Deadpool (2016) REVIEW

Deadpool has certainly been the most anticipated film of 2016 so far and has smashed box office records, but did it deserve all of the hype? Or did we all just look forward to the novelty of a swearing superhero?

Directed by Tim Miller and starring Ryan Reynolds, rated a 15 in the UK and R in the US, Deadpool is no kid’s superhero movie. Bloody violence and X-rated jokes make this an entirely new superhero movie viewing experience. So Family Guy does Marvel maybe what you’re thinking, but you’d be wrong. The execution is perfect and still manages to captivate you and capture you in the serious story of cancer survivor, come mutant mercenary, Wade Wilson AKA Deadpool. The comedy aspect although prevalent throughout, doesn’t over shadow the main plot. Witty comebacks, creative insults and many, many instances of breaking the fourth wall makes for guaranteed belly laughs and an interesting viewing experience. Not forgetting the fast faced action and fight scenes ensuring you’re never short on adrenaline with gory violence that’s more suited to an instalment of Friday the 13^th than a Marvel movie. Finally the expertly weaved love story brings another, softer emotional aspect to this movie, making sure you don’t overload on testosterone.

Ryan Reynolds portrays the witty, charismatic and impulsive rouge that is Deadpool perfectly, a great casting decision. This movie really does deliver in giving a fresh spin on the superhero movie template that Marvel has had so much success with. Not taking itself too seriously yet still bringing the quality you expect from Marvel makes Deadpool a unique viewing experience. However this may not be a viewing experience enjoyed by all superhero fans, braking the fourth wall takes away the ability to immerse yourself within the story; much like if a pro wrestler reminded you halfway through the match that the outcome was already predetermined, the illusion is gone.

“Deadpool brings a fresh set of ideas to the superhero movie table along with a massive shot of adrenaline! Loved it!” – 4.8/5

By Johnathan Ramsay (Saturday Nights in)

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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’

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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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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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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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