A Very Murray Chrismas (2015) REVIEW

Its that time of year when the old Christmas films come out, the TV specials surface, and the nostalgia trips begin. This year Netflix offers us a very different take on the Christmas special. "A Very Murray Christmas" sees Bill Murray (as Himself) hosting a live TV Christmas sing-a-long special from a New York Hotel. A winter storm however has prevented all of Murray's celebrity guests turning up and Murray wants nothing less than this special to continue.

"A Very Murray Christmas" is almost a parody of Christmas sing-a-long TV specials with Murray providing his unique brand of what you could call "Miserable comedy". Throughout the hour long special of your favourite Christmas tunes Murray bumps into many celebrity friends. Friends such as Michael Cera, Miley Cyrus and George Clooney provide some chuckles in between the musical offerings of Murray and friends. There are many very surreal scenes such as Murray and Chris Rock preforming a duet.

Although the variety of celebrities involved and Murray's own brand comedy do put a smile on your face that's about all they do. The celebrity interactions don't seem to really be building up to anything much and the constant singing does get a little boring. If you're the sort of person who enjoys a good sing-a-long and musicals then this may be for you. Personally the entertainment factor wasn't there for me.

2.5/5 - "Far from a Christmas Classic but sure to make you smile."

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Circle (2015) REVIEW

“Circle” is a Sci-fi drama directed by Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione that focuses on a group of 50 strangers who have been kidnapped and forced to vote on who is to be executed next until only 1 is left. The atmosphere of mystery and anticipation apparent within “Circle” is very similar to that of “The Exam” (2009), pointing out flaws within society and personal stigmas that we all may hold.

The premise of “Circle” is certainly not the most unique but its added Sci-Fi twist does create a very dramatic atmosphere. Characters clash over issues ranging from race, sex and age, again reiterating how discriminatory people can be. The Sci-Fi twist of a potential alien race studying how humans interact seems to be a clear metaphor for how ridiculous and judgemental human can be. Although this film isn’t breaking any new grounds when it comes to a thought provoking message, the plot is enough to have you continue to watch even if it’s just to find how who survives!  

The 1 ½ star rating on Netflix may be a little bit harsh but it is understandable. Some of the acting and script is somewhat ‘questionable’ however watching 50 people senselessly vote on who will die next like some sort of morbid X-factor makes for surprisingly compelling viewing. I guess that’s what the aliens thought too. A stylish set and strangely compelling plot makes for a decent indie sci-fi flick.

2.5/5 – Not all that bad, although not all that good.

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Beasts Of No Nation (2015) REVIEW

Netflix original “Beasts of no nation” is a feature length drama starring Idris Elba as “The commandant” and Abraham Attah as “Agu”, a child solider fighting in a civil war in an unnamed African country.

“Beasts of no nation” is truly a heart wrenching story that illustrates the anguish of war from the perspective of a child whose innocence is stolen by the war and charismatic tyrant that is “The commandant” (Idris Elba). Director Cary Joji Fukunaga leaves little to the imagination with gory realism in many scenes that really exposes the brutal nature of war. Following the experiences of Agu, the child solider, having to experience moral decisions that no man, let alone a child, should ever experience is really a difficult yet fascinating watch.

Idris Elba provides a captivating and impactful performance bringing a real spellbinding aura to the character of “The commandant”, giving no doubt as to why these children of war torn families and towns trust this man. Abraham Attah is stand out amongst an array of talented child actors who act out and clearly understand these “adult” issues giving the roles unquestionable and gritty realism.

“Beasts of no nation” could possibly be one of the best war films of the decade. The direct way in which this film tackles the brutal nature of war is fantastic with truly engaging characters that will have your eyes fixated to your screen. Abraham Attah is a great talent along with Idris Elba brining the film together.

If this is the standard of feature length Netflix Originals then keep them coming!

5/5 – Possibly the best war film of the decade.  

