Director: Shawn Levy
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie, Kevin Durand
Distrinbuted By: DreamWorks Studios/Touchstone Pictures
Release Date: October 2011
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This is great fun! Hugh Jackman brings charm to Charlie who spends his time floating from one bad deal to the next and he has great chemistry with Evangeline Lilly who is really likable as Bailey.
Dakota Goyo is excellent as Max portraying him with confidence, sensitivity and the enthusiasm of youth whilst Kevin Durand makes Ricky perfectly annoying as he tries to get Charlie to pay for past insults.
The stars of this however are the robots themselves and they are brilliant to watch as they fight it out for supremacy and I particularly like Atom shadowing both Charlie and Max’s movements! All the fight scenes are as impressive as the Robots themselves and the CGI and choreography is excellent!
Dramatic, sensitive and ultimately heartwarming, this packs a punch that leaves the right kind of mark!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Jon Avnet
Starring: Al Pacino, Alicia Witt, Leelee Sobieski, Deborah Kara Unger, Amy Brenneman, Neal McDonough, Benjamin McKenzei
Distributed By: TriStar Pictures/Warner Bros.
Release Date: April 2008
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This has a lot to do as the clock counts down.
Al Pacino is always worth watching and I really like him as Jack, although he's definitely not as animated as I'm used to seeing him and here he plays things quite softly as he tries to figure out who has him on their hit list. Helping him out is Alicia Witt who is likable as Kim and Leelee Sobieski is very good as Lauren.
The movie has some interesting twists to keep up the guess work and the ending surprised me as the culprit is revealed.
Not the best Al Pacino movie I've ever seen but it's an enjoyable thriller nonetheless.
~~Nikki~~
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Rex Harrison, Roddy McDowall, Martin Landau, Hume Cronyn, George Cole
Distributed By: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 1963
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This is a sumptuous feast for the eyes, made all the more remarkable by the challenges it faced whilst being made.
The sets are truly stunning as is most of Elizabeth Taylor's wardrobe and although it is a very long film the story is gripping and well told.
Rex Harrison makes Caesar intelligent, witty and sensitive when the situation calls for it and I enjoyed the relationship he forms with Cleopatra and his troops.
Elizabeth Taylor brings style, grace and a sometimes scathingly funny wit to every situation that Cleopatra encounters and she fully embraces the fact that she's an important, intelligent and powerful leader who needs to be heard.
Richard Burton's Mark Antony has the most diverse journey and it's interesting to see him go from being a confident soldier to a love stricken coward that has to face his countries and his own self-loathing!
The chemistry between Taylor and Burton is of course magical and it's easy to see exactly why they fell for each other off screen and I wonder about the parallels between some of their characters intimate scenes and their real life relationship which was said to be just as turbulent!
Full of drama, passion and well placed humour this is an amazing and beautiful movie that deserves to be held in high regard!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Joss Whedon
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Clark Gregg, Cobie Smulders
Distributed By: Walt Disney Pictures
Release Date: April 2012
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One of the finest examples of bringing the perfect team together, this has smashed its way through all of my favourite movies to become the pinnacle of Superhero prowess!
Samuel L. Jackson is great as Nick Fury and it's so good to finally see plenty of him after all his cameos!
Scarlett Johansson is very impressive as Natasha and I really, really like Mark Ruffalo's performance as Bruce Banner and he is solely responsible for changing my feelings regarding the Hulk.
Chris Evans does excellent work getting Cap up to speed and Robert Downey Jr. ups his game as Stark and lives up to the word hero and has many of the best lines.
Chris Hemsworth absolutely nails his performance as Thor and I could happily watch him and Tom Hiddleston's Loki talk to each other forever! It really is like Shakespeare in the park and it adds such weight to the movie and this along with Cap's old fashioned inherent goodness means there is just so much to enjoy!!
There are lovely supporting performances from Clark Gregg's Agent Phil Coulson and Cobie Smulders as Agent Hill and Jeremy Renner also does well as Clint and is very cool to watch as the action heats up towards the end.
As much as I love all of the Avengers, Loki completely steals it! Tom Hiddleston gives such a dramatically malicious performance that I think he tops every bad guy before him and Loki vs the Hulk is something I will never forget!
This has bucketloads of humour and incredible action and considering that this is just the beginning, I cannot wait to see where Joss Whedon takes this!!
