Fabulous film which has great actors! The plot is good and this film is defo one of my favourites for the music and witty comedy that effortlessly fits in with the gritty storyline
Every now and then comes a sequel so amazingly absurd that it defies all explanation and becomes a cult phenomenon unto itself, Highlander 2: The Quickening (1991) is one of those films. Now there are two versions of this sequel; they're more or less the same but I'd recommend you purchase Highlander 2: The Renegade Version--Director's Cut (released on R1 DVD in 2004 and out on R1 Blu-Ray this month), not simply because you get a few extra scenes, revamped effects and a more coherent back story. But because of the brilliant attempt to explain the plot by producer William Panzer and director Russell Mulcahy, who admit that they had to come up with a sequel idea after the excellent original (a box office failure and panned by most critics) proved to be a hit on home video and laserdisc.
Set in 2024 AD, the movie sees Conner McLeod (Christopher Lambert) having won the prize, relinquish his immortality and live out his days as an old scientist. Now global warming was a big deal in when this film was made, so McLeod is the man responsible for creating an emergency protective shield to stand in for Earth's depleted ozone layer. Trouble is, it enshrouded Earth in a permanent night that led to a crime wave and spiralling chaos. And if that wasn't bad enough, it seems the whole battle of the immortals isn't quite over either because, wait for it, they all come from another planet (in the theatrical release) and from a long time ago in a parallel dimension on Earth (in the Renegade version): Apparently, McLeod and Rameriz were rebel soldiers in this era, both were captured and exiled to Earth (or sent to a parallel Earth time-line). But McLeod's arch-enemy and immortal; General Katana (Michael Ironside) sets out to pursue and kill McLeod because, as we all know, 'there can be only one'.
The Quickening refers to the massive, metaphysical rush of power that an immortal feels after winning each duel, and it's the Quickening that rejuvenates McLeod as the battle of the immortals resumes and he becomes embroiled in the ongoing war between the corrupt corporations who've taken over The Shield and the freedom fighters of Cobalt. A group that believes the Ozone layer has replenished itself, and that The Shield is now just a scam to justify Draconian laws. Cobalt is led by Virginia Madsen and its' interesting to see Hollywood portray a character like this is in a positive light, for in today's Politically Correct world, she'd probably be labelled a 'climate change denier' or some other such nonsense.
Highlander 2 is a unique, atmospheric and unusual film to say the least, its about as different to the original as a sequel could get but its still got some good visual effects, inventive duels and engaging performances from Ironside, Lambert and Madsen. Sean Connery also makes a triumphant return as Rameriz about halfway through the film, memorably transported slap bang in the middle of a performance of 'Hamlet', Connery's charisma and wit makes this more than a lazy cash-in and though he's not in it for nearly as long as he ought to be, there are still a couple of good scenes such as the one where Conner and Rameriz break into the Shield complex and casually brush off a hail of automatic gunfire, take out some security guards and reminisce about old times.
Highlander 2 is the last legitimate Highlander movie as far as I'm concerned, Connery called it quits after this but Lambert returned for another two, each one worse than its predecessor and what with the spin offs and series spin off movies, only die hard masochists stuck with it. As it stands, Highlander 2: The Quickening / Highlander 2: The Renegade Version is a bizarre but brilliant and strangely fitting finale for this cult hero, one of those rare occasions where the legend becomes bigger than the film and the whole thing takes on a life of its own. Movie magic?.kind of.
Fantastic series, engaging story, great acting and horrible bad guys. Thoroughly enjoyed.
A Nightmare On Elm street is the first installment of many follow up films and is definitely the best. Teenagers throughout Elm Street become the target for Freddy Kruger due to the actions of their parents many years ago. The Elm street teenagers all dream about a man with a burned face and knives for hands, children singing "one....two...freddies coming for you....." are seen which reveal the name of the burned man. It becomes apparent that whatever happens in the dream will happen to the teenagers in real life at that moment, the teenagers must work together if they are to stop Freddy and indeed if they are to sleep ever again without the fear of dying.
