"I can do this all day" - Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) Review

Captain America: The First Avenger Review

Director: Joe Johnson

Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi

Codestar30 Rating: 5.5

When America enters world war 2 in 1942, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is determined to sign up and fight the Nazis. However, due to his small size, ill health and lack of strength he is rejected from service time and time again. When Dr. Abraham Erskine, a defected german scientist now working for the U.S. army, notices Rogers' determination to fight in the war he recruits Rogers to project 'Rebirth'. Steve Rogers proves himself to be the most courageous, compassionate and intelligent of the recruits from the project and as a result is selected to be the first in a new breed of super soldiers. Rogers' body is transformed into the maximum of his human potential by Dr Erskine's enhancement process. From that day he begins his journey to becoming the super-hero/super-soldier, the first avenger, Captain America. 

This movie, as with all recent marvel movies, feels rushed. I believe in their haste to begin the Avengers series, Marvel have favoured speed of production over quality in their recent movies. 

The acting by by Tommy Lee Jones, who plays Colonel Phillips, and that of Hugo weaving, who plays the Red Skull, is the best. The are the veteran actors in this movie, and it shows, as their performances were notable that those of the rest of the cast. Chris Evans' acting as Captain America was okay. 

The special effects were very good. They were convincing and impressive.

The action was rather boring, and consisted mostly of montages. However there is enough action to keep you entertained. 

The plot drags on very slowly, and there is a lot of unnecessary boring parts. 

I would recommend Captain America to a younger audience, and obviously the fans of the comics may as well give it a watch. Other fans of Marvel in general may enjoy this movie. However to any viewers older than about 11 I think they'll probably find this movie a bit of a let down. 

Captain America deserves demoting. 

"The boy who lived, come to die."-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) Review

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Review

Director: David Yates

Genre: Adventure/Fantasy

Codestar30 Rating: 8/10

The tittle of this movie is really long!

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), 2 wizards and a witch, live in a world where magic is very much real. Harry's nemesis, the evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has taken over the wizarding world. Harry, Ron and Hermione must find the last 3 horcruxes, objects in which Voldemort has placed part of his soul, and destroy them if they are to have a chance of defeating him and saving the world from his evil and tyranny. 

The effects and C.G.I. were all very impressive and believable. You were never given a moment to realise it was fiction. 

As usually the film was not as true to the book as it could have been, and of course chunks have been missed out, but as this book was split into 2 parts, these problems are not to the same scale as pervious Harry Potter films. The story is however good due to the renowned writing of J.K Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books.  IF you haven't read the books then you are likely to be more impressed with the story, but even if you have read them  the film does do the book justice.

The acting of Daniel Radcliffe disappointed me once again, and I feel as the movies have progressed, and he has aged, his acting has declined. The performance given by Ralph Fiennes was a little over the top, but never the less he makes an excellent Voldemort and plays the part very well. Although he did not have such a major part in this movie I wish to compliment Alan Rickman on his portrayal of Severus Snape. Emma Watson and Rupert Girt's acting was fine. Warick Davis, who played both Griphook the goblin and Professor Flitwick did so very well. 

This movie is the darkest of the Harry Potters by far, and boasts more blood and gore, more death, more violence, and more destruction than you may have come to expect from the series. I would suggest that you do not show this movie to smaller children who have seen the other films, as it is on an entirely different level.

This movie has been hailed as the best of the entire saga, and I would agree this description is not without merit. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was certainly among the best of the series, and yes perhaps even the best. Obviously I would recommend this film to anyone who has followed the saga so far, whether through the books, films, or both. However before recommending it to anyone else I would strongly suggest they see the first 7 films or the the books or they will simply be lost as to what is going on. This movie should not be watched as a stand-alone.  

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 will cast a spell on you. 

"Welcome to the real world."-The Matrix (1999) Review

The Matrix Review

Director: Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski

Genre: Action/Sci-Fi

Codestar30 Rating: 9/10

By day, Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) is a programer for a respectable software company. By night, however, he is the notorious computer hacker, known only as 'Neo'. Neo has sent some years in search of a fellow computer hacker, one has been branded a terrorist, known as Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). Neo hopes that Morpheus will be able to answer the puzzled him for all those years; What is the "Matrix"? Morpheus contacts Neo, and when they meet Morpheus offers Neo a choice; He can take a blue pill, and he will forget it happened, or he can take the red pill, and discover the truth. 