Funny, menacing and truly heroic, this demands repeat viewings and a lot of respect!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Neveldine Taylor
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ciarán Hinds, Violante Placido, Johnny Whitworth, Christopher Lambert, Idris Elba
Distributed By: Columbia Pictures
Release Date: February 2012
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This sequel takes on a more serious tone and I missed the humour and the over the top craziness of the first movie, but Nicolas Cage is still very likable in this role portraying a man caught between two worlds.
Ciarán Hinds does well as the Devil's human form this time round and I really like Idris Elba as Moreau.
Violante Placido is very good as Nadya and Fergus Riordan gives a good performance as Danny.
Johnny Whitworth also looks like he has great fun as Carrigan especially as he becomes an agent of the Devil.
This has some good action sequences and the effects are fun, but in my opinion the first movie is more enjoyable.
~~Nikki~~
Director: Joe Johnston
Starring: Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Dominic Cooper, Sebastian Stan, Toby Jones, Neal McDonough, Derek Luke, Stanley Tucci
Distributed By: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: July 2011
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Beautifully capturing the spirit of the 1940’s, I love the optimistic tone of this movie.
Chris Evans brings humility and sincerity to Steve Rogers and the effects used before he is transformed are quite amazing!
He really looks the part as Captain America and once he's done with the marketing part of war he proves he can beat the bad guys at their own game.
Hugo Weaving really plays up his villainous role and looks quite unnerving as Red Skull!
Hayley Atwell is effortlessly charming as one of the few female officers holding her own in a man's battlefield and I really like Dominic Cooper as Howard Stark. Sebastian Stan, Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones also give excellent performances.
One of my favourite things about all of these pre-Avengers films is the small visual or spoken moments that connect each movie and I like that this one ends with Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury propositioning Steve for his next mission.
A very enjoyable movie; Captain America proves that it sucks to be a bully...
~~Nikki~~
Director: Martin Campbell
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Saarsgard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett, Tim Robins
Distributed By: Warner Bros.
Release Date: June 2011
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This is certainly different!
It's much more Sci-Fi than most of the other Superhero movies and that slightly hinders its appeal for me.
I thought Ryan Reynolds does well and is likable in his role and I also like Blake Lively, but their relationship isn't strong enough for me to really invest much emotion.
Peter Saarsgard is very good as Hector but I found his character really unlikable.
The thing I love most about the Superhero genre is finding things to like about the villain as well as the hero but with this I couldn't wait for Hector to get what he deserved and whilst the other villain of the piece in the form of Parallax looks very impressive he/it is too removed from the action.
Mark Strong gives the movie some weight, portraying a stranger character than usual and the teaser suggests there might be more from him which could be interesting.
An entertaining effort that's good, rather than great.
~~Nikki~~
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Lawrence, January Jones, Oliver Platt
Distributed By: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 2011
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There's so much that I love about this prequel.
James McAvoy is wonderful as Charles and gives him the perfect amount of youthful vigour and charm and I love Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique and her relationship with Charles is touching and believable.
January Jones makes Emma Frost equally seductive and formidable and Kevin Bacon is brilliantly ruthless and egotistical to a fault as Shaw/Schmidt.
The supporting cast are all impressive but its Michael Fassbender's Magneto that completely steals the film. He brings such subtle malice to Erik and all his scenes leading up to meeting Charles for the first time are powerful and intense. When they do meet, both actors create a beautiful friendship for these iconic characters and their parting is more dramatic as a result of their brotherly chemistry.
The story is clever and the effects used are great and I particularly like Emma's diamond form!
There are some very good action sequences throughout and fun cameos by Hugh Jackman as a very disgruntled Wolverine and the lovely Rebecca Romjim's adult Mystique.
This is a great start and I can't wait to see more!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Anthony Hopkins, Colm Feore, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Jaimie Alexander, Ray Stevensonm Tadanobu Asano, Renee Russo, Joshua Dallas, Clark Gregg
Distributed By: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: May 2011
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Director Kenneth Branagh mixes classical dramatics with current events to make this one of the most interesting comic book movies put on screen and this is one of my favourites!
With a hefty dose of humour and intense action this is really fun to watch!
Chris Hemsworth is excellent as Thor and gives him just the right combination of arrogance and righteousness and the contrast between him and Tom Hiddleston's deliciously troubled and menacing Loki is brilliantly dramatic.
