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’

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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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