The Curse Of Robert (2016) REVIEW

"The Curse Of Robert" is an independent British horror film from director Andrew Jones. Released only this month (September 2016), this follow up to Jones' 2015 effort "Robert" came in #1 in the UK DVD charts. Apparently some strange people, like myself, still buy DVDs! Check out the trailer:

Doll related horror films! They've seen a resurgence in recent years with films like "Annabelle" and "The Boy", here we have a fresh British offering to this sub-genre, little red headed Robert. Could he be the British answer to the horror icon that is Chucky? No, is the simple answer. However I'm not sure director Andrew Jones had the intention of rivalling Chucky. "The Curse Of Robert" bring a gritty and almost down to earth quality to this habitually over the top genre that only a British horror could (I say almost down to earth, we're still talking about a killer doll guys.). I'm afraid that's about as positive as this review is going to get, buckle in boys.

The overall plot is pretty thin and cliché, possessed doll, kills people for virtually no reason; our little friend Robert doesn't seem to have an end game!

There is a small attempt at making the plot deeper with references to the previous film (Robert 2015). Unfortunately these references have no bearing on the story arc what's so ever. The acting quality is a small port in a storm for this film, however due to the plot or lack there of, its almost impossible to feel any connection to these characters when they're getting off'd! In fairness to Andrew Jones, to make two films out of very little "based on a true story" source material may be the reason for such thin plots.

The worst part about this film is regrettably the killing scenes (the massive body count of 4). Robert essentially looks as of he's being held and shook above his victims. These scenes really take away from Robert's genuinely creepy ascetic, another saving grace of this film. The shots when Robert isn't moving are creepier than the ones in which he is.

The best way I could describe the majority of "The Curse Of Robert" is like watching a soap opera with a killer doll appearing now and again. The film really should feature more of its star doll and less cliché dialogue between characters that, lets be honest, no one watching cares about.

Other than Robert's creepy look and the decent acting, watching this film truly felt like a curse.

The tagline reads "Chucky and Annabelle were scary, Robert is your worst nightmare" and I couldn't agree more.

Tell us your thoughts on the film or what we should review next by following us on twitter! @SatNightsIn

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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)

Follow me on twitter @satnightsin

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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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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 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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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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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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