I did enjoy the film, it was quite creepy and not one of those stupid 'teenagers in the woods, getting killed in stupid ways'. It had a good twist, but i do love horror films and i thought the ending would be something like it was as i have seen so many horror films with twists like it
Excellent, hilarious and a true comical genius. Gave hours and hours of humour and, 'watch again' quality. Now I know I have not missed an episode and will definitely not be able to miss anymore - I can even manage to get snacks (whilst pausing) and cheers me up before a Monday comes around again.
Fantastic, action packed and futuristic thriller thats sure to have you on the edge of your seat! Will Smith plays a leading part but prepare for some emotional scenes too! One not be missed.
How many directors can you think of that boast a style so distinctive that their name itself has become an adjective?
Stanley Kubrick became famous for his cold, clinical and technically-precise approach to filmmaking, leading the term "Kubrickian" to be used to describe movies with similar qualities. "Spielbergian" films tend to include Steven Spielberg's classic mix of high adventure, a sense of youthful wonder, and warm fuzzy nostalgia. And Alfred Hitchcock spawned the adjective "Hitchcockian" to describe taut thrillers with elegant, arresting camerawork and killer twist-endings.
Well, Quentin Tarantino can happily stand alongside those giants of cinema as one of the handful of directors to have made such an impact that his name describes an entire style of movie-making.
Over the past twenty years (yes, it really has been that long since 'Reservoir Dogs'), the phrase "Tarantino-esque" has become a calling-card for films with a certain list of attributes. For most viewers, the word that probably springs to mind first is 'violent' - but I'd also argue that the words 'cool', 'clever', 'cartoonish' and 'culturally-literate' shouldn't be too far behind. And this commemorative 'XX' blu-ray boxset - named to reflect the two decades that have passed since Tarantino's directorial debut - shows off all of these qualities in spades.
Along with 'Reservoir Dogs', this 8-disc blu-ray boxset also includes the Tarantino-scripted 'True Romance', as well as his breakout movie as director, 'Pulp Fiction'. Following those gems is the underrated 'Jackie Brown', as well as the slightly overrated 'Kill Bill vol. 1' and 'Kill Bill vol.2' - and the frankly overcooked 'Death Proof'. Rounding things out with Tarantino's most recent film to hit home media, the hugely enjoyable WWII historical romp 'Inglourious Basterds', the set is a comprehensive collection of the director's work - even if it misses out minor curiosities, like his contributions to the 'Four Rooms' and 'Sin City' movies, of which he only directed small parts.
Whilst I don't have the space to review all of these films individually, it's interesting to note that they all highlight different qualities that have made Tarantino's movies so successful. Reservoir Dogs is a masterclass in cool, mixing a slick aesthetic (the black suit-white shirt-black tie combo became an instant uniform for the would-be gangster crowd back in 1992) with hip pop-culture references and a tight, almost theatrical story that builds tension and suspense masterfully. True Romance delivers on the teenage wish-fulfilment fantasies and outrageous caricatures that have made Tarantino's films such outlandish pleasures, whilst Pulp Fiction demonstrates his canny control of narrative structure through its fractured chronology and interconnected vignettes.
Jackie Brown is a showcase for Tarantino's affection for 1970s crime fiction and the blaxploitation genre, whilst the two Kill Bill movies function as a love-letter to every kung-fu movie and action-based revenge-thriller ever made. Even the runt of Tarantino's litter, Death Proof, has its redeeming features - including a schlocky high-concept and a winning performance from Kurt Russell - whilst Inglourious Basterds revels in its anarchic, cheeky approach to history as it weaves its tall tale of a group of Jewish Nazi-hunters on the prowl in 1940s France.
But all eight of these movies have been available on DVD and Blu-Ray for a little while now - so what makes this set worth a purchase?
Well, for one thing, it's the satisfaction of having a director's entire oeuvre contained within one single set, allowing you to explore the work of a single filmmaker over a series of nights (if you so choose), and see how his entire career stacks up. I think you're far more likely to do this if you have a single boxset to work through, and the fact that the movies are presented chronologically encourages you to take a tour of Tarantino's body of work from the very beginning, all the way through to his most recent offering (you could even finish it off with a trip to the cinema to see his latest movie, 'Django Unchained'!!).