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The Human Centipede 3 (2015) REVIEW

The Human Centipede 3 follows essentially the same plot as the previous gut wrenching installment, some psycho watches both the movies and decides to create a human centipede of his own. Only this time it’s set in an American prison. HC3 features Dieter Laster (The Human Centipede) as the sick sadistic warden who is influenced by his accountant (Yes, his accountant) Laurence R. Harvey (The Human Centipede 2) to create his very own human centipede with the prison’s over crowded inmate population in order to save both their jobs (because some nonsensical reason).

This grotesque horror is a vomit inducing watch from start to finish, in not in a good horror way either. It is almost unwatchable with Dieter Laster shouting almost incomprehensible racist, sexist and homophobic slurs throughout the entire film. Honestly he is literally shouting all of the time. This along with the second-rate performance from Laurence R. Harvey and the even worse performance from porn star Bree Olson (who is literally only there to look at, the characters sexist attitudes and revealing camera angles make this crystal clear) makes this one really difficult watch. Not to mention the excessive crude and disturbing scenes that have no meaning in terms of the story. “Disturbing scenes? It’s a horror that’s to be expected” you may say, but it is clear that these scenes have only been included by writer and director Tom Sixx for cheap shock value and nothing else. One can only imagine that Mr.Sixx is aware that no one asked for this third installment nor the second so creating buzz via “gore porn” is the only way. Seriously though who really in their right mind wants to watch scenes such as: A man’s balls being cut off and eaten, a man having sex with another man’s stab wound and a brutally beaten women being raped whilst in a coma. Not to mention the whole human centipede BS.

Laurence R. Harvey & Dieter Laster

Forgetting all of the above the story doesn’t even make sense, these guys are creating this centipede to save their jobs? Sure they are. The actors in this move are both shown on screen whilst the inmates watch the previous two movies. THIS MAKES NO SENSE. Oh and the prison warden for whatever reason has to call in Tom Sixx (as himself) to explain the premise of the Human centipede and then go on to make some self-congratulatory speech about how The Human Centipede has become “social meme” as it was featured on South Park. Fantastic.

The original Human Centipede movie: Unique, a bit gross but interesting and an OK watch. The Sequels? Don’t even.

1/5 If you’re a fan of watching movies featuring  raping women in comas and raping stab wounds, then this is just the movie for you. 

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Line of Duty (2012-) (TV Review)

Line of Duty is a British TV crime drama that began in 2012, spawning two series with a third on its way. Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) and DC Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) are partners in AC12, an anti corruption unit looking into the actions of potentially dirty members of the police department. Each series focuses on a multi strand investigation into a member of the police force that may be involved in criminal activities.

Martin Compston stands out as exiled DS Steve Arnott who has been transferred to AC12 following the death of an innocent man by a counter terrorist unit under Arnott's supervision. DS Steve Arnott takes a stand against corruption leaving him an easy target for resentful coppers. Compston plays the multi-layered character to perfection, delivering lines with stony eyes in intense interrogation and interview scenes. Vicky McClure also puts in a stellar performance filled with gritty realism only adding to the intense atmosphere of the show that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout each episode.

This series is a thrill ride from start to finish with twists and turns that will have you saying "just another episode." Line of duty encompasses everything that is great about British crime drama and uniquely captures the adrenaline rush of a Hollywood action movie. Intelligent writing, great performances and all around top quality British TV.

We Can't wait for the third series!
5/5

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Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’

Straight from the Big Screen: 

Here at Saturday Nights In we’re pretty inexperienced when it comes to DBZ, let’s be honest we won’t be able to construct a review that’ll please the hardened fans of one of the biggest anime franchises in the world. So let’s call this Saturday Nights In’s Dragon Ball Z for beginners review!

