REVIEW: Limbo (2023) - Starring Simon Baker, Rob Collins, Natasha Wanganeen and Nicholas Hope

Review by Jon Donnis

Limbo, directed by the talented Ivan Sen, is a captivating Australian independent mystery-crime film that leaves a profound impact on its audience. Set in the stunning backdrop of Coober Pedy, the movie transports us to a small outback town where a jaded Detective Travis Hurley, portrayed with conviction by Simon Baker, delves into the murky waters of a long-forgotten unsolved homicide involving an Indigenous Aboriginal woman Charlotte 20 years ago.

As truths about the murder begin to unfold, the detective gains a new insight into the unsolved case from the victim's fractured family, the witnesses and the reclusive brother of the chief suspect

One of the most striking aspects of Limbo is its visual presentation. Shot entirely in black and white, the decision not only serves technical purposes but also brilliantly captures the starkness of Coober Pedy's white ground. The desolate landscape becomes a character in itself, enhancing the film's atmosphere and adding to the sense of isolation and mystery that pervades every frame.

Simon Baker delivers a powerhouse performance as Travis Hurley, a determined detective grappling with both the complexities of the case and the emotional toll it takes on him. Baker's portrayal of Hurley's dedication and internal struggles pulls the audience into the character's mindset, making us empathize with his pursuit of justice.

Rob Collins as Charlie brings depth and authenticity to the narrative, showcasing the unique perspectives and challenges faced by the Aboriginal community in the town. Natasha Wanganeen's portrayal of Emma is equally moving, adding layers of emotion to the film's exploration of loss and grief.

The film's plot is masterfully crafted, drawing on Ivan Sen's personal experience of the town's underground dwellings and unusual culture. The story unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing the tension to build organically. As Travis peels back the layers of the past, he confronts a collection of unpleasant truths that expose the deep-rooted injustices faced by Aboriginal Australians.

Limbo's world premiere at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival was well-deserved, as the film's thought-provoking themes and stellar performances make it a standout contender. The movie competed for a Golden Bear Award earlier this year, and it is easy to see why, given the emotional impact it leaves on its audience.

The Good

Filming in black and white is always a risky venture, but the sheer contrast with the background is incredible.

The Bad

It does feel a bit slow at times and at 1 hour 45 minutes, it felt quite long.

Overall

Limbo is a haunting and powerful film that skilfully weaves together mystery, crime, and social commentary. Ivan Sen's direction, coupled with exceptional performances by the cast, makes this Australian gem a must-watch for anyone seeking a profound cinematic experience. It sheds light on the complexities of loss and the urgent need for justice, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

I score Limbo a solid 8.5/10

Out now on Apple TV at https://apple.co/3OhrTSg

REVIEW: Resident Evil: Death Island - Starring Nicole Tompkins, Kevin Dorman and Matthew Mercer

Review by Juan Donnito

Resident Evil: Death Island is a pulse-pounding, action-packed extravaganza that takes the Resident Evil animated series to new heights of excitement and terror. As a fan of the franchise, I can confidently say that this film does not disappoint, delivering a gripping and immersive experience from start to finish.

The storyline, which weaves together multiple timelines and characters in a seamless and captivating manner. The film skilfully takes us back to the harrowing events of 1998 during the Raccoon City incident, setting the stage for the high-stakes action that follows in the present day. The inclusion of familiar faces from the Resident Evil video games, such as Leon S. Kennedy (Matthew Mercer ), Jill Valentine (Nicole Tompkins), and Chris Redfield (Kevin Dorman), adds a nostalgic and satisfying element for long-time fans, while newcomers will find themselves quickly drawn into the engaging narrative.

The animation quality in Death Island is nothing short of exceptional. The attention to detail in depicting the infected creatures, the biopunk technology, and the intense action sequences are truly commendable. Each frame is a visual treat, immersing the audience in the dark and dangerous world of Resident Evil, where every corner holds a new threat.

The film successfully strikes a perfect balance between horror and action, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its terrifying zombie encounters and intense showdowns. The fight scenes are exhilarating, and the use of advanced T-virus strains and drone technology as part of the storyline adds a fresh and intriguing dimension to the biopunk horror genre.

The film's climax is a true spectacle, with a heart-pounding battle against the formidable Dylan, who merges with a bio-organic weapon. The teamwork and camaraderie among the protagonists as they face this overwhelming threat demonstrate the true spirit of the Resident Evil series.

