Sicario (2015)

An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by an elected government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.

Director:

 Denis Villeneuve.

Writer:

 Taylor Sheridan.

Stars:

 Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro.

Story line

When drug violence worsens on the USA Mexico border, the FBI sends an idealistic agent, Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) on a mission to eradicate a drug cartel responsible for a bomb that had killed members of her team.

Sicario Movie Reviews

The badlands of the US - Mexico border and the viciousness of the drug trade running across it sets the background and the tone for this movie. It's grim. Human life is very cheap and the movie doesn't flinch from showing consequences. There are definitely some scenes that are not for the faint hearted, but there is nothing gratuitous here. If anything - despite the subject matter - the film goes out of its way to avoid Hollywood heroics.

Emily Blunt does an amazing job portraying Kate Macy, a career policewoman heading a SWAT team. Her accent slips slightly a couple of times, but otherwise she's utterly believable as born and raised in the deep south of the US. Kate is a fundamentally decent, honorable human being, trying to the right thing in a world where the rule book doesn't seem to work any more. She's smart, tough, and experienced - but right from the start of the movie, it's clear that she's in over her head.

The tension never lets up. An attack could come at any moment, from any direction. Anything could be a trap. All of it, no matter how extreme something is, plays as real. The director manages scenes expertly to avoid any clean and easy action movie clichés, and it pays off enormously as the movie goes on.

It's also a highly intelligent movie, made for an intelligent audience. It doesn't lay things out on a plate. Instead you have to pay attention and you have to think, just as Kate has to - because her first mistake could be her last.

Staging, costuming, sets, cinematography, and lighting are all perfect. Some airborne shots in particular stand out as both daring and stunningly original, clearly showing just how harsh the landscape is, while managing to propel the story forward - without showing anyone, no less. This part of the movie is in the "As good as it gets" category. The only part that I didn't like (and the reason that this doesn't get a 10 from me) was the music. It's used deliberately to heighten tension during some scenes which would otherwise break the feel of the movie, and generally it's done well, but some scenes are spoiled with a There Will Be Blood styled screech. It's really not needed, especially since Sicario's own score manages to build or maintain tension quite successfully in other parts of the movie while remaining low-key.

To my mind, this is much more of a drama than it is a thriller. It's certainly not an action movie. The acting from the support cast is exactly what it needs to be - good in general, and great when a minor character is the focal point - but look closely at how much Benicio del Toro manages to do with no dialogue and not even all that much movement. Simply amazing.

This is a great movie to see if you want to be challenged.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate - an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF.

Director:

 Christopher McQuarrie.

Writers:

 Christopher. McQuarrie (screenplay), Christopher McQuarrie (story).

Stars:

 Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner.

Story line

CIA chief Hunley (Baldwin) convinces a Senate committee to disband the IMF (Impossible Mission Force), of which Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is a key member. Hunley argues that the IMF is too reckless. Now on his own, Hunt goes after a shadowy and deadly rogue organization called the Syndicate.

This Movie Reviews

I really enjoy MI series, however this one felt like it was missing all the things that make it interesting.

I miss the comedic scenes, the suspense that is mixed with humour, the interesting gadgets that help get you into an impossible place also the interaction between the team members also absent.

In the end I felt I could have watched the British woman all day, and had no interest in anything else, the rest was irksome.

Do NOT waste your money to buy or go to the cinema just wait until its on TV and the adverts/commercials will give you more suspense!!

Bottom line: Its the worst in the series!

The Avengers (2012)

Earth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.

Director:

 Joss Whedon.

Writers:

 Joss Whedon (screenplay), Zak Penn (story).

Stars:

 Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson.

Story line

Nick Fury is director of S.H.I.E.L.D, an international peace keeping agency. The agency is a who's who of Marvel Super Heroes, with Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When global security is threatened by Loki and his cohorts, Nick Fury and his team will need all their powers to save the world from disaster.

The Avengers Movie Reviews

I just loved Marvel's Avengers. I thought it was smart and the impressive cast really delivered! This movie works on so many levels and makes you draw on just about all of your emotions. I don't remember when I enjoyed a movie this much! Such cool fantasy but what makes it extra special is following this film after all the other solo efforts from each character. I enjoyed the others films quite a bit but they all delivered something different. Seeing them blend together in Avengers and the sparks that resulted was the extra special treat. Example: They blended the grounded futurist (Tony Stark) with the Norse thunder god and his angry brother in a perfect way. Same could be said for every other character. It all works. In fact, it doesn't just fit, it's a symphony and that dyconomy and difference in characters are what makes it truly great. It's why this movie stands so tall above any other franchise at the moment. Things like Transformers, GI Joe and even Star Trek all operate with monotone restrictions. Avengers covers all angles and delivers depth with its fun.

I haven't enjoyed a movie this much in years if not ever!

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

When Tony Stark and Bruce Banner try to jump-start a dormant peacekeeping program called Ultron, things go horribly wrong and it's up to Earth's Mightiest Heroes to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans.

Director:

 Joss Whedon.

Writers:

 Joss Whedon, Stan Lee (based on the Marvel comics by).

Stars:

 Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo.

Story line

When Tony Stark tries to jump start a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth's Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to the Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for a global adventure.

Avengers: Age of Ultron Movie Reviews

This movie did not disappoint! Extremely well done! You are totally been sent to different place where That's what a movie should be all about! I seriously cant wait to see more of avengers.. I never really like avengers before but MAN I become a fan now! Shrieks

The plot is well made, Everything about the story line and the association of each characters and the actions itself is totally breathtaking. 

One of the most, exciting movie i have ever seen thus far. And I am so hoping to see more!

