(trailer review) - Judas and the Black Messiah

I swear this has to be one of the most humble guys I've seen in acting who is just AMAZING at his craft.  Not to say that other actors are not amazing and/or humble, but I really do feel that Daniel brings a different kind of energy to his craftsmanship.
He was in Kick Ass 2, he was in a Black Mirror Episode, starred in Get Out WITH Lakeith Stanfield, in Black Panther DIRECTED by Ryan Coogler (who also produces this movie) and also in Queen and Slim, a film that made me cry and angry and his performance was also great in that.  he has been in other movies i haven't mentioned, but this trailer alone looks Award winning for this award nominated actor.

There's nothing much I can say in regards to this trailer as the trailer speaks volumes loud and clear, unless there will be some twists involved.  Fred Hampton is set up by close ally and/or friend due to his co-operation with the police who are trying to take Fred down.  I don't know the real life story along with countless others, so I'm totally unaware of how the story is meant to have gone but I'm sure it would be great to learn this story directed by Shaka King.  I've watched this trailer like 3-4 times now and it just get's more powerful with every watch.  I think, the movie being released now would be very poignant to what is happening in society right now and also brings me back to Umbrella Academy Season 2. 1963 and 1969 are only 6 years apart.

Directed by Shaka King and starring Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders, Martin Sheen, Algee Smith, Lil Rel Howery, Jermaine Fowler, Darrell Britt-Gibson,

(film review) - The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Rise of Electro

I chose this title because it made more sense after watching the film. However, before I get into it, I want to point out a few things first. I have been following these comic book movies for a while now. I try to get enough information about these films, their potential storylines, the heroes and the antagonists. Spider-Man's marketing was relentless and barely stopped for a breather. From shooting, set pics, clues, mythos, potential enemies and the future of Spider-Man. With that said, Marc Webb IS directing a trilogy. Spider-Man's universe is going to be dynamic. So dynamic, they have planned future films after the original trilogy when that is complete with two spin off films and Spider-Man 4. Yes, as I said, dynamic.

To the average movie-goer, Spider-Man is just going to be another Spider-Man film and people will not understand the contractual agreements these studios who have the rights to Spider-Man and people won't understand why Toby Maguire is not Spider-Man any more, unfortunately. As I stated in my last Amazing Spider-Man review, that film was 10 years too late and this Spider-Man universe is much better and had this been executed way back when, we would be on Spider-Man 8 or so by now.
In regards to the film and it's relentless promotion and if you are reading this before you go out to see the film, I want to make you aware of something before you watch. Not a spoiler per say, but something in which the marketing has advertised which could be misinterpreted.

Firstly, this is indeed Spider-Man's biggest battle. However, with the images displayed with that message, it may not be the battle you were thinking.
Secondly, in this universe, Spider-Man follows very closely to the Spider-Man comics, down to plot twists and storylines which are burrowed from the ultimate universe as well as the comics to provide a "realistic" and "grounded" story. When watching this film, you will need to bare in mind that this is only the start of Spider-Man's troubles.

Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is the young intelligent student who had been bitten by a genetically altered Spider which then turns him into a superhuman kid with heightened senses, strength, agility and stamina. Now as New York's friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man, he has defeated criminals and Supervillains as well as juggling his life as a student and trying his best to keep a promise he has given to the love of his life's father after the events of the first film. Realising that breaking his promise is more haunting than he initially expected, Spider-Man battles with this along with the loss of his parents as he still has unanswered questions about his parents disappearance and his father's work/connection to Oscorp. As Peter's childhood friend comes back into town, Peter tries to rekindle his friendship with Harry Osborn (Dane Dehaan) until he is caught in a sticky situation where has has to make some hard choices. With all this going on and his on again off again relationship with Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), Max Dillion (Jamie Foxx) falls tragic to an accident which leaves him unrecognisable and able to control electricity who is now hellbent on destroying Spider-Man.

From loving the first The Amazing Spider-Man (Although it was 10 years too late), this film basically continues where the last Spider-Man left off. Much more colourful, more comic book-like in visuals but still somewhat dark in tone and even the threats come across somewhat real. The on screen relationship between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are great. In my opinion, their story is soo touching that there were a few times in the film I could have been brought to tears. Peter Parker's trouble/stress with his parents leaving, his old friend coming back to town and his aunt doing all that she can to look after her nephew without her beloved husband Uncle Ben is a lot. Although the film wasn't purely made for 3D like Avatar, the 3D element not once took me away from the movie like other 3D films have, like 300: Rise of an Empire and Man of Steel.
The comedy in this film was decent as there seemed to be a consistent tone in the film without coming across too cheesy/corny. The camera angles were also great and the last battle was epic enough. Dialogue was fitting, apart from a time where Peter Parker says, "Don't get it twisted" which took me out of the moment. It didn't feel like it was fitting. Jamie Foxx as Max Dillion was also great. His acting chops, something I have seen before in a previous film but as Electro, Mr. Foxx was quite sinister as well as very smart like his alter ego, not to mention Dane DeHaan's depiction of Harry Osborn.

I would say, DO NOT EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM THIS FILM as most of you would have seen Captain America: Winter Soldier and love it and then compare this Marvel film with that Marvel film. These films are NOT ALIKE.

Sometimes I feel that I have to defend Spider-Man too much etc etc, but in all honesty, although not as good as CA:TWS, this film is a great opening for the future films to come. Yes Spider-Man has his greatest challenge yet and this film did exactly what it needed to do to set up the Spidey Universe nicely. Watch out for the Easter Eggs.