Anthony Hopkins gives a wonderfully stern performance as Odin and Natalie Portman gives up her penchant for darkly dramatic performances for a more lighthearted character that brings warmth to the story.
All the supporting roles are memorable and I particularly like Stellan Skarsgård's performance as Dr. Erik Selvig.
Also Idris Elba's Heimdall has, in my opinion one of the greatest overall looks which is matched by Colm Feore's Laufey and both actors are impressive!
There's more S.H.I.E.L.D. activity from Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson and Jeremy Renner gives us a glimpse of Hawkeye and there's a nice teaser with Samuel L. Jackson to keep up the continuity.
I absolutely love the look of Asgard and the effects throughout are amongst the best I've seen. It really is beautifully filmed.
A wonderful addition to the Marvel collection!!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg
Distributed By: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: May 2010
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This character is one of my favourites for Robert Downey Jr. and he gives the perfect larger than life performance, but it's the small moments where Tony deals with more personal aspects of his new life that are the most intriguing!
Gwyneth Paltrow has much more screen time as Pepper and there are some really funny scenes as she tries to deal with Tony's outlandish ways.
Sam Rockwell's Justin Hammer does his best to be as cool as Tony and is nicely annoying and Don Cheadle is good as Tony's sidekick and gives us a glimpse of Iron Man being able to handle life as part of a team.
It's nice to get more info about S.H.I.E.L.D. as Samuel L. Jackson brings Nick Fury in for more of a chat and gives some nice teasers for what's to come whilst Scarlett Johansson makes Natalie mysterious and totally kicks ass as Natasha and Clark Gregg's Agent Coulson is still in the mix.
Mickey Rourke is impressive as he says little but does a lot and all his action scenes are great fun and I also like Garry Shandling as senator Stern who gets the best line as the film closes.
As with the first movie the effects are great throughout and the battle at the end is crazy and well performed. Full on action that enjoys itself!!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Gavin Hood
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds, Lynn Collins, Dominic Monaghan, Danny Huston, Taylor Kitsch, will.i.am, Kevin Durand, Daniel Henney
Distributed By: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: May 2009
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I'm so spoilt with this movie.
Hugh Jackman is one of my favourite actors and Wolverine is still my favourite character to be played by him so there's really not much that can put me off any solo outing.
The beginning is interesting as we get to see the connection between Logan who at this time is known as James and Victor who will become Sabretooth.
Liev Schreiber makes the character of Sabretooth his own and really shows his disregard for human and mutant life and I love watching their strained tie to each other.
Danny Houston does well as Stryker as a younger man and his connection to Wolverine is nicely played out.
I really like Lynn Collins as Kayla and her relationship with Logan although brief is sweet and satisfying and Taylor Kitsch is also very good as Gambit and the effects for him are perfect, although I would've liked him to have more screen time!
There are many good supporting roles throughout and Ryan Reynolds is formidable as Deadpool.
Nicely answering most of the questions surrounding Logan since the X-Men movies began, this is an enjoyable peak into his past and Hugh Jackman gives a powerful performance that shows just how much he cares about this character.
Bring on the next one!!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, Eric Roberts
Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Date: July 2008
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This is amazing! Darker and more intense than Batman Begins this steps everything up!
Christian Bale is utterly cool in both roles as Bruce and Batman and continues to make these characters his own!
Maggie Gyllenhaal is good as Rachel but it's a shame that Katie Holmes didn't reprise the role for continuity.
Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine all give wonderful performances as they try to assist Batman as the City of Gotham falls into madness and I also like Eric Roberts as Maroni.
Aaron Eckhart makes Harvey Dent believable in his crusade to rid Gotham of the Mob and brings fierceness as he becomes a victim of chance.
Heath Ledger is absolutely incredible and makes his incarnation of the Joker the darkest on screen so far as he steals every scene and makes Batman's job incredibly difficult and his scenes with Christian Bale are so interesting to watch as both actors really give themselves to their respective roles. It's a great shame that this became one of his last performances.
The movie's visual effects are truly impressive and I especially like Batman's sonar-sight!
Hans Zimmer's beautiful soundtrack is also more menacing and wonderfully plays up to the Joker's visual performance.
It's hard to believe that this can be topped...