'The Matrix' is widely regarded as the best Action/Sci-Fi film of all time. This reputation is well earned. The Matrix features some of the most iconic and referenced action sequences ever. Influence from this titan of a movie is noticeable in many action movies since. This is all of course due to the fact that the action sequences in 'The Matrix' are epic. This movie spews lead faster than Mini-Gun.

The acting is on the whole fairly good. Laurence Fishburne delivers and exceptional performance. Keanu Reeves could've been better. Carrie-Anne Moss, who plays Trinity, acts well. Hugo Weaving plays Agent Smith excellently. Joe Pantoliano portrays Cypher very well.

The special effects in 'The Matrix' were way ahead of their time, and are brilliant. This film is 12 years old yet it looks like it was made just yesterday. 

The story is mind blowing. The whole concept of the film is a stroke of genius, although it is impossible to describe in more detail without giving stuff away.

I would strongly recommend 'The Matrix' to anyone who likes action or science-fiction movies, and anyone who thought 'Inception' was good, because this film is Inceptions big daddy. 

'The Matrix' will really throw you don't the rabbit hole. 

"I told you I'd kill you, you little bitch!"-Crank (2006) Review

Crank Review

Director: Mark Neveldine and Brain Taylor

Genre: Action/Crime

Codestar30 Rating: 7.5/10

A hit man named Chev Chelios (Jason Statham), is injected with a poison that will kill him if his heart beats too slowly. Chelios must keep his heart beating fast enough to keep him alive by doing everything from having sex in public to sticking his hand in a waffle iron to keep adrenaline pumping through his veins, while he searches for the people who injected him with the 'Beijing Cocktail' so he can take his revenge before he is killed by the poison. 

I like this film because it is kept very fast paced. There is scarcely a dull moment, as Chelios must do stuff to keep himself exited to survive, so we the audience are kept exited to by his non-stop adrenaline fueled antics. There's a good amount of actions, with shoot outs, fist fights and car chases. So for those who don't enjoy slow paced movies this is the perfect film for you. 

The acting by Jason Statham is fairly good in 'Crank', and it's the first movie I've seen where I don't think he's crap in it. He suits the part well.

The effects are pretty bad however. For example, at the end there is a scene where Chelios is falling out of a helicopter. For this scene a green screen would have clearly been used to make it look like he's falling towards the ground, but the C.G.I is just terrible. It looks more like Jason Statham is laying on a picture of the earth from a distance, with a bind of wind blowing his clothes around a bit. 

Overall though I definitely enjoyed this movie and would recommend it to action lovers, people who love fast paced movies, and Jason Statham fanboys. Your heart beat won't slow down for a moment while watching 'Crank'. 

"I love the smell of napalm in the morning!" - Apocalypse Now (1979) Review

Apocalypse Now Review

Director: Francis Ford Coppola 

Genre: War

Codestar30 Rating: 4/10

During the height of the Vietnam War, Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen) is sent on a mission that does not and never will exist. He must eliminate Colonel Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando), an American green beret colonel, and one of the most decorated men in the American military. Kurtz has gone insane and has gone A.W.O.L,. He has gathered a group of local tribes and American servicemen to his cause, and has taken them to cambodia to carry out hit-and-run missions on the N.V.A. and Vietcong. His methods are brutal, inhuman, and unsound according to Willard's superiors, however as the captain travels up river to find Kurtz, he begins to have doubts that he is really willing to kill another American. Especially one who he's not entirely sure he disagrees with. 

Apocalypse now is hailed as one of the greatest War movies of all time, and in many cases, the greatest. However I really do not agree.

The focus of this movie is clearly the psychological effects of war on men. Captain Willard is a man unable to cope in a civilian environment and craves action, Colonel Kurtz has been driven insane by his experiences of war, and many other characters encountered are suffering mentally from the effects of the conflict. I do feel that this aspect of the film is good, and is certainly thought provoking. However I feel it is let down by the over rated acting. Marlon Brando isn't terrible as Kurtz, but I feel he or someone else could have portrayed the disturbed and deep thinking Colonel better. Both he and Martin Sheen seemed to act a bit woodenly in my opinion, and created fairly plain characters compared to the potential that the characters they were playing had. Most of the rest of the cast are either way to over the top or far to melodramatic. 


For a war movie I like to see a bit of action, something apocalypse now is sorely lacking in my opinion. There is one short, fairly cartoonishly executed battle sequence but it's not very good. There are a few brief burst of action, usually simply consisting of the crew of the ship thats taking Willard up the river, panicking for some reason and unloading their guns, although this does seem more realistic and contribute to the psychological nature of the film. 