Overall.

Resident Evil: Death Island is a must-watch for any fan of the franchise and an exhilarating ride for lovers of animated action-horror films. Its masterful storytelling, stunning animation, and well-developed characters make it a standout entry in the Resident Evil series. This film is a testament to the enduring popularity and creativity of the franchise, and I eagerly look forward to what future instalments have in store for us.

 

Whether you're a die-hard Resident Evil enthusiast or simply a fan of adrenaline-pumping entertainment, this film is guaranteed to leave you thoroughly satisfied and craving for more.

Score: 8.5/10

Apple TV - https://apple.co/44ShqnG

Amazon - https://amzn.to/3KlZOYR

Watch the first 8 minutes below.

REVIEW: Hidden Strike (2023) - Starring Jackie Chan and John Cena

Review by Jon Donnis

Starring Jackie Chan and John Cena, this thrilling Chinese-American action film combines the classic buddy cop dynamic, exemplified by Jackie Chan's iconic style, with masterful fighting choreography, creating an exhilarating cinematic experience.

Directed by Scott Waugh, the story revolves around two elite soldiers who are entrusted with the perilous task of leading a group of civilians through a treacherous path filled with gunfire and explosions in Baghdad's infamous "Highway of Death," known as one of the world's most dangerous roadways. Jackie Chan portrays Luo Feng, a military officer turned private security contractor, while John Cena plays Chris Van Horne, a former Marine.

The plot thickens as Luo Feng discovers that an assault on a Chinese-owned oil refinery is just a part of a larger scheme to steal valuable oil resources. As fate would have it, Van Horne's was unwittingly part of a team that hijacks two buses from Luo Feng's convoy on the same deadly highway. This encounter sets them against each other, but they soon realize they share a common enemy. Forced to confront their misconceptions, they form an unlikely partnership as they unite to thwart the sinister plan.

Under the direction of Scott Waugh, the film seamlessly blends heart-pounding action, camaraderie, and high-octane sequences, delivering an entertaining and adrenaline-pumping watch for action enthusiasts.

With John Cena getting to show off his Chinese speaking abilities, we get the expected miscommunications that language barriers always create.

The first 45 minutes of the film is quite a serious affair, and it is not until Cena and Chan partner up, do we get the kind of buddy cop type humour that you would expect.

Jackie Chan gets some classic set pieces and fight scenes that he is famous for, and John Cena gets some of the smarter one liners.

There is a good dynamic between the two, and if developed further, they could make a great pairing if future films.

There is quite a lot of background CGI, which unfortunately is a bit obvious at times, and that's a shame as it does distract somewhat. I think the same kind of film could have been made without the CGI if filmed in a simple location.

The Good

Jackie Chan gets to do what he does best, and what we all pay to see, some classic well-choreographed kung fu scenes with imaginative use of the surrounding. John Cena is his usual charming funny self, and he has now cemented himself as a top star.

Yes, there are some "in-credits" out takes, which are always fun in Jackie Chan films.

The Bad

That damned CGI looks a bit naff at times. I think the storyline was a bit too grand for the budget.

Overall

I am a massive fan of Jackie Chan, and I do enjoy John Cena too. The film has enough of both to satisfy, and although the plot is silly at times and the CGI not the best, I still enjoyed it. I would like to see more of Cena and Chan, will we get more films with these two? Who knows.

I score Hidden Strike a really generous 8/10.

Out now on Netflix at

https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81322579

REVIEW: Barbie (2023) Starring Ryan Gosling, John Cena, Rob Brydon and Tom Stourton

Review by Jon Donnis

Strangely they have released an adult film called Barbie, that is based on a doll made by Mattel for young girls. I felt like I had to watch it, since that is what I do, and I found this film to be something totally unexpected. To find out why, read on.

In the hellhole realm of Barbieland, a bizarre community of bullying, toxic and oppressive Barbies thrive within a matriarchal society. These women are self-assured, narcissistic and accomplished, holding essential positions as doctors, lawyers, and politicians, while their Ken counterparts are held down, treated poorly, left to be uneducated, and ultimately oppressed, and as such they are left to only pursue leisurely pursuits at the beach. Amidst this, we find Beach Ken (Ryan Gosling ), who longs for a closer bond with Barbie but faces her rejection in favour of her being a bully and ruling with an iron fist in what can only be described as a fascistic, authoritarian manner.