~~Nikki~~
Director: Louis Leterrier
Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell
Distributed By: Universal Pictures
Release Date: June 2008
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This is an enjoyable movie.
Edward Norton is great and looks every part the scientist on the run and his relationship with Liv Tyler's Betty is both heartfelt and sensitive.
Tim Roth brings a steely performance as he tries to capture the Hulk and even more so as he becomes a similar creature himself.
This time around Betty's father is out for his own personal glory and William Hurt does well at giving an unemotional performance as he distances himself from his daughter in order to get what he wants.
The look of the Hulk is good and the action is absolutely crazy as the two creatures face each other and I still have sympathy for this character and am more impressed with this story.
With a nice cameo by Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark what lies ahead for the Hulk could be very interesting!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Shaun Toub, Faran Tahir, Clark Gregg, Leslie Bibb, Paul Bettany
Distributed By: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: May 2008
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This is really clever and great fun!
Despite Tony Stark's egotistical and selfish tendencies Robert Downey Jr. absolutely nails his performance and makes Tony charming, intelligent and very likable.
Everything about this movie is brilliant from Tony trying to make his escape from the desert to deciding to become Iron Man for real. Tony's suit is amazing and all the scenes in his apartment are brilliant and often funny, I also love that Paul Bettany voices Jarvis his computer assistant.
The effects and the sets are extremely well laid out and really make every scene impressive.
Gwyneth Paltrow is excellent as Pepper Potts and shares great chemistry with Robert Downey Jr. that gives the movie a lovely touch of sensitivity. Jeff Bridges brings seriousness to Obadiah and is a good match against Stark and Clark Gregg begins the first of many meetings as Agent Coulson.
Full of well-placed humour and great action sequences, this movie lays the foundations for greater things to come with an intriguing cameo by Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury at the end. Just to keep things interesting... Perfect!!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Tim Story
Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon, Doug Jones, Laurence Fishburn, Kerry Washington, Beau Garrett
Distributed By: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 2007
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Still very family friendly this has lots of humour and again Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis have the best lines. All of the actors seem more confident in their portrayal this time around and I like that Kerry Washington has more screen time as Alicia.
It's nice to see a big action sequence set in London and all the locations and action scenes are much more impressive.
The Silver Surfer completely steals it and his scenes are the ones I enjoy most.
The CGI is great and credit goes to Doug Jones for bringing the Silver Surfer to life so vividly and to Laurence Fishburn for giving him one of the coolest voices in movie history!
This is an enjoyable sequel that improves on the first outing for the Fantastic Four.
~~Nikki~~
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: Tobey Maguire, kirsten Dunst, James franco, Rosemary Harris, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, Thomas Hayden Church, J.K. Simmons, Elizabeth Banks, Dylan Baker, James Cromwell
Distributed By: Columbia Pictures
Release Date: May 2007
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There's so much to enjoy about this final chapter in the Spider-Man series.
I've always liked the way Tobey Maguire plays Peter and Spider-Man and here we get to see him lose his sense of what's right and embrace his inner turmoil. Tobey Maguire gets it right and is quite funny as he becomes who he thinks is Mr Cool!!
We get all the familiar characters back and a host of new ones too and I really like Topher Grace as Eddie and Bryce Dallas Howard is lovely as Gwen.
This film is much more emotional than the previous two and Kirsten Dunst and James Franco both bring the right qualities to M.J. and Harry as they and Peter go through the motions of deciding what they need from each other. Thomas Hayden Church also delivers a heartfelt performance as Flint/Sandman.
My favourite thing about this movie is Venom and I love the look of it as it tries to take hold and all the effects throughout the film are excellent.
An entertaining end to an enjoyable series!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Peter Fonda, Wes Bentley, Sam Elliott, Donal Logue, Matt Long, Raquel Alessi
Distributed By: Columbia Pictures
Release Date: February 2007
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This is what over the top action-filled fun looks like!
Nicolas Cage plays it really cool as he experiences life as the Devil's bounty hunter and Eva Mendes gives a lovely performance as Roxanne and both Matt Long and Raquel Alessi do a wonderful job playing them in their youth.
Peter Fonda looks great as the Devil and Wes Bentley gives a chillingly exaggerated performance as Blackheart.
Sam Elliott looks exactly like the sort of guy you can put your faith in and I love the scene as he gets to ride!