I will say this for the film, the voice over monologues, slower pace, and acting does make the film really atmospheric. 


I personally would not recommend Apocalypse Now, I really found it very boring. However if you wish to listen to everyone else that it's good don't let me stop you from watching it. I'd almost favour an apocalypse to apocalypse now. 

Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride. - Se7en (1995) Review

Se7en Review

Director: David Fincher 

Genre: Crime/Mystery

Codestar30 Rating: 8/10

It is Detective David MIlls's (Brad Pitt) first case. It is Detective Lieutenant William Somerset's (Morgan Freeman) case. For the first and last time they are assigned to a case together, and it is a case neither will ever be able to remove from their memory. A crazed religious psychopath is killing, and each of his victims is, in his eyes, guilty of one of the 7 deadly sins, and they are killed accordingly. Mills and Somerset are determined to find the killer before he claims a vicim for all 7 deadly sins. 

The most notable thing about this movie is the sheer perfection of the acting. Morgan Freeman is, of course, Morgan Freeman, so for him that goes without saying (Which won him; Empire best actor, London Critics Circle actor of the year.) However even the sometimes wooden Brad Pitt gives a hugely impressive performance. Kevin Spacey gives a haunting and incredible performance as the killer (Which won on him; MTV best villain, National Board of Review best supporting actor, New York Film Critics best supporting actor.)

Although there isn't a conventional mystery, in the sense that they have no idea who did it instead of sieving through suspects, it is a fantastic story. I can't quite put my finger on it but there's just something that keeps the story interesting 100% of the film. The murders are haunting, impressively thought out and gruesome. 

I have no intention of spoiling it, or even describing it, but I will say that the ending is one of the most haunting (sorry that I've been using that word a lot but it just is) and excellent I've ever seen. 

There is a bit of action, a shoot out and chase scene with Brad Pitt chasing the killer through an apartment building and beyond. 

This film is a masterpiece. Enough said. Anyone who enjoys serious acting, mysteries, and even horrors would enjoy this movie. It would be a deadly sin not to check out 'Se7en'. 

He will hunt them, he will find them, and he will kill them.-Taken (2009) Review

Taken Review

Director: Pierre Morel 

Genre: Action/Thriller/Crime

Codestar30 Rating: 9/10

Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) is a retired C.I.A. agent, whose life is getting a bit quiet. That is until he agrees to let his daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace), travel to paris with her best friend, where she is then kidnapped by Albanian human traffickers to be sold into prostitution. Using all his old connections and skills, Bryan must travel to Paris, hunt down the Albanians and find his daughter at any cost. Before it is too late.

This film is a hardcore action thriller. There is no mucking about, no puns, no witty remarks, Bryan doesn't exchange mocking jokes with his opponents, he just mashes them up, just raw action. Bryan Mills does not fool around the slightest bit. He is totally focused on finding his daughter at any cost, and does not hesitate to kill anyone he needs to in order to find her. Its completely no nonsense, he just goes around efficiently doing everything he needs to do to find her. The action in this movie is great, Liam Neesons aggressive merciless style in this is reflected in the amount of bodies he wracks up with mostly his bare hand or small hand guns. The actions is faced paced and brutal. There's also a torture scene, which really shows how this film really is focused completely on serious, realistic action. 

Neeson's performance is brilliant. You can feel the emotion flowing off him as he desperately hunts for his daughter, his real concern, and his anger at those responsible. 

The plot is simple, but effective. A great example of how less can sometimes be more. 

This is an extremely good action movie, and for those of you who really like their action serious and hardcore, as apposed to action heros throwing out puns and remarks left right and centre. I would strongly recommend to any action fans. You'll be taken by 'Taken'.

"This song is an excellent cure for the will to live."-Definately, Maybe (2008) Review

Definitely, Maybe

Director: Adam Brooks

Genre: Romantic Comedy/Mystery

Codestar30 Rating: 5/10

One evening, after Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) has picked up his daughter Maya (Abigail Breslin) from school, she asks him to tell her the story of how he and her mother met, as they are currently getting divorced. Instead of telling Maya directly, Will proposes a little challenge. He will tell Maya the story of his love life before he finally married Sarah, his now ex wife, but he will change all the names, and Maya has to guess who her mum is in the story. Maya agrees to the challenge, and Will tells her the story. 

