"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".