Full of humour, insane CGI and explosive action sequences this movie is very entertaining!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Bryan Singer
Starring: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Frank Langella, Eve Marie Saint, Parker Posey, Tristan Jake Leabu, Kal Penn, Sam Huntington
Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Date: June 2006
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This is a beautiful film that captures the essence of the originals and is dedicated to the memory of Christopher Reeve and Director Bryan Singer proves he knows exactly how to continue a remarkable story and give it his own flare.
Brandon Routh is simply wonderful in his portrayal and effortlessly steps into his predecessor’s shoes bringing humour to Clark and warmth and sincerity to Superman.
My two favourite scenes are the most subtle, firstly as Superman hears the people's need as he floats above the atmosphere and secondly as he flies Lois up gently reminding her of the Earth's need for a saviour.
Kate Bosworth gives my favourite performance of Lois to date and gives her passion, intelligence and strength. I also really like James Marsden as Richard and Tristan Jake Leabu as Jason and both give lovely performances.
Eva Marie Saint is charming in her role as Clark's Mother and Frank Langella is great as Perry. It's also wonderful hearing the speeches by Marlon Brando's Jor-El inserted into this film which is a lovely touch.
Kevin Spacey is absolute evil perfection as Lex and brings even more ruthlessness to him and Parker Posey makes Kitty humorous as she tries to be loyal. It has some impressive action scenes throughout and I especially love all the scenes on the Lex's yacht.
This movie brings Superman back for new generations to enjoy and proves that this superhero is still a wonderful part of our culture.
Crafted with pure love and respect this is truly magical!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Brett Ratner
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Halle Berry, Kelsey Grammer, Rebecca Romjin, Anna Paquin, Ellen Page, Shawn Ashmore, Aaron Stanford, Vinnie Jones, Ben Foster, Dania Ramirez
Distributed By: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: May 2006
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I'm so torn over this third instalment of the X-Men franchise.
The X-Men have always been my favourite team and I'm a big fan of the comic book series and whilst killing off characters is fairly commonplace in the comics, especially knowing that most will return, it feels really final in this movie and is still shocking! I do like the teaser after the credits that lends hope for one of them but in some ways this movie feels rushed.
There are a lot of characters here and most don't get a chance for their full potential to be realised but having said that the cast are all extremely good.
James Marsden does a wonderful job conveying Cyclops' grief although I feel he is greatly underused. Kelsey Grammer is perfect as Hank and his action scenes are great fun. I also really like Vinny Jones as Juggernaut, Daniel Cudmore as Collossus and Ellen Page as Kitty. Dania Ramirez as Callisto also does well against Halle Berry's Storm and both have some great action scenes.
I'm completely biased when it comes to Wolverine and Jean as they are my favourite characters and both Hugh Jackman and Famke Janssen bring passion and great emotion to their scenes and Ian McKellen ups his game as Magneto and nearly steals this film with many moments of his to enjoy, notably him turning away from Raven and leading the Brotherhood of Mutants. The scenes on the Golden Gate Bridge are also very impressive.
Overall this is an enjoyable movie and I have such love for the characters that this cast portrays that I will always look upon it as a good ending to a wonderful trilogy.
~~Nikki~~
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Katie Holmes, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer, Ken Watanabe, Gus Lewis
Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Date: June 2005
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Director Christopher Nolan makes this a dark and atmospheric story and takes his time to unveil Bruce's secret identity and the lead up to it is extremely satisfying.
Gus Lewis gives an excellent performance as young Bruce and everything about his past is shown with compassion and sympathy.
Christian Bale is perfect in both roles as Bruce and Batman and I particularly like his journey at the start of the film as he meets the League of Shadows and begins training, all of which is beautifully filmed and performed as is my favourite scene where Batman calls hundreds of bats to him as he makes his escape, which is truly brilliant.
This has a great cast and there are many excellent performances. Michael Caine is wonderful as Alfred and proves that he's more than just a butler. Both Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman give lovely understated performances and I really like Katie Holmes as Rachel.
Liam Neeson is subtly intense and Cillian Murphy is nicely menacing as he brings the Scarecrow to life.
Credit also goes to Hans Zimmer for creating a wonderful and intensely sweeping score that matches the mood of the movie and enhances every scene.
The Batcave is impressive and the weaponry on offer is already giving us a taste of what's to come and I love the calling card teaser!