This latest feature length offering from DBZ sees the resurrection of the legendary being of evil that is Frieza. After being destroyed by super saiyan Trunks the remainder of “The Frieza Force” use their wish granted via collecting the dragon balls to resurrect their all-powerful leader. Frieza is looking for revenge so trains ruthlessly before coming back to earth to face off against Goku, Vegeta and co. Only Frieza is unaware that they have been training too, with Beerus, the god of destruction, capable of destroying planets. Who will emerge victorious in this epic battle?

Needless to say DBZ: resurrection ‘F’ delivered with awe inspiring animated fight scenes; the sheer detail included within the destruction of the surrounding landscape is fantastic and the writers clearly love to push the limits, with an amazing 5 VS 1000 fight takes you straight into the action. The landscapes themselves are beautifully drawn with radiant colours. As “newbies” to DBZ feature films the Japanese humour throughout was an unexpected gem and will do doubt having you smiling throughout. The laughs and comedy relief really do create a great mix between action packed, nail biting scenes and classic Japanese anime humour.

Us at SNI really did enjoy our first cinema DBZ experience, Resurrection ‘F’ will surely be loved by hardcore fans and newcomers a like. This is a must see for Anime fans and will surely make some new ones like it has us.

 Let us know what you thought about Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’

Twitter: @SatNightsIn

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The Bad Education Movie (2015)

Can this BBC Three high school based comedy show starring Jack Whitehall make the jump from small screen to large? Whitehall also makes his big screen debut alongside the TV show as misfit secondary school teacher Mr.Wickers. The planned school trip turned lads holiday to Cornwall is foiled when a disgruntled parent decides to come along and watch every move Mr.Wickers makes.

It’s easy to be sceptical when approaching this film, there’s no doubt that Jack Whitehall is naturally funny on screen and makes the move to the big screen like a fish to water but did an average BBC Three comedy running 2 series really need a movie? The answer is probably not but to be honest we’ll take it anyway. From start to finish this film produces sheer belly laughs; from Whitehall being spiked with drugs and stealing a wax work Anne Frank to him leading a Cornish revolution the laughs just keep coming.

Needless to say Whitehall really does give this film an edge incorporating largely his own brand of comedy with this signature making fun of his own background jokes. The supporting cast of the usual suspects in the class room from the BBC Three TV series are faultless but without Whitehall carrying this film it may have been a massive misfire from the BBC Three but at the end of the day this film is hilarious and pushes Whitehall onto a larger stage and hopefully more on screen appearances in the future.

A Hearty British comedy with a great concoction of slapstick and witty comedy filled with references to British youth culture, it’s worth a watch just for the performance of Whitehall alone.

6/10

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The Babadook (2014) REVIEW

It's time to look at what Netflix can offer in the way of horror, their most recent offering? The Babadook. Director Jennifer Kent's "The Babadook" is a twist on the classic "bogeyman" style horror story, with an evil spirit from an ominous children's book.

The ominous children book entitled "Mister Babadook" appears in the home of the widowed Amelia (Essie Davis) and her seemingly out of control young son Samuel (Noah Wiseman). After the appearance of this creepy children's book the mother and son duo are tormented by the book's namesake. Is he a demon, a spirit, or just a product of a psychotic mind?

Although this film in concept certainly isn't anything new or ground breaking in the psychological horror genre it's still a very enjoyable and undeniably scary film. The countless horror clichés such as the book that can't be destroyed and the mother the mother that doesn't believe her son's monster stories can be overlooked due to the sheer creepiness of the film's antagonist. "Mister Babadook" really does steal the show, steeped in mystery the physical form of the Babadook really does capture a certain scariness that a lot of modern horror characters fail to capture that along with the exceedingly creepy sound it makes will make you not want to sleep without a night light for weeks.

"The Babadook" although not breath taking is certainly one of the better horror films that Netflix has to offer, with some classic horror mystery surrounding The Babadook that will leave you asking "what the hell is that?" and "how am I going to sleep tonight?"

6.5/7 If you feel like not sleeping ever again why not watch this film?

