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.  

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!

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.