced really well at being 30 minutes long and 6 episodes it does enough to keep you interested without you getting bored or sick of it. I do feel like if the show wants to focus on more of the side characters in the future it would maybe either need longer episodes or a few more to get all the content in. The only thing about the style is that with everything beeing shown through our main protagonist it feels like every other character gets undercut when there was definitley potential for some interesting storytelling with some of the other players. 

Overall

Overall, I don't really get the hype for this show, it is a fine first season with a good lead performance and a dramatic story but the rest of the departments are a let down and I guess I just didn't get invested in the show enough, hopefully the 2nd season is an improvement for me. 

Rating - 6/10

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 7 (2020) Review

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 7 (2020) Review

 After many years and a big buildup we have finally seen the 7th and final season of The Clone Wars and I have finished the season and here is my review. The premise of the season sees Ahsoka attempt to move on from her exile from the Jedi while Captain Rex attempts to prepare his troops for the end of the war. 

Main Character

Even though the first few seasons focused on Anakin Skywalker in my opinion the real main character of the Clone Wars is easily that of Ahsoka as we see her story really develop through our eyes. From the movie where she is introduced as this young padawan to this season where she is more of this conflicted person who isn't exactly sure of her place in this war but also wants to help people and do things the Jedi won't. Her character is so well done this season and I think the way her arc ends this season is done flawlessly and really gives a payoff for really 12 years of a character on this show. 

Supporting Characters

The other original character that gets a great story arc is that of Captain Rex. To see his characrter arc from the movie to now is enthralling. This season alone you see his character go through all types of emotions, I think the point if this show was to make you care about The Clone Troopers and I really cared about Rex this season and thought he had a really interesting story. Maul was a character introduced in The Phantom Menace but in my opinion he didn't become an interesting character till he returned on this show. His character is very menacing but he is a great opposite to Ahsoka and there stories are fascinating, they are both thrust into the limelight away from there masters and you see Mauls own plans and how they affect the story. Anakin & Obi-Wan are in this season less but they are well handled, ties to Anakin's eventual turn are still here and are heavily implied. The relationship between Anakin & Ahsoka is pretty heartbreaking here and again it feels like a worthy payoff for the show.

Story

The show has two great story arcs in it, seeing Rex and The Bad Batch's story was great showing the development of Rex and how the clones really differ at this point. Then Ahsoka's character plot is fascinating, this could be as a bit of a spoiler but the show comes to the point of crossing over with Revenge Of The Sith and the way it is handled is truly emotional. Plus with it being the end of the show is has to have a satisfying ending which this show truly does and it is handled perfectly. Though I have an issue with the story being the middle story with Ashoka hanging out with the Martinez sisters, as much as I like Ahsoka as a character I just didn't care for this story and it takes up way too many episodes with very little payoff in my opinion. 

Script

The script is brilliant this season, the drama feels much more mature this season and there are some truly gutwrenching moments that even though we have been expecting them I thought they were handled brilliantly. Also when used the humour is better this season and makes the characters feel much more human and a more complete package for the characters which previous seasons have lacked.

Style

The style of the show is the best ever for sure, it is crazy to see how the animation has developed from the movie to now. The characters feel more alive and the action scenes are brilliant to watch. The lightsaber fight between Maul & Ashoka is memorable and a great moment which will stand out for many years to come. The show also benefits from having only 12 episodes and it flows much better then any of the other seasons for sure.

Overall

Overall, this is easily the best ever season of the show it ends brilliantly and it really makes the 12 year journey feel worth it and this is easily one of the best Star Wars things around and I think may lead to Star Wars trying to nail more animated shows for sure.

Rating - 9/10 

Star Wars: Episode 9 - The Rise Of Skywalker (2019) Review

Star Wars: Episode 9 - The Rise Of Skywalker (2019) Review

 With it being Star Wars Day I have finally decided to rewatch and review the final film so far Episode 9 - The Rise Of Skywalker, so after watching it here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees The Resistance led by Rey, Finn & Poe have to work together to attempt to locate the resurrected Emperor Palpatine, while Kylo Ren attempts to find Rey and tell her his own plan. 