During a lively dance party, Barbie (Margot Robbie) is suddenly gripped by existential concerns about mortality and self-doubt. The following day, she realizes she can no longer carry out her usual activities and notices changes in her appearance, her feet have gone flat, and cellulite has appeared. Here enters Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon), a wise but unconventional outcast, who advises her that the remedy lies in traveling to the real world to find the child playing with her.

Embarking on her journey, Barbie discovers Ken stowed away in her convertible and, albeit reluctantly, as she sees him as nothing but a piece of meat, allows him to accompany her. Together, they reach Venice Beach, where their adventures result in some chaos and ultimately lead to their arrest. The Mattel CEO (Will Ferrell) is alarmed by their actions and orders their capture.

Barbie's quest takes a poignant turn when she finds her owner, a young girl named Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt and Genvieve Toussaint), who reproaches her for perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. This revelation leaves Barbie devastated. To her surprise, she learns that Gloria (America Ferrera), a Mattel employee and Sasha's mother, inadvertently transferred her own identity crisis onto Barbie while playing with the dolls. Determined to set things right, Gloria, Sasha, and Barbie join forces, evading the clutches of Mattel's CEO and his associates as they make their way back to Barbieland.

Meanwhile, Ken's journey offers him insights into the real world, where he finds the respect and acceptance he had been seeking, a world that treats hard working men with respect, a world that appreciates men for doing the jobs that women refuse to do and keeping the world safe. As he returns to Barbieland, he persuades the other Kens to rise up against their oppressors, to fight for their rights and ultimately the respect they deserve from the ungrateful Barbies fascists, this results in a shift of power dynamics, where Barbies realise that they were wrong, and that they should respect and look after the men that make their lives so easy, for the men that protect them and keep them safe, the Barbies take up real hard working and needed jobs, including the most important job of all, being a wife and a mother.

Barbie, now confronted with this transformed Barbieland, attempts to convince Ken and the Barbies to return to their original fascistic and oppressive roles, but her efforts are met with resistance and rejection as the Barbies realise that they were wrong to oppress the Kens.

At this point I saw no reason to keep watching so I turned off.

I am sure there was some more to the film, but as the Kens had finally reached equality and gained the respect they deserved, I thought it was best to stop watching.

The Good

Watching the Kens rise up against their toxic oppressors was an incredible site and filled me with joy, and seeing the toxic Barbies with their unrealistic beauty standards, and fascistic tendencies finally realise they were wrong, is a great lesson for young girls to learn. The most important job for a woman is as a wife and mother. 

The Bad

Seeing how toxic Barbies oppressed the Kens was hard to watch, as it is very close to the real world, as we see feminazis attack men, as well as traditional women. But sometimes you need to see the pain to appreciate the rising up of the oppressed.

Also, the film is littered with toxic sexual comments from the Barbies, which is completely inappropriate for young children. So do NOT take your kids to this film.

Overall

A big money Hollywood blockbuster that is only good if you stop watching it at the right point.

At cinemas now for those of you without braincells.

REVIEW: God Is a Bullet (2023) - Starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Maika Monroe, and Jamie Foxx

New intense American action thriller "God Is a Bullet" hit the screens, brought to life through the creative vision of writer and director Nick Cassavetes. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Maika Monroe, and Jamie Foxx. Drawing inspiration from Boston Teran's 1999 novel of the same name, it takes audiences on a gripping journey.

The story revolves around Detective Bob Hightower (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who is faced with a heart-wrenching tragedy when he discovers that his ex-wife has been brutally murdered, and his teenage daughter has been abducted by a sinister satanic cult. Driven by an unwavering determination, Hightower decides to confront the cult himself, not waiting for authorities to act. With courage and resilience, he dauntlessly ventures into the secretive world of the cult, desperate to rescue his daughter from their clutches.

In this dangerous mission, Hightower finds an unlikely ally in Case Hardin (Maika Monroe), a brave woman who had managed to escape from the clutches of the cult in the past. Together, they form a powerful alliance, pooling their strength and knowledge to penetrate the cult's sinister activities. As they delve deeper into the enigmatic workings of the cult, they uncover disturbing secrets and a web of deception that runs deep.

An enigmatic figure known as "The Ferryman," (Jamie Foxx with faked vitiligo) a mysterious "social renegade," emerges to aid Hightower and Hardin in their quest. This shadowy character brings an air of intrigue to the narrative, leaving audiences guessing about his true motives and allegiance.