PS. If you're feeling brave, here's the babadook in action...

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Southpaw (2015) REVIEW

SPOILER ALERT: if you're yet to see the film some important plot points may be spoiled below!

Jake Gyllenhaal is pro boxer Billy Hope, undefeated light heavyweight champion of the world with a young family and all the success in the world. His wife Maureen worries for Billy's health as after each fight he seems to physically destroyed. A freak accident at a charity event between Billy and a cocky fighter gunning for his title causes his wife to be fatally shot. This event breaks Billy bringing his aggression and emotional issues to the forefront causing him to lose his title, his home and most importantly his child.

Director Antione Fuqua has really created something special in Southpaw. The film is as gritty as it comes, outlining the real issues that come with pro boxing, from match fixing, to the toll it takes on the body. Although the sporting spectacle creates an amazing atmosphere, Jake Gyllenhaal steals the show taking you on an emotional crash course with the downfall and spectacular rebirth of pro boxer Billy Hope.

Southpaw is simply a must see, it's breath taking and unique. Fuqua captures realism like no boxing film has done in the past paired with one of Gyllenhaal's best performances of his career. This film manages to drag the audience through every emotion with Billy Hope, admittedly most of the time you're trying to stop yourself from crying but this is only testament to how enthralling Gyllenhaal's performance is.

Stop what you're doing, go to the cinema and buy tickets to see Southpaw now. Simply Enthralling. 9/10!

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A Walk Among The Tombstones (2014) REVIEW

Liam Neeson plays ex alcoholic cop Matthew Scudder in this action thriller that comes from  a non conventional angle. Neeson is an unlicensed private detective struggling financially after leaving his previous job as a cop. Neeson takes a job looking into the kidnap and murder of the wife of a New York drug dealer, the case takes him on a ride through the New York underworld uncovering that this case isn't just a one off.

This film has a dark and gritty atmosphere from the start, created from stunning camera angles and a realistic 90's set. You'd be forgiven for thinking this is just another film looking to compromise on the success of "Taken" with the Neeson kidnap angle but you'll be pleasantly surprised by the quality of "A walk among the tombstones." The story has real depth and  questions the morals of the audience, manipulating your emotions and making you ask yourself "Am I really rooting for the drug dealers?" not to mention the twists and turns throughout this is sure to keep you gripped from beginning to end.

Neeson doesn't steal all the spotlight, Brian "Astro" Bradley play young teenager(TJ) who lives life in and out of foster homes. The pair form an unlikely friendship with Neeson acts as a wise but rough father figure keeping TJ on the straight and narrow. This film is 100% worth a watch, but the doubt to the back of your head, forget "Taken" this stands on its own, "A Walk Among The Tombstones" is another Neeson modern classic.

8/10 A must watch! An atmospheric gritty thriller with character.  

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Ted 2 (2015) REVIEW

Saturday night out? We take a break from sitting on the sofa on a Saturday to see what Seth MacFarlane’s blockbuster talking teddy sequel has to offer.

The sequel follows everyone’s favourite foul mouthed talking teddy bear and his now lonely friend John (Mark Wahlberg). All is change in the universe of Ted with John now divorced and Ted marrying his girlfriend Tami-Lynn things seem to be looking up for Ted and not so much for his pal Johnny. Until Ted discovers that he isn’t recognised as a person by the state. Ted, John and amateur lawyer Samantha (Amanda Seyfried) go on the offensive to fight Ted’s case and prove that he is in fact human although this isn’t easy, with an old enemy looking to exploit Ted for his own gain the threesome realise that it isn’t going to be as easy as they thought.