Whilst the humour in this film did keep me smiling throughout most of the film, there were no particular times when I laughed out loud very much. Its fairly funny but to me I didn't find it to be funny enough.

The acting was fairly standard, nothing to rave about but nor was it a total disappointment. 

The story's fairly decent, the fact that its a guessing game of who will Will end up with doesn't add as much as you would think, as this is not so different from the more common goal of simply guessing who they will end up with, although in this film it has to be said it's not as blindingly obvious who's going to end up together as in other Rom Coms I've seen, which is good because that was probably intended. 

I'd reccomend this movie to any Romantic Comedy fans who will perhaps find it more enjoyable if they enjoy this kind of movie anyway. I certainly would say definitely watch this film, but I'd definitely say maybe. 

"The toys! The toys are alive!."-Toy Story (1995) Review

Toy Story Review

Director: John Lasseter 

Genre:  Adventure/Comedy

Codestar30 Rating: 9.5/10

In 'Toy Story', when people aren't looking, toys come to life. A little boy named Andy (John Morris) loves nothing more than to spend an afternoon playing with his toys, most of all his cow-boy doll; Woody (Tom Hanks). As Andy's favourite toy since kindergarden Woody is the leader of the toy society in his bedroom. He is loved and respected by his fellow toys, who are content with their share of Andy's attention. However, when Andy gets a space ranger action figure, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), the new toy quickly becomes Andy's, and the other toy's, new favourite. Woody is consumed with jealousy and is unable to handle not being the favourite anymore, also Buzz doesn't realise he is a toy and believes himself to be an actual space ranger, which infuriates Woody further. 

This film was waaaaaaay ahead of its time in terms of animation. Pixar created an animation with quality that would not be matched for some years. This film was made in 1995, yet the animation quality would still be of acceptable quality today. 

This film has a very unique concept, as far as I know until 'Toy Story' no-one had made a film about Toys coming to life before. As a result of this the story is also very unique (with exception to the other 'Toy Story' films), and not just for that reason it is a great story. The plot is brilliant, moving, funny and hugely entertaining.

The voice acting very good, although it can't be examined as thoroughly as complete acting the voices suit the characters and convey and build their personalities very effectively. The characters created are very interesting, and once again due to the unique nature of the film, the characters are unique. The idea of Buzz, the toy who thinks he's a space ranger is my personal favourite in the movie.

Something which may not be hugely relevant to the quality of the film, but still worth noting, is the music for this film, which won the composers many prestigious awards.

'Toy Story' is an exceptional film, one that has been one of my favourites from when I went to see in in the cinema as a baby, through my entire life, and still is today 16 years later. I would recommend this film to anyone of any age from 0 up. There is no age group it cannot be enjoyed by. It is completely suitable fro young children, but is still very entertaining for any one of any age. 'Toy Story' is a terrific story.    

"Are you watching closely?" -The Prestige (2006) Review

The Prestige Review

Director: Christopher Nolan

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Codestar30 Rating: 8.5/10

Set in London at the end of the 19th century, Magic is the craze in the world. Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman), his wife Julia (Piper Perabo) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are all assistants to the Magician Milton (Ricky Jay) and are all good friends. During one performance where Julia is supposed to escape from being tied up in a tank full over water, but something goes terribly wrong and she drowns despite the efforts of the illusion engineer, Cutter (Michael Caine), to get her out when he realises something has gone wrong. Angier blames Borden for her death, because it was he who tied the knots bonding Julia, and a bitter rivalry develops between them as they both rise to stardom as Magicians, with each trying to out do the other and sabotage the others tricks. After this has been going on for several years, Borden, now known as 'The professor', devises what seems to be the perfect illusion. He walks through a door on 1 side of a room, and walks through a door on the other side of the room a second later, with no inter-joining passage between, and he doesn't use a double. Angier, now known as 'The great Danton', becomes obsessed with finding Borden's secret. 

When it was suggested to me that I watch this film, I was not keen. I thought that a film about Magicians could not possibly be exiting or particularly entertaining, but I could not have been more wrong.

Christopher Nolan is great at getting suspense in his movies, and 'The Prestige' is a fine example of that. This film has more suspense that you may able to handle. You will be kept guessing throughout. There's twists and turns and surprises and suspense by the truck load. Its so clever and the mystery is woven so finely and expertly into the story. The plot is brilliant. Also, the tension created between Borden and Angier is so well executed that you won't be able to stop watching. 

