REVIEW: Land of Bad (2024 Film) - Starring Liam Hemsworth, Russell Crowe, Luke Hemsworth, Ricky Whittle, and Milo Ventimiglia

Review by Jon Donnis

Are you a fan of big explosions and the sound of never ending gun fire? If you answered yes then read on.

"Land of Bad" lands squarely in familiar territory for action movie aficionados, but it manages to navigate through its clichés with the help of a stellar cast and some well-executed moments of intensity. Directed by William Eubank and penned by David Frigerio, the film takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride through the South Philippines, blending explosive action with a dash of suspense.

At the heart of the film is Russell Crowe's portrayal of Reaper, a grizzled Air Force drone pilot thrown into the chaos of a rescue mission gone awry. Crowe brings depth to his character, infusing Reaper with a gruff exterior masking a sense of duty and determination. His performance adds weight to the film, anchoring it amidst the flurry of gunfire and explosions.

Backing Crowe is a strong ensemble cast, including Liam Hemsworth as the green but determined Sergeant Kinney, Luke Hemsworth as the steadfast Sergeant Abell, Ricky Whittle as the reliable Sergeant Bishop, and Milo Ventimiglia as the seasoned Captain Sweet. Each actor brings their A-game to the table, elevating the film with their chemistry and commitment to their roles.

"Land of Bad" doesn't shy away from its action-packed premise, delivering plenty of adrenaline-pumping sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. From intense gunfights to heart-stopping scenes, the film knows how to ratchet up the tension and deliver the thrills expected from the genre. Additionally, moments of humour sprinkled throughout provide brief respites from the relentless action, adding some levity to the otherwise grim setting.

However, despite its strengths, "Land of Bad" struggles to break free from the constraints of its formulaic plot. The story feels all too familiar, following a well-trodden path seen in countless war films before it. Without the star power of its cast, the film might have blended into the background of generic action fare. I also found the first 20 minutes a bit dull. But once it got going, it was enough to hold my attention.

Clocking in at around 110 minutes, "Land of Bad" also overstays its welcome slightly, with some pacing issues hindering its momentum. Tighter editing could have helped streamline the narrative and maintain a more consistent pace throughout.

In summary, "Land of Bad" may not reinvent the wheel when it comes to action thrillers, but it manages to deliver an entertaining ride thanks to its strong performances and pulse-pounding action sequences. While it may not offer anything groundbreaking, fans of the genre and the actors involved will likely find enough to enjoy here. With its solid execution and standout moments, "Land of Bad" earns a respectable 7.5 out of 10.

Out now on digital at

Apple TV: https://apple.co/43cHFFk

REVIEW: Ricky Stanicky (2024 Film) - Starring Zac Efron, Jermaine Fowler, John Cena and Andrew Santino

Review by Jon Donnis

"Ricky Stanicky" is a rib-tickling comedy that throws back to the irreverent humour of early 2000s films. Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film spins a ludicrous yet uproarious tale around a fictional character, Ricky Stanicky, concocted by three childhood friends to escape the consequences of a prank gone awry.

The story revolves around Dean (Zac Efron), JT (Andrew Santino), and Wes (Jermaine Fowler), who, twenty years after the prank, still rely on Ricky Stanicky as their scapegoat for immature antics. However, when their partners demand to meet this elusive friend, they enlist the help of washed-up actor "Rock Hard" Rod (John Cena) to bring Ricky to life.

Now I am a big fan of John Cena, from his wrestling days, and I know he can pull out the comedy moments when needed, but I was genuinely surprised at how good he is in this. Also interesting to note is his nickname in the film being "Rock Hard", and it is rumoured he will face off against The Rock at Wrestlemania. Purely a coincidence I am sure!

The film's strongest suit lies in its comedic prowess. With laugh-out-loud moments peppered throughout, "Ricky Stanicky" delivers on its promise of providing unapologetic, lowbrow humor. John Cena's performance as the over-the-top Rod/Ricky Stanicky cements his status as a bona fide comedy star, bringing charisma and hilarity to the role.

The ensemble cast, including Lex Scott Davis and William H. Macy, adds depth to the film, elevating it beyond its conventional plot. Each actor brings a unique energy to their character, contributing to the overall dynamic of the movie.

However, the film's runtime of nearly two hours may feel excessive to some viewers. While the humor remains consistently entertaining, a tighter edit could have enhanced the pacing and prevented any potential lulls in momentum.

In summary, "Ricky Stanicky" is a riotous adult comedy that unapologetically embraces its absurdity. It harks back to a bygone era of comedy films, delivering a dose of nostalgia mixed with contemporary laughs. For those seeking a completely silly and utterly hilarious cinematic experience, "Ricky Stanicky" is sure to hit the mark. I rate it a solid 8 out of 10, and lets hope we see John Cena at Wrestlemania 40!

