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 --------------------------------------------------------------
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 -------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------------------------------------- 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 -------------------------------------------------------------
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 -------------------------------------------------------------- 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 -------------------------------------------------------------- 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 -------------------------------------------------------------- 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 -------------------------------------------------------------- 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 -------------------------------------------------------------- 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 --------------------------------------------------------------- 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 --------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------------------------------------ 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 -------------------------------------------------------------- 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~~
Director: Sofia Coppola Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Jason Swartzman, Judy Davis, Rip Torn, Rose Byrne, Steve Coogan Distributed By: Columbia Pictures Release Date: October 2006 --------------------------------------------------------------
Visually stunning, director Sofia Coppola makes this movie a feast for the eyes. Kirsten Dunst shines as Marie Antoinette and portrays her with kindness and sympathy and I love that it's filmed from her point of view and we get to see just how unsure she is about being accepted in France. Jason Swartzman gives a wonderful and understated performance as he slowly warms to life as a royal husband. Rip Torn is humorous as Louis XV, whilst Rose Byrne brings great enthusiasm and Steve Coogan is also very good in his supporting role. The music throughout creates a great atmosphere but I had to get my head around some of the more modern pieces which seemed to slightly contradict the film's setting, but overall this is a very pleasing and invigorating take on the life of France's young Monarch who's extravagance ultimately sealed her fate. ~~Nikki~~
Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Peter Mullan, Niels Arestrup, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Eddie Marsan, Toby Kebbell, David Kross, Liam Cunningham Distributed By: DreamWorks Studios/Touchstone Pictures Release Date: December 2011 ------------------------------------------------------------- This is a really beautiful film. Steven Spielberg's direction is absolutely wonderful and the cinematography is breathtaking. It's filled with a host of wonderful actors and the performances throughout are truly impressive. I particularly like Jeremy Irvine as Albert and Emily Watson as Rose. There are many smaller roles that are also beautiful to watch; Céline Buckens and Niels Arestrup bring heartfelt performances as Emilie and her Grandfather and Tom Hiddleston brings real emotion as Captain James Nicholls. The star of this is of course beautiful Joey and watching him touch so many different lives is truly magical! Moving and heartwarming this is what the cinema is made for. ~~Nikki~~
Director: Seth Gordon Starring: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures Release Date: July 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------- This really made me laugh. Kevin Spacey is brilliantly and effortlessly intimidating whilst Colin Farrell totally revels in his characters idiotic role and Jennifer Aniston takes sexual harassment to a whole new level! Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis are all fun to watch as the three employees trying to formulate their plans and Jamie Foxx shows he can talk the talk to earn easy money. Very funny and at times shocking, this is the film to watch when you've had a really bad day at the office... ~~Nikki~~
I'm currently addicted to the following movie related goodness.... I loved the book Life of Pi by Yann Martel and am very excited to see how the movie compares!
Ahhh The Hobbit! Peter Jackson continues to tease me!
The Great Gatsby has been pushed back to summer 2013 but the trailer is looking luscious!
Whilst Seven Psychopaths looks kinda strange and very funny!
I'm also loving this image of the great Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln from Steven Spielberg's upcoming historical biopic Lincoln.
Director: Tony Scott Starring: Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, Christopher Walken, James Gandolfini Distributed By: Warner Bros. Release Date: September 1993 ---------------------------------------------------------------- This is one of my favourite movies by the late Tony Scott. Patricia Arquette is adorable as Alabama and makes her sudden romance with Clarence totally believable; she also gives such a powerful performance when confronted by James Gandolfini's drug goon. Christian Slater effortlessly switches between being a lovable nice guy to someone who's not afraid to kill for love. Full of great supporting roles, the standout performances by Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper are very intense. The pace and dialogue is fast and sharp and is pure Tarantino! I also love Clarence's visions of Elvis and its fun seeing Brad Pitt totally wasted! Switching between sweet romance, comedy and at times extreme violence this is a cinematic treat!! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Joel Schumacher Starring: Colin Farrell, Forest Whitaker, Kiefer Sutherland, Radha Mitchell, Katie Holmes Distributed By: 20th Century Fox Release Date: April 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------- I love the real-time feel of this. Right from the beginning it grabs hold and the tension builds and builds. Kiefer Sutherland is perfectly menacing as he convinces Colin Farrell to stay on the line and Forest Whitaker brings patience and understanding to the cop who's trying to figure out what's going on. The supporting cast all do well and really make this feel like a realistic hour on a busy street in New York. Colin Farrell is absolutely amazing as he goes from being an uncaring and arrogant publicist to a scared and humbled man who realises what he's about to lose and he totally nails the performance. A brilliant thriller that never gets old! ~~Nikki~~