The mission becomes a race against time as Hightower, Hardin, and The Ferryman navigate a perilous path, braving dangers at every turn. They must not only rescue Hightower's daughter from the clutches of the cult but also seek justice and closure for Hardin, who has suffered at the hands of the cult and its deranged leader, Cyrus (Karl Glusman).

Amidst heart-pounding action, emotional twists, and intense suspense, "God Is a Bullet" takes viewers on an unforgettable journey, exploring themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the unyielding strength of the human spirit when faced with unspeakable evil.

The Good

A strong story and a great cast, help lift this film up to be something more than the sum of its parts.

Jamie Foxx probably steals the show with his charismatic performance as "The Ferryman". His entire look is just striking.

The Bad

Can a film have too much character development? Yes, and this film is guilty of that. It was too long, with much of that time being filled with character development, usually I wouldn't complain about such things, plus some characters could be removed from the film entirely and you wouldn't notice.

Overall

A decent if overly long film. If you like a film that feels like part road movie, part gritty action thriller, and you have an entire evening to spare, then this is the film for you.

I score God Is a Bullet a fair 7/10

Out Now at https://apple.co/43W8Cff

REVIEW: Oppenheimer (2023) - Starring Cillian Murphy

Review by Jon Donnis

Well it was this or the Barbie movie, and I really don't want to watch that pile of trash so I thought I would check out the big epic biographical thriller film of 2023, written and directed by Christopher Nolan.

In the Cavendish Laboratory, a young and exceptionally talented J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) grapples with feelings of homesickness and anxiety while under the tutelage of the demanding Patrick Blackett (James D'Arcy). Struggling with these emotions, he commits a reckless act by leaving a poisoned apple, which almost leads to a catastrophic event when Niels Bohr (Kenneth Branagh), a visiting scientist, is almost affected. However, Oppenheimer intervenes just in time to prevent the tragedy.

After completing his Ph.D. in physics at the University of Göttingen, Oppenheimer returns to the United States, driven by a passion for advancing research in quantum physics. He takes up teaching positions at the University of California, Berkeley, and also dedicates his time to the California Institute of Technology. Along his journey, he encounters influential figures like Ernest Lawrence (Josh Hartnett), the 1939 Nobel Prize winner who emphasizes the practical applications of scientific discoveries. He also develops an on-and-off romantic relationship with Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh), a member of the Communist Party USA, who sadly meets a tragic end through suicide. Later in life, Oppenheimer marries Katherine Puening (Emily Blunt), a former Communist biologist.

General Leslie Groves (Matt Damon) approaches Oppenheimer and requests his involvement in the Manhattan Project, the development of the atomic bomb, after ensuring Oppenheimer's disassociation from any sympathies for communism. Assembling a team of scientists in secret, Oppenheimer takes on the monumental task of creating the atomic bomb at Los Alamos, New Mexico. Driven by the threat of the Nazis and their antisemitism, Oppenheimer sees this as a means to save the world despite his concerns about the potential global repercussions. Discussions with Albert Einstein (Tom Conti) on the possibility of catastrophic consequences from the bomb's use further weigh on his conscience.

As World War II unfolds, some scientists within the project begin questioning the bomb's importance, but it continues regardless, culminating in the successful Trinity test just before the Potsdam Conference. Ultimately, President Harry S. Truman decides to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Devastated by the immense destruction caused by these bombings, Oppenheimer meets with Truman, who perceives his emotional state as weakness. Truman absolves Oppenheimer of responsibility for the bombings, but Oppenheimer can't help but hold himself accountable.

This film really does have that epic feeling, Cillian Murphy is excellent as the titular J. Robert Oppenheimer.

Sometimes films are made for the audience, sometimes they are made for critics, sometimes they are made just to win awards and sometimes they are made for everyone. Sadly, this film feels like it was made for snooty critics and ultimately to win awards. At a near 3 hours it is way too long, and the first 45 minutes drags along at an incredibly slow rate, only when General Leslie Groves (Matt Damon) approaches Oppenheimer with the whole "we need to build an atomic bomb faster than the Nazis who have a 12 month head start" does the film pick up pace and get a bit more interesting.

The cast is loaded with talented big-name stars, there is a huge $100m budget behind the film, so everything looks and sounds great.

Cillian Murphy carries the film, which does sometimes feel like a documentary at times.