Ensuring Batman is back on the big screen in a much more serious and compelling way this movie heralds the return of the Caped Crusader in all his glory...
~~Nikki~~
Director: Tim Story
Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon
Distributed By: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: July 2005
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Whilst this isn't an extraordinary movie, it does have some fun elements that make it one of the most lighthearted instalments in the Marvel collection.
Chris Evans steals this for me and I really like how he plays Johnny, especially his scenes with Ben and most of the comedy comes from the two of them being together.
I do feel for Michael Chiklis who does a good job as he becomes The Thing in what looks like a very restricting 'costume'.
Jessica Alba is good as Sue and I like the effects used for her characters abilities.
Ioan Gruffudd makes Reed a likable guy but is slightly pushed into the background by the other characters and Julian McMahon does a good job making Doctor Doom a dark and menacing presence.
A good effort that tries to live up to its name...
~~Nikki~~
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, Donna Murphy, J, K, Simmons, Daniel Gillies, Dylan Baker, Willem Dafoe, Bruce Campbell
Distributed By: Columbia Pictures
Release Date: June 2004
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Another great trip into the world of Spider-Man, this is very entertaining.
The highlights from the previous movie shown throughout the opening credits is a nice touch and really pays homage to the comics by their design and there's so much to enjoy here right from the start!
Tobey Maguire really creates some wonderful comedic moments as Peter experiences unfortunate episodes throughout the film and makes Spider-Man's scenes powerful and enthralling.
I really like J. K. Simmons as the Boss at the Daily Bugle and he has some great one-liners as he barks orders at everyone including Peter.
Bruce Campbell has another funny cameo and it's nice to get another glimpse of Willem Dafoe's Norman Osborn.
Alfred Molina nearly steals this one for me. I really like the character of Doctor Octavius and as he becomes Doc Ock he has some great scenes against our hero. I absolutely love the robotic arms which take on a personality of their own; everything about it is impressive!
Aunt May sweetly played by Rosemary Harris shows she's still got some toughness about her and the movie is filled with comedy, action and heartfelt emotion too.
The elevator scene is pure comedy gold and it's these small moments that are really remembered!!
There are also nice performances from Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane and James Franco as Harry as they both discover Spider-Man's true identity and have to choose their place alongside or against him.
Firmly laying ground for another sequel this is a brilliantly entertaining middle part of an inspiring franchise...
~~Nikki~~
Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliot, Josh Lucas, Nick Nolte
Distributed By: Universal Pictures
Release Date: June 2003
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I really want to like this movie...
It has some good points and some bad; mutated dogs are a definite mistake!
The Hulk is probably the hardest Marvel character to successfully bring to the big screen and I've always found the whole get angry, turn green and destroy everything a more bewildering concept to accept than any of the other Superhero characters source of power, but I really do like Eric Bana and Jennifer Connelly and they both do their best to make this a believable and serious movie and Sam Elliot also gives a good performance as Betty's father.
I don't find anything likable about Bruce's father and both Paul Kersey and Nick Nolte make him quite appalling and I was very happy when the Hulk finally got to grips with him!
Josh Lucas also does a good job making Glen Talbot unlikable and I was rooting for the Hulk as he took on the army.
I feel quite sad for him as a character, both as man and monster and liked that even as the Hulk he did display deeper emotions than just smash and crash!!
Points for effort but so far the Hulk remains at the low end of my favourite heroes list...
~~Nikki~~
Director: Bryan Singer
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Anna Paquin, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Halle Berry, Rebecca Romjin-Stamos, Brian Cox, Alan Cumming, Bruce Davidson, Kelly Hu, Shawn Ashmore, Aaron Stanford
Distributed By: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: May 2003
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This is a wonderful sequel that enhances everything about the first movie.
It begins with a truly impressive opening scene as Nightcrawler excellently played by Alan Cumming tries to get an audience with the President and is one of the movie's many standout moments!
Hugh Jackman looks utterly comfortable as Wolverine and has some lovely scenes opposite Patrick Stewart, increases the chemistry with Famke Janssen's Jean and fends off Mystique's interest!
I also really enjoy Brian Cox's performance as Stryker and the scenes with the two characters are interesting and compelling. The fight scene between Wolverine and Kelly Hu's Yuriko is wonderfully filmed and both actors bring great emotion.