(film review) - The Amazing Spider-Man

All people do is, compare. I guess that is how we monitor progression and/or evolve. You start with something then you try to do better. Kinda like making improvements or beating your personal best. If you never knew the story of Spider-Man from the comics, then 10 years ago, there was a film which told you that story. (For a brief description on all the Spider-Man films seek: Pre-Amazing Spider-Man [Tobey Maguire]) In this film, the story is told but in a slightly different way.
The Amazing Spider-Man will be compared to other comic book films as well as the previous Spider-Man films. From what I have read and heard so far, the film is generally getting mixed reviews but mostly positive. However, you will need to bare in mind before watching this film, YOU CANNOT COMPARE THIS TO THE LAST COMIC BOOK/MARVEL FILM (The Avengers), as that is just not fair. Compare this to another remake such as The Dark Knight, The Incredible Hulk or Ironman 1.

From before this film came out, I understood that this film is meant to be darker than the previous Spider-Man's, but with the film being done via Disney, I kinda questioned, 'How Dark is Dark'? Kick-Ass is Dark! When I first saw it, I was in more shock than anything. The Christopher Nolan Batman's are Dark. However, this Spidey film isn't as dark.

Andrew Garfield plays Peter Parker (The Amazing Spider-Man) who is bitten by a genetically engineered Spider and becomes Spider-Man. However, as well as falling in love with a female from his school, Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), Peter has great troubles dealing with the "loss" of his mother and father, then his uncle, not to mention trying to seek revenge, stay up-to-date with school work and have a "normal" teenage life. What makes it worse, on the streets is a man turned Lizard, Dr Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans) who is hellbent on his own personal goals.

I wouldn't say it is impossibly to spoil this film as the storyline and plot is very simple. Hero has to save the world against the threat. However, where the film thrives for me is 1, the action, 2, the acting between Peter and Stacey, 3, The way Spidey moves and most of all, the direction.
In this film, you see that Spider-Man is just a boy. I think it's more to do with the backdrop and how dark the background is, plus the directing, but this is emphasized more than ever. A boy in a suit who is almost just like everyone else. You can actually feel his struggles and pain. You feel his weight and the pressure he is buckling under. A little bit like Spider-Man 2, but Peter Parker is under a lot of pressure; tear jerking moments. The only difference I would say about this film and the previous three with Tobey is that, this should have been the Spider-Man film from day dot (day one). Chop and change a few things from the Tobey Spidey and do a little mix and swapping and you'd have a perfect Spidey film. You've kinda seen it all before, so there isn't much of a "WOW" factor but still is a good watch. For me it was simply how Spidey moves as he does much more and much more spider-like. Even elements of steath.

Visually, the film is Amazing and you do witness the great heighs Spider-Man climbs, but other than the special effects, the film is just like watching all 3 previous Spidey films with a darker setting. For me, I left the cinema thinking, "I liked that". But as there wasn't anything too amazing about it the film will only apply to Spidey Fans who will enjoy. Otherwise you could wait for the DVD and the directors cut. Don't get me wrong, i'm not sayign this film is shoddy, but I think if Nolan was on the job...

The ending is better though and most definately, there should be more spidey films like this. Providing they get more authorisation for sequels, then they will be albe to expand on Spideys huge catalog of enemies for someone so young, 20ish Spider-Man films could be done and I guess it would be much better to see more and more villains and of course, seeing him in Avengers 2 or 3 would be great! - Go Marc Webb!!!

(Vintage Film Reviews) - The Departed

This film stars 6 big actors from past to present. We have (1)Leonardo DiCaprio as Billy Costigan, who has most definitely left his whipped attitude from Titanic to the exact opposite.

We also have a (2) Matt Damon as Colin Sullivan who plays a streets smart, straight 'A' student who has graduated from the Cadet Police Academy.
Once graduated from the Cadets, Colin went to join the police force among many other Cadets, however, things aren't what they seem to be. Billy also goes to join the police force, but for what reason, as he was kicked out of the Cadets?

With such a clean history Colin, the straight 'A' student, joins the force as well as Billy. However, Billy has a turbulent and troublesome history so to think he wants to serve and protect is somewhat a joke! Nevertheless he is hired and then "fired" from the police force to then serve time in prison.

The villain is (3) Jack Nicholson as Frank Costello, who is the Irish Mafia Mob head honcho.



Can you imagine a ruthless Irish Mafia Mob boss who runs the city with an iron grip?
Can you imagine this happening over a long period of time and the police trying to bringing the mob down but no avail?
Can you imagine moles working in both units till things start to become apparent, that each unit has an enemy in it?
Which mole will discover the other mole first?
Which mole will have to Depart?



This is where everything gets tricky.

A mole is working for the police, but the police also have a mole in their Special Investigations Unit led by (4) Alec Baldwin as Ellerby, who is watching Costello's every move. This means, Costello is watching those who are watching him. Ellerby's boss is (5)Martin Sheen as Captain Queenan, who has contact with Costello's henchmen.

With both moles working deep undercover, both moles start to feel the pressure of living a double identity. As one climbs up the ladder in the Police force, the other starts to struggle with his job and how he hasn't had much help, so both moles jobs and lives are at risk.

Things get slightly more interesting and intriguing when Colin starts to date this psychiatrist then she moves in with him, but then when Colin is torn between work, loyalty and his girlfriend, Billy then comes into the picture and starts to see said psychiatrist for counselling.



It is a film of cat and mouse, Loyalty, Power, Decisions & Deception. The film has more twists than a telephone cord and some elements to the film make you think, "so, hold on a Minute!?!". I felt the story did drag a little in the middle to justify the longevity of the "Get Costello" project, but it is well written, smart and edgy and will definitely keep you entertained throughout, especially, the final scenes.

All starring actors which also includes a very very very aggy (6)Mark Walburg as Dignam, Queenan right hand man with a permanent chip on his shoulder, play their parts very well.

29th November 2006 12:14am