The Good

A fascinating story that needs to be told, a great performance by Cillian Murphy, excellent visual effects, great tension, and all round great performances from a strong cast.

The Bad

Goes on way too long. That first 45 minutes drags, I almost fell asleep.

Overall

If you can handle 3 hour films in one sitting, then this is a film worth watching, it will scoop loads of awards, snooty folk will be talking about it for years, and it is an important part of history.

I score Oppenheimer a decent 8/10. Not as good as people want you to think it is, and maybe overhyped due to the huge advertising budget, but still a good film worthy of your time.

At cinemas now!

REVIEW: The Mother (2023) - Starring Jennifer Lopez, Joseph Fiennes and Lucy Paez

Review by Jon Donnis

I had "The Mother" queued up to watch for a while now, but it kept getting pushed back by some of the bigger releases out there, well I finally got chance to see the film tonight, but was I happy I finally saw it? or did I waste my time? Read on to find out.

In a thrilling tale of intrigue and danger, an anonymous U.S. military operative, known as "The Mother," (Jennifer Lopez ) becomes entangled in a dangerous web of arms smuggling and romance. She brokers a deal between ex-SAS Captain Adrian Lovell (Joseph Fiennes) and the notorious arms dealer Hector Álvarez (Gael García Bernal). Unbeknownst to her, both men are involved in child trafficking.

Complicating matters further, The Mother finds herself romantically linked to both Lovell and Álvarez, and she eventually becomes pregnant. Horrified by the revelation of their criminal activities, she decides to take a stand and seeks help from the FBI, becoming an informant to expose the child trafficking ring.

During an intense interrogation at a secure location with FBI Special Agent William Cruise (Omari Hardwick), The Mother's world is shattered when Lovell launches an attack on the safe house. In the ensuing chaos, Agent Cruise is shot and other FBI agents lose their lives. Displaying remarkable bravery and ingenuity, The Mother saves Cruise's life by devising a time-delayed bomb that incapacitates Lovell.

However, the confrontation with Lovell leaves The Mother gravely injured, we learn she is pregnant and is then stabbed in her stomach. Following the ordeal, she gives birth prematurely to a baby girl while in the hospital.

SAIC Eleanor Williams (Edie Falco), the FBI's Special Agent in Charge, delivers heartbreaking news to the Mother. Lovell's body is missing, and due to the danger posed by their enemies, her newborn daughter must be placed with a foster family for protection. With a heavy heart, the Mother realizes that her child will never be safe in her care and reluctantly waives her parental rights.

Though heartbroken, the Mother establishes a unique arrangement with Agent Cruise. She insists that her daughter, Zoe (Lucy Paez), should have as ordinary a life as possible, but requests to receive a photo of Zoe on each birthday. Furthermore, she implores Cruise to contact her if Zoe's safety is ever compromised.

With her old life shattered, The Mother retreats to a remote cabin in Alaska, seeking solace and safety from her former army colleague, Jons (Paul Raci).

Fast forward twelve years, and the peaceful existence the Mother has cultivated is abruptly disrupted. Agent Cruise contacts her urgently, revealing that the ATF has stumbled upon a photo of Zoe in connection to Álvarez's men. Fearing that Zoe is in grave danger, The Mother reunites with Cruise to investigate further.

While shadowing Zoe playing at a park, the worst nightmare comes true, Álvarez's men kidnap her. The Mother's maternal instincts and formidable training kick into high gear as she takes down several of the attackers before escaping with Cruise. While he believes Zoe's kidnapping to be for ransom, the Mother knows that she has been deliberately lured out of hiding to protect her daughter from ruthless criminals.

The stage is set for an epic showdown as the Mother is forced to confront her past and do whatever it takes to save Zoe from the clutches of evil. The stakes are higher than ever before, and the Mother's determination to protect her daughter will be put to the ultimate test.

In many ways this film is separated into two distinct parts. The bad guys tracking down Zoe to lure out The Mother, and ultimately kidnapping the girl, and then The Mother rescuing Zoe and then teaching her how to look after herself.

There are elements of the 2011 TV series Hanna in the second part of the film. Lopez gets to shine here as the lead action star of this film, a part she plays well. You can tell she got into great shape to play the part of The Mother.

The action scenes are all really well shot, you the viewer will feel great sympathy for The Mother throughout, her history, what she gave up, and her "do anything" attitude to save and protect her child.