Plus, there's the price: this boxset can be bought for around £50 or so at the time of writing this review, equating to just over six quid per movie - which is very reasonable, given the high level of quality and the fact that all of these blu-ray discs are each as packed with extras as the separate individual releases.
And talking of extras, the more observant among you may have noticed that a 10-disc set for just eight movies leaves two whole blu-ray discs available for a host of exclusive bonus features, including hours of critical discussion and analysis of Tarantino's movies. Some of this focuses on the individual movies separately, whilst some of it gives a more general overview of his approach to filmmaking and his influences. It's all interesting stuff that's bound to be pored over in detail by fans of the director's output, and given that you're getting it for free on top of a great price for the individual movies themselves, it really does make this boxset seem like a steal. And finally, the amazing collage-style box artwork (by designers Mondo) makes this set a beautiful object in its own right, and the kind of thing that you'll be proud to show off to fellow cineastes.
Given my previous experience with these kinds of boxsets, I think I'll end this review with a piece of advice: if you think you're going to want to buy the 'Tarantino XX' collection, now's the time. These kinds of boxsets can sell out quickly (this one has only been available for a couple of months so far, so is still pretty new), and the last thing you want is to be having to scour ebay to pick up a copy of the set for three-times its RRP in a year or two's time.
For those with a squeamish disposition, an aversion to bad language or an ignorance of popular culture, I'd probably advise you to stay away from this set. But for anyone who yearns to see thrilling, bloody stories of heists-gone-wrong; or who wants to witness bewitching tapestries of crime and punishment; or who wants to enter a world in which a wounded bride can travel the globe in a yellow jumpsuit exacting revenge with a Katana sword; or who simply wants to see just how much fun a singular, highly-gifted and utterly original director can have with a whole range of styles and subject matter; this is the boxset for you.
Superb fantasy-adventure that sees Highlander; Conner McLeod (Christopher Lambert) exiled from his clan and wrongly accused of sorcery after surviving what should've been a fatal wound in battle. Living in the Outer Hebrides, he learns of his fate as an immortal who must face others like him in deadly duels through time in a bid to win the prize. Cutting back and forth from medieval Scotland to New York in the mid eighties, 'Highlander' is an intriguing blend of fantasy-adventure, drama and swordplay, which shouldn't work but somehow does. Australian director Russell Mulcahy handles Gregory Widen's original screenplay with the vision and respect it deserves and whilst Mulcahy is often derided as a hack because of his MTV background, critics would be hard pressed to deny the scale, splendour and creativity of some of the scenes he puts on film. I particularly enjoyed the transitions from the present day to the past and vice versa (e.g. aquarium in Conner's apartment becoming a pond in medieval Scotland).
The cast are all on good form: Clancy Brown makes for a memorable villain as the towering behemoth; Kurgen whilst the always excellent Sean Connery steals the show as extravagant Egyptian immortal / Conner's teacher; Ramirez. Highlander's unwieldy plot and comic book sensibilities are held together by the fact that everyone goes with the story and gives it their best shot: Christopher Lambert puts in a measured, subtle and believable performance as McLeod, a man tormented by his gift; forced to endure the loss of loved ones over time but maintain the grim resolve to pursue his destiny towards 'The Gathering' of immortals. Released in 1986, 'Highlander' still stands up and is an entertaining, stylish film with good performances all round and a classic soundtrack by 'Queen' which induces hits like 'A Kind of Magic' and 'Princes of the Universe' among others. A retro cult classic which comes highly recommended: "There can be only one".
Possibly one of the scariest films that's ever been made. Certainly it's the best adaption of a Stephen King novel, with Shawshank Redemption a close second. This creepy tale is more psychologically scary that visually, although the scenes in the corridor, from Danny's view, are beautifully constructed. You watch in horror as Jack's mind slowly disintegrates and the beast within comes out. The extras are great and I recommend watching the Making Of, to get a feel of how the master, Kubrik, works his magic.
