"Bad Times At The El Royale"

During recent visits to the Cinema, I have seen the trailer for this new release a number of times, and each time it has left me with a sense of looking forward to seeing it. My need to see the film was sped up, when it became apparent that it would be leaving my local Cineworld after just one week. This was not a good sign......

We start at the infamous hotel where we see a suitcase being buried in one of the rooms. Jump forward ten years and we are back at the hotel as a group of varied Customers arrive all looking for a room at the El Royale. The hotel is split right down the middle as the State line goes right through the Centre of the hotel, so they can either stay in the California or Nevada side.
It is clear from the off that all the new residents of the El Royale have secrets, and by the looks of it, so do the staff.

Events all come to a head with the arrival of Cult leader Chris Hemsworth, and there is a big showdown in the hotels Foyer.
What struck me is that it seemed to echo the far superior "Pulp Fiction", in that there is a group of varying characters, once introduced the timelines jump around and from different perspectives. And despite both films having a similar running time, just under two and a half hours, where with "Pulp Fiction" the time just flies, with "Bad Times" it does rather drag, and it could quite easily have had a good 20 - 30 minutes shaved off.

There was some distracting sights in the film, most notably the following:-

I suppose it could be classed as some form of compensation for a lacklustre film.....6 out of 10

"Rush"

The real story of the rivalry between two racing drivers is brought to the big screen in this fast paced new film from Director Ron Howard.

It looks at the rise of two up and coming drivers, namely Britain's own James Hunt, and Austrian Niki Lauda. Starting from their humble beginnings in Formula Three, and their aspertaions to reach the very best that they can be, and compete in Formula One, and thus become World Champion.
From some playful banter, this escalates to a battle that dominated motor racing throughout the 1970's.

The story makes for a compelling film, and that comes from someone like me who has never been  sport orientated. One does not have to enjoy either Formula One or sport in general to enjoy this film.
Both lead actors do an an excellent in their roles.Hemsworth brings alive the playboy nature of Hunt, conveying the sex appeal he had, and why the ladies flocked to be around him. Bruhl is equally excellent as Lauda, we see his methodical nature, his drive, and his determination to be back behind the wheel of his car after his near fatal crash.
The tension is really cranked up, not during the race that almost cost Lauda his life, but also in the race that will decide the World Champion. Fortunately for this viewer I did not already know the outcome, so they really were nail biting tense races to watch, and I for one was glued to the screen.


As one would come to expect from Ron Howard, the film is well shot, and thankfully he does not follow a worrying trend, and have the action too much in your face.
There is a rousing score from regular Howard Composer Hans Zimmer, and coupled with the photography really does build the tension especially during two keys races.
I have to say that it is always a good indication that you have really enjoyed a biopic, when you get home and you want to find out more information about those featured in the movie.

Waving the flag as a definite winner..........8 out of 10.

"The Avengers Assemble"

After a plethora of films are featuring a variety of Marvel comic characters, now we have the Daddy of them all....the World becomes threatened by a force so evil, that one Super Hero will be insufficient against the power of what is to come.
S.H.I.E.L.D. boss Nick Fury gets his mobile out and calls up all the greatest Super heroes to do battle against Loki (rather pissed off God from "Thor") and his Army. One or two of them are a little reluctant to participate, but with a little gentle persuasuion, they soon form their merry band.

The film is split into two halves, the first being the recruitment of the super-heroes and the attacks by Loki, and second being the fight back by the Marvel Army.
As one would expect from this film there are plenty of action scenes and many explosions, the story pretty much takes second fiddle to the visual effects and the action scenes. The story merely serves the purpose of having an excuse to bring the Marvel Characters together. So don't go expecting some Oscar Winning literary masterpiece with the writing.

With a running time of almost two and a half hours, the film does an admirable job of keeping you entertained. It has to be said that after such a great 3D conversion with "Titanic" that I felt that the 3D effect on this film was disappointing.
The film is a little light on good laughs, but there are two really great laugh out loud moments, and are almost worth the price of admission alone.
As said, the film is about seeing these great characters come together, after we have seen their individual stories. It is also about the visual effects which are some of the best on screen. For such a high level of effects, I am amazed that it cost only $220 million.

A good movie, not outstanding, but still highly enjoyable, some of the Marvel stand alone films fair better......7 out of 10

"The Cabin In The Woods"

A group of young people head off into the woods to find a nice deserted cabin to spend some quality time together. There are the usual characters, the geek, the sports jock, the token girls to excite the male members of the audience. There is also the local red neck hill-billie type warning them of impending doom. Sounds all too familiar.

All the regular ingredients are there, but with one added extra. The film opens in a huge complex, and we see accomplished actors like Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford in white coats, looking over a huge bank of television screens.
I suppose one might say that it is "Big Brother" the next level, but there is still more to the story.

When the teeny boppers arrive at their venue, they find it quite accomodating....that is until the Zombies arrive to start terrorising them. Soon the group are being picked off, one at a time.
Back in the complex, it seems that it is more than just an extreme version of B.B. taking place. And that a greater evil is at work. I won't reveal anymore about that, incase anyone who watches this film, might actually find it enjoyable.

My biggest fault with the film is if you do want to terrorise a group of young people with Zombies then at least allow them a sporting chance. It makes it so much more enjoyable for the viewer.
There is very little I can think of to commend about the movie, the final few scenes are ok, but to be honest by that time, the damage has been done, and you really don't give a sh*t.

And for the love of God, PLEASE will someone get Sigourney Weaver a new Agent, and give the  lady a chance of appearing in some decent films, as the poor dear is turning into a joke.

Don't believe the poster....for it lies......3 out of 10