Magneto's escape from the plastic prison is inspired and Rebecca Romjin-Stamos helps Mystique to shine throughout the movie.
I love the growing relationship between Shawn Ashmore's Iceman and Anna Paquin's Rogue and Aaron Stanford as Pyro brings extra tension and fun!
There are also lovely moments between Storm and Nightcrawler and Halle Berry seems much more confident in her portrayal this time round.
I also really like James Marsden's more intense Cyclops as he shows just how much he cares about Jean and Professor Xavier.
The story is well written and beautifully played out by all ensuring this will be remembered as one of the best in the superhero genre!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Starring: Ben Afleck, Jennifer Garner, Michael Clark Duncan, Colin Farrell, Jon Favreau, Joe Pantoliano, Scott Terra, David Keith, Erick Avari, Ellen Pompeo, Derrick O'Connor
Distributed By: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: February 2003
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Dark and atmospheric, Ben Affleck plays both Matt and his alter ego with great subtlety and I like the effects used throughout to show us his 'sight'.
Jennifer Garner brings toughness to Elektra and is very good in her action scenes.
The sadly late Michael Clarke Duncan is perfect in his role as Kingpin and really looks the part and both Jon Favreau and Joe Pantoliano are good in their supporting roles, but Colin Farrell steals the film with a crazy performance as Bullseye which is not easily forgotten!
It might not be the best comic book movie ever made, but it's also not the worst and it does deserve its place amongst the Marvel line-up.
~~Nikki~~
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris, J. K. Simmonds, Joe Manganiello, Bill Nunn, Elizabeth Banks, Bruce Campbell
Distributed By: Columbia Pictures
Release Date: May 2002
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This movie is really good fun!
Tobey Maguire is excellent as Peter Parker and really brings the awkwardness of teenage years to life and there are many funny moments as he starts to come to terms with his powers, notably the scene with the school bully and in the wrestling ring which also features brilliant cameos from Bruce Campbell and Randy Savage.
Watching Spider-Man swinging through the City of New York is still very impressive and it also features a lovely score by Danny Elfman.
Kirsten Dunst is very good as Mary Jane and James Franco's Harry makes the friendship between the three teens fairly intense.
Willem Dafoe looks like he has great fun playing the Green Goblin and brings a manic quality to those scenes and the fight scene between him and Spider-Man is pretty brutal!!
Filled with humour, great action sequences and also a message of responsibility this movie brings one of the best loved comic book characters to life to great effect!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Bryan Singer
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Anna Paquin, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Halle Berry, Rebecca Romjin-Stamos, Tyler Mane, Bruce Davidson, Ray Park
Distributed By: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: July 2000
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This is the movie that cemented the superhero genre in all its many forms into my heart and I still love watching it.
Director Bryan Singer proves that comic book movies aren't just about visual gags and bright costumes and the first scene of this movie is extremely powerful!
Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen are absolutely perfect as Charles and Erik and both actors bring gravitas to the movie.
There are many performances to enjoy and I particularly like Famke Janssen as Jean, Anna Paquin as Rogue and Rebecca Romjin-Stamos as Mystique, but for me this movie is completely stolen by wonderful Hugh Jackman portraying my favourite X-Man Wolverine.
There is a lot of humour throughout and most of my favourite scenes involve Wolverine as he finds chemistry with Jean, rivalry with Cyclops and begins a lovely friendship with Rogue.
The fight sequence between Wolverine and Mystique is great fun too.
Possibly the first in the current wave of superhero movies to perfectly blend rather extreme comic book elements with a realistic storyline and mature themes with compassion this is a great start to a genre of movies that continue to demand our love and appreciation.
~~Nikki~~
Director: Sidney J. Furie
Starring: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Jackie Cooper, Mark McClure, Margot Kidder, Mark Pillow, Sam Wanamaker, Jon Cryer, Mariel Hemmingway
Distributed By: Warner Bros.
Release Date: July 1987
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I remember seeing this many times when I was young, so I'm quite fond of it!
This improves greatly on the third film and brings back Margot Kidder as Lois Lane and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor and both are fun in their expanded roles.
I particularly like Lex in this one as he creates a powerful being to match and hopefully destroy Superman once and for all.
Mark Pillow really looks the part as Nuclear Man and the fight scenes are fun to watch.
This instalment has funny and silly moments and it also tries to display a more serious tone as Superman decides that he is a citizen of Earth.