So funny, must see. Every episode just gets better.
So funny.....
After fighting so many years to get this film made, and Madonna's struggle to get the part, this story of Eva Peron, excels. It's not often you say that she was born to play the role, but she was. Antonio Bendaras is great also, as the narrator, and takes you on the journey of Eva's life and eventual death. Highlights for me include, 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' and 'Buenos Aires'. OK, Madonna isn't Julie Covington, but this is her best film to date, by far.
The story of a young Argentinian, Eva Peron, made good.
This film gives a fascinating insight into the workings of a tour and the people behind it. Watch as Madonna and her crew battle through the rain in Japan, play Truth Or Dare (bottle included!), meet with controversy in Toronto and a funny rendition of a Belinda Carlisle classic. This is interspersed with some great concert footage. The film is summed up by Warren Beatty, when he's advised to move for the camera for better lighting, 'she (Madonna) doesn't wanna live off camera, much less talk'.
Blisterin' blue barnicles and thundering typhoons! Enjoy Tintin's adventures in animated cartoon form as he sets off on a myriad of journeys with his faithful companion, Snowy and the stumbling Captain Haddock. If you remember the books from your childhood, as I do, you'll love these stories, which tend to run over two episodes, on each disc.
A cavalcade of adventures from the intrepid Belgian reporter, his dog Snowy and Captain Haddock.
Brilliant family film, I went to see this with my 3 year old daughter and partner and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. My daughter enjoyed the animations and the array of bizzare characters, whilst me and my partner enjoyed the storyline and the jokes put in there (he was laughing the loudest in the cinema). One of those classic films you could watch on a rainy day all together and have no complaints.
The synopsis of this sounds like a million other films of the same genre.This one however has something so unique that its become my favourite all time movie and trust me Im a huge fan of this genre. To begin with most of the characters are instantly likeable - something that thse films usually lack making it even more unbelievable when they are murdered.The plot is believable and moves along at a fast, interesting pace. The hillbilly family and deformed but again this is done in such a way that its not too extreme - they actually look quite convincing not to mention terrifying. Thefact you rarely see a close up of their faces but just catch chilling glimpses adds to the fear factor in this film. Completely underrated film and top of the horror genre.
A group of friends get stranded in the woods and are picked off one by one by a terrifying hillbilly family.
Really good film, George Clooney was believable as a lawyer and father, great story lines and a good, watchable hanky holding film. highly recommended
lawyer in Hawaii with life changing decisions
This creepy tale still has you hiding behind the sofa and, with a great soundtrack (especially O Fortuna! by Carl Orff), unnerves even the hard-nosed amongst us. Well worth watching the extras, with the stories regarding the dogs in the cemetery, and the curses surrounding the filming (aka Poltergeist).
A classic horror story which still has the ability to scare
A pleasing enough action sword and monster flick, as far as it goes, if you like the genre, but dont expect great things. There is epic CGI conflict, true enough, but little emotional content. The script is fairly dull and wooden compared to how good action movie one-liners can be in the hands of an expert (like say; Joss Whedon of Avengers Assemble), and it is hard to care much about any of the characters.
The emphasis on special effects makes it feel a bit like you are stuck in a computer game, that is playing with itself, - very much spectacle over story, and not much engagement.
Finally, if you expect the storyline it to bear any resemblence to any of the actual sources for Greek myth, you will be disappointed, it doesn't.
Check it out if you are a fan of this genre, or if you like computer games but your thumb is tired, but don't expect great things.
Epic CGI vs CGI in a disappointing battle scarcely drawn from Greek myth.
Looper the moderately paced futuristic thriller. Worth a watch, Joseph Gordon-Levitt grows in his ability with each film, he makes. Bruce seems slower, less agile, but carries off his role, as always, as a tough guy, with a little bit of love. Emily Blunt's southern accent leaves a little to be desired at times, but she's likeable and definitely watchable. All in all a film with good pace, a sensible plot, the only thing I wasn't impressed with, was the ending, it seemed to end abruptly, feeling like there was something missing.
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