The acting is awesome! Even Christian Bale give an impressive performance in this movie. Hugh Jackman plays his part amazingly. Michael Caine does his bit superbly. David Bowie (Yes the pop star, he's in this) does some great acting, showing that despite some of his previous parts in films he can actually act. The emotion and drama conveyed by the actors in this film is simply incredible. 

I would strongly recommend this movie to anyone who likes serious dramatic films. This movie is so very good. Its great. You better be watching closely, because 'The Prestige' is simply Magic!

"It's like killing a unicorn... with, like, a bomb."-Pineapple Express (2008) Review

Pineapple Express Review

Director: David Gordon Green

Genre: Comedy/Action/Crime

Codestar30 Rating: 7/10

One night, Process Server, Dale Denton (Seth Rogen) is sitting in his car smoking a new and rare variety of weed, 'Pineapple Express'. He is parked outside Ted Jones's (Gary Cole) house, and is about to go in and serve him a process, when he sees Ted and a female police officer, Carol (Rosie Perez), shoot a man in the head and splatter his brain all over the window, through said window. Dale drops the spliff, and hastily flees the area. However, 'Pineapple Express' is so new and rare that he is the only person to have bought any yet, and his dealer, Saul Silver (James Franco), is the only dealer who is selling it. Dale and Saul are terrified they will be killed by the Drug Lord, Ted, and go on the run together. Meanwhile Budlofsky (Kevin Corrigan) and Matheson (Craig Robinson), 2 of Ted's boys, are hunting the Stoner and his Dealer. 


I wouldn't call this film a hilarious comedy, but the silliness will keep you smiling and occasionally giggling through the film. However, it's not one of the funnier Seth Rogen movies I've seen, but it's funny enough to be entertaining. It's a laugh. 


There's some pretty good action in the movie. The action isn't particularly full on, just clumsy and funny fist fights, and hectic, drug fueled car chases, untill the end when there's a full on shoot out in an underground drug growing complex which is a pretty cool bit of the movie. Lots of shooting in that bit and punching and running over with cars and explosions.


I'd mainly recommend to this movie to any fans of Seth Rogen movies and movies of the same style as his movies, but I'm sure most people who like comedy or action movies could enjoy it, although neither are in massive supply, but both are present. ''Pineapple Express' might just get you high. 

"It happened again."-The Hangover Part 2 (2011) Review

The Hangover Part 2 Review

Director: Todd Phillips 

Genre: Comedy

Codestar30 Rating: 9/10

Stu (Ed Helms), is getting married in Thailand. Stu planned for a nice, quiet bachelor party, after the horror of the last bachelor party he, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Alan (Zach Galifianakis), and Doug ( Justin Bartha) attended in Vegas (In the first Hangover). However Phil isn't happy with that, and convinces Stu to come and have a few beers with him, Doug, Alan and Stu's brother-in-law-to-be, Teddy (Mason Lee), on the beach. The next morning Stu, Phil and Alan wake up in a run down hotel room in the middle of Bangkok. Stu has a tattoo, Alan has a shaven head, there's a severed finger in a bowl of ice, Teddy and Doug are missing, and there's a monkey in the bathroom. "What the fuck is going on?!"

This film is, in my opinion, superior to the first Hangover. 

This film is hilarious. There were so many laughs I barely had time to catch my breath. I came out of the cinema with my cheeks aching from laughing so much. I was in stitches for the whole thing.  'The Hangover Part 2" takes it to the next level, from the last movie. It is brilliant. The situations 'The Wolf Pack" find themselves in, and the things they discover they have done are more extreme, more strange, more unlucky, and more funny than last time. I cannot stress just how funny this movie is. The entire audience was in giggling fits for a whole 102 minutes.

This is definitely a movie to see for anyone of any age. If anyone is worried it won't be as good as the first 1, worry not. It is better. Go and see it as soon as you possibly can. You'll laugh so much it'll be your cheeks and lungs that have a hangover.

"You are in more dire need of a blowjob than any white man in history. "-Good Morning Vietnam (1987) Review

Good Morning Vietnam Review

Director: Barry Levinson 

Genre: Comedy/War

Codestar30 Rating: 7/10

When radio presenter, Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams), is shipped from Crete to Vietnam, to be the new U.S. military radio presenter, he quickly gains popularity with the troops. However, he is controversial and his superiors think he plays inappropriate music and tells inappropriate jokes, and they quickly begin to try and get him off the air. When he's not working, he explores the local area, and submerses himself in the Vietnamese people and culture, and begins to see the war from a different perspective. 