Christopher Reeve is so likable in both his roles as Superman and Clark and I'm glad he wore that costume one last time.
~~Nikki~~
Director: Richard Lester
Starring: Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, Jackie Cooper, Mark McClure, Annette O'Toole, Annie Ross, Pamela Stevenson, Robert Vaughn, Margot Kidder
Distributed By: Warner Bros.
Release Date: July 1983
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This is quite bizarre. This third instalment of the franchise really plays it for laughs and there's a lot of visual slapstick humour which seems out of place. Richard Pryor's performance is good and Robert Vaughn also does well, although for me, he doesn't match Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor.
I really enjoyed Annette O'Toole as Lana and she brings real warmth to the story and I found myself completely forgetting Lois due to her limited scenes.
There are some genuinely funny moments but also some very strange scenes too.
Superman facing off against Clark gives the movie a dark tone and some of those scenes would probably be quite upsetting for young children and then the events in the cave become even more bizarre as the super computer does its thing!
Overall Christopher Reeve does well and these movies will continue to be enjoyed for his performance, but the first and second films are the ones to be Cherished!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Richard Lester
Starring: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder, Terence Stamp, Ned Beatty, Jackie Cooper, Sarah Douglas, Jack O'Halloran, Valerie Perrine, Susannah York
Distributed By: Warner Bros.
Release Date: April 1981
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This is my favourite of the four Superman outings for Christopher Reeve and there's plenty to enjoy about this one!
Lex takes his scheming up a notch as he and Eve discover a few home truths about Superman's past.
My favourite baddies, Zod, Ursa and Non are a force to be reckoned with and Terence Stamp in particular gives a perfectly arrogant performance as he expects the world to make him its leader and its fun seeing Lex trying to blag his way into their favour.
Superman revealing his true identity to Lois is sweet and they both share some lovely moments together before he realises that being a human has its limitations.
It's also lovely seeing Susannah York with a larger role as she tries to advise her son about human feelings.
There are some fun action scenes as the evil trio finally meet Earth's hero and Clark getting his revenge is nicely satisfying!
A lovely addition to the Superman franchise!
~~Nikki~~
Director: Richard Donner
Starring: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, Margot Kidder, Valerie Perrine, Ned Beatty, Terence Stamp
Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures/Columbia-EMI-Warner
Release Date: December 1978
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The movie that firmly placed the superhero genre on the big screen, this is still wonderful.
John Williams created a beautifully rousing score to match the qualities of our hero and it really lifts every scene. I love the fleeting glimpses that we get of Krypton and its inhabitants.
The trio of villains being sentenced are intriguing and Marlon Brando brings an authoritative but loving persona to Jor-El and I love the scenes at the Fortress of Solitude.
Christopher Reeve is perfect; charismatic and charming as Superman and very funny in his clumsy and shy alter ego Clark Kent. Margot Kidder brings fierceness to Lois Lane which softens as she gets closer to the man of steel and Gene Hackman's wonderfully egotistical Lex Luthor is great fun as he and his followers bring a touch of menace to thwart Superman at every turn.
There are many moments to enjoy throughout but Superman spinning the Earth in the opposite direction is still my favourite scene!
Superman is a movie that will remain a beloved classic for years to come.
~~Nikki~~
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Starring: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, David Oyelowo, Andy Serkis, Tyler Labine
Distributed By: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: August 2011
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Oh I did enjoy this! Caesar is perfect and totally steals the movie. He looks absolutely wonderful as he blends his inherent primate qualities with human intelligence!
WETA Digital continues to astound me with their truly impressive effects as they mix CGI, Motion Capture and Models, they are evolving beautifully.
Andy Serkis proves once again that he's the Motion Capture go-to guy as he breathes life and emotion into another CGI character to give a truly inspired performance.
John Lithgow is wonderful and gives a powerful performance in a series of small moments.
James Franco is very likable as the scientist who's trying to hold onto those he loves and you can sense the bond between him and Caesar.
There are many smaller roles I enjoyed too; Freida Pinto, Brian Cox,Tom Felton and Tyler Labine all have their moments to shine.
Full of intriguing ideas and showing humankind's quest to control nature for a price this movie is exciting, scary and has a feeling of intimacy about it which I really enjoyed!
Will there be more? I certainly hope so...
~~Nikki~~