Now with this being a Netflix film, you know that "The Algorithm" would have set forth a load of plot points for this film, which means every cliche in the book is ticked, and the film is not at all original, but with that said, this is a fun action thriller, which does take you on an emotional rollercoaster. There is even a family of wild wolves that you will care about.

The Good

A strong performance by Lopez carries the film. An unoriginal plot perhaps, but a well told story nonetheless.

Set pieces are well filmed, the ending is pleasing if predictable.

The Bad

I am curious if the story was rewritten a few times, as there are a few confusing moments, we also never learn who got The Mother pregnant , unless I missed it?

At 1 hour 45 minutes it is a bit too long, this film does not need to be more than 85 minutes long.

Overall

Another Netflix paint by numbers film, but that is not always a bad thing. If you like action thrillers, already have a Netflix account and like J-Lo (and who doesn't), then this is a film you will enjoy.

I score The Mother a solid 7.5/10

Out Now on Netflix at https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80210920

TRAILER: Amor Bandido - Starring Romina Ricci and Renato Quattordio

 

This week marks the release of "Amor Bandido," an Argentinean thriller that takes a dark and violent turn in the story of a young boy's ill-fated first love. This gripping tale is now available on DVD and can be streamed on major platforms.

Critics have described "Amor Bandido" as "bizarre and twisted" (Aced Magazine), labeling it a "twist-filled erotic thriller" (Movie Reviews 101). According to Vague Visages, the film is "shrewdly paced, heartbreakingly performed...a lascivious thrill." The steamy drama centers around a high school student who becomes entangled in a tumultuous relationship with his older teacher. What initially appears to be a dream quickly transforms into a nightmare of deceit and brutality. In "Amor Bandido," first love proves to be perilous like never before.

The film is helmed by director Daniel Andres Werner and features talented performances from Romina Ricci and Renato Quattordio.

Out Now on DVD at Amazon at https://amzn.to/3rD0UJl or on Digital at Amazon Prime  - https://amzn.to/3XV0UR3 or Apple TV - https://apple.co/3pZ0OuY

REVIEW: The Flood (2023) - Starring Nicky Whelan and Casper Van Dien

Review by Jon Donnis

Not since Lake Placid has we had a truly great Alligator/Crocodile type film, well The Flood tries it's best to do just that, but does it succeed? Read onto find out.

The Flood begins with Sommer (played by Devanny Pinn) and Clarence (played by John Garrett Mahlmeister) seeking shelter from Hurricane Clarence in an abandoned building. While they hope it will shield them from the rain, they soon discover that the storm isn't the most menacing aspect of their situation.

Simultaneously, the storm forces a bus carrying a group of dangerous criminals, Big Jim (portrayed by Eoin O'Brien), Floyd (played by Mike Ferguson), Jox (played by Randall J. Bacon), Angelo (played by Bear Williams), and Russel Cody (played by Casper Van Dien), to seek refuge overnight in a simple jail in a small town. The jail is overseen by Sheriff Jo Newman (played by Nicky Whelan).

Both the criminals and the sheriffs soon learn that the torrential floodwaters have attracted a horde of ravenous alligators to the town. The alligators have capitalized on the storm's aftermath to infiltrate the small town, including the jail, and now everyone finds themselves in a deadly hunt for survival.

This is a simple and straightforward creature horror film, the alligators are a creature that we can all recognise, and are aware of, so act as the perfect bad guys in this film, although I have to admit I was cheering them on for most of the film.

At about 88 minutes the length is fine, but this is a low budget film, so as such you are not going to get high quality CGI, and much of the film is shot indoors. The actors do their best, and I thought Nicky Whelan was great as the Sherrif.

The Good

Although the budget is very low, everyone does their best, the alligators look ok when wondering around not interacting with anyone. The story is a simple one, easy to follow. And yes you will cheer on the alligators.

The Bad

The low budget really does hurt the film, some of the alligator attacks look a bit dodgy.

Overall

Ok, this is a simple horror film with alligators, it does deliver on what it promises, even with the low budget.

I will give The Flood a very generous 7/10, putting all the limitations into perspective.

Out on Apple TV at https://apple.co/43ylJCO and Amazon at https://amzn.to/44pZgt0

REVIEW: Ride On (2023) - Starring Jackie Chan and Red Hare

Review by Jon Donnis

Before we start, let it be known I am a huge Jackie Chan fan, I own pretty much all of his films, so keep in mind I might be a little biased, but I will do my best to be objective.