Out now in cinemas and digital at https://amzn.to/3P6Pmag

REVIEW: Northern Comfort (2024 Film) Starring Timothy Spall

Review By Jon Donnis

"Northern Comfort" takes audiences on a turbulent yet humorous journey into the depths of human fears and foibles against the backdrop of a stranded group facing their fear of flying. Directed by Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson in his English language debut, the film unfolds with an intriguing premise: a motley crew of individuals, each grappling with a fear of flying, embarks on a course designed to confront their phobia head-on. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when a test flight to overcome their fears lands them stranded in Iceland, courtesy of a turbulent flight and a partial engine failure.

As the characters find themselves stuck in a luxurious Icelandic hotel with a looming storm threatening to cancel all flights, "Northern Comfort" dives into the depths of their anxieties and quirks. Timothy Spall shines as Edward, portraying his struggle with fear and uncertainty with raw authenticity, while Lydia Leonard's portrayal of Sarah adds layers of complexity to the ensemble cast. Ella Rumpf, Sverrir Gudnason, Simon Manyonda, and the rest of the cast contribute their own eccentricities and idiosyncrasies, creating a tapestry of comedic and heartfelt moments amidst the chaos.

The film's strengths lie in its ability to create an immersive atmosphere of tension and claustrophobia, aided by a strong score that amplifies the characters' fears and insecurities. Clever camera angles enhance the sense of confinement, plunging viewers into the cramped confines of the hotel and the characters' unraveling psyches. However, "Northern Comfort" falters in its execution of humour, with some jokes feeling forced or falling flat due to the Icelandic interpretation of English comedy.

Despite its occasional missteps, "Northern Comfort" offers a compelling blend of wit and whimsy, weaving together moments of absurdity and poignancy against the backdrop of its unconventional premise. While not without its flaws, the film ultimately delivers an entertaining and fun viewing experience, earning a solid score of 7 out of 10. For those willing to embrace its eccentric charm and quirky characters, "Northern Comfort" promises a memorable journey through the stormy landscape of fear and laughter.

Out on Digital now at 

https://apple.co/433gf4o

or

https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81517587

REVIEW: Double Blind (2024 Film) - Starring Millie Brady

By Jon Donnis

"Double Blind," directed by Ian Hunt-Duffy, is a gripping sci-fi thriller with horror elements that takes audiences on a nerve-wracking journey into the consequences of a failed drug trial.

The premise of the film is both intriguing and terrifying. The idea that falling asleep means certain death adds a palpable sense of urgency and dread to the story. The isolated medical facility serves as a claustrophobic backdrop, intensifying the feeling of isolation and desperation among the characters.

Ian Hunt-Duffy demonstrates a keen understanding of how to utilize the limited setting to build tension effectively. The cinematography enhances the mood, capturing the eerie atmosphere of the facility and heightening the sense of unease.

The cast delivers solid performances, with Millie Brady shining as Claire. Pollyanna McIntosh is convincingly menacing as Dr. Burke, adding an extra layer of tension to the already fraught situation. While the characters may lack depth, the actors make the most of their roles, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

The film maintains a relentless pace, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the tension escalates. The sense of impending doom hangs over every scene, driving the characters to desperation as they struggle to stay awake and survive.

Double Blind is commendable for its inventive premise and visual style. The fusion of suspense and body horror elements adds depth to the story, making it more than just a run-of-the-mill thriller. While the film may be somewhat predictable, especially after the first act, it still manages to deliver plenty of twists and turns to keep audiences engaged.

Despite its strengths, Double Blind is not without its flaws. The characters are somewhat one-dimensional, lacking in significant development. Additionally, the runtime of 90 minutes feels a bit stretched, with potential for trimming to maintain a tighter pace without sacrificing narrative depth.

Double Blind is a commendable effort that effectively delivers on its promise of tension and suspense. While it may not be perfect, it offers a compelling viewing experience that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. With its inventive premise and strong direction, it marks a promising debut for director Ian Hunt-Duffy and screenwriter Darach McGarrigle. I would give "Double Blind" a fair score of 7 out of 10, recommending it to fans of sci-fi thrillers and horror films alike.

Out now on digital at

Apple TV - https://apple.co/49DMtFQ

COMPETITION: Win Room at The Top (Vintage Classics) on Blu-ray

Room at The Top is released on DVD and Bluray from March 11th as part of the Vintage Classics releases.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 3 copies on Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis

Jack Clayton’s 1959 feature length debut ROOM AT THE TOP paved the way for the British New Wave, considered one of the first Kitchen Sink Dramas. 

Starring Laurence Harvey and Simone Signoret, ROOM AT THE TOP was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning two: Best Actress (Signoret) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Paterson). 

In post-war industrial Yorkshire, Joe Lampton (Lawrence Harvey) aims to seduce the boss’s daughter as he attempts to climb the corporate ladder at work. But when his background holds him back, Joe seeks comfort with the unhappily married Alice (Simone Signoret) beginning an affair that will have unspeakable consequences. EXTRAS: NEW Delena Kidd on Room at the Top • Extract from BEHP Audio interview with Sir John Woolf • Audio Commentary with Jo Botting • Audio Commentary with Neil Sinyard • Behind the Scenes • Stills Gallery • Trailer

Pre-order on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3UZolsP

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 18-03-24

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.