Robin Williams plays his usual kind of character, only this time with a little serious acting here and there. Each radio broadcast he makes in the film was completely improvised by him, and I really have to commend him for that, because he talks very quickly and yet doesn't  falter, pause, ramble, or repeat himself. He keeps up a continuous babble of humour at an impressive rate. 

This film is very thought provoking, even to someone like me with a fairly limited knowledge of the vietnam war. It really casts a light on the affect the Vietnam war had on the civilians of Vietnam and is obviously quite moving because of how Adrian interacts and integrates with the locals, despite the prejudices of the American soldiers, and is embraced as one of their own.

I'd think that this film would be more enjoyable to someone who lived during the time it was set. I didn't get understand many of the jokes and references because I wasn't alive at the time and am ignorant of a lot of the topics of the jokes. So I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who was alive during the Vietnam war, or anyone with a reasonable knowledge of the period. But even without complete understanding it is still completely impossible to enjoy this movie, as I found out, so you should definitely consider waking up to 'Good Morning Vietnam".

"That's right bitches; I got a crossbow!"-The Losers (2010) Review

The Losers Review

Director: Sylvain White

Genre: Action

Codestar30 Rating: 7/10

When Colonel Clay (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), and his team, a group of elite special forces operatives, are sent into the Bolivian Jungle on a search and destroy mission, they assume it's just another day at the office. However, when the chopper they were supposed to be on is destroyed during the evac', it becomes clear that they have been betrayed, and are now targets. They are presumed dead, and go into hiding. Some time later, they meet the mysterious Aisha (Zoe Saldana), who gives them an offer that seems to good to be true. She'll get them home, and all they have to do in return is kill Max (Jason Patric), the man responsible for the attempt on their lives. But there's a catch. It's a suicide mission. 


This is a pretty common format of action movie. Heros get betrayed, heros take revenge on the bad guys, but despite this tired old structure, this movie does stand out, but don't expect any outstanding plot lines. 


There's plenty of action, which in an action movie is of course good. People running around with dual MP5s, Berretas, knives, Aks, M4s and an SR-25 left right and centre. Nothing lacking in that department. Lots of shooting. There aren't too many fist fights, so if your more of a fan of that kind of action, and not gun fights, then this might not be the perfect film for you.


This movie isn't a comedy, but it is an action film with a sense of humour, and has a pretty light hearted feel through most of it. Jensen (Chris Evans) and Pooch (Columbus Short) are the more comical characters, providing a laugh here and there throughout the movie, and maintaing the light hearted feel.


As afore mention, there isn't a spectacular plot. It's fine, but not outstanding. There is a little twist here and there but not much, The story's pretty simple, and there's no character development.  


Despite the weak story, this film is still very enjoyable and definitely worth a watch for any action fan. If you like your guns fights, then 'The Losers' wont be lost on you.

"Have you ever tried... not being a mutant?"-X-Men 2 (2003) Review

X-Men 2 Review

Director: Bryan Singer

Genre: Action/Sci-Fi

Codestar30 Rating: 6.5/10

When an assassination attempt is made on the President of the U.S. by the mutant Night Crawler (Alan Cumming), a military scientist, William Stryker (Brain Cox) is authorised to begin the hunt for Night Crawler. Meanwhile, the 'X-Men', a team of mutants dedicated to the protection of mutants from humans and visa versa, are also trying to track down the assassin. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), a rouge member of the 'X-Men' is still trying to re-discover his shrouded past and overcome his amnesia. Mystique (Rebecca Romijn-Stamos), the last remaining free member of the 'Brotherhood', a group of mutants devoted to achieving mutant superiority, is trying to find away to break her leader, Magneto (Ian McKellen), out of his plastic prison where he has been incarcerated since the last film after being captured by the 'X-Men'.

This film is widely regarded as the best of the the 'X-Men films', and I would have to agree. It's arguably the most gritty of the X-Men films, possibly equaled by 'X-Men' 1. This is 1 movie that doesn't shy away from drugging and abducting children.

It's go enough action. Not as much as I personally prefer in a super hero movie, but it's got enough. There's a fair few fire balls flying, fists swinging, claws slashing, storms brewing, lasers shooting, missiles firing, jets zooming, flips, jumps, kicks and teleportations. Pleasantly there is a big fight sequence in the opening scene so the film definitely jumps straight in, and hooks your attention. 