Ted 2 brings all the laughs and humour you’ve came to love from Seth Macfarlane and replicates the excitement of the first instalment. Macfarlane’s brand of comedy really makes the film more than just another needless sequel, if you’re a fan of dirty, witty humour with an array of pop culture references then this is right up your street. This unique brand of comedy may not hit it off with everyone, I mean do you really want your grandmother seeing Mark Wahlberg covering in semen (Yes that is really a scene!)? Although Macfarlane’s brand of comedy is spot on some references may be lost of the average British viewer, faces like Tom Brady and jokes about Arizona State University seemed to hit a bum note in the Cinema but that’s bound to happen.

Upcoming star Amanda Seyfried that fellow Netflix fans will recognise from Daredevil only adds to the comedy and bounces off Mark Wahlberg creating a great atmosphere and chemistry much like Mila Kunis in the first instalment. It’s pretty easy to sum this film up, if you’re a fan of Seth Macfarlane, you’ll love it, and if not then maybe you won’t be feeling as much love but preventing belly laughs throughout will be difficult! It’s the best comedy at the big screen at the moment go and see it!

7.5/10 – Macfarlane makes lighting strike twice with the thunder buddies!

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The Wee Man (2013) REVIEW

The Wee Man (2013) Review

 

As we continue our journey through Netflix we come to “The Wee Man.” Now there are a lot of British gangster films on Netflix that simply aren’t worth watching. This isn’t one of them. “The Wee Man” details the life of Paul Ferris (Martin Compston) growing up on the rough streets of Glasgow and winding up in the middle of a “gangland war.” This true story based film gives a gritty look into the Scottish criminal underground, with twists and turns throughout “The Wee Man” keeps you gripped from start to finish.

“The Wee Man” takes us on an emotional roller-coaster feeling the rage and helplessness of Paul Ferris as he descends into a life of crime despite his father’s best attempts to shelter him from this lifestyle. Martin Compston (Paul Ferris) provides a stellar performance giving life to film depicting a boy becoming a man involved in a vast criminal empire. The charm of this film also comes from how action packed it is without becoming too farfetched like many British gangster films do, “The Wee Man” doesn’t take itself too seriously referencing the Godfather on many occasions and reminding us The Godfather it isn’t, but a cult classic it may just be.

The 4 star Netflix rating is perfect and well deserved, this film stands out from the crowd against the numerous second rate British Gangster films on Netflix proving that Scots can pull out the goods. Martin Compston is stand out, maybe it’s our personal favour for him since seeing “Sweet Sixteen” many years back or just the fact that he consistently preforms in any role he takes on.

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The Guvnors (2014) REVIEW

Continuing our journey through the world of Netflix Independent films we come to the first of which that has higher than a one star rating! But the question is are three stars too generous?

The Guvnors deviates from the conventional British football hooliganism based gangster movies by bringing more depth and just coming across as a little more classy than trashy. The Guvnors follows a group of ex football thugs that have grown up and left the hooligan lifestyle in the past, until a group of young, ruthless thugs challenges the reputation of the "old timers" on the old estate that the Guvnors once ruled.

This disrespectful young thugs vs respected ex thugs plot creates an interesting watch with emotional ups and downs The Guvnors allows you to connect with the characters who certainly ain't one dimensional thugs. Harley Sylvester is strong bringing a gritty realism to the role of the seemingly heartless young ringleader who controls the estate with an iron fist and a sharp blade. On the other hand Doug Allen is the stern, charismatic family man with a violent past, Allen plays this role to perfection with a style reminiscent of Pierce Brosnan's Bond.

The Guvnors surpasses expectations and joins the handful of British hooliganism films that aren't terrible (For the record: The Football Factory, Green Street and The Firm), this is maybe because this film goes beyond hooliganism and really does draw up some raw human emotion when watching.
If you like your British crime films give this hidden gem a watch, get your NetFix!

Does The Guvnors deserve the 3 star Netflix Rating? We think so and would personally give The Guvnors 6/10. A True British Clash of Cultures.