Main Character

Daisy Ridley is back as Rey for the third time and I think she does a really good job in this film. You see how in this film in particular how she is torn between both sides of the force and I think she gives a strong acting performance to sell that. She has fit into the character really well over time and I honestly think between her and Kylo Ren is how George Lucas wanted to right Anakin in the prequel trilogy but ultimatley did a poorer job. 

Supporting Characters 

John Boyega gets a better time of it in this film as Finn, his story comes full circle across the trilogy and seeing him in this more commited and heroic role is good to see. His chemistry with Ridley and Oscar Isaac is a real highlight of the film and provides not only some of the more emotional but funnier moments in the film. The mentioned Isaac gets more to do in this film and given more mystery to his character and I thought he did a good job. They continue his arc from the previous film and I thought as mentioned him and Boyega have truly fantastic chemistry together and it really works for the film. Adam Driver is back as Kylo Ren and his story throughout the three films does a great job creating this complex character completley torn between the light and dark and in my opinion being a more interesting version of Anakin making him in my opinion one of the most interesting villains in recent memory. As mentioned Ian Mcdiarmid returns as Palpatine and he revels in this role and fits back into the role flawlessly and he is once again the ultimate evil which works for this film and despite the issues people have it really worked for me. 

Story

The story does a really good job of building are main characters stories, it also does the right thing by linking there stories together and not splitting them all up like the previous film. You see the main two characters Rey and Ren's struggler between the light and dark and how they are linked throughout this trilogy. Some people weren't happy with some of the reveals made in the film, mainly one large one but for me it did work. Though one criticism I have is that the film has some really emotional moments but goes against them very quickly, it sometimes doesn't commit to certain acts and takes away from being an even greater film that decides on really being emotional. Also this film really uses maguffins a bit too much, the crew have to find numerous objects to help them and it just feels like to much to do and overcomplicates things. 

Script

The script is really good in my opinion, the humour is well done, mostly due to the actors great chemistry but credit to the script for this. Also the drama really works and as mentioned provides some really emotional moments and dialogue between the characters. Yes some people would argued we are not given enough context to certain things but for me I don't need all the answers especially if it disrupts the flow of the film. 

Style

The style of the film is great, we go to many interesting locations that makes this film feel a bit more vibrant then other Star Wars films. The action scenes are exciting and great, the shootouts, space battles and lightsaber fights are great and feel like they fit right in with this new trilogy. The pacing of the film flows very nicely and honestly I was never bored and thought this film did an effective job in telling its final story. 

Overall

Overall, this film has a lot of mixed opinions but in my opinion this is a fantastic final chapter of the new trilogy and does a great job in providing a fantastic conclusion to these characters ending. 

Rating - 9/10 

Gangs Of London Season 1 (2020) Review

Gangs Of London Season 1 (2020) Review

 Sky has been marketing this show heavily for the last few weeks and I have now finished watching the first season of Gangs Of London and here is my review for the first season. The premise of the first season see the top gangster in London murdered, his son takes over and has to deal with the other parts of his buisness while attempting to track down his fathers killer. 

Main Character

Joe Cole plays the lead character Sean Wallace and I thought he did an okay job in the role. In terms of a performance I thought he gave a very strong performance with what he is given he is clearly a very good actor, the issues are just with his character. He is the main character on the show and you see he is meant to have a character arc but I just didn't find it that interesting, you are meant to care and root for him at times but I didn't. His enemies make some valid points even though you are meant to not believe them and it makes it hard for me to really care about him as a character but his strong performance brings it up a bit. 

Supporting Characters

The character that we are meant to see the story through is that of the character of Elliot played by Sope Dirisu and I thought he did a really good job. As mentioned I didn't care much about Sean as a character but I did care about Elliot, he is most human character and even though he doesn't have the most unique backstory it is one that you can get on board with and a strong performance helps this even more. There are some other decent performances but the problem is none of them are interesting, plus there are just so many characters to watch that none of them get the time to stand out and get the chance to shine and it really hurts the show. 

Story

The story has some good moments in it, you see Elliot's character develop and you see this crazy world that he is a part of and how much it affects the city of London. Characters are very questionable and the story focuses on that showing just how bad some of these people are and that they live amongst the other people. Though, as mentioned the amount of characters means there are plenty of stories and just way too much going on, quite a few of the stories aren't very interesting, also the hunt for the killer gives too much away too early and it hurts the mystery of the show. 