The acting isn't too cheesy considering its a super hero movie. Hugh Jackman does a good job as Wolverine, and gets a fair bit of character development in this movie. I thought Rebecca Romijn-Stamos was very good, playing Mystique. I didn't really like the way Famke Janssen played Jean Grey; she wasn't too bad, but she was a bit cheesy. Although he doesn't get much of a look in this movie I did quite like James Marsden's performance, and if you agree and want to see more of him then X-Men 1 is where you can find him. 

The setting's damn good on the whole. A large portion of the film takes place in Strykers secret underground base, and it looks fantastic, with a green glow from crappy old underground lighting, worn equipment and walls, massive heavy rusted mental doors, and the laboratory where Wolverine was given his 'Adamantium' skeleton with its human fish tank, chains, cables and bubbling tub of molten 'Adamantium'. 

A movie thats worth a watch if you like the X-Men films, or are a fan of the superhero genre. You may just find that this move certainly has the X factor. 

"Don't drink and bone."-Knocked Up (2007) Review

Knocked Up Review

Director: Judd Apatow

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Codestar30 Rating: 7/10

When Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) gets a promotion at work, she and her sister, Debbie (Leslie Mann) decide to go out to a night club to celebrate. While there Alison meets Ben (Seth Rogen), and after Debbie has to go and attend to an emergency with one of her young children, Alison and Ben proceed to get drunk, dance the night away, go back to her place, and get down and dirty. However, due to a misinterpretation of "Just do it!", Ben doesn't use a condom, and 8 weeks later Alison asks him out for dinner, and tells him she's pregnant. 

This film is a great, and very unique take on the Romance story. Instead of the usual Rom-Com structure, (2 people meet, fall in love and push through funny obstacles and end up together happy ever after), this is a story of 2 people falling in love when they wouldn't of under normal circumstances. If Ben had not had got Alison pregnant they would have both gone their separate ways and probably never seen each other again. However, he does get her pregnant, and as a result they are forced to give each other a go for the sake of the soon-to-be child, and do eventually fall in love. Its the love story back-wards.

This film is a comedy, so obviously your going to be watching it wanting comedy, and man has this film got comedy! It's a very funny movie on the whole. Although the laughs are scarcer at the beginning, if you stick with it the hilarity will pick up as the film moves along. There are so many moments when I simply could not stop laughing. My favorite part was probably near the middle, where Ben, and Debbie's husband Pete (Paul Rudd), go to vegas, get high on mushrooms and once back in their hotel room Pete Beings to count the chairs. Pete-"There are five different types of chairs in this hotel room". Ben- "That's way too many chairs for one room!". (It's a lot funnier in the movie.)

Definitely a movie you should see. Very funny. I give it a hearty recommendation. WARNING: if you watch this movie when your pregnant you may laugh so much that it will make you go into labour. 

"Exterminate!"-Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. (1966) Review

Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.

Director: Gordon Felmyng 

Genre: Sci-Fi

Codestar30 Rating: 6/10

While out on patrol one evening, Police Constable Tom Campbell (Bernard Cribbins), is beaten up while out on patrol. His assailant hops into a get away vehicle followed by 2 other men who have just robbed the shop across the street. As they drive away, Tom come around and attempts to give chase, but they are already speeding away. He spots a police phone box, and runs to it to summon help. However, when he opens the door, he finds that in fact, this police telephone box is a time machine. He faints from the shock. When he wakes up he welcomed by Doctor Who (Peter Cushing), his niece Louise (Jill Curzon), and his granddaughter Susan (Roberta Tovey). They explain to him they are time travelers, and that they have tim traveled to London, Earth, the year 2150 A.D. However, this isn't the way they'd expected to find earth. This is Earth during the Daleks', a race of killer robots, invasion.

This was one of my favorite films when I was a small child. It is a cinema interpretation of an episode of the T.V. series Doctor Who, also titled 'Dalek's Invasion of Earth: 2150 A.D.', which originally aired in 1994. It was the second film interpretation of an Episode of Doctor Who by Warner Brothers. 

I can't really comment on much because its quite old, and I'm not really familiar with the standards of the time so I can't compare it. By todays standards it is obviously not amazing quality, but that is due to its age of almost 50 years. However I imagine that it couldn't have had a massive budget or range technology that could be used and judging by this the set and effects are good I would imagine. The sets were obviously well thought out and look good. But due to its age once again the effects are mostly just smoke and flashes. A very common setting, a post apocalypse. The acting isn't anything special, although I'm not saying it's bad. However, using lighting and music it is quite atmospheric. The action scenes are actually fairly exiting. 