Which film should we review next?
Ramsaywork@hotmail.co.uk
@Satnightsin

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We Are The Freaks (2013) REVIEW

The birth of the British anti-teen movie

This surreal comedic look at life as a British teen in the 90's takes you on a journey through a day in the life of three lads who are searching for something to do to kill time,drugs,girls,parties, whatever it may be. However this isn't just "another teen movie" the lives of these teens will never be the same again.

The fourth wall is broken, crushed, just non existent in a surreal fly on the wall insight into the thoughts of the young protagonist, Jack (Jamie Blackley). Blackley stands out throughout this film with a natural, convincing performance. Supported by Sean Teale (Chunks) and Mike Bailey (Parsons) who play the roles of rebel and outcast respectively to perfection, Bailey's role reminiscent of his role as Sid in the teen drama Skins.

The charm of this gritty British teen comedy comes from the fact that really there is no moral of the story, no lessons learnt, only a depiction of a real(ish) day in the life of a group of 90's teens. The addition of "archive footage" really brings a charming sense of nostaliga to a film that all in all doesn't take itself too seriously.

So does it deserve the dreaded Netflix 1 star rating? We don't think so, but check it out for yourself and let us know what you think!

6/10 British Anti-teen grit and fun

@SatNightsin
Ramsaywork@hotmail.co.uk

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Preservation (2014) REVIEW

Hunting for a thrill on Netflix? 

A survival horror with a simple yet gripping plot. Kill or be killed. A hunting party of three become the hunted when their survival equipment is stolen and they’re left running for their lives from the hunters in the shadows tracking their every move.

The simplicity of hunters becoming the hunted plot creates a thrilling and gripping story that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. With only a minimal cast Wrenn Schmidt leads with a strong performance backed up by both Pablo Schreiber and Aaron Staton who immerse the audience into the inner workings of the Neary Family creating dynamic and ever changing characters throughout the story that you can’t help but feel connected with.

Don’t let the one star rating on Netflix put you off. This is a thrilling watch with comedic elements and a charm that a lot of independent horror films simply fail to capture. Props to director and writer Christopher Denham for creating a strong and engaging survival horror tale.

7/10 A good watch, defying the dreaded 1 star.

What should we review next?

Email: ramsaywork@hotmail.co.uk

Twitter: @SatNightsin

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Big Game (2015) REVIEW

Remember that TV show Mantracker? Where a cowboy looking guy is tasked with tracking down contestants running around a remote field for some reason… yeah well imagine that show but replace the cowboy guy with a terrorist and the contestants with Samuel L. Jackson and a thirteen year old Finnish boy and there you have it, Big Game!

Now to be honest I didn’t really have much insight to what the premise of the film was before I saw it, only a few fleeting views of the trailer on TV and an off the cuff decision to give it to watch was made! The decision was made mostly due to Samuel L. Jackson’s surprised face and its entertainment value. Love it. 

Jackson plays the president of the United States who has been stranded in a forest in Finland and is being pursued by a psychopathic terrorist hunting him with the intention of stuffing him like an animal (yes, honestly, stuffing him). The president's only hope is a young Finnish boy going on his traditional first hunt to prove to his father and his village that he really is a skilled hunter like his father. Armed with a bow and arrow the unlikely duo must find a way to survive and evade their attackers.

Now as the plot eludes to this film doesn't take itself too seriously, although it still packs a punch with some entertaining fight scenes and of course EXPLOSIONS!

The young Fin (Onni Tommila) and the veteran Jackson both put in a good performance overall supported by a sleek, if not a wee bit cliche portrayal of the villain via the leather clad president hunter Mehment Kurtulus. 

Although this film isn't groundbreaking, its an entertaining action filled ride with a unique plot. Sure, this film doesn't boast a star studded cast Jackson and Co pull it off,with a combination of humour and action that is just right, along with the beautiful Finnish backdrop this film is sure to put a smile on your face. Let us know what you think on twitter! @SatNightsIn

6.5/10 Worth A Watch

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