Ride On tells the story of an old-school Kung Fu Stuntman and his stunt horse, now there is quite a bit of blurring of reality and fiction in this film, although Jackie Chan is not playing a character called Jackie Chan in the film, there are clearly a lot of parallels between the character and the real life Jackie Chan, in fact throughout the film they show you clips from old Jackie Chan films, and there are a few easter eggs in there too, referencing old films.

Meet Lao Luo (Jackie Chan), an exceptional old-school stunt performer who has forged an extraordinary bond with his loyal companion, Red Hare, a horse born with physical abnormalities that he spared from being put down as a calf. However, Lao's life has been plagued by a series of misfortunes. Eight years ago, a severe injury led him to financial ruin, and he tragically lost custody of his daughter, Xiao Bao, due to his divorce from his now-deceased wife while she was still a child.

One fateful evening, Lao and Red Hare find themselves entangled in a brawl with relentless debt collectors. To their dismay, they discover that Red Hare is at risk of being auctioned off as a consequence of their former owner's company going bankruptcy. Determined to save his beloved companion, Lao turns to his daughter, Bao (Liu Haocun), for help, she has grown up to become a promising law student at the university. Initially hesitant, Bao eventually offers the services of her boyfriend, Naihua (Guo Qilin), a newly qualified rookie lawyer to assist her father.

Meanwhile, following the viral spread of Lao's clash with the debt collectors, their plight catches the attention of film producers, leading to multiple job offers for Lao and Red Hare. Bao steps up as their legal representative, navigating the intricate world of the entertainment industry. While their collaboration proves mutually beneficial in the face of challenging circumstances, Bao begins to feel uneasy about her father's dangerous stunts, fearing for his and Red Hare's safety. Their relationship takes a strained turn when Lao embarrasses Bao in front of Naihua's parents, leading her to fall out with him.

Tragedy strikes when Lao and Red Hare suffer injuries during a particularly perilous stunt, resulting in Lao's hospitalization. In a turn of events, while searching for Lao's identification card at his home, Bao stumbles upon CCTV footage capturing a failed meeting between them from her childhood. Deeply moved by the unexpected discovery, Bao reconsiders her feelings and rushes to reconcile with her father at the hospital. Touched by their reunion, Lao makes a heartfelt promise to abandon his daredevil lifestyle for the sake of their relationship and safety.

As mentioned, this film blurs reality and fiction, and watching it you will wonder how much the story is coming from Chan's direct experiences, not only as an actor/stuntman, but perhaps with his real-life family.

Although this is advertised as an action comedy, this was way more emotional of a film than I expected, Jackie Chan cries a LOT of tears in this film, and you the viewer will find yourself drawn into the story of the old stuntman, as well as the love he has for his daughter and perhaps more so his horse.

The film also touches on aspects of Hong Kong cinema, and how the days of dangerous stunts with health and safety non existent are long gone. Jackie's character is introduced to how CGI can now be used to do the dangerous stunts, and how the legacy of the old school Kung Fu Stuntman is coming to an end.

Although Jackie still has many films to come, this would actually have been a great retirement film, a way to say good bye to the old, and hello to the new.

I loved the 1980s Kung Fu film era, great films like Police Story, Means on Wheels, Project A and so on, these films were special for so many reasons, and we will never get to see that type of film making done again, as it was so dangerous to the performers, Ride On tells that story well, and offers a perspective to the viewer that we may never have considered. And probably a way for Jackie Chan to explain why he went through what he did, but also perhaps an admittance that he also went too far.

This is a really emotional film, and if you are a fan of Jackie Chan, then this is an important film to see, if you are just a casual Jackie Chan fan, and expect the usual comedy japes and lengthy imaginative Kung Fu scenes, then perhaps you might be disappointed, don't get me wrong there are plenty of action scenes and imaginative Kung Fu scenes in Ride On, but the emotional aspect of the film definitely is the target. At about 2 hours this is a decent length, and probably the right length to tell the story that needed to be told.

The Good

Jackie Chan is 69 and he can still do it all, we need to appreciate him while we can. Ride On tells an important and at times heart wrenching story. The most emotional I have ever seen Jackie in any film of his, but there are still enough fun moments to balance it out. Special mention also for the horse, who is clearly fantastically trained.

The Bad

Although CGI is used for some of the more dangerous stunts, this film could not be made in the West as the animal rights people wouldn't allow it. There are a few scenes with the horse which could trigger you if you are a horse lover.

