moitrayana Reviews

Iron Man 2 (2010)

Iron man - cast iron story: whats with the bad reviews? Fans stay for bonus scene!

[8/10 · 29 April 2010]

Hunched and full of dread, I went to the preview bracing myself for disappointment and came out grinning and strutting to AC/ DC.

IM2 picked up well from where it had left off in stylish form - sexy, and piles of style from Robert Downey Jnr and a commandeering supporting cast: notably Don Cheadle as IM2's ally Rhodey and an award should go to Sam Rockwell's chucklesome performance as a wannabe Stark. The audience were a good crowd, quite a few fans, so there were a number of laugh out loud moments. Whiplash's psychotic drawling character was an admirable antagonist that even the wise cracking chaps at the back mid-heckle (maybe its the shows I go to, but there's always one!)

There were a number of bad reviews citing poor/ unnecessary plot, and even "too many baddies" in a Spiderman III esquire way. As far as I could see, the plot points this particular reviewer had listed as frivolous and unnecessary were a good scriptwriters tool to add growing tension.

Sound effects were good, rocking the action, but the sound track didn't synch amazingly with certain scenes - had a couple of good choons though (see AC/DC comment above). Johansson plays a tantalising role - but not due to her her acting and witty lines. Catsuit? What catsuit?!

Off to go and watch Iron Man 1 again now... my man is convinced it is better than IM2. I am of the opinion that we're spoilt with the concept and style of the first movie, and we're harder to impress with the second. Hope Im right... there a bit of money riding on this...

Fans will want to see the bonus scene.

Taken (I) (2008)

Taken my breath away

[27 March 2010]

It's been a surprising Saturday night.

First surprise of the night was eating gluten-free choc chip muffins with sambucca - actually washed down well. The second surprise was Taken, an action-thriller. Being two years since it's release I'd put off watching this film due to the gritty content of Traffiking, but tonight was the night Id decided.

The set up of the story was quickly done, leaving the rest of the film for the audience to sit on the edge of their seats and watch the Bourne-esquire action and combat unfold.

Not a lot of thinking is required which is a plus in this case. Guess that's the third surprise.

Kick-Ass (2010)

Superbad meets Kill Bill

[9/10 · 26 March 2010]

You know that rare feeling... happens every year or so... when you pour out of the cinema SO excited at the film you've just watched, and every other word is "ohmygodilovedtwithbitwherethey"? Well 'Ding', Kick ass hits that sweet spot. Comprising teen comedy, kick-ass action (sorry) and a healthy dose of comic book style violence and gore, it rocks.

It's Superbad meets Kill Bill.

The film is a fairly faithful adaptation of the comic book, and where tweaks have been made, they make the plot more robust for the audience to empathise with.

Kick-ass is stylish, fun, daring, and the dark surprise of violence and gore kept the balance of comic teen angst fresh: a delicious perk me up when you were settling into comedy mode. There was never a dull moment in the pace of the film, never a flimsy plot point, and actually the audience guffawed their way through the film. Did I mention it has a cool soundtrack to boot? I've already got it on my Phone.