Furthermore, I don't even get why these people does not appreciate a good story telling and visual impact of the movie! This movie rocks! I cant wait to see scarlet witch improve! And the other, avenger characters! 

American Sniper (2014)

Navy S.E.A.L. sniper Chris Kyle's pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home to his wife and kids after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind.

Director:

 Clint Eastwood.

Writers:

 Jason Hall, Chris Kyle (book).

Stars:

 Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner.

Story line

Chris Kyle was nothing more than a Texan man who dreamed of becoming a cowboy, but in his thirties he found out that maybe his life needed something different, something where he could express his real talent, something that could help America in its fight against terrorism. So he joined the SEALs in order to become a sniper. After marrying, Kyle and the other members of the team are called for their first tour of Iraq. Kyle's struggle isn't with his missions, but about his relationship with the reality of the war and, once returned at home, how he manages to handle it with his urban life, his wife and kids.

American Sniper Movie Reviews

I honestly believe every American should see this film. If after viewing you aren't filled with a sober reverence and feelings of gratitude then shame on you. This is the quintessential film surrounding the war on terror from the point of view of those that served and even their families. I've read a review by a former Navy Seal (Brent Gleeson) that says it best… "The way the film was directed coupled with outstanding performances by Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller and the rest of the cast made for a heart wrenching and deeply accurate portrayal of the external and internal battles our service men and women face. Not to mention the even greater sacrifices made by the families and loved ones back home." 

I would rate it shear perfection had they spent more time with his recovery and angst driven road back once he was stateside. This is easily one of my top five films of the year.

The Martian (2015)

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.

Director:

 Ridley Scott.

Writers:

 Drew Goddard (screenplay), Andy Weir (book).

Stars:

 Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig.

Story line

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring "the Martian" home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible, rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney's safe return.

The Martian Movie Reviews

In the science fiction community, Ridley Scott achieved legend status decades ago. On top of being an exquisite filmmaker, he seems to have the mind of a Comic-Con geek. This trait has resulted in some of the most imaginative adaptations in sci-fi history. It may come as surprise to some viewers to learn that "plausibility" is a cornerstone of the genre. You will learn in a hurry that spectacle is not enough to succeed in making a sci-fi film, there must be a satisfying answer as to how, (A good deal of the failure of Exodus: Gods and Kings can be attributed to this notion.) It shouldn't come as a surprise that when given the task of making a massive production about a Mars mission, Scott leaves very little to cry foul over.

The Martian is technically a science fiction film. It takes place in the near future with technology that doesn't quite exist. What seems tempting for many writers of the genre is to take the "fiction" aspect and build it to massive heights. If the story could take place in 2020, it might as well take place in 3020. This offers wiggle room to develop inventions and environments that are conceivable, but only need the explanation of "it's the future" to satiate critics. The Martian challenges not only critics, but actual scientific professionals to pick apart the verisimilitude of the story. In that way, this film is closer to Apollo 13 and Castaway, than 2001 or Mission to Mars.

Matt Damon is the astronaut specializing in botany among a team on the surface of Mars. When predictable circumstances lead to him being marooned on the planet, a very familiar plot is set in motion; man vs nature with an impending rescue mission. What dictates the success of the clever problems and solutions, is Damon. While the story does ping-pong between developments at NASA and the struggle on the red planet, this is still a whole lot of Damon. There is little doubt that the story will end with anything but NASA operators throwing papers in the air with hugs, and the reunited crew making the trip back to Earth. Despite that predictability, it is amazing how effective the tension here is. All the answers to survival questions like food, water and communication are well thought out and the destination is nearly irrelevant compared to the journey. 

Another commendable cliché sidestep, is the murky antagonist role. It is easy to say that Jeff Daniels, the politically-driven head of NASA, is the villain as his motives for getting the astronaut home safe aren't purely sentimental. He lets budgets, public opinions and self-image dictate decisions and outcomes. There is not a moment of redemption or poetic justice for this character, because in the scope of the conflict, he is a reasonable man. The all-star cast of Jessica Chastain, Michael Peña, Kate Mara and Kristen Wiig seems bloated considering the lack of melodrama, but the consistent humorous undertone throughout the film belongs in capable hands. There is really no other way to approach a man attempting interplanetary agriculture, wrist deep in his own feces, than with a smirk. 

The technical congruencies, guarded special effects and remarkable pacing might not make this a new standard for the genre, but it shows a discipline that is alien to the budget and audience. Now that Ridley Scott is in his late 70's, his abilities aren't waning. It is selfish of me to hope that all his upcoming sequels come to fruition before his timely passing, but if his heart remains in it as adamantly as it is now, why shouldn't both our dreams come true?

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

A spy organization recruits an unrefined, but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program, just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.

Director:

 Matthew Vaughn.

Writers:

 Jane Goldman (screenplay), Matthew Vaughn(screenplay).

Stars:

 Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson.

Story line

Based upon the acclaimed comic book and directed by Matthew Vaughn, Kingsman: The Secret Service tells the story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.

Kingsman Movie Reviews

I had the privilege of seeing this at an advanced screening and I was already looking forward to seeing this film and it exceeded all my expectations. Knowing that this film was directed by Matthew Vaughn(Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class) I had a pretty good idea that this film was going to be really good. If you love fast-paced, stylish, humorous, and all around awesome flicks, then this is a definite must see! The action was amazing and I really loved watching Colin Firth kick some ass! Samuel L. Jackson was very fun to watch as a villain as well. I don't think I've had that much fun watching a film in a really long time. The way the creators put a different spin on the superhero genre in Kick-Ass, was very much how they put a spin on the Spy movie genre in Kingsman: The Secret Service. I can guarantee a film like this won't win any major awards but I can guarantee that you will have an entertaining time with this film. Must see 10/10