Its kind of hard to describe, but this movie is pretty good. Its hard to put my finger on why, but it does have a very endearing quality and is enjoyable. I'd say watch it if your a sci-fi fan or if your nostalgic about older movies. 

Hi my name is (what?), my name is (who?), chika chika Maximus!-Gladiator (2000) Review

Gladiator Review

Director: Ridley Scott

Genre: Action

Codestar30 Rating: 8.5/10

After winning many wars, Maximus (Russell Crow), the most powerful and respected general of the roman armies, is told in private by the aging Emperor, Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), that it is his wish that Maximus be the next Emperor. However when Marcus breaks this news to his son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), Commodus kills him before the Emperor can make his wishes official. Commodus orders the death of Maximus, who manages to kill the executioners and escape, but not without being wounded. He flees to his home, his farm in spain, but arrives to find his Wife and Son crucified. Wounded, and without the will to live, Maximus collapses. He awakes some time later to find he has been captured by a slaver, and is consequently sold to be a gladiator, and is forced to fight to survive on a regular basis to amuse the crowds. 

In my opinion the story in this film is great, and I've never really seen anything else like it. The most powerful warrior of the Roman army is reduced to the lowest form of warrior in the land. Granted, it is another movie where the protagonist is fueled solely by revenge , but the plot around it is a very unique take, with Maximus doing more than just get his revenge, although I shan't tell you anymore along that line as it will spoil it for you. 

The scenery is remarkable. I don't know whether it was done with CGI or if they actually recreated it, but during the scenes in the colosseum, it looks like your actually there in Roman times. The baying of the mob, the crash of shields, the scrape on sword on sword, the scream as some guy is gutted, it looks and feels so incredibly real that you'll find yourself lost in the world of the gladiators, and think your actually looking into the past.

The performances are excellent. Russell Crow plays his role superbly, and very movingly. Joaquin Phoenix portrays the insane Caesar very well, and makes a great antagonist. I did feel that Connie Nielsen's part of Lucilla, Commodus's sister, was acted slightly woodenly but it wasn't too bad. Oliver Reed plays Proximo, Maximus's mentor as a gladiator, very convincingly.

The battles and gladiator matches are great. There's an abundance of sword fights, volleys of arrows, chopping and hacking, stabbing and slicing, and blood and guts. Maximus turns the tables on his opponents, who expect to be fighting a mere slave with a sword who's been training for a few days, not a war hardened general of the Roman army. The camera work during the fight sequences really means you can see everything thats going on in the fight, and lets you keep up. Whereas with some movie during a melee based fight sequence the camera an gle changes so rapidly you get dizzy. 

This is a brilliant movie. I would strongly recommend you watch it. Its moving, entertaining and action packed. Gladiator gets the thumb-up from Caesar, and from me!

"Do you wana see a magic trick?"-The Dark Knight (2008) Review

The Dark Knight Review

Director: Christopher Nolan

Genre: Action/Crime

Codestar30 Rating: 9/10

Batman (Christian Bale), Police Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) and the new district attorney, Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), are Squeezing the criminal mobs hard. They are on the verge of doing some major damage to the operations of the low-lifes in Gotham City. In their desperation they accept an offer from the psychopathic Joker (Heath Ledger) to kill the Batman for half of all their money. Batman struggles to cope with everything the Joker throws at him, but with help, he fights on. However, the Joker is like no threat Batman has been faced with before.

1st off, this is the best Batman film, it out does each of its predecessors by a mile. 

This movie has so much going for it. The most notable feature in my opinion is the amazing performance by Heath Ledger as The Joker, which deservingly won best supporting actor, and it is a tragedy that he is no longer with us. He just plays the part so well, its impossible not to believe he really is a deranged psychopath, with a chilling laugh and conducts his horrific crimes with such a casual attitude. Aaron Eckhart also does a notably good job playing Harvey Dent, and the rest of the cast put in a good performance to. 

There is plenty of action. Fist fights, car chases and explosions. The Batman beats many a criminal to a pulp. The plot is luscious, with twists, turns, and suspense galore. There is never a dull moment, as the next threat from The Joker is always lurking around the next corner. 

This is a great movie, possibly the best comic book hero movie ever. You definitely need to watch it in the unlikely event you haven't already. The Dark Knight is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.