Overall

I enjoyed this film, and although it was way more emotional than I expected, it still had all the classic Jackie Chan ingredients that a film of his needs.

I score Ride on a solid 9/10.

Pre-Order on Home Entertainment now at https://amzn.to/431wI7J

Trinity CineAsia presents Ride On releasing on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital from 24th July

REVIEW: The Super Mario Bros. Movie - Starring Chris Pratt

Review by Jon Donnis

I had been waiting for ages to watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and then circumstances prevented me from seeing it till it was released on digital, gutted I had to wait so long, but glad I finally got to watch.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is surprisingly based on the Nintendo Video game franchise, and they really do a great job of using all aspects from the various games, to tell the story within the film.

Italian-American brothers Mario and Luigi have recently started a plumbing business in Brooklyn, much to the disapproval of their father and the scorn of their ex-employer, Spike. One day, while watching the news, they catch sight of a significant water main leak. Driven by their sense of responsibility, Mario and Luigi embark on a mission to fix it. However, as they go underground, they unexpectedly find themselves being sucked into a Warp Pipe, separating them in the process.

Mario (Chris Pratt) lands in the Mushroom Kingdom, a realm ruled by the graceful Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), while Luigi (Charlie Day) finds himself in the perilous Dark Lands, under the malevolent reign of the evil Koopa king, Bowser. Bowser (Jack Black) harbours a wicked plan: to force Princess Peach into marriage and, if she refuses, unleash the destructive power of the Super Star to obliterate the Mushroom Kingdom. To exert pressure on Mario, whom he perceives as a rival for Peach's affections, Bowser imprisons Luigi, using him as a bargaining chip.

In the midst of this chaos, Mario encounters a helpful character named Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), who becomes his guide and leads him to Princess Peach. Recognizing the imminent threat posed by Bowser, Princess Peach devises a plan to unite forces against their common foe. She shares her extraordinary backstory with Mario, recounting how she arrived in the Mushroom Kingdom as an infant and was taken in by the benevolent Toads, eventually becoming their revered leader.

To bolster their resistance, Princess Peach proposes an alliance with the formidable primate race known as the Kongs. Mario, accompanied by Toad, eagerly joins Princess Peach on her noble quest. Along the way, they venture into the enigmatic Jungle Kingdom, where they seek an audience with the wise and experienced King Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen). However, the king sets forth a condition before offering his assistance, he challenges Mario to defeat his powerful son, Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen), in a fierce battle. Despite Donkey Kong's immense strength, Mario's agility and speed prove to be the deciding factors, enabling him to emerge victorious with the aid of a remarkable Cat Suit.

Now, with the Jungle Kingdom united behind their cause, Mario, Princess Peach, Toad, and the Kongs embark on a journey back to the Mushroom Kingdom, using karts as their mode of transportation. However, as they make their way along Rainbow Road, Bowser's formidable army launches a surprise ambush, threatening to derail their plans.

This really is such a fun film, for all the family. It is great for younger kids, and even adults in their 40s will enjoy and understand all the references to the video games. They really do a good job of referencing the games, especially Mario Kart when they travel along the Rainbow Road and have to fight off Bowser's army.

I can completely understand how this film has done such huge box office numbers. There is no agenda, there is no woke politics shoehorned in to keep the far left happy. No ridiculous gay characters or race swapping, just a straightforward family film that is completely loyal to the source material, a fantastic run time of just over 80 minutes. They even have a mid-credit and post credit scene.

This is the kind of film that all companies should be aiming to release if they want to make money and keep the general public happy. No politics, just a fun family film. (Disney are you paying attention?)

Chris Pratt is great as Mario, and he is quickly becoming one of the most liked actors in Hollywood, in part because of his rejection of woke-dom and identity politics.

The whole cast is great, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad was a great casting choice, as was Jack Black as Bowser.

I really found it hard to come up with anything negative to say about this film.

The Good

Incredible animation, great voice acting, fun story that is exactly what they had in the video games. No identity politics, just good old fashioned family fun.

The Bad

I really can't think of anything.

Overall

A near perfect family film, that anyone can watch and enjoy, whether you have played the video games or not, whether you have any idea who Mario and Luigi are or not.

I score The Super Mario Bros. Movie a near perfect 9.5/10. So easy to watch, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Out now in Cinemas and on digital at https://apple.co/42Vx1Bo and https://amzn.to/3IjWxsi