Script

The script has some really good drama, you can tell just how dark this show is and how the conflict grows and grows as the show progresses and the sinister plot is further explained. However, this show lacks all charm to it for sure, I know this is a very dark show but it feels like a lack of humanity that there isn't any humour at all on the show. 

Style

The styel of the show is really brutal, it holds nothing back. It shows everything in terms of violence and doesn't hold anything back so if you are squeamish to violence then this isn't the show for you. There are some great action scenes, especially at the beginning of the show, though it doesn't hold up towards he end. Sometimes it feels like violence for violence sakes and for me the pacing of the show doesn't quite work. If they had cut some of the characters and some of the stories then this show could have flowed much better and been a much more bingeworthy show for me. 

Overall

It is interesting because when I look online this show has been getting great reviews but I must be in the minority as I thought this was a very average show. I think there is some potential here but as it currently is I don't believe it is worth the time as there are better gangster films and shows out there. 

Rating - 5/10 

The Mandalorian Season 1 (2020) Review

The Mandalorian Season 1 (2020) Review

 When it comes to any film or TV show of 2020 The Mandalorian was the thing that I was looking forward to the most, with it coming to the US last year it built even more and I have now finished the first season of maybe the biggest show in the world and here is my review. The premise of the show sees a Mandalorian bounty hunter track down a package he must protect. 

Main Character

Pedro Pascal plays The Mandalorian on this show and this is one of the most interesting characters in recent memory. I have always had a fondness for the tribe of The Mandalorians and this character is fascinating, you see how his moral code and his actual feelings clash with each other and even though he isn't completely a good person he tries to do the right thing and as you learn more and more you become even more interested by this complex characters. 

Supporting Characters

Carl Weathers is the main supporting character as the head of the bounty hunter guild and I thought he was excellent in this role. I haven't seen him in anything for a long time but he oozes charisma and you are interested by his character and you see how his moral code pairs up and sometimes conflicts with The Mandalorians and it really works. Gina Carano plays an ally of The Mandalorian and I thought she was a good partner for him on the show, they are a beliveable team and it is great seeing them team up and take down enemies together. Nick Nolte and Taika Waititi offers there voices to really interesting roles and Werner Herzog plays a great antagonist. The great Giancarlo Esposito plays a small role but he shines in every scene that he is in and I want to see more of this character and learn more about how interesting he really is. Also obviously we all know about the phenomenon of Baby Yoda, I won't say much about it but this little creature is a real highlight of the show. 

Story

The story is really interesting, I love seeing a post Return Of The Jedi but way before Force Awakens world and how the outlaws are really running the place. The development of The Bounty Hunters Guild was also really interesting and I loved seeing the structure of this organisation. As mentioned the characters are all given interesting arcs and you learn enough but the show doesn't give everything away leaving the door open for even more quality depth being added in future seasons. The ending of the show is fantastic and sets up a really interesting dynamic for the future. 

Script

The script for the show is some of the best writing that has been seen in Star Wars. The drama is really deep and interesting seeing characters dealing in a world that doesn't have too many rules apart from their own. Also the humour is here but unlike other Star Wars films it really works here, it is used in small doses but really works and adds more depth to the characters and the show. 

Style 

The style of the show is amazing, it literally looks like 8 movies, the action scenes are more brutal and hard hitting then the films. It is brilliantly shot and the western style really works in making this an even more interesting show. However, I get to the only thing that I didn't get on board with, the pacing of the show. The first 3 episodes and last two episodes are amazing, some of the more interesting television I have seen in recent years, however, there are episodes 4,5 & 6. While enjoyable they feel very episodic and a bit disconnected to the main story and I felt myself not thinking about them as much as I did the other brilliant episodes.

Overall

Overall, the Star Wars license has led to much conflict in recent years but I think everyone can agree The Mandalorian is a fantastic show and I agree with this opinion. This is a must watch show for not only Star Wars fans but fans of great television, I can't wait to see more from this show and I hope it gets even better in the future.

Rating - 9/10